The Music Industry: Dead, or More Alive Than Ever?

YO YO!!!! What's going on everyone?  Hope everyone had a good weekend.  My weekend was filled with laziness and football, and I'm not complaining one bit.  I didn't get to go to the studio this weekend either, but this week will be different.  Also, just a heads up that I'll be releasing a new song this week (ok, it's actually an interlude...who releases interludes??? ).  This week I wanted to kick it off with some music talk.

So I was l looking for some music documentaries to check out and I ended up coming across this one that's still in the making from Future Machine called "Who Killed (or Saved!) the Music Industry?" I uploaded the trailer of it on this blog for you all to check out.  I have to admit, I've very interested in seeing this documentary and I will be looking for it when it's released.  After looking at the trailer, it make me think about how things have been changing drastically with the music industry.  I think about how people were at one point in time were saving up money to record a demo tape to take to a label to try to become signed.  Nowadays, not too many people are even trying to become a signed artist to a major label (and they most certainly not are making demo TAPES). The tools to become a successful independent music artist as so affordable now that it seems like everyone is trying to be the next superstar, regardless if they really have the talent to be or not.  Of course I say this as I type this blog on my computer that has Pro Tools 11 and Logic Pro X installed on it while my Native Instrument Maschine is directly next to me, so it's not like I can't relate.  I'm part of an independent "label" (so to say) right now, and eventually I will be signed. I'm not trying to send demos to Def Jam or to Interscope Records, but I do have a Soundcloud account that will have songs uploaded, so that's good enough, right?

I can't even imagine how it would be if I was signed to Def Jam or Interscope.  I would have to worry about getting my album leaked a few weeks before it is released (I know all the sites where to get music from, by the way), and how much money I might lose.  Then again, let's be honest... who the hell am I? Not saying I don't make quality music, or I don't value my music, but is there really a demand to illegally pirate my music? That's what A&R reps are there for...to build me up to be the artist that the label wants me to be, so they can make money off of me and I get my small share of the cut.  When people pirate my music, the label would get less money, which would make me get less money, which ends up leaving me broke like many other artist out there (watch the TLC "Behind the Music" video and listen to when Left Eye talks about the point system).  There are a lot of artist that would rather just grind it out themselves, do shows and tour across the country on their own, and keep all the profits of their product.  Who needs a record label now?

So there's a decline of major labels, but a rise in independent music... so does that mean that the music industry is dead, or is this new life? Pirated music is killing music sales, as most hip hop artist struggle to even sell 500,000 copies of their cd (which is considered going Gold, Platinum is 1 million sales). Just watch the video... listen to what the people are saying.  EVERYTHING has been changed with the music industry.  Is this the evolution of the industry, or devolution? To all the artist out there that maybe reading this, how do you feel about your position in the music game right now?  To the people reading that love to listen to music, how often do you support their music by buying their albums LEGALLY? (Wait, don't answer that last question on here, I don't want to get anyone in trouble, lol)  How do you all feel about the direction of the industry?  Me personally, I'm conflicted with my thoughts.  When I was younger, I did have dreams of being on a major label.  Now, I'm content being independent right now, but I wonder how far it will take me.  Will my success be determined by my grind on the streets, or is my fate lay in the hands of the ever-changing ways of society and the industry?  I guess only time will tell.

Let me know what you guys think about the blog.  If you are a musician, send some links to your music. I try to support artist, and I hope I can get that support in return.  You got Soundcloud, Facebook, or other pagers pages? Post a link and I'll go follow you or like you.  Support the artists! Support the music!  Be blessed y'all!

Mood Music...

Yo Yo!  What's up everyone?  I'm a little late with this blog, so I'll make this another short one.  Plus, I need to get back to what I was doing...making music. Oh, and sorry if you thought this blog had anything to do with Joe Budden (ARE YOU IN THAT MOOD YET?!?!?!).

