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Crowdfunding in 2025: What Works Now in Music

Crowdfunding continues to be a powerful way for artists to connect with fans while bringing their creative visions to life. In 2025, the landscape is more vibrant than ever, with fresh tools and trends shaping how musicians share their journeys and grow their communities. Here are five ways crowdfunding thrives today in music.

1. Exclusive Experiences

Fans love being part of the creative process. Offering studio livestreams, personalized song dedications, or behind-the-scenes Q&A sessions gives supporters a deeper bond with the artist. These experiences make fans feel like true collaborators.

2. Tangible Collectibles

Vinyl pressings, handwritten lyric sheets, and limited-edition merch continue to be highly valued. Crowdfunding campaigns that include physical keepsakes give fans something meaningful to treasure while directly supporting the music.

3. Community-First Platforms

Musicians are leaning into platforms that prioritize interaction. Whether through built-in fan forums or integrated chat spaces, the emphasis on community makes crowdfunding campaigns feel like ongoing celebrations rather than one-time events.

4. Storytelling Through Updates

Artists who share regular updates, progress notes, and candid stories create momentum. Supporters feel part of the journey when they can see how a project grows step by step, building excitement for the final release.

5. Collaborative Stretch Goals

Stretch goals are becoming creative opportunities. Fans might unlock an acoustic EP, a surprise cover, or a bonus music video when funding passes certain milestones. These goals inspire communities to keep building together.

Crowdfunding in 2025 shows how music fans and artists can thrive side by side. When supporters feel seen and artists feel uplifted, the result is more than an album or a show—it’s a living, growing community that celebrates creativity at every stage.

John Oates Returns With Eclectic New Solo Album ‘Oates’ Out Now

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John Oates will return with a new solo album this summer: the self-titled Oates is out now. Nearly all original new songs, Oates finds the music legend flexing his deep love for the craft of songwriting, masterful guitar work and finely aged voice with a touch of rasp bringing listeners on a delightful and fresh musical voyage. The sound of his new album will remind fans of the classic groove-oriented R&B and pop he produced in the 70s and 80s, and is another exciting addition to Oates’ eclectic and dynamic body of work.

Oates was inspired in part by a bright new generation of talents that have caught his ear – including Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, who front the NYC 8-piece soul pop band Lawrence, and soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian. After hearing Lawrence’s music, Oates was moved to write a song, and asked them to guest on it. “Enough Is Enough” kicks off the album with a feeling of joy and warmth over a funky plucked bassline and three-part harmonies, Gilfillian, who, like Oates, has strong ties to Philadelphia, also worked with Oates on the record, co-writing “Real Thing” and co-writing and singing on “Mending” (which was inspired by reading the word “Mend” on a random pluck from a deck of tarot cards). Oates says that he didn’t realize it at the time, but his work with Gilfillian would help bring this new full length album into focus.

Other album highlights include the previously released “Pushin’ A Rock.” The Sisyphean parts of life have never sounded so smooth, over a smoldering groove and slinky synths, with Oates empowering us to “roll with it” when things get rough. “A Ways Away” illustrates the album’s softer side, shimmering acoustic guitars and a soaring chorus. Oates also explores global sounds, inspired by his love of Bossa Nova and Carlos Jobim (“Dreaming Of Brazil” featuring Wendy Moten on vocals), and “Bajo La Luz De La Luna,” a song he penned for Gringa, a feature film that takes place in Mexico. Oates memorialized our collective experience of the pandemic on “Disconnected,” and imagines how it would feel to be completely alone on “World’s Gone Wrong,” a beautiful song that reminds us to be grateful for our loved ones. The album closes with Oates’ take on “Walking In Memphis,” as well as a remixed bonus track of the song by American electronic music producer Grabbitz.

The album was recorded almost entirely in Nashville, including at Sound Emporium, Curb Studios and Addiction Sound, and at The Hit Factory (“Enough Is Enough”) in NYC. It was produced by Oates and David Kalmusky (a multi-platinum producer who has worked with everyone from Keith Urban and Shawn Mendes to Carrie Underwood and Meghan Trainor), and mixed by Kalmusky.

L-Acoustics Launches Documentary Series The Art of Sound Featuring David Byrne and Leading Researchers

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L-Acoustics, the leading creator of professional audio technology, in collaboration with Black Meteor, today launched “The Art of Sound,” an illuminating three-part documentary series that merges scientific discovery with artistic insight to explore sound’s fundamental role in human evolution and its continuing influence on our daily lives.

