We recently connected with Motown Maurice and have shared our conversation below.
Motown, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
The great Malcolm X once said, “If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.” Like him, I’ve said, “If you have no haters, you’ll likely have no success.
Haters are very harmful and unfairly critical. They write unpleasant things about us and harshly criticize our achievements. Haters often don’t offer reason or logic for their negativity.
They exhibit a style of thinking based on how they’re feeling, and that feeling is often jealousy. This leads to them spreading negative opinions that are based on emotions and not evidence. They have no substance to their words. All they have to offer is disrespect, mockery, and character attacks.
While any interaction with haters can dent our confidence, it’s also a sign that we’re on the right track. When haters cross my path, I celebrate, knowing it’s a positive indicator. Their sole purpose is to divert our attention from our goals. The most effective way to deal with haters is not giving them the attention they crave.
I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of having haters. Every encounter with them has only prolled me higher. Haters have always been a good sign for my journey; however, it’s not good for them. Most haters are hurt people silently crying for help. At their core, they have low self-esteem, insecurities, and deep envy. They compare themselves to our greatness and lash out. Unfortunately, in the long run, they’re only hindering themselves.
We succeed by persevering and allowing our passions to lead the way. Haters are going to hate. That’s their job. We will fight, stick to our convictions, and never give up. Once you’re aligned with your purpose, no hater in the world can stop you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
A young, mediocre photographer with a delusional spark of ambition embarks on a mission to become a nationally syndicated late-night talk show host. That’s the logline of my beloved autobiographical screenplay. It’s one of many adaptations of my epic journey. I’ve adapted my story so many times the lines between my reality are now blurred. Am I a fictional or nonfictional character? Is the camera still rolling? My empire is fused with many late-night-inspired spin-offs, but it doesn’t stop there.
My resume includes starring in three Lionsgate films, Snake Outta Compton, Dragon Soldiers, and Jurassic Hunt. I’ve also appeared on The Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal. I can be seen in nearly 50 music videos with artists such as Ariana Grande (Baby I), Snoop Dogg (Young, Wild and Free), Avril Lavigne (Here’s to Never Growing Up), and Childish Gambino (This Is America).
As an artist, I embrace all forms of storytelling, but I am particularly passionate about long-form creations. Last year, I took an interest in producing podcasts. I produce two, Sip & Chat Cafe and First Episode Podcast. I find podcasts keep me balanced while I develop deeper projects. My next major film, slated for 2025, is a documentary highlighting the importance of a timeless storytelling structure, better known as the hero’s journey.
My art has a tangible world impact. We are nothing if not our story. My story is inspiring and uplifting, and sharing it and my voice with others provides a fulfilling sense of purpose.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Sevantship, Fearlessness, and Imagination.
“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is great among you shall be your servant.” An excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct,” on Sunday, February 4, 1968.
He also said, “…everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be a servant.”
As we pursue our journeys, let us not forget the importance of serving. Serving is not only an essential ingredient for a healthy spirit; it’s paramount for strengthening relationships and communities. Serving others is more significant than self. When you help someone, they’re more likely to do something nice for someone else, causing a domino effect and a positive impact on the world.
Another excellent quality that impacts any journey is fearlessness. Fear is like cancer; without early detection, it can spread throughout the body, causing severe harm. Fear must be identified early and irradiated immediately. Becoming fearless isn’t impossible. Fearlessness can be achieved in four steps.
First, acknowledge your fear. Don’t ignore it; face it head-on and step into it. Second, embrace disappointment. Some people call it failure, but to me, it’s a learning experience that will help you do better next time.
Third, replace your fear with courage and exercise it. Muscles need exercise, and so does courage. Be bold. Try new things. Throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Sign up for pickleball and witness your courage build new strength.
Fourth, surround yourself with fearless, courageous people who see life as an adventure. Fearlessness is not just a trait but a powerful tool that will empower you and boost your confidence in your journey.
Finally, in the words of Albert Einstein, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Imagination is a vital tool for all journeys because it enables us to see beyond what is currently conceivable. It helps us envision possibilities beyond the present and find solutions to problems that don’t yet exist. The foundation of our journey begins in our imagination, which is why we must never stop stimulating our creative brain. Your next out-of-the-box idea is just a thought bubble away. This emphasis on the role of imagination in problem-solving can inspire you to think creatively and find innovative solutions in your journey. Never stop hoping, believing, or imagining.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Most independent artists ask the age-old question, “How do I acquire financing for my projects?” If you can think of it, I’ve tried it: crowdfunding, grants, contests, auditions, and more. I often got close but could never seal the deal on the significant opportunities. Now, a decade and a half later, I’m done having faith in conventional entertainment routes.
I have finally realized that breaking into the entertainment industry is a lot like playing the lottery. You lose more often than you win. Whether you’re auditioning or buying a lottery ticket, it’s all a numbers game. The odds of winning are very similar.
In addition to playing the lottery, I started investing in stocks and cryptocurrency. The more opportunities to win big, the better. Everyone isn’t going to book a dream role, but you can undoubtedly self-produce one. My overall advice is to increase your odds. Be strategic. Take traditional risks, and don’t be afraid to explore non-traditional paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MotownMaurice.com/
Image Credits
1. Motown Maurice’s Audacity of Host premiere photoshoot
2. The Motown Maurice Show promotion shoot | Phil Buck Photography
3. Motown, Atarah Ji & Zorka behind the scenes
4. No Time Traveling with Motown Maurice | Animal Crossing New Horizons Late Night Show
5. Motown Maurice filming his upcoming 2025 documentary
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
