Sample Projects

*The following are just a few examples of projects that fit our guidelines. Be creative and let us know what you’re up to. If your project is going to help you grow as a musician, it may qualify! Check out the guidelines. Project budgets may not exceed $5,000.

ANDRE, BAND LEADER

Andre and his band, The Whiskered Livers, perform regularly in Portland and southern Washington. They are receiving a lot of attention, and fans keep asking where to buy their most recent songs. It’s time they recorded a new EP, so he applies to the Echo Fund.

He provides a detailed description of his project, noting he is using local music businesses:

“I’m seeking funding for the recording, mixing, mastering, and CD production of four songs for an EP at PDX Recording studio in Portland.”

He explains specifically how the funding of his project will spur new growth for his band by leveling up their exposure:

“The full funding of this project will allow me to create a record to sell at my live shows by June of 2025. We will be able to make additional income by selling albums and by submitting them to potential bookers for new shows. We also plan to distribute the EP and the recorded tracks through various channels to increase exposure and awareness of our music to multiple audiences.”

He provides a detailed budget that is based on his own research in calling/emailing vendors to determine the estimated costs for each step of the project:

Budget

2 days recording studio time at PDX Recording Studio ($720/day): $1,440

8 hours of mixing time at PDX Recording Studio ($75/hr): $600

Mastering at PDX Mastering ($100/song): $400

TOTAL $2,440

YOON, PRODUCER, DJ, AND SONGWRITER/COMPOSER

Yoon spins dubstep style songs that are a hybrid of their own songs and samples. They are frequently hired in the greater Portland metro area to provide music for corporate events. But, their turntable was damaged at a recent event. Without working equipment, Yoon will lose their shows.

They provide a detailed description of the project, noting they are using local music businesses:

“I plan to purchase a XXX turntable from XXX [vendor].”

Note to applicants: While the use of local vendors is encouraged, we realize that, particularly with gear, some items are not available locally. This will not affect your application unfavorably.

They explain specifically how the funding of this project will spur new growth for their business.

“A new turntable will allow me to obtain higher paying gigs in the region. My previous turntable was damaged at a gig, and I have lost significant revenue because of it. I expect that the number of gigs I'm hired to perform will increase by xx% after I obtain the turntable.”

They provide a detailed budget that is based on calling/emailing vendors to determine the estimated costs for each step of the project:

Budget

XXX turntable, Model XX $1,199

LIBRETTA, SINGER-SONGWRITER, VIDEO AND MARKETING

Libretta is a singer/songwriter who performs regularly in the greater Portland area, and regionally. In order to expand her ability to book new shows, she needs to make a professional video.

She provides a detailed description of the project, noting that she plans to use local music businesses.

“I need to make a music video that showcases my work. I will hire XXX [videographer and producer] to produce and film my video. After production, I will hire XXX [social media marketing consultant] to edit the video to social media specs and distribute it widely across my channels.”

She explains specifically how the funding of her project will spur new growth for her Singer/Songwriting career development.

“Singer /Songwriters are known for their unique brands and styles, which include visuals as well as sound. I have been successful at getting hired, but my potential clients often request a video representation of my work. I believe that adding a video to my marketing will produce a much higher number of gigs.”

She provides a detailed budget that is based on her own research in calling/emailing vendors to determine the estimated costs for each step of the project:

Budget

8 Hour Video Shoot w/PDX Videography ($100/hr): $800

8 Hour Rental of Studio Space ($75/hr): $600

8 hours of editing/post production w PDX Production ($75/hr): $600 

Social Media clip/post design and distribution w PDX Social Media (lump sum contract): ($500)

TOTAL $2500