Directed by Andrew Lancaster (Accidents Happen, starring Geena Davis; The Lost Aviator; and Joud), the series premiere, “Sound is Fundamental,” debuts today on The Art of Sound by L-Acoustics channel on YouTube. The episode features musician, performer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist David Byrne alongside researchers Robyn Landau (Kinda Studios) and Dr. Erica Warp as they investigate our primal connection to sound and its fundamental role in human experience. Through innovative EEG research conducted at L-Acoustics London, the episode reveals how our brains and emotions respond to various soundscapes and their impact on our wellbeing – a crucial insight for our modern world, where humans spend 90% of their lives in constructed acoustic environments.

“It’s remarkable how much we can orient ourselves based on sound,” said Byrne. “We can’t close off our ears because that way, we can tell if something or someone is approaching. With your eyes closed, you can tell what kind of space you’re in, what kind of room you’re in, and what kind of landscape you’re in. I think sound probably affects us emotionally and physically. You can sense something you can’t see.”

“With the release of ‘The Art of Sound,’ we aim to take viewers on a journey that not only celebrates the artistic and scientific elements of sound but emphasizes its profound impact on our collective experience,” said Amber Mundinger, Global Director of Creative Engagement at L-Acoustics. “Sound is everywhere – it shapes our emotions, influences our well-being, and connects us as a community. As we explore how our relationship with sound influences everything from architecture to entertainment, we invite audiences to reflect on the often-overlooked power of this invisible force and its ability to bring us together.”

From the whisper of wind through trees to the thunderous roar of a stadium concert, “The Art of Sound” reveals how sound shapes our perceptions, emotions, and collective experiences. Each episode reveals new dimensions of our acoustic world, challenging viewers to listen more deeply to the world around them.

L-Acoustics has been shaping the future of sound since 1984 through trailblazing innovation. Our European-designed and manufactured solutions deliver premium sound experiences from the most intimate immersive spaces to the largest stages. L-Acoustics is the #1 brand chosen by the world’s largest music festivals and installed in over 13,000 premium venues from music halls, theaters, and sports entertainment to wellness, hospitality, homes and yachts.

Our team of 1000+ employees, including 20% in design, research, and development, conceives the industry’s most award-winning and transformative sound reinforcement technologies, including the modern line source array V-DOSC, L-ISA immersive hyperreal solutions, and the eco-conscious, performance-leading L-Series. These technologies have led to the company being honored with a Decibels d’Or and featured in Fast Company’s most innovative companies.

With major hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, and a network of trained service providers present in 80 countries, our technologies power the most demanding live events and memorable sound experiences: from Adele’s Las Vegas residency to the world’s largest sports events, from the Zaha Hadid-designed Guangzhou Opera House to the Philharmonie de Paris Concert Hall.

Chaco Partners With Marley Family for Limited-Edition Bob Marley-Inspired Sandal Collection

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Chaco, leading sandal footwear brand, is proud to announce a collaboration with the Marley Family to launch a limited-edition collection inspired by the legendary Bob Marley. The collaboration pays tribute to Marley’s enduring message of love, unity and connection through designs that encourage people to embrace every step with purpose. 

Rooted in Marley’s philosophy and style, the collection features updated versions of Chaco’s classic Z/1 sandal, crafted to celebrate moments that bring people together and inspire movement–both physically and spiritually. 

“Bob Marley’s vision extended far beyond his music,” says Rose Fulbright, Chaco Marketing Director. “This collaboration is an opportunity to carry forward his philosophy of living with purpose and appreciating the natural world.” 

Updating the footwear brand’s signature Z/1 design, the new collection offers two styles inspired by Marley’s philosophy: Harmony Hues and One Love Lines. Harmony Hues features a green, gold and red colorway, while One Love Lines features a minimalist black design with subtle accents, including the Marley name woven into the reverse side. Each pair includes a “Marley” badge and a symbolic woven tag, representing pride and unity. 

The collection also includes a matching dog collar and leash set for four-legged companions, so adventurers of all kinds can walk together in harmony. 

“My father believed in walking through life with purpose, celebrating not just the unity of people, but also the profound connection we share with the planet,” said Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, Grammy-winning singer, author, designer, and Marley’s daughter. “Collaborating with Chaco allows us to bring that philosophy to life in a meaningful way—creating designs that inspire others to move through the world in harmony, honoring his legacy with every step taken.”

The Chaco x Bob Marley limited-edition collection will be available for purchase on chacos.com.

