Eric Henry Andersen—Now Creating on Patreon
Greetings friends, family, and fans!
At various points over the past decade or so, many of you have asked how to best support me as an artist; what you can do specifically, to help propel me to the next level of my career. I’m always grateful when these questions arise, as well as encouraged to keep pushing forward in an industry that sometimes feels overwhelming. That said, it’s been surprisingly difficult to provide clear and actionable answers—even to the most die-hard fans, who have attended the shows, bought the merch, and spread my music far and wide—but remain eager to play a more active role. I’ve recently been exploring ways to refine my approach; to be able to continue offering high quality content, but in a more consistent and sustainable manner—and to further cultivate a sense of community through my work. To that end and after much thought, I’ve decided to launch a fan-supported platform through Patreon.
I’d be honored if you would join me in this next exciting chapter as an official Eric Henry Andersen Patron!
What Is Patreon?
Patreon is a membership platform that makes it easy for fans to provide direct financial support to artists/creatives for their work through monthly subscriptions in return for unique perks. It’s easy to sign up: 1. Select your support level. 2. Enter your payment information. 3. Unlock access to exclusive content and various other perks, listed in full on Patreon page and below in the post. 4. Accept my MASSIVE GRATITUDE for taking a step that will play a critical and automatic role in supporting my ongoing creative projects!
Check out the video below created by Patreon for additional information on the platform.
*for a more in-depth (ok, nauseatingly detailed😀 ) explanation of why I’ve decided to launch a Patreon, please continue reading below.
First and Foremost, THANK YOU for All You’ve Done So Far!
Before going any further, I’d like to express how incredibly grateful I am to have had the opportunity to create and perform music for a living for the better part of my adult life. If you’re reading this, you’ve likely played some part in making that dream a reality—perhaps by attending live performances, listening to and/or sharing my recorded music (EHA or from my previous band, The Novelists), or through some other positive interaction, however small, along the way. And while I’ve always written songs primarily as a means of personal expression and reflection, seeing my work have a powerful impact on listeners is immensely gratifying. Not only does this inspire further creativity, but it makes the entire endeavor feel more communal and synergistic. Thanks for sticking with me through each chapter of the journey thus far, and I look forward to continuing to earn your support via this exciting new adventure called “Patreon.” I have a feeling we’ve only just begun. 😀
Why Patreon?
Simply put, my intention through Patreon, is to transition into a phase of my career where: I’m able to consistently and sustainably create material of exceptional quality; I can be more selective about my performance schedule, considering opportunities based on how they align with my career goals, rather than from a financial imperative alone; I can scale my fanbase, reaching a larger audience world-wide; I can share my work in an uplifting community-based environment, rather than focusing my efforts entirely on the algorithmic doom-scrolling, dumpster vortex of social media; I can predictably contribute to building a sustainable financial future, allowing me to continue this career path in perpetuity. Those who have followed me over the years know that I’ve been gigging incessantly since music became my primary occupation in my early 20s. I’m grateful to have had the income and plentiful time to refine my skills through all of these performances. But for me to fully realize my potential as an artist and offer the most to fans, I’ll undoubtedly need to “gig” a little less in order to have the energy and time to create more. Much of this work won’t bring immediate or direct income—hence the need for a robust and reliable source of funding: Patreon.
While there are a number of companies that provide fan support platforms, I’ve decided to use Patreon for the time being because of its stellar reputation among both creators and patrons. Patreon is the trusted platform of some of my favorite artists and creatives—many of whom I know personally—ranging from the indie level, all the way up to very well established and world-renowned names.
What’s In It For Patrons?
Below is a working list of specific perks I’m planning to offer initially at different support levels (visible on my Patreon site), all subject to change, as we figure this out together. Any feedback on this list and/or potential additions will always be welcome!
Access to monthly “Patrons Livestream” (with the option to attend in person) including song requests
Invite to annual “EHA Patreon Picnic” live show and hangout
Early access to podcast interviews
Pre-release access to and downloads of new music/videos
Downloadable media: High res audio, video, PDFs, etc., of new releases and all back catalog
Free admission to live shows
Participation of new creative ideas/productions/products
Opportunity to submit questions for podcast guests
Random surprises (pop-up shows, memorabilia, hand-written lyrics)
Unreleased songs from the good ole’ days and demos of new ones in the works
Music/recording/production lessons
Recording stems for remixing
Invitations to attend select band rehearsals
Personalized song/songs specifically written and/or recorded
Exclusive “Executive Producer” credit on content/website
Private house concerts
Various other perks TBD as we build this Patreon community together
Adapting: A New Era for Creators and Consumers
Right around the turn of the millennium, the music industry began moving through a cataclysmic shift. In less than a generation, the entire business model revolutionized in myriad ways—some to the benefit of artists, and others to their detriment. With the emergence and ultimate dominance of inexpensive and user-friendly music streaming services, the value of recorded music as a product has plummeted to nearly (and for an indie artist, effectively) zero, nullifying one of the primary sources of income musicians had relied upon for the previous five decades. Reflecting on my own experience, even seven or eight years ago, I would routinely sell ten or more CDs (at $10-20 each) at a solo performance—and with my band, The Novelists, often dozens. I’ll still sell an occasional CD here and there, generally as a souvenir—but long gone are the days when CD sales made up a substantial or even relevant part of my income. When adding to the equation the surging popularity of podcasts, online TV, gaming, etc., there's more content than ever vying for our attention, but less clear avenues for creators to effectively monetize it. For some context, artists earn somewhere between $.0033 and $.005/stream from their music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. At such a rate, with the exception of some of the world’s mega stars, most artists must rely on other sources of income to pay for burritos, let alone securing any sort of standard of living, health care, or eventual retirement. To be clear, I listen to music on Spotify and Apple Music along with the rest of the world, and very much appreciate the magical convenience of these services. While we can all hope the streaming payment rates to artists will increase, the fundamental model of the industry is here to stay. So we adapt.
