As I was invited to write a blog for W.O.W Radio it was suggested to write about the nightlife and events that I cover as a photographer, but the problem is there was nothing of interest to write. I could have written about the 1 or 2 artist that shine at the weekly open mics I attend, or the incredible vocalists that I cover every Tuesday and Friday. Or maybe I should write about the industry affair I swung pass between a R&B show and a birthday party on Friday night that saw the same faces that I'm always happy to see. But I thought no,..let me write about the fact that I see those same faces every where I go.
I have been working the DMV entertainment industry as an artist, label owner, videographer, photographer as well as a promoter for over 10 years now, and I have seen a lot of folk come and some folk go. But what I haven't seen to my displeasure is no one, city wide really take off nationally. Yes, we all see the few that have hit national radio and a couple who we've actually seen on TV but we have true grinders out here that don't get heard past there block or the local open mic night circuit. Musicians that rival the likes of Teddy Riley, producers as good or better than Swiss Beats, singers that can out blow the Keri Hilson's and rappers that go harder than Rick Ross, or are as lyrical as Eminem. Why don't we have what New York built, what Compton made, what the mid west stumbled across or what the Dirty south is enjoying? Because we don't do us.
The fact that you are reading this blog means that you care about independent entertainment. But caring and supporting is two different things. We need to come together as a city and support the talented individuals who work hard at there crafts to provide us this entertainment. What separates Lil Wayne from Lil Cuz from around the way? Umh about a million dollars in advertisement and your support. If you look through your CD collection you can find all the CD's that you bought and just don't listen to now. That is the product of advertisement not good music. You bought the Mike Jones CD for $15 bucks when Mike Mike 'round Minnesota ave, was selling his for $5. Mike Jones had one hot track on it, Mike Mike had 4. You bought the Pedi Crack CD for $15, and listened to one song and flipped it in the back seat, you got this local artist mix tape for free at an open mic and listened to the whole joint for three days straight. The difference isn't in the music folks it's in the Support. Same deal with independent movies. There was a period where no limit dropped a few movies. They weren't blockbuster hits, but they told a story we could relate to, had a few rappers serving as actors so we could get behind a familiar face and they made some decent money doing it. Guess what DMV we have independent film makers here that tell the similar stories, all a little closer to home, though they don't have Silk the Shocker playing the lead or Mia X as the supporting actress doesn't mean they aren't just as good. But we will never know if we don't go and see them or buy the DVD's to support.
Now this isn't all the faults of the consumers though, artist have to except some of the blame. Movie producers have to promote. R&B artist have to advertise, rap artist have to showcase. We have to used our media outlets to our advantage. As I have worked the independent market, I have met numerous talented individuals that names were foreign to me before they stepped on an open mic stage, or shot me a movie trailer via email. Or even sang an original song at a karaoke night event. All very talented individuals. Networking is more than performing for your peers. You have to do block parties, pass out CD's, community days, handing out flyers. Once you meet a fan/friend, stay in touch with them. Keep them abreast of your moves, your successes, it helps them to feel like a part of your team. And the most important thing you can do to start to reap some of the benefits of your labor is stay true to yourself, and keep doing you. Here's my attempt to ignite the DMV fire and make the DMV, Hollywood East.
~ D-City, Photographer & Freelance Blogger - Capital Heights, MD
