We live in a society where people equate success with money. They see me on the pages of Vogue. They see me playing to an adoring crowd. They see me flying to gigs all across the world. And I’m not sure what people imagine, but I’m struggling, too. Over the past couple of weeks, I have realized how many other artists and musicians are in my position, people who are proud of their success but feel unable to continue, based on financial strain. Artists such as Spank Rock, Das Racist and the Drums have featured lyrics on their new records about struggling financially. My band MEN put out a record in February with similar tones. I know the economy is failing, but I think it is important to remember that it is failing for everyone. Even the people you think might have money. So here we go. Another reason to come together. Another reason to occupy Wall Street. Another reason for change.
– JD Samson, androgynous lesbian musician of Le Tigre and MEN, discussing how her several jobs within the music industry—playing in several bands, DJing, remixing and even writing music for other artists—and her lesbian identity have left her hungry for a day job, a stable paycheck, dental insurance, and the security to focus on her music without having to pretend that she is financially better off than she is.
John
I feel your pain…but NYC isnt the epicenter of the world. Williamsburg is infested with mindless hipsters….if you were so hip, you’d trailblaze into other hoods….maybe in Philly? Maybe Baltimore?
CBRad
@John: Very well-put.
CBRad
@John: Besides, landlords have no obligation to help artists (as aesthetically-pleasing as that idea is). They want someone who’ll pay rent on time.
ron
Artists have always starved throughout history…it keeps the creative juices flowing
George412
If landlords gave free or cheap apartments to every “artist” in NYC then landlords would make no money. If JD has all these adoring fans and is playing to huge international crowds then where is the money going that she makes from her music?
CBRad
And, contrary to what she claims, I don’t see what her being a lesbian has to do with it. If she was a lesbian banker they’d rent to her without batting an eye.
ousslander
Outrageous that she isn’t given cheap rent in a popular neighbourhood.as an artiste she should be supported by tax dollars and not have to struggle or produce music people will buy or listen too.
Little Fish
@ron: Nobody should be starving! It has nothing to do with creativity!!! you are a stupid mindless piece of hypocrisy and dirt!!! shut up and tie your tongue in knots!!! Because of indifferent and unKind people like you, others suffer. I despise you!
DenverBarbie
Hey JD,
If you’re still in need of some cash… and health insurance… in a couple of years, hit this law student/lil’ suga mama up! 😉
Joe
@Little Fish: Hey, Fishie. Use some of that there universal healthcare and get yourself some Xanax, already. I don’t think he meant “starving” literally; haven’t you ever heard the term “starving artist”?
Tigris
We all know that these cutting edge artists are “special”, and that their financial woes are truly unique and new in the history of the world. Never before have geniuses such as these been denied a safe and secure place to create without worrying about the rent. The travails of “wannabees” like Amadeus Mozart have been highly exaggerated.
Adam
I also found Samson’s comments offensively stupid and nearsighted (remember: landlords don’t have financial worries, they have capitalist business practices). Following the link to the rest of the piece yielded the following delicious tidbit:
“I’m trying to keep up with artists who have had a similar amount of success as I have had, buying expensive meals, expensive jeans, expensive drinks, and trying my hardest to appear to be making the same amount of money as they are. I’m not them, for whatever above-mentioned reasons, but I just can’t pretend anymore.”
So, to be clear: life is hard, has no money, can’t get an apartment… but has no money because she has been actively wasting money on expensive shit to appear to be wealthier than she is. Cry me soooooo many rivers, JD Samson.
doublestandard
Sigh…
I don’t even know where to start.
Just gonna keep it short. Sweetie you was not turned down for being a lesbian tattoo blah blah yada yada. If you have good credit and the proper tax documents, free lance or not, you would of got the apartment. And what you describe may have been Williamsburg 15 years ago, but c’mon anyone who has been there lately knows that is not the Williamsburg of today. And why do you have to live in Williamsburg? Like someone above said, why the cool hip area? Of course its going to be more expensive. There are still plenty of cheap places to live in queens, Washington heights, Inwood, and east Harlem. And before anyone comments lets get what you saw about 1980s New York on tv out your mind. Ok I said more then I intended to and one last thing, New York is and always will be epicenter of the world.
Por Supuesto
hot topic!