Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week: McCrary Sisters, Ingram, and Krasno
Chris Griffy
Posted On June 19, 2016
Every year, thousands of artists take to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, PledgeMusic, and IndieGoGo to secure funding for their new albums or tours directly from their fanbase. While this has been a boon for independent artists looking to skip the label system, it has become daunting for fans. With so many artists to choose from, how do you find the best? I’m here to help. Each week, I will pick out three roots oriented crowdfunding campaigns to feature in this space.
Jack Ingram has scored his share of Top 40 hits on the mainstream country charts with songs like “Wherever You Are” and “Measure of a Man.” But now he’s going back to his roots with his first album for Rounder Records, Midnight Motel. Inspired by his musical heroes like Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Guy Clark and working with co-writers like Liz Rose and Lori McKenna, it is Ingram’s first release in seven years. Unique backer rewards include a “signed” package with a shirt, cd, and a signature classic motel room key, a golf outing with Ingram, and a demo session with Ingram as producer.
Eric Krasno- Blood from a Stone
Typically, when you hear about an artist “finding his voice”, it signals a change in direction for an artist. In the case of Eric Krasno, it’s a little more literal. Known primarily for his jaw dropping guitar work in jam funk bands Soulive and Lettuce, Krasno is now stepping up to the lead mic to handle vocals as well as guitar for his new album Blood from a Stone. Marking a departure from his jam roots, Krasno’s solo album explores more structured blues-based r&b in the style of Otis Redding and Bobby Bland. Backer rewards include a signed album, signed vinyl art proofs, and a VIP concert experience.
The McCrary Sisters- Live from Nashville
If you aren’t a fan of gospel music, chances are you don’t own a McCrary Sisters album. But chances are also pretty high that, if you’re a serious roots music fan, you have their voices somewhere in your collection. Having worked with the likes of Buddy Miller, Paul Thorn, Bob Dylan, and Phil Madeira, the soulful daughters of Fairfield Four pioneer Sam McCrary are the go-to group when you need tight gospel harmonies on your Americana album. But as good as they are on tape, The McCrary Sisters have to be experienced live to be fully appreciated. Finally, the group is preparing to record and release a live album and DVD in 2017, of a show set to be recorded at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley. Backer rewards include a McCrary Sisters “Cooking with Love” apron, a signed setlist, and a home cooked meal prepared by the sisters. 5% of the money raised by this campaign will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
