192
Backers
$5,456
pledged of $5,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on February 12, 2010.
Pledge $3 or more
You will get a post card in the mail from me with the location of some buried treasure in addition to exclusive updates along the way!
Pledge $10 or more
All of the above plus a digital download (with bonus material) of my new full band EP a week before it comes out!
Pledge $30 or more
All of the above plus a cassette version of the full band EP, a brand new 7" split on colored vinyl, and a copy of The Seaside Sessions.
Pledge $50 or more
ALL OF THE ABOVE! Plus, a limited addition screen printed t-shirt designed by Koji/Colormake with your name on the back listed as a kickstarter backer. There will be buttons, stickers, and other fun extras too!
Pledge $99 or more
ALL OF THE ABOVE! Plus, you'll get original art post cards designed by Koji from his travels across the United States and Europe during his 2010 tours. Each card will come with the location of some more secret buried treasure! And as if that wasn't enough, you will be listed in the liner notes on the new full band EP. "UNBELIEVABLE!"
Pledge $199 or more
ALL OF THE ABOVE! Annnnd, Koji will call you on Skype and give a video chat/concert for you and your friends. He will be taking requests! "CRAZY!"
Pledge $499 or more
ALL OF THE ABOVE! Annnnnnnnnd, Koji will come to your house, apartment, dorm, wherever to sing for you during his 2010 tour and YES, he will be bringing pizza! "Proceed with caution, this could be AWESOME!" (Continental US Only)
Project By
Has not connected their Facebook account.
Artist and activist from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
(one more thing!) There is no template for success. Knowledge is power, and if your success is more achieveable with financial aid, discover legitimate avenues of income: whether grants, scholarships, kickstarter*, retail/fast food or car wash. Thank you, Koji, for this whole experience, which we can all take something from. STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, BRING YOUR 'A' GAME, and remember every action will generate an equal and opposite reaction ;)
Koji doesn't need the $5,000... he already has it! There's nothing to prove; those who are antagonists have chosen to be that way, and are CLEARLY outnumbered. Facts and personal accounts from supporters are not necessary, as the attacks on my friend are simple demonstrations of enmity. The only fact that matters is Kickstarter approved Koji's endeavors and the people who matter most came through. That's enough for us. Koji, with our continued support will take care of the rest.
O and your tour* not your your
Frankly* sorry posted from my phone
Daniel,
It's interesting to me that someone who is so concerned with Vanity and selfishness can write nothing short of a graduate dissertation on a comment page of a fundraising web site. Who can also be so self rightious and marter them selves, talk about your blood sweat and tears and your your schedule. Then have the audacity to imply that you know better how I, and everyone else who donated should spend their money. You seem to be speaking to your self my friend. And those who hate this strongly are usually those who fale. Focus on what you can do for your life to be more successful and less bitter. Because the amount of thought and energy that has gone into these useless rants is gluttonness and frankling shocking.
hahaha
Anna Schuck, my love for you just doubled. :)
Koji is a great person. i believe in him. apparently belief isn't enough. so let's try numbers.
First, Invisible Children is an incredible organization. We don't care about the hip factor, we are proud to support this 501(c) non-profit which sends hundreds of kids to seconday school, employes formely abducted women and educates youth around the world to know and care about this unseen crisis. please, go research it and you will know why we are so eager to help.
Koji and I, along with help from a great team of people (no, not a hype crew) has raised well over $50,000. directly. given to Invisible Children directly. and as a former IC roadie, i can promise you it went straight there. and then straight to the ground in Uganda, where we helped build Sir Samuel Baker Seconday School, a secondary school for boys in Northern Uganda.
Koji was the city leader and planner of The Resuce, an international event by Invisible Children, in Harrisburg, PA. His DIRECT work led our city be rescued by Arlen Specter (you know, the senator of pennsylvania.)
Koji rescued rode with Invisible Children for days on end, ending in Chicago to be one of hundreds sleeping on the streets for the children of uganda. then we were on oprah, i don't know if you've heard of her. she's pretty legit.
Koji was a part of team who planned of Global Night Commute, the very first event of Invisible Childrens. This was far before IC was "trendy" or a "fad".
koji has hosted EVERY SINGLE invisible children tour, planning screenings for hundreds of kids to learn about the situation in Northern Uganda.
And then we send them TO INVISIBLECHILDREN.COM! you know, directly to an organization. we encourage them to get involved on thier own. not through us. he's not a middlemn, he is an advocate for good orangizations. and that's okay.
Koji spent his NEW YEARS in New York City to meet and listen to teachers from Uganda so he could learn more to continue to be an educated advocate.
