In times of crisis "whose name must no longer be spoken," one might think that values like solidarity and understanding would regain importance in our fast-paced, capitalist society. But unfortunately, the exact opposite is true, and I, too, am currently reflecting on many things in my own circle. Sadly, it's becoming increasingly clear that everyone is looking out for themselves. Before "Corona," everything was "peace, love, and happiness," but now a time of "cutthroat competition" is slowly but surely beginning again, just like in the 80s and 90s, which I find very sad.
Lack of appreciation – the problem runs deeper...
In times of Corona and numerous emergency aid programs from the federal and state governments, one can easily get the superficial impression that "everything is fine." However, this isn't the case, because all these emergency aid programs are simply ill-conceived and out of touch with reality for artists, who are mostly self-employed. As I've already written in another blog post, those affected by all the programs, especially in Bavaria, can't use a single cent for living expenses. And since self-employed artists have so many operating costs, almost everyone falls through the cracks unless they're up to their ears in debt with lease agreements (which are tied to their "business" = operating costs)...
We in Bavaria have been waiting for improvements to this system for quite some time now, and I don't think much will happen, except that we'll all be pushed into Hartz IV/ALG II (unemployment benefit II) and then, when things slowly start to pick up again, we'll have to struggle with job offers and training programs. Furthermore, if you earn anything while on ALG II, everything is deducted except for the allowance you're allowed to earn on top of it. The simplest solution would be to raise this allowance so that artists don't have to live on the absolute bare minimum, like in a city like Munich. No, no, no, of course that's not possible, because here they prefer to top up/extend short-time work benefits, and that's also related to the lack of acceptance of art, culture, and music.
The mere fact that Ms. Merkel gave a clear "no" to Eurobonds is enough to make me stop and reflects the general lack of appreciation for this important sector of society. " Therefore, the federal government should concentrate on key areas of the economy instead of constantly making new promises. If, for example, artists were to be bailed out with taxpayers' money, this would be noted in Spain and Italy, and it would be pointed out that Germany obviously has enough money. " These are hopeless words and a slap in the face to every artist who, in the current situation, not only has to cope with a professional ban but also receives absolutely no appreciation for their previous work, in the form of unbureaucratic help within a framework that would be more manageable than rescuing corporations that prefer to manage their liquidity in tax havens...
Lack of appreciation in politics - and not only there...
Everyone enjoys going out now and then, to a concert, an event, or a party (except for Mr. Söder, who prefers dancing alone at home with his partner...). But few people are truly aware of the amount of work involved in giving guests a great evening. I won't go into detail here about everything that it means to be a full-time DJ and all the work that goes into it, but the common saying is often, "That's not real work, is it? Or do you have a normal job...?" or "Can you even make a living from that...?" or "That's just fun, that's not work..."
I've been hearing these phrases, and many others, for over 17 years now, because for 17 years I've been a full-time DJ, and I could make a living from it (before Corona). In other fields and topics, you'd be stoned, shot, or dragged through social media until you're sick of the shitstorm for similar remarks/comments. But not in the music/DJing world; apparently, it's "socially acceptable" to make stupid comments and jokes about it, because as a DJ, you're the "joker," etc., which perfectly reflects how little appreciation society actually has for professions in the arts, culture, and music... (Best comment during Corona times: "Why don't you go on welfare or get a real job?" - Thanks, I have a job I love and enjoy.)
A recent example shows that as a self-employed artist in the arts, culture, and music industry, you're treated like a low-class citizen. Not only is it virtually impossible to find an affordable apartment in Munich as a self-employed person, let alone one you can actually get (my partner and I have been searching for a larger apartment for over 10 years now, sometimes more intensely, sometimes less, but there's no chance if you're not employed and don't have an upper to middle five-figure annual income), but my landlady also wasn't aware that I could have deferred my rent payments for the first three months of the "crisis," which I didn't do because, like me, she also runs a small business, and I was fair and responsible enough not to defer my rent. But as is so often the case, ingratitude is the world's reward, and when you point out what you could have done from a legal standpoint, you get insulted... Well, there I was, once again, to blame myself and still naive enough to believe that humanity still exists...
