How The Dreaded Laramie Fundraised $20,000 for Their Debut LP
The Resilience and Innovation of The Dreaded Laramie
When it comes to sustaining a career in the indie rock scene, the dreaded Laramie has certainly mastered the art of leveraging opportunities and pushing boundaries. Their journey, traced through an engaging conversation with Isaac Kuhlman, paints a picture of resilience, clever strategies, and an unwavering spirit. Based in Nashville, this power-pop indie rock band managed to raise a whopping $20,000 for their debut LP, "Princess Feedback," through a well-executed Kickstarter campaign. Their story offers countless lessons for other bands navigating the often tumultuous waters of the indie rock industry.
Embracing Opportunities: The Key to Success
One of the first notable points derived from the transcript is the band's willingness to embrace opportunities, no matter how daunting they might seem. Isaac Kuhlman sets the stage by highlighting the band's ambitious goal as they aimed to work with renowned producer Dave Schiffman.
“I emailed him and expected never to hear anything and, like, okay, cool. And then we'll figure something else out. But like, he got back to me within a day and was like, oh, I really like these demos…” — MC
This attitude significantly sets the dreaded Laramie apart. Many bands hesitate to take these enormous leaps, fearing rejection or failure. However, MC and Zach emphasize a different approach—if an opportunity presents itself, say yes and figure out how to make it work later. This mindset is not exclusive to indie bands; it's applicable across various industries where innovation and daring often lead to success.
This approach also influences their decision-making and problem-solving, managing to tour despite having other life commitments and working their band around their schedules. The strategy of continuous effort, no matter the immediate outcomes, enabled them to build a robust, engaged community of supporters.
The Power of Crowdfunding: Financing DIY Projects
Crowdfunding has revolutionized how independent artists fund their projects, and the dreaded Laramie tapped into this with notable success. They used Kickstarter to garner the necessary funds for their debut album, a move rooted in necessity yet executed with careful planning and strategy.
“…part of it is a little bit of, like, not necessarily the most healthy mindset, but, like, of just knowing there's no guarantees that any of this stuff will work out. And so, like, when an opportunity shows up, you have to take it and you have to make the most of it.” — MC
The band meticulously calculated their needs, involving studio costs, vinyl printing, and production expenses, ensuring they set realistic yet challenging goals. Dave Schiffman's manager played a crucial role in helping them outline a feasible budget, highlighting the importance of having knowledgeable supporters involved in your project.
They then created a tier-based system to entice potential backers with various incentives—personalized experiences, exclusive content, and tangible memorabilia. This approach encouraged greater contributions and built a more engaged and loyal fanbase.
“...For the most part, there were, like, significantly more hundred dollar tier backers than $25 tier backers, which was something that really surprised me.” — MC
Their success paints a vivid picture of how essential it is to construct a compelling campaign narrative. By consistently updating backers and involving them in the album's journey, The Dreaded Laramie ensured their supporters felt valued and connected throughout the process.
Building Community: The Lifeline of Independent Bands
The band's journey underlines the crucial role of community in the success of independent musicians. Isaac Kuhlman and the band members repeatedly emphasized the importance of an engaged and supportive community. Whether it’s reaching out to old friends, fans, or even former teachers, every connection potentially strengthens the band's support network.
“We tried to add a lot of ourselves into it, into even, like, what we named the tiers…so it felt more like inviting people into the culture of the band.” — Zach
This approach extends beyond just fundraising. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of an independent band, from inspiration and creation to performance and distribution. The Dreaded Laramie emphasized the significance of building deeper connections with their audience through transparent communications, regular updates, and personal touchpoints.
This philosophy is universally applicable—whether you’re in music, other creative arts, or even business. Engaging deeply with your community can yield not just financial support but also lasting loyalty and an amplified word-of-mouth presence.
Moving Forward with Determination and Vision
As the Dreaded Laramie navigates a new phase post-album release, including lineup changes and ongoing tours, their forward-thinking, resilient attitude remains unchanged. Despite unforeseen challenges, such as the departure of key band members just before the album release, they continue to pivot and adapt, securing fill-in members and planning extensive tours.
“...and it's like things were awesome being in a band with Drew and Andrew, and the band looks really different than it did three years ago, and like, demands different things and...so, things serve people at certain times and don't at other times.” — MC
Their commitment to their craft and fans ensures they keep evolving and growing. The band already has new recordings in the pipeline and shows lined up, proving their dedication to perseverance and adaptation.
Supporting independent bands like the dreaded Laramie is crucial. Listening to their music, attending shows, and purchasing merch directly impact their ability to create and survive in the music industry. Fans are encouraged to dive into "Princess Feedback," a culmination of relentless effort, community support, and a daring vision.
This journey sheds light on the broader realities facing numerous indie bands and artists today. It underscores the need for innovation in how artists fund, create, and distribute their work, and more importantly, it speaks to the strength found in communities that believe in collective success.
The Dreaded Laramie's story isn't just about raising $20,000 for an album—it's about the power of saying yes, the potential of crowdfunding, and the undeniable impact of a solid, supportive community. Their journey offers rich insights and inspiration for anyone daring to dream beyond the ordinary, embodying resilience and creativity.