Tag: News/Announcements

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: JOVM on Substack

This is a bit of an experiment here. But I know that folks are extremely busy with work, their significant others, their kids, running errands, and the country’s continued slide into technofeudalistic fascism. So if you can’t read everyday, my plan is to do a weekly recap of JOVM coverage over on Substack.

Right now, it’s completely free. Again, it’s an experiment. So, consider it an option if you’re a fan of JOVM and want to keep up on a weekly basis.

https://williamrubenhelms.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: JOVM Is Back!

Yes, you’ve read that right. I’m back.

So, let me address the enormous white elephant in the room. Last month, I announced on Threads and Facebook that JOVM was going to go on an indefinite hiatus. Financially, I couldn’t manage the fees to keep things to keep the site going as I had been. Over the last two months before the hiatus, the site actually broke. Over a decade worth of coverage was lost in the ether — seemingly forever.

Admittedly, I went through a bunch of emotions with all the unexpected free time I had without JOVM. For the first days, I was extremely depressed. Getting out of bed, showering and putting on clothes was difficult. I quickly realized that I needed to get out of my apartment — or I’d fall into a deep hole.

I went on several long walks with my Canon R6 Mark II in hand. It kept me busy. Hell, it kept my mind busy on something else. And initially at least, it didn’t matter if the photos would be shared anywhere or not. But I did wind up sharing them on Instagram — because that’s what you do, right?

Remember, JOVM had been a daily part of my life for 15 years and a couple of months. In 2011, my estranged father died and the first major and lengthy relationship of my life blew up in my face. How did I get through that? I threw myself wholly into my work — both full-time and JOVM.

In early 2020, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. And then a couple of months later, the world ground to a halt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. My days and nights were full of anxiety and worry. Sleep was hard to come by. So, I’d work until I was exhausted. I’d pass out in front of the MacBook with the lights on. But I also recognized that you, dear reader would most likely be afraid, isolated, fearful and JOVM could be a moment of escape, connection and beauty, a lifeline in exceedingly difficult and unusual times. And believe me, it was for me!

There are some folks I need to thank.

First, the Patreon Patrons, who have supported me through monthly donations for the past handful of years:

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

I must thank my pal and colleague Adam Bernard for chatting with me about JOVM and the site’s hiatus last month. You can check out the interview, in which I talk about how important it is to support independent journalists here: https://adambernard.blogspot.com/2025/09/saving-one-mans-movement-convo-with.html

I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

I also have to thank my man John Morrison, Philly’s preeminent music journalist for the support and encouragement.

Last but not least, I have to thank a friend, who will remain anonymous upon their request for their generosity and support.

Long live, The Joy of Violent Movement! Long live, The Joy of Violent Movement!

___

The Joy of Violent Movement is a completely independent and completely D.I.Y. media outlet. Over the course of this site’s 15+ year history, I’ve used my fiercely independent stance to cover music with an eclectic and global perspective that a lot of other publications just don’t have — and will likely never have.

To that end, I could use your support to continue to keep bringing you my unique global perspective on music. There are a number of ways that you can support this work.

I’ve been told that some people would prefer to make a one-time donation because it’s easy and less of an obligation. So, if you’re able to make a one-time donation, there’s a donation box below.

Make a one-time donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate

If you’re willing and able to support more regularly, please feel free to check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Anything you can give is very much appreciated. It can and does make a real difference, y’all.

I know that a lot of folks are struggling to make ends meet in an uncertain and tumultuous economic climate. So there are other, non-financial ways in which you can support this work.

You can follow me on the following social platforms:

X/Twitter: @yankee32879 and @joyofviolent

Instagram: @william_ruben_helms

Threads: @william_ruben_helms

Bluesky: @williamrubenhelms.bsky.social

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

As always, if there are posts that you dig, share them with your friends. The more eyeballs on my work, the better.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: Shoutouts to Patreon Patrons, Creatives Rebuild New York and Asian Arts Initiative

2025 has been one of the more embittering and frustrating years in recent memory. Earlier this year, I thought I had landed a dream job: I was going to be working for a well-regarded, French-based label and distributor, doing work closely related — and aligned — with my work here on JOVM. Remote work, which would allow me to travel. A stipend to go to festivals. Amazing benefits. Generous vacation time. And the sort of payday that would make my life and existence much more comfortable. The fucking dream! 

