Ten Toes Up working to fund album online

One of the Grand Strand's most popular rock bands is aiming high when it comes to producing the follow up to 2010's "Sleeping Lion."

Having recently returned from a round of showcases in Nashville the group is setting their sights on heading back to the music city later this year for two weeks to record.

"Apparently we turned some heads in Nashville because we were approached by a renowned producer that feels he can get us to the next level by recording our new album," writes frontman Bj Craven.

But as is always the case when attempting to make a splash in a bigger market, it's going to take money to produce the album and thus TTU has turned to Kickstarter to raise $20,000 to put toward the project. 

"The money we're trying to raise will help us pay for the producer, engineers, studios, press, printing, and all of the other costs that come with putting together a project like this," the band says in its Kickstarter pitch. "In the end, it's all about the music and this will no doubt be the best we've ever made together."   

The site, described as an online threshold pledge system for funding creatie projects, offers fans "rewards" for pledging anywhere from $5 to $10,000.

These rewards range from somewhat silly — free high fives from drummer Adam Miller at any time, anywhere — to signed copies of the album and TTU memorabilia and even some truly unique experiences such as skydiving with the band (who are apparently all afraid of heights).

In addition to asking bands to give away incentives for fans donation, Kickstarter also encourages artists to make a video explaining their project (see below) which the TTU members took as an opportunity to show off their comedic chops. 

The month-long fundraising project will run through March 17 and following Kickstarter's "All or Nothing" policy will only be funded if the band reaches its goal by noon on the Saturday of St. Patrick's Day. 

"If we don't reach our goal we receive none of the pledges and the money is returned. For this reason, we've set our goal at a number we feel good about, even though it's far below the actual cost of the project. If we go over, we'll still use the funds on this record to make it even better," the group writes.

Within an hour of the project being launched — as of this post — the total amount raised was at $250, but with the band's continuing popularity in their hometown that total is sure to rise. Check the widget above for an updated total on the project and check with us back upon completion for an update on the band's experience and future plans.

A replica of the TTU van from their Kickstater video.

Click here to view the full project breifing and donate to Ten Toes Up.