Sick of Invisible Children? Okay.
Koji spent two days, with Resovle Uganda, lobbying in Washington DC for Senate Bill 1067: LRA Disarmarment and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. Sleeping on the floor of a church to save money, bringing a tangible difference to the most important bill for Africa in history.
Koji spends time going to hospitals to sing in rehab centers. why? because people smile.
Koji worked at a camp, every summer, with young adults with special needs (MR, downs, autism).
Koji has turned down paying shows to take out enough time during his tour to make sure he spends enough time visiting boys and girls clubs, children's hospitals and food banks to learn and serve communities he is visiting.
Koji has given so much of his time and talent to kids who are trying to organize benefit concerts, playing for free, doing design work, working sound and teaching them how to host a great show. How do I know? Because, as a complete stranger many years ago, he befriended and helped me while i struggled to be a DIY promoter in Delaware.
He, and his family, are active members in the Phillapino community, giving time and talent and resources to a wonderful group of people.
Have you been to a Koji show? Have you ever not had any money? That's okay, you can have a CD anyway. because he doesn't want to keep music from anyone. we want you to be in our community and be able to enjoy something even if you have have nothing. Doesn't sound like a lot, until you've been poor and recieved love in the form of music.
AND TONIGHT, HE GAVE AWAY HIS DINNER TO A HOMELESS GUY STANDING OUTSIDE OF WAWA. okay, i understand that's a stretch. but it's true. and it was great sandwich, and he was real hungry.
...all of this and so much more.
Koji needs money, $5,000 to be exact, to continue to make music, be an activist and help the enviroment. Here's why...it takes money to rent out a venue to host a free documentary screening to teach kids about Eastern Africa. It takes money to print with soy inks on recycled paper stocks instead of enviromentkiller ink. It takes money to give away free CDs to kids who can't afford one. It takes money to pass up shows to volunteer instead. It takes money to host free art meet ups for artist to come and share their work and love. This all takes money.
Sure, this may look vain. Kickstarter was created to enable creative thinkers to ask the community to help fund their ideas. If you don't like it, don't get a kickstarter. because the whole point is to draw upon your COMMUNITY, friends, family, and strangers. What on earth is negative about wanting to help a friend achieve their goal?
The vanity argument fails here. Because if someone was vain, they would brag about these things. Which he hasnt. But a person who is humbly compelled to simply serve doesn't need to make a bullet list. However I, as a proud friend, am perfectly entitled to.
thank you and I love you!
-anna.
Danny,
Seek therapy.
why do some people insist on being in sour attitudes and bringing everyone else down with them? daniel, cat, evan, i now understand your distaste for koji... despite your negativity he stays positive...
The hatred that flows in your Facebook and your Tumblr cheapen your entire argument. Please leave us to do our thing, and we will leave you to do yours. You are welcome here, but your negativity is not.
I have met Koji, I have many friends and acquaintances that have met Koji. The over-arching feeling everyone I know gets from him is a selfish, better-than-thou attitude showing nothing but exclusivity and vanity. I still want to know how he is changing lives, how he is being he best person he can be, and how he is making a positive impact on this world. I can count on both hands the people I know that are sickened by this whole campaign. But all anyone can say is "if you knew him, you would understand". But I have met him, I have tried cordiality and good-nature. It went nowhere with him because he wanted everything to be a campaign of pats on the back for HIM. And that is a pretty close assessment of one version of selfishness, as far as I can relate. It's not tough to dupe people these days. Maybe he is duping people for, in part, a good cause. But, informing people and giving people the tools, means, and motivations to change the world is much more admirable than any kind of vanity riddled popularity tool. If he is truly being the best person possible, he chose some really poor means here at Kick Starter for doing so.
No one here has given me a reason to believe in any of this, especially not Koji. The most sincere people here are the one's that are here just to support the music. If the rest of you believe that Koji and his HBG hype crew are changing the world, I ask you to reassess whether you've seen any proof of that. Because I know I haven't. And until he proves to me that he is doing something good to deserve all 192 pats on the back, I will remain skeptical of his character.
I will end my part in this "argument" by taking on this quote from your reply:
"So don't look down on me just because I am not blindly following."
Not a single one of these 192 people are blindly following. Please do not look down on them because they have done so. Those who ask for help will always be criticized. It may come across as vain. The reason I say that "you have to know him" is that you would then know that he is one of the most selfless people I've ever met. Yes, he has personal goals, but you will see. He changes lives of people that know and don't know him.
Your touring accomplishments are impressive, but Koji's put out 7 releases over the last 5 years, and has toured and played over 500 shows in his career. He's earned the support he has gathered.
