7 Career Attributes Rumer Willis Can’t Hide
While on the phone with a colleague, I mentioned that my wife and I were excited to see Rumer Willis in concert at the Wallis, in Beverly Hills, that night. The business partner said, “Oh, she’s singing? I hope she finds her calling because she’s had a little bit of a rough patch figuring out her path because a lot people tried to pigeonhole her. Yet, I’ve always liked her.”
I knew little about Rumer — a friend of mine posted a YouTube video on Facebook of Rumer singing on Sway Calloway’s show the #SwayInTheMorningShow (Rumer on Sway In The Morning). She smoothly banged out a cover of the late great Amy Winehouse’s, “You Know I’m No Good.” I was hooked and immediately searched and found when she was in LA and bought two tickets. Yet, watching someone sing on a show versus seeing them live in concert are two completely different scenes, and I wasn’t sure how good she’d actually be, as I’ve been disappointed before.
“Really?” I respond to the business partner. Now I was really interested in seeing Rumer beyond her music, as one of the most interesting things in the world to me are peoples’ careers. People working in careers they love; people working in career they don’t love; and how, if at all, I can help them with resources towards enhancing and finding the career of their dreams. So, immediately my standard seven career questions popped into my head when I used to coach people on their careers — now we curate resources and information to help people find what they need to grow in their careers. Answers to these seven questions tell me whether or not a person is in the correct profession — it never fails.
When we arrived at the Wallis, surprisingly, near the entrance and speaking with fans and friends, stood Rumer, in a gorgeous white dress, looking beautiful, appearing happy and excited to be there. Well, that’s a really good start. It was endearing to see her mingling and feel her positive energy before the show — a very nice and sweet touch. I knew it was going to be difficult to remain unbiased, as I immediately started rooting for her.
Yet, here is how Rumer faired against my seven standard career questions:
1. Is she good at her craft?
Well, let me just end the suspense immediately and say Rumer can “sang” her butt off. Baby has chops. Rumer has a wonderful warm, sultry voice perfect for jazz. And, Rumer appears to really dig the jazz standards, as she sang many jazz tunes and those with deep meaning…mostly dark and sad, but with depth. And, even the one original song she sang was a bit dark. Yet, interestingly, the audience, never hearing it before, quickly consumed it as they rocked to the beat with smiles of pleasure. What’s worth noting is normally audiences struggle when an artist debuts new music. Not so with Rumer — the song was banging. So, yeah, to reiterate, Rumer is good…damn good.
2. Is she having fun?
Rumer is at home on the stage, with the audience, and the whole nine. She can be sometimes caught stealing little moments of sheer pleasure, deservingly so, for herself as she enjoyed her own voice as it blended within the music through closed eyes and a gentle sultry sway as the combination washed over her. I dug that…the audience dug it as well. And, even Rumer’s banter with the audience was delightful, as she exuded confidence in her presence and craft. Fun was had by all.
3. Can she make a living?
I’m not a music professional critic, yet to the casual eye, Rumer is pretty…well, sexy more than pretty; can clearly dance and move appropriately; and, as mentioned, can sing. Yet, according to Rumer, she’s a bit challenged when it comes to writing — it doesn’t come easy to her. However, 3 out of 4 ain’t at all bad. If Rumer were a stock, I’d buy some shares. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t profess to be a music producer. However, my wife and I do three things (that I can say in public) all out with passion and gusto: 1) Vacations, 2) Fine dining, and 3) Concerts — we usually buy the best seats we can find and see everyone we love. We’ve seen Diana Krall six times; Norah Jones four times, Shade, India Arie, Lupe Fiasco, Dead Prez, Metallica, David Benoit, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder…and on and on. So, I know a dangerous amount of what constitutes a great performer. And, Rumer can certainly pay her bills singing. And, as further evidence, I believe both of her shows at the Wallis were sold out.
4. Is there gratitude?
Rumer enjoys her relationship with the audience. She talks, jokes — delightfully self-deprecating at times, and is observant of the audience’s mood. Rumer showed gratitude by mingling with audience before AND after the show. She often verbally thanked the audience for coming out to see her and she acknowledged the applause after each song, both sentiments seemed genuine and warm. Rumer gave homage to the artists who wrote and initially performed the standards she sang. She thanked her mother, father, family, and everyone who supports her and of course her band, individually and collectively. Rumer even acknowledged the venue.
5. Is she a student of her industry?
Rumer seemed very knowledgeable with her craft and the genre. I judged this based on her musical selection — a very healthy range of standards — “You Know I’m No Good,” “God Bless The Child,” “Since I Fell For You,” etc. Rumer is clearly a natural, so it was refreshing to see she went beyond relying on only her vocal talents as she appears to have a real understanding and appreciation for the music she performed.
6. Is she maximizing her talent?
Rumer appeared fit and healthy…even had a twinkle in her eye. And, there is no question Rumer knows how to dance, as her gentle rhythmic movements and sways come from an intimate knowledge of dance, which I’ve deem a great asset for a singer/performer. Her performances seemed studied, well-rehearsed, yet appropriately organic. Clearly, Rumer wanted to make sure she gave the audience her best. Yet, I was a little surprised as she appeared to take a pull on something hard on stage — looked like a sip on two fingers of Jack Daniels. Now, I’m not a prude or anything, hell, I was drinking a Grey Hound. Yet, usually singers drink only water on stage to help lubricate and preserve their voice. However, overall, I’d say she’s maximizing her talents.
7. Is she bringing others along as she succeeds?
To open the show, her exceedingly talented younger sister, Scout Willis, sang three songs. Her style of music was slightly different than what I usually listen to — a bit folky — but it was authentic and the talent was undeniable. And, I enjoyed Scout’s freedom within her space — Scout is music and music is Scout and she knows it. It is always cool for me to see a musical being. Scout has a wonderful voice, but it’s her lyrics that are killer — together, she will be a force. Clearly, Scout has found her dream career. And, I even delighted in watching her sit backstage enjoying, smiling, and loving her big sister.
Also, Rumer had her friend and fellow performer, Tye Blue, on stage singing, who was very entertaining. She is clearly bringing others along with her as she ascends the success ladder.
The Takeaway
Clearly, to my delight and the business partner’s best wishes, Rumer Willis has a potentially outstanding career singing because she’s very talented, happy, worthy of support, has gratitude, knows the genre well, appears to be trying to be the best she can, and bringing others along on her journey towards success. These are the same attributes I’ve found everyone needs to be professionally successful.
So, if you want to be hip on the next new talent cool enough to focus a bit on jazz, I highly recommend Rumer Willis. She’s a shining example of someone who has found her calling and pigeonholers be damned.
Which of my seven standard career questions present a challenge to you? Let us know, as maybe we can steer you toward the right resources.
