Macy Gray Does Metallica Cover

What?! Yes, that is what I thought too! Why in the world would Macy Gray cover Metallica's epic song (not to mention one of my favorites from them) "Nothing Else Matters"? I can't give you that reason, however I can inform you I took a listen and loved it! I was expecting something terrible...I won't lie but she pulled it off! She didn't change or take anything away from the song and even better, everyone in the crowd knew it too! Kudos to Macy for taking such a brave step in singing a song from another genre! I highly suggest you listen as well.

(To watch the video, click the title.)

8 aspects of YOU a potential employer is looking for.

You're probably wondering why an article about employers has anything to do with music?
Well, the truth is it applies to everyone across all fields even the music industry.

For example, the first trait mentioned are people skills.  Being a people person, believe it or not, makes all the difference when working with others, networking, and so on.  If you're able to communicate with others with no problem as well as with those from all walks of life then you just might be the right person for the job you're seeking.  And believe me when I say this because I used to work in retail and as a manager (while working in retail) knew whether a potential employee was fit for the job or not...a mile away.

Here's another example just to show you that potential employers are keeping an eye on you whether you know it or not.

This past spring, a classmate and I volunteered at a conference during our desperately needed spring break.  However, we knew it was a great opportunity so we decided to go anyway.  It was a lot of work and even at times stayed longer when requested by the executives of the conference, especially when all the other volunteers had already left.  One night, my classmate and I were having dinner with the person who was in charge of overseeing all the volunteers and told us that from seeing how we both worked that week, we'd be the only two people she would hire if she could. This was so nice to hear that even though we weren't looking for work, someone was already wanting to hire us based on our work skills. Which just goes to show you how important it is to carry all of your traits with you, everywhere you go because you never know who could be around.

(To learn more about the other traits, click the title.)

20/20 Special

Whew! Has it been awhile since I've been on here! Sorry but there were some things that unfortunately took up my time! However, I am back and with an updated post!

So last night, I caught 20/20's special interview with Barbara Walters and four billionaires: Lynn Tilton (founder of Patriarch Partners), Guy Laliberte (founder of Cirque du Soleil), John Paul DeJoria (co-founder of Paul Mitchell), and Tony Hsieh (founder of Zappos.com). Walters sat down with all individually and got the scoop on how each started out: with nothing! Yep! These are self-made billionaires that didn't have very much in the beginning of their lives but found that one thing that sparked their interest and as they say: the rest is history.

Each one basically stated they took risks and ran with the idea. Tilton saves businesses and some of her clients include Stila Cosmetics, Spiegel Catalogues and Rand McNally. Her advice: follow your dreams and don't make it about the money.

Laliberte started Cirque du Soleil in Canada and brought it to the states in 1987 after he created the company. His advice: take risks.

DeJoria started out as a salesman and ended up working in the hair industry where he met Paul Mitchell and both decided to start their company together. Unfortunately, Mitchell passed away in 1989 but DeJoria continues to run the company along with his latest project Patron. (Yes, the tequila.) His advice: giving back and giving others the tools to take care of themselves.

Hsieh, a Harvard grad sold frozen McDonald's burgers to classmates and is now the CEO of Zappos.com. His advice: one could lose everything and still be happy.

After each one was successful, they made sure to pay it forward and gave back whether through charities or their own organizations and were more than happy to do it.

(If you missed the special, make sure to catch it on ABC's site. Just click the title to watch the video.)

From the pros!

YouTube has recently begun a series of videos about breaking into the music industry straight from the pros! From Russell Simmons to Sharon Stone to Enrique Iglesias and more industry faces and those behind the scenes. All give advice about working hard, a non-stop schedule and how MONEY isn't everything. But don't listen to me, check it out for yourself!

(Click the title to go to the series.)

Little videos to get you through anything....

Or at least in my opinion. In case you don't know who Derek Sivers is...well let's just say he happens to be the founder of this little company called CD Baby.

Funny how I actually didn't know this myself at first. I mainly am familiar with his blog that I subscribe to. Well as a subscriber, I received an email. This particular newsletter was titled "7 little videos you will love." An animator made short videos from different pieces Derek had written.

I clicked on each link within the email and pretty much loved all of them in their own little way. Each vid offers advice for anyone....if you're open-minded to taking it...whether you run a business or not but want too....or just need a little reflection or motivation. I promise you will not be disappointed.

