Crowdfunding Replacing Labels?

Many articles have been written on the impact of crowdfunding on entertainment.  Has crowdfunding begun to replace labels in the Christian market?  Below is a partial list of artists who've gone this route in recent years:

Artists who have been on labels fairly recently, but are now cutting out the middleman with crowdfunding:
Thousand Foot Krutch (Kickstarter)
Jars of Clay (PledgeMusic)
Disciple (Kickstarter)
Manafest (PledgeMusic)
Fireflight (PledgeMusic)
Jimmy Needham (Kickstarter)
Audrey Assad (Kickstarter)
Abandon (Kickstarter)
Hawk Nelson (Kickstarter)
Mike Farris (Kickstarter)
Seabird (Kickstarter)
33Miles (Kickstarter)
Beckah Shae (Kickstarter)
Anthem Lights (Kickstarter)
The Monks (Kickstarter)
Gungor  (Kickstarter)
The Vespers (Kickstarter)


John Elefante (Kickstarter)
Steve Taylor (Kickstarter)
Guardian (Kickstarter)
Bryan Duncan (Kickstarter)
The Choir (Kickstarter)
John Schlitt (Kickstarter)
Out of the Grey (Kickstarter)
Crystal Lewis (Kickstarter)
Bloodgood (Kickstarter)
Michael Roe (Kickstarter)
Big Tent Revival (Kickstarter)
Pillar (Kickstarter)
Carman (Kickstarter)
Daniel Amos  (Kickstarter)
Christafari (Kickstarter)
OC Supertones (Kickstarter)
Natalie LaRue (Kickstarter)
Cherri Keaggy (Kickstarter)

Fresh off labels:
Warren Barfield  (Kickstarter)
Scott MacIntyre (Kickstarter)
Chris Sligh (Kickstarter)
Robbie Seay Band (Kickstarter)
Children 18:3 (Kickstarter)
The Sonflowerz (Kickstarter)
Benjamin Dunn (Kickstarter)
Samestate (Kickstarter)
Sevenglory (Kickstarter)
Tal & Acacia (Kickstarter)
Above the Golden State (Kickstarter)
After Edmund (Kickstarter)

Did we forget anyone?

Comedy For a Cause Featuring Henry Cho Raises Money for Rocketown

Michael W. Smith, a multi-platinum, Grammy®, American Music Award and GMA Dove Winning artist partnered with Kroger, MobileSmartBid and several key sponsors to host Rocketown's annual fundraising dinner, auction and evening of entertainment to raise awareness and support for the non-profit outreach for teens. This year's event was themed "Comedy for a Cause" and featured comedian guests, Henry Cho and Jeff Allen.

The gathering took place at Rocketown's downtown Nashville venue, commencing with a VIP reception attended by more than 430 guests.  Notable attendees included Governor Bill Haslam, author Karen Kingsbury, American Idol contestant Scott MacIntyre, Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, several Tennessee Titan players, the entire coaching staff of the Nashville Predators and many others.

"This was a great night -- and certainly a great cause. So many kids have been helped by the ministry at Rocketown," shares founder, Michael W. Smith. "The money from this event will help us do more and serve more kids."

Combined sponsorships, generous donations, live auction and new MobileSmartBid online auction generated much needed proceeds that impact day-to-day efforts of Rocketown's staff. Auction items included two trips to perform with Michael W. Smith in New York City at Carnegie Hall, an all-exclusive Yacht trip, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators sports packages and more.

Rocketown's mission is to offer hope to the next generation through Christ's love. In the coming year, it will continue to provide that outlet for the community through weekly gatherings, special events and its concerts.

Worship Leaders Lead the Way on American Idol

It's interesting to note how many of this year's top 13 American Idol finalists are involved in their church or Christian music.

* Kris Allen - works for his church's worship ministry
* Matt Giraud - has released two indie Christian music CDs
* Danny Gokey - is a music teacher at Faithbuilders Ministry in Milwaukee
* Scott MacIntyre - performs with the Gospel quartet, The MacIntyre Family Singers
* Michael Sarver - leads a praise team at Harvest Church in Jasper, TX