Coldplay Re-Release Entire Catalogue on EcoRecords Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles

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Continuing their sustainability mission, Coldplay are re-releasing all of their albums as clear 140g EcoRecords made from recycled plastic bottles, produced using injection-moulding technology which reduces carbon emissions during manufacture by an impressive 85% compared with traditional vinyl production.

An EcoRecord sounds and looks as great as a traditional vinyl record, but it has been manufactured using 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a lightweight and durable material that is easily recyclable and designed for a circular economy, significantly contributing to reduced shipping emissions and end-of-life environmental impact.

Each 140g injection-moulded LP is made from, on average, nine recycled PET plastic bottles. These bottles are recovered from consumers as part of a process known as post-consumer recycling (PCR), where they are cleaned, processed into small pellets and then molded into new items. While EcoRecords can be made using either virgin PET or recycled PET (rPET), Coldplay has chosen to use only rPET for all their EcoRecord products.

This pioneering move follows the successful launch of the band’s 10th album, Moon Music, last year, which was already released on 100% recycled PET EcoRecords, the world’s first album released as a 140g EcoRecord rPET LP. Coldplay continues to lead the charge in making music more sustainable, building on efforts such as cutting the carbon footprint of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour by 59% to date.

Jen Ivory, Managing Director, Parlophone, says: “We are incredibly proud to partner with artists such as Coldplay who share our commitment to a more sustainable future for music. The shift to EcoRecord LP for their releases is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets intention. It’s not just about a new product; it’s about pioneering manufacturing that significantly reduces environmental impact, providing fans with the same high-quality audio experience while setting a new standard for physical music production.”

Pre-orders are available from today, with the official release of all EcoRecords.

Albums being released on EcoRecord:

  • Parachutes
  • A Rush of Blood to the Head
  • X&Y
  • Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
  • Mylo Xyloto
  • Ghost Stories
  • A Head Full Of Dreams
  • Everyday Life
  • Music Of The Spheres

Kike Hernández Stars in Discover Puerto Rico’s New ‘Return The Love ‘Campaign Celebrating Music, Sports & Conscious Travel

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Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization, unveils the latest installment of its Return the Love initiative: a video campaign starring Los Angeles Dodgers Puerto Rican player Kike Hernández, celebrating the Island’s rich musical and sports culture while promoting conscious travel. Set in a baseball stadium and narrated by Hernández, the video invites visitors to experience Puerto Rico not just as tourists, but as thoughtful guests immersed in the sounds, traditions, and spirit of the Island.

The video marks the third phase of the Return the Love campaign, Discover Puerto Rico’s ongoing effort to encourage respectful and community-centered tourism ahead of big music and sports events that will drive visitors to the Island. Following earlier installments featuring actor Amaury Nolasco and a collective of Puerto Rican experts, this new piece offers tangible tips for responsible travel while tapping into the cultural energy of the Island’s summer season, when visitors are flocking to experience its music, events, and vibrant local traditions. The video features an original song, expertly crafted and mixed by Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning engineer Harold Wendell Sanders, known for his work with internationally recognized artists.

Known for his dynamic presence on and off the field and adored by fans for his big personality, Hernández brings his charisma and passion to this campaign, celebrating Puerto Rico’s musical and sports heritage while advocating for mindful travel experiences. Kike’s influence promises to resonate with audiences, inspiring them to embrace the Island’s culture with the same enthusiasm he exhibits on the field.

“In Puerto Rico, music and sports are more than entertainment – they’re pillars of our pride, passion, and corazón,” said Hernández. “I’m proud to share that vibrant spirit with the world, and to help show visitors how they can connect with the Island in meaningful, respectful ways that truly celebrate and honor its essence.”

From the rhythmic repiques del pandero to the pulse of reggaetón, the video captures how music and movement shape everyday life in Puerto Rico — in the stands, the streets, and the hearts of its people. It’s both a love letter and a guide, encouraging visitors to shop and consume local, and to experience the Island’s culture with curiosity, respect, and joy.

“This launch is a celebration of the Island’s musical spirit and another opportunity for us to champion conscious tourism,” said Glorianna Yamin, Vice President of Marketing for Discover Puerto Rico. “Puerto Rico is culture, sports, and music. Kike brings this message to life with authenticity, pride, and energy that mirrors everything we love about Puerto Rico. We hope it inspires travelers to experience the Boricua spirit and carry it with intention.”

