I was most impressed with Chappell Roan last summer when she put out a plea to her fans to STOP stalking and harassing her when she was doing normal things with her family, calling them out for their creepy entitlement. Incredible display of boundaries. I trust she will continue to be an example of emotional intelligence and maturity, we could do with some more of that.
Capitalism and creativity are in an abusive relationship, no guessing who gets walloped. I love this Burroughs quote, "What does the money machine eat? It eats youth, spontaneity, life, beauty and above all it eats creativity. It eats quality and shits out quantity."
Totally agree, there are at least 3 books I want to write but can’t figure out how I do that without any guarantee of being paid for them. I’m a single parent too. It’s the same being in local politics too, you’re supposed to do it for love with no real sense that anyone gets you need to feed your family.
I think this act, the one that makes millions and millions for big companies, is still treated like a hobby. Are men treated like they are just enjoying their hobbies? I wonder 🤔
Agree. Back in the 19th C when women weren’t supposed to do anything but look after their families, the work around was a ‘hobby’, but now the industry needs to grow up.
My 13 year old loves Chappell Roan and we often sing Pink Pony Club. I'm looking forward to telling her about what she's done. She will be proud. Great post. Thank you
Glad Prince is here and that picture with slave across his cheek. Was this at the mtv awards? He showed solidarity with George Michael in his fight against Sony and the music industry’s exploitation of artists. As you asked about women the ones who come to mind are Robyn who started her own record label to do the music she wanted! Her career and music travelled a lot more since. And British Ray who was only given some dance hits to sing instead of making her own album and songs. I have a vague memory of Aretha Franklin speaking up against her father in order to sing songs she wanted. So she broke that bond. Something Britney hasn’t been able to do. These women are/were exploited by music industry and their fathers. I won’t even talk about freelance journalism… could go on all week. Sorry to read of your experiences.
There’s hope. Fans are still superfans and with social media stories are kept alive. It was thanks to social media that fans gathered around to support Britney for example, out of that conservatorship with her father and draw attention. But social media is also very controlled. I had a listen to Chappell’s songs, turns out I knew one of them just didn’t know her name. I just hope there are no repercussions to her free speech. Thank you for bringing this story to our attention.
Chappell Roan’s speech was such a powerful moment... her courage and authenticity were truly inspiring. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection. It’s amazing to see artists using their platform so boldly, and I hope more will follow her lead.
“Suboptimal” sounds like speech that belongs in space. Yikes! Glad of you and your voice. You have more influence than you know on us readers and fellow creators. 💝
19yr old Fiona Apple in 1997. She called the music industry bullshit during her acceptance speech during the VMAs…and was promptly criticized for being “ungrateful.”
"If she had spoken about this in 2020 when she was dropped, well then she would have just been dismissed as a bitter woman and we could have all got on and not paid any attention. But a woman artist telling it like it is, demanding better working conditions when she has so much to lose, come on, that takes some guts." This is exactly it, Anna.
It's such a paradox that someone has to make it first in order to be able to speak up about the struggles they're facing to be taken seriously. Chappell was lucky (as in her talent and perseverance have been eventually rewarded and acknowledged), but so many artists and creators can't afford to carry on producing quality work without ensuring they can also make ends meet, as you've pointed out and experienced first hand.
Not sure what your views are on what the future looks like for writers, artists, anyone producing creative work in short, that can't rely anymore on traditional industries and need to find alternative ways to secure both an audience and an income. It feels that why social media or platforms like Substack have democratised access to new voices and talent, they're also not providing any safety net at all. Plus traditional creative industries now look at social media following/engagement before onboarding talent or commissioning work, so it's a bit of a chicken and egg situation.
I was most impressed with Chappell Roan last summer when she put out a plea to her fans to STOP stalking and harassing her when she was doing normal things with her family, calling them out for their creepy entitlement. Incredible display of boundaries. I trust she will continue to be an example of emotional intelligence and maturity, we could do with some more of that.
Yes I’ve just read about that today, Eileen. She’s pretty impressive, right?
Absolutely. And her catchy songs are more than ear candy, her lyrics pack a punch 🥊
Very poetic lyrics.
That’s amazing!
