Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Rocker hails fans
Pete reaches target to release new album
A Coatbridge musician has thanked loyal fans for helping him release his forthcoming album.
Pete MacLeod, 39, launched a crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMusic late last year for his upcoming third record – and the support of kind contributors has already saw Pete reach his target, with the total currently sitting at 103 per cent of its goal.
The successful singer now has the means in place to complete the album, entitled Walk to the Light, and will release it this summer – on his 40th birthday.
A delighted Pete told the Advertiser: “I am very grateful to everyone who believes in me and my music, and likes to see new tunes coming out.
“I’d like to thank all who pledged for their support and encouragement, and I hope a few other musicians can maybe take some inspiration from this too as a means of moving forward with artistic projects.
“I wasn’t planning on making another album as I thought making two was pretty good going.
“But when I finished my recent tour, everyone was asking if I would be doing a third one, with a lot of interest popping up on social media.
“Before I got signed a few years ago, I was going to do a PledgeMusic page to see if it was financially possible to do a full record.
“It just seemed like the right thing to do now and if hadn’t been for everyone pledging, this third album wouldn’t have been possible.
“The idea of crowdfunding seemed like it could be a good option as I want to make a record on my own terms; one that I know people who like my music will want to hear too.”
People who pledged to Pete’s campaign have the chance to connect with him and his music – as well as enjoying a the chance to own Walk to the Light before it is released to a wider audience.
Pete explained: “The album pledge has reached its target and is currently sitting at 103 per cent of my goal.
“Walk to the Light will be released in August and everyone who supported and made a pledge also contributed to Musicians Against Homelessness, who help registered homeless charities.
“They will also gain access to exclusive signed physical formats of the album, as well as the opportunity to buy a range of exclusive merchandise and get a host of updates from me along the way.”
Pete, of Kirkwood, added: “The success of this pledge campaign proves that music really is something valuable today, and it has always been a shared experience between artistes and fans.
“The music industry is full of people who like to bully others, and chancers who try to suppress musicians’ talents.
“That ’ s why PledgeMusic and crowdfunding are great ways to go about things your own way.
“With a bit of luck, people will get behind you and, if it doesn’t work, then at least you can be proud of being who you are with your integrity intact.
“The rest is in the laps of the people who believe in you; what will be will be.”
To pledge to Pete’s crowdfunding campaign, visit www.pledgemusic.com/ projects/petemacleod
To find out further details about Pete’s upcoming gigs, including ticket sales, follow @PeteMacLeod on Twitter or visit www. facebook.com/petemacleod/