Understandably, me and my dearest ones were thrilled. A lot of hard work and sacrifice finally paid off! Unfortunately, it all turned out to be smoke and mirrors, a fucking scam that resulted in my bank account being overdrawn.  Sigh. 

I haven’t been able to get any kind of regular work in almost a year — whether freelance, part-time or full-time. Trying to land work is more difficult than ever before: ATS. A.I. 20% of all listings being ghost jobs. Companies not knowing what they’re doing during the hiring process or changing their minds halfway through. 10,000 people applying to every open position within a few hours of the posting going live. And add the occasional networking event that doesn’t lead to much. 

Although I’ve been able to get by here and there with a little help from my friends, as the song says, and from scrounging, scraping and scheming, I’m financially tapped out. Honestly, over the past six weeks or so, I’ve seriously considered giving up; of just walking away and closing up shop. Things have frankly felt extraordinarily difficult in a way that I haven’t experienced before. Nor does it help that we’re simultaneously sliding into a fascistic, autocratic dictatorship and into World War III. Everything is awesome, ain’t it? 

Right now, I have a couple of (hopefully) simple asks of y’all, dear friends: 

  • If you’ve got leads for full-time, part-time, temporary or even project-based editorial, writing and/or photography work, please feel free to reach out. Remote work or work here in the five boroughs would be ideal. So if you follow me on social media, and you know of anything, holler at me through the DMs. And if you know of me IRL, feel free to send a text or email. 
  • If you’re able to give a donation, please free to donate. There’s a donation box on this page.
  • If you’re able to regularly support JOVM through Patreon, please do so. That will be much appreciated, too. Anything you can give is much appreciated, especially in light of — well, (waving hands) everything. 

 

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Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

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JOVM recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Yeah, 15 y’all.

When I started this site, I believed that I wouldn’t get a fair shot to do what I’ve done with this site on another outlet.

Growing up in Corona, Queens I was surrounded by a wildly eclectic, dynamic. global-minded environment. That environment has been a major influence on my life and my work. Look, there’s a lot of music out there. And some of it is awesome, criminally under-rated and not getting the attention it should. 

I’ve managed carved out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere through a lot of hard work. Because music media — and generally the media world — is an incredibly homogeneous space, the coverage that you see as a consumer and fan tends to come from a startling similar perspective. Look at the editorial staff at your favorite music magazine, blog or website. Tell me what you see. And when you do see some degree of diversity, it was after many years of fighting, complaining and cajoling — and worse yet, it’s usually in a very limited fashion. It explains why you’ll see the same coverage of the same batches of artists, genres and styles with little difference and less variety. 

With this current administration, things are going to get bad, then worse for marginalized communities, for artists and the arts, for small, independent media outlets, small businesses and for so many others. And all of this happened while large corporations and media outlets have happily bent their knees and lick boots out of fear and greed. 

So it’ll be imperative upon all of you who are financially able and willing to support the work and efforts of artists, creators, writers and thinkers in marginalized groups: Yes, folks of color — especially women. LGBTQ+ folks. Nonbinary folks. Indigenous folks. Latinos and latinas. Asians. Immigrants. And on and on. This is in addition to those folks who are suffering through the incalculable tragedies of climate change-driven disaster and other calamities. 

If you dig their work or you dig a specific cause, and you’re able to support financially, please give to their Patreon, their GoFundMe, OnlyFans or whatever they’re using for donations and tips. Trust me, every single dollar counts, is useful and appreciated. You’ll feel good supporting the blood, sweat and tears of decent, hardworking folks who could really use it, while teaching greedy, craven and spineless assholes some key lessons. A win in my books.

I understand that things are tough for folks. A lot of people are struggling to survive with their dignity intact. If you’re unable to give money, the other way you can support is to amplify these voices. Tell your friends about these artists, influencers, thinkers and causes, and get them to follow them, too. Extra eyeballs to the work really matters — sometimes, it’s someone else who could support through cash. Other times, it’s someone who will faithfully read or follow that person’s work. Or they’ll happily proselytize your causes and your work to others. 

All work — including creative work — is impossible without money. After all, time is money. Effort is money. Then add all the expenses it takes to actually work. So, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of years, there are a handful of folks I want to thank once again for their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to keep this going. 

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

So if you’re able and willing, please feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Additionally, I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

Of course, there are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop. I sell prints in various sizes. I also have bumper stickers. Check it out: https://www.joyofviolentmovement.com/shop  (Er, this is down right now. Sigh.)

