Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week: The Platters, Mike Farris, Emily Barker

In the rapidly changing landscape that is the music business, one of the biggest changes in recent years has been the rise of crowdfunding. Sites like PledgeMusic and Kickstarter have allowed independent artists to bypass the traditional label system to get their albums made by the fans themselves, while also allowing more established musicians to pre-sell their new releases with bonus merchandise to increase revenues. But with that popularity explosion comes a problem. With so many crowdfunding projects being launched each week, some worthwhile ones may be buried under the pile. That’s where I come in. Each week I will feature three roots-oriented projects that might be of interest to you. This week, we have a new release from an Australian Americana star, a new project from one of Americana’s best gospel purveyors, and a benefit release from one of early rock’s pioneers.

Emily Barker- New Album in Memphis

Aussie songwriter Emily Barker has been a fixture on both the Australian and American roots scene for years, both as a solo artist and with her bands Red Clay Halo, Applewood Road, and Vena Portae. Now Barker is heading to Memphis and the Sam Phillips Recording Service studio to work on her next album, produced by Grammy winner Matt Ross-Spang. Not only can you pre-order Barker’s new album through PledgeMusic, but you can also pick up additional premium items such as a postcard from Memphis, Barker’s first acoustic guitar, and a “one only package” that will be limited to one backer and will contain tons of one of a kind items from Barker’s time in Memphis.

Mike Farris- Untitled New Album

I featured Mike Farris’ new album project a few weeks ago but am giving it another spot because it is only a few days away from closing out, so pledge quickly if you plan to. After years of fronting rockers Screaming Cheetah Wheelies, Farris has made a name for himself as a solo artist by producing soulful rocking gospel music that is as interested in getting you dancing as saving your soul. Farris is working with prolific producer Vance Powell on this new album. Premium rewards include a VIP Christmas concert experience, 18 holes of golf with Farris, and a chance to have Farris and his Roseland Rhythm Revue play at your wedding.

The Platters- E-Peace: America in Harmony

In the history of early rock and roll, The Platters are a name that plays a significant role in shaping what the genre would sound like. They helped bring the Tin Pan Alley tradition into the new blues and soul influenced genre. Now The Platters are working with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for a fundraiser. 100% of the profits from The Platters’ forthcoming E-Peace: America in Harmony will go toward providing mental health counseling for abused children, as well as finding adoptive homes for children in need. Exclusive backer rewards include a chance to sing on the album as part of The People’s Chorus, a custom voicemail greeting, and pictures of the original band signed by founding member Herb Reed.