Giving Back

I decided to do something a little different today. Today's topic won't be about music, which this blog is dedicated to but giving back. Let me explain. Last Sunday, my friend/classmate and I participated in a flash mob video for the American Cancer Society. We woke up at the crack at dawn...not even the sun was up...to catch the bus...which took forever and when I mean forever I mean over an hour waiting for this bus. The bus came! Yea! And we were off!

We arrived at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando and hurried to the sign up booth. We were late but asked if it was too late to participate. An older woman said no and that we could still sign up. We filled out the release form giving the society our permission to feature us in its' video and acknowledging that we would not be compensated. As soon as we were done, we were on the grass starting to learn the moves. We caught on quickly despite being late.

After a couple of hours getting the dance down, we had a break and then went to the location where the video would be filmed. Filming began...we danced about 9 times for the video. And for every 3 times, we began the video differently meaning we entered from the sides of the other streets or we walked all the way up until a certain point and then danced. Filming stopped at noon. We were thanked for our time and for supporting a good cause.

Our feet were in pain, we were hungry, and tired. Yet we know and knew we had fun contributing our time and at the end of the day that's all that mattered.

Not only because I am a woman, but I also decided to take part in this event because of my prior job, which was in retail. My retail job primarily catered to women and intimate clothing. Which means on occasion I had customers who were survivors of breast cancer. I never forget the first customer I had who was looking for a bra with padding because she no longer had one of her breasts. Much of retail skills are learned on the floor (sales floor) if you're a good associate, but training also helps. I had not been trained for anything like this and did my best to give her all the help that she needed. I helped her find her bra and she was on her way. I then asked to be excused...and when I got off the floor I went to our restroom and cried. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes and asking a total stranger for help because I no longer had a certain body part.

This is why I got up early last week and danced to increase awareness for the fight against breast cancer. For her and all my other customers is why I danced. While she and others may not have been related to me, but I know she had to be someone's mother, daughter, grand-mother, wife and friend. So for anyone wanting to participate in any event or function that not only gives back to the community but others as well; I strongly urge you to just do it because I know this may sound corny but you really do feel good after its over...a little sore but still feel good for giving even a few hours of your time.

Network Revisited

Its been quite a while since I've personally done any professional networking and might be result of my move from California to Florida or the unfortunate event of me being in an accident in May and am still recovering but I finally got back on track and am so happy! Yes I said it, happy because I realized that this is what this business (and like any other) is all about: networking!

I attended an event for school that had guest speakers the Nappy Roots and their manager along with a recent graduate from the school now working for the group. It was a great event to be a part of and wonderful because not only did the group give inspiring advice but also personally wanted to assist students that wanted any kind of information about a certain issue or feedback on their music. One group member, Big-V, gave the number to his office and my friend was also able to speak with him personally about possibly working at his place since they were in town...lucky boy!

I, myself was able to network with Skinny, another group member, the graduate now working for them and another student on campus. Not to shabby for a girl who's been a little rusty! And we weren't the only ones so was everyone else because as Big-V said it best "Closed mouths don't get fed."

Fake Money

One of the things that I have learned so far while in school (studying music business) is that many fans, but not all, unfortunately seem to think bling, cash, cars, you name it is about the music. Its so sad that even our music videos aren't even that creative anymore (some). And I think the problem is we get caught up with the fame and fortunate and feel as if it should be handed to us when in fact that's not even the case with many artists! How do you think they got there?!

Glamour's current issue has an article featuring Zac Bissonnette, an author and finance columnist gives readers six tips on how to save money in the long run and why everyone should! But number 5 was my favorite! "The people you think are rich probably aren't." What does that tell you! One might wonder where I'm going with all of this and I'd have to say that I speak for many of my classmates and I wanting to make a change in this industry is that we are tired of the music industry being portrayed as bling, cash, cars and you name it...that was done on purpose just so you know. I'm working in this industry because I love music! My mom brought me up listening to Motown! And as I grew up my interest ventured off in other genres and my love for music continued to blossom....its a love affair really.

Now I really don't intend to insult those of who you who see the industry as this because that is how the industry has been portrayed to you...but that doesn't mean you can't see it in another perspective....just the music. Let's make a pact, you agree to see only the music and I promise to deliver only the music.