Kickstarters and Crowdfunding: The Musical Way

Music has been a central element in many people’s lives, bringing story, language and resonance to our experiences and cultural identities. Through music, we may connect in a meditative way and bring about inner peace and greater focus in ourselves. Over the past decade, there has been a shift in the way we interact with music. The Ukulele has grown in overwhelming demand and for the first time ever; the instrument has sold in greater volumes than the guitar. The tiny and affordable instrument offers a poetic tone, demonstrating that learning an instrument can be accessible to everyone.

The Internet has created a booming stage for music lovers who wish to learn how to play the ukulele. With YouTube videos, music websites, and apps at your fingertips, it is becoming easier than ever to learn new chords and to become a self-taught musician.

The universal platform of the ukulele is expanding even wider as new developments allow you to take the instrument wherever you go. Developed by Novako Music, the Ava Ukulele is making waves as the perfect travel companion for adventurers across the world. Its novel features include compact storage as well as earphone compatibility so you may enjoy playing music without disturbing others in your environment. The instrument also produces electric signals to initiate amplification through a loud speaker. With the Ava Ukulele, travelers can delve into the introspective journey of the instrument, and share with others along the way.

Considering the universal nature of the instrument, it makes sense that the Ava Ukulele has received its grand echo of success through Crowdfunding.

In recent years, Crowdfunding has become a popular means for connecting diverse individuals and garnering support for entrepreneurial ventures. Put simply, crowdfunding involves gathering funds through local, national and international means. The act allows entrepreneurs to extend their project, cause or idea into a wide network that wouldn’t otherwise be possible and seek support in an efficient space.

There are a variety of crowdfunding websites welcoming ventures from various backgrounds. While some seek to represent ventures in niche themes and utilities, others provide an open environment for accessibility.

Kickstarter is a resource that is typically used by small businesses and start-ups. The website is aesthetically focused, encouraging businesses to promote their products in the most visually attractive way possible. Through visual storytelling, Kickstarter gives businesses an extra push to launch their ventures in a compelling way. Since mid-June, Kickstarter has helped to fund more than 145,000 projects, thanks to its fourteen million ‘backers.’

Platforms like Kickstarter are being supported tremendously by the power of social media. Through social engagements, campaigns are reaching wider audiences with a viral potential and connecting more deeply to potential funders through associations with the individuals behind the campaign. Crowdfunding provides incentives, both physical and digital, compelling active involvement.

The nature of contribution on this platform provides for accessibility as well. With multiple tier options and an attitude of ‘everything helps’, potential funders no longer feel pressured to unfist a tremendous amount of cash upfront. Instead, campaigns become an effort of building together.

Just sixteen hours following the launch of its Kickstarter campaign, the Ava Ukulele attained its $30,000 goal. The early success of the product is a nod to the impact of global sharing and a success story for adventurers, entrepreneurs, and music lovers across the world.  Whether its sharing music, a project, or an idea, we can all play our part in supporting inspiration and our universal passions. Working together, we are all connected.