Have you ever sat in the audience of a show of musical talents and or performers, or better yet been witness to people encouraging or praise someone in person or on social media that something was above what their talents presented. Maybe I am not saying this were it makes sense. Have you experienced a talent that people were raving about that in your opinion was subpar. I heard a music executive talk about time and time again a talent being “Praised through the Roof, only deserving polite Applause.”

I have had many of these experiences over the years that I have been involved in the Arts & Entertainment Industry. There are naturally talented people, there are those that have polished with a great stage presence and then there are those that may be popular that are subpar in their talents but people like them, or something.

There are also those that have a great voice but a poor stage presence and then those that are great entertainers without the best of voices…but when you can experience a talent that has both a great voice and stage presence in my opinion that is when the magic is experienced.

If you know me, I will never tell someone that I thought they were great, or their music was great if I did not think so.  I do try to not say something in a way that would really hurt someone’s feelings, that is if I am pushed to give my opinion. Otherwise, I just remain silent. 

I do think there are talents that if they really put some work into their chosen craft that they could grown into being phenomenal. But some just need some vocal coaching or, chorography (not everyone moves well or smoothly on stage.) Rehearing, practice, visually reviewing and then being open to hear the opinion of a professional in you craft…not a friend or family…sometimes not even a colleague…you want to get the feedback of someone knowledgeable and informative. You should always want to grow in your craft and seek honest praise verse friendly or popular praise. You want to be respect for being great at what you do, right?

But then, I do have to recognize that not everyone experiences talents the same way that I do.

To be honest and fair, everyone has the right to handle their Arts & Entertainment experience the way that they want to. But I do have wondered why some talents that are subpar get attention or gigs over those that are amazing talents. I do think some people get gigs based off who they know and who likes them, or possibly they do not have to pay them as much as a great talent or possibly they will do it for the “exposure.”

Early in my days as Lady Flava on the radio,  I had an international listener reach out to me to ask if I really paid attention to the music I was playing from the talent to the quality of the production.  So, then I stopped to pay closer attention and I understood what they were saying.  Then I took it to another level by reaching out to music industry colleagues and asked their opinion on a piece and from their feedback relistened to it to determine if my thoughts change.  I have had the opportunity to go into a studio to listen with a producer and have them show me what they hear.  Now, from all of that…I close my eyes to hear and feel what the experience is for me.

Do you ever give praise to something that was not the Best?  And if so, why do you do that?  Is it to not hurt their feelings.

I would never want to discourage someone from living out a dream, but I also believe that when we go public that we want it to be something that people with appreciate and really support so that you go beyond the beginning. When you go public, you do open yourself up to having people to form an opinion. This is when we need to have a tough skin and be able to either ignore what is being said or to grow from what is being said. Sometimes, we can improve from the opinion of those that experience us.

When I heard this statement, “Praised through the Roof, only deserving polite Applause.” It really made me think about how many times I have said this to myself, or chose to not return to a show because I did not find value in the experience.

Create an experience that leaves them talking and wanting more.

Earn the Real Respect and Praise!

LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews

Sharing My Thoughts on A&E Industry