Dreamy Afternoons with Lauren Elder
Lauren Elder is an NYC based actress, singer-songwriter. You may have seen her on Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Louie (FX), Law & Order (NBC), or in the Broadway revival of Side Show.
Gustavo Rodriguez from Team RocketHub caught up with Lauren to talk about her work and latest live crowdfunding campaign.
I've known you for a while and have enjoyed following your career. Music, acting on television and on Broadway...what do you want to do that you haven't done yet?
That's a good question! I'd like to do film. I'm writing a short film and hoping to make it this year. I'd really like to get my music into films and TV, as well. Other than that, I'd like to have enough work and money so that I can live in a beach house in California and travel the world.
So this is your first recording project of your own, correct?
Yes, it is. I'm on two Broadway cast recordings (The revivals of Hair and Side Show), and have recorded demos for other artists, but this is my first real recording project - outside of my closet, that is.
Who are you working with on the record?
I'm recording it at Motel Room Studios in Long Island City with Dan Crowley. Bobby Cronin, a very talented musical theater and film composer, who has also funded projects with RocketHub, is co-producing and playing piano. I'll have friends from Broadway shows singing back up and playing instruments, along with some amazing musicians, like Cris Slotoroff from The Deafening Colors, and Andy Jobe from Walking for Pennies, in my band.
The response to your first crowdfunding project has been overwhelmingly positive. How long did it take you to hit your goal?
It only took six days to reach my goal! I still can't believe it! I thought I'd be begging people until the end of my project, but it's been smooth sailing.
Amazing for your first time out! Really. I believe others should look closely at what you're doing with your campaign. What helpful tips/hints could you give others when it comes to successful crowdfunding campaign execution?
I'm just being myself, really. I read a lot about what to do, and used those tips. I made a simple video, and put it out there to people that I know. I've barely had to promote, because I've used my social media shout out thank yous to share the link to my page. My shout outs have been very personal, explaining why each person is so important to me. I think people have really enjoyed and been moved by them, and maybe that makes them want to contribute.
And now you're approaching your "stretch goal." The odds are looking quite good!
Yeah! It's amazing! I set my initial goal on the low side, with the bare minimum I would need to do a six track EP, but I'd really like to do an 8 song album, with a full booklet of pictures and lyrics, and a music video, so hopefully I'll meet my stretch goal!
What do you want to tell the folks out there as we approach the end of your campaign?
How overwhelmingly touched and moved I am by everyone's generosity. This is a project I've wanted to do for a very long time, and I couldn't do it without the support of all of you. So, thank you! I'm so excited to share my songs with everyone.
Well I've been listening and loving your music live for a long time--I'm glad that you're finally committing it to disc! Best of luck to you!
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