Those of you who loved Joey Cook and her quirky style on American Idol 14 are in luck. The 7th place finisher has just launched an Indiegogo project to crowdfund her “big girl” album. Joey had talked about recording a full album on her iPhone that she’d like to release. But in order to do it right, she’ll need some help.
The singer wrote a lengthy message on her crowd fund page, explaining her mission. Here’s an excerpt:
I checked around and the costs are high, and with the help of professionals in the industry, I came up with a figure that will help me not only produce the album, but to get it into the hands of as many of my fans as possible.
I worked up a list of things I can give away- some for free, some I would have to pay for. I want to give each of you SOMETHING for your support, so if you don’t see anything you like- let me know and I find something to send you.
This Big Girl Album is for you- my babies. Let’s do this together.
What We Need & What You Get
We need studio time, which is expensive. I only want the best for my babies. I will need to hire studio musicians and have the recordings mastered and engineered. Then there is the packaging and mailing. In addition, I need someone to help me with a web page, distribution, and marketing. I am just one girl with an ever growing group of volunteers, but I cannot fund and do this on my own. There will be some travelling, and my hope is that if I can get enough funding, that I will be able to tour as many cities across the US this year, to meet you, my babies in person.
Joey’s goal is $92,000. Frankly, that’s high for a reality alum at her level. But she’s got something called “flexible funding” in place. She’ll still be able to take the money she raises, even if she does not reach her goal. Why not shoot for the moon, in that case. If she is unable to fully fund her project in 60 days, “it will just take me a little longer,” she says.
Also, an album download doesn’t kick in as a perk until the $35 level, which is pretty steep. But you can get some cool artwork and a thank you note at less expensive levels. If $35 is more than you can spend now, a small donation for a nice thank you could precede an album download later.
UPDATE: Joey added a digital album download perk that costs only $15–a move that should spur donations.
Joey’s pitch for donations is pretty adorable. Watch it here. Check out Joey’s Indiegogo Crowdfund page HERE.
