My word to the reggae fraternity. Reggae journalism is not my job. I work full-time as a sound engineer at a news radio station, which has nothing to do with reggae. Sometimes I start work at 5am, sometimes I work until past midnight, I work on weekends or holidays, and that is what pays my rent and my bills. I dont do reggae journalism because I have to – I do it because of love, I do it although my free time is very limited and also despite the fact that more times the pay doesnt even cover the transport costs to go to an interview. This post does not call for pity or a thanks, but it is my try to explain my situation and frustration. It is often understood by some artists, managers, producers that they are doing me a favor by giving me an interview. I am indeed very grateful for those opportunities and do appreciate the time taken to do so as well as the will to speak to me – but please understand that I also do this to promote YOUR music, your tours, your productions, and NOT for my financial benefit and even despite the stress and the time commitment that comes along. I consider the situation one, where all parties involved put in an effort in support of reggae music. So from my perspective of being all in the same boat, being all equal individuals that share love for the same great music, I find it very disrespectful to have me wait for hours at night, in the cold, while I could be at my actual paying job, without any information given, for an interview which was scheduled for a certain time. I also find it ignorant to obviously assume that my time is worth less than yours, when you expect me to sit down a whole afternoon, because you might or might not find some time for an interview. I have taken off whole days from my regular job to just sit around for hours waiting for artists to maybe show up, also outside in the cold in winter, also without eating because you cannot leave to eat, the artist could be here any minute, right. I am aware of the fact that everyone in this industry has important things to deal with and doing an interview might be seen as one of the least important ones. Therefore I make appointments, squeeze in only when its convenient, always be on time and hurry not to take even a second longer than scheduled. But is it really too much to ask the same consideration from the other party? Because I also do have important things do deal with apart from doing interviews. I know this post will not change things and most people who this may concern might not even read the unimportant words of a random journalist but I had to say this though. I dont expect no big words, I dont want no pity or thanks, all I am asking is some mutual respect and empathy. And before I close this posts I want to big up all those persons in the industry that indeed do show that respect – you know who you are... I wish more people shared your spirit ;) Give thanks!Blessed Love.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:22:46 +0000
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