How Creatives Are Surviving the Downturn

Hitting a Low Note

In 2008, Michael Pinto was a freelance jazz musician with 10 years' experience playing around the world, working in upscale jazz venues and recital halls.

He even had an album of original music he wrote, called "Prologue".

But “since the economy crashed, it’s been really hard to get booked,” says Pinto, who lives in Glen Ridge, N.J. “You really have to be a big name, when before, more venues were willing to take a chance.”

Pinto decided to combine his musical talents with his other passion, science fiction. “I recorded an album with all science fiction-themed music,” he says. “Now I’m hoping to get gigs at conventions, movie premieres and things like that.”

The album, “Little Green Men,” features themes from different recognizable science fiction movies and was just released this month. Pinto his trying to use his connections to sell the album through science fiction websites, blogs and in the music and comic industries, although Pinto says it’s too early to tell if this new niche will be successful. “I’ve found that certain audiences in the jazz world do recognize the themes and are responsive,” said Pinto. “But as for the science fiction audience, it’s hard to say.”

Pinto said it’s all about developing a more focused niche, finding a unique group of listeners who respond to the music.