Indiegogo and Island Records Partner For A&R and Music Crowdfunding At Fan Republic
Indiegogo's having a big 2014. They announced $40 million in funding last month and now they're partnering with Island Records for a new music crowdfunding site called Fan Republic. While it's said to be the first it may not be the last given that it's powered by Indiegogo's new Outpost feature that allows crowdfunders to embed Indiegogo campaigns on other sites. But it does offer the unique opportunity to be seen and evaluated by Island Records A&R.
Island Records and Indiegogo yesterday announced their new partnership for Fan Republic.
Basically Fan Republic is a site that mirrors campaigns on Indiegogo for an extra promo push plus special goodies from Island Records for those who reach their goal:
"These will include deals and discounts negotiated by Island Records on everything from studio rates to video production and van rental."
"Emerging artists using Fan Republic will also have the chance to connect directly with the highly respected Island Records A&R team, who will be evaluating all projects which reach their funding targets."
That's right, reach your Indiegogo campaign goal and you will be scrutinized by Island Records A&R (in a more formal way because smart A&R's must surely be paying attention to highly funded campaigns by now).
According to Island Records President Darcus Beese:
“A&R is the life blood of Island Records and we also have a great track record of innovation in the digital space. There are many ways for artists to take the first steps in their careers and the crowdfunding route is increasingly one of them. Fan Republic shows our commitment to finding and nurturing great new talent, alongside our partners Indiegogo through their globally respected crowdfunding platform."
Indiegogo campaigns are mirrored on the Fan Republic site using Indiegogo's new Outpost feature that allows you to embed your campaign on other sites. So, yes, you can now also embed your campaign on your home site for additional promo.
Here's more on Outpost.
Island Records is kicking things off with a contest of sorts:
"Island Records is offering a single release to one winner selected by the A&R team from all of the artists who reach their funding target within the first six months from launch."
"The legendary Abbey Road Studios, a key Fan Republic partner, is also offering to mix and master a single via their world-class online service, for one lucky artist who successfully funds their campaign."
I assume the Indiegogo signup process includes the option to have your music campaign considered or added to Fan Republic but you might try starting from the Fan Republic site to see if that speeds things up.
Have a music campaign in progress on Indiegogo? Then email them and request to be added to Fan Republic at info(at)fanrepublic(dot)co.uk.
More:
- Top 10 Music Crowdfunding Campaigns Of 2013
- Music Crowdfunding Tips from #IndiegogoToronto
- Creative Rewards For Music Crowdfunding Campaigns
Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith (Twitter/Facebook) is currently relaunching All World Dance. To suggest topics about music tech, DIY music biz or music marketing for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
