❤️Please find 'Sportsman of The Year'. The song was used as a soundtrack to a short film. Thank you Faith Ward what a great job you and your team did. I love it. 🏆📣🍭Credits below; About the film: This story came about because I wanted to pay homage to the kitchen sink realism (or “British New Wave”) movement, which told stories of working class people in the 1950s-1960s. Most of the stories from this movement focus on the archetypal “angry young man” protagonist. Inspired by the themes of the “Sportsman of the Year” song/album, I wanted the narrative to centre around his mother, who represents how ageing women are viewed by society. She is equally fed up with working class life, as she bleakly watches her son pursue his passions, while being haunted by her own missed opportunities to pursue hers. Subverting the “kitchen sink realism” archetypes (and giving it a bit of a suburban Kiwi twist!) makes this story what I’d consider… an “anti kitchen sink drama.” - Faith Ward (director) FILM CREDITS Produced by Brian Gill Directed by Faith Ward Cinematography and editing by Brian Gill and Faith Ward Story by Faith Ward Production assistant: Rory Janssen, Tiarnan Breeze Stunt coordinator: Bryn Jeffries Starring: Trudie Smith as “Mother,” Tony Bosch as “Son,” Rory Janssen, Bryn Jeffries, Cameron Fox, Milo Golledge, Skylar Stevens, Lily Loveridge, Sophia Kirkwood-Smith, Kate Bermingham, Faith Ward https://youtu.be/GuLJAX4tuYs https://www.instagram.com/p/CpoertHL_c8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I dunno… this is just kind of perfect to me. #sunflower #sunflowers🌻 #perfect https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn04ceHLwmZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Jan Hellriegel presents 'Sportsman of the Year' at Pah Homestead 11 November 2022

“When my song, ‘The Way I Feel’ went to number two in the charts, I thought my career in music was assured. Little did I realise it was the beginning of a very long road”– Jan Hellriegel

Following sold out "Sportsman of The Year” shows in Keri Keri and Titirangi, singer/songwriter & music legend Jan Hellriegel is looking forward to performing an intimate set at Pah Homestead – live, solo and acoustic. Expect a wave of magnificent pop songs performed with classically trained vocal dexterity, spiced with anecdotes and stories from her fascinating career. After cutting her teeth with Dunedin-based band, Cassandra’s Ears, Jan burst onto the NZ music scene in the early 90s with ‘It’s My Sin’, her debut rock album that peaked at number 5 in the national charts, and earned her well-deserved international attention. Three studio albums later, her latest record, ‘Sportsman of the Year’, recently climbed to number 2 in the NZ albums charts and garnered her a new generation of fans. Jan also wrote a poignant and often hilarious book, ‘Sportsman Of The Year – A Suburban Philosophy’, to give background and context to the songs on the record. The book/music combo was serialised as podcasts and produced by RNZ National with Jan narrating her life stories and experiences in the music industry as a sought-after performer and musician. Pitching the lows of failure and disappointment against the highs of accomplishment and pride in her creations, Jan’s story is all about following your dreams, and never giving up. It promises to be a very special night of songs and stories delivered in Jan’s inimitable style. Opening up on the night will be Mahoney Harris and Leah Navanua (AKA Kaela) It’s a bit of a Songbroker family affair. I hope you can make it. xSeats are very limited, so get yours now!

There is no R in Fee...or why the Free Economy sucks for artists, or anyone, really.

Just imagine if I asked you to do a job that could take months, even years, to complete; but before you started, I explained, you may never get paid for it.

Welcome to the world of the artist and musician. This is the environment we work in. Our currency is *IP and Copyright and sometimes we can earn a healthy amount for our output; but for the majority, it’s hit and miss and creative incomes are pretty lean.

Over the years, I have developed a simple response when anyone wants to use my work, or music, on the Songbroker Music Publishing catalogue for free, and that is; “There is no R in fee”.

Creatives are driven to produce work for a variety of reasons, but it is unlikely the main one is because they think they are going to earn a lot of coin. Secretly, probably, we all hope we will, but there is never a guarantee we can charge for the work we do.

Artists don’t get paid via a salary or a wage, we get paid when our audience (or customer) wishes to interact with our work commercially. And the kicker is, because we never know if someone will be interested in what we offer, or when that may be; well, it’s not exactly a job for the fainthearted.

I have licensed songs on film and TV productions that were written over 25 years ago. That’s a long time to wait for a pay cheque.

As I am in Skin by Cassandra’s Ears recorded in 1989, featured on NZ TV series Westside in 2020.

I wrote It’s My Sin around 1990 and someone licensed it onto a film, Juniper, in 2021

Recently, and it’s not the first time this has happened, someone asked me if I would license one of my music tracks onto an online promotional video. A Government Department was funding the project, and the Director was certainly not short of a bob or two.