Today was one of those days where depression creeps up on me and makes me feel like "the old me".  I hate that even though I've made it past so much in my life, I still have tendencies to feel the way that I felt today.  Days like this I feel that I'm better off dead, which is a horrible feeling to have.  If anyone read my last blog, I was talking about trying to master my craft as a producer and get more familiar with my tools around me.  Lucky for me I stayed true to that post and was up all night preparing for today.  Even with my terrible feeling of sorrow, I was still able to come up with a few beats (one I'm even using on my own project).  This is one of the many times that I feel that music took me to a happier place, which it does quite often for many people.  My music didn't reflect on any depression, rather it was joyful and energetic (something I needed at the time).  It's amazing what music can do for the soul.
There are a lot of people that don't make music, but still use music from others to help them cope with pain and depression.  This is why I get upset when I hear all of the garbage that people call "music"because some of use owe our lives to music.  Music supposed to touch our hearts even more than our ears. I know I'm not the only one out there that agrees with that, but too many people just don't give a damn anymore.

Anyways... I'm not fully out of my mood yet, but I'm getting there.  I got more music to make, hopefully you all will be hearing some of it soon.  I'll be keeping you posted.  Studio session tomorrow, I'll let you know how that goes as well.  You all take care, God bless!

“Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can't.” 
― Johnny Depp

Knowing is have the battle...

YO YO!!! Hope everyone is enjoying their day.  My day has been busy, and I still have a lot to do so this blog won't be long.  I felt that I had to speak on something that's been on my mind since last night.  Not to deep, just more like a life lesson that I have finally realized.

On Facebook, I posted something before I went to sleep.  It was a realization I had while trying to work on music.  My post (for the most part) said this: "The amount of tools you have at your disposal mean absolutely nothing if you don't know how to use any of them to their fullest capabilities".  You know they say that knowledge is power, and I think that people don't fully understand how deep that saying actually is.  Knowledge is not just about information, but it's about understanding.  As a producer, I have tons of tools around me.  I know how to use them all to a certain degree, but there's a lot that I still don't know nor still understand.  So for the rest of the night, I will be taking the time to get more familiar with my craft and my equipment so I can put out better music.  I think people should take the time to become a master of what they do, not just a person that knows how to do something.  It's nice to know a lot of things, but how many people can say I've mastered an art?  So that's what I'm going for now, to be a master at what I do.  That might end up making me have to cut back on other things so I can focus more at one thing at a time, but I think that is best for me.  I need books, videos, guidance, and dedication to get to the point that I want to be at.  One should never limit themselves to what they can do, but instead just prioritize on making sure what you do is done to your fullest ability.  I hope this inspires or motivates anyone out there that's reading.  If so, leave a comment about your situation.  I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that has been thinking like this.  Well, it's time to start making it happen over here.  You guys stay blessed.  PEACE!

GET A J.O.B.!!!! (Not literally...at least not on this post)

YO YO!! What up everyone! I'm coming to realize that trying to blog EVERYDAY is a lot harder than some think it is (or maybe I just suck...), so there will be times when I don't necessarily talk about myself, but instead talk about people around me.  So I guess you can consider today a "Music Artist Highlight", something that I plan on doing often.  I'll keep it brief, just make sure you pay attention.

Enter the group JustOnBizness aka J.O.B. I've been listening to their album "Community Service" for a few days now and it stays on repeat.  I don't know the four emcees (Cash & Dilly, Jerm and Notes) personally as a collective, but I used to go to high school with Ca$h.  I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the album before it drops and I have to say that IT IS DOPE! It's always refreshing to hear some good, authentic hip hop come straight out of Chicago.  Their album gives you that good 90's type feel, yet it still feels current to the present generation.  From the moment the intro track "Dizzy" starts, you can tell that this group is not to be taken lightly.  I'm not gonna give you a whole album review (maybe I should start doing that.  Hmmmmmm...), but I just want to make sure that anyone that's reading this does not sleep on them.

Me and Cash will be working on some music in the near future.  I'll actually be releasing a track from us sometime this month.  Might even get a project from the two of us...you'll just have to wait and see.  If any of the J.O.B. crew is reading, I just wanna tell them that I love their music and make sure they keep doing what they do.  Oh, and the song "Snakes" should of had me on it...seriously!

When the album has it's release date, I'll be letting you all know.  Until then, you all stay blessed. PEACE!

