Jill Sobule Turns to Fans to Finance New Don Was-Produced CD

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Singer/songwriter Jill Sobule has made six albums on a variety of labels -- including two that went bankrupt and two that had other problems. So, like many artists nowadays, she made a decision to go the indie route with her next album -- with a twist. She is turning to her fans to help her finance the making of the next record. Sobule's goal is to raise $75,000.

Multi Grammy Award-winning Don Was will produce the album.

Mind you, Jill isn't seeking something for nothing. Fans who make donations at http://www.JillsNewRecord.com will receive prizes in exchange for their level of donation, such as a free copy of the CD prior to street date, free admission to shows, a password for downloadable non-CD tracks, executive producer status on the credits, a free house concert and the opportunity to sing on the CD.

The various levels of donation are as follows:

• $25 - Polished Rock Level: An advance copy of the CD weeks prior to street date.

• $50 - Pewter Level: An advance copy and a “thank you" on the CD.

• $100 - Copper Level: All of the above, plus a T-shirt saying you're a junior executive producer on the album.

• $200 - Bronze Level: Free admission to Sobule's shows for all of 2008.

• $250 - Silver Level: All of the above, plus a membership to the “Secret Society Producer's Club," which means you'll get a secret password to a website where Sobule will post some rough tracks, or . . . something else worthwhile.

• $500 - Gold Level: At the end of the CD, Sobule will record a fun instrumental track where she'll mention your name and maybe rhyme it. If you don't want your name used, provide a loved one's instead. What a great gift!

• $750 - Gold Doubloons Level: Exactly like the gold level, but donors give Sobule more money.

• $1,000 - Platinum Level: How would you like to have a theme song written for you? Sobule will record a song you can put on your answering machine and impress your friends. Again, this could be a gift.

• $2,500 - Emerald Level: You'll be mentioned as an executive producer of the album.

• $5,000 - Diamond Level: Sobule will do a house concert for Diamond Level donors. Invite your friends, serve some drinks, bring her out and she will sing. (Actually, this level is a smart choice economically -- she has played many house concerts in which the host has charged his guests and made his money back.)

• $10,000 - Weapons-Grade Plutonium Level: The chance to sing on Sobule's CD. Don't worry if you can't sing -- engineers can fix that. Or, if singing is simply not an option, Weapons-Grade Plutonium Level secures cowbell-playing privileges.

According to Sobule: “In these dark days (for some in the music industry), I am finding new inspiration: the patronage system of old. My fans and empathetic friends, acting as Kings and Medicis, will fund my next record (give me money). However, in exchange for their support, they will receive a vast array of fab gifts and services-like a house concert or their own theme song!"

Producer Don Was adds: “Imagine a Jill Sobule album featuring 10 new songs that rank among her best ever. Imagine a CD that combines the intimacy of her live shows with the warm and friendly sound that can only be found in those big, old analog recording studios. If you act now, you can become a part of making this dream a reality. Send a message to the purveyors of pap who've commandeered the music business: We need your help to realize Jill's vision of a new populist paradigm of patronage -- a scheme that honors talent and holds artistry at a premium. If she's right, we can save popular music together. If the idea sucks, you'll still get a free CD and a t-shirt. The late great Arthur Conley once asked a very important question: do you like good music? Yeah? Yeah? If your answer is 'hell yeah, Arthur,' then now's the time to claim your indelible place in music history."