Category: News/Announcements

Music Festivals by William Ruben Helms
Image

Summer Festival season is coming, y’all! And that means festival announcements.

So let’s get to it, right?

Newport Jazz Festival will be returning to Rhode Island’s Fort Adams State Park for its 69th edition. This year’s edition will continue the festival’s long-held tradition of hosting once in a lifetime performances that can only come as a result of Newport’s unique alchemy of intimacy and artistic community.

The 69th Edition will take place August 4, 2023 – August 6, 2023 and will feature an eclectic and acclaimed lineup of artists including the legendary Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Charles Lloyd, Vijay Iyer, Jon Batiste, and Kamasi Washington, as well as a collection of Grammy-nominated and-winning artists including Samara Joy, DOMi and JD Beck. The lineup also includes Big Freedia, Thundercat, DJ Pee .Wee (a.k.a. Anderson .Paak), Big Gigantic, Alfa Mist, Cautious Clay, Durand Jones, and The War and Treaty.

It’s an annual tradition for the festival to host special ensembles. And this year’s festival will include Newport Jazz artistic director Christian McBride’s annual Jam Dawn, MoodSwing, Scary Goldings featuring John Scofield, Superblue, Orrin Evans Quintet and the Bill Charlap Trio.

Specially priced 3-day tickets went on yesterday through DICE. Special pricing will be available for 24 hours ending today at 1:00pm EST. All full-prince 3-day, 2-day and single-day tickets will go on sale today at 1:00pm

Full pricing is listed below. Children under 10 are free with a maximum of 2 children attending per ticketed adult. Children 10 and over will need to purchase a full priced admission ticket. Current students aged 10-25 are eligible for student tickets. College students are required to show a student photo ID. Middle and high school students are not required to show ID. All students must enter through the student gate only. For more information go to https://dice.fm/promoters/3gng

TICKET PRICING

3-Day Limited Special Priced General Admission: $239.99 (includes fees)

3-Day Full Price General Admission: $281.19 (includes fees)

3-Day Student Admission – $142.14 (includes fees)

2-Day Saturday & Sunday General Admission: $193.64 (includes fees)

2-Day Saturday & Sunday Student Admission: $91.67 (includes fees)

Single-Day General Admission: $100.94 (includes fees)

Single-Day Student Admission: $47.38 (includes fees)

3-Day Parking: $69.01 (includes fees)

2-Day Parking: $46.35 (includes fees)

Single-Day Parking: $25.75 (includes fees)

NEWPORT JAZZ 2023 LINEUP

Friday

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead with Kamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington 

DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak)

Soulive  

DOMi & JD Beck

Immanuel Wilkins Quartet 

Big Freedia 

Alfa Mist 

Butcher Brown 

Endea Owens & The Cookout 

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix 

Julius Rodriguez 

Saturday 

Jon Batiste 

Thundercat 

Big Gigantic Does Jazz 

Christian McBride’s Jam Jawn 

Charles Lloyd New Quartet 

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily 

Julian Lage

Superblue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter with Nate Smith & Huntertones Horns 

Orrin Evans Quintet

The War and Treaty 

Keyon Harrold 

James Brandon Lewis 

Sunday 

Herbie Hancock 

Diana Krall 

Samara Joy 

Redman, Mehldau, McBride, Blade: A Moodswing Reunion 

Scary Goldings featuring John Scofield 

Cimafunk

Cautious Clay 

Somi 

Pedrito Martinez 

Bill Charlap Trio

Charles McPherson Quintet

More artists will be announced in the future. But in the meantime, ticket information is available here.

Music Festivals by William Ruben Helms

Summer Festival season is coming y’all. And naturally, that means a boatload of festival-related announcements over the next handful of months.

So let’s get to it, eh?

Founded in 1968, Festival d’été de Québec is a massive 11-day musical festival that hosts over 150 shows featuring internationally renowned and beloved headlining artists and emerging artists from all over the world in all genres playing on multiple stages in the heart of historic Québec City, Québec’s capital and one of the oldest cities in North America.

Festival d’été de Québec’s main stage is located on one of the most notable historical sites in Canada: The Plains of Abraham, where the British and French fought a decisive battle in the Seven Years’ War. The battle not only decided the fate of New France, but also led to the formation of Canada.

