I wonder how many people would buy into a Kickstarter new TFF album? There’s just no way I’m going back to the company model.
Ain’t That A Kick In The Head
About Curt
Yes, it's really me. Last time I checked, anyway.Subscribe
Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.
59 Responses to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head
Leave a Reply
Elsewhere on The Interwebs
I know I’d do. And without a doubt.
I’d buy it in a heartbeat.
That would be A Groovy Kind of Love.
I mean, I’m a 25 year old with a college degree who can’t find a decent paying job, but I would pay for a new TFF album.
I should pay you $500 for just saying that! (A deposit on a confirmation) Please don’t be drunk. Ha!
Yes. Very yes. I was just listening to ELAHE this morning, feeling weird and sad that it has already been seven years, wishing that there could be a new TFF album, wondering what it would sound like. I don’t have a lot of money to throw around, but I’d be willing to contribute my small share towards a new album.
I understand perfectly your questions regarding to produce of the new album, but you know you will have to do it, because his brilliance and Roland has to being shared with everyone.
We’ll be waiting…
I think that if the new album is properly funded, that means no help from a label or a major recording studio, I think it could work in the band’s favour because I just get sick of having to buy music on a CD and have all of the revenue going to a huge corporate conglomarant and none of the money going to the artists who created the music.
If I was able to get T4F’s music online then it would be worth it to me because the money would all go to Curt, Roland, and the band and not to some huge record company whose only goal is to get rich off of these artists that they’re supposed to be helping and not hindering.
In other words Curt I say……… GO FOR IT! Because in the end it’s the fans that decide what’s good and what isn’t good not the record labels.
Again… Just tell me where to transfer the funds. You set it up, we knock it down— (To us, of course. Not rocket science.)
I would contribute. Hell, yes! How much?
Um, totally. Have already done it for others – and love the concept. Sign me up!
I would buy it once for myself and 50 more times for my family and friends.
I would contribute without any doubt! Just name the price!
Dear Curt, could you please also post your question on Twitter? I am sure there will be many, many more enthousiastic reactions!
I’m with Rise and Carolyn. It’s kind of a big “duh” anyway when you think about it. Who here hasn’t spent the $ to buy your last few singles? *waits for hands to raise* Bingo, I rest my case!
Just tell me when and where and I’m in!
I’m in!
I would lend my marketing support! I love this idea.
Hi Curt – yes, i would support this idea. I don’t know what your arrangements are with regard to recording studio provision etc. but could you and Roland record and self release the album in its entirety? Would you be looking for worldwide promotion?
All I can say is fans like myself would love to purchase new TFF music, regardless of form factor or delivery method.
John
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
That’s a rhetorical question for folks that follow you and Roland, Curt. We’re all in 100%, I’d venture to say.
Like the idea makes sense really,you get to make new songs with less hassle,and life long fans get new material to enjoy (though still would like a cd format with an album cover)
I’d certainly chip in – it would be cool to be a benefactor of TFF. The question is – how much do you need to make an album?
Curt – In all seriousness your music with TFF is coming around and is very “now” right now …. In Australia they play you guys a lot. Im from Croydon – When ive had a few beers i listen to Duran, Pink and you guys. you rate big time and should get a gig list going !
