Crowdfunding: Making Live DVDs Not Suck Anymore

Did you know that crowdfunding can come into play when something just plain sucks? Oh and saving iconic landmarks...

Name: Claude Hay
Project: Filming Live DVD
Current Status: 20 pledgers, $935 of a $2,250 goal, 40 days to go

According to the man himself, the last live DVD Claude Hay put out sucked - we honestly didn't think he had one and we're still iffy on this judging by the above video... Anyway, the blues and roots man wants to record one of his upcoming performances in his home town of Katoomba at The Clarendon and put out a DVD that doesn't suck, of the show.

Hay wants to release the DVD early next year but he's going to need some of your assistance in raising the funds to put this piece together. If your fork out $40, you'll get to be in the actual DVD, as part of the audience at the filmed gig. You'll also get a shout-out in the linear notes of the release plus a few other incentives. Mind you, if you pledge a grand to Hay, he'll perform at your own house party.

Name: Shameem
Project: Her second album
Current Status: 19 pledgers, $3,490 of a $12,500 goal, 55 days to go

If you're not familiar with Perth soul songstress Shameem, she's got a gorgeous voice and has supported the legendary George Benson on tour before (as you can see from the above clip). To date, Shameem has released an EP and an album, but she wants to unveil another full-length collection of her jazz/soul/R&B music, but producing an album is not a cheap process by any means.

The singer has applied for a $10,000 government grant and will also be putting up a fair chunk of her own savings, but needs fans to contribute the remaining $12,500. All pledgers will receive a copy (either digital or physical depending on the amount) of the record once its out but there's a bunch of other things up for grabs like a singing lesson from Shameem herself ($200 plus) or a song written about a topic of your choosing ($500 plus).

ALSO IN CROWDFUNDING THIS WEEK

This one may appear to the patriot within you (or you may not give a shit at all since it has nothing to do with Australia) but the iconic Route 66 in America is in desperate need of a pick-me up, according to the people of Springfield, Missouri. You can understand why these folk want to revitalise the Mother Road - their city is famously considered the birthplace of Route 66. There are a stack of things on offer to those who contribute to the campaign, which aims to raise $15,000 by the start of December. Bumper stickers, key chains, official thank yous, social media shout-outs and a beer-tasting tour. Not with Homer Simpson, we're assuming though...