From what I’ve been told, FEQ is the closest North American analog to European city festivals like Wireless Festival, Primavera Sound or Roskilde. And because of its location, Québec City is arguably the closet thing to a European city within driving distance across the Northeastern US. And if you don’t feel like road tripping, you can take one of 21 direct flights to Jean Lesange/Québec City International Airport.

The 55th edition of the festival will take place from July 6, 2023 – July 16, 2023. Featuring over 200 artists, this year’s FEQ continues the festival’s long-held reputation for being a smorgasbord for any kind of music lover. Fans of stadium/arena rock can catch Foo Fighters, Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Quebecois icons Les Cowboys Fringants and Les Trois Accords. If you want something harder and more punk, you can catch Lamb of God and Bad Religion. The indie crowd could catch Lana Del Rey, The Smile, Feist, The War On Drugs, Alvvays and Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter Andy Shauf. Hip-hop heads can catch rising stars Lil Durk and GloRilla, the legendary Cypress Hill and Canadian emcees bbno$ and Killy. Rising country artist Zach Bryan leads a group of country artists that include Megan Moroney and Québec’s Quebec Redneck Bluegrass Project. Pitbull and Illenium will provide dance floor bangers. French outfit Christine & The Queens will offer Francophone pop tunes. Additional artists on the bill include Heart’s legendary Ann Wilson, Quebec’s Robert Charlebois, Sudan Archives and Meet Me @ The Altar.

So pass for FEQ are available. The passes are fully transferrable — fans can share with friends and family if they’re unable to attend any of the 11-days. The passes start at$140 CAD (about $103 USD) or about $12.72 CAD per day (about $9.27 per day). Passes and information is available HERE.

. 


s

hip-hop by William Ruben Helms
bnposter81Download

Since its founding back in 1981, the Blue Note Jazz Club is recognized as being one of the premiere venues in the world. The club strives to preserve the history of jazz while simultaneously encouraging and practicing innovation on a nightly basis. In addition to iconic appearances from the likes of Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, John Scofield, Ron Carter, Chris Botti, Joe Lovano and a lengthy list of others, the Blue Note regularly showcases up-and-coming jazz, soul. hip-hop, R&B and funk artists.

The Blue Note Entertainment Group is a multi-faceted entertainment company, which owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall and Arthur’s Tavern, Washington, D.C.’s The Howard Theatre, and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide (Milan, Honolulu, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan, Napa, CA, Rio de Janeiro and Sāo Paulo).

Subsidiaries of Blue Note Entertainment Group include the legendary, record label Blue Note Records, whose catalog includes over 50 titles recorded live at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, as well as Blue Note Travel, Management Group and Media Group.

Established back in 2011, The Blue Note Jazz Festival has become the largest jazz festival in New York City — with performances at some of the city’s most beloved venues. The festival expanded to Napa Valley last year, presenting a three-day, multi-stage event that takes place in July. Blue Note also partners on the Oxbow RiverStage, an annual outdoor festival-style summer series in downtown Napa.

Now that I’ve got the background info out of the way, let’s get to the announcement portion of the post: Earlier today, Blue Note announced the lineup, dates and locations of their much-anticipated 12th Annual Blue Note Jazz Festival. Slated to take place between May 31, 2023 – July 2, 2023, the 12th Edition of the festival will feature a diverse lineup of iconic and beloved artists including Grace Jones (!), Pat Metheny, NxWories (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge), Robert Glasper, BJ The Chicago Kid and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, as well as a stop on the legendary Buddy Guy‘s Damn Right Farewell tour. Full lineup and dates are below — as always.

Shows will take place at a number of beloved venues across New York, including the Beacon Theatre, Sony Hall, The Town Hall, Central Park SummerStage, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Prospect Park Bandshell, and of course, the Blue Note Jazz Club. The iconic and incomparable Grace Jones will be opening the festival at Hammerstein Ballroom on May 31, 2023.

“The Blue Note Jazz Festival is celebrating the pulse and culture of New York City, and there is no better way to do that than by experiencing iconic artists throughout iconic venues this summer,” Blue Note Director of Programming Alex Kurland says. “We’re proud to spotlight multi-generational, legendary artists who have had an extraordinary impact and influence on music and culture.” 

BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL LINEUP

May 31—Grace Jones—Hammerstein Ballroom
June 1—Ghost-Note—Blue Note
June 1—Mashina—Beacon Theatre
June 2—Ghost-Note—Blue Note
June 2—Ms. Lisa Fischer—Sony Hall 
June 3—Ghost-Note—Blue Note
June 3—Avery Sunshine—Sony Hall
June 3—Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers + John Scofield, Kenny Garrett, 
Christian McBride—Town Hall
June 4—Ghost-Note—Blue Note
June 4—Harlem Blues Project—Blue Note Brunch
June 5—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 6—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 7—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 8—Lettuce & Friends—Blue Note
June 9—Lettuce & Friends—Blue Note
June 9—Manhattan Transfer—Sony Hall
June 10—Lettuce & Friends—Blue Note
June 10—Cortex—Sony Hall
June 10—Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera—Town Hall
June 11—Lettuce & Friends—Blue Note
June 11—Harlem Gospel Choir—Blue Note Brunch
June 12—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 13—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 14—Talib Kweli and The Whiskey Boys—Blue Note
June 15—Soulive—Blue Note
June 16—Soulive—Blue Note
June 17— Soulive—Blue Note
June 18—Soulive—Blue Note
June 18—Buddy Guy—SummerStage
June 18—Harlem Gospel Choir—Blue Note Brunch
June 19—TAUK—Blue Note
June 20—The Motet—Blue Note
June 21—The Motet—Blue Note
June 21—Meshell Ndegeocello—Sony Hall
June 22—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 22—Omara Portuondo—Sony Hall
June 23—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 23—Sergio Mendes—Sony Hall
June 24—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 24—Pat Metheny Side-Eye—Beacon Theatre
June 24—NxWorries, Robert Glasper with Lalah Hathaway & Bilal, BJ The Chicago Kid—Celebrate Brooklyn
June 25—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 25—Harlem Gospel Choir—Blue Note Brunch
June 26—Julius Rodriquez—Blue Note
June 27—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 28—Ron Carter—Blue Note
June 28—Harlem Gospel Choir Sings Nina Simone—Sony Hall
June 29—Soulive—Blue Note
June 30—Soulive—Blue Note
July 1—Soulive—Blue Note
July 2—Soulive—Blue Note

Tickets and further festival information can be found here.

Music Festivals by William Ruben Helms

Co-founded in 2019 by three New York music industry veterans and longtime friends, former Lorimer Beacon head Mike Bell, Kanine Records‘ founder and label head Lio Kanine and Kepler Events‘ founder and Dedstrange Records co-founder Steven Matrick, The New Colossus Festival has featured an eclectic collection of several hundred handpicked, emerging and buzz-worthy indie bands and artists from the US, Canada, the UK, the European Union, Australia, and elsewhere.

New Colossus by design has taken place about a week or so before SXSW with the idea that the festival would serve as a pre-SXSW stopover that would give the acts in each year’s lineup an opportunity to get exposure in the influential New York market, while filling a void in the city’s festival calendar.

The festival’s fourth edition will take place March 8, 2023 – March 12, 2023. And much like the preceding editions, showcases will take place in some of the Lower East Side’s most renowned independent venues, including Mercury Lounge, Berlin Under A, Arlene’s Grocery, Bowery Ballroom, The Bowery Electric, Heaven Can Wait, Piano’s, and a few others.

A couple of weeks ago, the festival made a couple of announcements: The last batch of acts added to the lineup, including JOVM favorite Absolutely Free (CA), ARADIA (US), Big Mountain County (IT), English Teacher (UK), LUMBEROB (US), Pleasure Pill, (US), Pure Adult (US), Sorry Mom (US), and Telescreens (US). Along with those bands, they shared the complete lineup for the festival which you’ll see with the flyer below:

They also announced the festival’s schedule, which you can check out here: https://www.newcolossusfestival.com/schedule?utm_campaign=c2e5b084-de3f-4e9d-a3fb-d62daf1a06b0&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=ac466ae2-d0c6-4e01-845f-c3b1ed63bbda

New Colossus Festival also shared a playlist featuring a curated collection of songs from this year’s lineup. For attendees — and possible attendees — the playlist will be helpful in planning your festival experience in a sensible fashion.

You can check out the full schedule here.

The full festival lineup listing is here, which coincidentally features each act’s schedule can be found here.

