Now that I am in my 60’s I feel at times that I have aged out of the Arts & Entertainment Industry…more so because the way and when things made sense to me. It’s not that I must struggle with how things are done now, but my biggest interest is for an artist to be able to position themselves to be seen and to make money from their craft. I see the struggle and fit for a creative to develop their edge, their angle, their brand to make them stand out. I still believe that some creatives need to understand branding and what the entails so they can develop a recognizable niche in their craft. A signature look, sound, style, vibe…what makes them memorable.

 

Now with the social medias and the algorithms only allowing a certain amount of people that can see what you share, to the numerous amounts of people online.  Too many times it feels like you post to a small group of people than where you can potentially grow your audience.   Social Media is time consuming and challenging to figure out what will capture people’s attention.

 

I used to really love the interactions and really networking that took place in the earlier days of social media.  I hosted events, did blogtalkradio shows and grew a global audience.  I was hooked and it was a part of my life that I was drawn to.  Being Lady Flava was a wonderful experience, even through some challenges.  It’s funny that I was birthed as Lady Flava 20 years ago, at my coffee house Flava in North Seattle, WA.  This is where my passion and what I truly believe was my purpose in supporting independent creative soulz.  My daddy told me many years ago that the calling that God put on my life, was to work with and support Artists.  He told me that it was not going to be easy, but it was the ministry that God called me to do.  I took this very seriously.  I found mentors, I researched and positioned myself to learn new skills and techniques to bring value to my abilities in this industry.  I did get to the point that I was getting paid by a handful of creatives, but the joy was in creating or accomplishing something that helped an artist achieve their goal of exposure or positioning themselves with the proper marketing tools.

As I shift my life to Las Vegas, I entered a different arena of the Arts & Entertainment Industry.  For about a year, it was okay…I enjoyed experiencing the great talents of the Black Entertainment scene.  I got involve with creating promotional flyers, online promotions and attending shows.  But soon, I found myself bored and craving to hear original music that was new to me…something more edgy and exciting.  To me there is nothing better than to experience an artist share something that comes from them or was created for them to present.  There is a whole different vibe.   Vegas does not really embrace up and coming artists to present original music.  They can slide it in hear and there.  You can share it as an open mic or private event…but Vegas really does embrace Cover Songs/Classics/Oldies but Goodies.  I now respect that and am okay.  Maybe if I got in this game sooner and moved to Vegas 20 years ago, I would have had more opportunities to network and find my angle to make what I had in find work.

 

While I was away in Vegas and surrounded by a community that I respected but it was not my niche of passion and purpose… I believe that I fell behind with the times.   Although I thought that I have always taken the time to research and follow those that I identified as industry experts…I missed the part on how creatives can really angle themselves for potential fans and consumers to take notice.  I understand that so much is in the following and engagement of those on social media and finding that creative niche that draws interest.  But how do the creatives really make money…they no long hustle CD’s and Books out of their cars, street corners and book readings and listening parties, like back in the day. 

 

Streaming, the streaming does not really make sense to me and the reports of not being compensated by such sites by even the mainstream artists.  And what happened to those that read books?  I do not hear people talk about reading books anymore…including myself who once upon a time was an avid reader and book reviewer.

Now getting back to where do I fit into all of this…  I really am not sure.  I do not sure.  I do not enjoy doing the internet radio shows.  I lost my desire to make flyers and to promote creatives.  But one thing I do like is sharing my thoughts through my blogs.  I do enjoy interviewing people and hearing their story, their journey and their why.  I had started this concept of Telling Your Story with Flava…maybe I will resurrect that.  I am a registered Music and Entertainment Blogger…maybe I will step out and find ways to go out to shows and write reviews.  I do enjoy writing reviews on YELP on business and eateries that I have experienced.  I do think I may explore doing more with my YouTube and TiKTok Channel.  That’s the other thing, I love to talk when I have something to talk about 😊

 

I have been home for a little over 2.5 months and I have basically been chilling.  I’ve just been getting used to being back home in Seattle, loving being with my family again and taking in all of this beautiful environment that I missed so much.   I have been just laying low and not delving into anything specific.  I stay active on social media, but not ask much as once upon a time. 

 

Have I aged out of the supportive angle of Indie Arts and Entertainment?  Is that such a thing?  There are people that are still out their trying and trying…I think it is in their blood and I used to think it was in mine too.

 

It’s just time to take a different path off the same journey and find what makes sense to me right now. One thing I do embrace is SHIFTING and knowing that it is okay to Change.

I’m sure that at some point for everyone, you think about your age and your relevance in …

LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews

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