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.

Lastly, I’m an Eargasm Earplugs Earinflunecer. Buy a pair, protect your hearing and save 10% by clicking on this code: https://lnkd.in/ewX8ezKZ. I do get a percentage of each sale from that discount code.

singer/songwriters by William Ruben Helms
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News/Announcements: FME Announces 2025 Venue Showcase Lineups

FME announces the venue showcase lineups for the 2025 edition.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: Happy 15th Birthday, JOVM!

2025 has been one of the more embittering and frustrating years in recent memory. Earlier this year, I thought I had landed a dream job: I was going to be working for a well-regarded, French-based label and distributor, doing work closely related — and aligned — with my work here on JOVM. Remote work, which would allow me to travel. A stipend to go to festivals. Amazing benefits. Generous vacation time. And the sort of payday that would make my life and existence much more comfortable. The fucking dream!

Understandably, me and my dearest ones were thrilled. A lot of hard work and sacrifice finally paid off! Unfortunately, it all turned out to be smoke and mirrors, a fucking scam that resulted in my bank account being overdrawn.

I haven’t been able to get any kind of regular work in almost a year — whether freelance, part-time or full-time. Trying to land work is more difficult than ever before: ATS. A.I. 20% of all listings being ghost jobs. Companies not knowing what they’re doing during the hiring process or changing their minds halfway through. 10,000 people applying to every open position within a few hours of the posting going live. And add the occasional networking event that doesn’t lead to much.

Although I’ve been able to get by here and there with a little help from my friends, as the song says, and from scrounging, scraping and scheming, I’m financially tapped out. Honestly, over the past six weeks or so, I’ve seriously considered giving up; of just walking away and closing up shop. Things have frankly felt extraordinarily difficult in a way that I haven’t experienced before. Nor does it help that we’re simultaneously sliding into a fascistic, autocratic dictatorship and into World War III. Everything is awesome, ain’t it?

Right now, I have a couple of (hopefully) simple asks of y’all, dear friends:

  • If you’ve got leads for full-time, part-time, temporary or even project-based editorial, writing and/or photography work, please feel free to reach out. Remote work or work here in the five boroughs would be ideal. So if you follow me on social media, and you know of anything, holler at me through the DMs. And if you know of me IRL, feel free to send a text or email.
  • If you’re able to give a donation, please free to donate. There’s a donation box on this page.
  • If you’re able to regularly support JOVM through Patreon, please do so. That will be much appreciated, too. Anything you can give is much appreciated, especially in light of — well, (waving hands) everything.
One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

This site turns 15 today. 15!

When I started this site, I believed that I wouldn’t get a fair shot to do what I’ve done with this site on another outlet.

Growing up in Corona, Queens I was surrounded by a wildly eclectic, dynamic. global-minded environment. And sort of environment has been a major influence on my life and my work. There’s a lot of music out there. Some of it is awesome and criminally under-rated.

And with this site, I’ve carved out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere. Because music media — and generally the media world — is an incredibly homogeneous space, the coverage that you see as a consumer and fan tends to come from a startling similar perspective. Look at the editorial staff at your favorite music magazine, blog or website. Tell me what you see. And when you do see some degree of diversity, it was after many years of fighting, complaining and cajoling — and worse yet, it’s usually in a very limited fashion. It explains why you’ll see the same coverage of the same batches of artists, genres and styles with little difference and less variety. 

With this current administration, things are going to get bad, then worse for marginalized communities, for artists and the arts, for small, independent media outlets, small businesses and for so many others. And all of this happened while large corporations and media outlets have happily bent their knees and lick boots out of fear and greed.

So it’ll be imperative upon all of you who are financially able and willing to support the work and efforts of artists, creators, writers and thinkers in marginalized groups: Yes, folks of color — especially women. LGBTQ+ folks. Nonbinary folks. Indigenous folks. Latinos and latinas. Asians. Immigrants. And on and on. This is in addition to those folks who are suffering through the incalculable tragedies of climate change-driven disaster and other calamities. 

If you dig their work or you dig a specific cause, and you’re able to support financially, please give to their Patreon, their GoFundMe, OnlyFans or whatever they’re using for donations and tips. Trust me, every single dollar counts, is useful and appreciated. You’ll feel good supporting the blood, sweat and tears of decent, hardworking folks who could really use it, while teaching greedy, craven and spineless assholes some key lessons. A win in my books.

