I'm not sure if someone outside of Tift's camp can answer this, but I'd like to know which method of purchasing the album will put the most money in Tift's pocket.

Of course, I realize that to really support her I need to go to a concert again, but we just had twins so that will be more difficult (and she's not coming to Mobile again).

Tallcuppajoe,

I think I may be able to answer your question. Anyway you choose to buy the new CD will give Tift a royalty payment that has been agreed to by Tift and the recording company. By more people buying the new CD the more it will convince the recording company to invest more money in her career. Thus more recording contracts, more money for Tift. Now I think there is a way you can contribute even more than you could have imagined and that would to be to join in Phillip Reid's Tift Merritt's Screaming Team. Where you can distribute information about Tift's music in your area.

I hope I've helped,  BobbyD

Our man in Mobile: Bobby is right that however you buy it, it reflects well on her. As is the case with any commerce, the fewer hands it passes through, the fewer shares of the profit there are. The CDs that Tift sells at shows are ones she has had to buy from the label on consignment, so those are definitely good to unload for her. But you can also order the CD directly from her label right now, which means very few cuts out of it. But it's also worth mentioning that Tift is a big supporter of local indepdendent record stores, so she might like to see you buy it from your local (non-chain) shop if there is one (they're getting rare).

Also, don't despair of a live show--there will definitely be more North American tour dates booked after the UK/Europe run in May.  We're just getting started!

WHO DAT talkin' 'bout Mo-beel?! 

Seriously...TWO different fans from Mobile, AL?  That's VERY cool. 

I spend half my time there; with the lady in my profile pic who's NOT Tift.

In fact, that photo was taken at the Saenger Theatre; after Tift's opening slot for Nickel Creek.  (hint: she was a hit!)

Now, getting to the question (a good one!) that started this thread; I have found that the best thing a fan can do is buy one copy from the label or a MUSIC store (preferably an independent one)...so that it has an effect on sales figures (important for both the label and the artist); AND then buy as many as you can afford directly from Tift at the merch table when you go to her concerts (where she makes the biggest cut).  You then give these away to friends and create NEW fans! 

Peace...

Hey Steve!

I'm not actually from Mobile, but I did live there for almost 2 years for grad school (I'm in the Pensacola area now).  I went to the Saenger Theatre also, and considered it a Tift Merritt show, with Nickel Creek for dessert.  I wish I had bought Home Is Loud at the show, since it's now out of print.  Maybe she'll come back after Europe and have a few more copies for us.

To tallcuppa and others:  You can still order Home Is Loud from great indy store Waterloo in Austin, TX.

http://www.waterloorecords.com/