Daniel Kreps
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Madonna River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images 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.
“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 neighborhood 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.”
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.”
