Dale J Rappaneau speaks with Sarah Daigle about Kickstarter

On January 8, local musician Sarah Daigle successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to create her first full-length album. A total of 109 backers came together to contribute $6,080 toward Daigle’s goal. To help others do the same, she answered the following questions about Kickstarter, producing music and finding an audience.

Dale J Rappaneau, Jr: So the obvious first question is, How pumped are you about having a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign? What do you think this will do for your musical career?

Sarah Daigle: Of course, I am super excited! I am grateful for all the support that I have received throughout this whole project. With this money I can produce an album that is good enough to send out to record labels and play more gigs while on tour.

DJR: Before the super sweet success of Kickstarter, what were your plans for producing an album? Slave away at a job while saving?

SD: I have always been the type of person to just get things done myself and not ask for any help. So yes, I have been continually ‘slaving’ away so I can make my dreams happen. Before the Kickstarter was made, I was in the studio for a good two months recording and taking money out of my own pocket to start this project. I wanted people to see that I was dedicated to it. I have to say, though, it is much better having the community support this project than for me to do this all by myself. The beauty of allowing people to be a part of your process is just magical!

DJR: Do you have any tips for other artists or musicians looking to win at Kickstarter?

SD: Know your community, reach out to friends and family, be committed to getting it done nonetheless, and most importantly, don’t hold high expectations and don’t give up!

DJR: Even with the advent of digital distribution, you still included a CD among your Kickstarter Backer rewards. What is it about a CD that still makes it so attractive as an artistic vehicle?

SD: Having something in your hands, holding your completed project is really special. Not everyone is all caught up on the digital age. I still play records and purchase CDs. It’s just a part of the musical process. You can go online any day and get any album you want in just one single click. But what’s the fun of that?

DJR: Lastly, what is your best piece of advice for today’s generation of up-and-coming musicians?

SD: Be authentic. Feel your music. Don’t try to follow trends and styles. Just play what feels right to you, because that is what’s going to get you a lot further in the long run. It’s easy to play cover songs, but it’s not so easy to open your soul and play your own creations. Realize you’re not going to ever think you have the perfect song, but if you’re playing from your soul you will have ears that hear it perfectly.