Blogdangit

Talent Shows

As the heading states: I'm referring to 'talent shows' as a business, group or persons having one, two, or more persons on their squad who basically have no talent and it's ruining the whole concept. And everybody in the click is talking so loud about how they are the shit, that nobody can hear or see the lack of talents displayed. And if the lack of talent is recognized, the truth is not revealed because of protecting long-term friendships whether they are intimate lovers or close acquaintances. This is clearly evident that business and personal affairs don't mix!!!

If your folks are not talented enough to carry you and the group or business, then there needs to be a cut-off point. But you have to recognize that. If your friendship or relationship has grown that much where you can't make the right business decision with them, then perhaps they are not best for the business, or you are not serious about this industry of entertainment.

It's always easy to encourage by telling the truth. If you feel perhaps they need conditioning and or re-assessment with what they call a gift, then we as open ears and eyes should give them that. Be honest. It may hurt at first, but there's no way it's not going to help them later on.

I've watched the wanna be's and the gonna be's. I've seen knuckle-heads say they're hot, and depending on and dancing to the rhythm of their own drums while hyping themselves and juggling between each other for ^5's. That's cool, but you've got to come outside your circle and connect with a group of true supporters. (Real ears and non-biased opinions)

Perhaps I want to see the best in everyone, and for everyone to succeed. But we all know that's not possible. As producers, artists and business leaders, we all need support. I'm not talking about your fans or dawgs that hang out with you in the studio -- but a group of people who support your movement and are true fans of your talent. We can sit around all day and talk jive about how we're the hottest shit to hit the streets, but what happens when you got to prove it. And in that case, if you're good, it will reveal itself. People talk, and people listen.

Check yourselves and your group of talents you're working with, and sit down and have the talk if you need to. Evaluate the circumstances and the situations. Keep it real with your peoples, and by all means remain humble! There are too many arrogant players on the field. Be the one to stand out by doing business and making music that makes others brag about you.

Keep risin…

Life Chapters

Some have asked recently, do I miss my corporate work? I miss some part of it. I miss some of the people. I miss more of the excitement of my travels. What I don't miss is the… aw… well, I'm gon' leave that alone. I've always had much respect for my company, ahem… ex-company and clearly don't blame it for the issues which… hmmm well, I aint gon' take it there.

Not sure if y'all knew, but my background is project management and the one lesson I've learned more than anything is that babysitting grown folks with their childish and immature as well as lack of moral behavior is a talent in itself. And right now, I'm not up for the challenge. Maybe someday I'll go back. But it would have to be different, because I am different. I'm undergoing some type element which defines the strength of me. And for the most part, I've decided my life has got to be uncluttered of unnecessary clutter. See there's a difference between necessary clutter and unnecessary clutter and one has to know which is controlling their destiny and if that's the road they want to take. I'm on a daily path of clearing out soul debris. When you're mentally and physically affected by let's just say unnecessary clutter and you're waiting and wanting to breathe and fly freely like a butterfly without all the obstacles in your way – is where I'm at in my life cipher. As selfish as it seems right now, it is all about self satisfaction. I've got to do me, because there is soooo much of me to do. And time is not waiting for me to continue to deliberate.

I am fortunate and blessed to have certain gifts and believe me this is no way bragging rights. Y'all know me better than that. I'm keeping it real. I've always had the creation of music in my soul. I've always kept a pen in my hand and a tablet close by no matter where I was in the world. I've always had the gift of gab, so-to-speak, because I enjoy people and good healthy conversation. I enjoy the world of art which is like breath pumping through my lungs. I'm a creative person. Most tell me I had a certain creative gift as a leader – and maybe whom I was designed to be is what reveals that trait. However, I had to not waste another moment on whether I needed to do me, plus as an added attraction, situations were not getting any better than what I was willing to accept or adapt to.

You know when it's no longer your battle. I've always heard the phrase all through my work career – you choose your battles. Some are worthy of the fight, and some are ones you toss out of your memory bank and considered them void. During the latter part of last month (Oct), it flashed clearly in my face that it was time to close this book and begin another ending of this time and place in my life.

And who knows, maybe that book will be re-read. But until then, I'm good.

So here I am.

Just Posted a New Track!!!!

Go Here to hear it titled Seasoned. Hello my good peoples. I've been posted up in the studio most of the night and all day today, and it's been a lovely experience. Now, if I can just get that ONE BIG production contract, ya girl gon' be alright. It's all good though, I'm doing what I love to do and I know persistence is gon' pay for it all.

Other news brings a busy lady trying to stay up mentally. My head is full of SO MANY creative things. I'm trying to keep it all in perspective and remain focused. I depend on y'all for simply being an ear or eye. Just having that support keeps the lady maintaining. So, thank you!

