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Friday, October 7, 2011
Business JD Samson on How Difficult Working as a Musician Can Be
Posted by Kenneth M. Piekarski on Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Inspirational hero, JD Samson of MEN and Le Tigre, wrote a piece in the Huffington Post on Wednesday in regards to being a working musician when music is your work.
I recommend reading this entire article because it conveys misconceptions regarding the income of artists who are successfull and admired, and Samson cites class, sexual orientation, and gender as predominant social elements contributing to why they probably couldn't get a shitty-fucking-apartment.
This summer I tried to rent an apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The process sent me into an emotional crisis and awakened me into a whole new realization of our economy, the music industry at large and, more specifically, what it means to be a queer artist in 2011.
I spent days trolling around Williamsburg, looking at shitty apartments with cockroaches lining the doorways, fighting neighbors, rats in the ceiling, bedbugs infesting the linoleum floors, fifth-floor walk-ups and cat-pee-soaked carpets. The rent was exorbitant, availability was scarce, and I was turned down by two different landlords for being "freelance." To be honest, I don't blame them. Not only am I freelance, but I'm lesbian freelance. Double whammy. What was the reason they turned me down? Because it was easier to rent to a rich, trust-fund, straight-guy banker who wants to live in the coolest borough in the world? Because when he met me he saw a tattooed gender outlaw who makes "queer electronic punk music" and isn't sure when the next check is going to come in? Yeah, I don't blame him. He doesn't give a shit about how kids email me all the time thanking me for keeping them from committing suicide. It's not part of his capitalist business practice.
How much time an energy goes into being a musician (or still more—an openly queer musician) with meager financial reward? Worring about things like your health, because you don't have financial or institutional security to help support you, can be seriously debilitating—and it's getting worse every day with our economy in the crapper.
Here's JD participating in the It Gets Better project:
1
JD needs to check out Portland. Good music scene, good GBLT scene, and cheaper rent--much more apt for the buck.
Furthermore, Portland has gone up to Williamburg levels of cool hipster chic.
Furthermore, Portland has gone up to Williamburg levels of cool hipster chic.
2
It may be a "Good music scene, good GBLT scene" but think about where an individual would be able to sustain their musical career. The thing is that I've noticed is that usually when a band goes to New York, I hear a response of "they're probably going to get famous" or "meh". Like, DIrty Projectors moved there and then they became more accessible to a wider audience.
Think of the bands who decide to move or live in LA for the same reason. It's like going where work is, in a way. Maybe it can be a Gold Rush kind of thing.
Then there's also the community that is there for JD. Whatever form that may be, it's hard to leave your immediate community that is there to support you or just to be part of your life.
Think of the bands who decide to move or live in LA for the same reason. It's like going where work is, in a way. Maybe it can be a Gold Rush kind of thing.
Then there's also the community that is there for JD. Whatever form that may be, it's hard to leave your immediate community that is there to support you or just to be part of your life.
3
i empathize with JD on a lot of points. my main gripe with the article is the whole "i can't do anything else but be an artist" argument. look, the majority of the population will go through numerous career changes over the course of their life. it's no different for artists. at some point, you might have to diversify. that doesn't mean you can't keep making art, but you might have to learn how to make a cup of coffee or pour a drink or, god forbid, get an office job.
5
@4 i'm trying to say poor JD, by her own admission, isn't qualified to work one, and would earn 46% less than you. but that pay discrepancy is only because she's a gender outlaw making electronic punk music, not because she doesn't know how to file or use Excel.
dammit. JD is turning me into a Republican.
dammit. JD is turning me into a Republican.
