8 Questions with Levi Ethan

contributor: Hoyt Emerson – June 1, 2009

Levi Ethan is currently in Heroes and Villains, Brothers Young as well as his solo work in Leviethan.  He is raising money through his website to fund his next Leviethan album, Everything is Fine.

1. You are currently fund raising money for your next album, why have you decided on venturing into this territory?

In my experience, the old way of dumping money into making a big box of CDs, and then trying to sell them to a public that is already completely over-saturated with music, movies and video games seems to be the wrong way to go. People that did buy my last record tell me that they love it, and people they play it for love it too. In essence, these folks were already promoting the music to other people so I thought, “Why not engage my friends to kick in small amounts of money upfront to make the next record?” What’s $20 towards something like this? It’s not much.

2. In what ways do you market this concept to potential investors?

I don’t really feel comfortable thinking of this project in terms of “marketing.” I want to get away from the idea that I’m selling something. I’m trying to enage people in helping me spread the music around. A traditional investor puts money into something with the expectation that they’re going to make their money back, and then some. I’m just asking people who are interested to pay at least $20 towards the cost of production, and in return they get two copies of the CD. Sort of like a pre-sale, but with the expectation that they’ll pass on their extra copies to their friends. It’s a very small investment, with very little expectation of the “investors.” I just hope they’ll do what they probably would have done anyway; “Hey, check out my friend so-and-so’s band…”

3. How much will it cost to make your next record?

There’s a full cost breakdown at www.leviethancecil.com/proposal.html. Mastering, manufacture and promotion of the CD will cost approximately $3000.

4. Can you explain the return of investment with this method?

See question #2.

5. What lessons have you already learned while attempting to raise the money?

It’s really really hard to ask people for money for anything, especially right now! That said, it’s really hard to sell CDs these days, too. I’d rather reverse the process, than go into debt and have that added stress. I’ve also learned that people are very generous and giving. I’ve learned that I have the greatest friends and family in the world.

6. Would you suggest this concept to another artist to try?

Sure, just be ready to annoy your friends and fans!

7. Would you try this method again in the future?

I can’t really think about that right now. I’m only half way through this campaign, an it’s been hard. I also think CDs are on the way out, and probably won’t be around by the time I record another album. It’s still the ubiquitous format, for better or worse.

8. You are in Heroes and Villains as well as Leviethan. What is currently happening with Heroes and Villains?

I’m also in Brothers Young as well as Heroes & Villains! Heroes & Villains are headed into the studio to record our second album at the end of June. Brothers Young will be releasing an album and touring this year as well.