FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - Born and raised in the Twin Ports, Halo Smith knew from an early age that music was going to play a huge role in his life.

"It was something I was addicted to. I did it all the time at home and then I started actually getting asked to sing at other churches in the area on the spot, prepared sometimes," said Jesse “Halo” Smith, a musician from Duluth.

But it was dance, not vocals where his talent first caught the eye of professionals, making a move to California soon after college.

"At first I never really thought of it that way. I know I loved doing it but after a few times of people coming up to me and asking me would this be something you'd like to do. I just said you know what I think I’m going to try," said Smith.

Halo worked with talented artists while in Los Angeles, making contacts along the way, but decided coming home and back to his roots was his true calling.

"I wanted to reach some people and inspire some people to not give up on themselves through my music and that has actually been my fuel ever since I came home. It's honestly, as cliché as it sounds is the reason I do what I do," he said.

Halo is working on recording his debut album, "One of One", but has found it difficult to finance the project. But, with the help of Kickstarter , an online funding platform for creative projects, that's where he says you can help.

He said, "Kickstarter requires you to clearly lay out what your money's being used for and if you don't hit your goal, those that have pledged money don't have to pay anything."

Donors are given incentives like signed CDs to private concerts. By doing it the hard way, Halo says he isn't bound to the demands of big record labels.

"I don't want anybody to have control of quote on quote my image or what I stand for or what I sing about. I do music because I want to reach people not because I want to sing about the money I don't have," said Smith.

Halo hopes by reaching his goal of making an album a reality, he can help build a culture of free thinking musicians in the Northland.

"Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Virginia, Hibbing, I mean there's a lot of talented people in this area. They're just looking for an opportunity and I really want this Kickstarter program more than anything, to give them an opportunity more than myself," he said.

To date, Halo has raised $3,316. He needs $10,000 by 1:03 p.m. on Monday Nov.12 in order to make the album.  To donate to the cause, check out this link on Kickstarter:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1067676584/halo-muzics-debut-album-one-of-one