Remember, Excuses Will Never Erase the Memory of a Poor Performance...
By Les Vogt
In a perfect world of justice and fairness, a poor performance by an artist could be forgotten and forgiven. But ours is not a perfect world. If it were, Arnold Schwarzenegger would never have made millions on his acting ability. In the entertainment business the reality is perception... and what people think of you counts most when it comes to success. Our world is especially fickle when it comes to entertainers.
The issue, then, isn't quite as easy as writing a "stinker" off as only one bad performance. The problem is that every weakness or questionable quality of a performer can be raised with vengeance and passed through the rumor mill like Janet Jackson's garment malfunction. And, a performer may have to go about answering those questions for a long, long time. Getting positive attention is a difficult task... so, you must always do your very best to make every performance opportunity count.
It is a mistake to take any performance for granted. Whenever you stroll out on stage and primp for pictures you leave yourself wide-open to have your posterior punted. There has been more than one headline attraction shown up big time by a lesser skilled opening act performing with sheer determination. Being gifted doesn't always win all the points when it comes to performer acceptance. An otherwise ordinary performer can develop charisma, humor and showmanship through hard work, determination and persistence. Average singers can excel by developing skills in these extended areas. An unusual vocal "style" can sometimes bring great success. Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson established superstar status with very average vocal abilities. Becoming a "stylist" in the music business can often be the core asset required to set us apart from the rest and become the catalyst that leads to a very successful career.
There are essentially no rules when it comes to the entertainment business. But, almost everything anyone could advise for or against is often disproved or reversed by superstar performers. For example, a bad stutter was turned into an asset for Mel Tillis and Don Knotts while countless other household names overcame similar obstacles to find their success. The bottom line here is that the God-given element in some of us is hidden below the surface in the heart. And, when your heart and soul get together on the same stage, anything can happen.
No matter what, don't give up. That's the first thing every successful performer tells us... so it must be true. (Ok, it's obvious if you give up, your odds go way down) What they're really saying is leave no stone unturned and continue to work, work, work at your craft.
Author's site: http://www.members.shaw.ca/lesvogt
Les Vogt is an independent producer, promoter and entertainment consultant.
Covering San Antonio's music scene since 2005