YES – great Idea
Hi Curt,
I would definitely chip in! Pledgemusic.com does the same thing and allows you to donate to charity at the same time. I actually just “pledged” for Jay Clifford’s new cd. He has lots of cool things to give. For example, for $25, I get the cd when it’s completed and handwritten lyrics to a song of my choice. There are many things at different prices – VIP tickets to a show w/ meet and greet, autographed poster, autographed sheet music, skype conversation from his studio, and other stuff like that. I’m certain that if you all do something like this, many fans like me would be more than willing to chip in, not only because we’re desperate for new music from you, but also because it would be really neat to get something special in addition to the cd. I’ve always loved TfF and “Everybody Loves A Happy Ending” is one of my favorite cds ever. I read an interview from you last year and it gave me the impression that you all wouldn’t be recording again because record companies make it difficult for bands at your level to make a profit. I understand that, but your music has always been so heartfelt and genuine that I can’t imagine that TfF would stop writing/recording together because of financial reasons. You have the studio, great musicians to play with, a fanbase who would buy your cd immediately on it’s release, and many different avenues to sell it, even if you do so just digitally to save on pressing costs for physical distribution (or maybe just press up enough physical cds to sell on your website and at shows – don’t worry about store distribution to save money). I’m sure you already know all of this, but…..Anyway, I truly hope to hear new music from you all and I’ll pledge/buy the cd/etc the second you make it available to do so.
Yes, yes and heck yes. I would in a heartbeat. Please consider it.
What is Kickstarter? I am going to log on and educate myself about this concept. Is Roland on board? New music would be fantastic.
Curt, As a die hard TFF fan since 1983 (when I was in college), I never thought TFF could top The Hurting, Songs From….. and Sowing the Seeds of Love. But you and Roland did it with Everybody Loves a Happy Ending.
You’re asking if we want a new TFF album? I’m kind of insulted. Please, pretty please, get together with Roland and make the music that guides my life Content, not format, is all that matters.
P.S. Seeing you guys perform in Detroit, Lockport, and Orillia Canada last August was amazing. Like a fine wine, better with age.
hi curt
great idea! heres an idea, give tiered buy ins….
ie.
$50-cd
$100-autographed cd/tkt for gig
$250-500-liner credit.
and maybe a gig? i am sure you and roland will have no problem making this happen….and if you can get this going soon…you could advertise at the gigs.
hope to hear a New Album soo n
cheers!
gautam
Hi Curt!
(Loved your acting appearance on “Psych” on USA, by the way!)
I would definitely be interested in supporting your efforts with Tears For Fears in this way. Recording companies be damned, welcome to the 21st Century!
yes, yes, a thousand times YES!
I’d buy it.No doubts
Yes.
This is a great idea. As a massive TFF fan I await year on year for a new album and this is a great way to do it. The TFF fanbase is huge enough, similar to marillion. For years, Marillion recordings have been funded by their fans paying upfront for the next album. Infact, in the mid 2000′s, Marillion fans in the UK ran a campaign to bulk by the latest Marillion single and got it into the UK top 10 singles chart! TFF fans can do this world wide! So, yes Curt, grab Roland and the guys now, set a timetable for when you want this cash to record the next album and go for it!
“And when you think it’s all over, it’s not over” – TFF Forever!!
Shooooot yes I’d pledge fundage towards a new Tears album!!! You’re one of my favorites! Our band did the same thing and it was a very positive experience. It’s cool too because you can really sense the pulse of your fans, and it’s great because you could offer other ‘items’ beyond just the physical CD. I’d say yeeeeees, you should do it
(Of course I’m bias because I really want a new Tears For Fears release, hehe).
i’d pledge my web design services…and all support i can give
Curt, yep, please run a Kickstarter campaign or something to do a new album. I’m in!
I have been thinking more on this! A new album would gain greater media support and attention if it were to be called “Songs From the Big Chair Part II”, or “More Songs From the Big Chair”, or “New Songs From….”, or “Last Songs From…” !
Obviously, us fans wouldn’t expect you to necessarily try to recreate such an outstanding album in style or content, but it doesn’t have to be anyway. It can be a new and innovative collection, like every other subsequent to “Songs..” album has been. Sequel albums have been incredibly successful, such as Tubular Bells II and III (Mike Oldfield), Bat out of Hell II and III (Meatloaf) and Oxygene 7 – 13 (Jean Michel Jarre).
