Musician Dillon Hodges, a Muscle Shoals native, premiered his first music video and launched the kickstarter campaign for his debut album March 20 at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia.

Hodges’ campaign allows fans to pledge various amounts of money to help fund the production of his upcoming album. In return, those who donate will receive awards and will become part of the production process. Hodges hopes to raise $10,000 by April 18 to produce his album by the end of the year.

Hodges also unveiled his first music video “Bullet for a Broken Heart.” After a corporate video production company in Cincinnati approached him, Hodges and his fiancé, who sings alongside him, traveled to Cincinnati to film the single.

“At first, I was hesitant,” Hodges said. “I didn’t know why a corporate video company wanted to make a video for my song, but they were persistent. I think it turned out really well.”

Hodges has been part of the music scene since he was 11 years old. He began by learning how to play guitar, before moving into singing and songwriting. Hodges said his ultimate goal with his music is to produce something unique for audiences.

“I want to play the kind of music that people can’t put their finger on,” Hodges said. “Growing up here and having so many influences makes for a unique sound.”

Hodges will go far in the music industry, said Dr. Bob Garfrerick, chair of UNA’s entertainment industry department.

“He’s a very good artist,” Garfrerick said. “And I mean artist in the truest sense of the word. Artists have a good feel for who they are and their voice as an artist and writer. Dillon is at that place where he’s finding who he is and his voice as an artist.”

Lee Taylor, Listerhill Credit Union’s Young and Free Alabama Spokesperson and a close friend to Hodges, said he encourages people to support Hodges and donate to the campaign.

“Dillon, in my opinion, might be the most talented musician to come out of this area in a long time,” Taylor said. “If you believe in good music and people doing what they love, support Dillon and give to him.”

Hodges had Taylor and Singing River Records’ group, Bluebirds, perform before the premiere of his video. He believes strongly in local artists and wants people to be open-minded to new music.

“Give new music a chance,” Hodges said. “Support local artists and artists you believe in, because the way that the music industry is now, projects won’t go anywhere without a strong fan base and support system.”

To donate to Hodges’ kickstarter campaign, visit www.kickstarter.com and search “Dillon Hodges” by April 18.