I have noticed over the years that the issue of responsibility
becomes muddied whenever one imagines that there may be
negative implications. No one wants to take responsibility when
the train leaves the rails yet everyone wants to be rewarded
when things go well. This is human nature and artists being
human beings are not exempt from this. Artists love accolades,
rewards for hard work are welcome but criticism is avoided and
most times when encountered is completely ignored.
…For Your Art
When you produce music, it becomes your responsibility
whatever impact that music has on the world around you. You
would be surprised how often I have heard an artist distance
themselves from their music when something untoward is
revealed. Sometimes it's a simple issue that can be corrected
but artists flee from taking responsibility. A good example is the
issue of CD artwork, CD artwork is supposed to have a square
shape, that is the standard – there can be no negotiations here.
That said, the number of oblong shaped CD artworks I have
encountered is alarming. The moment one confronts the artist
with a very polite 'Your CD artwork should have a square shape,
please correct this", the immediate response is, "It's not my fault
it's the graphic designer who did it like that." That's a lousy way
of managing your affairs, it's your music, your responsibility. CD
artwork with explicit content logos and you boldly say it's actually
clean music but it's the graphic designer who put that explicit
content logo. It's one lame excuse after the other and soon a
pattern develops. You have convinced yourself that if there is anything off about your project then you are not responsible. You
are only there for the kudos and awards ceremonies – that's not
real life. In the real world the project is yours from start to finish,
you are responsible.
The upsurge of sexually suggestive videos is an area I find of
concern. I have always had reservations about nudity because I
really believe that it's too easy. It's not hard or sophisticated to
take clothes off, seriously. It is more technical and impressive to
design or sew these clothes, now that's where the true skill set
lies. It takes an incredible talent to write a song, to record a song
or to perform a song and now you dilute all that work by making
the biggest attraction on your video your new found ability to
remove your clothes? Why? You are too talented to deliberately
direct your fans to the "easy" stuff that they too can do at home.
Instead have the world focus on your unique abilities, show them
your true talent, your ability to steer their emotions with your
music, your voice and your showmanship. You are a super star,
worth more than click bait. You are responsible for the image you
portray even in your music video.
…For Your Fans
Full disclosure, I have had the worst luck getting the right
interview LIVE on radio. Several times I have booked an artist
for an interview only for the artist to cancel last minute. That said
the story doesn't end there, I usually make an effort to find out
why an artist is cancelling their interview or is no longer available
for a phone call LIVE on air. The reasons I am about to share are
real and not fabricated. Artists from right here in Zimbabwe come
up with the lamest reasons to avoid publicising their music. They
feel that they are not responsible for promoting their project, they
do not have a responsibility to connect with their fans on radio.
1. Sorry I'm actually on the road. Pull over and take the 3 minute
call.
2. I'm actually at a video shoot. Take the call, talk about the
video shoot, how excited you are about the project you are working on, sign off quickly – understandably to get back to
work.
3. I'm actually overseas right now. So what? I just managed to
phone you.
4. The team said I should first have my interview after the
premiere on XYZ radio station. Don't tell me you prefer a rival
radio station, take the call – preserve a good relationship with
all radio stations, don't play favourites.
5. I can only talk for two minutes, shaa I'm so busy. I honestly
doubt I will be calling you for another interview anytime soon,
you're clearly too busy to promote your music.
6. Can you interview my manager instead? No! Your manager
does not sing, perform or produce any music. Why would I
want your manager to talk to your fans?
Do you get it now? The interview, your interview is for your fans.
They want to hear your voice, they want to hear you talk about
your music, not the deejay. Every lame excuse is directed at
them. You are inadvertently saying I appreciate your support but
I have no interest or time to spare talking to you. Whose
responsibility is it to talk about your music to your fans? To talk
about the inspiration behind your hit songs? To give updates
about your video shoot? You!