The fee they offered me was Zip; Nada; Zero; Nothing. The producer was hoping I might consider a gratis license because it was such a good cause.

I thought about that offer for about minus two seconds and said. “No way”.

If I am not keen to proceed with a *synchronisation deal, I usually say “No, thank you, but thanks for the opportunity”; but this wasn’t one of those circumstances. This was a bunch of people asking me to work for free when they should’ve known better. There are laws against this in the real world, but unfortunately not in the artists’ realm where the Free Economy continues to dominate.

Another example of the Free Economy is when performers work at events for no remuneration. A Charitable Trust; A Non-Profit; or Government Agency may ask them to volunteer at a fundraiser or perform at an industry awards show spectacular for exposure or experience while the people asking are on very reasonable salaries. Everyone else contracted to work at the event is getting paid, but there is an unwritten assumption that the performer should rock up for no charge.

Most artists are good people. We want to do the right thing. But asking anyone to do something for free backs them into a very uncomfortable corner. Even if someone agrees to give their work away for nothing; you need to understand, like buyer’s remorse, they might go away and, after having time to think about it, might resent you very much.

What the Free Economy also does is perpetuate the myth that ‘art’ has no value and that creative people are not important in our society, nor do they deserve to earn from their work. That may not be your intention, but yeah, that’s what happens when you pull out the “Will you do it for free?” card.

Thinking people in Aotearoa New Zealand champion the living wage and accept this is a fair way forward but then these same people would not hesitate to ask someone who is probably earning way less than them to donate their time, or their work, for ‘no-charge’.

Look, I get it, it’s OK if you are an established artist who wants to donate your expertise to a worthy cause (and even get some personal promo going) but many artists in NZ do it very tough and even a small *koha is better than not offering some sort of payment for a person’s time or work.

If you are organising an event, the rule of thumb when considering whether you should pay someone is this; If all people working at an event, including; you, the caterers, roadies, ushers, bar staff, cleaners and the production company, are receiving some sort of payment, then you should offer to pay the artist, performer, speaker, etc. There is no excuse not to.

It’s also about excellent results. When everyone working on a job is happy, the outcome of this is a good energy and therefore a better work flow. This is probably a little esoteric, but I have worked on a lot of projects in my time and my theory has not failed me yet.

Art is valuable, and it’s worth investing in, but who wants to sink resources into something that has no return at all? The irony is when an artist hits the big time, the income from their creative output can be more than some of our highest paid CEOs and Government Bureaucrats. Lorde will earn from her creative industry for the rest of her life and beyond; at the same time contributing to society by paying her taxes. One less person who will need to rely on a pension in retirement has got to be a good thing, doesn’t it?

You need to be brave to be an artist. You will face rejection and years of living from hand to mouth with no ability to save for a rainy day or support your kids (which is why I had to give away my music for a number of years). So when there is an opportunity to sell or license your work, then you want to be paid decently because you know how much work went into creating it.

Through all the years of working and getting paid a wage to support my creative tendencies, I can say, hand on heart, nothing is as sweet as being paid a royalty for my creative work. Whether it’s a song placed on a film, a streaming income or a performance fee, it’s all good. Whenever I sell a book or one of my albums, I am happy feet dancing for hours. It’s nothing to do with the money. It’s because someone is interested in my art and they are acknowledging me by paying for it. Frankly, it’s one of the best feelings ever.

Next time you are thinking of acquiring music or licensing art or asking someone to work at your event; keep in mind the many hundreds of hours that this person has laboured to make what you are asking for, available. Before you make a fee offer, ask yourself; “Is this fair?” Always offer something and remember the mantra. “There is no R in fee”.

See more about the author Audio Culture

*HP = Intellectual Property

*Synch Licensing — Synchronising music onto film and TV shows.

*Koha The koha reflects the mana of both the giver and the recipient, reflecting what the giver can give, and the esteem they hold of the person or group they are making the gift to… *source Wikipedia

A Heretics View of the Music Industry Religion

The modern music industry focuses on chart success, data, stats, making money and fame, and, for some, that is aspirational. For me, it has always been a weird religion and one I never really signed up for. 

The industry or Popstars have never mesmerised me and I don’t relate to the ethos even though I had plenty of opportunity to drink it in. When I released my second solo album, I gave the cult away so I could forge a music career on my own terms and because of this; I am content today, plus I still produce music and, being a woman of a certain age, that is success in itself. 

In a musician’s perfect world, everyone would do well enough income wise to do it as a full-time job. They would enjoy the ride, retire, feeling totally chuffed with a life well lived, grateful they could follow their dream.

