It seems like everything is being funded by Kickstarter these days. I even heard about a movie studio using it to generate interest in a film that they probably already have money to produce. It's become a trendy way to cause some buzz about projects. Aside from a few Open Source software projects, I've largely stayed away from Kickstarter projects.
We live in an age where art is now considered free...and it should be free! But not like "free beer" but more like "free speech." I actively support musical acts, independent films, stage productions and scores of other nonsense out there so that artists have the chance to add color to our lives.
I saw one Kickstarter project started by a guy who was writing a book and wanted support. He hadn't even started it yet. I didn't want to donate but I wanted to give him a tip: Dude, just write your book. Kickstarter is filled with great people with awesome ideas and also a host of lazy people...
...and then there's my friends.
Let me introduce you to two of my friends, Mollie and Emily. These two gals are sweet people. I understand that just me calling them friends may cause you to question my claim. Trust me, they're too nice to know better.
These two sisters together are the Douglas County Daughters. When they perform together what results is an audible form of pixie dust. Sincerity, simplicity and lovely remnants of our American musical culture are heard in every note. While it may be easy to use Americana as a gimmick, they have somehow managed to use this approach to connect with their own roots. This is more than a retrospective approach to art, it's become a journey to strengthen their own roots and sense of family.
Seriously, that's not just a bunch of flowery words. Their dedication to this project is seen in how they've carried on despite the fact that they don't even live in the same town. They don't even live in the same STATE. They compose and arrange through the magic of the Internet and book gigs at coffee houses and festivals between the two metro areas where they live -- Seattle and Eugene, Oregon. They are both talented, hard working musicians that can boast involvement in many different bands and musical projects in their own background.
They want to record an album together. They have asked for a humble amount and have promised to do great things with only a little bit of scratch.
They are SOOO close to meeting their Kickstarter goal.
I'm completely behind Mollie and Emily and have given to their campaign and may give again. If you like giving to projects like these then join me! Even $5 or $10 goes a ways toward helping them reach their goal and gives them encouragement.
