After many conversations with experienced and talented producers and various hip hop artists, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are several parts to the act of pursuing music. However, performing is only one piece of the puzzle for aspiring, and already made, musicians. Yet it seems to be an overlooked task. What attributes to it not being taken seriously, or considered at all, is the hard task of booking shows.
But, before you take the time and work necessary to book a show, it’s crucial to understand the elements of performing. Thrown in with basic expectations such as knowing your lyrics, timing, and on-point breath-work are extra bits and pieces One part, possibly the basis, is feeling the music, being in the moment . The next part is recognizing that moment and capitalizing on your abilities. The last part (and the hardest to maintain in a productive manner) is becoming aware, knowing that your own creativity is the inspiration and the source.
Take for example, a truly well-rounded hip hop artist who meets all the criterion, San Diego producer/emcee, Makeshift a.k.a King Choosey, whose experience on stage began in 2007. Makeshift first performed at a cafe on a friend’s set. That moment of truth under the spotlight had people talking. Word of mouth about his talents spread quite rapidly in the San Diego area and beyond. Today, Makeshift has performed just over 100 shows and counting, has 3 mixtapes, an EP out, and upcoming LP. However, it’s not solely his secure on-stage presence, lyrical abilities, and a genuine love for what he does that keeps his performances in high-demand. It’s also the fact that he provides his audience with what they would like to hear. Makeshift comments that in the beginning, he, “had verses and some beats, but as the audience got bigger, [he] realized what subject matter would be relevant”.
The aspect of including your fans, your audience, is very important. Yes, your verses and beats may be used to tell your story… But, if there is no desire to collaborate with the people that listen, or hope to listen, then a sort of stalemate may happen. This applies when performing in the booth and on stage. If the crowd is a laid-back type on a certain night, pick a more chilled-out track to perform and if the people are wild’n out, go crazy with them. In all aspects, feel the vibe of your listeners and cater to it. This is not an easy task and even though Mr. Makeshift does all the managing, writing, and producing with such a cool, effortless composure, he is a positive example that it can be done.
If you rock with a crew, the process of progression, not perfection, is the same. Take it from a respected and talented Los Angeles emcee and booking guru, Spliff Hemingway, who is the leader of L.A underground hip hop group, The Alumni. The crew bounced around performing at house parties at first, but later took initiative to search L.A for a space to rent. When they found a spot and saved up enough money, The Alumni hosted “The Phantom Tollbooth 1”. Sounds easy, but Spliff admits that, “[e]ven though it was hard looking for a gig, we always had a good attitude. We strongly believe in our music, so we persisted”. By having a solid network of other artists to help spread the word and with solid material, they made it happen. After The Phantom Tollbooth, a pattern of hosting events became regular, people began asking for more performances by The Alumni and The Alumni sought out the homies to perform with them. It makes sense that authentic art and music attracts authentic artists, right?
In the beginning of any artist’s career, it cannot be about the money. There will not be cash flowing in by your 3rd, 4th, or even 150th show. If you are making music and expressing solely for dollar signs, then there are other problems at hand…But you don’t necessarily need money to get going. The Alumni jump-started their name brand and music, “without a ‘press kit’ and with very raw, tangible material”. Spliff reiterates something to always keep at the forefront of your mind: perseverance. “We overcame a lot of obstacles, but we were persistent and [didn’t] let anything get us down,” says Spliff as he gives the undisputed advice for everyone to, “… not let anything get you down and to stay focused in what you’re doing and believe in”.
From my own experiences as an audience member going to hundreds of shows and talking with knowledgeable artists, producers, and performers behind the scenes, its true that booking shows and performing are crucial in getting your music out there. Relying solely on the Internet and social networks will only take you so far… and not far at all, truthfully. However, you must remain patient with building a fan base, give you and your music enough time. Never forget that determination will take you as far as you want to go, if you let it with the right attitude.
post by: Stephanie Nicole Jones – journalist
@Stephnicojones
