So many of the creative and talented women friends I've gained through this
blog, doing shows, making videos and a film, are now gone. Like in,
they left NYC. In most cases priced out, by the cost of housing.
I asked a few of them if they would like to write about it here.
Some do, and I will be posting their words. Some will post their name,
others want to do it anonymously, here's the latest in the series...
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Emily, is a friend of Streetcred for six years,
...She came to NYC from Idaho in 2012
"Boy have I wanted to do this, how long, 4 years or so.
I want to focus on one area, being a performing musician in New York City.
It sucks. Unless you want to teach, work a day job, a service job, or as I did,
drive for Lyft. Any of the above kill your creative time and desire.
I'm greedy and wanted to earn some money performing, and step up to the next level.
Level: Living off my music alone.
I did, once I acquired a 'reliable' agent. Which required money from my pocket, which required more money coming in. So it was a war of attrition. Yes there were lots of jobs working for others, for a starvation fee.
So an all out war ensued. I lost, well, I retreated.
The enemy had too many weapons. Weather, transportation, parking, taxes,
competition, time, and corporate venues overwhelmed my emotional forces.
And, yes, I retreated. To of all places New Mexico. I was fighting a war on too many fronts.
Now, I was able to make a CD (coming at U soon)
I work for a music company, can pay my bills and still have lots of time to create for myself.
I don't miss NYC, I miss you, and a handful of others. I kept my AirTrain pass on my farewell flight from JFK.
I sleep with my windows and door open all year. I have a residency at two clubs, and write on my own scheduled.
The glitter if you will, of NYC, to me is just a reflection bouncing off the big companies and distribution moguls.
Rejection is their way of keeping control."
