Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week: Gov’t Mule, Barenaked Ladies, and Ani DiFranco

As I write this week’s article, it’s one day after Record Store Day. Designed to promote independent record stores, Record Store Day has also morphed into another front in the battle for artists to entice consumers to continue to consume physical media, rather than using streaming services with their lower payouts. While crowdfunding sites like PledgeMusic remove the brick and mortar element, they do provide a year-long opportunity for artists to continue to promote music ownership rather than rental by offering bonus extras and sometimes regular updates from the artists. This week, my featured crowdfunding campaigns are far reaching, with new albums from the jam, rock, and folk pop communities.

Gov’t Mule- Revolution Come… Revolution Go

Best known for his long work with Southern rock pioneers The Allman Brothers Band, guitarist Warren Haynes has also carved out a significant following with his own project, Gov’t Mule. Started as a side project over 20 years ago, Gov’t Mule is Haynes’ main gig since his departure from ABB, and their blend of Southern rock and soul with extended jams has made them a festival mainstay. The band’s newest album, Revolution Come… Revolution Go, will be released on June 9 and is currently available as a pre-order on PledgeMusic. Additional backer incentives include behind the scenes updates and early previews of the album’s songs, a Skype guitar lesson with Warren Haynes, guitar strings and picks from the band, and a signed drum head.

Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions- Ladies and Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies & The Persuasions

While Barenaked Ladies came to prominence in the ’90s with alt-rock radio staples like “One Week” and have more recently found a new audience with their opening theme to the hit comedy Big Bang Theory, they have always been a band willing to experiment with different sounds and genres. On their new album, they have teamed up with a cappella group The Persuasions for an album that re-imagines their back catalog with that vocal groups unique twist. The album is out now in retail outlets but the PledgeMusic site remains open for those who want some of the offered extras such as signed copies of the album on vinyl, a kitchen set that includes an apron, oven mitt, and spatula, and a signed Barenaked Ladies hockey jersey.

Ani DiFranco- Binary

Often labeled “folk-rock”, Ani DiFranco’s music pulls from folk, pop, alternative, and even punk but always remains topical and socially conscious. DiFranco’s new album, Binary, is coming June 9 and promises plenty of material in today’s toxic political and social climate. The album features guest work from the likes of Ivan Neville, Maceo Parker, and Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon. Backers will get instant access to three of the album’s tracks, as well as regular updates and artwork from DiFranco. Additional backer rewards include a membership in Ani’s Book Club, where DiFranco will send a book every other month along with a note from her on why she considers it important, a signed art print, and a signed guitar used by DiFranco on stage.