Sometimes it's best to come out the cage swinging. I am a full time Artist; which means if you want me to spotlight/feature/spit, you are calling me to work. I have been doing this longer than Def Poetry Jam existed. WE NEED COMPENSATION! WE NEED COMPENSATION!
Dearest other Artists,
It is due time that we demand to be paid...our worth. If we all did this than they will know to have compensation available or know that that will be discussed when they make contact.
On another note, be honest about your worth. If you want assistance on that...I am also available for consulting.
This is the most effective way to eliminate the pimpin these artists syndrome. Compensation is not secluded to money; it can be a plausible networking event, an opportunity to sell product to a buying crowd, feed me, buy me a drink, pass the bucket, a good cause, etc.
An example of the Pimpin these Artists Syndrome:
Hey, Light. This is blank and I wanted to invite you to feature for our anniversary show...Blah blah blah we have no intention of paying you blah blah.
[since I already knew how their show is set up...a bunch of non-paid poets...showcasing...I REPLY...]
Okay, just make sure I get there. My bus ride is $20 round trip and a ride to and from my momma house.
Ummmm...let me get back to you. [which means that they'll just find someone else that will do it for free]
Am I not worth $20...makes me feel like the common hoe, only she'll get some kind of pay for her blowjob. How would you feel if your boss called you and said "Hey, can you come in for a few hours, do a little work, but we don't have the money this week." ?
I shouldn't be penalized for having a different kind of work, because that's all that is. I don't live in some artist bungalow just off the coast, smoking trees, and sipping lime juice from my coconut cup. I live in Newark...with a landlord that expects his rent like all landlords do. Going any further with this explanation will be insulting your intelligence. I think you get what I'm saying.
Sometimes it feels like abuse...the way they use us up. Well, nothing turns me on like being able to pay my rent. So, PLEASE do me a favor and leave the money on the dresser, it will make up for the pleasure missed while you f*(% ed me.
Tah Tah 4 now, because I feel like I'm going to go in and have a hard time finding my way back out.
PS- Remember artists, "Ask and thou shall receive." GOD
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You know what, I'd be hard pressed to even try and disagree with you here. Though my battle for recognition is still a journey in itself; being approached,for my valuable time should bear fruit you speak of. I've been fortunate in some recent cases,when an offer came along to get fruitful compensation.
ReplyDeleteAnd made it clear to promoters and such out of town(outside 5 boroughs & beyond)So far as of late, ones who got wind of me came correct.
So in closing you are so on point bout this. And more artist out there, don't come to this conclusion or get this message early enough...giving their chosen profession.
More of them need to read this blog. Good looking on it.
Well sis,
ReplyDeleteArt is like that sometimes. I remember when I just met you at a function last fall. I was testing my craft and you were the most seasoned in the room that night. I bought two of your cd's and so did my partner. In life (talking to you brother to sister)as black people really we have to lift as we climb.
You're going to meet a lot of losers in the industry. Just stay true to you. Sometimes we have to be happy that you're being asked to come to the table and eat. It's got to be tough to make your art be your bread in butter in this economy. You have what you call survival skills. That is the skills to survive on what you do. {Not everyone can do that. I personally have a day job} Pray about it. Ask God to guide your course and so much more will come your way. Don't get blindsided with what you not getting. It will come in time. Hold your head. Anyway, at that time I was telling you I was writing my book. My book is done. You can google it by the title or find it at facbook as a poetry book group.
The title of the book is: "Trapped in a World of Words~ Volume 1"
click here for more info...
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/trapped-in-a-world-of-words-vol-1-the-first-go-round/8037134
I hope you have better luck with your venues.
Very interesting. People are most often paid to sing, but a poet or perhaps a dramatization is seen as just a nice gesture that shouldn't recieve their money that's due to them.
ReplyDeleteTo artists, I do believe what makes it more challenging are those individuals who have not accurately accessed their worth (as stated earlier). Some demand payment for a job certainly NOT done well. They don't have the skills or the talent worthy of me giving my hard earned penny. I think those artists make it harder for those who truly deserve.
Anywayz...overall I agree, although I must admit that I don't claim to be any kind of artist, just an admirer, especially of ITSREALIGHT. I tell you now that if and when I call you up, I will not only compensate you for your work and talent for what it's worth as well as a token of appreciation, but I will bake you an apple pie.
Peace.
I'm sorry about your experience, you deserve better! Thanks for sharing this light! (((Hugs))) I appreciate this message as much as watching you sing. God gave you the ability to create and touch people deeply with your talent and experience. That's my opinion, I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteit needed to be said....we are all worth more than many places want to agree to. however, when you have other artists out here that are willing to do a show for free, all the time, of course, they will go with the verbal ho's and hire them, free of charge and knowing that our words and more importantly, our time, our travel expenses, our hungry stomachs, our need to network to get a real paid gig is not worth their time cause the verbal ho's are willing to pimp for free...can we kick them off the circuit so some real verbalists can get paid?
ReplyDelete