Makenzie Caine grew up on a farm in Minnesota, acted in her school plays (she was Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls”) and came to New York to pursue an acting and singing career. A few years ago, she moved with her husband to Bloomfield, and in between performance gigs (she is starring in an indie movie, Solomon Grundy, which has not yet been released), she’s worker as a web designer and social networking pro. She’s also trying to make a name as a singer-songwriter. Caine has already spent about $1,000 to professionally record her single, “You’re a Doll,” but she’s trying to raise $10,000 on Kickstarter to record a whole album. She’s reluctant to give her music anyone label, but “country pop” or “indie pop” probably fits the bill.
The 29-year-old is doing pretty well –$4,345 pledged by 57 supporters so far — but if she doesn’t meet her full goal by Friday Dec. 16, she won’t get any of that. Her premiums, for Kickstarter backers, range from a “big, digital hug” to anyone who gives $1 to homemade bread and other goodies for anyone who ponies up $500. Go here to support Caine and get a digital hug.
Nice song, love the glottal stop in do’oll. Does it really cost $10k to record an album?
I pledged! That’s such a pretty song with sweet lyrics and I love her voice. Good luck Makenzie.
What did you give, a buck? The needle hardly moved. Come on, Tud, give her a few grand. Don’t be a cheapskate.
It takes a village. I’m sure she appreciated what I pledged, which was more than a buck. And I didn’t even ask for a prize.
A buck is what, a million? or a billion? I lose track.
Come horse back riding w/me on my farm in MN. I’ll cook you a handsome dinner too. We’ll sing songs, you can ask my parents embarrassing stories about me and I’ll share my “secret sixth-grade rap” with you. Grab your cowboy boots & bring an appetite! + all prizes above
This is what I asked for. I’m already online shopping for my cowboy boots. Do I need spurs, do you think? Seems a bit excessive. I’m looking forward to meeting the parents.
‘roo, I think there’s a little bit of “dog” in your genes.
Sorry, but I must say, this sure sounds like a scam. Why should people be giving her money — for nothing? Oh, I’m sorry, not for nothing — you get a “digital hug,” of if you give her $1,000, she will have dinner with you “over Skype!”
If she wants investors, with contracted returns, that is one thing. But just give her money — for nothing? Why, because she’s pretty? She isn’t homeless, isn’t even unemployed. Take some time and save up the money — like anyone else. She isn’t even offering “will work for food” — but I’ll bet the people giving to her wouldn’t even help some starving person who is offering to actually work for the money.
I’m sorry, but I find this a real shyster operation. And I am surprised, and even offended, that Baristanet is promoting it with a story!
me1004, this is the Kickstarter model. It’s been used to fund thousands of projects.
I know artists who have recorded albums this way and independent filmmakers who have partially financed films this way. It’s a great way to get funds.
me1004 – People often raise money on Kickstarter in exchange for (arguably ridiculous) things such as “digital hugs” or promotional items (t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc). I agree, it is strange that a more traditional “piece of the action” isn’t offered. But, Kickstarter is geared more toward a “contributing to the arts (or good ideas)” model – rather than a traditional investment model. That being said, a more valuable barter might draw more financing. Perhaps a copy of her finished CD in exchange for a $10 donation?
Who knows, me, maybe it is a scam. But you only have to give a buck (and I’m not talking $1,000,000,000). She’s young and pretty, sure, she’s got that going for her. Why shouldn’t she use her looks–she’s a performer, for god’s sake. She’s got a song, and a voice, and they’re not bad. My guess is she’s poor as church mouse and trying to make her way in a business that has no right to be called such, because there’s no virtually money at all in it. Even if it is a scam, which I don’t think likely, I consider a dollar to hear that song well worth it.
To be honest, I only gave her 10. I’m not really going to MN, and I’m not buying cowboy boots. I lied about everything.
My son and his friends are trying to record an album, too. Let me know if you want to donate.
g07003. Do it on Kickstarter, and we’ll try to get you help, too.
Sure, g07. Please email your checking account and bank routing numbers to walleroo@gmail.com and I’ll have your buck transferred. This works best if you yourself have a large sum of cash sitting in the account–say, $20,000.
You’re welcome.
“.. money for nothing, get your chicks for free..”
I think using the internet to promote oneself and possibly garner funds to pay for artistic projects, whatever they may be, is a good idea. I haven’t donated anything to this particular enterprise but, have, in the past, donated $ via the internet for other things, artistic and altruistic in nature.
Mackenzie has a pleasing voice and is attractive to boot. I listened to “You’re a Doll” a couple of times and didn’t really care for it; but that’s not to say she doesn’t have other more engaging material in the pipeline. Perhaps I’ll match Walleroo’s investment and get a digital hug. I could use one right now.
I’m a ‘Backer’, wooo-hooo!
Regardless of whether it’s a “kickstarter,” there’s something grubby and grasping about this. I think I prefer my artists (especially in these hard times for the recording industry when the metro area doesn’t even have a country station) do make it the old-fashioned way, via bona fide recording contracts, advances, etc.
Perhaps, you two, walleroo and jerseygurl, simply have more disposable income? (If so, may I suggest either animal charities or the Salvation Army, or, particularly, Montclair’s very own and estimable Partners for Women & Justice?) But I wonder if you both weren’t simply taken by the fetching picture above. Would you have given $10 with similar intent back in the 50’s to a brown-eyed handsome man from Wentzville, MO who’d written a rock song about a young boy “who could play a guitar just like ringing a bell?” Or to a dreamy, abused 14-year-old from Hawthorne, CA who dreamt of surfer girls and 409’s?
Of course I was taken by her good looks. (Partly.) Geez, I have that much self awareness.
Sending you a big digital bro-hug Mellon… and, uh…. oh, what the heck, a digital tongue in the ear, too.
I was cute too a year after I moved from where I was born in MN. I should have cashed in on it then.
:https://www.baristanetnew.wpengine.com/2011/12/picking-the-perfect-christmas-tree/
You guys are hilarious. Does my music have a higher cause? I hope so, but I need to get it into a sharable format so it can ‘go forth and spread some cheer’. Will everyone like it? Nope! Kickstarter is a tried and true format for struggling artists to develop momentum for their projects. I’ve been a part of a feature film that garnered enough funding and buzz through Kickstarter to attract a viable producer. In fact, a well known documentarian, Morgan Spurlock (“SUPER SIZE ME”) funds large portions of his films through the same crowd-sourced funding. A scam? – tis not. Rewards not enticing enough? Sorry! My digital hugs are quite corny, but that’s the way I roll. 😉 I certainly do appreciate the support I’ve received and simply cannot wait to share my art. As an artist, it’s a big part of life’s purpose. So, have it! Like/Dislike… whatever you will 🙂 There are 3 days left to jump on board the project! I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I’m so humbled and grateful for the support. Happy Holidays, Mak