A Letter From Patreon’s Head of Music

In working in music for the previous 20 years, I’ve by no means seen something like this. This second in time actually goes far past the humanities — however with the humanities as a focus, I’ve by no means seen so many individuals in limbo given their lack of earnings. Whether or not on the stage or crews behind-the-scenes in control of serving to artists to look good, sound good, and attain an viewers, that is actually a difficult time for the humanities.

I’ve obtained lots of of texts, calls, and emails over the previous week from artists who’ve canceled excursions, laid off employees, and even a number of who’re selecting to shut out their journey to seek for different earnings streams so as to help their households. Boatloads of merch anticipated to be offered on the highway sits in warehouses and advertising {dollars} used to garner publicity and ticket gross sales have fallen into the crimson. These artists are additionally coping with the unprecedented debt pushed by empty observe areas, recording prices, and unrealized promo prices.

Satirically, artwork is without doubt one of the biggest instruments we now have to deal with occasions like these and but those that create the very factor we depend on are dropping by the wayside because of a damaged system inside a brutal time.

I wished to take this second to share extra broadly my response to the various people reaching out and searching for an answer throughout these attempting occasions. For those who’re an artist searching for a option to earn a dwelling within the Coronavirus period, there are a lot of choices on the market proper now. We’re proud to say Patreon is one in all them, however you possibly can additionally ask your followers to help you on crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe, promote your present e-commerce retailer or ask them to purchase your album on Bandcamp or one of many different many retailers. Fortunately, there are many choices that could be a great match for you, as a creator, trying to attain your viewers — or as a fan searching for methods to present your help.

I assumed I’d write out some actionable, revenue-driving methods music creators can use Patreon to run a sustainable month-to-month membership throughout this troublesome time and past.

First a pair issues I’ve realized from serving to musicians launch on Patreon.

One superb factor to me is, in relation to the way you run your Patreon, there’s actually not a “one measurement matches all” method to membership. The important thing to making a Patreon program is predicated on you doing one thing you personally take pleasure in doing.

You’ll have heard a fable that working a web page requires an enormous quantity of additional work. That is false, however it does require good pondering and construction behind what you wish to create and share together with your followers. Greater than something, I make use of you to spend a number of hours serious about all of the belongings you’ve created prior to now and all of the belongings you’re excited to create sooner or later. Take into account providing all the superb artwork/music you’ve by no means had the prospect to share, or doing the factor you’ve at all times wished to do however have not due to timing, limitations or no matter — these are the sort of issues that may make your Patreon shine.

For those who’re pondering of organising a Patreon to realize help, listed below are 5 issues you possibly can supply your followers:

1. Livestream: A live performance (canceled tour), acoustic session, recording session, band observe or grasp to speak with associates. Your followers wish to hear from you now greater than ever.

2. Merch: Have any merch that you simply have been going to promote on tour? You possibly can supply them as a profit in your Patreon, whether or not that’s unique, patron-only gadgets or particular presents on belongings you’ve offered elsewhere.

3. Share content material out of your Vault: The behind-the-scenes of that music video or photoshoot, the demos, reside tracks or alt-mixes you by no means despatched round — these are all nice issues to supply your followers for membership. They’ll be joyful to turn out to be a member of your neighborhood for entry to this content material.

4. Chat Group: Create a spot the place followers can join to at least one one other and/or chat instantly with you in a month-to-month AMA, and so forth. Because of social distancing, individuals want human connection, so present a spot the place they will collect, discuss, and in addition, get to know you higher.

5. One thing distinctive and superb: What’s the craziest thought you’ve ever had? Consider one thing that’s by no means been accomplished or a option to categorical your creations that you simply’ve at all times wished to check out. The individuals who consider in you probably the most will reply to your uncooked instinct for creativity. Attempt daring, new concepts right here and share that journey with a number of supporters. Then, put that in the next tier and restrict it to 10 patrons solely — they’ll be the one 10 individuals on the planet to obtain that track you recorded on the spot by way of your telephone, or that limited-release cassette, or that hand-painted alternate album cowl you at all times wished to attract. This may be completely something. Bear in mind, Patreon is a spot you possibly can flex the inventive muscular tissues you have been born with.

That is an terrible, devastating and really unhappy second in historical past with COVID-19’s unfold throughout the globe and the impact that it has on the well being and monetary well-being of so many. It’s forcing many people to look inward to reassess what’s beneficial.

In these moments greater than ever, we’re reminded how artists, and the presents they create for us, stand out as a beacon of hope, a second of calm and a lever for feeling. We’re reminded that artwork is probably going the purest and most essential human creation and but stays universally devalued in our society. Regardless of how we create it or help it, if nothing else I hope this second helps us all to know simply how beneficial artwork is.