That’s me. I’m a husk, but I feel good about it. The bandmates and I got 4.5 songs done in the studio and did a fun show in Chicago at the Salt Shed with our friends, Guster. 15 days in a row without coming up for air. Whew! I hit the wall last night around 6pm. I’m not advocating for this kind of marathon working because it’s just not good for you, but in a world of streaming where there are no record advances or money in general you have to find a way to pay to make art. This is one of the things writers at SAG AFTRA were striking about. It’s a bit different but we should not be replaced by machines and we shouldn’t have to work hours where we kill ourselves. If only musicians had a union to turn to who fought Spotify for a fair percentage… but we don’t. And Spotify never asked us what we wanted, or even IF we wanted in the first place.
Thanks for this Neko. I try and promote Bandcamp whenever possible, I think it's the best musician helping platform I know of. Covid still wreaks havoc in the music and touring industry, you're so right about that and it's important to remind people who don't realize it. The pandemic stole the last tours my bandmates had agreed to do before they retired and the few dates we did went to paying off debt from cancelled 2020 and 2021 tours.
I feel terrible when I see bands out who have to cancel due to illness, knowing many are getting covid multiple times over but can't afford not to. I'd be risking it too I think if I had the choice because writers and musicians sure aren't making a living from streaming sales.
I think Bandcamp is great. I think they could really up their game by developing some features that attract streamers. My brother and sister in law and I were just talking about this the other day. She has music up on Bandcamp as well. I would support any effort they put forth and pay a subscription!
I’m a big fan of Sidedoor (sidedooraccess.com) which connects artists to hosts/venues directly. That platform may be one of the biggest reasons I got through the worst of the pandemic with my sanity mostly intact. It’s definitely geared to smaller and up-and-coming acts but they facilitate online concerts from bigger acts as well. Plus that, the company is owned by a couple of swell Canadians, Dan Mangan and Laura Simpson.
Ohhhhh ive developed a few tricks to somehow feed myself as a musician in the streaming age. I’ve started selling my crochet hats at the merch table--a way for me to personally make a little money (everything in my band gets split six ways on tour). We’ve also learned how to skirt merch cuts, which is to pack up as fast as you can at the end of the night, hop in the van, and block the Mean Man Who Is Demanding A Merch Cut’s cellphone number. 🤷♀️. We’ve (Lunar Vacation, my band) been lucky avoiding covid, only having to cancel a few shows on tour last year. It was still devastating though.
After following so many stories about Union Strikes this summer, I’ve also been longing for us touring musicians to have some communal protection. I do keep up with UMAW (United Musicians and Allied Workers), which are doing great work spreading the word about the robbery of streaming, merch cuts, and things of the sort. Here’s hoping something gets easier 🤞. Still so grateful to be playing music at the end of the day
This is why I don’t stream music. It’s such a shitty model. I’ve taken to buying directly from the artist via their website. I don’t care if I have to pay for shipping.
I want to believe that better models are coming- maybe musicians DO need a Union. As someone who has been in LA for Hot Labor Summer, I know it’s so hard - everyone is relieved that the WGA strike is over but I don’t think anyone is surprised that it happened, or that everyone held out for the agreement they needed. It’s just been years and years of being ground down into widget shapes instead of human shapes and nobody wanted to live like that. And organizing is the only way to fight back.
Hi, Neko! This was an interesting read and I couldn’t be more disappointed in how streaming has affected you all. Regarding the musician’s union, however, my friend Evan Tuohy is in the leadership of our local Tucson chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (https://local33afm.org/) and he advocates primarily for “freelancers” as a performing artist himself. You should get in touch with him—I’ll send his info via Instagram. Cheers!
Reminded of seeing Dick Dale at a midnight concert, still touring when cancer had dug in deeply. Didn't stop his standing firm for 90 minutes, still blazing away on guitar as in his youth. Thanked us as he bade us goodnight, saying "You are my medicine."
There's also the likes of Dave Mason, Tom Rush, and (since retired)John Mayall telling their concert audiences how touring and merch sales are their primary sources for making a living in the streaming age. Why I rarely leave a show without buying at least one CD. Musicians deserve much better.
