Raising Money Through Fan Support (Interview)

For many artists, the ability to make the jump from major label to DIY comes from the direct support of fans. And for Boston native, LA-based singer-songwriter, producer and collaborator Bleu, it’s been all too surreal and true.

Beginning 22 July, Bleu began a Kickstarter campaign to raise a lofty $8,000 to help fund the US release of his forthcoming album Four. This, in itself, is nothing new. But in 24 hours, he surpassed his original goal with more than $19,000 (about £12,000) raised. A week later, that number had grown to over $27,000 (£17,000).

“The support that my fans have shown me over this last week has been incredibly emotional,” explains Bleu (born William James McAuley III). “I always thought I had a good core group of people who cared about my music, but this level of backing came as a big surprise to all of us. The amazing words of encouragement and enthusiasm about my new project from people all over the world has given me a new perspective on my life and music career.”

And fans seem to appreciate their involvement in the process, leaving sentiments of support (“So glad to help in any way and be a small part of your work!”) and gratitude (“by giving this project a 45-day limit, you’ve seriously underestimated how important you are to us.”).

Bleu made his major label debut with “Redhead” in 2003 on Aware/Columbia Records. Called “an all around power-pop treat” by music critic Aidin Vaziri, NPR also included it in their Top Ten Records Of The Year.

But the follow-up, “A Watched Pot”, was not released until 2009 due to a lengthy battle to retain control over the recordings. In those six years he began working as a producer and songwriter as well as collaborator on several side projects: The Major Labels with Mike Viola (That Thing You Do, Walk Hard, Get Him To The Greek) and Ducky Carlisle, and LoudLion with Taylor Locke of Rooney.

His most acclaimed collaboration is the side project L.E.O., an “alt-pop version of the Traveling Wilburys,” a musical collective with friends Matt Mahaffey (Self), Mike Viola, Andy Sturmer (formerly of Jellyfish), Hanson, and Jason Scheff (Chicago) amongst others. Their debut “Alpacas Orgling” was released in 2006. Also during this time, Bleu penned songs on Platinum and Gold selling records for American artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Boys Like Girls, Selena Gomez, and for albums released by Hanson, Jon McLaughlin, Kate Voegele, Ace Enders and more.

“Four” in the UK
Bleu’s new album “Four” will be released in October on independent label Lojinx in the UK and Europe. A London show has been confirmed at The Borderline on the 23 October with more UK shows expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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