Hey all. Today I posted a new slide show that was going back to a previous post about live performances. I decided to do this because I want to make it clear that I can understand why people lip-sync at their concerts. As someone who is all the way new to dancing and coreography, I can totally relate. It takes a lot of work and concentration, and SkiLL. You have to strive ten times harder to sound your best vocally, keep your composure and be perfect while doing an extreme amount of physical activity. So my heart goes out to all the singers out there who have to deal with it.
But my view hasn't changed on performing live. It's something that has to be done, and it's a part of being an entertainer. I still believe you are cheating your audience when you lip-sync, and if you can sing and dance, please do.
Watch the show and enjoy! Oh, and all music in the show is written and performed by me (daniEle). The second song is called Bodywork and is produced by Rashad of Elevator Music, and the third song is called Nu Nu and is produced by J.Swiff of Fly.Union.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
5 Steps to Achieving Award Acceptance Etiquette
Here is some guidance as to what to do when accepting a music award. This mostly pertains to rappers. Please follow accordingly.
1) DO NOT bring your entire hood on stage with you to accept your award. It’s your award, you worked for it, so YOU accept it. Bringing your wife and family, that’s fine. But the whole hood? All 800 of your home boys do not need to be on the stage because there simply is not enough room, if nothing else makes sense to you.
2) If you must bring your entire block with you, keep them quiet. No one wants to hear Chicken Wing, Biscuit and Fuzzy Slippers talk because we don’t know who they are and what they have to do with anything. Furthermore, by the time they all get done yelling into the mic, giving shout outs to Mookie, Ray Ray and June Bug, and it’s your turn, the music has already come on, cuing you to get your butt off stage.
3) Don’t diss. When you win an award, humbly accept it and move on. Please don’t stand there and say something like this, “This is for all the m***a f****s who didn’t believe I was going to make it, blah blah blah.” Dedicate the damn award to your supporters and pay the haters no attention. It makes you look super bitter and confrontational when you point people out. Plus, if you’re specific, you might have trouble at the after party that night.
4) Watch out for the “I thank God” speech. When you have openly claimed you have conversations with the devil and those sorts of things on your album… Getting on stage and thanking Jesus for your award might not make too much sense…
5) Lastly. Please be timely. When your name is called, walk swiftly to the stage and get it done. A show is trying to run on a schedule here, so don’t run around the facility, gallop up the row and stop to do a little dance, or c-walk your way up the steps. When you do finally make it to the mic, say what you need to say and bounce. Don’t stand there and fake like you’re speechless, because if you have as much confidence as you put off, you knew you were going to win anyway.
I thank you for reviewing this guide. If followed, I believe we can advance in award shows.
1) DO NOT bring your entire hood on stage with you to accept your award. It’s your award, you worked for it, so YOU accept it. Bringing your wife and family, that’s fine. But the whole hood? All 800 of your home boys do not need to be on the stage because there simply is not enough room, if nothing else makes sense to you.
2) If you must bring your entire block with you, keep them quiet. No one wants to hear Chicken Wing, Biscuit and Fuzzy Slippers talk because we don’t know who they are and what they have to do with anything. Furthermore, by the time they all get done yelling into the mic, giving shout outs to Mookie, Ray Ray and June Bug, and it’s your turn, the music has already come on, cuing you to get your butt off stage.
3) Don’t diss. When you win an award, humbly accept it and move on. Please don’t stand there and say something like this, “This is for all the m***a f****s who didn’t believe I was going to make it, blah blah blah.” Dedicate the damn award to your supporters and pay the haters no attention. It makes you look super bitter and confrontational when you point people out. Plus, if you’re specific, you might have trouble at the after party that night.
4) Watch out for the “I thank God” speech. When you have openly claimed you have conversations with the devil and those sorts of things on your album… Getting on stage and thanking Jesus for your award might not make too much sense…
5) Lastly. Please be timely. When your name is called, walk swiftly to the stage and get it done. A show is trying to run on a schedule here, so don’t run around the facility, gallop up the row and stop to do a little dance, or c-walk your way up the steps. When you do finally make it to the mic, say what you need to say and bounce. Don’t stand there and fake like you’re speechless, because if you have as much confidence as you put off, you knew you were going to win anyway.
I thank you for reviewing this guide. If followed, I believe we can advance in award shows.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
If you Want Quick Cash, Don't be a Singer
Memo to people who want to be super stars, especially if you want it because of the money; Individuals who are in the musical entertainment business do not make as much money as you think. Once you reach your dream of getting signed to a major record label, it’s not as if you magically become a millionaire. That record label instantly begins spending money on YOU. They pay for your wardrobe, make up, traveling expenses, music video costs, studio recording expenses, mixing and mastering of your album, packaging, promotion fees and dozens of other fees until, guess what? You end up owing the label money regardless of how many records you sold. Being an artist under a major label with the way the industry is today, you most likely will end up BROKE.