Along with the video, Discover Puerto Rico releases a rapid-fire Q&A with Kike and his curated playlist of pre-game favorites inspired by Puerto Rico’s musical heartbeat.

Sam Houston Race Park Announces Stampede Concert Series With La Mafia, Randy Houser & More

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Concerts are back at Sam Houston Race Park! The Sam Houston Stampede Concert Series will include live music performances on October 4th, and October 11th. The series will include two Country shows and one Latin show with live performances by La Mafia, and Randy Houser accompanied by Owen Riegling, Los Palominos, The Wilder Blue, and Cameron Sacky Band.

Upcoming Shows & Dates

  • Saturday, October 4: La Mafia and Los Palominos
  • Saturday, October 11: Randy Houser, The Wilder Blue, and Cameron Sacky Band

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. 

AR Rahman Champions Creative Freedom, Cultural Renaissance, and Balanced AI Use at IGF London 2025

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 In a deeply personal and expansive conversation at the final day of India Global Forum London 2025 at Taj St. James’ Court, Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman urged artists, institutions, and governments alike to nurture creative freedom and cultural innovation.

“In cinema for over 40 years now, I was bored with the same rectangle form,” Rahman confessed. “It’s just seeing and hearing—what else can we do?” That question sparked Le Musk, Rahman’s pioneering immersive project which brings scent, touch, and narrative together. “The idea came from my ex-wife who loved perfumes. I thought, why not create a theatre experience with perfume and haptics?”

Now coming to London for a year, Le Musk is more than a film—it’s an artistic manifesto, showcasing Rahman’s continued defiance of convention.

The fireside chat turned from personal to philosophical, as Rahman explored the urgent need to preserve traditional Indian music, asking: “Where is the next shehnai player? Where is the next Bismillah Khan Sahib? Unless we find them, recognize them, and let the world see them—they’ll vanish. That’s where the inspiration for JHAALA came in.” JHAALA, Rahman’s initiative to platform and preserve Indian classical arts, seeks to make the invisible visible—through technology, talent discovery, and global exposure.

On artificial intelligence, Rahman struck a balanced note of caution and curiosity: “AI is like Frankenstein—it just steals from human experiences, human knowledge, human art, and then puts together multiple thoughts. It’s copied from us. And now it gets faster, because we feel with emotion—and it just runs on data.”

“We should use it for what it is—for speeding up the mundane. Don’t fear it, use it.”

Beyond technology, Rahman called for a national cultural renaissance: “If you look at South Korea and K-pop, it emerged in the last 10 years because of government involvement and economic growth. It was a collective movement. That needs to happen with Indian music too. We need to reinvent the wheel.”

Throughout the session, one sentiment rang clear: true art is unbound by formats, expectations, or institutions.

“The most important thing about art is freedom,” Rahman stated. “You can’t do that with a film studio.”

He ended with a reminder of music’s enduring universality: “Music transcends religion. It heals. It connects. It’s a shared soul.”

IGF London 2025’s closing conversations made one thing certain: in a world fractured by algorithms and agendas, it is artists like Rahman who restore harmony—not just in sound, but in society.

The forum forms part of IGF London 2025. With over 100+ speakers, 1000 participants, and events across iconic venues in London, IGF London 2025 encompasses a spectrum of topics – from technology and trade to culture and commerce. This year’s edition marks a powerful milestone – a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark 2015 visit to the UK, and the two nations have finalised the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement. IGF London is the first major international platform to celebrate and analyse this historic achievement, unlock new opportunities that emerge from its conclusion, and shape the next phase of UK-India collaboration.

From Ashes to New Announce 2025 ‘New Disease’ Tour With Magnolia Park, Until I Wake & Not Enough Space

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From Ashes to New announced their 2025 New Disease Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-city tour kicks off on September 20 at Delmar Hall in St. Louis making stops across the U.S. in Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta and more before wrapping up in Fort Lauderdale at Revolution Live on November 14

After coming off a wildly successful two-year album cycle for their Blackout album – where the band amassed their biggest hit, the #2-charting “Barely Breathing” (feat. Chrissy from Against the Current), multiple Top 10s, and over 120 million streams – they played the biggest festivals and toured with top acts including Shinedown, Motionless In White, In This Moment, Nothing More and Set It Off. From Ashes to New refuses to stop the momentum.

