When I first started publishing the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast 18 years ago, I realized there was a challenge. I basically give away the music of hard-working musicians. Sure, it's with their permission. But musicians technically make nothing from having their music featured. Not until you show your support and buy their music or merch.
That's why I remind you on the podcast to support the artists who support the show in every episode. It is SO important to their livelihood and success.
Patreon changed everything for me. It allowed me make a living with my music. As much work as I put into my Bandcamp store, I don't really get that many sales. I'm lucky if I get one or two sales in a given month.
That's one of the big reasons why I offer a Kickstarter. It is another way to sell while raising funds for my next project.
The Kickstarter I'm launching at the end of the month is something similar. It's designed for fans of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. But it offers options outside of just my podcast fans. That's because I'm raising money for an Album Pin for The Secret World of Celtic Rock album and CD.
The pin design itself is just stunning. Miranda Nelson did a marvelous job with the look and the colors. The album itself was originally released 20 years ago. So it is nothing new. But it's still a fantastic album, packed full of rocking Celtic music. I'm currently highlighting the music on each episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Give it a listen!
The Kickstarter raises money for the album pin and CD. It promotes Celtic bands online. It promotes the podcast online. But it does one more thing that I don't talk about much. It promotes the podcast offline.
I have a number of podcast fans in particular who tell me they wear the podcast shirts as a conversation starter. The cool design makes someone ask, “What's the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast?” That gets them spreading the word.
As a musician, I understand how essential word of mouth is to the success of any business.
If people aren't talking about your music, then you aren't growing.
That's not the case with the podcast. People want to share their love of Celtic music. They just need a reason. That's what these album pins are all about. You can wear your love of the podcast on your sleeve or shirt or hat or wherever. It makes people interested. It gets people talking.
The Kickstarter for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast album pin and compilation CD launches on July 27, 2023. I need help spreading the word. You can buy merch in my store right now.
But there's an even better way this month to support the podcast.
Follow my Kickstarter Pre-Launch page.
You will be the first to be updated about the launch.
Then tell a friend.
Spread it on social media.
Or tell someone at a Celtic festival or at a show.
This makes a HUGE impact not just on the success of the podcast.
But also on the success of musicians on the show.
You will support all of the incredible Celtic musicians who support the podcast over the years. Hundreds of them. I've watched them grow from obscurity to some of the biggest Celtic bands on the circuit. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of this growth and change.
Thank you for supporting the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.