First they came....

When I was in high school, I remember seeing a poster in my English class that had this written on it:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

The quote is by Martin Niemoller, who opposed Hitler and often spoke out against him.

I, for some odd reason, had been thinking of this quote for quite some time and couldn't realize why. Perhaps, seeing the economy in the toilet? Or people losing their jobs? Or perhaps all the natural disasters people have been going through?

For whatever reason, I just had. And then I realized how fortunate I am to say what I want and do what I want (of course within legal limits). Perhaps, that is why I have chosen a field that I can work with artists that are talented and have received a wonderful gift...a voice to sing. Maybe not all artists use this voice for worthwhile causes but nonetheless a voice to sing what's in their hearts.

The point of all this is whatever it is you want to do and say...do it. Whether your politically involved or musically inclined...I think Niemoller would agree.

(To learn more about Niemoller, click the title.)

Bieber Cover Bombed!

Yep! Mr. Justin Bieber's Vanity Fair's cover did so terrible in sales that it was considered to be the worst within the last 12 years of the publication!

I don't blame the young pop star but do blame Vanity Fair and his public relations team. Both parties should have known this wasn't the right market. This market reaches audiences who are older than his typical teen fans.

Word to the wise...do your research and know your markets.

(Click the title to check out Justin Bieber's Vanity Fair Cover.)

Part 2

Hey Everyone!

So here's some updated info: I've graduated! Yea! And definitely with some awards: Perfect Attendance, Course Director's Award in Microeconomics and also in Music Business Management. Wow! Not trying to show off here but when I found out about these awards, I was so surprised. Thanks to these professors who saw how dedicated of a student I was!

I've also spent a wonderful time with my mom who came to visit me! Got to spend some time with my love, his family and my friends! Couldn't ask for more...eh...we'll I've been looking for work so it hasn't been all fun you know! But still, I am excited for the "future," lol.

Anyways, thought I'd also finish up with what I started....my experience about the Billboard event in Miami. Last month, I blogged about volunteering at the Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards. I left off with the day before the first day of the event. Basically the day before, a classmate and I helped the executives with preparation materials for the event. The next day we welcomed guests and panelists to the event by directing them where to go and even escorting them....especially since some mainly spoke Spanish and I didn't want anyone to get lost. We basically were at the welcoming table but at the end of the day switched gears and helped with giving out those goodies bags we stuffed!

By the end of day, we were asked to help with the pool side party along with the executives. Basically we checked tickets, badges and wristbands...funny how about 7 people tried to crash the party within 5 minutes.

Day 2:

Now this day both my classmate and I helped with the panels. We were each at an entrance and had to make sure the doors were closed so the noise didn't disrupt any of the panels or panelists while speaking. We got to see artists like Mana, Daddy Yankee, and Gloria Trevi...and I was literally like 20 feet away from her! It was pretty awesome!

We switched gears again and helped with Q and A by giving attendees microphones when they had a question to ask.

The Main Event:

The following day was the awards show!!!!! After all the hustle and bustle came the big day everyone was excited for: the awards show! We were informed to meet up early to help out with the show...but later found out it would be our night off and we could enjoy the show! This was such a treat, we saw some amazing performances and some big winners: Enrique Iglesias! He took home 9 awards!

I'm sorry, but words cannot describe how great the event was! All the performers were great and the music made everyone dance, literally!

The overall experience was great and I do hope I can do it again in the future. Made some great connections, new friends and learned a lot about organization and how being polite can go a long way even when others aren't to you. And FYI, never forget those who taught you something or even remembered you, they make the experience all the more worth wild! See you (hopefully) at the next red carpet!

(For more info about the Billboard Event, click on the title.)

Finally!

So I know I've been M.I.A. but I've had Final Project this month and literally have been working round the clock and this week my business plan was due and then the big presentation! That's right!

My classmate and I along with other classmates gave our presentations in front of the gentlemen from Grooveshark! I won't lie, it was nerve-wracking but we finally did it! And I graduate this Thursday on the 2nd! Not to mention, I'm giving a speech for my graduating class!

Its definitely been one crazy ride and I can't wait for the next chapter, yeah I know it sounds corny but its true. Well if you'll excuse me, I have a speech to practice and date I can't miss!

Congrats to all the graduates at Full Sail University and everywhere else! We did it!