8
i wanted to be 100% behind this article but ... im not, and i don't want my critique to be misconstrued a some sort of bullshit "pull yourself up by your boot straps and make it work!" response, because it isnt. this is a situation jd is in, and i am absolutely not discounting how much it sucks, but it isn't a situation her band members are in (johanna runs a profitable salon! kathleen hanna made a career out of being kathleen hanna!), and a lot of the radical queer artists who weren't even half as successful financially as le tigre have still made it work. people work desk jobs, they temp, they run thrift stores and record shops, they are baristas and bartenders, and occasionally they get royalty checks. does it pay the bills? yes, usually. does it give you health insurance? not always but that is a situation millions of americans are in, not just queer artists.
and part of the price of being a radical artist is that you don't the the benefits of corporate america. "tough titty" B/W "that is present day reality (but maybe you can work towards changing that through means other than huffpo articles that make you look like an entitled baby)"
and part of the price of being a radical artist is that you don't the the benefits of corporate america. "tough titty" B/W "that is present day reality (but maybe you can work towards changing that through means other than huffpo articles that make you look like an entitled baby)"
9
@5: Chris, please start. This is an important thing to discuss. I think there needs to be more insight and thoughts brought on this subject since there are heated opinions on working artists, musicians, regular people.
@3: Brian, I agree with your point of "diversifying" and switching career gears. I do believe that no one should expect to make money from their art but I do think it is important to recognize that it may be frustrating for an artist to have a large fan base, but those fans aren't all going to buy your art for whatever reason. That there needs to be a cultural change that may need to occur to let everyone understand that buying an artists art directly affects that artist in a positive way, by helping them pay their rent. They're working to produce something and most people I know, including myself, are stoked when we can make a little money off of something we've spend countless hours on.
People who make music videos I think are in the same boat. People who aren't getting huge commissions to make something aren't supported by a royalty system where they get money for whenever their music video is shown on the internet or something. Maybe they do- I'm unaware of a music video royalty system. Someone's cool music video may have hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube but they may be barely able to pay their rent.
@3: Brian, I agree with your point of "diversifying" and switching career gears. I do believe that no one should expect to make money from their art but I do think it is important to recognize that it may be frustrating for an artist to have a large fan base, but those fans aren't all going to buy your art for whatever reason. That there needs to be a cultural change that may need to occur to let everyone understand that buying an artists art directly affects that artist in a positive way, by helping them pay their rent. They're working to produce something and most people I know, including myself, are stoked when we can make a little money off of something we've spend countless hours on.
People who make music videos I think are in the same boat. People who aren't getting huge commissions to make something aren't supported by a royalty system where they get money for whenever their music video is shown on the internet or something. Maybe they do- I'm unaware of a music video royalty system. Someone's cool music video may have hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube but they may be barely able to pay their rent.
10
@9: Some of it is, at base, sourgrapes, since no band I've been in has come close to the sort of success that JD has had, nor have I been anywhere close to breaking even, let alone making a living with music. I came to a lot of these realizations when I was 23/24 when I was tired of working shitty jobs that I would quit to go on tour, not having health insurance, not having enough money to get my gear repaired or move out of a crappy apartment.
I know people who are older than JD who are going back to school, learning new skills, etc. without a trust fund or safety net. They're doing it by working shit jobs, saving their money, just living as econo as they can. And they're still playing in bands and making art, but they aren't trying to make a living off of it (if they ever were). They aren't writing blog posts to be read by thousands of people, they're getting out there and changing their situation as best they can.
For her to equate her lack of a fallback plan with people who are protesting Wall Street who have lost their jobs and homes. . . really? You mean no one in Williamsburg (let alone a cheaper place to live like Portland or Minneapolis) wouldn't give her some bartending shifts just because she's JD Samson from Le Tigre?
Honestly, JD may find that her art is better served when she's not dependent on it to make a living, and treats it like the glorified hobby it is for most of us. In my opinion, if you expect to support yourself financially on your art and you're not doing anything to plan ahead for a time when it might not, you're gonna end up sacrificing why you're making art in order to make money, instead of letting it be its own reward.
I know people who are older than JD who are going back to school, learning new skills, etc. without a trust fund or safety net. They're doing it by working shit jobs, saving their money, just living as econo as they can. And they're still playing in bands and making art, but they aren't trying to make a living off of it (if they ever were). They aren't writing blog posts to be read by thousands of people, they're getting out there and changing their situation as best they can.
