ColinResponse thanks his fans with a Magical Pizza Party!
“I’m the type of person who follows rules for the purpose of the rule, not for the sake that it’s a rule.”
- Colin Crewe, Colin Response
Colin Crewe, front man and mastermind behind ColinResponse has had a pretty crazy last few months. While on location in Vancouver, Colin had fallen victim to a robbery. Among the $6000 worth of equipment and belongings stolen were his computer, his camera and his guitar. As a musician who was actively blogging his trip and recording his work, it’s safe to say that he pretty well had his life stolen. “I was gone for a month,” said Crewe, “So I only brought what was important and necessary, but as soon as all of that was taken, I had nothing left.”
At this point, so many people would just be angry, defeated and would just give up. Not Colin. After a mere 7 minutes of going through the motions, Colin simply hopped on a plane, came home and decided it was time to just set some new goals so he could do what he wanted: complete his full length album.
He started an online campaign with indiegogo.com, with a goal to raise $7000. Similar to Kickstarter, if a fan pledges, they get a reward. The type of reward depends on the amount they have donated to the cause. “There was a bit of everything,” remarked Crewe as he was explaining the reward system, “Posters, tickets to shows. I also would write a donator a song once they donated a certain amount. But there were ridiculous things too. Things like my favourite freshly baked cookies. Or Valentine’s Day cards they weren’t allowed to open until Valentine’s Day.” It was nice to hear that he was able to have fun with this. A clear indicator that he didn’t let the circumstances bring him down.
In the last 48 hours the $1500 that was required to reach his monetary goal came through. Pushing his overall total to $7012. Phase 2 of the fundraising plan is to have a show that would help raise some more funds, and also to thank the fans who pledged by giving them their prizes. The show which will be TODAY at El Mocambo, has a bit of everything; musicians, a marketplace/bazaar for vintage clothing and (drum roll please!) pizza! The event is actually called “ColinResponse’s Magical Pizza Party”.
I just want to conclude by saying that it’s absolutely refreshing, and somewhat reassuring that there is for one thing, an artist like Colin who isn’t overcome with negativity and will do what it takes to achieve his goals even in his darkest hour. And secondly, that there are fans who are willing to provide monetary support in an industry so riddled with piracy. You know you want to go to the show! Details can be found on the ColinResponse website.