Bluz Rogers | How To Ask For and Get What You’re Worth
Bluz Rogers is a spoken word icon based in Charlotte, NC, and the author of three books and multiple audio releases. A National Poetry Slam Champion, Bluz has opened for major acts like Outkast, John Legend, and Pink Floyd. In conversation with Terry, they explore how to identify and seize opportunities for your art, with a focus on effectively monetizing appearances to grow your career.
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BLUZ ROGERS Q & A
Terry Hudson: Hello everyone! Welcome back to rBeatz.com. Today, we’re diving into another episode of Oui Talk Raw. I’ve got a special guest for you—actually, they’re all special, but this one is really special. He’s a two-time Emmy Award-winning poet, a spoken-word artist, a national slam poetry champion, and he’s made significant contributions to the city of Charlotte. His work has been game-changing and historic, helping us earn the title of an All-American city. We’ll touch on many points today, so please welcome to the show, Mr. Bluz Rogers! Thanks for being here!
Bluz: Thank you! That intro was amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever had such a technical introduction. I mean, they should roll out the red carpet for you! I first heard about you during the pandemic. I was getting to know a poet who was involved in the Boom Festival, and you were the host. It was all online, which was the only option at the time. Your face and words really caught my attention, and I thought, “This guy is interesting.”
Terry: You have such a storied history with Charlotte and the things you’ve done. Can you share how you got involved in poetry? How did you catch the poetry bug?
Bluz: It’s a classic story—boy meets girl. But before that, I got introduced to poetry through my English teacher. She assigned us to rework Shakespeare into a modern context. This was back in the late ’90s, so I turned it into a hip-hop piece about the East Side versus the West Side. I thought it was brilliant, but my teacher gave me a C. I was frustrated because I poured my heart into it.
That competitive edge from playing soccer since I was eight kicked in. I realized poetry could be more than Shakespeare; it could be relevant to our lives. That was my junior year in high school. After graduation, my girlfriend joined the Army, and I moved to Charlotte. We tried to make it work, but it fell apart. I drove back from Savannah, Georgia, crying the whole way. It was tough—every song on the radio reminded me of the relationship.
When I got back to Charlotte, I was devastated, but poetry helped me heal. I started writing, and everyone said my poems were good—albeit sad. Then I ventured into erotic poetry and loved the positive responses. Jessica Kiermore came to UNCC and changed everything for me. She could tap into people’s hearts, making them laugh and cry, and I thought, “That’s the kind of impact I want to have.”
The power of words is incredible, and you’ve really embraced that. You’ve done so much for others, too. I’ve seen how you encourage budding poets. Just recently, someone told me you inspired them to turn their book into a play!
Bluz: I believe everyone should be seen as a hero at some point. We often forget our greatness, and I want to remind people of their potential. It inspires me to create. I’m always in awe of those who can sing beautifully—it’s magical!
Absolutely! Let’s talk about spoken word poetry, which is such a dynamic art form. What was your journey into that realm?
Bluz: Spoken word led me to open mics. The first time I shared my erotic poetry, the response was exhilarating. I realized that feeling—the audience’s oohs and aahs—was what I wanted to chase. The performative aspect is thrilling; it’s all about evoking emotions right on stage, without interpretation.
There’s a difference between page poets and spoken word artists. Some page poets may not translate well to performance, and vice versa. I love writing and playing with form, but I live for the live reading.
That’s fascinating! You mentioned slam poetry earlier. How did you get involved in that, and what was your path to becoming a champion?
Bluz: Shout out to UNCC for my formative poetry years. A friend of mine, Terry Creech, got inspired and brought slam poetry to our scene. It was a competition where you had three minutes to perform and were judged by random audience members. In our first year, we made it to the semifinals—quite an achievement for rookies. The second year, we placed second, and I knew we were going to win.
We ended up winning back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008, and then we won the final slam ever in Chicago in 2018. No team had ever won three national championships before. It’s a unique experience—slam poetry is something you have to see to appreciate fully.
