Mersh
04-15-2009, 08:34 PM
If you are an avid consumer of entertainment, there are plenty of alternative avenues to get your fix. Whether you are a fan of music, comedy or theater, there are plenty of smaller acts out there who are struggling to gain a larger audience, and they need you for that.
I used to make a decent living as a DJ. But I gave up the money and the security to pursue a career as a stand up comedian. I have worked very hard to bring people funny, original material and craft my onstage persona. I have been all over the Eastern US winning over fans one person at a time. As hard as I have worked though, the current state of my living conditions don't leave me with much to show for it. When I lived down South, I toured all over the country making a name for myself amongst comics. But upon returning to my home in New York, it has become nothing but bringer shows and non-paying appearances. And a lot of entertainers are living like paupers while trying to make a name for themselves.
With all the weak talent out there, it is hard to get people behind the idea of going out and watching live comedy. You have to sit through hours of gimmicky hacks, people with guitars and wacky outfits, and other awful acts just to see one person you appreciate. And after all is said and done, you may not feel like patronizing that entertainer (by buying his CD or Merch, or signing up for their email newsletter) after getting ripped off at a sub-par show. But it's not their fault.
If you see an act that you truly enjoyed, or you found to be fresh and original, go to another show when they perform. Or you can buy their shitty T-Shirts or just approach them and tell them how much you enjoyed whatever it is they do. Be specific. Tell them what you liked about them. We live for this stuff. Since I have become a comedian, I live for a laugh from the crowd. Yeah, I've been thrown out of houses, had my phones shut off and credit cards suspended, all in the name of doing what I love. But sometimes I feel like there are too many mediocre entertainers ruining it for the rest of us, making it harder for us to stand out.
Short summary: Support struggling independent artists. You don't have to always shell out 30 or 40 bucks to see a big name act, when you can see someone who may be just as talented and innovative right in your own back yard. We need love, too people. So next time you're gonna drop $25 bucks on a fucking Metallica shirt, maybe you should remind yourself that they really don't need you advertising for them as much as the little guys do. Thank you...
I used to make a decent living as a DJ. But I gave up the money and the security to pursue a career as a stand up comedian. I have worked very hard to bring people funny, original material and craft my onstage persona. I have been all over the Eastern US winning over fans one person at a time. As hard as I have worked though, the current state of my living conditions don't leave me with much to show for it. When I lived down South, I toured all over the country making a name for myself amongst comics. But upon returning to my home in New York, it has become nothing but bringer shows and non-paying appearances. And a lot of entertainers are living like paupers while trying to make a name for themselves.
With all the weak talent out there, it is hard to get people behind the idea of going out and watching live comedy. You have to sit through hours of gimmicky hacks, people with guitars and wacky outfits, and other awful acts just to see one person you appreciate. And after all is said and done, you may not feel like patronizing that entertainer (by buying his CD or Merch, or signing up for their email newsletter) after getting ripped off at a sub-par show. But it's not their fault.
If you see an act that you truly enjoyed, or you found to be fresh and original, go to another show when they perform. Or you can buy their shitty T-Shirts or just approach them and tell them how much you enjoyed whatever it is they do. Be specific. Tell them what you liked about them. We live for this stuff. Since I have become a comedian, I live for a laugh from the crowd. Yeah, I've been thrown out of houses, had my phones shut off and credit cards suspended, all in the name of doing what I love. But sometimes I feel like there are too many mediocre entertainers ruining it for the rest of us, making it harder for us to stand out.
Short summary: Support struggling independent artists. You don't have to always shell out 30 or 40 bucks to see a big name act, when you can see someone who may be just as talented and innovative right in your own back yard. We need love, too people. So next time you're gonna drop $25 bucks on a fucking Metallica shirt, maybe you should remind yourself that they really don't need you advertising for them as much as the little guys do. Thank you...