 More often, however, that’s not how things pan out. You might get to play in a band, release a couple of songs, get an arts grant and if you have a big family (or a lot of friends), you might sell a few albums or some merch. A few years later, however, you will head off into the sunset because you will need to get a ‘real’ job and your music career becomes that story you tell when you reminisce about the good old days. 

But here’s the thing; it is very difficult to make a living just from your art, any art for that matter, even though the message preached via industry organisations is that you can attain a robust career as an artist. The hard truth needs to be acknowledged; not all of us are going to be famous and rich and you may need to pivot if you want a roof over your head or to eat. 

 It’s OK though because this is probably true of 99.999999999% of all the musicians who had the dream to live their life as a music artist. Even those who tasted success, had a recording contract or music in the charts, may one day need to decide if they want to keep going.

For me, it was my twenty-ninth birthday after releasing my second album Tremble, with a major record label. Soon after it debuted, I was singing to a couple of people (literally) in a pub in St Kilda, Melbourne. I looked around at the empty seats and thought, “I think… maybe… I am not going to make it” and decided the next day it was time to go home.

At the time it was heart-breaking, but I am glad I did because everything turned out well because of that choice. Today I am incredibly content with where I am now, plus I learned a valuable lesson; Being famous might be amazing, but nothing beats being proud about what you produced. Would I swap anything in my music catalogue for fame or fortune? Short answer is, no.

I don’t mind that I wasn’t a global pop star, but I do care about my body work and am proud of every inch. Even better, I still get to produce music now. In 2019, I released my fourth studio album, Sportsman of The Year–A Suburban Philosophy, with an accompanying book and it was a creative career highlight and now I am lucky to be thinking; “What next?”

 When you are creating your masterpieces, remember that you are the only one who cares about your work (well, your parents probably do too). The people you hope will respond to your music are at this very moment more interested in their own lives and how it’s working out for them. Nobody has asked you to create something, nor do they care if you do. All you can hope for is that someone will tune in to what you are doing one day. 

And if you don’t get a huge response from your music release; does this mean the song you recorded is not good enough or you aren’t as talented as you think you are? No, it simply means the stars didn’t align this time. You are in good company because many artists work away in obscurity and some really famous people are not even recognised until after their death. If you believe it’s the best song in the world, then it is. That is your truth, and no one can take that away from you unless you let them.

You need to remember that anyone can be famous now and you don’t even need to be that clever. Most musicians will never enjoy the millions of followers a TikTok star might get for dancing to disco in their undies. Fame may never happen, so it’s best to learn how to be content with your work without the accompanying public overtures and feedback that so many artists seem to need.

 The other thing to consider is that everyone, no matter how famous they are, has to watch the success tide go out one day. No one shines in the sun forever and we all face the decline when it eventually comes. It’s life. 100 years from now, all we can really hope for are a few decent lines in the annals of history. Time is a great leveller and we all greet the same destiny, no matter who we are. 

In 1993 I won a song-writing award, a Tui, from RIANZ, now known as Recorded Music New Zealand. It seemed wonderful at the time and it was a great honour to receive it. Today, few people I work with were even born then, nor do they care about my achievements. Why? Because it’s 2022, it’s a new generation, and a different zeitgeist. What people are doing with their music now has a lot more appeal than my memories. It was time for me to move aside from the current trends twenty years ago. And I did. 

Notice I wrote “move aside”, I didn’t say “move out”. I just accept that I am not the current generation and that is OK. I pick and mix what is happening now and add it to my creative sensibilities, if it suits. The world keeps spinning, so all you can do is concentrate on what you are doing. If you put all your energy into your art while you are in the creative zone, you will always be fulfilled, irrespective of reaching a global number one.

 So why bother trying at all? Simple. Because you want to and you enjoy it and that is a substantial reason. The key is to relish success when (and if) it happens, and because this moment in time is fleeting, enjoy the sense of achievement, tip your hat towards yourself and move on. 

Whether you are an overnight sensation or just play music to your cat, make sure you do the best job you can. Being totally committed to something you take pleasure in is where genuine fulfilment comes from. This is a state of mind you can achieve for life and is significantly better than chasing the approval of false gods. 

What Makes a Successful Creative Career? ... Presented by Jan Hellriegel.

Come and hear celebrated musician, author and entrepreneur, Jan Hellriegel share insights into how to sustain a successful creative career.

About this event

What Makes a Successful Creative Career

Depot Artspace in conjunction with New Zealand Music Month are pleased to host celebrated Kiwi musician, author and entrepreneur, Jan Hellriegel.

Jan will share insights into her career, providing tips for aspiring and currently practicing artists.

Topics include:

Valuing your work as an artist

Copyright and why it’s good!

