Join the Bands. WHAT?

As we've spent time getting to know the artists with whom we do shows, we have learned a lot more about their lives, their hearts, and their missions.

Contrary to popular belief, these guys' daily lives are far from the cliched "rock star" life. Many of the bands we've come to know and love spend hour upon hour and mile upon mile traversing the country in their Ford E350 vans (acting as their own drivers), pulling trailers strategically packed to the brim with gear, merch, and luggage. They sleep in Wal-Mart parking lots and eat on meal budgets of $10 a day. They clearly do what they do NOT for fame and riches and cushy comforts, but because they are called to serve God through their music.

Here's one way YOU can bless the bands: join with them on their next project!

One growing trend is the use of Kickstarter campaigns. Kickstarter.com offers a way for artists to raise money for projects by having people invest directly in them through financial pledges. Kickstarter dubs itself "the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world." Bands can register a Kickstarter project in which they set goals fundraising and offer incentives to those who partner with them. The catch is this: the band sets a goal and a dealine, and money is only collected when the goal is met.

We have two band-friends that are currently in the middle of their Kickstarter campaigns. Both are seeking to raise money for new recording projects (you know it costs LOTS of money to record, produce, engineer, print and distribute music, right?). Check out these projects and contribute if you can. All the money you pledge goes to the bands and their project. Yep. 100%! Every little bit helps! Let's keep the music coming!

Satellites & Sirens: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/satellitesandsirens/satellites-and-sirens-new-record-and-you

The Radiance Effect: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1006015639/the-radiance-effect-records-a-new-ep