CODES: The Irish electro-indie band introduce us to their campaign for a fan-funded album

The Irish Indie music world is a fickle, fickle beast, tamed by only a few bands who find their way into popularity. Of course, while many bands eventually will find funding to release their sonic architecture upon the world, this does not guarantee super-stardom. With financial worries and no guarantee of success, it would leave many blossoming musicians wondering- Surely there's a better way?

Well, yeah, there is. At least, there is if Dublin band, Codes are anything to go by. 

                      Codes's only single, This Is Goodbye

For those not too in with the Irish Indie world, Codes are a quartet hailing from Dublin, featuring the talents of Daragh Anderson, Eoin Stephens, Niall Woods and Raymond Hogge. Establishing themselves quickly, they've gone to play alongside bands such as Keane and Airborne Toxic Event. 

Featuring a style of music that's taken atmospheric soundscapes and the energy of live rock and left them on the top speed setting in a blender, Codes are electro-indie at its very finest, beautiful and powerful in equal measure.

It isn't their music, however, that deserves the acclaim, but perhaps, more their approach

Their first album, Trees Dream in Algebra was funded by the band themselves, each member taking out a loan so that it could be recorded. Record labels? "Pah!" say Codes, taking on a very Do It Yourself approach to recording.

 The results are anything but the shabby nature implied by D.I.Y. A highly polished and well structured album was released, taking critics breath away and winning them nominations in several contests, notably the Choice Music Awards in 2010. 

With that, Codes have a pick of record companies at their feet, all ready to bark to their commands.

Alas, Codes say nay. Only two weeks ago did the band set up their IndieGoGo page, a page aimed at raising the much needed funds to pay for their album, once again going it their own way. 

Similar to a Kickstart campaign, the band are looking for fans to pledge money to help them record this album in exchange for exclusive prizes depending on the amount given. (The most lavish prize being VIP membership to all of Codes' shows in the future, as well as the opportunity to appear on stage with them.) 

With this fan-based finance method, seen in famous artists such as Amanda Palmer (whose TED talk on willingness of fans to support artists they like is gaining steam all across the internet) the band have freed themselves from the restraints put on bands by record companies.

               Codes' teaser track, a preview of music to come from them.

The question is, is this the future of music? A future where the fan is critical to the music process? Where only music that can really grip the public via the internet can grip the remainder of the public?

An even more important question is this; Is this a better way for music? In a market fraught with the parasite of piracy, are Codes (and many like them) pioneers of music's chosen path?

This remains to be seen. Until then, I return to my original point, with their album funded by fans, is it going to propel them to super-stardom? Once again, a question I cannot answer. I'm just keeping my fingers very tightly crossed.

Codes' funding campaign can be found here, more information on their campaign is available on that page. 

Codes' music can also be found on Soundcloud