TLC using fans to fund final album

TLC using fans to fund final album

TLC is releasing their last album, and they are funding it through a Kickstarter campaign.

The Grammy-winning group TLC is using a Kickstarter campaign to fund the release of their fifth and final album. TLC fans will fund the album directly. The group, which currently includes Chilli and T-Boz, launched their campaign on Monday.

T-Boz, or Tionne Watkins, said that the group is known to do things differently. She called TLC “trendsetters” and “trailblazers.” She added that the group has always been outspoken and “this seems like the perfect opportunity” to use Kickstarter.

TLC released hit after hit, such as No ScrubsWaterfalls and Creep, at the peak of their career. And their album CrazySexyCool sold more than 10 million units and gave them their Grammy-winning status. Their latest album 3D was released just seven months after the death of band member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in 2002.

They have sold 65 million records worldwide, had four Hot 100 No. 1s and a TV movie that attracted 4.5 million viewers, according to Billboard. Although TLC has had major success, they had to file for bankruptcy in 1996.

Chilli, or Rozanda Thomas, said that many are wondering why the celebrities are asking for money from their fans. She said that TLC is looking to bring their fans “into the process and see how it’s done.”

The group is hoping to raise $150,000 through the Kickstarter campaign to boost the funds for the recording process. The money will pay for production, studio time, promoting the album and musicians’ compensation.

Donations for TLC’s campaign will begin at $5. Supporters who donate will be able to communicate with them during the recording process, and they will receive an exclusive digital track. Supporters who donate large amounts will receive even more exclusives including a recorded customized voicemail by Chilli and T-Boz, pieces of TLC music video wardrobe, a personal fitness class taught by Chilli in person and VIP concert tickets.

Chilli said that the idea of using a Kickstarter campaign for their final album came from their manager early on, but it was put into action due to fans’ excitement for the group’s return. Chilli said that fans have been sending them several creative ideas for their new album and overwhelming support via Twitter.

Because of the fans’ support, Chilli said that they needed to do an album and it needed to include the fans. She added that using Kickstarter to fund the album will mean that they are in total control of the album’s content. She called it “the perfect combination.”

TLC is following in the footsteps of Neil Young, who raised $6.2 million through Kickstarter in 2014 to fund a digital music project called PonoMusic. About 18,000 supporters funded the project.

Chilli and T-Boz have begun the writing process for the final album, and they are expecting the album to be released in May along with the start of their tour. However, they are still searching for “the right producers.” Chilli said in an interview with Billboard that they are taking their time to put together a great team because “people really want some good TLC music again.”

The group already released a biopic that included Meant to Be with Ne-Yo. His recent involvement with TLC has fans questioning whether he will appear on the album. Chilli said that they are huge Ne-Yo fans and would love for him to come on board if he has the time.

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