John Duff, the fearless artist known for pushing boundaries with his lyrics and genre-blending music, has just announced he will launch his OnlyFans page with the release of the explicit version of his “Stick Up” music video.   This audacious move reflects Duff’s unapologetic exploration of modern capitalism and society’s complex relationship with integrity and self-worth, with “Stick Up” offering listeners a gritty look at the lengths people go to survive and thrive in today’s economic climate.

Inspired by a recurring sentiment among artists and workers facing economic strain — “I should just do porn” — Duff explains, “I don’t know anyone in the past four years who hasn’t said those words. They’re usually being cavalier – that they would do anything – as if the perceived immorality of sex work is more compromising than the way said person must behave in a late-stage capitalist landscape. ‘Stick Up’ is a mirror held up to society, challenging how we perceive morality, integrity, and the compromises people make to be accepted.” He goes on to underscore how the track criticizes the moral gymnastics people perform daily, whether in corporate offices, political spaces, or, more candidly, in a strip club.

Is “Stick Up” a commentary on today’s capitalist society? 

John Duff:  I think Cristal Connors in Showgirls said it best: “you are a whore, darlin. We all are. We take the cash, we cash the check, we show them what they wanna see.” Many people walk a public facing tight rope to do and say all the right things: to keep the job, to keep the followers, to get ahead. Performing as a virtuoso is exactly the same as performing intimacy. I personally find that people in sex work have a bit more integrity, though.  They acknowledge that they are selling a fantasy. CEOs, billionaires, and gurus cannot always say the same.

Have you found yourself having to hustle for your artistry?

John Duff:  I have made negative tens of thousands of dollars from my art. It’s funny – I am told to project an image where that isn’t the case, but it is the case. It’s the truth.   I have had so many opportunities where I could’ve just dumbed myself down and took the check. Hell, when “Girly” came out I was framed as some sort of nonbinary, drag person – and it was working! – but I couldn’t live with that. That’s only a small part of myself, and to present it as the whole picture would’ve lacked integrity. So, I relate to “Stick Up” because integrity has made my ascent much slower.

How does “Stick Up” compare with your previous releases, especially those from your recent Greatest Hits (Deluxe Edition) album?

John Duff:  It’s a 180 – and that was very intentional. The couple thousand people that have been paying attention can see that my artistic progression is a ride through my psyche. My art is very much: “look what I can do.” I can write and perform and style. I can sing and rap. I can do it all, and so I’m going to.

You worked with Brett Loudermilk and Zain Curtis on the music video.

John Duff:  I have been a fan of their work for years. I have Zain’s books on my coffee table.  I wrote him that I wanted to do a video with hot male strippers, milk, politicians, murder, and humor. I told Zain I would fund whatever he came up with.  It was the absolute greatest experience on set for, I think, all of us. It was magic.  Nobody said “no” to anyone’s ideas. No one wanted the shoot to be over.

You shot an Onlyfans version of the video. 
John Duff:  Yes, the video has full frontal and Showgirls level explicitness.

Will you continue to release explicit music videos through your OnlyFans page?

John Duff:  Music videos won’t be the only thing on my page.  I have so much to share that is too cool for the metaverse. I’m a perverted exhibitionist absurdist.  I’m really looking forward to this new platform as a means to connect, and above all: profit. Cause music is certainly not paying my bills.

What are you charging?

John Duff:  The standard rate – $10 a month.

By Skip Sheffield

John Duff’s “Stick Up” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms.   Follow John Duff on Facebook, Instagram, and OnlyFans @ iamjohnduff.