News/Announcements: Shoutouts to Patreon Patrons
Pandemic-related restrictions and lockdowns across the world have made it extraordinarily difficult for an overwhelming majority artists across the world to survive, let alone make a living. Entire industries — and in turn, livelihoods — have been obliterated. The Trump Administration’s ineptitude, cruelty and depravity made matters worse, and it has left the Biden Administration with a overloaded plate of things they need to fix. Of course, if you’re a realist as I am, you’d recognize the bitter fact that some of the Biden Administration’s policies and ideas may not pass because of the Republican Party’s stubborn resistance to — well, everything.
But with vaccines entering people’s arms, there’s a renewed sense of hope. I’m actually seeing tour dates — for both indoor and outdoor shows. Personally, I’m excited but I’m also wary of most of those shows actually happening. If there are strict restrictions, it touring won’t be financial viable; and if there aren’t much in the way of restrictions, will people feel as safe as they did pre-COVID? We will see. Look, I’m not sure how I feel about indoor shows yet. (I’ve only been indoors for anything three times: two of those times, I was in a very small group in an isolated portion of a restaurant. The third time, I sat in a bar near a window that was cracked open.)
During the past year or so, you’ve likely turned to some sort of art for spiritual, emotional and intellectual sustenance, for entertainment and to just fill up all the newfound time you had on your hands. And for me, it made championing artists and their work much more urgent — especially since there are countless other entertainment options competing for everyone’s time, money, attention, energy and love.
Because this site has long been a DIY labor of love, I’ve often believed and felt that I’ve had an intimate — and deeply personal — understanding of the financial plight of most of the artists I’ve covered throughout this site’s history. Of course, this reminds of several important facts:
- Art costs money — and without money, it can’t exist.
- Artists are small businesses. So supporting artists is supporting a small business.
- A small bit of support can go a long way. A $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 purchase of someone’s work can often mean the purchase of groceries or covering the cost of a subscription they need to continue their work or anything else along those lines. That same $50 or $60 doesn’t really mean shit to Amazon.
- Supporting an artist/small business can keep money within your community. Amazon or some other mega-conglomerate doesn’t give a fuck about your community or your neighbors. Plus, you won’t be giving your money to companies that actively fuck over
Of course, I hope that my work has led you to listen to music and appreciate it in a deeper and more thorough way — to “listen in technicolor” as a friend told me; that my work has led you to an eclectic array of artists, whose work will become part of your lives, as it has been mine. Additionally, I hope that my photography has added some beauty to your day, and inspired you to see the world in a new way — or to take a moment to appreciate something cool or beautiful.
To that end, I’m asking you once again for your support. I’m continuing to sell merch through this site’s shop. You can find photographic prints — from my live concert photography to street photography and even some outdoor/nature photos. I also still have a shit ton of JOVM bumper stickers. All of this stuff is beautiful and could use a loving forever home. I periodically update offerings, so you should check back every now and then. You can check out the store here:
You can support by becoming one of my Patreon patrons. Every dollar means something. Seriously, it does. There are different patronage levels and different rewards for your support. For more information, you can check out the Patreon page here:
https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
If you’re not already a fan of this site on Facebook, please feel free to become a fan here:
https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
I know that a lot of folks are struggling to get by. If you find yourself in that situation, there are a few simple ways you can support and show love that won’t hurt your checkbook:
- You may notice that towards the bottom of every post there’s a section with related posts. If you really dig what JOVM is about, keep following and keep reading. From my understanding, the more articles you read and the more time you spend here, really helps in terms of the various algorithms that impact ad revenue and Google Search.
- Pass the word on to friends and associates, who may want to support independent journalism and criticism in all forms.
- Pass the word on to friends and associates, who may actually dig the artists I’ve spent the past decade covering. And trust me, those hardworking, amazing artists would love it, too.
- Retweets, Facebook shares and reblogs are also another wonderful way that you can support and show love. Every pair of eyeballs — both new and old — are cherished here.
All of these things mean the world to me. And I can’t thank those folks who have supported me and my work through all of these ways enough. Of course, as I do every month, I wanted to thank my Patreon patrons for their support:
Sash
Alice Northover
Bella Fox
Jenny MacRostie
Mike Held
Thank you y’all.