Local country songstress Beth Marie Anderson is full of ambition and talent, but she needs some support from local residents to help her reach the stars.
The 25-year-old singer/songwriter recorded a full album in Nashville, Tennessee in 2010 and an EP of four songs is due out this fall. Now, in order to produce another full-length professional recording to be released next year, she has embarked on an innovative project where her fans will play a big part.
It’s called Indiegogo, and it’s an online tool that allows anyone to create a campaign and raise money. In Anderson’s case she is hoping to raise $11,000 to put towards the costs of a professional recording in Nashville this October.
For each contribution to the Indiegogo campaign people will receive gifts from Anderson. Five dollars will fetch a thank-you card from Anderson and her crew in Nashville and larger contributions will receive things like hand-made earrings by Anderson, custom-made memory books with pictures, quotes and lyrics; vocal lessons, personal concerts, T-shirts and more.
Rather than getting a few people to join on as business partners, Anderson said this way more people can get involved and help her on her way.
“It’s a unique experience and you feel connected to the artist and you feel like you're helping their journey and that's why I think it’s so cool,” she said.
Her last album cost over $40,000 to produce and market, and since she’s independent, it took a lot of concerts, CD sales and her working three jobs to pay the money back.
Anderson is also hosting a country concert in her backyard this Saturday, Aug. 25.
One of her co-writers from Nashville will also perform at the show, Bill DiLuigi, who has had his songs performed by big names and won a host of songwriting awards over the years. There will be games like badminton, bocce and horse shoes and refreshments will be served. The concert runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and tickets are $15. Her address is 1341 Lundine Lane in Qualicum Beach. For details visit www.bethmarieanderson.com.
For more on her campaign with Indiegogo visit www.indiegogo.com/bethmariemusic.