Yesterday, a national organization did a photo shoot in my studio. A colleague asked to use the facility for the shots. He's going to be featured on a national cover. His sponsor and the photographer were both nice ladies and professional in their respective fields. The photographer unloaded her photo gadgets such as umbrellas, light cans and battery packs, and a camera to DIE for. Girl was also creative with the different shots she did with him. She utilized the ambiance from the lights of all of my studio toys. I could immediately tell she was very creative. I even learned that she produces radio ads and familiar with the production process. You know I was feeling all that, right??!!! I was impressed and simply amazed that it was all going down right there. Of course we all exchanged contacts.

From then on, I was posted up in the lab doing my thing. Well that's it for now. If you've got a minute; go check out the new track (1^st Track) and if you know of anyone who need tracks, a producer, or studio, don't forget about ya gurl.

Y'all be blessed…

Marriage

I had a date last night with my husband…

Remember how I was telling y'all that my niece is a poet and she wanted to spend some time in the lab last night? Well, she fell asleep and my NEW nephew (her hubby and aspiring producer in the picture below), and I was posted up in the studio into the wee hours. We began networking and sharing our connections as he was on one computer and I was on the other. I then started playing a few tracks from the Fantom X6 giving him an idea of what I do. As he's used to producing tracks through Reason from his computer, I started playing around with a sample just showing him how it loads into the FantomX6 and how to chop it up. He pulled up a chair and we started to build the track. He seemed reluctant to actually play the keys of the sample on the keyboard, but he was playing the chops with nice concepts.

We created the flow and I started building the drums around it, the percussion, the kicks and hi-hats. I have my secret recipes on the drums which only he has witnessed. And oh, when you hear the piano part, that's me actually playing the keys. (That's no sample baby!)

Y'all check it out here and let me know what cha think. It'll play when you open the page. It feels more like a Jaheim/Common track. But as for the sell, I'll see what kind of bite I get for it. I'll definitely sell this one off 'exclusive', but they've got to come with the dough.

So, Hurry over, 'cause this track won't be posted up long!!!!

…Oh, didn't y'all know I was married to this thing we call Music?

See ya next time…

Mo’ Combusation

First, I am ecstatic and thankful for the love and SUPPORT from so many co-workers across the land that has gotten wind of my recent resignation. It's always a blessing to know you've touched somebody one way or another without even realizing it. Although they were shocked by the news, yet understand -- everyone has no DOUBT that I'll be okay – as they know me! Most are aware of my music/writing endeavor which is something I've toyed with part-time during my reign with the corporate world. Thanks guys for everything, I will NEVER forget any of you. And hey we can still get our travel on -- off the clock! And who knows, maybe someday, I'll be back!

Other news,

I am feeling much better today. I'm still a bit nasally, but I can taste food now. My ears are much better. I'm back in the studio doing what I do.

As for the question I asked a few days ago about PowerPoint. I ended up buying software to convert my PPT file to video to burn to DVD. As for compression in sending the file via email, well that is still a mystery. After converting the file, I was able to upload it to YouTube and share the file that way. There was degradation as I was basically using the trial version of the software just to submit sample copies of the presentation for viewing of family members and friends. If anyone comes up with anything on the compression end for a file that size – holla at me!

It's on and popping in the studio. I just finished this R&B Ballad Joint. I may post it to here if y'all want to check it out. I'll even name it R&B Ballad joint, so you'll know which one it is. I've got another commercial (radio spot) to do. I'm looking for the perfect voice to do the voice-over. So, I'm on a hunt! I absolutely can't do anything with my vocals yet.

I was able to book a Christmas Party gig for December 16^th. I will be the DJ. It's a semi-formal gig. (I love those! even the formals – I love elegancy!) And it's a five-hour gig!!! Now that's toooooo long! Most corporate parties are about 2-3 hours long. They've planned on about 200 people attending. So see, a sista is doing a little something. I'm also seeking more writing assignments.

And y'all for the most part – I'm relieved! (don't know what that means other than that's what it feels like)

It's ya gurl,

Luvs,

 

Get ‘Er Done!

I'm feeling a bit better than earlier today. I'm in the studio as I type this. I'm kinda hyped 'cause I've got some projects to finish between tonight and Friday. I have my boy T. who runs an entertainment company coming through tomorrow night (Thursday) for the first time. He's bringing his execs through so we can talk about me doing some production work for their company. I've got my girl Lex, (rapper) who needs to come through again soon and record some joints. So tonight is the night that I need to complete my pending projects so I can focus on my folks when they come through.

One of my long time friends and singer I used to produce back in the day, who now resides in New York, sent me an email yesterday indicating that she wants some music. Y'all this girl can SAANG! I haven't hit her back yet, but she told me to just name a price. Of course, she's going to get the hook up just for keeping a girl on the roster. She's hanging with big timers, but has always liked my music production on the R&B tip. So Keish, my girl, I got you. I'll hit you up soon.

