Chasing a creative dream in this city is notoriously tough. However, a massive new initiative from a global pop icon is about to make life a little easier for some local creators.
Madonna is officially collaborating with the membership company Bilt to cover one month of studio rent for every musician currently leasing space at The Music Building.
Returning to her NYC roots
Before she was a household name selling out global tours, Madonna was just another artist hustling to survive in the city. After leaving a living situation in an abandoned Queens synagogue, she found refuge at The Music Building on Eighth Avenue.
She recently shared that the Midtown building was packed with people grinding to launch their music careers, with multiple bands time-sharing the rehearsal spaces. “I put my pillow where the bass drum is, that is where I slept,” the Grammy winner recalled, noting she lived there for about a year until she finally landed her first record deal.
To honor those early struggles, this new partnership gives back to the exact community that helped shape her.
“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,” Madonna shared in a statement.
Celebrating the release of “Confessions II”
This generous move is part of a larger celebration for the highly anticipated July 3 release of Confessions II, the sequel to her legendary 2005 dance album.
The perks extend to fans, too. Bilt members will have the chance to purchase an exclusive limited-edition vinyl of the new album, which features custom artwork and photography by Raphael Pavarotti.
Additionally, the company is throwing member-exclusive album release parties in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago on the exact day the record drops.
Win your own free rent
Not a musician living at The Music Building? You still have a chance to score some major lease relief.
Madonna will be making a special guest appearance on Bilt’s monthly game show, “Rent Free.” During the episode, members can tune in for a chance to win free rent payments of up to $2,500.
