Short-term financial support

I don’t love asking for help and being vulnerable in this way, but I need support. After reaching peak burnout from 12+ years in the nonprofit sector (including some unpleasant experiences I won’t go into), I decided in early 2024 to shift my focus and pursue a career as an audio engineer. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s what I love, and I’ve been putting in the work and making sacrifices to gain the skills and experience I need to make it happen. Of course 99% of that has been doing unpaid (though fun and fulfilling!) work…and in the process, I’ve depleted what was left of my savings.

What I've been doing:

-I interned at Studio G, learning the ropes in a commercial studio and gaining practical skills, like setting up and breaking down sessions, building audio cables, learning to use patch bays, and operating analog consoles like Neve and SSL (see photos)

-I've been volunteering at WFMU in Jersey City, recording and mixing live bands for broadcast. I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with incredible musicians from NYC and NJ as well as overseas, including Lambrini Girlz, Tea Eater, Mick Barr, Organ Dealer, Birth (Defects), Pyrrhon, and more.

-I’m also gradually getting more paid engineering work. A record I mixed for guitarist Joseph Bradshaw will be released soon (vinyl coming in the fall!), and I’ll be tracking drums for the new Gorgatron LP this July. I love working with artists and I love to mix, so if anyone is looking for a great engineer who’s affordable and will go the extra mile to make your recording awesome, get in touch!

-I’m actively looking for and applying for jobs — both audio-related and other — and would appreciate any leads folks may have (more below on the wide range of skills I have to offer!).

In the meantime I just need some short-term financial support to make sure I can cover rent and basic expenses. Things are hard out there right now — for lots of folks I know, too — and I’ve cut back on all my non-essential spending, and more (like the wonderful therapist I was seeing which I can no longer afford).

This isn’t meant to be a pity party, I don’t feel sorry for myself at all, because this is the path I’ve chosen. The bottom line though is this is stressing me the f*** out and so although I hate to do it, I’m asking for support from my wonderful friends, family, and community. I turn 40 on July 5th and I’m fully planning to enter the next decade of my life with a spirit of optimism and joy, knowing that I’m committing to dedicating as much of my time as possible to the thing I love most — making, recording, and mixing music and helping artists send the best possible version of their work out into the world. Your support will help make that possible.

Thank you so much. Please leave a comment if you would like me to share future updates on my engineering work.

P.S. I’m actively seeking part-time and freelance work! Please let me know if you have any leads. Here are some of the skills I can offer:

Recording and mix engineering

Podcast editing and production

Live sound and stagehand work

Proofreading, copy-editing, copy-writing

Grant writing (would love to work with artists on grants or artist statements etc)

Fundraising and communications consulting

Coffee / Barista

etc.

Photos 1 & 2 by Caroline Harrison