Crowdfunding platforms are providing artists and musicians around the world with a unique way to self-actualise a project. No need to wait to be ‘uncovered’ by a benevolent patron or record company, your fans can get on board and give you the kick along – after all, it’s ‘their’ product that they’re helping finance. Li’l Fi is a local musician who’s taken crowdfunding on board.
Why have you decided to go with a crowdfunding campaign?
I had a number of my friends on Facebook suggest it one too many times and I thought I would put myself out there and see what happens. I have always pre-sold all my CDs so it felt like a fairly natural thing to do.
Tell me about your plans for the gospel album?
I have booked the studio in Samford (Brisbane) called Airlock. It’s owned by Ian Haug from Powderfinger and, having recently recorded a children’s album there, I was convinced it was the place to record an album. I like to record live, first or second take at the most. It’s a snapshot of a musical moment. I’ve booked the finest musicians I know and have been playing music with quite a bit so it’ll be a joy to go into the studio and put these tracks down.
What’s the secret to the Li’l Fi touch?
Live and lively but always from the heart. People can hear it when you’re faking it. My heart and soul has been blessed with the music of all the gospel singers I’ve loved and it’s time to pay some homage and make one for Jesus.
Who will you be recording with?
Steve Russell (all keyboarded things) Thierry Fossemalle (basses and tuba) Pete Wilkins (drums), Martha Baartz (saxophone) and Mal Wood (trumpet). Scrubby Pete, Billy Williams and Grant Bedford get a showcase and so will AM Summerfield and my dear friend Fiona Boyes on the guitar tracks on the Sister Rosetta Tharpe numbers. So there’s an airfare and a few people to pay.
What is your attraction to gospel?
The album is going to be called People Get Ready. It’s a bit of a handbook for the afterlife really. As I had a near-death experience and went back to Heaven I’ve got some inside information that I’d like to share with anyone who’s not feeling very sure about what happens.
And finally: How do people go about contributing? Go to the Pozible Link People Get Ready
