Pledging isn't necessarily about crowdfunding. Taking an album direct-to-fan gives artists more creative freedom than they might otherwise have, and it allows fans to have input and be part of the process of making the album.

We're just as confused as you are.

Thanks for the love! One thing the article misses, though, is that more than simply pre-ordering, pledging lets you be part of the process of making the album, complete with backstage updates from Mike.