Negotiating fees for your work

Hybrid career models

How do I make money out of art

All are welcome to attend this free event, set in our funky gallery space in Devonport.

Light refreshments will also be provided.

About Jan Hellriegel

Not only is Jan Hellriegel a music entrepreneur, she is also a working musician and a published author. She has a high profile in Aotearoa New Zealand’s music industry and is well regarded. Jan, founded and runs Songbroker Music Publishing, a social enterprise focusing proactively on creating more opportunities and incomes for indie artists.

She is a recognised expert in music copyright and a loud persistent voice lobbying for music artists’ rights. Jan is a former board member of IMNZ and sat on the RMNZ board during the development of One Music. Alongside Songbroker Music Publishing, Jan founded licensing specialist company Aeroplane Music Services and continues to run her strategic creative company, Seahorse Swim.

Her last album release Sportsman Of The Year - A Suburban Philosophy achieved number 2 in the NZ Music Charts late 2019. She continues to perform, write and record music and is currently working on a new album project and a business programme for musicians called “Melody - Knowledge is Creative Freedom”.

Read more about Jan’s creative career:

https://www.janhellriegel.com

https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/jan-hellriegel

Thought I would bring out the heavy artillery today. Have spent the morning handwriting letters and thank you notes. It’s the best way I can think of to get myself out of a lock down funk :) #inkpen #fountainpen #montblanc #thankyou #letter #gooddays https://www.instagram.com/p/CWotXiyvMiY/?utm_medium=tumblr

Level 3 tomorrow. Time to pack up my work and ship it out tomorrow. Thanks for all the orders. I really appreciate it :) xxxx #nzmusic #nzliterature #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CUEaFN-ptQa/?utm_medium=tumblr

I love this time of the year … because nature says hello loudly. However one of these things is not like the other …. #flowers #springtime #springtime🌸 #friendstthatsayhellointhemiddleofhenight. #garden https://www.instagram.com/p/CTvGNv4BhNZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

This was my morning and I found a real live Trifford… how cool is that. I got up early today because I am consumed…. In my next creative project…it will be a lot of work and hard graft … but nothing else to do. Right? #creativewriting #creative #creativityfound #creature #trifford https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ4j2Gus3Ua/?utm_medium=tumblr

Sometimes it all seems so clear…. #colours #sunrise #aucklandcity #goodmorning #gooddays #gratitude https://www.instagram.com/p/CQaQIGpMCQV/?utm_medium=tumblr

Hi I am a #pukeko and I have just terrorised Jan while she was enjoying the beauty of nature. ‘Hang on isn’t a bird and human part of nature’? #philosophy #stoicism https://www.instagram.com/p/COGt3xEstBU/?igshid=dnnwktt15yn9

And I keep saying to myself ... time for a leap of faith... p.s. can you spot the ghost? #magic #dreaming #crystals #lovemyjob https://www.instagram.com/p/COExbQ2gdvQ/?igshid=rvglb0o4bfwr

I am going to leave you with this today as I dive into a cacophony of hard graft - I am happiest when I am working on stuff and love that feeling of starting the 1000 mile journey by taking the 1st step even if I know it's going to take a long time. Anyway here is the title song from my last album  - "Sportsman of the Year" - it kind of got a little overlooked because I haven't got around to making a video or anything but I am very proud of this song. What it's about is realising that all your flops, disappointments and failures in life are a kind of perfect if you embrace them  - because they make you who you are today - and who you are today is 'good enough'. Anyway if you wanted to punch the air today and say 'yeah'  these are my power years then - game on ... this ones for you  xx   

Spike #pointed #photomontage #spikey #morning https://www.instagram.com/p/CLm7fihM5np/?igshid=13p4ktw6i2qn3

Hanging out at my old Uni and watching happy young people enjoy O week. I was always such an average student... but worked hard because my mum and dad worked hard to send me. Didn’t miss one lecture or tutorial in 3 years. Passed. Average passes but it changed my life forever. Wish I had known that when I started instead of worrying all the time. Everything turned out Aok (stop me from yelling that loudly into the quad) #grateful #awesomeexperience https://www.instagram.com/p/CLkoOxaMTWf/?igshid=8saxdwzj2zsf

Time to start a new thing...

Well, the public me is now all in one place...  https://linktr.ee/janhellriegel Getting ready for my next thing. After recording an album, writing a book and releasing a series of podcasts for the "Sportsman Of The Year -  A Suburban Philosophy" project you bet your bottom dollar that what comes next is going to be... a surprise to us all... because I have no idea what is going to boil in this cauldron. So I figure I am just gunna' roll with it, learn as much as I can for a while and see what happens.  But I am allowed to start this year. How come? Because I said so.