Make Music -- Not War

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