On the surface, freelancing sounds like a great gig. You can set your own hours, choose who you want to work with, and still have time to mess around. But unpaid labour remains a big problem, particularly when a contractor doesn’t respond to an invoice. One survey by the U.K.-based Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) found that freelancers were owed nearly CDN$10,000 in late payments.
“Late payments are seriously damaging the financial wellbeing of self-employed workers, with one in five (20%) finding themselves without the money to cover basic living costs,” IPSE stated.
Now, two Toronto musicians have teamed up for what they describe as a “scathing, high-energy banger” against bad-faith contractors. AIKO TOMI and Jesse Lucas have dedicated their new single, “Invoice”, to “anyone who’s ever had a fake opportunity used as an excuse for unpaid work”.
“We all want to believe in collaboration, but too often, ‘opportunity’ is dangled like a clout-carrot—just out of reach, leading to unpaid labor with no return,” states TOMI in a news release announcing the new song. “That’s when the illusion shatters.”
Lucas says that one of the song’s driving phrases—“Fuck that”—is a declaration of self-worth.
“This song is for anyone who’s had their work taken, erased, or exploited,” he declares.
“Invoice” video filmed in Chinatown
Watch the video (above) for “Invoice”.
Lucas directed the video, which was filmed on Toronto’s coldest winter night in Chinatown. The pair encourages anyone who’s been exploited to share their stories about how “opportunities” turned out to be exploitation. Listeners can join the online conversation by using the hashtags #MyInvoiceIsAttached and #INVOICEAnthem.
“Expect meme-worthy moments and fiery performances from a soundtrack for those done giving their best to projects that don’t deserve it,” the news release promises.
“Invoice” is available on all streaming platforms.
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