A manager who can’t manage, a producer who produces debt, a festival that wants the unknown artist to pay to play. Judging from the updates of the social media posts of some former students, most couldn’t find a way into the business they set their dreams upon or so far only experienced various rip offs. I run into one now and again working as a cashier in a grocery store, I know she’s still on fire and trying to make videos and performances. Feel like the only person aware that besides knowing where the corn niblets are she also has a secretive superhero identity. Another one, also exceptional singer, does hair for a living and seems pleased about it but was vocally so stunning, with a capital “S”. Another, is super religious and posts about God and the end of days. The air felt pretty weird between us in the studio when I shared my views. Like she never met someone different from her before but it’s a big world at least I hope that’s her takeaway. I’ve called many of my former students to sing or play on records I make, unsurprisingly I get amazing performances from them. Four sung background vocals on Robert Priest’s record. Ten years ago when I first walked into the classroom, I felt conflicted because my best advice for someone starting out wouldn’t be attending a school, it would be jumping into the world of performance which requires no prerequisite except nerve and hopefully talent. Everyone starts from the same place sifting through what’s bullshit and what’s not.