As I'm not feeling 100%, I just turned on the equipment and am ready to dive in. I'm excited with how this part of my life has resurfaced. You know what they say, if given a chance to make it a second time around, it's definitely a shot you must take and go all the way.

Well that's a wrap for me.

Ya girl

Met a Poet!

Today earlier at work, I dropped a line about my music business and it turned out the lady I was talking with has a daughter who's a poet, and she's seeking a producer. (Hopefully she has met her ProducHer) We haven't met face to face, but she did call during my lunch break and we shared good initial conversation. She's a spoken word artist who's working on putting together her first album project. As we've only talked once, I do look forward to hearing her style of delivery. She seems to be on the same vibe as I as for the tracks she's interested in to underlay her vocals. I gave her Mom my business card as well and it has a link to this blog… so she may be reading this now… If so, "what's up girl? We gon' do this."

Tonight I produced a track and HATED IT! I listened to it about 15 times and immediately turned off the keyboard! I did leave the track in the system, 'cause on another day, I'll bring it up and re-flip it to sound like something I can work with.

I'm hungry right about now as I've only eaten once earlier today. I'm all broken out with seafood rashes…oooh I've got to leave that stuff alone y'all. I'm glad it doesn't affect my face because if so, a sistah would be jacked up for sure.

As you can see, the page change HAS arrived! Y'all check out my About Page too. So whatcha think?!

That's it.

Holla

 

Mission

I was sitting thinking today about my life and my future which for the most part I've been silent about. I went deep into thought. As a matter of fact, I've been in thought for weeks, months, years -- let my friends tell it. I just watched the movie Ak.ee.lah and the B.ee for the first time. I didn't realize it had such inspiration and motivation instilled throughout the movie. I was taken. The quote in the picture frame touched me the most. The words were powerful and hold truths which spoke directly to me, just as it did to that little girl. I have fear, and I reluctantly step out displaying my talents and try to hide behind them because someone is intimidated by me. I am most definitely the one who tries to keep other people comfortable even when I must make sacrifices and compromises.

Just like Ak.eel.ah, I too don't recognize all the coaches around me, yet, I know they are there. I just have to seek them out. But they won't reveal themselves until I make the step to need them. I believe that! Anybody can encourage you to do what makes you happy, but a coach will help you along the way. As I wrote in a blog earlier about contemplation, it reveals my choice to seriously pursue my arts especially now after networking and meeting several prominent people, or do I continue to work under the robotic formation of a controlled work environment while having no way to express my love of music, writing and art design?

I know several successful people made the leap. They lost a lot to gain. (I guess that's where the No P.ain No G.ain phrase comes in) They suffered to succeed. They made a decision and nothing was going to stop them during their mission. Am I afraid to do that? Probably! Do I want to do that? Absolutely!

I am having a moment. A serious moment! I enjoy my work at work, however, I have a mission to complete and it's through the gifts which God instilled in me. I have to have it. I have to breathe it, live it, acknowledge and not hide it. I am a nutcase for my music, my writing, and my visual arts through photography and drawing. I'm hungry more than ever. Why now? Maybe a higher being is speaking heavily to my soul. Maybe I've been contemplating too long. Maybe my part-time love for it has expired. Maybe I've not reached the many people I'm compelled to reach. And maybe it's time for me to just listen to my heart. I've acquired all I've desired as I've journeyed through life. The traveling experience is one which leaves me in awe. It was the most captivating memorable moments.

The decision is hard to make, I will probably disappoint several people who also support me at work, but for once this has to be about the Gumbo Gurl. Time has not stalled and never will. As I wait, I lose. I've not made a decision yet, but I'm close…

Pray for me…

Already the Weekend

Whew! Man, I swear time flies when you're busy as heck all week!!! Hello everyone! I hope you're having a good one. As for me, it's going to be a long (well maybe not long enough) weekend. I have a lot of catching up to do in the studio. It's gon' be crazy. I have tracks to get done, tracks to send off and mix-downs and edits to complete.

Y'all remember when I used to blog here about my travels and when y'all would travel around the country with me? Remember that?! Well since I'm off the road, I think I'm going to take y'all with me through my creative world which is my music and my writing. I'm gon' also still give y'all the same ole same ole everyday life combusations.

I started a blog over here exclusively for my music, but chile, I don't have time to write in two blogs; at least not now!

So music lovers, I hope you're feeling me, and for the others; hopefully I can bring a little something to the table to grab your attention.

Well that's it folks. Y'all know where I'll be all weekend.

Luvs…

Daughter’s Prom Dress Designed by Daddy

My niece just sent this to me in an email! Had to share…