Anyway, thank you for being willing to discuss this in a civil manner, and I hope that if you get a chance, you come to one of his shows and get to know him. Your criticisms will likely turn to support, whether financial or not.
1. The only thing of substance I've seen here is "believe in him, he is a good person, he makes a difference". Call me cynical, but if that is all it takes, then nearly everyone I know should be handed $5000 right now. But, that isn't happening, because we all have the humility to realize that our own self-importance is in no way above any one else's. Also, why should I have to know Koji personally to get this? If he can only change the lives of those who personally know him on a one-on-one basis, then his ability to change people doesn't reach very far. And, besides that point, everyone I know (myself included) that has had interactions with Koji, have left with a sour taste of selfishness and vanity.
2. And my concern is not entrenched in the issue of how he will spend the money. It's the glamour and self-interest in himself that has shown through during this whole campaign. If he has sacrificed personal wealth for the betterment of others, why is HIS music the "first and foremost" priority (not my words) of this campaign; before and above his role as activist?
3. The way a record label works is often dollar for dollar, or worse for the band. They never just blindly give away money. Taking music into one's own hands, in-house, and asking for easy handouts are two different things. I'm in a DIY band, myself, and I've played tons of unpaid shows where no one cares. It's a bad feeling when that happens, but it comes with the territory. In the 18 months, just on fiscally responsible management of band money, I have released 7 CDs, funded 6 tours, promoted said tours, printed many t-shirts and bags, etc. And we've broken out ahead, without ever asking for a handout; not once. There is a vast difference between the D.I.Y. music mentality that you raise; and what comes off as a mentality of unwarranted and pre-conceived self-merit and self-deservedness.
4. Yes, I'll gladly admit that Invisible Children has done good things, and I definitely will be keeping an eye out to see where that money goes. "The character of a man is in what he does when no one is looking". He shouldn't have used this as a selling point in the first place. If he feels so strongly, he should have pointed fans directly to the Invisible Children charity, or some other means of directly supporting that (or another) charity.
5. Tons of bands are touring all the time. I have friends that have played 100/150/200+ shows a year. And they do it on their own, by living/touring within the means they have and that are offered to them. Many working crappy part-time jobs every day home. Koji's touring schedule seems ambitious until you are in the "touring musician" situation, at which point it just seems necessary.
6. Believe me, I will be following to see where this money goes, who it supports, how it is displayed to the world, and most importantly how it effects people. If it goes to good places/organizations/causes, then he has followed through and I commend that. Though I will never commend the vanity that has gone into this whole campaign.
7. Lastly, I am not sure what the tone of your last paragraph is meant to be, but if it is of a self-righteous nature, I ask you to spare it. I am keeping all my comments of a civil nature and I believe everyone has the ability to do the same. So do not call my criticism's misguided, for they are relevant view points to arrive at in a logical and curious thought process. And do not cast a shadow of doubt upon my ability to change the world, and change people, and alter lives for the better. I have spent more time, money, sweat, blood, tears, smiles, etc. on changing the world and being the best person I can be. Just because we may disagree doesn't make either of us a better person. Need I remind you, throughout history, some of the people with the most defiant view points were some of the people who had some of the most legitimate impacts on changing widely-accepted thought? So don't look down on me just because I am not blindly following. I am only offering these words as a curiosity and a challenge for follow-through.
P.S. I do appreciate the support in ridding this area of petty insults. Better to say nothing if all you have is substanceless venom
P.S. I challenge Koji's friends to not react to Daniel with the kind of vigor that is embarrassing to Koji and contrary to the goals and ideals of this campaign. That's the one thing that he was correct about.
Daniel,
I too have watched as people reacted with anger to previous criticisms. All I can say is that unless you know who Koji is, you don't understand. He is making a difference, every day. And all I can say is that he will spend the money properly. He's had it laid on his heart to sacrifice personal wealth for the betterment of others, and I've seen it in action. He didn't "beg" anyone. He's not at all selfish. EVERY SINGLE DAY, bands get signed to record labels, who do this exact thing. They fund future art. Why not break the trends of the destroyed music industry, and take it all in house? He asked for support from the people that he loves, from the people that love him. There is nothing at all selfish about that.
He will be providing every single one of these people with their money's worth in music. That alone makes the whole thing worth while. And every single one of the 192 people that backed him in this project believe that their money is going to be well-used, well-looked-after.
Trend or no trend, Invisible Children is an organization that has actually made an incredibly powerful difference in the world. If you think that all of his "activism" is centered there, again, I challenge you to know Koji like I know him.
