Income Tapestry
Making a living as an artist is weaving a complex and ever evolving tapestry of income. Back in the Bush administration, I paid my bills with money from iTunes downloads ($0.67 a download), CD sales, and whatever I made at shows. Now, Spotify pays $0.00318 per stream, many people (including myself) have no way to play a CD, and there are temporarily no shows. An ongoing and important discussion rages about these changes in the music business, income inequality in general, and late stage capitalism. Meanwhile, my job is making music and I have to buy groceries and pay rent. Adapt or die!
This online residency has been a source of joy and connection in a time of unrest. It has been so fun to rediscover old songs that I rarely play and to hear which songs are meaningful to you via requests. It also just feels wonderful to play and sing. It’s my favorite thing to do and it fills my soul with meaning and goodness.
These livestream shows have have also been a surprising source of income. They are free to all, but I have been accepting tips via Venmo and PayPal and people have been very supportive. That money goes directly to food and my landlord. Your tips turn into eggs which go into my tummy after I cook them. It's very intimate actually.
That is something I love about this new phase of my music career. There is a direct relationship between you the listener and me the artist. I provide a good or service and you compensate me for that good or service. It feels good. Thank you. Really truly. Since this artist/patron relationship has become essential to making a life in the arts, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the people who make it possible. You are quite literally making my dreams come true.
Next Monday (5/25) will be the final installment of the Monday Online Residency. Call it Season One of Videodes? My intention is to take a break to brainstorm ideas and create content for Season Two. I’m thinking the next round of weekly shows will happen on a different day and time. Maybe Sunday? Brunch shows? To be determined. Please feel free to send suggestions here.
Monday Online Residency // 5.18.20 At The End of the Year / The True Love Who Loved Me / All My Friends Are In The Valley / Handstands In The Sun / Endless Summer Stroll / Give Me What I Want / Franklin Street / Half Moon / Time Got Away / Stars & Bars / Like We Used To / Daylight Saving / Americans