I understand that things are tough for folks. A lot of people are struggling to survive with their dignity intact. If you’re unable to give money, the other way you can support is to amplify these voices. Tell your friends about these artists, influencers, thinkers and causes, and get them to follow them, too. Extra eyeballs to the work really matters — sometimes, it’s someone else who could support through cash. Other times, it’s someone who will faithfully read or follow that person’s work. Or they’ll happily proselytize your causes and your work to others. 

All work — including creative work — is impossible without money. After all, time is money. Effort is money. Then add all the expenses it takes to actually work. So, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of years, there are a handful of folks I want to thank once again for their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to keep this going.

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

So if you’re able and willing, please feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Additionally, I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

Of course, there are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop. I sell prints in various sizes. I also have bumper stickers. Check it out: 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.

Lastly, I’m an Eargasm Earplugs Earinflunecer. Buy a pair, protect your hearing and save 10% by clicking on this code: https://lnkd.in/ewX8ezKZ. I do get a percentage of each sale from that discount code.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: JOVM Could Use Your Help/Shoutouts to Patreon Patrons, Creatives Rebuild New York and Asian Arts Initiative

I’m going to be unflinchingly honest here. A few months ago, I thought I had landed a dream job: I was going to be working for a well-regarded label and distributor, doing work closely related to my work here with JOVM. We’re talking about great benefits. Generous vacation time. And the sort of payday that would make my life and existence much more comfortable.

Me and my dearest ones were absolutely thrilled beyond measure. Finally, a lot of hard work and sacrifice has paid off! Unfortunately, it all turned out to be a horrible scam. 46 has been awesome, y’all. Sigh.

Because of this scam, my bank account is currently overdrawn. On top of that, I haven’t been able to get regular work in almost a year. Trying to get full-time work is more difficult than ever: ATS. Ghost jobs. 10,000 people applying to the same position as you within a few hours of a listing posting on a job site. Add the networking that sometimes gets nowhere. I’ve managed to get a handful of interviews, but lately, it hasn’t gone beyond the first or second round.

My landlord is threatening to evict me and my mother. I’m having difficulties continuing this site, too. Although, I’ve been able to get by here and there with a little help from my friends, as the song says, I’m financially tapped out. So I’m asking y’all for your help. If you’ve got leads for full-time, part-time, project temporary, contact or project-based editorial, writing and/or photography work, please feel free to reach out.

If you can regularly support JOVM through Patreon or through a one time donation, I will be grateful. Any and all amounts are appreciated. Seriously.

Now, as you know, JOVM turns 15 next month. Yes, 15 y’al! When I started this site, I honestly felt and believed that I really had no choice but to go out on my own. From my own experience, I didn’t believe that I’d get a fair shot to do what I’ve wanted to do on this site with another outlet.

I’ve long felt a desire to create something inspired and informed by the wildly eclectic, dynamic, global sort of environment I grew up immersed in as a Black boy from Corona, Queens. I didn’t regularly see the environment and music I heard around me represented in the music magazines and sites that I followed and loved to read. I always felt that was odd and a significant weakness because — well, there’s quite a bit of amazing music out there that’s just not getting the love and attention it should be receiving whether nationally or internationally. 

With this site, I’ve managed to carve out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere. Because music media — and generally the media world — is an incredibly homogeneous space, the coverage that you see as a consumer and fan tends to come from a startling similar perspective. Look at the editorial staff at your favorite music magazine, blog or website. Tell me what you see. And when you do see some degree of diversity, it was after many years of fighting, complaining and cajoling — and worse yet, it’s usually in a very limited fashion. It explains why you’ll see the same coverage of the same batches of artists, genres and styles with little difference and less variety. 

I’m going to be frank here: With this current administration, things are going to be extremely difficult for marginalized communities, for artists and the arts, for small, independent media outlets, small businesses and for countless others. We’re already seeing large corporations and media outlets bending the knee to fascists out of greed and fear. So it’ll be imperative upon all of you who are financially able and willing to support the work and efforts of artists, creators, writers and thinkers in marginalized groups: Yes, folks of color — especially women. LGBTQ+ folks. Indigenous folks. Latinos and latinas. Asians. Immigrants. And on and on. This is in addition to those folks who are suffering through the incalculable tragedies of climate change-driven disaster and other calamities. 

