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Breaking the Starving Artist Stereotype: A Call to Action
This podcast delves into the complexities of the music industry and the importance of valuing artistic talent. The speakers, who share their personal experiences, emphasize the necessity of mutual respect between musicians and corporate entities, highlighting the challenges artists face in securing fair compensation for their work. They discuss how the perception of musicians as "starving artists" has evolved, and the role they play in shifting this narrative. The conversation also touches on the significance of building genuine relationships in the industry, illustrating how kindness and professionalism can lead to unexpected opportunities. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that understanding and respecting the artistry behind performances is crucial for a thriving creative community.
Delving into the intricacies of the artistic journey, this podcast episode illuminates the often-unseen struggles and triumphs faced by musicians within the corporate landscape. Speaker A and Speaker B share a rich dialogue about the importance of storytelling, urging listeners to recognize and embrace their own narratives. They highlight how every individual has a unique story that contributes to the larger human experience, encouraging a culture of sharing and connection among artists and audiences alike.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Speaker B recounts their evolution from playing bass in church to navigating the complexities of the corporate music scene. They candidly discuss the harsh realities of being an artist—often undervalued and offered paltry compensation for their performances. Through personal anecdotes, Speaker B illustrates the frustrating phenomenon of being treated as a 'starving artist,' a narrative that has historically plagued the industry. This reflection serves as a powerful critique of how society views artists, emphasizing the need for respect and fair compensation for their craft. The speakers articulate a vision for a future where artists are recognized as valuable contributors to cultural experiences, challenging the stigma that often accompanies artistic professions.
As the dialogue progresses, the speakers delve into the significance of intention behind artistic endeavors. They argue that when artists shift their focus away from purely monetary motivations, they unlock a deeper fulfillment in their work. Both Speaker A and Speaker B advocate for a mindset rooted in passion and genuine connection, suggesting that nurturing relationships and demonstrating kindness can lead to unexpected opportunities. This episode serves as both a reflection on the evolving music industry and a call to action for artists to embrace their unique journeys, fostering a community grounded in respect and shared experiences. Ultimately, listeners are left with a profound understanding of the importance of connection, intention, and the collective narrative that defines the artistic landscape.
Takeaways:
- Everyone has personal stories to share; it's about finding the right way to express them.
- The music industry has evolved, but respect for artists' work is still a challenge.
- Intentionality in interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth in relationships.
- Musicians should avoid double booking to maintain their reputation and respect in the industry.
- It's essential to value the hard work and dedication of artists, not just their talent.
- Creating mutual respect between musicians and corporate clients can elevate the entire industry.
Transcript
And I think everybody has those stories, they just sometimes don't know how to share it.
Speaker A:But I am fascinated by the human experience.
Speaker B:Yeah, me too, man, me too.
Speaker B:And just like, like you said, just being able to be a part of.
Speaker B:Even if it's a 30, 45 minute conversation, in a lot of cases, these are people that we've ended up being able to stay in touch with too and.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:Share their share in their journey as, as it progresses.
Speaker B:So that's cool.
Speaker B:And one of the other things I wanted to say too, because I guess the original.
Speaker B:Why how I sort of got into some of the spaces that we've managed to get in.
Speaker B:Remember when I was.
Speaker B:You remember when I was.
Speaker B:I was playing bass and I started playing.
Speaker B:Well, I started playing bass at church and then I started.
Speaker B:I did a couple.
Speaker B:I remember going on a drive with you and I was like, man, I'm playing for this artist.
Speaker B:Like it was my first time doing something like more.
Speaker B:I think I did a corporate thing.
Speaker B:And then it sort of led like to some artist stuff after like the third or fourth time out.
Speaker A:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker B:And the real reason, one of our earliest conversations about the whole DNA project and like making it more of a thing that's not just about me picking up an instrument was I saw there was a lot.
Speaker B:There was a handful of us at the time that were coming from similar backgrounds.
Speaker B:Some of us like grew up like doing the thing playing in church.
Speaker B:Some went to school and got their chops that way.
Speaker B:But it was like, now we're in this corporate space and this was some years back.
Speaker B:So I know things have shifted now, the way that the world views and now respects art and artists.
Speaker B:But at that time it was like starving musician.
Speaker B:If you told someone you're getting the music, they'd be like, they felt bad for you, they felt sorry for you.
Speaker B:A couple people were like, ah, tough break, tough hustle.
Speaker B:Good luck.
Speaker A:Yeah, good luck.
Speaker B:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker B:And that was like, that was me as I was formulating this like, as a business outside of like personal brand or just being a musician myself.
Speaker B:And even still it wasn't respected.
Speaker B:And that was discouraging at times.
Speaker B:But of course the big thing was when I took.
Speaker B:When I saw like we're coming with a lot of talent, people are coming with 10, 15, even more.
Speaker B:20 years of experience, hours and hours and hours of hard work to come.
Speaker B:Entertainment, your butt at your event.
Speaker B:And people would have the audacity to be like, either they want.
Speaker B:People want to lowball you, so they'd want to Pay you almost dirt, or they'd want to pay you the thing that comes from dirt, which is in food.
