I’m excited to announce that Indiegogo and Island Records have officially launched Fan Republic today. It’s the first collaboration of its kind between a major music label and a crowdfunding platform.

Emerging artists will have a chance to connect directly with the highly respected Island Records A&R team, who will be evaluating all projects and offering exclusive rewards for artists who reach their funding targets, such as special deals on studio rates, video production, van rentals, and more! Island Records has launched some of the biggest stars in music including U2, Bob Marley, Tom Waits, Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine, and many others.

Fan Republic also offers a preview of Indiegogo Outpost, a platform that will be widely released to the public within the next few months. It will empower brands to run crowdfunding campaigns within their own websites.

To celebrate the launch of Fan Republic and kickoff a worldwide search for the next hottest act, the following perks are being offered to artists who successfully reach or exceed their fixed funding goal:

• Island Records is offering a single release to one winner selected by the A&R team from all of the artists who reach their funding target within the first six months from launch.
• The legendary Abbey Road Studios, a key Fan Republic partner, is also offering to mix and master a single via their world-class online service, for one lucky artist who successfully funds their campaign.

Start your Fan Republic Campaign today or contact Fan Republic to have your existing Indiegogo campaign added to Fan Republic.

Be sure to share this news with your music friends and colleagues–and let us know what you think in the comments below!