Lastly, organizers announced that they’ve partnered with global music distributor Ditto Music. Ditto Music will bring Ditto X: NYC23 music conference to the festival this year. Taking place on March 9, 2023 at Piano’s from 12:00pm-7:00pm, Ditto Music will provide a full day of panels, discussions and networking opportunities with industry professionals and artists. The event will offer insights and advice for independent artists and labels, covering key topics including:

– Unlocking new music revenue

– Landing bigger and better shows

– Growing your fanbase

– Building a sustainable career in music

Festival badges are still available through Dice y’all. You can purchase here: https://dice.fm/event/ee7n6-new-colossus-festival-2023-all-access-badge-8th-mar-various-venues-nyc-new-york-tickets

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

13 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal in 2019 and last year.
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • Several years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a lot of fun. But no one has called me about acting or dancing gigs. So maybe, I need to stick to writing and photography?
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends.  

While we’ve managed to claw our way back to great degree of normalcy, being an independent working and touring musician has become more difficult than ever before. Touring has almost always been a financial risk for most artists, but adding COVID-related rescheduling, Live Nation/Ticketmaster being unfathomably greedy and evil, inflation, streaming and host of other factors, planning a tour is daunting — perhaps more now than ever before.

Touring involves a complex web of professionals to make it happen — including artist managers, publicists to help promote the artist, their material and their tour, journalists and photographers covering the new releases and the live shows to support it, bookers, promoters, bouncers, sound engineers, lighting people, bartenders, cleaning staff and on and on. Everyone, including fans are all trying to maneuver in this confusing and uncertain landscape.

In the 13 years since I started the site, I’ve managed to carve out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere. Because music media — and media in general — are often incredibly homogenous, the coverage you as a reader and as a fan see and read comes from a similar perspective. I’ve always wanted to do things differently and on my own terms. Thankfully, my work here has allowed me do that.

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. 

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ve received over the course of the past nine months or so have been put to good use — keeping this dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

13 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal in 2019 and again earlier this month. 
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting or dancing gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends.  

During the very worst of the pandemic almost three years ago, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’ve slowly managed to claw our way back to even greater degree of normalcy, being a working and touring musician has become exceedingly difficult. Touring has almost always been a financial risk, in which most musicians wind up deeply in the red but if you add COVID and inflation, touring for many seems more daunting than ever. 

Musicians, publicists, journalists, music venues and everyone else in the industry are all trying to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that we all hope will end but seems as though will be with us for some time. At this point, things may be weird and unusual, but my intention is to stubbornly keep on keeping on. 

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So JOVM and my work with it has to continue. 

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. 

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 13 months or so will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Since I’ve started sending monthly shout outs to those kind folks, who have supported me and my work through Patreon, it’s been a tradition of sorts that when it comes to December that I send my shoutouts a day or so early.

Just about 13 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal in 2019 and again earlier this month. 
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting or dancing gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends.  

During the very worst of the pandemic almost three years ago, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’ve slowly managed to claw our way back to even greater degree of normalcy, being a working and touring musician has become exceedingly difficult. Touring has almost always been a financial risk, in which most musicians wind up deeply in the red but if you add COVID and inflation, touring for many seems more daunting than ever.

Musicians, publicists, journalists, music venues and everyone else in the industry are all trying to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that we all hope will end but seems as though will be with us for some time. At this point, things may be weird and unusual, but my intention is to stubbornly keep on keeping on.

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So JOVM and my work with it has to continue. 

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. 

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 13 months or so will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Co-founded back in 2018 by three New York music industry vets and longtime friends, former Lorimer Beacon founder and head Mike Bell, Kanine Records‘ founder and label head Lio Kanine and Kepler Events‘ and Dedstrange Records co-founder Steven Matrick, The New Colossus Festival over the course of the past couple of years has featured several hundred handpicked, emerging indie bands and artists from Canada, the UK, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong and of course, the US. 

By design the festival has taken place about a week or so before SXSW with the idea that New Colossus would be a pre-SXSW stopover that will give the acts in each year’s lineup an opportunity to organically gain exposure while filling a critical void in the city’s festival calendar. 

New Colossus Festival’s third edition will take place March 8, 2023-March 12, 2023 and will take place in some of the Lower East Side’s best and renowned independent venues including Mercury Lounge, Berlin Under A, Arlene’s Grocery, Bowery Ballroom, The Bowery Electric, Heaven Can Wait, Pianos, and more.  New Colossus Festival closes out the calendar year with the announcement of its second wave of artists that will be playing at showcases across the Lower East Side. And much like the first wave of artists, it’s a highly curated collection of artists who hail from the US, Canada, the UK and elsewhere.