There has also never been a better time for a new TFF project. 80′s is IN! The UK 80′s Rewind Festivals are massive this year. Duran Duran, Human League and OMD have all had seccessful recent albums. And Depeche Mode are as popular as ever. The past few months ‘Shout’ and EWTRTW have been played a lot on UK radio stations. A cover of SHOUT was a number 1 single in the UK chart last year. So Curt, yes please, look at the possibilty of getting a TFF project off the ground in the next 2 years. I think it will be a mega worldwide hit and bring in that much needed pension boost for you, Roland and the band, when that time arrives!!
The record label model is passe anyhow. Absolutely it could work. Duran Duran have put out their best work in over 20 years, totally bypassing the traditional corporate route. Julian Lennon is currently doing the same with his new album. I’d buy a TFF album no matter how it was published!
Hi Curt. Here is the thing:
Tears For Fears need something really important to increase your CD selling. It’s called digipack. I know you know what it is, but take a look on U2 results, for example. They did 3, 4 or 5 different versions of their CDs (exclusive LP, digipack version, regular CD, digital media, etc). Your fans would love to spend their money on things that they can really enjoy to touch, to feel… Something that you feel that’s rare or exclusive. It’s good when you know that the band and the designers spent a lot of time thinking on the details. You guys created a high quality videoclip on Closest Thing To Heaven, and I’m sure you both could do new beautiful things.
Hoping to see new great stuff soon!
Stay well. XOXO
I don’t really understand the kick start program….do you donate the money for it? I mean before it can happen? Or what they call a ‘pledge’?
Anyway, Curt. This is the thing: a couple of miles from my house, in one direction, is a music studio that isn’t being used…at least, not right now. And in the other direction, a couple of miles, is a music producer who isn’t doing very much…at least, not right now. He’s pretty good, we call him B.B.
If you want me to talk to him for you, I can do that. He’s always in the cheese section of the market and he looks like he can use a few bucks. So maybe he would do it for free and then you can pay him later.
Let me know, bubeleh. You know where to reach me.
I totally support the thought, It would feel so exciting to be a part of your work, even just in this sense, what an honor! Although I”‘m limited on funds, I would still be willing to contribute what I could!! Hopefully this can come to fruition!
my sincere regards, barby
Curt please please please record a new album whatever it takes, been a fan for along time you still have a massive fan base in the uk.First caught you in 1983 been listening ever since,worked with one of your roadies for a short time could only sing your praises your fans would be very grateful if you come back to the uk to tour again but make sure cardiff is one of the tour dates would contribute to any idea you have for creating more magic all the best LEE
Wow, this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I had figured TFF went cold because they can’t get the sales volume they once did, and that the only way something could happen is if fans could somehow chip in more than usual. I am and always have been willing to chip in more. I’m glad to see so many other feel the same way. If we want something, lets pay for it.
I’ve listened to each TFF album more times than I could possibly count. $15 for their CDs was more than a bargain to me, and I’m at a point in life now where I can contribute more, and I happily will. If my favorite band were to say “we can’t sell CDs for $15, but we could sell them for $150 and break even”, I would pay the $150 because it’s my favorite band and it’s worth it to me.
I like a lot of music, and different genres, but TFF is the only music that I’ve ever felt like I could personally identify with, and it’s been that way since I was twelve years old. Certain songs have even got me through tough times. That’s why if TFF has songs they wish to record, I very much want to help get them recorded. My wife and brother are big fans also, and I speak for them as well.
Hopefully nobody sees this as charity for music. Its is not. This is pitching in to buy something we all enjoy. Even if the project stipulated that 100% of the funds went towards project costs, it wouldn’t bother me if they didn’t. I’ve spent more for wall decorations than I ever did on any CD, and to me, TFF is worth a lot more than wall decorations.
Get this Kickstarter thing going and lets see what happens.
Here’s the kickstarter FAQ http://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq , it’s a little hard to find on their website.
Here’s maybe the most important part:
All-or-nothing funding?
Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires or no money changes hands.
Why?
1. It’s less risk for everyone. If you need $5,000, it’s tough having $2,000 and a bunch of people expecting you to complete a $5,000 project.
