My name is Linda Thompson. When I was twelve years old, a career counselor visited my class in Scotland and asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I told her I wanted to be a folk singer, she told me not to be stupid!
It’s many years later. I still want to sing songs and it’s even harder to make a living as a folk singer! Since I returned to making music, the business has gone through a lot of changes. I’d like to make another record, and I think I can make a really good one (famous last words!).
I’d like your help. I’m trying to raise money so I can record the music, and be able to pay the excellent musicians, engineers and studios a fair wage and release the album to the public. So I am asking for financing -not charity (please save that for a more worthy cause) - but a business transaction. You, the audience, put up some money and I return the favor by sending you the music and much, much more!
I’m trying to raise $50,000 to cover ALL of the costs associated with independently producing, manufacturing and marketing an album in today’s marketplace.
When I started playing music in the sixties and seventies, we shared everything– perhaps some things we shouldn’t have. I’d like to return to a little bit of that spirit now. You the audience can share in the experience of making my record with me and be the first to hear it when its done - and I get to stick it to “the man” (whoever passes for the ‘man’ these days) by working outside of the system.
Linda Thompson’s Artistfunding Campaign
$10 Pass The Hat Level
Digital Download of my album upon it’s release.
$25 Busker Level
Advance copy of my CD shipped to you weeks before the masses get their hands on it.
$50 Bond Street Level
Signed advance copy of my CD and your name listed in the “thank you” section of the liner notes.
$100 Cabaret Level
Signed copy of my new album, signed and numbered heavy-stock poster print.
$250 Ma Bell Level
All of the above plus you can call me up while I’m in the studio and ask me anything you want about how the record is coming or what it was like to date Nick Drake or to shoot pool with Bob Marley or any secrets about Richard that you may find interesting… (conversations limited to ten minutes – hey, I’m a working girl!).
$500 Limited Edition Level
All of the above plus signed silkscreened poster based on coverart (limited edition) and you get your choice of the phone call or a Skype video call. I was going to offer you a ride in my hovercraft for $500 but my manager, Jake G. advised against it.
$1000 Almost the Coolest Kid On The Block Level
Signed advance copy of the album, digital download, exclusive invitation to listening party meet and greet in LA, NY or London upon release (travel not included).
$1500 Coolest Kid On The Block Level
Same as $1000 plus I will record your incoming message for you on your voicemail.
$3000 VIP Level
All of the above and the chance to visit me in the studio for a day while I record my new album (travel not included).
$3001 Three Thousand And One Dollars and You Make Me An Offer Level
I’m reasonable. I understand your fascination with customization. Especially you Americans. If you don’t see anything you like on this list then for $3001, you can make me an offer and we can negotiate. Get in touch - I’m open to suggestions.
$5000 Principal Level
All of the above plus the choice of having me record a song you wrote or you singing backup on my album. Don’t worry if you can’t sing. That’s what Auto Tune is for. Just ask Britney.
$7000 Executive Producer Level
All of the above plus an Executive Producer credit on the album.
$8000 Instrumental Level
All of the above plus either a guitar lesson from my very talented son, Teddy Thompson or a drum lesson from my very talented drummer friend, Dave Mattacks (Paul McCartney, Elton John, Fairport Convention).
$10,000 Donovan Level
All of the above (minus the lessons) plus a song written by ME for YOU or for that special someone – it’s not too early to get a jump on next year’s valentine’s day shopping – or maybe this is the perfect anniversary gift for that special someone.
$15,000 Champaign Socialist Level
All of the above plus your choice of dinner with me and my son Teddy Thompson or a shopping trip (your dime) throughout Manhattan or London or LA with me! I’ll show you were the good stuff is hidden.
$20,000 Magna Carta Level
The album, the limited poster, the visit to the studio, the Executive Producer credit, the VIP invite, the dinner with me and Teddy and a song written specifically for you or that special someone and recorded and perfomed by myself, Teddy, my daughter Kami and grandson Zak (soon to be heard of) Hobbs.
$50,000 Christmas Comes Early Level
Everything plus a Christmas song written by me specifically for you - performed by “The Thompson Family” and exclusive “Principal Executive Producer” credit on the album’s liner notes (portion of the proceeds benefit the Amnesty International Foundation).
$100,000 Pay Me To Go Away Level
For $100,000 I won’t make the record at all - in fact, I won’t make a record for the next year. You can say you’re responsible! Hell, I’ll even tell everyone you’re responsible. Imagine the rush, the power, the heady trip! It will be like being a record executive in the eighties all over again!
Linda Thompson On The Internet
Linda is working with some people who are teaching her to tweet on twitter, and blog down where the bloggards roll. You can meet up with her at the following sites where she’ll be checking in regularly.
Linda Thompson Interview With The Hector Fund
Here’s the thing about Linda - she’s an awesome woman. We just LIKE her. We like her music, we like working with her, we like her attitude - she kinda rules - and we like talking to her so this is the first of many interviews to come between Linda and The Hector Fund. Maybe next week we’ll get her on Skype video.
Linda Thompson Media
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