I came into the music scene here in Baltimore as a fan. Slowly I became much more. I don't know how it happened but the next thing I knew I was The Baltimore Paparazzi....the one who took all the pictures of all the artists at all the shows and even did a recap on my MySpace and Facebook pages.
I became known more than a lot of the artists who claimed that everyone knew them in the city. All because of my pictures.
Last year I decided to throw shows so that local artists would have a platform to be able to perform. There are quite a few artists/rappers who had never been on a stage and my event was their first. And then there were some who have been on stage numerous times and didn't think they were too big to perform at The 5 Seasons.
Now the title says Professionalism and that's on purpose. I try to be as professional as I can and yes sometimes I slip just like everyone else but usually it is because someone pulls me out of character.
My events are 12 artists, each with 12 mins on stage. I require that the artists pay a $25 deposit on 15 tickets and then they only owe $50 the night of the show! So that's $75. They sell the tickets for $10. So that is $150. Minus the $75 and the artist made $75 on selling their tickets!
Some people might not agree with selling tickets but to me if they don't sell them, nine times out of ten the artists will be only performing in front of other artists who all paid for a slot. That might be fine for some but not for me! I want people in the building and I have a staff to pay as well. DJ, Host, Door person and Production not to mention the venue!
Then there is the being on time that really gets to me. If I say I need the artists there at a certain time it is so we can get the show started and not be rushing to be done with the show. But it seems like most want to come late and think they are going to go on stage as soon as they get there! SMH
Seems like most artists are wanting to be on the big stages and get big shows but can't even be professional at the entry level. I have seen this more so in the past couple of years. I understand that no one is stepping up and mentoring these artists/rappers and maybe that's what needs to be done. Most get a little buzz and then get an ego. If I put your name on a flyer, how many people are truly coming? The test has been done time and time again......and its not in their favor.
I am going to continue to try and keep my show going for those who truly love what they do and to get more exposure. It may just be The 5 Seasons......well The Hott Spott and it maybe just a little venue but it is my way of helping this culture stay alive!!!!