2. It allows people to test concepts (or conditionally sell stuff) without risk. If you don’t receive the support you want, you’re not compelled to follow through. This is huge!
3. It motivates. If people want to see a project come to life, they’re going to spread the word.
Question; would the contributers get a liner note mention or something like that?
Definitely get a new album out there! Id buy it within a heartbeat. Seriously, go for it! I keep tweeting you all the time lately about TFF. Wanna know why? Because i love literally everything you and Roland have both done! Get touring and plugging this new album, and when i say touring, i mean the UK too. One huge fan here who was close to tears (ironic) when i thought for a minute TFF had split. GET THE NEW ALBUM OUT, YOU TWO!! This can work!!
How much money would you like? I’m not joking.
I think it’s better than fishing around for a record label that does very little to support the artist and pokets more money that should be going to you two guys.
Count me in!!!!!
I see this was posted three weeks ago. I’d like to see some movement on this. I don’t have a twitter account so I can’t tweet Curt.
When you guys decide to make the album, another way you could generate revenue is by digitally filming the recording session and selling video files. You don’t even have to edit the footage, just offer it raw and unedited. In fact, I’d prefer it that way.
It’s been so long since my favorite band made released new music that I’m pretty hungry for whatever you guys can produce.
Here’s another idea, maybe more of a long shot; buy new instruments, record with them, then sign and sell them aftewards with a markup. I play guitar and would be interested, but I’m not sure how many others would be.
I would like to wish Roland a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Of course all TFF fans are waiting for your next “record” but could you please educate us on why this format / organization if of interest? What is the typical cost of producing a new “record” if you do it yourself considering you have home studio resources, musician and engineer friends etc.? Since you would be able to keep a much greater % of the profit the risk much be much less.
Is there no corporate recording interest to underwrite such a project or is simply a matter of principle? Can I assume you and Roland have each written new material and are just trying to determine how to move ahead?
Of course, embarking on a series of tours to promote the music would be necessary to generate sales outside of your normal fan base, I know that is an issue.
How did the ELAHE turn out profit wise for TFF vs the record company?
Hello Curt i would be glad to do this if you do another cd would be worth every penny
Bill
If I were given the choice between TFF signed to a major label and a $15 CD, or TFF free to do anything they want and potentialy paying several times as much for the CD, I’d opt for #2. You gotta understand, I’ve donated more to my favorite blogs than I ever payed for TFF albums at $15 a pop. TFF has never received what I was willing to pay for their product.
I know the industry is tight pursed, antiquated, ruthless and inflexible. I wouldn’t fault TFF for avoiding it. With the internet, the ratio of artists to listeners is thinning. I had maybe 100 CDs for 30 artists back then, not I have folders filled with all sorts of music. The expecation that we should each only pay $15 for an album with fan bases becoming more specialized is not as reasonable as it once was. Like I said before, I spend more than $15 on things I enjoy a lot less than a whole TFF album.
I’m in!!!! Just let us know what & when! I’ll support any format.
Curt, seems like you have some interest in this. Is this something you are thinking about?
Without a doubt.
Are you kidding Curt? There are BILLIONS of people who would buy a new TFF album — and I’d be the 1st one on line!!!!!
My son and I are coming to the TFF concert at The Mountain Winery on Sept 9 in Saratoga, CA. Any chance of making a request for Who Killed Tangerine? and Year Of The Knife?
Rob->
Count me in. I think this is a great idea. Public Enemy did something similar with sellaband last year. They required $250,000 to record their album. The goal for fan dontations was $75,000 which they reached. Donations came from over 700 fans across 50 countries who donated.
Fans who contributed a $25 donation received a share of the record’s revenues, and a numbered copy. The total amount needed was earmarked for recording costs and other expenses, and as well as a marketing plan for the disc.
This has worked before. I would gladly contribute to the making of a new Tears For Fears CD and Curt’s solo efforts.