Some of the new additions including Bilk (UK), Demob Happy (UK), Grand Sun (Portugal), Low Island (UK), Yndling (Norway), Kamikaze Nurse (Canada) and A Place to Bury Strangers, who are returning to headline their Dedstrange label party after not being able to perform at the 2020 edition. Additionally, Beverly (US), Eternal Summers (US) and The Depreciation Guild (US) will be playing reunion shows for Kanine Records’ 20th Anniversary Party.

Of course, more details are coming.

SECOND WAVE ADDITIONS:

A Place to Bury Strangers (US)

Beverly (US)

BLACK MARACAS (ES)

Bloomsday (US)

Borito (IL)

Closebye (CA)

Demob Happy (UK)

Emmrose (US)

Eternal Summers (US)

First Crush (US)

GHUM (UK)

Gold Lake (ES)

Gossamer Blue (CA)

Grand Sun (PT)

HNRY FLWR (US)

jackie (CA)

Kacey Fifield (US)

Kamikaze Nurse (CA)

Kryxis (US)

layzi (US)

Low Island (UK)

MAUVEY (CA)

Miesha and The Spanks (CA)

Noah And The Loners (UK)

Nutrients (CA)

Paper Lady (US)

Percocet (US)

S.C.A.B. (US)

The Chairs (TW)

The Depreciation Guild (US)

The Down & Outs (US)

The Silver Lines (UK)

The Vices (NL)

to the wedding (US)

Totalement Sublime (CA)

VLURE (Scotland)

Yndling (NO)

Yo Diablo (ES)
 

Full list of showcasing artists and bands can be found here: https://www.newcolossusfestival.com/artists2023?utm_campaign=7965f0f8-b1ca-4719-96c9-c158666e5210&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail_lp&cid=ac466ae2-d0c6-4e01-845f-c3b1ed63bbda. Actual schedules and set times are forthcoming, so be on the lookout,

You can purchase a badge here: https://dice.fm/event/ee7n6-new-colossus-festival-2023-8th-mar-various-venues-nyc-new-york-tickets

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Just about 13 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal in 2019 and again earlier this month.
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting or dancing gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends.  

Now you’ll remember that during the very worst of the pandemic, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’ve slowly managed to claw our way back to even greater degree of normalcy, being a working and touring musician has remained extremely bleak. Financially touring has always been a financial risk but rising inflation and COVID-19 has made touring much more daunting and complicated. 

We’re all trying to figure out how to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that may well be with us for an indefinite period of time. But with these past 12+ years under my belt, I have no intentions of going anywhere. 

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So JOVM and my work with it has to continue. 

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. 

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 13 months or so will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Co-founded back in 2018 by three New York music industry vets and longtime friends, former Lorimer Beacon founder and head Mike Bell, Kanine Records‘ founder and label head Lio Kanine and Kepler Events‘ and Dedstrange Records co-founder Steven Matrick, The New Colossus Festival over the course of the past couple of years has featured several hundred handpicked, emerging indie bands and artists from Canada, the UK, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong and of course, the US.

By design the festival has taken place about a week or so before SXSW with the idea that New Colossus would be a pre-SXSW stopover that will give the acts in each year’s lineup an opportunity to organically gain exposure while filling a critical void in the city’s festival calendar.

New Colossus Festival’s third edition will take place March 8, 2023-March 12, 2023 and will take place in some of the Lower East Side’s best and renowned independent venues including Mercury Lounge, Berlin Under A, Arlene’s Grocery, Bowery Ballroom, The Bowery Electric, Heaven Can Wait, Pianos, and more.   The festival’s organizers announced the first wave of artists that will be playing at next year’s festival, a highly curated collection of artists and bands from across the world — and the first wave bands and artists are below:

36? (CA)

802 (CA)

Adwaith (UK)

Anthony OKS (CA)

Arverne (US) 

Astronomies (NO)

Ava Vegas (DE)

BIG SEA (IT)

Bloomsday (US)

Blushing (US)

Bonnie Trash (CA) 

Boy With Apple (SE)  

boy wonder (CA)

Buff Ginger (US) 

Bummer Camp (US) 

CHARMAINE (CA) 

Claudia Bouvette (CA) 

Clea Anaïs (CA) 

