Crowdfunding | crowd·fund·ing | ˈkroudˌfəndiNG/ (←very helpful, thank you) | noun
a) Your an artist who'd like to continue creating art but have hit a snag because you do not have access to a trust fund.
b) Your a fan of the arts and want to do what ever you can to support the artists you love and to keep them creating!
c) Ya'll should hang out, seriously.

Crowdfunding is a type of internet-based fundraising that can be used for financing artistic projects, non-profit causes, and to support careers that otherwise would not have the necessary chedda' to exist. Artists have recently taken a liking to the world of Crowdfunding because it allows their fans to help pay for albums, tours, collaborations and other ventures in return for exclusive perks and fan engagement.

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER (despite have numerical values next to their title)

1. Indiegogo - http://www.indiegogo.com/

Go Fund Yourself:
I'll begin with the San Francisco based, international funding platform Indiegogo. This feature-heavy fundraising machine is easy on the eyes, your blood pressure and your wallet. Starting in the independent film world, Indiegogo has branched out to fund projects globally in all industries.

Key Features:

• Global Exposure: merit-based promotion to spread global awareness of your project
• Funding Options: fixed, flexible and non-profit pricing options available
• User Friendly: easily customizable platforms for the technically challenged

Project Spotlight: ConSenses
Best described as an "artistic game of telephone", ConSenses is a project currently being launched on Indiegogo by singer-songwriter and philanthropist, Sally Taylor in partnership with non-profit arts service organization, Fractured Atlas. In short, ConSenses is a process that creates interpretive chains of art. For example:

• A Photographer takes a photograph and passes it along to a musician.
• The Musician writes a song inspired by that photograph and passes the song to a Fashion Designer
• The Fashion Designer uses the song created by the musician to inspire the creation of a fashion piece, etc.

To add to the intrigue of this process, the artists do not know the identity of their fellow creators and have but 7 DAYS to produce their work of art. What's at the end of this interpretive trail of breadcrumbs? An interactive, artistic exhibition of epic proportions, showcasing these ConSesnses' creations. More specifically, a ConSenses WORLD TOUR kicking off at Martha's Vineyard in June, 2014. Haven't you ever wanted to take part in a world tour? Hell yeah you have. Interested in donating? Want to know more? Click HERE: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/consenses

2. PledgeMusic - http://www.pledgemusic.com/

Hands On:
Pledge Music Founder, musician Benji Rodgers, definitely practices what he preaches. Benji and his team have created a system that helps musicians engage fans, fund projects and raise funds for charitable causes. With this global direct-to-fan funding platform, Benji has successfully funded 5 of his OWN independent albums. So there's that.

Key Features:

• Direct-to-Fan: Give fans a REASON not just a "way" by inviting them behind the scenes.
• Creative Team: Pledge provided creative wizards help you come up with original exclusives for your supporters.
• Social Media Tools: fuse your social pages with Pledge's FREE data-capture widgets & tracking ability.

Project Spotlight: The Presidents of the USA
PUSA! Oh man, was I pumped to see them on here. For those of you not fortunate enough (or old enough) to have experienced this gem or that gem on tape while cruising in their friend's parent's Cutlass Supreme, I weep for thee. Truly. PUSA is a 2x Grammy nominated alt-rock band that burst onto the scene during the Alt Rock Holy Grail known as the 1990's.

To celebrate 21 years of peachy rock lumpiness, and because they can damn it, PUSA will be releasing its next studio album President's Day Weekend (see what they did there?), 2014. An album funded entirely by YOU and PledgeMusic. PUSA is offering their "pledgers"-

• Exclusive looks throughout the recording process
• A copy of their coinciding LIVE album
• A slew of PUSAbelia!!! (I'm afraid to Google that word...)

Luckily for all mankind, PUSA has already reached their goal amount with time to spare, and then some. Still wish to contribute and get your hands on the exclusives they have to offer? Click No Further Than HERE: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/pusa

3.Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/

Be A Patron:
Another San Fran-based company (I'm beginning to see a pattern here...nope...never-mind, it's gone,) Patreon was put together by Samuel Yam and Jack Conte for all types of creators. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms that are typically project-based (raise a large sum for a single project) , Patreon is a service for fans to provide regular funding to artists who create on a regular bases like YouTubers Bloggers, etc.

Key Features:

• Caters to niche creators like - Podcasters, Video Producers, Animators and more
• Patron Packages: patrons get exclusive goodies from their artists on a regular basis
• Patrons: set an amount of their choice | Artists: get funds EVERY TIME you post content! Word, son.

Creator Spotlight: Julia Nunes
Julia Nunes is a perfect example of the artists that Patreon was created for which is why I chose her for this blog...obvi. She's a musician who uses YouTube content to share her music, connect with her fans and share her story. She'll cover your favorite jams, answer your questions, and butcher her music sessions by being a human being. She also offers her patrons multiple payment options. The fatter the payment = The fatter the bene's (benifits man, c'mon now).
Pledge:

• FREE: watch her videos!
• $1+ per video: patron-only stream access | first-look at tour announcement, tix links, etc.
• $3+ per video: all of the above PLUS - high quality .wav or .acc music file from said video
• $10+ per video: all of the above PLUSSS - she'll totes follow you on Twitter! Poor girl.
• $50+ per video; all of the above PLUSSSSSSS - get monthly Google hang-outs with Julia. We're talking Q&A, Live Music, Oddities, etc.

Already a fan of Julia's YouTube Channel and want to take it a step further (not in a creepy way)? Just now reading about Julia and want MORE (in a non-creepy way)? Good! Click On This Here Link Yo: http://www.patreon.com/julianunes for goodness sake.

Those are 3 of our favs but there are many, many more to choose from, all across the interwebs. I honestly feel that there is a Crowdfunding platform that fits ANY project or artistic support group so get on there! Tell your story, engage your fans (in a non-lawsuit pending sort of way) and continue to create. Go forth, Creators!

Cheers,

Bobby Dirienzo, 12South Music