I don’t stream music either. I do my best, like Joe P (above) to buy CDs directly from the artists’ websites, not Amazon. And I try to get out to see live music as much as possible, but our venues up here aren’t booking the artists I’d like to see. Or, it’s general admission, sometimes standing only. Kinda tough on my old knees. But enough complaining...
I've had this debate with people about streaming, which I admit I utilize for my music consumption. Streaming is not sustainable for working musicians, even though there's possibility for discovery or a "democratic" model of music or what have you. But you can't pay rent with exposure! Ugh. I have however switched from Spotify to Tidal, which despite the really cringe roll-out has a pretty decent service (with Joni Mitchell - eat that Spotify!). I also hear they give about one cent per stream, which is miles ahead of Spotify but they have a smaller subscriber base. Would one cent per stream from Spotify be enough to move the needle, NC?
Thank you for my bedtime story over here in australia we are already in tomorrow land and I’m nodding my head in total agreement with you on this riddle that has us all more penniless than before and as you say that was bad then ..not sure what the new model looks like but thanks for keeping on articulating the real story as we all so love to get lost in the ART it’s a hard answer to find ..
All of this! As a person who creates art for a living, and my partner works as crew for musicians, I deeply relate to the insecurity and importance of making/creating/surviving. No unions for us, no net, no clear path.
He also ran into Covid on the road and had a life threatening case in the er. It was a nightmare. It was shady and shitty for us and we continue to be left with no option other than back to working non-stop hours, days, months.
I wish I had more solutions then complaints. Truth is, unionizing and learning how to organize for all of us with severe neurodivergent lives is pretty challenging. That said... I cannot imagine the world without us. Honoring right livelihood and creativity is what is left. The monsters will feed off of us, but you educating folx on streaming is a beautiful start.
Learned a lot from this. I suppose it’s a reminder to subscribe and pay for this lovely gift in my email box and to show gratitude for musicians that carry us through the hardest journeys of life. It’s cheaper than therapy and so much more effective for me personally.
Is there a good link to share with friends on signing up for your essays and paying for the subscription?
I didn’t know you offered a Founder Level membership. That’s fancy, so we signed up! We’re retired teachers so what better way to stand by one of our favorite artists?
Let’s do our part to respond to the lack of equity in place for the artists we love. Who knew spending $200 could be an investment in an artist we dearly love?
Hi Neko, I am a supporter of Kristin Hersh via her Strange Angels patron scheme, it allows to record and pay for studio time. The other thing I try is to purchase merch music and whatever to help art and because I love the product. Touring overseas seems ridiculous now because of airlines gouging prices well at least here in Australia. Also I note the cords and leads in your studio neatly coiled and laid out nicely, this is anti messy! Rest up weary traveler
AS a fellow creative, (feature film Industry), this post is VERY educational. While a Union member, (IATSE), we share many of the same struggles to make a living, keep some kind of insurance, work reasonable hours. Film & commercial shoots are notorious for long, stupid hours, in remote dangerous locations. (Then you get to drive to your accommodation however far that is...). When I started in this business you could actually get residuals as part of your compensation asa crew member. That has been a dream for 20 + years. We work closely together while shooting & COVID is a real threat. I left making commercials to make "ART", or feature films. Now with the current industry strikes we struggle to make a living. Side hustles, alternate incomes, or having a partner with a day job are all helpful to making a successful career. All of these struggles to create "Art," the struggle is real. Know YOU, & your fellow musicians are appreciated, loved and are the fuel to carry on. Without a musical bone in my body I have always had a keen eye, (& EAR), for musicians. Perhaps because of the same struggles & motivations I have always associated with musicians. I am sure the root reason is the shared struggle to make a creative, fulfilling living that we are called to. To a large degree, all creatives & artists share the struggle. Thanks for the post, we all benefit from the awareness, keen observations you bring to the table. Carry on...
Thank you. A friend sent this from Csnada, where I was lucky enough to make a record on their government’s dime because my Mom is Canadian. And I have great Canuck buddies like Leeroy Staggervwho know how to write grants. I was musing on my Substack this morning that all of this-what you speak about--has sent me into more fantasy mode, where I pretend like I’m getting by better than I really am. Or, at least that was in my mind when I wrote this morning. Thanks for kicking ass out there & may you also get good rest & nutrition in between. I can’t stop writing songs, so I lean into Patreon & now Substack, because I enjoy sending out the tunes/demos/poems/films/albums etc to folks who support us. Thanks to all you supporters of vagabond troubadour art freaks. We love you.