He has one of the most ambitious touring schedule anyone I've ever worked with has tackled. This money will go a long way to get him started, but it will by no means be wasted.
The only thing I would possibly take you to task on is doing your homework, and actually following up with Koji's career movements from here. If in six months, Koji didn't fulfill his promises, THEN I might see a reason to make yourself an account on Kickstarter.com, and take 192 people to task for giving their money to someone who didn't deserve it. But since I know Koji and the rest of the people involved in this project, I know that this will not happen.
Thank you for your thought-out, though misguided, criticisms. I encourage you to spend your money and your time to do good in this world, and remember these 192 people when you need funding to do it. We'd probably be the first ones to pitch in.
I'm already skeptical about the legitimacy of this whole thing. The true honesty and positive effect of any given person can be show by his or her ability to act in a positive and constructive way without having to brag about it. But, in regards to his 3 reasons for raising this money, all I can see is selfishness:
1. TO MAKE MORE MUSIC - Asking people to give you money so that you can do what you want to do. Mind you, "first and foremost". His words, not mine. This is like a child begging for an unwarranted, unnecessary, and complete overabundance of toys at Christmas; just because said child wants them? Obviously every musician wants to pursue their dreams of making music. But with any sense of humility, a musician would realize that the best way to do this is to head out on the road, play shows, make/sell merch, etc. I know this from experience.
2. ACTIVISM - What kind of blanket statement is this? Sure, Invisible Children does an okay job at informing people, but this is a fad/trend charity. It's easy to get involved with a charity when it is hip and cool to do so. If you believe so much in being involved with needs-based and charity organizations, why not just encourage direct donations to these groups?
3. THE ENVIRONMENT - Sounds like another facet of the "being a good person because it's cool" emblem. Why do you need everyone's monetary donation to act in a green and eco-friendly manner? If you truly believe in this - again, you should be encouraging direct donations to research. And, on a personal matter, just be a more green and eco-friendly person, because it is the right thing to do. You don't need $5000 to do so. If you truly believe in it, you can do it for free.
And I won't even bring up the favorite jacket, material possessions issue. Shit happens, we all know this and we've all dealt with it.
Lastly, if this man/musician/activist has changed so many lives in such a good and positive manner, why are all these changed souls on here trash talking anyone who raises even the slightest question to the legitimacy of this program? If he's really influenced their lives so much, why are they still here acting like ignorant, childish bullies? If these are the people he has bettered, he obviously hasn't done that great of a job - as proven by their selfish and close-minded ways of attacking people on the internet. (i.e. Dr. Destroyer, Marlin, Alex Ernst, Brandon Youngblood, Naim Yeal, Sarena)
I would have no problems if this were called "Koji presents: A Personal Fundraiser". But he is fooling many people out of a lot of money under the guise of doing great things. If you want to support him as a musician (as you should, he's actually quite good), go to his shows and pay to get in and buy his merch and throw him a donation or two. If you want to support activism, find a true and legitimate 501(c) not-for-profit charity to donate to. They know how to deal with donated money better than Koji because that's how they survive. And lastly, to promote a greener and more eco-friendly lifestyle, go learn about the issue and start in your own personal life. 5000 acts towards a greener ecosystem would go much much further than $5000 to a kid in PA could ever go.
Think wisely!
its almost funny to read evan and cats comments... if they ever met koji they would sure feel silly!
looking forward to see what comes in the mail! But more than that, I hope that my contribution helps! Hopefully I'll come to see you soon, friend! Good luck on the road! Here's hoping that rap artists stay out of your recording studios unless they want to collaborate! Ha ha!
Woot! Woot! I know it isn't much but you have officially been Hadley Backed! I can't wait to see and hear all about the amazing stuff you will be doing this year! <3
Koji I love you man, forget about the nay sayers. They don't know you and don't understand what you alone are capable of. You're doing an awesome thing bro. I'm really proud to be a part of supporting you and the message you present through your music and your life alike. much love brother.
I'M GOING TO USE THIS MONEY TO PAY FOR MY BOOZE AND GAS ON TOUR! GET AT MEEEEEEEE.
Yay! I'm so glad you reached your goal, you deserve it :]
Yeaa! Congratulations Koji! I knew you would reach your goal.
:D
ATTENTION ALL HATERS (I.E. EVAN) AND BITCHES (I.E. CAT): HOP OFF THIS GUYS DICK.
ATTENTION FUTURE HATERS: (I.E. EVAN) AND BITCHES (I.E. CAT): MAKING ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW MAKES YOU LOOK REALLY FUCKING STUPID, JUST SAYIN.
