I'll never forget my first big interview for ETM. I had rushed home from work, to prepare for an interview at Teavolve (A Tea Café located in downtown Baltimore) that evening. I had spent all day researching the artist, and preparing the most riveting questions that would come to mind. After standing in front of the closet for an hour trying to find what to wear, I looked at the clock only to realize that I had about 20 minutes to get from Annapolis, to Baltimore and it was about 5:30 which means traffic. I eXhaled and said a quick prayer, jumped in the car and was on my way. What made this particular trip stick out in my mind was how unbelievable it was. For instance, as I hit route 50 it began to rain furiously. To the point where the traffic was almost at a stand still. As soon as it started to clear, the sun peaked from behind the clouds, and as I began to believe that the sun was smiling on my travels, the sky poured down hail, which definitely made me believe that it wasn't meant for me to make it to the interview. Just as I thought all was lost, it seemed like everything had suddenly changed. The sky turned its normal hue of blue and the highway almost seemed to open up for me, allowing me to make it to the interview with merely minutes to spare. I park and jumped out of the car only to beat Raven inside by only seconds.
As we entered the venue we began traveling through the back doors to an elevator that took us to the hotel room where the artists were being interviewed. All the other journalists were there getting their scoops and I was right along with them. I felt all the nervous, anxious, doubtful feelings wash away, as I basked in the moment of feeling like I belonged. It was good to finally being doing the type of journalism that I desired to do. While I sat down with Jaiden Rosten, A soul artist who is currently touring the country, I couldn't help to admire the view from the window of the hotel room in Harbor East. It was almost like the night sky was signature on a perfect deal. As we concluded our interview, we eXited the room with the artist and were seated as they took to the stage. It was an amazing evening to say the least. I also got to join Raven for the photo shoot that followed immediately after. Even though I kind of took the reigns on the direction of the shoot, I believe that my contribution wasn't misinterpreted. As I waltzed to my car still high from the previous events, I glanced down to see a ticket from the City of Baltimore. $37 dollar was a small price to pay for a priceless evening I spent surrounded by artists, journalists and music lovers. To think that my observation of that evening would become a part of that artist's future in the industry.
I am truly grateful to ETM for giving me that moment. Even though my time with the magazine was short lived, I was given memories that will last a lifetime, and for that I am thankful. For whatever is next for all of you who were a part of the eXperience, I wish you all the best. I hope that your time with the publication has sparked inspiration to move forward and continue to better your craft. ETM has given me the push I needed to reach out and use my new found love for journalism to create my own television, and philanthropy group. ETM has shown me that I can achieve things greater than I thought I was capable of. Thank you ETM!
THIS HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE within THE EXPERIENCE,
Richard Russ
