Hello Humans,
As discussed in my last few posts - I am now in the process of completely restructuring my Patreon page.
This is a big and scary but necessary change that's been coming for some time, and after many meetings with Simon + some further expert help, we are finally here... so please, read on...
THE DEATH OF STREAMING?
A few days ago I was sent this article: https://joelgouveia.substack.com/p/the-death-of-spotify-why-streaming which is a very encouraging write up on why streaming might be on the way out. Have a read and let me know what you think, but it basically suggests that artists who are going to survive the next 10 years of music need to be building "micro-communities" in order to support themselves.
Well - that's fucking brilliant! That's exactly what we have right here on Patreon. A direct musician-to-fan-and-back-again connection that is based on real music, made by real musicians, shared with real human people. I love this!! If this is the future then bring it on.
I can also honestly say that running this Patreon brings me a lot of joy. I've been doing it for 10 years now and I still get excited each month of what I'm going to be sharing. It never feels tiring and the more I get to know you guys the more fun it is.
For the future, I would like this place and the people in it to grow, and thrive together. The world right now feels very tense, and it feels like most online exchanges are run by big-tech gatekeepers, forcing us to make "content" in order to grab people's attention for a fleeting moment.
This is not for me. Something tells me it is also not for you?
BETTER ART, AVOIDING BURNOUT
Apart from the article, this big change has also come about because I desperately need to streamline my work output, in order to avoid burnout.
As a bi-polar gal with ADHD and some rather wild hormonal issues to boot - I am regularly run-down, stressed and overwhelmed.
Most of this is caused by me, and my inability to say no to new projects. I am painfully aware of this, and it's something I'm working on.
I've know that I need Patreon to sustain myself financially as a musician in 2026, but I need to be able to do it in a way that doesn't tank my energy levels. I'm also just that little bit older, and taking care of my health has become an annoying but necessary part of my life.
I would like this community space right here to be something really special. A shared experience of music and art, with absolutely no AI present, or short-form nonsense content.
I would like to create something here that is the antithesis to all that.
Will you join me? I hope so!
SO WHAT'S CHANGING?
You will notice some tweaks over the next few weeks as we undergo this process. Please watch the video above for further detail, and please, please, please let me know if you've any concerns or questions.
I've been doing Patreon for over 10 years now, and having your support and trust is very important to me. I want this community to continue for many years to come.
Actual changes that are happening:
A new tiered system with only 4 available options for new Patreons - this is helping me to streamline content, create better quality music, bring in new Patreons and avoid burnout.
Some existing tiers will be unpublished, but they are still available if you are on them already, so don't feel you have to change your pledge unless you want to!
A less scattered output. Every month will contain the following - Songs, Video Series, Coven Hangouts, Livestreams and 1:1 Sessions.
What is not changing:
The Discord Group, Access to the "Mishkin Archives", Livestreams & discounts on merchandise. These will remain for all paying Patreons.
My dedication to writing AI-free Music, Lyrics and Videos... that will never change.
SO WHAT'S NEXT?
The new Patreon launches on 16th March. After that, it's totally up to you if you want to change your existing tier, or remain the same.
You can also join the reshuffle discussion on Discord, and I would love it if you're free for the next Livestream (March 26th). I'll be playing some stripped-back piano versions of Crimson Veil songs, and hanging out with you all.
If you've any questions right now, hit me up in the comments or you can drop me an email [email protected] if you prefer.
Thank you for your patience as this change happens - I hope you'll continue to stay with me for the next decade of music. Yes to art!
With love, and thanks,
Mishkin x