BA of the Week: Musician Miwi La Lupa
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.
I’ve been a fan of Miwi La Lupa‘s work for years. I first got hip to him when he was in a band called Thought. They played my big NYC Book Release Party (which like 700 people showed up to!) and has since gone on to be in Charlie Hunter’s band as well as be an original member of Red Baraat. Now he’s about to release his first solo album, New Way Home, on January 21st and it is fucking stellar (Conor Oberst plays on it!)! Just Listen to the song below. I’m obsessed with it.
Also on January 21st is the record release party New Way Home, at the Bowery Electric. If you’re in NYC I highly recommend you go. All the details are here. Now lets see what kinda of insight Miwi has about being a broke-ass:
Name: Miwi La Lupa
Age: 32
Occupation: Musician/Songwriter
What neighborhood do you live in>: Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Best money saving tip: Drink at home with your friends more!
What do you refuse to spend money on?: Kale Chips
Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: My college education
How’d that feel?: I don’t wanna talk about it. I’m still feeling it.
Favorite cheap eat: Punjabi Deli on Houston and Avenue A
Favorite dive bar: The Levee (Williamsburg)
Best deal you’ve ever gotten: Charlie Hunter had his friend Glenn Cronkhite design and produce a custom Bass Trumpet case for me. I received it shortly after our residency at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square. Before that I was carrying my old horn in a gym bag, and I thought THAT was balling. Win Win. Jack London + Charlie Hunter tour + Cronkhite custom horn case = happy brotha. I cried… on the inside.
Favorite free thing to do?: Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. L.E.S in the Summer. Mind Blown no matter which production.
If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: Pay off School loans. Pay the IRS from last year. I’d buy NYC family all they could drink and eat at St. Dymphna’s. Then, I’d buy a plane ticket to Buffalo, NY to see my Mama, my blood family and all my godchildren (my keeids). Then get my wisdom teeth pulled.
Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: I wouldn’t change a thing. I love every moment I’m awake. And certain dreams at night.
Do you own my book?: I certainly enjoy your guide to living cheaply in NYC. Kindred spirit over here, brother. I hope to co-write your next book “How to Ball like a billionaire at heart in the world.”
Best hangover cure: Water, miso soup, Law and Order SVU (if you have time). Or, just water, Emergen-C, Miso Soup…
Are you a hipster?: I don’t think so. But, I couldn’t care less if anyone thought so… Heck. Dexter Gordon is considered the Original Hipster, so… that’s tight.
