How to Fund a Recording Project

Ready to start that recording project? Putting a great pitch together will help you get funding.

Having a professional demo is one of the best tools to use to get you or your group noticed in the music business, however, putting a recording project together can be an expensive endeavor for new artists. From studio time, mixing and mastering, and finally producing duplicates, each step requires an investment by the recording artist. Getting a project funded requires organization, research, planning, communication skills, and marketing, as well as developing an attention-getting pitch, or presentation.

Things You'll Need

• Portfolio
• Display board

Instructions

Planning the Pitch

1. Write a mini-business plan for the project as the first step in formulating the pitch or presentation you will use to market the project. Research recording, mixing, mastering and duplication costs, as well as cover graphics, photography, and any rentals or equipment costs.

2. Add a 5 percent contingency to the final cost to cover any unforeseen expenses. Write down all the steps necessary to complete the project, and the cost related to each step.

3. Gather marketing materials. These could include photographs, videos and other recordings, newspaper clippings, posters and any other materials promoting the act.

4. Put marketing materials together in a portfolio. Arrange graphics such as photographs and posters, on a display board.

5. Create a resume for the act, listing the experience and training of each band member, contracts held, venues played, and any special or charity events in which the band has participated. Keep the resume brief, no longer than two pages of bullet-pointed highlights to place in the portfolio.

6. Formulate a one-sentence mission statement that will be used to capture the attention of investors. This statement will be used at the beginning of the pitch.

Family, Friends and Other Investors

1. 

   Family and friends may be your greatest supporters. Approach them first.

   Make a contact list of family, friends and other potential investors you would like to approach about backing the recording project. Begin by contacting family and friends via telephone and email to set up times to present the pitch.

2. Invite potential business investors to come and see the act live at a venue where it is booked. Prepare a mini-marketing package that includes your contact information to present to the potential investor at the gig.

3. Make sure to make personal contact with the potential business investor at the gig. Exchange business cards or contact information. Make a follow-up call to set up a time to present the pitch.

4. Present the pitch to family, friends and potential investors. Dress professionally, and be organized and prepared. Be brief. Share contact information. Be clear about the type of support you are seeking, amounts and time lines for the project.

5. Make follow-up calls to cement the deal. Send out written thank you letters to all family, friends and others who invest in the recording project. Keep investors informed about the progress of the project and the impact their investment has on the success of the project.

The Kick Starter Program

1. 

   Kick Starter has helped fund over 10,000 artistic projects to date.

   Sign up for the Kick Starter (kickstarter.com) via the Internet. Kick Starter is an organization that helps all types of artists get projects funded. Create a log-in for the program.

2. Follow instructions to create your project pitch on the Kick Starter site. There is no charge to use the site to promote a project. Use the pitch you created to promote the program. Set the time frame for project investment.

3. Market your Kick Starter project via email, personal contacts, phone calls and social networking sites. Encourage friends, family and others to visit the Kick Starter site and make donations to your project. Target funding must be reached within the set time frame or no money changes hands.

4. Upon reaching the goal, complete all forms required on the site in order to receive funds. Keep in mind that Kick Starter does recoup a 5 percent fee from projects that are funded totally.

References

• Stengel Solutions: Honing Your Investor Presentation
• Eileen P. Gunn: Entrepreneur: How to Pitch Investors: Four Tips from TechStars New York: May 18, 2011
• Mike Elia: Business Plan Secrets Revealed: The Business Investor Pitch
• Kick Starter: How Kick Starter Works