Austin Bands The Sour Notes, The Channel Ask for Kickbacks

Well, not exactly. You've heard of Kickstarter, right, a way to finance creative projects by asking for money directly from the fans? It's a swell idea that not only bypasses some of the music industry nonsense we've had to deal with in the past, but it's also fun for the listener - you know that you're directly helping a band make their album, and said bands usually offer crazy incentives if you pledge enough money (like private performances, songs written about you, etc.). And if the project doesn't reach its mark, the money goes back to you.

Both The Sour Notes and The Channel have recorded new albums that they're hoping to put out, and are asking for crowdsourced help. The Sour Notes' album is called Last Looks, and they only have about a week to make a grand. In contrast to this band, who perform and record pretty regularly, we were surprised to learn that indie-pop band The Channel are set to return with a new album called Multi Goods & Services. We haven't heard from these cats since like 2006, when they also emerged out of quietude to put out their double record Tales From The Two Hill Heart / Sibylline Machine. The Channel was formed from ashes of The Arthurs, and they share members with Golden Bear and quite a few other bands.

We're sure other bands are working on Kickstarter projects as well, and we'll keep an eye out. In the meantime, see if either of these bands tickle your fancy enough that you may want to lighten your wallet.