You never know who might win; it’s all about the energy and emotion of the performance. It could be a heartfelt piece or something completely silly, but the crowd decides. It’s a fun, chaotic environment.
Terry: It sounds like a blend of creativity and competition! When we come back, I want to dive into practical advice for aspiring poets and musicians on monetizing their art. You’ve navigated that successfully. We’ll take a quick break and be right back!
Terry: Welcome back! I’m here in the studio at rBeatz.com with the amazing Bluz Rogers—a national poetry slam champion and an Emmy Award-winning spoken-word artist. Today, we’re going to dive into everything he’s up to. Let’s get right into it!
Bluz: Thanks for having me!
So, I know you’re also well-known for your voiceovers. What’s happening in that world?
Bluz: It all started with BrickHouse Sports, doing videos for the ACC and SEC tournaments. I guess I just figured out that I can read and speak well! Once my name started floating around Charlotte, a few producers liked my voice and writing style, and opportunities started coming in. I ended up doing voiceovers for the Hornets and the Panthers, and even recorded an audiobook in a single day—that was a long one! I’ve done short films too.
That sounds like a lot of fun!
Bluz: It really is. Interestingly, I find that the easier gigs are often for TV shows or movies, while commercials can be tough to break into because there are so many people vying for those spots. But once you get your foot in the door, it’s a blast!
Consistency seems key.
Bluz: Exactly! People in this industry want reliability. You can be super talented, but if you’re difficult to work with, you won’t get called back. Treat everyone well—the crew, producers, everyone. Stress in the workplace can ruin the experience.
Absolutely! It’s all about building those positive relationships.
Bluz: For sure! Whether you’re a poet, musician, or dancer, the biggest thing is to spot opportunities where others don’t. I always tell poets to look where poetry isn’t. For example, I spent two and a half years working with NASCAR, which came from a simple interview in Creative Loafing where I mentioned my interest in NASCAR. A producer saw it and reached out to me for a project.
That’s a fantastic example!
Bluz: Right? It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to bring my culture and aesthetic into a very different space.
I love that! It’s about embracing who you are and seeing the connections.
Bluz: Exactly! It’s also important to be the light that others can’t ignore.
So true! And you mentioned that a mix of skill and luck plays a role in success.
Bluz: Yes, luck seems to favor those who put themselves out there consistently. The more you create, the more opportunities find you.
That makes a lot of sense.
Bluz: It really does. It’s also about listening. Don’t overstep by offering unsolicited advice. Do what you’re hired for, and if they ask, then share your best ideas.
Great advice!
Bluz: And remember, your network is key. Show up to events, support others, and you’ll build those connections.
Exactly! It’s all about being part of the community.
Bluz: Right! Go to open mics, support local musicians, and participate in other art forms. You never know when collaboration will arise.
That’s so important! And what about knowing your worth when it comes to getting paid?
Bluz: That can be tough! If you can, get a manager who’s passionate about your work. If not, know your baseline—what do you need to pay your bills? Always aim a little higher than that.
Smart strategy!
Bluz: Definitely. And don’t be afraid to negotiate. If they accept your price too quickly, it might be a sign to adjust!
Good point.
Bluz: And don’t forget about ownership of your work. When I create custom pieces, I like to sell the copyright to the client. It’s a unique offering, and people appreciate that.
That’s such a great approach!
Bluz: Thanks! And remember, don’t undersell yourself. If they say no, that’s fine—there are always more opportunities out there.
Absolutely! So what’s next for you?
Bluz: Great question! I have a slam coming up, a gala with the Hornets, and I’m working on some creative writing for the upcoming NBA season. Plus, I’m diving into some music and a book project.
Sounds exciting!
Bluz: It’s all about keeping the Bluz alive!
Well, thank you so much for joining us today, Bluz. It’s been a blast!
Bluz: Appreciate you having me! This chair is fantastic—I could just sit here all day!
And to our audience, thanks for tuning in! Remember to get out there, make art, and support each other. We want to see amazing arts and music scenes thriving in your cities. Let us know what’s happening, and if you have suggestions for guests, reach out! Until next time, much love!