There have been many horror stories from different entertainers in the music business who can attest to the hardships of being a platinum selling artist but ending up with nothing. TLC, N’Sync, M.C. Hammer, and more can tell you about being manipulated by the system/industry so that in the end, they had nothing to show for their hard work. Some of it is lack of investment or responsibility with money, but a lot of times it’s hidden fees and greediness behind artist management. These problems are a lot of reason to why a lot of people are turning to gaining fame and respect through becoming independent labels or joining one.
A lot of people are saying going independent is an artist’s best bet because it makes it a lot harder for them to get caught behind a machine. Independent artists also have a totally different fan base--fans that had to search and find them, fans who are loyal, and fans who are genuine supporters and will spread the word about the music they love. In order to be a fan of an artist running on an independent label, you have to truly admire them—because you weren’t FORCED by media to like them.
So as time goes on, it seems that doing things your own way will pay off in the end--financially and otherwise. To me, a fan who can stick by you because they RESPECT your work is worth the sacrifice of not having your face all over every major magazine.
Who are some of your favorite artists on independent/indie labels? One of mine is Mulatto.
Also, visit http://www.indie-music.com/ to find more underground artists you may like!
There have been many horror stories from different entertainers in the music business who can attest to the hardships of being a platinum selling artist but ending up with nothing. TLC, N’Sync, M.C. Hammer, and more can tell you about being manipulated by the system/industry so that in the end, they had nothing to show for their hard work. Some of it is lack of investment or responsibility with money, but a lot of times it’s hidden fees and greediness behind artist management. These problems are a lot of reason to why a lot of people are turning to gaining fame and respect through becoming independent labels or joining one.
A lot of people are saying going independent is an artist’s best bet because it makes it a lot harder for them to get caught behind a machine. Independent artists also have a totally different fan base--fans that had to search and find them, fans who are loyal, and fans who are genuine supporters and will spread the word about the music they love. In order to be a fan of an artist running on an independent label, you have to truly admire them—because you weren’t FORCED by media to like them.
So as time goes on, it seems that doing things your own way will pay off in the end--financially and otherwise. To me, a fan who can stick by you because they RESPECT your work is worth the sacrifice of not having your face all over every major magazine.
Who are some of your favorite artists on independent/indie labels? One of mine is Mulatto.
Also, visit http://www.indie-music.com/ to find more underground artists you may like!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Why Solange's CD ROCKS!
I know her CD came out awhile ago, but I must say, out of the last four albums I’ve purchased, I think I like hers the most. From the first time she came out, Solange had a hard spot to lay in. Beyonce’s sister. What kind of position does that put someone in? Perhaps her initial debut trying to be your everyday R&B star wasn’t the best plan for success. But this time, she got it right.
Ok. This CD is SOLANGE and no one else. It’s different, it’s soulful, it’s original. The songs are real live band and tambourine sounding, which adds more weight to her authenticity. It’s a reminder of the 60’s but not in such a way that you think of other songs. It’s all in her own way.
Although someone could accuse her of trying too hard to be different, I truly believe this is where she wants to be. I listen to the album all the time because it’s refreshing, and good to know that someone isn’t afraid to run away from the box and own themselves musically. There’s nothing wrong with exploring the areas that you think you fit in. It’s just bad when artists try to go places musically they really shouldn’t, because it’s not them.
Solange really blew me away with her vocal skills on this album. She surprised me with her range and vocal power…I had no clue she could sing like that! However, there are parts where she reminds us of her sister as far as breaking down to talk in a song—sounds just like her. For the most part, she more than accomplished staying true to herself, being set apart and being her own musical being. We're all pretty sick of pop/R&B girl singers. She relieved us.
Two thumbs up for Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, everyone. If you’re a lover of music, it’s a must listen.
Ok. This CD is SOLANGE and no one else. It’s different, it’s soulful, it’s original. The songs are real live band and tambourine sounding, which adds more weight to her authenticity. It’s a reminder of the 60’s but not in such a way that you think of other songs. It’s all in her own way.
Although someone could accuse her of trying too hard to be different, I truly believe this is where she wants to be. I listen to the album all the time because it’s refreshing, and good to know that someone isn’t afraid to run away from the box and own themselves musically. There’s nothing wrong with exploring the areas that you think you fit in. It’s just bad when artists try to go places musically they really shouldn’t, because it’s not them.
Solange really blew me away with her vocal skills on this album. She surprised me with her range and vocal power…I had no clue she could sing like that! However, there are parts where she reminds us of her sister as far as breaking down to talk in a song—sounds just like her. For the most part, she more than accomplished staying true to herself, being set apart and being her own musical being. We're all pretty sick of pop/R&B girl singers. She relieved us.
Two thumbs up for Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, everyone. If you’re a lover of music, it’s a must listen.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SLiDeShOw!
Just posted an audio slide show of an event called "Wuddup Wednesdays," a night every other week hosted by the rap group FLy.Union, where you will hear old school rap and otherwise and chill for your midweek. Fly Union (pitcured above from the cover of Columbus Alive!). Who is that? Visit their site, of course, but I'll do my best fo fill you in.
Fly Union is a group of four young men (Jerreau, J.Swiff, Iye, and L.e) who rap, produce, do art, and a million other things. Their rhymes can you remind you of way back when, and they can also sound like a current hit on the radio.
What Fly Union is daring to do is be different. Their look (bright colors, big glasses, gold chains, backpacks, etc.) is not the norm as far as mainstream rappers go, and neither is their message. Yes, they rap about every day life, shoes and girls, but they don't feel the need to use curse words either.
Colorful, clever and committed to changing the game, Fly.Union is not only taking Columbus, Ohio by storm, but they're taking the rest of the nation along with it. The first album I ever heard of theirs was a mixtape called "Close Doors. Open Windows." I love it because of its originality and raw truth. The album has breaks where member iYe tells stories about the group's dealing with both failure and success while chasing a record deal. As we all know, this industry is not an easy one to deal with, and FLy.Union's tales makes that fact all the more real.
However, Fly.U proves they need no major label to back them up...they're doing amazing on their own. The four of them are making news and headway and their name is more and more recognizable as time goes on. With every door that is closed on them, they actively open windows to get where they need to go. If you like hip-hop and lyrical brilliancy, you must try this group on... my guess is, they'll fit perfectly.
Fly Union is a group of four young men (Jerreau, J.Swiff, Iye, and L.e) who rap, produce, do art, and a million other things. Their rhymes can you remind you of way back when, and they can also sound like a current hit on the radio.
What Fly Union is daring to do is be different. Their look (bright colors, big glasses, gold chains, backpacks, etc.) is not the norm as far as mainstream rappers go, and neither is their message. Yes, they rap about every day life, shoes and girls, but they don't feel the need to use curse words either.
Colorful, clever and committed to changing the game, Fly.Union is not only taking Columbus, Ohio by storm, but they're taking the rest of the nation along with it. The first album I ever heard of theirs was a mixtape called "Close Doors. Open Windows." I love it because of its originality and raw truth. The album has breaks where member iYe tells stories about the group's dealing with both failure and success while chasing a record deal. As we all know, this industry is not an easy one to deal with, and FLy.Union's tales makes that fact all the more real.
However, Fly.U proves they need no major label to back them up...they're doing amazing on their own. The four of them are making news and headway and their name is more and more recognizable as time goes on. With every door that is closed on them, they actively open windows to get where they need to go. If you like hip-hop and lyrical brilliancy, you must try this group on... my guess is, they'll fit perfectly.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New Guy Group with Old School Talent
But not your ordinary guy groups. I’m talking the type of guy groups who used to stand on the corner and sing beautiful harmonies simply for fun. From The O’Jays and The Temptations to Jodeci and Boyz II Men, male groups who sang together is something I really miss—until now.As I mentioned in a previous post, the singing group Brutha has hit the scene with enough talent to make anyone’s head turn. Through their television show “Brothers to BRUTHA,” the group showcased their talent. They are all real brothers and have been singing together since a very young age. As a singer and a lover of raw talent, I was overly impressed by their a capella performances and abilities. We haven’t seen anything like it in a very long time... Brutha can instantaneously break into song (start watching at 2:57) in perfect harmony without much notice. THAT’S GOLDEN.
So of course I bought the album when it came out, expecting something like what I heard on the show… Unfortunately I was somewhat slighted. They got lured into our crazy industry expectations and had zero a capella on there, No substance to their lyrics, and a lot of the content was on the over-sexed side.
I think this group is so much better than that, and there is no need for them to try so hard to be a “boy band” type group that B2K fans are going to flock to. To be such a rare gift in this generations time of musical selection, I feel let down, to say the least, because of the direction this group decided to go. But then again, maybe their type simply isn’t valued. I mean.. Boyz II Men was just singing background for Justin Timberlake at the Grammys, after all. Hmm… how exactly does that work?
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