BUILDING AN ARMY OF FANS FROM THE GROUND UP: Self-Funding p.2
CHEECH
Cheech , friend of Lily Vasquez, brother of Marco and manager/producer of NYC Hardcore Rappers, IGT was the first of the group to search for investors on Sellaband back in 2006.
Though IGT has only raised a few thousand dollars to date, Cheech supports the concept of fans as investors and discusses the difficulties of finding universal acceptance for Hardcore NYC-Urban Rap.
AP: Why did you decide to seek independent funding?
Cheech: These days, that seems to be the only option. The only smart
option.
AP: How did you first learn about Sellaband?
Cheech: Just being hungry in this game. We looked for answers
everywhere. Sellaband was offering the very idea we sought to
execute.
AP: Had you previously recorded or are you raising money for
your first release?
Cheech: IGT has been together for approx. 12 yrs. We've previously
recorded, we are recording and we will be recording. The money
never really goes into creating the project, it always goes to promoting
the project.
AP: Is music a full time gig or not yet?
Cheech: Not until we get a raise.
AP: Had you investigated similar services or look for friends &
family to help you raise money to record?
Cheech: We've never asked anything of anyone. We simply offer
great music so people would want to go get it. Sellaband seemed to
be a good vehicle to offer just that. Ideally, everyone wins.
AP: Was the contract easy to understand? Did you show it to an
attorney or accountant before you signed it?
Cheech: It was a pretty straight forward contract. I didn't feel there
was any hidden meaning or shady practice.
AP: You’ve been on SAB since 2006 - how much has IGT raised
so far?
Cheech: We've been as high as a couple thousand but never beyond
that.
We've not been very active in the site lately. But I suppose it took a
few months to reach our peak on the site.
AP: When do you think that you'll reach the magic $50,000 so that
you can begin the recording process with SAB?
Cheech: Honestly, we don't expect to get to the 50k. We've done
everything on our own as far as recording and networking and we
wanted Sellaband to take us to a new level. It just seems that their
believers don't generally subscribe to Rap music. Rap doesn't win on
Sellaband if you’re a Hardcore Rap group. Most people don't
understand the anger or aggression in the music. The message is lost
in translation overseas. They look for catchy hooks and melodies and
things you don't get in Hardcore NYC Rap.
AP: Do you think that talent alone is enough to engage SAB believers
or must artists do more to engage them?
Cheech: Sellaband gives you an audience you would otherwise have
never reached and fans of other music hear you. I believe the artist
that solicits aggressively get believers. It's the same game just in
cyberspace. All the rewards go to those who solicit.... It's a matter of
how much time do you have to sit in front of a computer and go
online.
AP: Do you think it's more difficult generally for Urban acts to
build a following?
Cheech: A following in any genre is difficult to garner.
AP: Will you be gigging to support your release?
Cheech: We've not really been gigging. We are preparing a solo
release by IGT's father and premier artist, Lagato Shine.
AP: What are the pros & cons of choosing the SAB route?
Cheech: There are no pros nor cons in my opinion. It's another
avenue to cover. One should cover as may as possible if he expects to
win. As far as after getting to 50k, I can't speak on that.
AP: Will you continue raising money thru Sellaband or will you
pursue another source?
Cheech: We will keep all options open.
AP: What are your career goals?
Cheech: To just wake up and go into the studio after breakfast.
EVERYDAY!!! For now, I suppose working consistently in the music
biz will suffice.
AP: What is your definition of success?
Cheech: Loving your work.
AP: What advice do you have for other artists seeking to self-
fund their careers?
Cheech: Become a recording engineer if only for yourself, the quality
of your work is most important. Even a crappy song can be hot if the
right engineer works on it.
AP: Have you invested or discovered new artists on SAB?
Cheech: I’ve invested in my brother Marco. I've also lent a hand to
Lily. There are others I've come across as well.
You can become a believer and learn more about Cheech & IGT:
www.sellaband.com/igt;
www.myspace.com/igtmusic;
www.myspace.com/lagatoshine;
www.myspace.com/elcheechmusic