You can find out more information about J.O.B. from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/JustOnBizness

And you can follow them on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/JusToNbiZneSS

Shutdown, Obama Care, blah blah... (My non in-depth thoughts)

Yo yo!! What's going on people? I guess I can answer that, cause there are three things going on that most people are dealing with: GTA V goes online today, NBA 2K14 comes out today (as you can clearly see, I am a gamer), and most important news of the day is that there is a partial government shutdown today. I'm not gonna go through the whole details about this shutdown (that's what the news is for), but it all stems from the whole Obama Care going into affect starting today. Funny thing is, I'm writing this blog from a hospital right now as I await for one of the nurses to call my father's name. In case you are wondering, everything is ok. This visit is a follow up from my father's surgery he had recently. He has free Medicare and I don't, which was the reason why at 12:30 this morning I was online trying to see what this Obama Care was all about. Although I didn't find out any information that I didn't know already, I will go ahead and finally apply for some free coverage cause I'm not getting any younger (regardless if my handsome looks still remain the same).

I could of sworn that the government was supposed to be "for the people, by the people". So when the government stops functioning, is it far fetched to feel as if the government is making a direct statement saying " F#*$ the people"? I mean, I understand it's bigger than that, but it's the American citizens that have to suffer throughout this mess. With it being the first of the month, I know a lot of people were concern if their checks and food stamps will be given to them (my food stamps come on the third, so I had some concern as well). There are gonna be quite a few people that this shutdown will have an impact on for sure. A lot of people are pointing fingers at Obama for this, while others support him and the Obama Care plan. Me personally, I've seen my father's problem with kidney disease for years now, I've seen how bad his health got within the last two years to the point of which his kidneys were only functioning at about 10%, and I know kidney disease is hereditary and I can't afford insurance. I'm in a situation where I feel almost obligated to be in favor of Obama Care, but I understand why a lot of people aren't. I'm not to big on politics, however I do vote and I try to make an attempt to stay updated on current events. It's sad (but not surprising) that the House (Republicans) aren't willing to comply with the spending towards Obama Care , but you would think that the government would of done a better job to prevent a shutdown from happening. Why can places like Canada have a free health care system and still be ran efficiently but America gets caught up in all of this nonsense? Maybe if I wasn't so tired and didn't feel like trash right now I probably could answer that myself. America, we need to get it together. Our country now is laughable to other nations. 2013 has been a hell of a year... And we haven't even reached winter yet. Oh well, I guess when I get home I can just turn on the Xbox and just ignore all this mess for now. I just know I better get my damn stamps on the third! 

Hopefully this shutdown won't last too long, but if it does then the next time I blog about it I will talk more on the actual politics. I just don't have the energy in me right now to do it. You all stay blessed, I'm out. PEACE!

Well, at least there's Monday Night Football...

Yo yo!! Hope everyone is enjoying their day today.  Today is the start of me TRYING to blog once a day.  Funny thing is, I would pick a day to start that when I have absolutely nothing to talk about.  Somehow I will pull this off and complete this blog, even if it's filled with a whole bunch of gibberish, then finish strong with some football talk.  With that being said, let the gibberish begin!

I guess I'll get all the other random stuff out the way first.  Anyone that has been keeping track with my blog can see that there's a new look to it.  I had this one template that I was gonna use, but after hours of tampering with it, I realized how much it sucked and I decided to go with a more simpler look.  You can now access my Soundcloud, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook from this blog.  I'll be doing a lot more frequent updates with my music as time passes too, so be on the look out. Unfortunately, today was filled with nothing but utter boredom for the most part, and absolutely no music work done what so every.  That will all change as the week progresses.

Now since that's all out the way, let's talk about some FOOTBALL!

I'm glad tonights game between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints has no impact on my Fantasy Football team (which is the only team that's undefeated and is in first place... NAH NANA NAH NAH!) so I can sit back and enjoy the game.  Wait, let me correct that, I can enjoy MOST of the game today because I will be turning back and forth between that and Sleepy Hollow.  That's me and my girl's new show to watch together, it just so happens to come on during Monday Night Football...meaning it's not too concern about ratings I guess.  Anyways, I know both teams are undefeated, but I feel like I expected more from the Saints this season.  They don't seem like the same team they were during their Superbowl run in 2009, but their defense does look a little better than it has in the last couple of years.  Miami on the other hand looks a lot better than most people expected.  Ryan Tannehill looks to be the qb that Miami needed for success.  Hard to believe he doesn't have too much experience at quarterback, but he sure is handling the job well.  As much as I do want the Saints to win (I try to root for my boy Pierre Thomas, since I grew up with him.  He's a good dude), I somehow feel that their will be an upset tonight.  So I'm picking the Dolphins to win a close one by a field goal, 31-28.

