Let me start off by stating, I like vinyl. I collect vinyl. I am by no means an expert nor do I pretend to be. I just like visiting places (so far, it's usually just been Half Price Books - a dollar clearance section? I'm there - and once Good Records, but that's another story) and shopping online (Amazon anyone?). I usually go into HPB and look though the records, only to not recognize most of the people on the front. Sad huh? That's how unfar back my music listening knowledge goes. I have however picked up some good finds, good recognizable finds, at HPB and of course gotten some newer released music (even got a Kanye West 'Power' single 12" from Hot Topic of all places) online.
Anyway, long story short - I like vinyl. I've wanted a turntable for years but never took the plunge. About a year or so ago, I finally found a decent priced yet still reliable brand new turntable from Amazon (I'm addicted to that site and having free shipping helped). I have since slowly, because I'm a broke college student, been amassing a collection. Nothing too spectacular or super mind-blowing, but it's a start. A little old, a little new all sitting together in my makeshift craft/record holder.
Dang, this is turning into something super long. I apologize. The point I'm finally getting to is that this site, Kickstarter, is allowing bands/musicians/artists etc. etc. to not only make their music with help from fans, but also release music ON VINYL. Some of these bands/musicians/artists aspire to release an album on that physical still loved musical medium. And with Kickstarter, they possibly can. Kickstarter doesn't guarantee anybody success but it helps.
So finally swinging around to "the point" I have so far pledged and helped three vinyl projects get released. It is actually a pretty cool feeling knowing you helped release the record. I'm sure some of these campaigns didn't necessarily need me, but in the end, my name gets put in the Thank You credits and it's awesome. With big name vinyl releases, the record just comes out, I buy, I listen and then enjoy. With these Kickstarter campaigns, I get updates on the process of making the record (depending on who's running the show) and when the LP arrives, I get a little giddy knowing I played a small part in its production/fruition to reality.
I personally think that Kickstarter is only helping the vinyl world. We know big name/big budget artists and studios will continue to release some of their music on vinyl (for how long, who knows) but it's the little guys that struggle to keep afloat. Now you may say, why then release on vinyl if you can't afford it? Or why vinyl anyway? It's dead right? Long live MP3! Well, not everyone feels that way. There are still plenty of people who still like to actually hold their music in their hands, have its physical presence in its existence and what not. I too am part of this community. It's just something about vinyl that pulls me in. The gigantic cover art, booklets, etc certainly don't hurt. I suppose it's like looking at your photos on a computer versus holding real prints in your hand.
While some people are sitting on the fence as to whether they like Kickstarter and bands getting pledges from fans, I however am not. I am happy Kickstarter is around and browse vinyl campaigns all the time. I look at other things, but pledge more on vinyl. I might be in the minority here, but I am happy with my pledges. These little guys can go all out and so far, not one has sent me the usual black LP. All bands have made them colored and one even had a gatefold with a booklet inside that held an interview with the band! But more on that later.
P.S. Don't get me wrong. While I certainly enjoy listening to vinyl and don't believe every band has to release on vinyl, I still listen to MP3s from my iTunes collection. However, currently Spotify is holding my attention. All these songs oh my! Below is the second part to this article, with me showing some of the LPs I've pledged on the site.
To be honest, I cannot recall how and when I came across Kickstarter, but looking back I am glad I did. So far, I have added three new records to my collection from Kickstarter. And to be honest again, sometimes the allure of colored vinyl and an inexpensive price makes me click the pledge button. You know usually, before I pay for music I always need to listen and listen again, but with vinyl, I seem to be okay with buying before listening - as long as it's not too pricey. The expensive vinyl I have bought so far has been things I KNOW I like. And I usually don't spend too much anyway. Usually.
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The New Seldon Plan Record On 12" Vinyl!
A Music project in Baltimore, MD by Michael Nestor
37Backers
$1,225pledged of $600 goal
$10amount to get vinyl
First up is The New Seldon Plan, an indie band from Baltimore. They were my first vinyl pledge. For ten bucks I was able to pick up their vinyl release. Ten bucks is kind of expensive now that I think about it, but compared to some bands on the site asking $30 or more, it's pretty inexpensive. Anyways, the record came some time ago and man was I excited. I had to wait AGES for it to be ready and shipped out. Time well spent. I suppose.
The cover art is simple with red, black and white as the color scheme. I don't have much more to add than that really. I feel the design could have been a bit more, but their goal was $600 so I assume their budget was tiny. The record looks nice though. This is my first colored LP and I was pretty excited. Yes, that's how simple I am. I also like how the band members autographed the back and I see I'm number 27 out of 100! Whoo.
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Press Gatsbys American Dream on Vinyl
An Indie Rock project in San Diego, CA by Overdue Collection Agency
Backers
$8,031pledged of $5,500 goal
$18amount to get vinyl
Shortly after, another campaign ended. So far, this one overall is my favorite. I think it was the last to arrive and it just blew me away. Michael really went above and beyond. The only thing I was sad about (and he knows this now) was no Thank You Credit page with supporter's names. He said the interview with the band took up all the space and maybe he would add that credit page online. It's not earth shattering or a deal breaker (well obviously, I already got the record) but it's just a nice neat little extra.
Ohh that cover. It's simple but I just really love it. This release was different from the others in that, the person running the Kickstarter and releasing the record is not the band. Overdue Collection, a non-profit record label, re-releases music on vinyl. He started with Gatsbys American Dream "Ribbons & Sugar." And he donated the money to charity. From his KS page -
Our goal is to Kickstart the inaugural releases of the Overdue Collection Agency, a non-profit record label. We will focus primarily on releasing special edition versions of albums: 180 gram vinyl, with gatefold covers and packed with as much bonus content we can collect. Interviews with the band, and bonus material (Possibly demos and b-sides. We're working on that prospect). In addition to that, all the profits will be donated to a charity of the band's choice. Our goal in doing this to maintain the integrity of the artist, the album and to help those in need.
Funny story: That label you see above was actually stuck to the plastic packaging the record came but I wanted to reattach it to the actual record packaging. It was going well until, as you can tell, it ripped. I pretty much wanted to scream out but remained calm and stuck it on there anyway. It looks bad. But what can I do? Just keep on, keeping on. Record #535 by the way.
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Conveyor's Debut EP, Sponsored By You!
A Music project in Brooklyn, NY by Conveyor
Backers
$2,280pledged of $1,500 goal
$15amount to get vinyl
Now this album's cover made me say Wow when I opened it from its packaging. The picture is just, beautiful. Added to that the silver autographs, it all just works. This record is also numbered; I'm 48 out of 500. The orange record took me by surprise when I opened it up. Not a bad surprise, just a surprise. I just assumed most of the vinyl I'd get would be the usual black so it's cool to see so many indie bands release on color. The texture of the jacket is pretty nice too.
I'm pretty excited for my next pledges. One is a glow in the dark record! Another one I just pledged not too long ago is a 7" colored record for $8. I think I have a slight addiction. I don't really buy a lot of material items or eat out a bunch, so I suppose this is my guilty pleasure? At least it's for a good cause.
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