Welcome to love over fear, my weekly newsletter about living life and choosing love even if you’re scared. This week has been bananas, and I’d like to tell you about it. The world is still very intense, but I hope you’re opening your eyes. I hope you’re mourning the dead and fighting like hell for the living. Thanks for being here.
Last Saturday, I was in Washington DC for the March on Washington for Palestine. It was a huge protest, and it inspired me to keep calling my reps, to vote, to post, to yell, to scream about the atrocities happening to the Palestinian people because it cemented the idea that we are in the fight of our lives, as a people. As human beings, we are at a crossroads. Will you stand by as rich countries get richer and wipe out entire lineages of Palestinians, or will you fight for them? The people united will never be defeated. On Saturday, I saw hundreds of thousands of people who believe that, and I have to believe it too. We will fight like hell and we will win. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but the people will win. And if you choose to be on the side of the governments and corporations that DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU, you should be ashamed. But we all make our own choices.
Speaking of siding with corporations… woah. On Wednesday I announced my split with Saddle Creek on Instagram and reuploaded the demos I had to take down due to my contract. I didn’t know this at the time, but Stereogum picked up the story. Good things came from it — I connected with my now manager, Lindsey, and gained a bunch of subscribers to the newsletter. So, hi, if you’re new around here. Thanks for being here! Thanks for reading what I have to say.
The flip side of making the news is that the record label has people who will go to bat for it in the blink of an eye. Why? I don’t know. It’s weird behavior. Cue the r/indiheads thread that nearly made my eyes fall out of my head. I was being called a liar that was in breach of contract, a moron for calling for a free Palestine, and an asshole for sending texts and emails (?). It didn’t stop there. I won’t link to the thread, but you can find it if you like. Saddle Creek never booked me a tour. Saddle Creek actually told me they don’t book tours. Ask them. Saddle Creek didn’t help me get a booking agent or a manager. Saddle Creek actually was supportive when I CANCELLED THE TOUR BECAUSE I BOOKED MYSELF BECAUSE I HAD NO MONEY, COULD NOT PAY RENT, AND HAD TO MOVE BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA. What the fuck? For the sake of myself, I’d like to say that I’ve not lied once about the situation with the label. I’ve not exaggerated anything either. And if you feel that I have, you should take it up with the label. Or ask me for the receipts. Because I have them, and I’ve had them since January. Thank you very much.
The funny thing is that the label didn’t care about me, an artist who makes them money. Why would they care about you, an anonymous internet troll? A corporation you defend on the internet would crush you in a millisecond if it favored them. I’m taking a big risk speaking out against them, but the truth is on my side. It’s a good side to be on.
Financial feminist? Yes, please. Earlier in the year I started reading Tori Dunlap’s book, Financial Feminist. It’s full of money advice I’d never received (and honestly, I’m not sure where I would have received it otherwise) and it’s changing my life. Me? I have a couple HYSAs now. I’m #investing. I’m #budgeting. I’m a financial feminist and I’m so proud of myself for getting it together. I paid off a bunch of debt and my credit score jumped right up, so this is a good thrill for me. Happy about this one.
This month’s newsletter from Sam at
. I love Sam’s ability to invite us into her world with a few words and some great photographs. She makes me believe in neighbors and the spirit of community more and more.Back! At! The! Gym! I started going back to the gym this week, and I am sore but I am strong. Good enough combo to make me smile very big. You can’t see it but I’m absolutely cheesing behind this mask.
This week’s card is Strength, and what an apt card to pull. Strength to continue fighting, to continue speaking up for what is right, to defend yourself from Reddit trolls. This card is one that inspires resilience and encourages us to keep going. Be fearless in your pursuit of justice. Trust yourself to be able to hold the jaws of a lion open, because you can. And because the cards say so.
I wish you much joy in the coming week, and strength to continue the cause for our Palestinian siblings. The November playlist is here, my Bandcamp demos are here, and my love for and belief in the human spirit is bigger than ever. Here’s Cleo in her bed that she just started sleeping in for good luck.