Thanks for this Neko. I try and promote Bandcamp whenever possible, I think it's the best musician helping platform I know of. Covid still wreaks havoc in the music and touring industry, you're so right about that and it's important to remind people who don't realize it. The pandemic stole the last tours my bandmates had agreed to do before they retired and the few dates we did went to paying off debt from cancelled 2020 and 2021 tours.
I feel terrible when I see bands out who have to cancel due to illness, knowing many are getting covid multiple times over but can't afford not to. I'd be risking it too I think if I had the choice because writers and musicians sure aren't making a living from streaming sales.
Geez.... I completely didn't think about searching for Neko on Bandcamp. Done. Just a early 50's mental slip is all.. Thanks for the post.
I think Bandcamp is great. I think they could really up their game by developing some features that attract streamers. My brother and sister in law and I were just talking about this the other day. She has music up on Bandcamp as well. I would support any effort they put forth and pay a subscription!
I’m a big fan of Sidedoor (sidedooraccess.com) which connects artists to hosts/venues directly. That platform may be one of the biggest reasons I got through the worst of the pandemic with my sanity mostly intact. It’s definitely geared to smaller and up-and-coming acts but they facilitate online concerts from bigger acts as well. Plus that, the company is owned by a couple of swell Canadians, Dan Mangan and Laura Simpson.
I saw some great streaming shows on Sidedoor, during and after the lockdown years.
Ohhhhh ive developed a few tricks to somehow feed myself as a musician in the streaming age. I’ve started selling my crochet hats at the merch table--a way for me to personally make a little money (everything in my band gets split six ways on tour). We’ve also learned how to skirt merch cuts, which is to pack up as fast as you can at the end of the night, hop in the van, and block the Mean Man Who Is Demanding A Merch Cut’s cellphone number. 🤷♀️. We’ve (Lunar Vacation, my band) been lucky avoiding covid, only having to cancel a few shows on tour last year. It was still devastating though.
After following so many stories about Union Strikes this summer, I’ve also been longing for us touring musicians to have some communal protection. I do keep up with UMAW (United Musicians and Allied Workers), which are doing great work spreading the word about the robbery of streaming, merch cuts, and things of the sort. Here’s hoping something gets easier 🤞. Still so grateful to be playing music at the end of the day
This is why I don’t stream music. It’s such a shitty model. I’ve taken to buying directly from the artist via their website. I don’t care if I have to pay for shipping.
Same.
I want to believe that better models are coming- maybe musicians DO need a Union. As someone who has been in LA for Hot Labor Summer, I know it’s so hard - everyone is relieved that the WGA strike is over but I don’t think anyone is surprised that it happened, or that everyone held out for the agreement they needed. It’s just been years and years of being ground down into widget shapes instead of human shapes and nobody wanted to live like that. And organizing is the only way to fight back.
Hi, Neko! This was an interesting read and I couldn’t be more disappointed in how streaming has affected you all. Regarding the musician’s union, however, my friend Evan Tuohy is in the leadership of our local Tucson chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (https://local33afm.org/) and he advocates primarily for “freelancers” as a performing artist himself. You should get in touch with him—I’ll send his info via Instagram. Cheers!
Reminded of seeing Dick Dale at a midnight concert, still touring when cancer had dug in deeply. Didn't stop his standing firm for 90 minutes, still blazing away on guitar as in his youth. Thanked us as he bade us goodnight, saying "You are my medicine."
There's also the likes of Dave Mason, Tom Rush, and (since retired)John Mayall telling their concert audiences how touring and merch sales are their primary sources for making a living in the streaming age. Why I rarely leave a show without buying at least one CD. Musicians deserve much better.
I don’t stream music either. I do my best, like Joe P (above) to buy CDs directly from the artists’ websites, not Amazon. And I try to get out to see live music as much as possible, but our venues up here aren’t booking the artists I’d like to see. Or, it’s general admission, sometimes standing only. Kinda tough on my old knees. But enough complaining...
Where do you live?
