I’m supporting myself through Patreon
Whether you’re friends or family or you found me online from my music or writing, please take 2 minutes and read about why I think Patreon is the best way for you to support artists for whom you care (and hopefully I’m one of those).
And all I’m asking for is $5.
The entertainment world has changed…
Let’s be honest, we’re in a day and age where very few of us pay for the entertainment content that we consume, at least not directly to the artist. Yes, we all tend to watch and listen to our favorite artists on Youtube, Spotify, Pandora, Netflix, iTunes, etc. But while the streaming model is amazing for consumers, the current industry model doesn’t leave much for artists and creators. This isn’t a pity party – the world is changing, and that’s ok.
Patronage is the rise!
But thankfully, there has been a rise in patronage as well. Well-meaning individuals are increasingly able to support, in some small way, the efforts of an artist out there to whom they have a special attachment, or whose work generates some sort of personal resonance. Patreon is one of those ways. It’s a simple monthly donation, for as many or few months as you like.
So, I’m here to say – consider supporting me on Patreon.
For now, I have one $5 tier.
That’s right, pledge $5 and in exchange, I’ll be releasing a new song, every….single…month.
Forever.
And I’ll be gifting that song to my Patrons each month, in the format you desire (iTunes or Amazon).
Additionally, you’ll get access to exclusive videos and content – videos of songs I’m working on, things I’m writing about, updates on my travels, and more. I’m open to suggestions! Tell me what you’d like and how I can make this a worthwhile experience for you.
So, give for one month or many, or simply share my Patreon page with someone you think who might like my work. And in exchange I’ll keep making music. Every month.
And the rest of my work (on my various webpages) is all free to consume. However, it’s certainly not free to make.
My costs to make music and art are still quite… costly
For ONE studio-grade song (ready for sharing on Spotify or iTunes), my out-of-pocket expenses are at least $1300. And I’m releasing 12 this year. And one per month after that, forever. That’s over $15,000 per year I’m investing just to produce a product, not to mention marketing costs and time, before I see a return.
Again, not a pity party – but I want to reiterate that while the costs to consumers have dropped considerably, the costs to artists are still quite dear.
When was the last time you went to a record store and spent $15 on the latest CD?
Me neither.
Every little bit helps
So, first and foremost, consider supporting me (or anyone else you know) on Patreon. It’s a new world. But we artists still live for the art.
And thank you for visiting and for any support you can give, be it a donation, or a share, or just good vibes.
Ok….
More than just music!
In addition to being a songwriter and recording artist, I’m also an actor, essayist, painter, photographer, and philosopher.
I provide a consistent offering of content that is derived from my many interests, and I hope that you might find something here that appeals to you.
I’m making my career as an artist AND a writer, and so every little bit helps. I hope you might consider supporting me in this endeavor.
I admit I like to write.
As you can tell from this “About Cecil”page, I like to write. Thankfully, I have outlets.
I manage and write essays for the following four websites:
SleepingBuddha.Me – offering my insights into, and learnings about, life, as from the perspective of my mixed religious and educational background.
WhyIHatePolitics.com – discussions of current political issues and rhetoric, with the aim to get people talking more about core assumptions, and less about partisan strategy.
CecilCharles.com – my website for my artwork, acting, and music.
ChucksLamp.com – my original blog, exploring how and why we think like we do, and with funny anecdotes from traveling and life.
If you’ve gotten this far, you deserve my undying admiration!
Like I said, I like to write, maybe even more than you like to read, so thank you for staying till the end.
Please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you’d find valuable. I’ll be expanding my offerings as I go.
And if you have any questions, you can get in touch with me on:
Or call me directly if you have my number!
Thank you again, and I hope you enjoy some of my work.
And BECOME A PATRON to join me in this journey, and get your first free song immediately.
Cheers!
~Cecil Charles / “Chuck”