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…

Day after Christ's B'Day

Yesterday was the perfect holiday. Anytime there's good fam, friends and food around, it's all good baby. It's simply a blessing. As for gifts; I got a bundle of Barnes & Noble gift cards, a Bath n Body Works gift basket of the only fragrance I wear -- Moonlight Path, a gift card for Olive Garden, a set of candles, a couple pair of slippers, books, and a few dollar bills. :)

My godson (5 years-old) has been with me since last night and at this very moment, he's sitting in the family room singing out loud to his MP3 player. His dad brought over more of his Christmas toys which he's been begging for all day. So now he's in hog heaven.

As for me, I've got a few music projects (production) to get going and some to finish. I'm basically back to the grind. So I've got a few days to try and knock 'em out before I decide my plans for New Years.

And on the front of these painful knees -- OH MY GOSH! I got injections a few days ago, and -- but uhm, these days I'm having consistent pain. I guess with playing volleyball yesterday over at the neighbors didn't help. :) But it was good times!

Otherwise, ya lady is good. I'll holla!

My Work Space

Hello everyone! It's is now 3:22 a.m. and I swear I am TIRED! I've been having some long nights, but NOT complaining at all. Not at all! As a matter of fact, I can only say Thank You Jesus!!!!

Tonight, I snapped some pictures of my workspace when it's not so tidy - and as you can tell my work is all over the place. I have the computer going as I was working on an edit for a little rapper that came through a few nights ago. I was also working on editing a track in the keyboard on the lower level. I had all my junk, CD's, headphones, pens and paper lying on the mixer, and my cell phone on the lower keyboard, a big-ole notebook (my favorite where I write down quick notes or ideas) sitting on my top level keyboard. And those red cups you see by the computer monitor? There's leftover Kool-Aid in one and the other one is empty. My big ole chair allows me to shift between the mixer, the computer and the production tools (my keyboards). As you look at the picture, the sound booth/room, another computer, an all-in-one printer, a bunch of studio cables hanging on the wall, an assortment of microphones, and more seating is behind you. Tonight, of course there's nothing's happening on that side of the room. This room is usually referred to as the production/control room. I call it my lab of toys!

So now you know where I'm at most of the times.

Remember I mentioned the other day that I had some good news? Well even since that, I've had even more interesting news. I've got some major projects on the way in Chicago, Florida, Philly and one right here in Baton Rouge. I've got to shut it down for a minute for sure. So I can play catch up and put out some quality work for each of them. All the mentioned are production/recording deals. (I'll be musically producing their albums) One of them is performing this weekend in Costa Rica and another has opened for Jill Scott and is now networking with Spinderella from the group Salt & Pepa.

I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to work with these artists. I'm humble in my journey as I want to see them succeed.

I may be doing a bit of traveling as well with these projects. So, work in the next few months is GON be STUPID!!!! But it's all good baby. I'm excited! And as modest as I remain about my work, it can only speak for itself and shine through them. I'm definitely going to give it 200%. I'm gon' exhaust everything into it, because it's how I live. It's what I am. This is what I do.

I may be tired, but Lord knows it's a good kind of tired. It's the kind of tiredness that feels good to go to sleep with and wake up to, even if it's only for a few hours.

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…

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