Time to start getting ready for the game/Sleepy Hallow.  Enjoy the game (or the show if you're in the same situation I'm in).  PEACE!

A Change is Gonna Come

YO YOOOOOOO!!! It's been a little while since I last blogged (I have a habit of taking extended vacations from blogging), but I'm back yet again!  Normally when I come back I have updates on what's been going on in my life, no need to change the routine now.  So with that said, here's what's new with me.

*thinks.... where do I begin? Hmmmm...*

First off, this is the first time publicly I will announce that I'm no longer a part of the hip hop group CMG.  There's no beef between me and any of the other member, I just felt as if it was time for me to move on.  I thank everyone in CMG for giving me the opportunity to rock with them, grow with them, and bond with them.  CMG makes some DOPE music, and Synergy II is not only one of the best albums I've heard in a while (this is totally a non bias opinion), but it shows the progression of men not only artistically, but mentally, spiritually, and just a total progression in life itself.  Nothing but love for those guys, I wish them the best of luck with everything and I hope to work with them again in the near future.  Make sure to check out their Facebook page here --->  https://www.facebook.com/copamg

This doesn't mean that I'm done with music (in case you were wondering). I am now a full member of O.T.S.S. Ent as an artist, producer, and engineer.  As of now, we are doing a lot of building and organizing for future plans.  You'll be hearing about them a lot more from me in the future, so be on the look out.  Also, I am in the process of working on my solo project (FINALLY) called "The Butterfly DEfect".  More to come on that, so stay tuned.

Since the last blog, I have gotten in a relationship with a wonder, beautiful girl named Michaela.  I been through a lot of heart break in my life, but this relationship feels different.  I feel balance between me and her, and that's very important.  She's not just my girl, she's my best friend.  Not because that's how it SHOULD be, but because that's just actually how it is.  It's not by force, as some of my past relationships have been.  I'm a blessed man to have her, and although it's only been four months, I feel that it's very possible that our relationship will continue strong for a LONG time.

Not only was I a single man since my last blog, I was also a heavier man.  I've started a new diet and have been working out almost everyday (oops... skipped yesterday, don't tell anyone) and have lost 32 pounds.  I feel and look better, but I know this is only a start.  I'm far from my idea weight right now, but I will get there in due time because I'm motivated and determined to reach this goal.  Shout out to the Myfitnesspal app, it has helped a lot.  My girl and my cousin have also been a big help for motivating me and keeping me on the "Write" track.  If either of you are reading this, thank you. (And if you are not, when WHY IN THE H@#$ ARE YAL NOT READING?!?! )

I'm not the only one that's been going through changes.  My father is no going through dialysis three times a day.  He lost over 20 pounds in just a few days and he feels a lot better now.  Eventually he's still gonna need a kidney, and part of the reason why I'm trying to lose weight is because if possible, I would like to be the one to give him one (kidney disease is hereditary, so who knows if I may need that kidney for myself). It's been a rough 2 years for him, but he is surviving the fight.  I thank everyone for the prayers for him, myself, and my family.  Nothing but love to all of you.

I could go on, but I'll try to spread out the other updates in newer blogs to come.  Some people fear change cause of not knowing what to expect, but change is a part of life.  Everything changes: situations, people, feelings, underwear (ok, for some people, underwear is NOT true...eww), etc. We often think that the blueprints for our life is written in permanent ink, but it's not... things have to be erased and altered to be made properly complete.  We have to embrace and prepare for change everyday as humans.  Just remember, not all change is good.  Make sure your changes are the best for yourself because another thing that changes is time, and time is something we can't get back.  As long as their is time left in your life, its never to late to make changes.  PEACE!