Capitalism and creativity are in an abusive relationship, no guessing who gets walloped. I love this Burroughs quote, "What does the money machine eat? It eats youth, spontaneity, life, beauty and above all it eats creativity. It eats quality and shits out quantity."
Such a great quote — unfortunately
Oh my god I can’t believe that about Meena Kandamsay - I LOVE that book and recommend it all the time. That’s absolutely nuts!
I know! awful! at least her royalties will (hopefully) come thicker and faster.
Brilliant well said
Thanks Jeff!
Yes, her speech took me by surprise. Wow. Good for her. We need more of her.
Absolutely!
Totally agree, there are at least 3 books I want to write but can’t figure out how I do that without any guarantee of being paid for them. I’m a single parent too. It’s the same being in local politics too, you’re supposed to do it for love with no real sense that anyone gets you need to feed your family.
I think this act, the one that makes millions and millions for big companies, is still treated like a hobby. Are men treated like they are just enjoying their hobbies? I wonder 🤔
Agree. Back in the 19th C when women weren’t supposed to do anything but look after their families, the work around was a ‘hobby’, but now the industry needs to grow up.
My 13 year old loves Chappell Roan and we often sing Pink Pony Club. I'm looking forward to telling her about what she's done. She will be proud. Great post. Thank you
Thanks Claire!
Well said Anna, and I'm glad Chappell Roan's speech made the headlines, if only until the next news story comes along...
Well yes, this is the issue which is why we must amplify while we can!
Glad Prince is here and that picture with slave across his cheek. Was this at the mtv awards? He showed solidarity with George Michael in his fight against Sony and the music industry’s exploitation of artists. As you asked about women the ones who come to mind are Robyn who started her own record label to do the music she wanted! Her career and music travelled a lot more since. And British Ray who was only given some dance hits to sing instead of making her own album and songs. I have a vague memory of Aretha Franklin speaking up against her father in order to sing songs she wanted. So she broke that bond. Something Britney hasn’t been able to do. These women are/were exploited by music industry and their fathers. I won’t even talk about freelance journalism… could go on all week. Sorry to read of your experiences.
I wonder if Chappell Roan’s speech will be remembered in the same way, probably not… 😒
There’s hope. Fans are still superfans and with social media stories are kept alive. It was thanks to social media that fans gathered around to support Britney for example, out of that conservatorship with her father and draw attention. But social media is also very controlled. I had a listen to Chappell’s songs, turns out I knew one of them just didn’t know her name. I just hope there are no repercussions to her free speech. Thank you for bringing this story to our attention.
Chappell Roan’s speech was such a powerful moment... her courage and authenticity were truly inspiring. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection. It’s amazing to see artists using their platform so boldly, and I hope more will follow her lead.
Me too, Jess! Thank you for reading 🙏🏼
“Suboptimal” sounds like speech that belongs in space. Yikes! Glad of you and your voice. You have more influence than you know on us readers and fellow creators. 💝
Oh that’s such a lovely thing to hear, Claire. Thank you so much, and back atcha x
19yr old Fiona Apple in 1997. She called the music industry bullshit during her acceptance speech during the VMAs…and was promptly criticized for being “ungrateful.”
Wow! No surprise there, sadly!
"If she had spoken about this in 2020 when she was dropped, well then she would have just been dismissed as a bitter woman and we could have all got on and not paid any attention. But a woman artist telling it like it is, demanding better working conditions when she has so much to lose, come on, that takes some guts." This is exactly it, Anna.
It's such a paradox that someone has to make it first in order to be able to speak up about the struggles they're facing to be taken seriously. Chappell was lucky (as in her talent and perseverance have been eventually rewarded and acknowledged), but so many artists and creators can't afford to carry on producing quality work without ensuring they can also make ends meet, as you've pointed out and experienced first hand.
Not sure what your views are on what the future looks like for writers, artists, anyone producing creative work in short, that can't rely anymore on traditional industries and need to find alternative ways to secure both an audience and an income. It feels that why social media or platforms like Substack have democratised access to new voices and talent, they're also not providing any safety net at all. Plus traditional creative industries now look at social media following/engagement before onboarding talent or commissioning work, so it's a bit of a chicken and egg situation.