I was coming
out of the grocery store the other day, and parked next to me was a
veteran. He was helping a young worker
load his trunk with grocery bags and as I got in my car I overheard them
talking while waiting for them to clear the way so I could back out.
The worker
was headed to the military himself and was informing the veteran (who was
wearing a navy cap) of his decision. They
chatted and when they were done the vet wished him luck and blessings. He didn't know the young man from Adam but
because he was about to embark on a similar life journey, he wished him the
best and smiled as if the boy was one of his family … and in a way – he is.
This mutual
life journey gives them a common bond -- of servicemen and servicewomen. No matter what branch, or their reason for
entering the service, they go to serve and come out with respect for anyone who
did the same.
It’s like
any fraternal bond, even if you’re in a sorority, like me.
I have a
sorority banner surrounding my license plate and often when I’m driving someone
will honk at me and ride by flashing my sorority sign (or that of our brother
fraternity). We may have never met, and
my never see each other again, but we share the bond and the journey, and show
respect for it.
Even in my
profession this is true.
I was
photographing a concert recently and encountered a local news reporter who was
patiently waiting for an interview with one of the acts. To keep her company while she waited (and
thank her for her patience), I chatted her up and revealed that I was a former newsie. Instantly we went from just normal
concertgoers/workers to fraternity members – with the common bond of having
worked in TV news. We shared war stories
and gave each other those “I know where you’ve been sister” glances and it was
like we’d known each other far longer than a day. I get the same reception and respect with
fellow photographers, editors, filmmakers, etc. I literally have fellow frat members everywhere
I go.
Now there is
one fraternity to which I don’t belong, but I am affiliated – that of the music
artist.
I have no
musical abilities myself outside of songwriting (that most will never hear) and
the occasional living room karaoke, but I work with artists consistently --
helping to book them, A&R them, promote them, shoot their photos and
videos, and other media/promotion related services through my company.
For the most
part when the artists I know encounter each other they speak and after a
performance they may go show respect or exchange information for a future
collab.
During my cypher event, I saw this a lot
because I created that kind of environment where, even though it was a
competition, the main goal was to create a collective that would get to know, and
continue to support each other.
Still, that’s
not always the case.
Many artists
do not adhere to the protocol of most fraternal bonds. Again, every artist’s journey is different,
but they are all after the same goal (if they’re serious about their craft) –
to learn as much as they can to be a long-term working artist and/or have their
message/story heard.
So why is
that they see each other more as antagonists, haters, and enemies?
I see it
every day – and not just among major stars but in the city where I’m from. It’s like some wake up looking for a way to
piss a fellow artist off. And often
times it’s because they don’t do the kind of music they like or aren’t in the
same clique. Instead of respecting they
are in the same game, and give them respect if they’re truly taking it
seriously – they decide to take the immature route and defame, discount or
disrespect them, both privately and publicly.
We
photographers leave ourselves open to critique all the time, just by posting a
photo. True artists receive criticism
and use it as a way to learn and do better.
I would never take that open door initiation to down a fellow
artist. I left news over five years ago
and I would never go back, but I still respect those who endure it and take
journalism as serious as I do, because they are my media brothers and
sisters.
Even among Greek-letter
organizations (aka fraternities and sororities) – though we are often taught to
shun anyone who is not a fellow member or affiliate, I respect anyone who took/takes
time from their collegiate or professional life to pledge and serve their
sorority or fraternity.
Now I’m not
saying everyone deserves respect. The that
do poor photography and undercut fellow photographers, that do shoddy reporting
and are irresponsible journalists, or who contribute nothing to their organization
but a warm body -- I have no respect for … but I don’t know that just by
meeting them.
So why is
that indie music artists --- many of who don’t take the time to listen to
another artist, much less have a conversation with them – don’t show each other
respect like the aforementioned groups?
Who do they
feel the need to crab instead of collab?
You don’t
have to like a person’s music or style to give them props for chasing their dream
like you are. You don’t have to hate
because you’re intimidated or accuse them of buying their career because you’re
not rising in yours. And you don’t have
to downgrade them because they don’t fit in the box you want to place them in
or don’t fit the label you’ve created for yourself.
What every
artist should realize is that there is strength in numbers – and I’m not just
talking about sales.
The same way
artists (and the industry) cherish the numbers of twitter followers, likes on
Facebook, downloads on Bandcamp and views on YouTube, they should think the
same about their circle or network. No bridges should be burned and every place
you go and person you meet should add to your network or circle. Think of them as members of your music
industry fraternity and (unless they do collateral damage to your relationship)
treat them as such.
This business
is truly about WHO YOU KNOW.
I can’t tell
you how many times I’ve given out a business card in conversation or connected
with someone on a social media site and was rewarded for that simple
connection. I’ve gotten business
referrals, job offers and even met some heavy-hitters in my circle just by
reaching out and respecting them and the relationship.
Now I have an
industry network full of executives, producers, artists, and other
professionals who used to be in my shoes, are on the same level as me, or have
connections to the powers that be. This
also means I now have allies in the industry that may be able to open doors,
give recommendations or cosigns, or barter services later on.
The same has
happened through my other bonds. Fellow
sorors, fraters, alumni and former co-workers have helped me in business, or helped
me gain professional experience and connections based on the mutual respect of
our shared experiences.
That is how
artists should think of each other. Not as mediocre jokers who are getting in
their way. That mindset is what
separates those who are just making music and those who are truly a part of the
music business/industry.
Am I
advising you to kiss someone’s ass, or the cliché “fake it ‘til you make it” –
No.
What I’m
saying is “Don’t make enemies that could be allies”. Beef (real or instigated) is a way of creating
a buzz (and classic records like “Ether”) but it can also be detrimental to long-term
success if you don’t know how to turn that buzz into revenue. Even Jay-Z and Nas realized they couldn’t be “gangsta”
forever. Decades later – they’re still
majors in the game.
To succeed
in business – and in some cases, in Life – you have to have a support system of
family, friends and other allies to help you ward off the snakes, sharks and
wolves. In the music business – those people
could be the very ones you’re spending so much energy to one-up instead of
big-up.
Take a
lesson from that veteran --- wish them luck and blessings. Then take a lesson
from me and exchange information – enlist them in your industry infantry. You
never know when you’ll need an ally in the battles of this business.
- m
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