Fishbone, a rock band, uses Kickstarter to raise funds for upcoming album

Fishbone, the American rock band, experienced commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s on major labels before transitioning to an independent career. Now, they have turned to Kickstarter to seek funding for their new album, shedding light on the financial challenges they face.

The band relies heavily on touring to make a living, which comes with its own set of expenses. Their Kickstarter page explains that after a tour, success means everyone, including the band and crew, gets paid, even if it’s not always the ideal amount. However, breaking even leaves little to prepare for future projects, such as studio time, engineering, mixing, mastering, travel, accommodation, artwork, and manufacturing physical copies of the album.

To mitigate these challenges, Fishbone has launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of raising $36,696 to cover the costs of recording a new album and upgrading their touring equipment. Incentives for backers include exclusive rewards like virtual cookery and guitar lessons with band members over Zoom.

This crowdfunding effort comes as no surprise, considering the band’s innovative approach to connecting with fans and raising funds for their creative projects. Fishbone’s decision to turn to Kickstarter demonstrates the importance of community support in the music industry, especially for independent artists looking to finance their work.

The band’s embrace of crowdfunding aligns with a broader trend in the music industry, where artists are increasingly seeking alternative sources of funding and engaging directly with their fan base. Platforms like Kickstarter provide a way for musicians to bypass traditional record labels and access financial support directly from their audience.

Fishbone’s Kickstarter campaign serves as a reminder of the financial realities that musicians face, even after decades in the industry. By opening up their creative process and inviting fans to participate in funding their new album, Fishbone is not only seeking financial support but also strengthening their connection with their audience.

Ultimately, Fishbone’s decision to crowdfund their new album speaks to the evolving landscape of the music industry, where artists are exploring new avenues for funding, promotion, and engagement. As the band continues to navigate the challenges of being independent musicians, their Kickstarter campaign represents a fresh and exciting chapter in their musical journey.