The Artist Ego

There are times when confidence is a plus and moments when it is down right rude.  Where is the middle for the ego?  In order to make in the entertainment industry is is a requirement to have some confidence.  Without confidence it would be hard to make it in a industry that uses the word No more than a baby cries. This does not mean the artist is to think they are the end all, and be all of their craft, rather it is for them to understand and believe in their capabilities all the while being open to constructive criticism.  It is in the criticism that one can continue to grow in their art.  So when do you know you have to much confidence? Well, take a look at your performance track. The more cocky you get the less work you may receive.  There are many people who like the cocky attitude and confidence but even their patience can run thin after while.  It is better to have confidence and be able to be humble at the same time.  There are many sites and books that offer different tips on gaining confidence.  Grab a book and read it.  Really read it and not skim through it.  Realize that the constant NO's can be the practice tool to help you toughen up a little and not to be too crushed with every rejection.  Take the no's and making them into yes's.  Their are many stars today who will be quick to tell you they receive many rejections before they got the golden yes.  While learning to except No and learning how to use them as building blocks, remember that your body, your voice, your image is part of your confidence package.  So you must keep it is in very good shape.  Eat right, exercise and eventually all aspects will come together at the right time.


Reference:
http://www.jeanniedeva.com/site/444991/page/2106637

Gospel/Christian music crossing over

In today’s society it is becoming more and more common for gospel and Christian artist to be heard in the main music stream of pop and R&B.  Knowing the simple facts the words Gospel and Christian hold, there used to be mixed feelings about this movement.  Artist such as Kirk Franklin or Abandon are often heard in the main stream and fit right in.  Does this change the meaning of the music?  I wouldn't think so.  It serves its purpose, which is to reach everyone so that all can hear the word of God.  This crossover provides listeners who are turned off by the religious genre, a way to enjoy their choice in style of music while being inspired and encouraged at the same time.  Religious music is suppose to help those who seek God and those who want and/or need that guidance and the additional positive factor in this is that others who have not taken the time to think about the Higher power will be able to enjoy and hear the word without it being forced down there throats.  This gives the manager of such artist much work to do.  The artist are now not only being promoted in the religious genres but now the manager has to work with through connections of the R&B, Pop, Heavy Metal, etc, to ensure their artist are getting optimal exposure and not being pushed to the side. 

  This may happen to many artists who do not have management that is knowledgeable in the industry or understands how to use their networks and connections to guarantee their success.  Another factor the manager has to take into consideration is the image.  With religious artist crossing over into the mainstream their image will be looked at through a magnifying glass.  Is this fair?  No not really but that is part of the life.  It is the same as the congregation that views their minister, pastor or preacher in the same way.  The fans already hold a high caliber for their mainstream artist, and so the religious artist not only is held to those standards, but a level even higher because of who they are representing through their music.  So managers are taking a look at the artist image in some of the same ways a fan does knowing that the personal life of an artist can hurt their career that much more.  Tye Tribbett and Kirk Franklin have experienced some of this. They both have been exposed for doing things that goes against what God stands for, and for how they portray themselves. Even so their management team has been able to use these factors as a positive to help their careers instead of allowing it to be ruin it.