If you dig their work or you dig a specific cause, and you’re able to support financially, please give to their Patreon, their GoFundMe, OnlyFans or whatever they’re using for donations and tips. Trust me, every single dollar counts, is useful and appreciated. You’ll feel good supporting the blood, sweat and tears of decent, hardworking folks who could really use it, while teaching greedy, craven and spineless assholes some key lessons. A win in my books.

I understand that things are tough for folks. A lot of people are struggling to survive with their dignity intact. If you’re unable to give money, the other way you can support is to amplify these voices. Tell your friends about these artists, influencers, thinkers and causes, and get them to follow them, too. Extra eyeballs to the work really matters — sometimes, it’s someone else who could support through cash. Other times, it’s someone who will faithfully read or follow that person’s work. Or they’ll happily proselytize your causes and your work to others. 

To that end, with your support, I can keep this going. Now, as you know, I’ve said this many times: All work — including creative work — is impossible without money. After all, time is money. Effort is money. Then add all the expenses it takes to actually work. So, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of years, there are a handful of folks I want to thank once again for their support:  

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Every and any amount really helps keeps this sort of journalism and criticism alive and ongoing. So if you’re able and willing, please feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Additionally, I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

Of course, there are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop. I sell prints in various sizes. I also have bumper stickers. Check it out: 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.

One-time donations are also appreciated.

Make a one-time donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: Shoutouts to Patreon Patrons, Creatives Rebuild NY and Asian Arts Initiative

JOVM will turn 15 this year. 15 y’all! When I started this thing, I felt as though I had no real choice but to go out on my own. I didn’t feel — or believe — that I’d get a fair shot to do what I’ve wanted to do with this site with another outlet. 

As I’ve mentioned throughout this site’s history: I’ve long felt a desire to create something inspired and informed by the wildly eclectic, dynamic, global sort of environment I grew up immersed in as a Black boy from Corona, Queens. I didn’t regularly see the environment and music I heard around me represented in the music magazines and sites that I followed and loved to read. I always felt that was odd and a significant weakness because — well, there’s quite a bit of amazing music out there that’s just not getting the love and attention it should be receiving whether nationally or internationally. 

With this site, I’ve managed to carve out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere. Because music media — and generally the media world — is an incredibly homogeneous space, the coverage that you see as a consumer and fan tends to come from a startling similar perspective. Look at the editorial staff at your favorite music magazine, blog or website. Tell me what you see. And when you do see some degree of diversity, it was after many years of fighting, complaining and cajoling — and worse yet, it’s usually in a very limited fashion. It explains why you’ll see the same coverage of the same batches of artists, genres and styles with little difference and less variety. 

I’m going to be frank here: With this current administration, things are going to be extremely difficult for marginalized communities, for artists and the arts, for small, independent media outlets, small businesses and for countless others. We’re already seeing large corporations and media outlets bending the knee to fascists out of greed and fear. So it’ll be imperative upon all of you who are financially able and willing to support the work and efforts of artists, creators, writers and thinkers in marginalized groups: Yes, folks of color — especially women. LGBTQ+ folks. Indigenous folks. Latinos and latinas. Asians. Immigrants. And on and on. This is in addition to those folks who are suffering through the incalculable tragedies of climate change-driven disaster and other calamities. 

If you dig their work or you dig a specific cause, and you’re able to support financially, please give to their Patreon, their GoFundMe, OnlyFans or whatever they’re using for donations and tips. Trust me, every single dollar counts, is useful and appreciated. You’ll feel good supporting the blood, sweat and tears of decent, hardworking folks who could really use it, while teaching greedy, craven and spineless assholes some key lessons. A win in my books.

I understand that things are tough for folks. A lot of people are struggling to survive with their dignity intact. If you’re unable to give money, the other way you can support is to amplify these voices. Tell your friends about these artists, influencers, thinkers and causes, and get them to follow them, too. Extra eyeballs to the work really matters — sometimes, it’s someone else who could support through cash. Other times, it’s someone who will faithfully read or follow that person’s work. Or they’ll happily proselytize your causes and your work to others. 

To that end, with your support, I can keep this going. Now, as you know, I’ve said this many times: All work — including creative work — is impossible without money. After all, time is money. Effort is money. Then add all the expenses it takes to actually work. So, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of years, there are a handful of folks I want to thank once again for their support:  

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Every and any amount really helps keeps this sort of journalism and criticism alive and ongoing. So if you’re able and willing, please feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Additionally, I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

Of course, there are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop. I sell prints in various sizes. I also have bumper stickers. Check it out: 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 contact me through Photobooker:  https://www.photobooker.com/photographer/ny/new-york/william-h?duration=1?duration=1# or you can contact me directly through the Contact Us link or through my social media accounts.