Colatura (US) 

church crush (US)

Data Animal (DE) 

Day & Dream (US) 

Dead Tooth (US) 

Deep Sea Peach Tree (US) 

Diary (US) 

Dirty Freud (UK) 

Father Koi (US) 

Fears (UK) 

French Cassettes (US) 

Gäy (DK) 

GIUNGLA (IT) 

Hang Him to the Scales (US)

Heaven For Real (CA)

Helen Ganya (UK) 

Her Dark Heaven (US) 

Her Skin (IT) 

High. (US) 

His His (CA) 

Hoorsees (FR) 

Hope (DE)

InCircles (US)

J. Pastel (US) 

Jane Inc. (CA) 

Jeanines (US) 

Jolé (UK) 

Julia Logan (SE) 

Kali Horse (CA) 

Keegan Powell (CA)

Keeper E. (CA) 

knitting (CA) 

KOKO (IT)

Lahnah (US)

Lauren Lakis (US) 

Laveda (US) 

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys (DE)

Lukka (US) 

LUNACY (US) 

MANE (AU)

Marci (CA) 

Mary Shelley (US) 

Monsoon (US) 

My Son The Doctor (US) 

Nat Vazer (AU) 

Naya Ali (CA) 

NEVVA (US) 

O. Wake (US) 

Oh Imanuela (UK) 

Pale Dīan (US) 

Phillip Jon Taylor (UK) 

Picture Show (US)

Plàsi (SE)

Pons (US) 

Poster Paints (US) 

Public Body (UK)  

Pulsr (US)

Punchlove (US) 

Ringing (US) 

Robber Robber  (US)

Roost.World (US) 

Saloon Dion  (UK) 

Secret American (US) 

Shallow Waves (CA) 

Shanghai Qiutian (CN) 

Shred Flintstone (US) 

Sid Simons  (US)

Silverbacks (IE) 

Slow Fiction (US) 

Slut Magic (US) 

Snotty Nose Rez Kids (CA)

Sobs (SG) 

Spirits of Leo (US) 

stranger waves (US)

Teenage Halloween (US) 

Ten Minute Detour (CA) 

The After Hours (US) 

The Garrys (CA) 

The Pleasure Majenta (DE)

The Tarrys (US)

The Vices (NL)

THUS LOVE (US)

Two-Man Giant Squid (US) 

Web Hex (US) 

Windier (US) 

Work Wife (US)

Wynona Bleach (UK)
 

New Colossus also shared a curated playlist of the first wave artists and bands below. It’s 98 songs and over 5 hours — but it features some incredibly buzz-worthy acts, some emerging artists and bands that might break out next year, JOVM mainstays, and more, including Thus Love, Blushing, Dead Tooth, Shallow Waves, Spirits of Leo, Shred Flintstone, Pale Dian, Monsoon and more.

The full lineup will drop sometime in February but I’m looking forward to catching another edition of New Colossus.

Festival badges are on sale right now. You can purchase yours here https://dice.fm/event/ee7n6-new-colossus-festival-2023-8th-mar-various-venues-nyc-new-york-tickets

  

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Almost 13 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal back in 2019. (I’ll be returning to Montreal to cover this year’s M for Montreal, marking my first international trip in three years.)
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting or dancing gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends.  

Now you’ll remember that during the very worst of the pandemic, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’ve slowly managed to claw our way back to even greater degree of normalcy, being a working and touring musician has remained extremely bleak. Financially touring has always been a financial risk but rising inflation and COVID-19 has made touring much more daunting and complicated.

We’re all trying to figure out how to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that may well be with us for an indefinite period of time. But with these past 12+ years under my belt, I have no intentions of going anywhere. 

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So JOVM and my work with it has to continue. 

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. 

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 13 months or so will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

Over 12 years ago, I started what has been for me, my life’s work — this site. And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal back in 2019. 
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends. And by far, music friends have proven to be the very best of friends. 

During the middle of the very worst of the pandemic, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’re slowly managed to claw our way back to an even greater degree of normalcy, in which gathering together can happen, things across the music industry still seem rather bleak: Touring has always been a big financial risk for musicians but COVID-19 has made it even more complicated, because musicians are out there risking their health and lives — because they need to make money to live. 

We’re all trying to figure out how to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that may well be with us for an indefinite period of time. But with these past 12 years under my belt, I have no intentions of going anywhere. 