For her to equate her lack of a fallback plan with people who are protesting Wall Street who have lost their jobs and homes. . . really? You mean no one in Williamsburg (let alone a cheaper place to live like Portland or Minneapolis) wouldn't give her some bartending shifts just because she's JD Samson from Le Tigre?
Honestly, JD may find that her art is better served when she's not dependent on it to make a living, and treats it like the glorified hobby it is for most of us. In my opinion, if you expect to support yourself financially on your art and you're not doing anything to plan ahead for a time when it might not, you're gonna end up sacrificing why you're making art in order to make money, instead of letting it be its own reward.
11
We need data on how musicians make a living (or don't) to be able to speak about this stuff credibly!
Musicians should all take this survey by the awesome Future of Music coalition!
https://www.research.net/s/moneyfrommusi…
Musicians should all take this survey by the awesome Future of Music coalition!
https://www.research.net/s/moneyfrommusi…
13
@8 - I'm in the same boat. I WANT to be behind this...but I can't be.
I spent many years as a working artist (not a musician) in Seattle, never made anywhere near the level of success JD Samson - and I understand the frustrations that come with being 100% all in with art. But I cannot reconcile the fact that JD claims to have zero skills outside of art. How does ANY artist escape a back up job, from day 1? Even if it's waiting tables/bartending. Or designing posters for other bands. Or running sound/lights. How does anyone work in a creative industry for 11 years without gaining any other skills? That is pretty amazing.
As an artist, I reached a breaking point in my early thirties (not coincidentally the same age JD is now, I think) and came to the sad realization that I just couldn't afford to be an artist anymore, or at least not at that all-consuming level. It was a devastating moment, and I still question whether I could have made it work at least for a while longer, but the need for stability won out. I don't think either is right or wrong, nor do I think anyone is "better" for their choice - but we all have priorities, and mine changed a bit in my 30s.
I strongly agree there is something wrong with our culture that arts and/or alternative careers aren't valued more, and that healthcare isn't automatic... but at the same time I was thrilled to not be buying into the corporate work model. I still choose to not follow that path, and there are both pros and cons to it.
I spent many years as a working artist (not a musician) in Seattle, never made anywhere near the level of success JD Samson - and I understand the frustrations that come with being 100% all in with art. But I cannot reconcile the fact that JD claims to have zero skills outside of art. How does ANY artist escape a back up job, from day 1? Even if it's waiting tables/bartending. Or designing posters for other bands. Or running sound/lights. How does anyone work in a creative industry for 11 years without gaining any other skills? That is pretty amazing.
As an artist, I reached a breaking point in my early thirties (not coincidentally the same age JD is now, I think) and came to the sad realization that I just couldn't afford to be an artist anymore, or at least not at that all-consuming level. It was a devastating moment, and I still question whether I could have made it work at least for a while longer, but the need for stability won out. I don't think either is right or wrong, nor do I think anyone is "better" for their choice - but we all have priorities, and mine changed a bit in my 30s.
I strongly agree there is something wrong with our culture that arts and/or alternative careers aren't valued more, and that healthcare isn't automatic... but at the same time I was thrilled to not be buying into the corporate work model. I still choose to not follow that path, and there are both pros and cons to it.
14
Upon further consideration, I have decided this article is mostly bullshit. I am rather shocked it didn't end with a link to a Kickstarter account for "JD's security deposit on a new Williamsburg apartment!"
You have a job and love it. Do you realize how rare that sentiment is?
You wish your job paid you more money. Do you realize how utterly ubiquitous that sentiment is?
Per the article, "we live in a society where people equate success with money". I think this exactly the logical fallacy that causes people like JD who are blessed with some nominal success to start *expecting* the world around them to shower them with money and start living beyond their means to perpetuate the idea that they *are* successful.
For someone whose art and personal politics seem to be predicated on not caring what people think - JD (I'm really not sure if I'm supposed to use "he" or "she" here, to be perfectly honest) seems to be extremely preoccupied with what people think about JD ... or maybe just preoccupied with the idea that people *are* thinking about JD.
And if you think it takes a lot of energy to be a queer musician, try being a completely unremarkable musician.
