Archspire launches Kickstarter campaign for new album, goes independent

Metal band Archspire recently announced their decision to go fully independent after 13 years of being with Season of Mist. This move comes as the band aims to take total control of their business and break free from unfair royalty splits prevalent in the music industry. Archspire cited an industry standard royalty split of 80-85% in favor of the label, leaving only a small fraction for the artists, hence their decision to fund their records and avoid reliance on advances or labels.

As part of the independent journey, the band has embarked on a Kickstarter campaign to raise $125,000 for their upcoming album, the first featuring new drummer Spencer Moore. In a detailed breakdown, the band reveals the expenses that this funding will cover – including studio time, accommodations, flights, album artwork, t-shirt designs, behind-the-scenes documentaries, work visas, and much more. With $49,600 already invested, the band is looking to raise the remaining funds to cover production costs, studio sessions, musician fees, music videos, merchandise production, and various other expenses.

The decision for Archspire to part ways with Season of Mist underscores a larger trend among musicians looking to take creative and financial control of their art. By embracing independence, bands like Archspire can prioritize their artistic visions while ensuring a fair distribution of revenues amongst the creators. They move away from the traditional label model that often favors the label’s financial interests over those of the artists themselves.

Seeking funds from their loyal fanbase on Kickstarter exemplifies the strong relationship that Archspire has fostered with their audience over the years. The band’s supporters have the opportunity to directly contribute to the production of new music, creating a more intimate and transparent connection between the artists and their fans. By engaging their community in this crowdfunding effort, Archspire is not only raising funds for their album but also involving their listeners in the creative process of making music.

For fans of Archspire, the Kickstarter campaign presents a unique opportunity to support the band in a tangible and meaningful way. Beyond just pre-ordering the new album or buying merchandise, backers become integral participants in the band’s journey towards independence and creative control. The success of this crowdfunding effort not only supports Archspire’s upcoming album but also serves as a testament to the growing power of artist-fan collaborations in the music industry.

In conclusion, Archspire’s decision to go independent signals a new chapter in the band’s career, marked by creative autonomy and financial independence. Through their Kickstarter campaign, the band is charting a bold path towards artistic freedom and fair compensation for their hard work. This move reflects a broader trend in the music industry of artists taking control of their destinies and connecting more closely with their fan base to create music on their terms.