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I have an important question for you: Who’s paying for your next album? I’m guessing the answer is that you are. But what if some of the people who already support you could help you cover the cost of your CDs or vinyl without you having to launch a complicated crowdfunding campaign? Well, we just launched something that gives you a really simple way to do just that: Disc Makers gift cards.
I’m not asking people to buy me gift cards. Hear me out. We decided to offer gift cards after artists repeatedly asked us for them for several years.
Think about the next time somebody asks you what you want for your birthday, Christmas, graduation, or any other occasion. Instead of another sweater or some gadget you don’t need, how about you ask them to help you make your next record.
Your parents could give you $100. Your brother gives you $50. Your girlfriend may give you $200. Pretty soon you’ve got a meaningful chunk of your next CD or vinyl project in the bag, and I’ll bet your friends and family would find this to be a much more meaningful gift than ordering something from Amazon.
And there’s another group that might want to help: your fans. Now, I’m not suggesting that you start begging your followers and your fans for money, but your biggest fans already want to support you. So look for a natural opportunity to let them know that there’s another way that they can help.
Maybe someone says: “Hey, I can’t wait for the new album. How can I support you?” Now you have another answer: “Help me put my music on CD and vinyl.” It’s not crowdfunding. There’s no reward attached. It’s simply someone who believes in your music and wants to help you make what’s next in a small way. That’s meaningful to them and to you.
So what’s the catch? The really isn’t one. Here’s how it works. Gift cards can be worth anywhere from $50 to $2000. They’re electronic, so there’s no physical card. They never expire and they can be used towards CDs, vinyl, or any other Disc Makers product or service. It’s all quite simple. The person giving it to you goes to the Disc Makers gift card page.
They choose an amount, enter your name and email, and can even add a personal message. They can send it immediately or schedule it for a future date. And every time the gift card shows up in your inbox, it’s a happy surprise. Just say thank you and use it toward your project when you’re ready. That’s it!
And here’s the part I really like. You’re using that gift from a relative, a friend, or even a fan to create something. It’s something that’s meaningful to you, something that the world can enjoy, and something that you can sell to actually and help fund your music career. So instead of another sweater or another Amazon gift card, you’re getting help making your next album.
And come to think of it, I can’t imagine a better gift for a musician.
You can watch the original version of this blog as part of our Indie Music Minute series on the Disc Makers YouTube Channel.
Tony van Veen
Tony van Veen is the CEO of DIY Media Group, the parent company of Disc Makers and BookBaby. As a college student, he played in indie bands, created his own LPs, cassettes, and t-shirts, and sold them at shows. Today, he collects CDs, vinyl LPs, and concert t-shirts to support the artists he loves.
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