My son Sean has been my sound engineer for over 10 years now and he’s one of the best. Not only that, he’s an award winning Gospel rap artist, producer and speaker. For all of you aspiring recording artists, catch of glimpse of the road life from someone who knows.
By the way, I get alot of music from aspiring singers. Suggestion: Develop your own sound, learn how to connect with an audience, and make sure your vocal ability is strong. To make sure your vocals are the best it can be, click here
Anyway, let’s get going. We’ll call this blog post:
The life of a pop star?
By Sean Slaughter
Right now (well maybe not right now) I am siting in the Charlotte airport, again, waiting to fly to Allentown, Pa. I have had the privilege for the last 12 years to travel all over the world with my dad, gospel singer Alvin Slaughter, as his live sound technician.
Once I gave my life to the Lord and switched from worldly rap to Christ centered rap, my dad gave me the opportunity to spit in one of his concerts. Surprisingly to him, the response was amazing.
That marked the day my dad and I would minister together every weekend, him singing and me rapping, for 10 years straight. Naturally, my personal music ministry began to develop and grow. Now, I do my own shows and I still rap and engineer for my dad.
Why in the ham sandwich am I telling you all of this? Because K-drama’s song ‘full time’ and Richie Righteous song ‘independent artist’ had me thinking about most artists desire to go ‘full time’. May I give you a peek in the world of full time? Lets go!
Now when I say full time, I mean that your major source of income is performing, speaking, and selling CD’s. The first few years was real cool because I was not married and had no kids. I was in the Philippines, Ireland, Australia, Africa, etc. The major danger was temptation with the girlies. Let me pause for a second: if you think fighting sexual temptation is hard now, wait until find yourself at a hotel, bored, with a few hours on hand and nothing to do.
I once had a hotel clerk tell me that porn flick rentals goes up when the ministers conference is in town. In my opinion, many artists are not ready for this level of ‘fighting the good fight’. When shorty with the cute smile, round booty, and sexy curves looks your way, you better really be saved, cuz she’s gonna test it!
Anyway, besides temptation is the lack of spiritual nourishment. One year, I was home on Sunday only three times. Of course we can seek God on our own, but when you’re catching a flight at 6am, landing at 12pm, sleeping until 5pm, at the venue at 6:30pm, soundcheck at 7pm, show at 8pm, finished at 11pm, and back at the tele at 12:30pm (after you eat, of course), seeking God becomes difficult.
And speaking of eating, wanna learn how to gain 20 quick pounds? Eat around 11pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, every weekend. Don’t forget the appetizers and dessert!
Now lets add a wife and kids and begin the recipe for mayhem. I have missed mother’s days, father’s days, wife and kids birthdays, Valentines day, my daughter’s school recital, super-bowls, playoffs, championship games, and world series’.
My social life is crazy cuz when I’m available (weekdays), my friends are working. And when I’m working (weekends), my friends are available. I miss most church events, friends events, and family events.
But Sean (I hear you saying, with your specs sliding to the tip of your nose), what about balance? In an ideal world, yes, in the real world, very difficult. Actually, when I am home, I’m spending time with my wife and kids, which leaves little time for friends.
By the way, I attend Regent University part time (business major), own a commercial recording studio (The Dungeon), own a short run CD/DVD duplication company (Slaughter Dupes), and just began a music mentoring program (Life Power)…whew! I guess they don’t call it full time for nothing.
Here’s the rub…being a full time artist takes commitment! Christian rap artists generally do not make ‘Weezy’ money so you have to be willing to juggle many things at once. Worldly rappers like 50 cent and T.I. have extremely busy lives to accomplish goals. There are NO SHORTCUTS.
Prepare to be in it for the long run. I have been rapping for the Lord for 10 years and I feel like I’ve just begun. And with the right connections, a good work ethic, integrity and the favor of God, maybe one day we will all be ‘full time’ with whatever God has called us to do.
by Sean Slaughter
http://www.seanslaughter.net
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Sean,
I loved this article, I also am a producer here in Virginia Beach been on the grind since 1974 and learned my trade recording in venue’s like Micro Star Studio’s in London England. I also have a family and juggle School, work and producing and at first it was hard trying to find that medium where I can balance everything. So i had to sit back and think what was more important, and the conclusion was my family. So I prayed to God and asked for guidance to do his perfect will and He gave me wisdom that now I have balance in my family life that everything we do is according to God’s will, and as long as we keep Him first he directs our path…I love you and your father for the life and inspiration you give back to God’s people, I will always mention you in my prayers…God bless Doug at Faith Studios.