Making the band
Getting an independent record produced is a difficult feat; getting one produced in our current economic state, nearly impossible. Which brings us to local indie rock band Shane Hines and the Trance, who produced their new disc through an Obama-esque fundraising campaign.
“The Glory Journal” was released today, due entirely to numerous small donations from their fans. Putting an idea of their manager Michele Samuel to the test, the group formed TeamTrance.com, a Web site devoted to raise money to produce the album. Hines and his bandmate, Brian “Thumbs” Keating, offered such services as guitar lessons, a visit to their studio and even cooking a homemade dinner (Hines wasn’t surprised he didn’t get any offers on that last one, admitting “our culinary skills are less than desirable”) in return for donations.
But neither Hines nor Keating anticipated the response they got, raising more than $35,000. “We didn’t know what to expect, but the money started coming in,” he said. We couldn’t believe just how generous people were being.”
Hines credits their transparency and full disclosure to fans about how the money is being spent as the reason for their success. Sounds like President Obama inspired more than just their fund-raising techniques.