One major upside to a fan-supported model compared to the way of the past, is the removal of the middle man in the artistic creation of the product and branding. Traditionally, record labels had the leverage to assert significant control over an artist’s brand, creative direction, and output. With a fan-supported model, however, that doesn’t exist. The relationship between fan/patron and artist is pure and simple: through direct support, the artist is free and able to create authentically, without constraint. The opportunity for this sort of unique arrangement between creators and fans has only recently become a reality.
Further Adapting: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Creative Industries
Another major disruptor is, of course, Artificial Intelligence. AI’s rapidly increasing capacity has already impacted creatives of all types in unprecedented ways, and it’s only the beginning. The implications on creation and intellectual property are infinite and mind-boggling: For instance, who owns the copyright of an AI-generated song produced in the style of The Beatles, with duet lead vocals derived from the voices of Neil Diamond and Taylor Swift, and Picasso-esque cover art? What stops a record label or individual from releasing mostly or entirely AI-generated content—marketed as or assumed to be original and human-created—and profiting from it? How should we feel upon discovering that the novel we just finished and thoroughly enjoyed was generated by AI? How about a TV show? A painting?
As a society, do we have an interest in pushing back and regulating these AI technologies, or should we accept or even embrace them? Perhaps in the future digital watermarks will be issued to human-generated content. But it’s difficult to imagine how such a system could be effectively implemented, and easy to imagine how it could be corrupted or otherwise go awry. Will we have the capacity or technology to arbitrate disputes? Will we be able to tell the difference between human and AI-generated content anyway? If we can’t tell, will we care? Should we? Though my intuitions on this topic are complicated, I’m inclined to believe that much of AI’s impact on humanity, and even the creative space will be positive. But one thing is for sure: most of these questions are no longer hypothetical. We’ve begun a paradigm shift, the likes of which the world has never seen.
How does this pertain to my Patreon launch? This may be the most important time ever to cultivate a sustainable fanbase and community around original human creation.
The Podcast: Conversations for Convergence with Eric Henry Andersen
You may have noticed that I recently launched a podcast, “Conversations for Convergence with Eric Henry Andersen,” which I’ll be incorporating into my Patreon. For more on that check out my blog post at the button below. But in short, here’s why I started it: I’ve found listening to podcasts to be an excellent way to explore and learn more about pretty much any topic imaginable, as well as a means of discovering new inspiring and interesting people. These long-form conversations provide a refreshing alternative to the deluge of the hyper-sensationalized, intentionally divisive, and over-simplified formats of traditional TV and social media, which I believe are largely fueling the increasing divisions on our planet. While many episodes will focus on music and the arts, I also plan to speak with individuals across various other fields: athletes, scientists, politicians, and curious characters of all types, who have experience, knowledge and wisdom worth sharing.
I have no idea where this podcasting adventure will lead, but I can say that I’m extremely excited to find out. Please take a listen to my first three episodes already released (and share your thoughts on the YouTube versions) with acclaimed record producer, Matt Wallace, (Maroon 5/Train/Sheryl Crow/Faith No More/O.A.R.), two-time Olympic alpine ski racer and World Cup gold medalist, Travis Ganong, and Narada recording and virtuoso pianist, Kostia Efimov.
On Authenticity and Audience Capture
As I continue to evolve as a songwriter, performer, podcaster, and life-long learner, my perspective will surely shift, bend, and hopefully broaden over time. I hope we’ll collectively afford each other the space and goodwill to explore these creative and intellectual horizons freely. Of course, as my core group of fans and supporters, I’ll always be interested in your feedback and engagement with my work—even, and especially when it might be constructive. Ultimately, I promise that I’ll strive to create the most sincere and high-quality content I can, and that I’ll do my best to lead with love and inspire connection.
Direct Ask and Closing Thoughts
I hope you’ll join me in this next chapter of my career as an official Patreon supporter. As an avid consumer of music and podcasts myself (and patron of several), I realize that each subscription adds up—so I don’t ask this of you lightly. Keep in mind that patrons will always have the ability to easily pause memberships, change support levels, or cancel all together, no questions asked—and I assure you I’ll never take such decisions personally.
I have to admit, finally taking this leap into the world of a fan-supported model is nerve-racking. There are many unknowns, and much learning that lies ahead. Allow me to reiterate (and brag a bit) that while my fan club may be smaller than some, it’s mightier than most! This unconventional, yet somehow always abundant life that I’ve been so fortunate to have lived, has only been possible because of the amazing support I’ve received from fans, friends, and family members such as yourselves. I feel your energy, and you all truly mean the world to me! Now let’s go create something together. 😀
Much love and gratitude,
Eric
P.S. Ways to support my work other than Patreon:
Join my mailing list
Follow me on social media
Listen to and share my music and podcasts
Host a house concert
Purchase Eric Henry Andersen merchandise
Connect me with friends/colleagues in the music industry