Reality check
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Music
My faith in music is undying...but my faith in people in the music BUSINESS is wavering...dangerously. I know the Laws of Attraction and all say that you bring to yourself of what you speak...which leaves little or no room for negativity. But what do you do when there are promoters faulting on artist fees and blaming it on the artist to save face; when there are "facilitators" talking smack on one end and grinning like a Cheshire cat at the flip of a coin? What can you do when you are really in this business to make an honest living by doing what you passionately LOVE...and it’s soiled by foolishness? How can you not say...all y’all crazy folks just kiss my natural black...well...yellow ass! Some how, that probably does not fall into the Laws of Attraction. HAHAHAHA.
Every once in a while, I come across some really good people that do really good things for what they love, and it reminds me of why I fell in love with Music.
I had just flown in from London to NYC then NYC to Houston then Houston to Dallas (it was MUCH cheaper that way--sacrifice convenience for the love). And when I arrived in Dallas en route to SXSW 2008, I was exahausted in mind, body and spirit. But, I had a rehearsal with the support singers before dinner (so I would not catch the -itis and pass out). When they got to my spot, I was exhausted at the thought of having to teach the entire set ALL OVER AGAIN. Just so you know...playing different cities without your own band is so far from glamorous...it is WORK. Though, the gigs are blessings and I am grateful...so keep them coming (y’all know I like to talk). Anyway, so from the first moment they opened their mouths...I was like...OMG...y’all not only know the music, but y’all are KILLING IT. I was floored. They were amazing. So, we ran through the set, and then ended up singing longer ..just because it sounded so good and we were having fun. I felt like a kid...nevermind I hadn’t slept nor eaten much. It did not matter because I was smitten again.
The next day we all set out for the 3 hour drive to SXSW in Austin, TX. I had spent the entire evening passing out flyers (shout out BHen) and talking up the show. The next day, I did the same, including a TV interview (shout out Mr. Blakes) and an hour long radio interview at a local station (shout out Hot Pepper), then back to passing out more flyers and watching my fellow artists perform (Renee Sebastion, Maya Azucena, Bavu Blakes, Melissa Young and more). The artists were great and really gave their 100%, but the night within the SXSW context overall had some disappointments. Needless to say, we (the singers and I) got on stage and played with a band with which I DID NOT REHEARSE and we rocked the joint for the love of MUSIC anyway. The vibe on stage was so right, it could not have been stopped. It was spiritual and it was so much fun regardless of what was going on off the stage. Afterward, the singers from Dallas (Van, Harmonie & Junye) said to me how grateful they were to have shared the stage with me, and how it was an honor to sing with me. They took the time to learn my music, to rehearse, to drive 3 hours, to perform amidst not so wonderful conditions, and they considered it an honor to sing with me? HELL..the honor was all mine. See, right then, I was reminded AGAIN of why I love music so much, and performing. They did it on love, on respect, on the excercise of using the gifts given to them and sharing it with me and everyone listening. That was the message given to me that night...and it kinda’ soothed away the fact that I wanted to crack a couple of heads. LOL.
Seriously though, when these damn folks in this business get to acting ridiculous, remind yourself of this (and remind me too if I ever seem to need it) ...a very good singer friend of mine shared this sage advice with me the other night...let me paraphrase: God has given you a gift of music. it is your responsiblity and right to share it. He will protect you in your sharing as you do it from you heart and soul. All things that are not of Him, that threaten to hinder or sabotage you, will wither and die in your path.
And you know thats right.
Let the crowd say AI’IGHT.
Now let us get back to the music.
Enjoy the new single.
Peace,
Rt!