Your home state! I skipped you and the New Pornos, case in point. HG was mostly standing, general admission. Wish the Flynn would bring you back. 🤞🏻
I've had this debate with people about streaming, which I admit I utilize for my music consumption. Streaming is not sustainable for working musicians, even though there's possibility for discovery or a "democratic" model of music or what have you. But you can't pay rent with exposure! Ugh. I have however switched from Spotify to Tidal, which despite the really cringe roll-out has a pretty decent service (with Joni Mitchell - eat that Spotify!). I also hear they give about one cent per stream, which is miles ahead of Spotify but they have a smaller subscriber base. Would one cent per stream from Spotify be enough to move the needle, NC?
Thank you for my bedtime story over here in australia we are already in tomorrow land and I’m nodding my head in total agreement with you on this riddle that has us all more penniless than before and as you say that was bad then ..not sure what the new model looks like but thanks for keeping on articulating the real story as we all so love to get lost in the ART it’s a hard answer to find ..
All of this! As a person who creates art for a living, and my partner works as crew for musicians, I deeply relate to the insecurity and importance of making/creating/surviving. No unions for us, no net, no clear path.
He also ran into Covid on the road and had a life threatening case in the er. It was a nightmare. It was shady and shitty for us and we continue to be left with no option other than back to working non-stop hours, days, months.
I wish I had more solutions then complaints. Truth is, unionizing and learning how to organize for all of us with severe neurodivergent lives is pretty challenging. That said... I cannot imagine the world without us. Honoring right livelihood and creativity is what is left. The monsters will feed off of us, but you educating folx on streaming is a beautiful start.
Learned a lot from this. I suppose it’s a reminder to subscribe and pay for this lovely gift in my email box and to show gratitude for musicians that carry us through the hardest journeys of life. It’s cheaper than therapy and so much more effective for me personally.
Is there a good link to share with friends on signing up for your essays and paying for the subscription?
Peace, B
I didn’t know you offered a Founder Level membership. That’s fancy, so we signed up! We’re retired teachers so what better way to stand by one of our favorite artists?
Let’s do our part to respond to the lack of equity in place for the artists we love. Who knew spending $200 could be an investment in an artist we dearly love?
Thanks and please keep talking about this stuff because that’s how we end up with change.
Hi Neko, I am a supporter of Kristin Hersh via her Strange Angels patron scheme, it allows to record and pay for studio time. The other thing I try is to purchase merch music and whatever to help art and because I love the product. Touring overseas seems ridiculous now because of airlines gouging prices well at least here in Australia. Also I note the cords and leads in your studio neatly coiled and laid out nicely, this is anti messy! Rest up weary traveler
AS a fellow creative, (feature film Industry), this post is VERY educational. While a Union member, (IATSE), we share many of the same struggles to make a living, keep some kind of insurance, work reasonable hours. Film & commercial shoots are notorious for long, stupid hours, in remote dangerous locations. (Then you get to drive to your accommodation however far that is...). When I started in this business you could actually get residuals as part of your compensation asa crew member. That has been a dream for 20 + years. We work closely together while shooting & COVID is a real threat. I left making commercials to make "ART", or feature films. Now with the current industry strikes we struggle to make a living. Side hustles, alternate incomes, or having a partner with a day job are all helpful to making a successful career. All of these struggles to create "Art," the struggle is real. Know YOU, & your fellow musicians are appreciated, loved and are the fuel to carry on. Without a musical bone in my body I have always had a keen eye, (& EAR), for musicians. Perhaps because of the same struggles & motivations I have always associated with musicians. I am sure the root reason is the shared struggle to make a creative, fulfilling living that we are called to. To a large degree, all creatives & artists share the struggle. Thanks for the post, we all benefit from the awareness, keen observations you bring to the table. Carry on...
Thank you. A friend sent this from Csnada, where I was lucky enough to make a record on their government’s dime because my Mom is Canadian. And I have great Canuck buddies like Leeroy Staggervwho know how to write grants. I was musing on my Substack this morning that all of this-what you speak about--has sent me into more fantasy mode, where I pretend like I’m getting by better than I really am. Or, at least that was in my mind when I wrote this morning. Thanks for kicking ass out there & may you also get good rest & nutrition in between. I can’t stop writing songs, so I lean into Patreon & now Substack, because I enjoy sending out the tunes/demos/poems/films/albums etc to folks who support us. Thanks to all you supporters of vagabond troubadour art freaks. We love you.