Is the golden age of the freelance classical musician over? Today on Soundcheck: New York Times reporter Daniel J. Wakin and freelance violinist Victoria Paterson discuss how cutbacks have changed the landscape for work-for-hire musicians in New York City. Also: A live performance from country rockers the Old 97s.
Violinists For Hire
In the classical music landscape, much attention is given to the major outfits: The Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic, the names on the posters at Carnegie Hall. But beneath those institutions lies a much different economy -- and that is the world of the classically-trained freelancer. Lately, many of the regional symphonies, Broadway pits and jingle houses that freelancers rely on have cut back or shuttered, forcing musicians to get a bit more creative. To explain the state of things for classical freelancers we’re joined by New York Times reporter Daniel J. Wakin and freelance violinist Victoria Paterson.
Playlist: Freelance Musicians + Old 97s
Click through to see the music played on Soundcheck today!
Gig Alert: The White Buffalo
Jake Smith, who performs under the name The White Buffalo, believes in hard touring, hard drinking and by the sounds of "Oh Darlin' What Have I Done?", plenty of regret. Download the track here.
Live on Soundcheck: Badly Drawn Boy
The English singer-songwriter Damon Gough, who performs under the name "Badly Drawn Boy," recently visited WNYC's Soundcheck studios. Check out a video of Gough performing "This Electric."
Gig Alert: Patricia Barber
Patricia Barber brings her deep alto voice to the Jazz Standard tonight. Download her velvety cover of Cole Porter's "The New Year's Eve Song" here.
Gig Alert: Netherfriends
Shawn Rosenblatt, the main man behind the Chicago-based project Netherfriends hit the road last April for his “50 Songs, 50 States” endeavor, with aims to land in each state over the course of a year. Learn how you can help or just download his song "Bret Easton Ellis Novel" right here.