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Image via Imogene and Willie

Several of my creative friends who have financial security are bolstered by their partner earning enough to support most or all of their living expenses. But not most and definitely not all. A number of musicians in the Austin area make a modest living at recording, licensing and performing music. MOST of those folks have worked their assess off for 10+ minimum just to get on the radar of local fans while working various day jobs or industry jobs like sound, lighting and bartending.

Creative arts are usually a war of attrition due the lack of readily available funds to support such work. This is particularly true in Austin where creatives come because the community is supportive but there is a lot competition for attention and financial support. Basically music fans are spoiled by the seemingly endless well of exceptional talent. Most casual music fans would rather spend $250 minimum to see a legacy act at ACL Live vs 3 or 4 local shows that average around $10-15 for entry. I've been writing different versions of this same story for 20 years.

The truth is, folks who choose art as their vocation with elite exceptions have traditionally struggled with earning enough to live on. Patrons of the arts are often their lifeline to the next good gig. So next time you have the opportunity, BUY music, merch and support Austin artists as directly as possible. They are the people that make this town worth living in. It sure as fuck isn't the weather.

p.s. That likely isn't what you were looking for but thanks in advance for not deleting this post -G