Best Platforms for Backer Communities
Your backers are more than one-time supporters. They are the foundation of your fan community. Choosing the right platform to stay connected with them will make your next project, and every project after that, significantly easier to fund.
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Cost | Best For | Music Features | Engagement Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Radio Community | Included with course | Course graduates, ongoing learning, peer support | Integrated with Masters Radio ecosystem | High (moderated, focused) |
| Discord | Free | Real-time chat, listening parties, voice channels | Music bots, voice channels for live listening, screen sharing | Very High (always-on) |
| Patreon Community | 5-12% of revenue | Ongoing subscription support with built-in payments | Audio posts, early access releases, tiered content | Medium (content-driven) |
| Private Website Forum | $10-50/month (hosting) | Full brand control, owned audience data | Whatever you build | Low-Medium (requires effort to drive traffic) |
| Email Newsletter | Free to $50/month | Direct communication, not algorithm-dependent | Embed audio, link to streams, personal updates | Medium (one-directional) |
Recommended: Masters Radio Community
As a graduate of this course, you have access to the Masters Radio Community. This is your primary home base for:
- News Channel: Stay updated on crowdfunding trends, platform changes, and industry news relevant to musician fundraising
- Discussion Channel: Ask questions, share your campaign progress, get feedback from fellow musicians who have been through the process
- Tips and Tricks Channel: Share what worked for you and learn from others’ successes and mistakes
- Monthly Q&A Sessions: Live sessions with instructors where you can get personalized advice on your campaign plans
The biggest advantage of this community is that everyone in it has taken the same course you have. You speak the same language, understand the same frameworks, and can help each other at every stage of the crowdfunding process.
Discord as a Complementary Tool
While the Masters Radio Community is your learning and networking hub, Discord is excellent for building your own fan community around your music. Consider using both:
Setting Up a Discord Server for Your Music
- Create a free Discord server
- Set up channels:
- #announcements: Campaign updates, new releases, show dates
- #behind-the-scenes: Studio photos, work-in-progress clips
- #general-chat: Open conversation with fans
- #listening-party: Voice channel for live album listening events
- #feedback: Ask fans to vote on artwork, track names, setlists
- Create roles for backers (e.g., “Founding Supporter,” “Album Backer”)
- Use the Groovy or similar music bot for shared listening
Discord for Campaign Management
- Create a backer-only channel that requires a role to access
- Share exclusive content drops in the backer channel
- Host live Q&A sessions using voice channels
- Let backers interact with each other and build relationships (this strengthens your community)
Email Newsletter: Your Insurance Policy
Social platforms and communities can change their rules or shut down. Your email list is the one audience you truly own. Every community strategy should include an email component.
Recommended Email Platforms for Musicians
| Platform | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | Up to 500 contacts | Beginners, simple newsletters |
| ConvertKit | Up to 1,000 contacts | Creators, automation, landing pages |
| MailerLite | Up to 1,000 contacts | Clean design, good free tier |
| Buttondown | Up to 100 contacts | Simple, privacy-focused, minimal |
Community Quickstart Guide
Here is the minimum viable community setup for a musician running a crowdfunding campaign:
Before Campaign Launch
- Join the Masters Radio Community (you already have access as a course graduate)
- Set up an email list with a lead magnet (free track download, behind-the-scenes content)
- Create a simple Discord server with 3-4 channels
During Campaign
- Invite backers to your Discord with a backer-only channel
- Post campaign updates to your email list
- Share progress and ask questions in the Masters Radio Discussion channel
After Campaign
- Keep your Discord active with production updates and listening parties
- Continue monthly email newsletters even after fulfillment
- Share your campaign analysis and lessons learned in the Masters Radio community
- Help the next musician in the community who is preparing to launch