THIS IS YOUR FREESTYLE BLAST #34

Don't get upset when people are showing interest... get upset when they stop!

I’ve said this before: I don’t go looking for topics to write about. I write about what’s currently affecting me, the artists I work with, andor the Freestyle community at large, whether it’s happening now or something we’ve already been through.

Being a booking agent and managing some pretty big names, along with being married to one, puts me in a pretty unique position.

As a booking agent, I understand how critical it is for promoters to have a successful event, not just for themselves, but for the health of the entire Freestyle music genre. Understanding this allows me to focus on my promoter’s needs, a key factor in landing a gig is to know what it takes to deliver a stellar performance, not just on the stage, but more importantly… off!

As a manager I know how to guide my artists through the trenches of the business, keeping them always in the light, while at the same time away from the heat. I want my artists to stand out in a crowded room, not just because of their glittery outfits, but because of their radiant smiles, and the approachable aura that they set off.

As a road manager, I know exactly what goes into prepping for an event, those costs can pile up, especially with the female artists. Nails, hair, waxing, all those little details that really can eat into the money they make from a show.

Being married to the lead singer of one of Freestyle’s most iconic groups, The Cover Girls, gives me an even deeper insight into what these artists go through. I have a lot of empathy, especially for the women, and all they have to deal with just to stay in the game.

Then there's the madness of travel—everything from parking to dealing with airport security. Even with the TSA Pre-check these days, lines are still insane.

The stress of flight delays or cancellations on the day of the show is real. Sometimes the only other option is flying in the night before, which is tough when artists have jobs, families, or other responsibilities.

Airlines seem to be trying to squeeze in more seats each year, making flights even tighter than they already are. For my artists who often travel to the West Coast, those six-hour flights can be brutal, and asking promoters for seat upgrades can sometimes be a deal breaker - so cramped seats it is!

And don’t think for a second that once we’re settled in our seats all is good, because now a whole other stress factor kicks in, and trust that there isn’t an artist nor a road manager that wouldn’t admit that upon takeoff they’re praying. Shit, the last thing I do right before switching my phone to airplane mode is text my kids and grandkids to tell them I love them.

Getting my artists through an event successfully takes a lot out of me. I may look calm, but trust me, I don’t exhale until my girls take their final bow.

But after a successful event, there’s no better feeling. Looking around, not just at my artists, but at everyone—the managers, the road crews, the promoters, and the other artists, all the people who come together to make these events, not just happen… successful!

Below are two articles that cover topics most people don’t usually consider. But I do, because I’m often the first to face these challenges. Take a moment to read, reflect, and share your own thoughts in the comments. And if you know anyone who might benefit from these insights, please pass it along!

I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and with that said, let's get into it!

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