As for the money target (75k$) think that the first DS album cost 12,500pounds, 40 years ago. If you do the math, you realise it is logical.
You compare 1970s costs with now however the music industry has changed massively since that time. Artists now may boast of Number 1 records but to reach that pinnacle is significantly easier than a decade or so ago. Record sales are largely down, and self made and self funded records are the way forward - do it yourself, release it yourself and cut the middle man out. There are lots of new artists doing that - I buy their material. Most have day time jobs and manage, with small scale tours in support. Large scale arena and stadium acts are dying out, as are massively expensive albums. Albums rarely make money back - people but tracks on itunes they like, or more likely rip them off the internet for nothing.
If he wants to do this and gets the funding then best of luck to him. However, as others have said, albums can be made with significantly less expenditure. Same goes for session musicians - there's no Hendrix-esque solos screaming out from his albums that may necessitate hiring in musical gurus so the extra expense for more "name" artists seems rather a waste. He should offer them a % cut of the profits in exchange for them doing it free......that would give an indication as to everyone's faith in the material to turn a profit in these evolving musical times.
As I say, best of luck to him but earning £75k from sales just to break even would seem to me to be quite ambitious for him.
I agree with you Mr Justice.
Having produced and released music myself, the price tag of £75k is simply outlandish when in this day and age a quality studio set up can easily be obtained for relatively little cost. As he says in his bid to get us his cash, he already has a home studio where most of the tunes have been written. If I were to consider putting any money into his project, for me he would need to clearly set out his business plan, outlining costs of studio time, mixing, mastering, pressing and distribution alongside projected sales. He doesn't do this.
However, putting the basic viability of his project aside, what irks me more is that the whole basis for his crowdfunding venture is based upon wanting to produce a quality product, with an air of snobbery about home produced "churned out" music as he terms it. Fine, but he also says that he wants to do this before he goes on tour later this year so he can sell it. I believe he is on tour in October, so that leaves him September to record, mix, master, press, promote and distribute his album. That won't be quality - that will be rushed.
He should take some of his royalties that he undoubtedly earns still from Dire Straits and invest himself. Or call his brother and ask for some studio time before asking us to part for our hard earned cash.
And if you do put your money in, fair dos, that's up to you - but I wouldn't pay £150 for a thank-you.