News/Announcements by William Ruben Helms

News/Announcements: Shoutouts to Patreon Patrons, Creatives Rebuild New York and Asian Arts Initiative

JOVM will turn 15 this year. 15 y’all! When I started this thing, I felt as though I had no real choice but to go out on my own. I didn’t feel — or believe — that I’d get a fair shot to do what I’ve wanted to do with this site with another outlet. 

As I’ve mentioned throughout this site’s history: I’ve long felt a desire to create something inspired and informed by the wildly eclectic, dynamic, global sort of environment I grew up immersed in as a Black boy from Corona, Queens. I didn’t regularly see the environment and music I heard around me represented in the music magazines and sites that I followed and loved to read. I always felt that was odd and a significant weakness because — well, there’s quite a bit of amazing music out there that’s just not getting the love and attention it should be receiving whether nationally or internationally. 

With this site, I’ve managed to carve out a unique path for myself — and in the blogosphere. Because music media — and generally the media world — is an incredibly homogeneous space, the coverage that you see as a consumer and fan tends to come from a startling similar perspective. Look at the editorial staff at your favorite music magazine, blog or website. Tell me what you see. And when you do see some degree of diversity, it was after many years of fighting, complaining and cajoling — and worse yet, it’s usually in a very limited fashion. It explains why you’ll see the same coverage of the same batches of artists, genres and styles with little difference and less variety. 

I’m going to be frank here: With this current administration, things are going to be extremely difficult for marginalized communities, for artists and the arts, for small, independent media outlets, small businesses and for countless others. We’re already seeing large corporations and media outlets bending the knee to fascists out of greed and fear. So it’ll be imperative upon all of you who are financially able and willing to support the work and efforts of artists, creators, writers and thinkers in marginalized groups: Yes, folks of color — especially women. LGBTQ+ folks. Indigenous folks. Latinos and latinas. Asians. Immigrants. And on and on. This is in addition to those folks who are suffering through the incalculable tragedies of climate change-driven disaster and other calamities. 

If you dig their work or you dig a specific cause, and you’re able to support financially, please give to their Patreon, their GoFundMe, OnlyFans or whatever they’re using for donations and tips. Trust me, every single dollar counts, is useful and appreciated. You’ll feel good supporting the blood, sweat and tears of decent, hardworking folks who could really use it, while teaching greedy, craven and spineless assholes some key lessons. A win in my books.

I understand that things are tough for folks. A lot of people are struggling to survive with their dignity intact. If you’re unable to give money, the other way you can support is to amplify these voices. Tell your friends about these artists, influencers, thinkers and causes, and get them to follow them, too. Extra eyeballs to the work really matters — sometimes, it’s someone else who could support through cash. Other times, it’s someone who will faithfully read or follow that person’s work. Or they’ll happily proselytize your causes and your work to others. 

To that end, with your support, I can keep this going. Now, as you know, I’ve said this many times: All work — including creative work — is impossible without money. After all, time is money. Effort is money. Then add all the expenses it takes to actually work. So, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of years, there are a handful of folks I want to thank once again for their support:  

Sash

Alice Northover

Bella Fox

Jenny MacRostie

Janene Otten 

All of those folks have been generous Patreon patrons. Every and any amount really helps keeps this sort of journalism and criticism alive and ongoing. So if you’re able and willing, please feel free to check out the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement. 

Additionally, I have to thank the helpful, hardworking and dedicated folks at Creatives Rebuild New York. I’m proud, gratified and humbled to have been included in their 18-month Guaranteed Income for Artists program. Understandably, being included was also deeply vindicating. Someone out there thought my work — this very work! — was worth supporting financially. Obviously, the funds from it have managed to keep this labor of love going during one of the most uncertain periods in recent human history, while lessening some of the normal financial pressures of being an American artist, creator and journalist. 

I also found out about Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Workshop through Creatives Rebuild New York. So, I just can’t thank those folks enough. And I’ll forever be in their debt. 

I must thank the folks at the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia for selecting me for the Sound Type Music Writer Workshop. Being a part of the inaugural cohort was an honor. 

Of course, there are other ways you can support. 

You can also support by checking the JOVM shop. I sell prints in various sizes. I also have bumper stickers. Check it out: 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.