Finishing touring in November 2024, From Ashes to New immediately went into the studio – facing multiple obstacles, including abandoning the initial writing and recording sessions to instead focus on refining the evolution of their sound. Eventually reorganizing, the band wrote and recorded what will be their upcoming, currently unnamed album in just three months. “The songs just kept flowing. Once we decided to just go for it…”

Already in 2025, the band has toured with scene legends Asking Alexandria and revisited the stages at the world-famous Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville festivals. Getting ready to begin releasing new music this summer, From Ashes to New are as poised as they’ve ever been to further their extraordinary career.

“This tour with incredible support from Magnolia Park, Until I Wake and Not Enough Space is gonna rip so hard! We may even have to break out a few new songs and a whole new vibe. The next chapter is almost here and we are beyond ready to share it with everyone.” – Matt Brandyberry

While the focus right now remains on touring – including hitting all stops on the 2025 Warped Tour and Louder Than Life – From Ashes to New are hopeful to unleash a new single for summer 2025 and give fans a small taste of an album they are all in on..

FROM ASHES TO NEW – NEW DISEASE 2025 TOUR DATES:

Sat Sep 20 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall

Sun Sep 21 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre*

Tue Sep 23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston

Wed Sep 24 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas

Fri Sep 26 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

Sat Sep 27 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

Sun Sep 28 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

Tue Sep 30 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

Wed Oct 01 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox*

Thu Oct 02 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House & Event Center

Sat Oct 04 – Denver, CO – Summit

Sun Oct 05 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada*

Tue Oct 07 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center*

Thu Oct 09 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago

Fri Oct 10 – Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection – Elevation

Sat Oct 11 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland

Sun Oct 12 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall

Fri Oct 31 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

Sat Nov 01 – McKees Rocks, PA – Roxian Theatre

Sun Nov 02 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa*

Tue Nov 04 – Albany, NY – Empire Live*

Wed Nov 05 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live

Fri Nov 07 – Portland, ME – Aura

Sat Nov 08 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom*

Sun Nov 09 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage

Tue Nov 11 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade

Wed Nov 12 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground

Fri Nov 14 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live

* Not A Live Nation Date

Balming Tiger and ATARASHII GAKKO! Unite for Playful Cross-Cultural Single “Narani Narani”

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South Korean avant-garde collective Balming Tiger joins forces with Japan’s explosive performance unit ATARASHII GAKKO! for a vibrant new single titled “Narani Narani.” The track is a kaleidoscopic celebration of childhood freedom and creativity, representing the first official collaboration between Balming Tiger and a Japanese artist.

Inspired by memories of carefree days on the playground, “Narani Narani” is a psychedelic folk anthem that defies genre and national boundaries. Fueled by the unfiltered imagination of both groups, the track bursts with unpredictable sonic twists and bold artistic choices, inviting listeners into a vivid world where cultural lines dissolve and pure joy takes center stage. The accompanying video mirrors this spirit, blending playful visuals and surreal storytelling to bring their shared creative vision to life.

“We met by crossing mountains and seas with a heart that cared for each other,” stated Balming Tiger“Thanks to AG!’s kindness and smile, a work full of positive energy was born. We hope that you will find a little peace in your hearts as well, recalling the memories of laughing and crying with your childhood friends.”

ATARASHII GAKKO added: “We have been inspired and inspired by Balming Tiger’s activities for a long time. Because it is BT and AG!, a chemical reaction is possible, and we cannot hide our excitement. We hope that this work will spread not only to our countries, but also to the world!”

“Narani Narani” follows months of creative exchange between the two groups, including a joint performance of “Buriburi / Pigeon and Plastic” at Wonderlivet Festival and a viral dance to “Spirit Chaebol” that captured media attention across South Korea and Japan.

Taking their name from the iconic Asian ointment, Balming Tiger describes themselves as a “multinational alternative K-pop band.” With an eclectic roster of performers and creators — including Omega Sapien, sogumm, bj wnjn, Mudd the student, San Yawn, Unsinkable, Jan’ Qui, Leesuho, Chanhee Hong, DJ Abyss, and Henson Hwang — the collective is known for its genre-fluid music and boundary-pushing visuals. Their mission: to reflect and amplify the voices of today’s youth and to propel Asian culture to the global forefront.

From their boundary-defying debut mixtape Balming Tiger vol.1: 虎媄304 to their recent single “Wash Away” (theme of the acclaimed drama Tokyo Salad Bowl), Balming Tiger continues to subvert expectations. Accolades from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Vogue, and a Colbert Show performance further cement their status as one of music’s most innovative forces. Their 2023 SXSW appearance earned them the prestigious Grulke Prize, awarded to the festival’s most exciting emerging act.