Le Siren's Next Chapter

Hello, I'm Le Siren. I'm a gender-fluid Black and indigenous musician and artist amongst other things. I grew up in NYC and I've been residing in Pittsburgh for the past (nearly) 9 years. The past few months have seen me through some immense and difficult changes that I didn't think would be happening anytime soon and while it's been a very painful and emotional time, it has reminded me of my strength and devotion to myself and what I actually want out of life.

So why am I asking for support? As much as I love Pittsburgh and the community I've made here, it is time for me and two of my cats to leave and find some new adventure. I moved here very hap hazardously as a heartbroken 18 year old seeking refuge. Pittsburgh gave me exactly that. It gave me the room to breathe, so many people to love and so many fond memories. But now almost 10 years later, I find myself in a similar position where heartbreak is leading me to start fresh in another city.

Beyond that, this move is integral for the growth and momentum of my career in music and art. I realized a long time ago that my music could only go so far in this city. If I never moved here, I wouldn't have made my first album and for that I am eternally grateful. But in that same vein, I hit a ceiling here a long time ago and I do not find myself inspired or supported enough in this city to continue chasing my biggest dreams. It is crucial for the next steps of my life and career for me to find a more diverse and opportune place to call home. In a sense, being here for so long has lead me to lose sight of who I am and what my purpose is. I think being in a new environment will gently force me to rediscover the answers to those questions.

I realize there is a lot going in the world that is probably more deserving of monetary support, but the fact of the matter is, I cannot make a move without major support. I work part-time as a bartender and I make just enough every month to survive between that and my music royalties. I considered picking up another job to fund this move, but that felt counterproductive as I am hoping to move within the next month or so. The largest percentage of what I'm able to fundraise will go towards locking in a place to live, most places I'm considering require 3x the rent just to move in. That's thousands of dollars I don't have readily available and would take me a year or more to save that up on my own. I have the privilege of having a safe and comfortable home to be in for the foreseeable future, but if I don't make this move ASAP, I fear I will get stuck in an unhealthy cycle.

Everything else will go towards moving costs (moving truck, gas, materials, furniture that I need, food, etc.). If there happens to be anything leftover that would be directly invested into the costs of me making new music (instrumental licensing, studio time, visuals, merch, etc.). As I'm in the middle of this distressing upheaval, I am also looking joyfully to the future and that looks like me making music full time, something I've put off and talked myself down from for too long.

Any support is so deeply appreciated in a way that I can't convey in words. In many ways starting this next chapter feels like a door opening not only for me, but for everyone I love and everyone that supports my music and art. I've lost sight of myself for the past handful of years. I am starting to remember now.

Thank you so much for the constant love, kindness, support and encouragement, I would not be here without it. <3