Agents and Gatekeepers

I've never had an agent when I was a professional drummer, stand-up comic, actress, or artist. It's not for lack of trying. I guess agents act as gatekeepers, telling their talent who they can and cannot talk to or be associated with. Could you imagine being a young child star and suddenly your agent starts dictating who you can and cannot be friends with, hang out with, or associate with? Who you can and cannot be "seen" with, as it could hurt your reputation?

For me, I guess no one has ever wanted to manage me because I would rather trust my own judgment of a person's character than leave it to strangers. I've always had a rebellious spirit and a good sense of who I am. I don't suffer fools.

It's one thing for a "coach" or agent to train and teach; it's another to be my gatekeeper. I don't think I could "fake" being happy with myself or my life if I had someone breathing down my neck, scrutinizing every action I took or friend I hung out with. The one person I would trust above all else would be my mom. Moms know best.

I also don't take stock in rumor mills or busybodies. I don't take the word of strangers about the character of a friend I've met or one that I have had for years. I'd rather find out for myself or, better still, do my own investigation.

The point of this post is to encourage everyone to think for themselves and trust themselves and their family.

Síle