ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2015, Volume 16 | Page 40

campaigns on INDIEGOGO and KICKSTARTER. And we've actually looked to our fans and to the public to make their minds up whether or not they want to support us. And we've actually been very fortunate to raise money somewhere in the area of $30,000. Scotty J: That is awesome. Jade Starling: Maybe a little bit more than that. You know, it sounds like a lot of money, but it really isn't. Once you're paying for remixes from top DJ's and hiring people to do Billboard campaigns and radio campaigns-- you know, they cost thousands of dollars. It's like we're still in that mode of fund raising, and we're looking to our fans to be a part of this journey. That's basically how we put it to them. Do you want to be a part of this? And the fans are so die hard, that they--even if they put up $5, it's like, “Yes, you are a part of this ride--you are on this adventure with us”. Scotty J: You do have an amazing fan base. I mean, anyone that goes on Facebook will be able to see that. One thing I want to ask you about--just because there's more ways than ever before to reach out to your fan base, and the ways an artist can generate revenue has changed so much--how's touring been? Earlier we were talking about Europe and how different the scene is there versus the United States. I just know so many artists, that while they may not have a huge following here, that's obviously not an issue for you. But, artists that don't have a following here, they go over to Europe and they're like gods over there--and they just clean it up. It's ridiculous. Is doing a European tour something PRETTY POISON has discussed? Jade Starling: Oh absolutely. Actually, right now, we are in the process of putting together a tour and a touring band. So it's going to be live players in the band and is also going to have that 3-D element. You actually had the pleasure of being at one of those shows. Scotty J: Yeah, at the CASBAH. Jade Starling: Yes. It was in its infancy at that time, but the show has been developed to being fully completed. So we're looking at probably next year. We will be doing a 3-D tour, doing like small theaters and larger clubs that can accommodate our dimensions. Scotty J: Something like in Philadelphia, such as THE TROCADERO or the TLA, or something like that? Jade Starling: Exactly. Exactly. Something with a good size stage and a high ceiling, so we will be able to do the 3-D visual elements behind us. As far as right now, the touring has been worked in. THE FREESTYLE EXPLOSION, for instance, has been a huge tour for us. The fact that we get to play arenas, and even though it is more of an old school type of a show with those kind of acts, we always incorporate the new stuff. We're one of the only groups on the tour doing anything new and we have been getting a great response, so I don't mind being on tours with other people. I don't have to be the headliner every day. My ego is really in check. I just want to be seen by as many people as possible. Scotty J: Well, I'll tell you what, Jade. Having met you and having worked with some many different musicians over the last few years in so many different genres of music, you're definitely one of the nicest artists I've ever met. You're one of the nicest people I've ever met. Jade Starling: Oh thank you. So are you. Scotty J: I'm just being honest. Jade Starling: I always try to surround myself with good people with good energy. Honestly, in work and in life, I really only like to be around good people. We try to work with people we like. Scotty J: You make a great point and it is so hard in this industry. It is so cutthroat, as you well know. Jade Starling: I feel really fortunate to be working with the people I'm working with now. MIKE FERULLO from TAZMANIA