Lack of appreciation - it goes even deeper...
Since I also DJ at weddings, for example, I'm familiar with the wedding industry and know how things work, and also how they don't. And as in all industries, things are often less dramatic than they seem. When I'm asked for recommendations in this field, it's important to me that I recommend people and companies who are professionals, deliver excellent work, and whose livelihood lies in this. That means a florist for table decorations/flowers, a caterer for food, a photographer for film and photos, a pastry chef for cakes, etc. I support those who have built a livelihood in this area, usually having learned a trade and specialized in their field, not the grandmother who bakes cakes well, the niece with a YouTube makeup channel who can therefore do makeup, or the aunt with a green thumb when it comes to home gardening...
Serdar Somuncu, one of Germany's most biting cabaret artists, recently expressed his discontent on his Facebook page, and unfortunately, he summed it up very aptly: " We artists are the whores of undemanding society. When we're needed, we're used and celebrated; when we're dispensable, we're insulted and ridiculed. Somehow, what we do is considered depraved, but no one wants to do without it entirely. Because what we contribute to this society is more fundamental than people realize." This sums it up perfectly, and you can read the entire post HERE...
It's a matter of principle - professional first...
But when it comes to music/DJs, everything is different here, which is probably due to a lack of appreciation from other business owners and shopkeepers. When it comes to music, the phrase "don't you know anyone who plays an instrument or can DJ on the side?" is often used. Other service providers often recommend a part-time DJ because they don't know the musical requirements or simply don't care. In the club scene, it's more a question of price, as the DJ who DJs for drinks is the most popular choice, but thankfully there are exceptions. In the future, I'll also recommend a friend for catering, because he makes such great spaghetti, and, as Tim Wälzer says, "anyone can cook." Or I know a fantastic secretary who I'll recommend as a wedding planner, because she organized her own wedding so wonderfully... (#facepalm)
In my long career as a wedding DJ, I've had to endure some truly awful singing performances because people prefer to hire an amateur band rather than treat their guests to something nice, which of course costs money. And here's the second problem: in this age of streaming subscriptions and "music everywhere," some people don't understand what it actually means to make music and earn a living from it, which ultimately leads to a complete decline in the appreciation for this type of profession.
Stick to what you know...
Of course, there are exceptions who appreciate the work, the practice, the music selection, the performance, and the mixing. And this small group also notices the quality that a professional has cultivated over years. But their number is dwindling, because unqualified recommendations are dismantling the quality of an entire field. In a few years, we'll only be celebrating with AI-generated playlists, photographers and videographers will be replaced by the clients' grandchildren with smartphones, and every live band will only have singers who can only sing a note correctly with autotune (or who have so much technology that it makes every concert promoter blanch and are therefore considered professionals). Oh, and all the wedding planners will become obsolete thanks to all the great wedding planning apps that allow you to create a timeline (in the app) that reminds you of upcoming events across multiple devices...
Hopefully, appreciation will become more important again in the areas of art, culture and music (after Corona) and will be passed on more to us artists, because this is what keeps us going...
A little anecdote on the side, and to conclude: During the refugee crisis, I frequently saw derogatory comments in my Facebook newsfeed, such as "Merkel's skilled workers are coming" - "Merkel's skilled workers are taking our jobs," etc. Since I, as an Austrian, am considered a foreigner in Germany, I've been sensitive to such comments and remarks since childhood. And lo and behold, a large number of these comments unfortunately came from part-time DJs who, according to their way of thinking, are actually taking my jobs. Because I was exposed to so-called everyday racism from a young age (shitty Austrian, stupid mountain dweller, etc.), I quickly learned "Believe in yourself, let others talk."