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So JOVM and my work with it has to continue.

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps.

I have to thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 18 months will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

MerchFriends, a is new 501 (c) organization led by Hello Merch co-founder, The Format’s Sam Means, brings together some of the top names in the merch industry to produce content, events, and educational material aimed at influencing and supporting a healthy independent music merch ecosystem. Their mission is to unite independent merch makers to support and sustain both the industry and artists that they serve.

Interestingly, MerchFriends have teamed up with the folks at Spotify, the world’s most used streaming service for the inaugural Band Shirt Day today. Band Shirt Day is a celebration of merch and giving. It’s a global fundraising event that combines the love and nostalgia of the iconic band shirt with an opportunity for artists to raise money for worthy, charitable causes.

The artists participating in Band Shirt Day include Portugal. The Man, Sonic Youth, Best Coast, Matt Nathanson, Black Pumas, Parquet Courts, Indigo De Souza, Bush Tetras, Roar, SPELLING, Equal Vision Records, and Rude Records. The GoFundMe account for Band Shirt Day will collect donations on behalf of the participating artists. The funds’ recipients will include the ACLU, The Ally Coalition, Voices of Children, MusiCares, Planned Parenthood and more.

Similar to Record Store Day or the Australia Music T-Shirt Day, Band Shirt Day invites artists to create and sell unique limited edition merch items while encouraging them to use their platform to create change. Artists can participate by listing their specially designed merchandise on HelloMerch.com, or existing sales channels with proceeds going directly to their selected charity. They can also use their Spotify profile to offer a special tee or merch deal and leverage Spotify’s Fan Support tool to encourage their listeners and fans to donate to Band Shirt Day’s official GoFundMe or to raise money for another cause directly from their artist profile.

“We at Rude Records believe that everyone has the opportunity and responsibility to make the world a better place,” the folks at Rude Records say in a statement. “That is why, through our charity branch Rude Cares, we support several projects to end inequality, social injustice and to make the world more sustainable for future generations. We are honored to take part in Band Shirt Day and thankful for having the chance to be part of this great initiative with our artists!”

“Glad to see Band Shirt Day raising the profile for the good work that bands do. It means a lot to us to get the extra exposure for our Foundation”  Portugal. The Man say of the decision to participate in Band Shirt Day.

For my fellow New Yorkers, Band Shirt Day will be Band Shirt Weekend. MerchFriends is patterning with Rough Trade to curate the Indieplaza’s Artist Merch Market at the inaugural Indieplaza at Rockefeller Center — and to establish a Band Shirt Day presence at the festival that takes place this weekend.

The Artist Merch Market will feature limited-edition merchandise from Hello Merch, Low Level, Favorite Vegetable, plus Rough Trade vinyl bins, live screen printing from Upstate Merch, live art demonstrations from the legendary Steve Keene, Jose Berrio, artist signings and festival merch, DIY family fun, interactive games and more!

A full list of participating Band Shirt Day artists, merch, and causes
can be found here: https://bandshirtday.com/directory

Artists can register to participate in Band Shirt Day here: https://bandshirtday.com

Info on Indieplaza can be found here: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/indieplaza-at-rockefeller-center/

Band Shirt Day’s GoFundMe can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bandshirtday

https://www.merchfriends.org/ 

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

M for Montreal — M pour Montreal in French — is an annual conference, which takes place over the course of four days in late November in Canada’s second largest city. Since the inaugural conference back in 2005, M for Montreal has quickly expanded to feature a selection of over 100 emerging, buzz-worthy and/or breakout acts from across Quebec, the rest of Canada and internationally playing in showcases in some of Montreal’s top venues.

The annual conference also welcomes over 300 music industry professionals to Montreal for professional programming and networking tailored specifically for folks in the industry. This year, conference delegates will be able to attend a full slate of panels and workshops that address some of the most pressing issues, trends and talking points in the music industry today, including copyright in the Metaverse, the impact of international A&R, and the industry’s relationship with mental health, among others. The conference will also host several keynote sessions led by some of the industry’s major players, including Sub Pop Records‘ CEO Megan Jasper.

