THE BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY: THE CURSE OF ARTISTIC TALENT IN THE FACE OF POVERTY

Music, as we know, can touch our souls, transport us to other worlds, and create lasting memories. It can inspire, heal, and ignite a fire within us. However, a harsh reality is that most musicians who make original music cannot make a living from their creativity. The only way to make a living as a musician is by playing cover songs at functions or to be a tribute act.

The idea of the starving artist is often romanticised, the noble artist pursuing their passion, creativity, and dedication. Tales of suffering and poverty have intertwined with creative brilliance, highlighting the artist’s commitment. However, it is crucial to recognise that romanticising the starving artist’s plight is misleading and perpetuates a toxic myth.

Writing and performing music has given me happiness and a feeling of accomplishment as a musician. However, it hasn’t come without stress, toil and often challenging work for little reward. Moreover, it has taken a considerable financial and emotional toll. I am in the middle of a crowdfunding campaign for my new album, and I keep returning to the simple fact. to be creative and to be poor is a curse. Here are my findings after over 15 years in the music industry.

1. Pursuing the Dream: For many aspiring musicians, the journey begins with unwavering passion and a deep-seated desire to share their art with the world. However, the pursuit of this dream can be incredibly challenging. Musicians are constantly bombarded with patronising DJs, influencers, and experts who trot out the same old myths about achieving success. Musicians need to write a good song and record it professionally. I and many of my contemporaries have ticked every box they say you need to succeed, but we’re struggling.
2. The romanticised image of the “starving artist” perpetuates the notion that great art is born out of suffering and poverty. While there is no denying that some artists have created masterpieces amid adversity, the truth is that poverty is far from an ideal state for nurturing artistic genius. Financial insecurity can stifle creativity, place immense stress on artists, and force them to make compromises that hinder their artistic growth. We are forced to choose between pursuing our passion or committing to an emotionally draining job that leaves little time for creative endeavours. It is why only bands with funding from a wealthy family or a label can afford to tour and promote themselves.
3. Expensive Equipment and Training: Another significant obstacle for musicians is the financial burden of acquiring quality instruments and equipment. Instruments, studio gear, and professional sound systems come with hefty price tags. Musicians may be scrimping and saving for years to afford the necessary tools to create and perform. Ongoing training, lessons, and workshops further strain their limited resources. We have had to sell our possessions on eBay to buy second-hand equipment.
4. Navigating the Digital Landscape: In recent years, the rise of digital platforms has transformed the music industry. While this has opened up new avenues for exposure, it has also added complexity and increased competition. Musicians now face the challenge of standing out in an oversaturated market, investing in marketing strategies, and adapting to rapidly changing consumption patterns — all of which require financial investments that many struggling artists cannot afford. Also, most digital platforms pay less than $0.007 per stream.
5. To have any success, you need to have money. As I put post after post advertising my upcoming album, social media platforms tend to bury posts with crowdfunding links. We have to pay to reach even people who follow us or Like our page, but our advertising budget is meagre. Two years without playing live during the pandemic has depleted our funds.
6. Mental and Emotional Toll: Living in poverty while possessing immense artistic talent can significantly affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. The constant struggle to make ends meet, combined with societal pressure and self-doubt, can lead to anxiety, depression, and a loss of artistic motivation. Financial burdens can suffocate the creative spirit, leaving artists trapped and disheartened.

Conclusion: Being a musician is a labour of love, driven by an indomitable spirit and a profound connection to the art. However, the financial hardships experienced by many musicians can cast a shadow over their creative pursuits, stifling creativity and experimentation. Therefore, society must recognise and address these challenges, supporting musicians through increased funding opportunities, fair compensation for their work, and affordable access to resources. Only then can we ensure that our musical landscape remains diverse, vibrant, and inclusive for all artists, regardless of economic circumstances.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC, PLEASE VISIT MY ALBUM CROWDFUNDING PAGE. https://igg.me/at/zzero