In the third (and possibly final) in our series of articles on ‘artist-fan interaction’, Greg looks at BandStocks and how Patrick Wolf among many other artists is funding his recording process through fan bought shares.

Using the relatively new ‘Band Stocks’, Patrick Wolf has abandoned the traditional record company route in order to regain full creative control.

In buying a stake of the album (at £10 a stock) you get a small return from the album sales, and a free download of the album when it’s released, as well as the chance to buy limited editions and such. Patrick has already played exclusive shows in his home to reward the early investors, and continues to do so. And this is what’s key to this system, it makes the fans feel closer to the artist, as this interaction is the equity that will continue to grow as music in the traditional sense becomes more and more devalued.

Patrick said of the project; “With the old world recording industry a rapidly sinking ship; recording studios closing weekly, free downloads daily, more musicians hitting the long road than ever before to feed themselves, I am happy to have come across a new intimate system of audience and artist participation called Bandstocks… It’s time to drop the curtain and stop relying on a stale patriarchy. I’m excited, I hope you are too. Welcome to the future!”

Patrick is aiming for a £100,000 investment and has so far raised £54,680, with disk one of ‘Battle’ entitled ‘The Bachelor’ set for release this summer.

www.patrickwolf.com / www.bandstocks.com

Greg