By Kate Benedetti
A&E Editor
A singer and jazz trumpeter since seventh grade, junior history major Zac McMillan enjoyed a musical upbringing a little different than most.
Now he is seeking support for his debut album through a website called Kickstarter, which allows musicians to publicize their projects and fans to “pledge” funding. If the artist’s financial goal is not reached, supporters receive full refunds.
“People don’t donate, but they are buying the product beforehand, and I am using that income to pay for creating it,” he said.
“My whole family has [always] been about music,” said McMillan, who grew up in Memphis listening to classical music and a capella groups. A Harry Connick Jr. album influenced him to join his school’s jazz band. He continued to play and sing in church choirs throughout high school.
At Union, McMillan has participated in jazz band, Mosaic’s gospel choir, and numerous Open Mic performances, as and last spring’s Variety Show. Among his musical influences are Nat King Cole, Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra.
The album will feature about five songs, including three original compositions. He said he hopes his album will aid in bringing the classic jazz music of his inspirations into the modern age.
His Kickstarter page seeks to raise nearly $3,000 to cover the cost of his studio work.
If fully funded, McMillan hopes to release the album by the end of the semester. He added that he would be grateful for the support of his fellow students.
“Union students … are my biggest audience, and they’re the ones I need the most help from,” he said. “Even the $2 [minimum pledge] helps me, not only to get closer to my goal but to move me up so that other people who visit the site can see my name.”
The deadline to pledge is March 2.
