Madonna has paid a month’s rent for the musician tenants of an iconic New York City building where the singer herself once rehearsed early in her career.
The tenants of the New York Music Building in Midtown Manhattan were informed via email that Madonna and credit card company Bilt were “covering up to $1,999.99 on May rent” for every tenant of the rehearsal space. “The money was provided solely because Madonna wanted to support the musicians in the building where she got her start,” the building manager wrote.
Artists who have rented space in the 69-unit building include the Strokes, Billy Idol, and Cyndi Lauper, among others.
“It’s an amazing show of support,” drummer, producer and Music Building tenant Gabe Kirchheimer tells Rolling Stone. “This building has been a musical incubator for decades, and something like 100 bands rehearse here every week. Musicians face enormous challenges in New York. It can be tough to cover the rent, and we really appreciate this. The neighbourhood has gone through a lot of crazy phases, and it can be difficult to attract clients in the current industry environment, but we are still here making music.” Kirchheimer has operated his Studio Chill space in the Music Building for nearly 30 years.
DJ Boy Wonda added, “I literally went from boy to man in this industry during my time here at the iconic Music Building. Hearing all the classic stories and knowing that this is where Madonna started, I can’t be more grateful that they’re still here serving the music industry’s best in a time where the options are limited for musicians. There aren’t too many places left for NYC’s talent to cultivate their creativity, which is why this is so important. Madonna and BILT coming together to cover rent for tenants is a much needed lifeline for many just trying to keep the industry alive, especially in today’s economy.”
In a statement to People, Madonna wrote, “Artists arrive every day to New York, with a dream and more often than not with little else. As much as I struggled when I showed up here with nothing, I look back very fondly on this time in my life. The creativity, diversity and community of artists all supporting each other while having the freedom to experiment is something I would have never experienced in another place.”
In addition to paying rent, Madonna and Bilt have partnered on a series of events revolving around the release of her upcoming Confessions II, including listening parties in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles as well as the Material Girl’s appearance in Bilt’s monthly game show Rent Free. Confessions II is out July 3.
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