Buy Nothing Day: Why to Support Creators and That Million Dollar Bash
On Buy Nothing Day, people are taking time today to think about where they spend their money and the power that it has to redirect our world towards something better and more just. I wanted to use this opportunity to argue why supporting things like That Million Dollar Bash and the work of other critics and artists here can be a powerful act.
“Beautiful images…One of those moments when I feel music journalism is being reinvented on this platform.” -
, author of Love Goes to Buildings On Fire, publisher of, New Music + Old MusicMore than ever, musicians, artists, photographers and writers we are doing risky and vital creative work that keeps us grounded and nourished in this age if insanity.
I’ve devoted the last two decades to documenting music. 85% of my work—over a half-million images—wouldn’t exist without self-initiated and often speculative effort. When I have an inkling that something important is about to happen, my heart leaps towards it and I figure out a way to cover it. I know if I waited to get a paid assignment or commission to document it, it would be gone. It often takes time—sometime just a few days, a couple months, or an anniversary many years down the road—for people to recognize that, yes, something beautiful and significant happened and thank goodness there’s a meaningful record that helps us experience, process and remember it.
My responsibility as a documentarian is to approach a level of intimacy that gently but insistently nudges the line of what someone might be comfortable in showing. It requires a ton of trust and empathy. I’m always looking to the artist for that nod to proceed in documenting what is really happening. Despite the many obstacles, I’ve heard the affirmation many times: “I’m glad you were here to get that.”
My initial financial goal with this publication is to break even. As a professional photographer, I carry an annual overhead of about $25,000 to cover the basic tools and space I need including cameras, computers, studio rent, insurance, software, legal and accounting, storage, etc.
Of my 1,351 current subscribers I have 14 annual + 6 founding paid subscribers who contribute $2,010 in annual revenue, or 8% of the current goal. That’s very encouraging after only a few months of publishing, but there’s a long way to go.
I’ve set up That Million Dollar Bash to truly make you an important part of the project while offering a return to paid subscribers, including:
Discounts on prints equal to or greater than the cost of the subscription.
A $150 8.5x11 print included for founder level subscribers.
An invitation to an open studio in Brooklyn this Spring with good wine, Spumoni Gardens pizza and records on the vintage Hi-Fi.
Hand-made official membership cards mailed to you.
I offer a la carte prints and partnership/sponsorship opportunities as well.
I believe supporting independent creators, critics and journalists is a critical and righteous investment, especially if life is improved by this work and/or your industry is dependent on meaningful documentation and criticism of the arts to grow and survive.
The Revolution will not be on MSNBC or presented by The Kennedy Center, it will be nurtured and brought forth granularly by individuals taking small but significant actions to push for truth, beauty and justice.
Thanks for considering supporting this project.
Well, I looked at my watch, I looked at my wrist
Punched myself in the face, With my fist
I took my potatoes, Down to be mashed
Then I made it over, To that million dollar bash
Ooh, baby, ooh-ee
Ooh, baby, ooh-ee
It’s that million dollar bash
-Bob Dylan