SHOUTOUT COLORMAKE FAMILY PEACE
Cat, I appreciate your opinion and your skepticism, Niam is right..it definitely keeps us in check so we know what people think. I'm sorry your friend was unable to make his goal, but it sounds like he does incredible things. You should point us in the direction of his campaign..maybe some of these backers would like to help!
As part of the Colormake team, I can promise you that we aren't all talk, and we sincerely try to incorporate activism and good work in all parts of our business. That is why we are dedicating so much of our time this spring to serving in different service projects (including singing in childrens hospitals..). Not because it's trendy, and not to gain popularity or press. But because we believe in humbly serving a community through showing love and kindness to people. Perhaps you haven't heard about this, but that's because we don't want the credit. We are doing what creates smiles, for both us and others. I hope that you can stay in contact with us so that you can see the tangible work we create, and hopefully have faith and believe in what we do.
Thank you!
awww cat burrs mad :(
So excited for you!! Congrats!! :)
Cat, I've worked with Koji for years. He changes lives. He changed mine. It's hard to ask people for money. His video didn't show how difficult 2009 really was for him. He tried to keep it light, because he's a very positive person. As part of the Colormake team (along with a bunch of the other backers here), we are working incredibly hard to make this money go a long way to help Koji meet his goals of being an activist first, and an artist and musician second. I truly encourage you to track his progress throughout his spring tour. We will be releasing an awful lot of content that will more than prove his worth as a person that's worth donating to. Thank you for your respectful constructive criticism. As with all charitable donations, you need to know where you send your money. As Naim said below, obviously 170 people feel strongly enough about Koji's work to donate. Much love to you!
Truth be told Cat, I appreciate your skepticism. It keeps us in check. What is also true, is that all 170 of these people support someone, whether for "booze", rent, or more accurately pursuing dreams and bestowing joy into the lives of others. Hopefully, you have a philanthropic idea, and if you aren't BEAUCOUP rich, people who love and support you will be more than happy to throw a little money your way. If not, let's focus on introspective assessment for now! Cheers*
What up Cat. Why didn't you give any support to your friend who sings at children's wards?
Oh yeah, and that is all just my opinion, so take it as you will. But from the impression you give, dude, I hope you use that money well. Maybe give to that charity you name drop or something.
You seem flaky. Or like one of those people who talks about sunshine and goodness while using other people for money. There isn't anything cool coming out of this like an art install or free concert or something people could openly and freely enjoy. For all anybody knows you will use this money for booze or to pay your rent. And I don't see how you will be environmentally friendly/reduce your carbon emission. That sounds like trendster BS. Wish my friend, who sings at children's wards, would have hit his goal rather than you. Oh, and boohoo about your stuff being stolen.
i loved watching you come closer and closer to your goal in the past couple of days! congrats on reaching it :)
Hey man congrats on the goal, Angie and I were glad to support you, see you next Saturday?
-Craig
5,000 raised with 6 days to go, POOR EVAN!!!!!!
6 days left. Time for one big final push. Spread the word and we can blow past the $5000 goal.
This is fantastic...
<3
i send you so much love and support Andrew. I believe in you and I know you are making a difference in this world.
Love you Shirak!!!
Guess who broke $4,000 with eight days left to go! Whooo!
you're getting so close! i'm super excited for you guy!
Ah, you guys are awesome! Keep it rolling! This is going to be an amazing year!
Koji rocks my world. And he will continue to do so every day in the future.
hey koji! how are you?! im am so glad to hear about what you are doing. it sounds amazing and i cnt wait to see what you can create. it is truly OUTSTANDING! i could only donate a small amount right now but i hope it helps. good luck in all of your endevors :) -jessica demarchis
Koji is very inspiring. He stands for good causes and isn't afraid to stand out and do the right thing. Awesome.
evan listens to cobra starship.
UP THE NEON, BROS!
There are few people I believe in more than this guy! If you desire a better world, please support him~ thank you
Truth be told, all leaders and people who stand for something need an Evan! He's the Kanye of this page! Congrats, my friend.
$1466 says evans a punk bitch cuz he wouldn't say any of that slick shit to Andrews face. evans mad cuz he listens to owl city.
Dear Evan, Koji is a good friend which is why I want to take the time to address your small minded comments. First look him up on Facebook and I'm sure he would take the time to answer all of your questions. What is disturbing to me is that you would waste time making snide comments to someone who is actually trying to do something positive with his life and who has done nothing negative towards you in any respect. So I am sending this to you with love in hopes that in the future you can become a productive human being and not be such a useless little prick (of which i am sure you have). To Koji..I have so much respect for how ridiculously hard you work! Thank you for your time and MUSIC.