This year also marks the return of additional activities and events for delegates to partake in throughout the conference’s four days. Past favorites like the Music PEI Brunch Club, Artist Lab, co-presented by TuneCore and QUB musique and M for Marathon presented by SiriusXM all return this year. Additionally, there will be a variety of professional networking opportunities, including in-person mixers for delegates — or through the virtual M for Mixer platform. Partner delegations from Wales and the Czech Republic will also be in town to present activities for Pro badge holders. Of course, hopefully the delegates will have some free time to eat a couple of smoked meat sandwiches, some poutine and maybe even some bagels while in town. (I attended in 2019 and stopped at La Banquise for some late night poutine — and I’m still dreaming of it. Seriously, it was that good!)

M for Montreal’s organizers announced the first wave of showcasing artists earlier this year. But as they’re gearing up for the conference, they recently announce the full lineup of artists in its 2022 Official Selection series. Now spotlighting 29 of Canada’s most exciting, buzz-worthy acts (up from 20 last year), this year’s Official Selection embraces the conference’s values of equity and inclusivity, featuring artists from a diverse spectrum of identities, backgrounds and genres.

Some of the Official Selection acts include Quebecois experimental indie rock outfit Bibi Club, acclaimed Belgian-Canadian singer/songwriter Cedric Noel, Vancouver heavy shoegazers Kamikaze Nurse, and Ontario Anishinabe indie duo Ombiigizi. (The full lineup is right below.)

The 17th edition of M for Montreal will feature two portions — a virtual conference that will take place from November 9, 2022 – November 10, 2022 and an in-person conference that will take place from November 16, 2022 – November 19, 2022.

Passes for this year are on sale right now and are available in two tiers: All-access Pro badges and Melomaniac badges available to the general public — but quantities are limited. Check out the following link for information and to purchase: https://mpourmontreal.com/en/billetterie/

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

12 years ago, I started what has been for me — my life’s work.

And honestly, when I started this site, I couldn’t have imagined three-quarters of the things I’ve done and experienced over JOVM’s history to ever happen. 

  • I’ve covered roughly 1,100-1,200 shows in NYC, with a handful of shows in Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
  • I’ve covered about a dozen or more festivals, including traveling to Montreal for M for Montreal back in 2019. 
  • I’ve been a panelist at Mondo.NYC Festival and at New Colossus Festival, speaking about PR, promotion and press for indie artists, giving my perspective as a indie blogger. 
  • A few years ago, I made a cameo in a JOVM mainstay’s music video. It’s a very noticeable spot towards the end of the video. It was a fun experience, but so far no one has called me about acting gigs. Maybe I need to stick to the writing and photography? 
  • I couldn’t have imagined photographing George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, Blondie, Nile Rodgers, Roky Erickson, Philip Bailey, Blind Boys of Alabama and so many others, as well as this site’s countless mainstays.
  • I wouldn’t have met the countless colleagues and musicians, who have become supporters and friends. And by far, music friends have proven to be the very best of friends. 

JOVM turned 10 in June 2020. And during the middle of the very worst of the pandemic, things seemed — understandably — bleak. And although we’re slowly managed to claw our way back to a degree of normalcy, in which gathering together can happen, things across the music industry still seem rather bleak: Touring has always been a big financial risk for musicians but COVID-19 has made it even more complicated, because musicians are out there risking their health and lives — because they need to make money to live. 

We’re all trying to figure out how to maneuver in a new, confusing and uncertain landscape that may well be with us for an indefinite period of time. But with these past 12 years under my belt, I have no intentions of going anywhere. 

I strongly believe that I’ve managed to carve out a unique spot in the blogosphere, a place that I feel is desperately necessary because both the music and media worlds are often so incredibly homogenous. Someone out there has to do something different. And representation in every aspect matters. So in many ways, this has to continue. 

As I do every month, I want to thank the following folks and organizations. Without them this past few years — and especially this year — wouldn’t have been remotely possible: 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Of course, feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. And if you’re able to support, your support will be greatly appreciated and continuously shouted out. Any amount really helps. Seriously. 

I must thank the folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m relieved, proud and humbled to be included in their Guaranteed Income for Artists program. The money I’ll receive over the next 18 months will be put to good use — keeping this little dream of mine going. I don’t think there’s enough words to thank them — or to show how grateful I am. (I’ll keep trying, of course!) 

There are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop 

You can also support my following me on the following platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_ruben_helms 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yankee32879 and https://www.twitter.com/joyofviolent 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement

And you can hire me for headshots, portraits and events. Seriously, I’m available for that, too. You can click here: https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly.