The Pledge conversation we had last night at the SOHO Apple store was truly important. I mean, to meet the crazy guy Benji Rogers, that came up with the idea that is helping restore the sense of value to music? Pretty cool.

His graphics made it simple, I have tried to reproduce them here!! (forgive my horrible drawing!!)

On the blue Pledge example, the fan enthusiasm surges up immediately with the launch of the project, it reaches the initial goal, then steadily climbs over and beyond as the project grows, expands perhaps, gets more exciting. Fans are part of the whole thing. In Benji's picture It was a very pretty blue hump-backed whale.

The old school model, (label, artist, "go make a record" somewhere)....where the fans aren't necessarily involved or harnessed until the release, was a skinny flat red line until release, then a surge for sure, but all the richness of the journey was missing.

And, according to Benji - and now me - The journey is the point. Since music is for all intents and purposes free, how do we put the magic back into the experience? We share it all.

We talked about my misgivings going into the campaign. Did I have the right $$ number for our goal? What if things Did evolve and change? Would there be a backlash? How would I keep up with providing fresh content and news. I was SCARED. How would I do it? Fulfill all the promises, and still make the best possible art.

Well, as we discussed last night, I have been changed by the whole kit and kaboodle.

I have been overwhelmed by the palpable spirit of my long time listeners. I have heard the most lovely things from you about this project, and I've heard about YOUR lives as well.

And now, I know you too. I never could have guessed we would sit at the table together in this way.

Your generosity has brought me to my knees.

So the conversation continues. The goals keep expanding. "My Mother Has Four Noses" is coming to 42nd street now in NYC. 

More info soon about how and when tickets will go on sale.

oh My My My. Goodness.

jb