BA of the Week: Musician Debbie Neigher

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit — probably not.

Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.

This week’s featured broke-ass is Debbie Neigher, a professional musician who used to work at Larkin Street Youth Services. Now she’s doing the dream though and making a living off working in the arts. I gotta salute her for that! When I asked her if she and anything to promote in the intro she said:

I would love to promote my upcoming show at Amnesia next Tuesday, May 6th (part of Cave Clove’s month-long residency). The show starts at 9pm with Jess and Andrew from Fox & Woman, and I am on at 11!

You can stream her most recent album here and check her out on Facebook here. And most importantly, read her answers to our grueling questions below!

Name: Debbie Neigher

Age: 27

Occupation: Musician

What neighborhood do you live in?: Western Addition or NOPA depending on whether or not you’re a real estate agent.

Best money saving tip: My amazing Jewish mother is far better equipped to answer that.

What do you refuse to spend money on?: $4 toast

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?: Making my 2 records!

How’d that feel?: Amazing that I did it on my own, and horrified that I drained my life savings in 30 seconds…twice. But there’s nothing better to spend your money on!!

Favorite cheap eat: Fish tacos at El Metate!

Favorite dive bar: Oo that’s a tough one – I’d have to say either Geary Cocktails or the High Tide in the Tenderloin. Although the last (and only) time I went to the High Tide the window sill was lined with empty shot glasses filled with chicken bones. I’m actually not sure if that makes it the winner or not!

Best deal you’ve ever gotten: My friend who used to work at a car rental business gave me some company’s corporate code so I can rent vans for way less when I go on tour!

Favorite free thing to do: Classical Revolution on Monday nights at Revolution Café!! It’s amazing that you can drink wine and watch symphony-level musicians play for free in the middle of an awesome café!

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: I’d give a lot to the organization where I used to work, Larkin Street Youth Services. Then I would probably buy a badass tour van and a car!

Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Yes! I have to pinch myself everyday that I am paying my rent by having a career in the arts!

Do you own my book?: I don’t because clearly I’m a cheap ass! BUT when I first moved to San Francisco, I spent hours upstairs at City Lights Bookstore reading your book and taking notes on the best things to do in the city!! You really helped me feel excited and at home in a new place!

Best hangover cure: Breakfast burrito at Bean Bag Cafe

Are you a hipster?: I think that word has completely lost all meaning since its latest resurgence in the last decade or so…and yet, I play an analog synthesizer from the 80’s in my band.