I've been in this game for a while now. I did more live preformances before I was age 10 than most artists will do their whole carrer, so I think I know a little something about my craft and my art. But what I learned along the way was never actually taught to me. Don't get me wrong, I've had some great Teachers who've shared soooo much with me that I may have an advantage in some areas but it wasn't until I started taking Background gigs that I really started to realize something about being the Main Attraction: I have to back myself up because nobody else will do it! Sure, you're all saying "yeah, I knew that, so what?!" I know, I know, that's what I said to myself when it came to me like that, and then I really gave it some deep thought. I have to back myself up because nobody else will do it for FREE! It costs to pay background singers yo, and I know because I get paid alot to do just that!! However, if I wasn't getting the loot I wouldn't be THAT interested in the creative visions of the person who hired me. Real talk, this could save your carrer!! Speaking of creative visions, I have found that some artists expect you to play the role of Hypeman as well, while the show is ongoing. Again, If I wasn't getting the loot, I could care less if the crowd was feeling the artist or not. So what am I saying here? Simply put, if you consider youself a solo artist or the lead of a group of band I suggest you strike out of your norm and get some Background or simple Hypeman gigs because the money will motivate you to give the job your all. This is a skill that must be internalized and practiced as often as possible. Why? Because you will be that much more evolved on stage the next time you are at the forefront. Further, you'll become more demanding (and rightfully so) of those you are paying to back or hype up YOUR shows. You won't be so quick to settle for half-ass rehersals and low energy performances. This has been the case for some of the people that I have mentored and counseled with in their development of their carrers. Let me know what you think or if you disagree or if you have an experience of your own you'd like to share. I'm listening to all of you gurus out there. Peace n Music, ARIES