Speaker B:That was a conversation multiple times where people would be like, oh, yeah, we'll feed the band.
Speaker B:Like, you think that people spend their whole lives dedicated to this to come.
Speaker B:You have the audacity to let us entertain you and your guests wearing beautiful suits, the finest spread, the centerpiece of your event are the people on the stage that.
Speaker B:Setting the whole tone.
Speaker B:Imagine walking to the event and it's silent.
Speaker B:People like deal can get a dj.
Speaker B:There's no speakers working.
Speaker B:So now we're the centerpiece of your whole event.
Speaker B:And you have the nerve to say, you know, we could pay you in food or we can give you 100 bucks.
Speaker B:Like that kind of thing made me realize people are accepting this.
Speaker B:That's why it's working.
Speaker B:So that's what really drove me to be like, I want to be the guy to be the ambassador and the bridge between these corporate people.
Speaker B:I was going to say another word, but it's all good.
Speaker B:We're all in the same space.
Speaker B:These corporate people and the musicians are the talent and sort of like, you know, find some mutual ground that works for both and the respect that is now seen.
Speaker B:And I know that the world has changed, so I.
Speaker B:I know we played a role in that here in the city, but, yeah, that's kind of what drove me to get this thing started in the first place.
Speaker B:So.
Speaker B:I don't know if I've ever really said that.
Speaker A:No.
Speaker A:Well, to me, I.
Speaker A:I kind of knew that.
Speaker A:But I'm glad you shared that with everybody because, yeah, it was, it was.
Speaker A:It was interesting to see what you were doing then to what you're doing now.
Speaker A:And I don't want to.
Speaker A:I want you to share that one day with people.
Speaker A:But, yeah, I totally understand where you're coming from.
Speaker A:And I think the noble why is what a lot of people forget.
Speaker A:I shouldn't even say noble why?
Speaker A:Just having a good reason to doing it.
Speaker A:Yours comes from when you.
Speaker A:When you take.
Speaker A:And I forget who said this, but when you take the lens or stop looking through the lens of monetary gains.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:Everything changes.
Speaker A:It's true.
Speaker A:I think too many people have the monetary lens on and they're looking through that lens.
Speaker A:I.
Speaker A:I see it.
Speaker A:It's so transparent.
Speaker A:Even when they try to hide it.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:Smell it.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:And it's always noticeable.
Speaker B:Can't hide.
Speaker A:Always.
Speaker B:You can't hide.
Speaker B:It's like your.
Speaker B:Your intention.
Speaker B:You can't hide your true intention.
Speaker B:Maybe For a minute, but it comes out.
Speaker B:People do a good job with your actions.
Speaker B:Yeah, it's true on the surface, right?
Speaker A:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker B:You can be fooled by it.
Speaker B:Remember we had this talk a while back about things musicians need to stop doing and I pointed it to musicians.
Speaker B:I guess it could be creators in any aspect.
Speaker B:But yeah, musicians.
Speaker B:Just because that's the nature of our podcast.
Speaker B:And that one that made me so mad was when people are like double booking themselves.
Speaker B:Like that's to me is a direct.
Speaker B:Obviously money is important, but I think when you are known for doing that kind of thing, it really.
Speaker B:You push yourself out.
Speaker B:Like there's only so far talent could take you before there's someone who's almost as good or better that, you know, respects your time as much as their own.
Speaker B:So like little things like that, that's the intentionality.
Speaker B:I think that's.
Speaker A:Or even just your interactions with everybody involved in that moment, from the text to the other people you're playing with, to the planner.
Speaker A:You know, how you.
Speaker A:That first impression really, really matters all the way through.
Speaker A:I'm living testament to just being kind to somebody and an opportunity coming from me just not even knowing who that person was.
Speaker A:Just speaking them with respect and kindness and how they came back to me and go, hey, I like, I remember how we met.
Speaker A:We had such a good first meeting.
Speaker A:Can you do this for me?
Speaker A:And it's like I didn't even know you were capable of doing this for me.
Speaker A:But like, that's crazy.
Speaker A:Those little things matter a lot.
Speaker A:And the way I am with, you know, a drummer or a keyboard is.
Speaker A:Might also bring me an opportunity because like, oh, he's a good guy.
Speaker A:I like we had a good.
Speaker A:And.
Speaker A:And all of a sudden now I'm getting referred.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker A:You know, and.
Speaker A:Or I'm busy.
Speaker A:Can you get D D?
Speaker A:You know, I know a guy and you're the guy that they will refer you to.
Speaker A:And it's that those little, little things, they all go together really, really add up.
Speaker A:There's something we could go on, we could do.
Speaker A:We could do a whole seminar on do's and don'ts of we probably yourself in the industry.
Speaker B:It's so true, man.
Speaker B:And, and it's an ever evolving, changing industry too.
Speaker B:So that would be an interesting one.
Speaker B:We should definitely, not necessarily put a pin in this, but we should definitely continue that conversation and maybe expand it to something that we can share on different platforms.
Speaker B:There's a lot.
