Two rejections this week. I hear criticisms of the harms social media causes for the charmed impressions it gives as we compare ourselves to one another. I’ve shared a few wins lately, so I thought I’d balance it out with a bit of the happenings that wouldn’t usually make my feed.
I’ve received two rejections so far this week. There will be more before the week is done. It’s standard in this line of business. For every one successful application for funding, platforming, or support, many many more are rejected. The only thing that bothers me about it anymore is the hours wasted preparing applications, but even that can be flipped into the ever positive “something learned, something gained.” My husband reaches out to comfort when I tell him the news, but I don’t feel that I need comforting. I am familiar with the sting and it is dull. I am pleased with the resilience I’ve earned until the occasional congratulatory email arrives, and I realize that I am numb to that as well. But I can work on that.
I compartmentalize beautifully, organically, thoughtfully, and by necessity. I work in a tornado of emotions, my own and those of my students and audiences. It is my role and privilege as an artist to hold space for things that others can’t find space for. I feel still and calm in the center of it. Most of the time. I feel capable and confident, here in the center of a tornado composed of all the internal and external forces within and beyond my comprehension. I know that not all my ends are neatly tied down. Some are flailing in the winds about me, but I hope and imagine that they appear enchantingly windswept while I muse over the way to go about tidying them up without inadvertently causing all else to unravel. I would rather dance with the wind than be so abominably sturdy that I fail to dance at all. Another rejection. Just one of many opposing winds upon which I balance and still.
Upcoming Events:
July 1st – 31st: Wellington Residency! Thanks to patrons Bevan & Anne, Maggie Cocco Music has been spending July working on Wellington based projects and collaborations! So far we have collaborated with To The Front to deliver an incredible youth music camp and developed relationships with Wellington based venues and artists with outcomes projected for October-November 2024! More on those soon!
July 24th: Maggie Cocco’s Science for Sociopaths SECRET SHOW with Sofar Sounds Wellington
August 2nd: Maggie Cocco’s Science for Sociopaths Multimedia feat painters Taneth and Arwyn at Orphic Gallery
August 8th: Maggie Cocco live on WTS Amazing Radio
August 24th: Drum and Bass Party – with live vocals! – at Paraoa Brewing
August 6th: Maggie Cocco Music Workshops, The Stomach, Palmerston North
Project Updates:
Like A Moth Album Physical & Digital Release
Global delays in music product manufacturing has us about 4 months behind schedule with our vinyl & CDs through Diggers Factory. I received confirmation this week that the vinyl has gone to print (!!!), and I’ve received proofs of the album artwork and accompanying booklet. I will share the artwork here once finalized!! It’s really incredible, I can;t wait for you to see!!!
I have been advised that
Music videos! I have teamed up with Cadby Kong and Utopian Propaganda to create 10 music videos – one for each song in Like A Moth – that can be watched separately or together as a 45 minute movie. This is no small feat, and I am in the midst of applying for grant funding to cover the assosicated costs. We are looking at a budget of $13000 for 10 music videos which we will be recording with a team of 4-5 people. This is an ambitious approach, but with proper planning we’re feeling like it’s not only possible, but possibly brilliant! No to mention thoroughly in keeping the project. If you wish to support this project or have possible funding leads for us, please reach out to me here or at coccomusic@gmail.com
Europe Tour 2025
It’s nearly application season for next summer in the Northern Hemisphere. With help from booking agent Dannii Vallely, we are making an ambitious plan to take over Europe one festival at a time!
Music Student Sponsors Needed:
Maggie Cocco Music has two differently abled adult students with limited income that would benefit from sponsorship. Tony studies with Maggie Cocco Music for two hours each week, and Joey for one hour each week. Tony makes a bit of pocket money performing at the local music clubs and learning more about music is what makes him the most happy. After working producing three albums of cover songs, Joey is putting together his firstoriginal music album with help from Maggie Cocco Music. Subsidizing needs for Tony are $60/week, and for Joey is $30/week.
Finances should not be a barrier to living your best life! Maggie Cocco Music services are Pay What You Can so that persons who mightn’t otherwise be able to afford them have access to quality music education and services. Support Maggie Cocco Music in this mission by giving a one-time gift (Zelle or PayPal to maggiecocco@hotmail.com) or becoming a sustainer on Patreon 🤍