You have a job and love it. Do you realize how rare that sentiment is?
You wish your job paid you more money. Do you realize how utterly ubiquitous that sentiment is?
Per the article, "we live in a society where people equate success with money". I think this exactly the logical fallacy that causes people like JD who are blessed with some nominal success to start *expecting* the world around them to shower them with money and start living beyond their means to perpetuate the idea that they *are* successful.
For someone whose art and personal politics seem to be predicated on not caring what people think - JD (I'm really not sure if I'm supposed to use "he" or "she" here, to be perfectly honest) seems to be extremely preoccupied with what people think about JD ... or maybe just preoccupied with the idea that people *are* thinking about JD.
And if you think it takes a lot of energy to be a queer musician, try being a completely unremarkable musician.
15
as a queer musician who's band doesn't even draw a third of Le Tigre's crowd in Seattle, yet makes a living off of playing music and pays for my own health insurance, i'm really struggling to understand what JD is complaining about.
ps. having a side job is actually kinda nice. gets you out of the house. helps ya transition back into the everyday world when you get home from tour. if anyone wants to hire me, i'm available.
ps. having a side job is actually kinda nice. gets you out of the house. helps ya transition back into the everyday world when you get home from tour. if anyone wants to hire me, i'm available.
16
So author awoke in the summer of her 33rd year and realized she should have saved her money, yet still blames the world for her misfortune.
18
For anyone who doesn't want to read the full article, I've paraphrased it for you:
"I want to live in Williamsburg, but I don't want to work. Somebody dry my tears for me, it's below me because I'm an artist."
"I want to live in Williamsburg, but I don't want to work. Somebody dry my tears for me, it's below me because I'm an artist."
19
Dan Mohr, Brian Cook, and Bass Jesus are all on the money.
JD has gotten to ride the ride and hasn't had to have a boss in over ten years. I would gladly trade some roaches and ramen noodles for that. More power to her for doing it her own way, but she is not the 99% (of artists and musicians). She might not be rich, but she has a job that she likes, when most of us are lucky to have jobs that make us miserable.
Also she doesn't think she can transition into a new career? With a film degree from Sarah Lawrence, an iPhone full of industry contacts (Xtina and the Beastie Boys are both literally a text message away), and a pretty large cult fanbase? I hate to bring my friends into it, but if JD had a TENTH of CP's hustle, Samson would be a multi-millionaire mogul by now. Real talk.
I know I'm just a hetero whiteboy, but I said nearly the same thing about DJ Shadow when he threw a similar hissy fit two years ago. Sorry if you have to eat a spoonful of shit now and then, but your fans have to eat bucketfuls on a daily basis.
JD has gotten to ride the ride and hasn't had to have a boss in over ten years. I would gladly trade some roaches and ramen noodles for that. More power to her for doing it her own way, but she is not the 99% (of artists and musicians). She might not be rich, but she has a job that she likes, when most of us are lucky to have jobs that make us miserable.
Also she doesn't think she can transition into a new career? With a film degree from Sarah Lawrence, an iPhone full of industry contacts (Xtina and the Beastie Boys are both literally a text message away), and a pretty large cult fanbase? I hate to bring my friends into it, but if JD had a TENTH of CP's hustle, Samson would be a multi-millionaire mogul by now. Real talk.
I know I'm just a hetero whiteboy, but I said nearly the same thing about DJ Shadow when he threw a similar hissy fit two years ago. Sorry if you have to eat a spoonful of shit now and then, but your fans have to eat bucketfuls on a daily basis.
20
@17 geez, i guess i don't really know. definitely not a lesbian. freelance, yes. tattooed, yes. gender outlaw? well, my marriage ain't legal, and i have a slightly fuller version JD's moustache, so i guess the answer is sorta?
21
More shocking than the article in question is the fact that we are in double digit comments and, I think, everybody seems to be agreeing with each other. How disconcerting.
22
I love JD. She makes me want to live, and create, and try to find a reason to keep doing both way far away from what people who can fit in normally with society think of her. You don't know her. You have no idea.
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