LA WeeklyBy Ed Carrasco
Christmas may be over, but lots of local musicians are still hoping for a little seasonal generosity. They're seeking help footing the bill for production of their albums — remember those? — and have turned to Kickstarter. You may be feeling tapped out at this time of year, but, hey, the economy's improving, right? Right? Anyway, here are five completely worthy local musicians who will put your shekels to good use.
Amount they're seeking: $9,000
How close are they? Almost half-way there
This unsigned Echo Park indie band with a '90s feel has spent most of 2011 writing the follow-up to their well-received debut The American Leagues. Now they're hoping fans will pitch in so they can make their second work with influential producers. “DIY is over,” quips lead singer Danny Bobbe. “It's all about DIT — do it together.”
Amount they're seeking: $7,000
How close are they? Let's just say they've got their work cut out for them
Hailing from Hollywood, this rock/folk/'70s-style outfit needs ransom money to rescue various members of the group who have been kidnapped by their producer. That's their story, anyway. If it doesn't work out, not only won't we get a new album out of them, but we'll never hear from them again, except when they're taking our orders at a local Vegan restaurant, apparently.
Amount they're seeking: $12,000
How close are they? A quarter of the way, maybe?
Fusing latin, jazz, and classical, Quattro is a four-member ensemble trying to make their debut album, which they describe as “the rebirth of raw un-compromised self-expression.” We weren't aware it had died in the first place! Percussionist Jorge Villanueva says that their music is fused together with ease, and connects with people in the same way.
Amount they're seeking: $2,500
How close are they? Halfway!
With a sound reminiscent of '80s electronic pop, Greatest Hits has spent the last year releasing EPs and touring Europe and the U.S. Now, they feel, it's high time to make their debut album a reality. If you want to keep frontman Tyler Thacker — son of Grammy-winning engineer and producer Ed Thacker — on the path to finish the act's debut album in 25 days, they'll need $2,500 for 25 days of studio rental.
Amount he's seeking: $12,000
How close is he? Kinda fucking close!
It's not easy being a multi-instrumental folk popper who recently moved here from Minneapolis. It's also not easy raising $12,000 to make a studio album. But Ari Herstand promises to make it worth your while if you pledge. For $300, you could get a Skype date with Ari — we hear he's got one hell of a webcam! — or, for $500, a bowling date. For $5k he'll sing at your damn wedding, assuming it's not the two of you getting married.
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