What's the solution for how to survive as a struggling musician in the 21rst Century?

According to Wired Magazine editor Kevin Kelly, rather than looking to become the next major-label star, an artist need only find 1,000 true fans -- defined as those who will buy everything produced by the artist. If each 'True Fan' is willing to give up a day's wage ($100) each year to support the artist, then an artist can earn $100,000 / year. Learn more about 1,000 True Fans...

For example, Boston artist Meika Pauley decided to raise money for her latest recording directly from her fans. She created several categories of fan sponsorship: $10 would get you an advance download copy of her new album, while for $1,000 she would arrange to perform in your living room. Meika successfully raised over $16,000 from 300 of her 'True Fans' which entirely paid for her recording project.
Read Meika's full story.

Inspired by Meika Pauley's example, Tune Your World has developed fan-funded microfinancing to help you cover your music startup costs and engage with your own 'True Fans' for a successful music career.

Entry-Level Microfinancing

We want to ensure the success of all the artists we work with so we've developed an entry-level program to make it easy to create and fund an initial microfinance project of between $500 - $1,000. 

Your initial microfinance project can be for any music-related expense such as studio time, pressing a demo CD, travel to a  music conference/showcase or purchasing new recording/sound equipment.

Here are the steps to GETTING STARTED

1. Create Your Profile Page at www.tuneyourworld.com

2. Describe Your Microfinance Project
On your profile page write your music project description in your 'Text Box' with the heading 'My Project'.  State the amount you want to raise (between $500 - $1,000) 

Click Here to see an example of a Profile Page with a microfinance project description.

3. Create Your Funding Levels Here is a sample list of funding levels for your fans to choose from:

• $15 Simple Purchase:: One signed copy of CD
• $25 Purchase Plus :: 2 Signed copies of CD
• $50 Purchase Supreme :: 2 Signed CDs + 2 Tickets to any single show
• $100 Patron :: 4 Signed CDs + 4 Tickets to any single show
• $250 Hero :: 8 Signed CDs + 2 Season Tickets good at any show in 2008
• $500 House Concert ::  free house concert (at mutually agreed time) + 10 Signed CDs
  

4. Invite other Artists (musician friends with creative projects) to join. Building your 'True Fan' base will grow much more quickly and easily when you work with a collective of musician friends whose music is similar to yours.

Learn more strategies about how to Invite New Artists. (There are many helpful ideas here...)

There is a one-time only set-up fee of $50. You do not need to pay this amount in advance -- we will deduct your set-up fee from the amount that you raise.  Once your profile page is live, send an email with the url of your profile page to: calabashmusic [at] gmail [dot] com. We will add your microfunding widget for your project.

That's it. It's that simple to start and to get your first music project funded.

Get Your Microfinance Project Started Now

This is just the beginning. Once your Entry-Level Microfund project receives its funding, we will continue to work with you on other larger projects - helping you build your 'true fan' base and funding your music career.

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