P.S. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, we definitely could not have reached this point in our education without your guidance or support.

Behind the Scenes

 

So as I mentioned in a prior post that I had volunteered along with a classmate from school for the Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards in Miami. The first day of volunteer work, we stuffed bags with items from sponsors, demo CDs and so forth. We made over 700 goodie bags for those who would attend the conference. We worked all day! But got to meet other students and volunteers who were also helping out. Love it when I can network! After a hard day's work, we were relieved from our duties and had the next day off.

Now I'm sorry but this was the first Easter unlike any other for me, because it was the first time I was away from family and my boyfriend :(

However, it was also the first Easter I spent in Miami and on the beach! That's right! It was my day off and I couldn't imagine it any other way then to spend it at the beach. The water was beautiful and I even looked for seashells! Ha ha...yep I said it, I was probably the oldest person there looking for seashells. Those kiddies had the upper hand though because they had buckets and I didn't!

The next day was followed up by getting the rest of the bags organized and anything else that needed to be done. A few of us were then asked to help out with preparing other items for registration. We immediately said yes and were off our way to help the Billboard staff. We gathered envelopes together with tickets, badges, and a schedule of the week's events.

I believe one should never say no to any opportunity because little did we know we would be meeting the heads of the event/company, whom are down to earth and hard working! This staff had a million things to do at once but never lost their cool and got the job done! And might I just add, this staff was composed of women! I'm sorry but I have to go Spice Girls on you for a minute and say it! Girl Power! (Now I'm sure there might have been some men behind the scenes but this is what I saw while helping out.)

After the majority of prepping registration materials was finished, we were pretty much done and once again relieved from our duties. The next day would be the first day of the event! And this is where I leave you for now....to be continued.

(For more coverage of the conference, click the title!)

A quick shout out!

Hi everyone! In case you didn't know I was out of town and in Miami! That's right! BUT I was volunteering at the Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards. It was a great experience and I will be writing about it in more posts to come. However, I really want to take a moment to give thanks to those who made it happen!

First, my friend, Paula Santos, who told me about the event and even took me with her to Miami so we could both help out.

Second, Courtney from Billboard. Thank you for letting me volunteer! It was such a great opportunity to gain more insight about the industry and network as well as meet new friends. Thank you to the other ladies from Billboard: both Nicole's, Jen, Kimberly, Michelle, and Andrea. In case I left anyone out, forgive me.

Next, Ms. Alshante Squire, who was my boss at the event. You have no idea how much I learned from you this week about the little things that can make all the difference.

Jimmy from the Eden Roc Hotel. Thank you for going over and beyond for those of us who didn't think we'd get through the day. Those little things made all the difference....wait did Miss Squire teach you this? Ha ha...

And thanks to all the other volunteers, staff, panelists, and attendees who made my spring break unforgettable.

Much Love,

Nicole

Martin Atkins Words of Advice

In case you don't know who Martin Atkins is then listen up! He's an active guest lecture, instructs at Columbia College (in Chicago), has played in numerous bands, and is an author! Yeah, this guy definitely has one hell of a resume! And as we all know with such a resume, comes experience and advice.


His first words of advice is:


"Be honest-ish,[. . .] [y]ou have to be authentic. The curtain is pulled back now."

"It's tragic when the biggest problem you have is yourself."

"A contract is not protection -- ever! Leverage is. ... Sell tickets and you can get anything you want."

"The need for external validation" has derailed many promising careers.

Other advice is in regards to touring, illegal downloading, technology and a little something extra:

"Somebody should be selling slots on mix tapes." They are key to discovering new music. He dredged up the old music-industry advertising campaign that "Home taping is killing music" and came up with his own equally problematic adage in response: "Home sewing is killing fashion."

"It's not a problem if 20,000 people 'illegally' download your music. It's a problem if they don't."

"Technical proficiency is a dead-end. There will always be someone better. Instead focus on diversifying your skill set."

"[Don't allow] yourself to think that someone else gives a (expletive)."

"[Take chances and don't fear accidents] [i]t's what you do with the accident [that counts]."

"Don't worship technology. There will always be something new." Keep in mind that "it's not how you're communicating, but what."

"Control the means of production. [In other words, make your own tour T-shirts]."

"In conclusion, [i]f in doubt, throw blueberry muffins." 

Don't know about throwing muffins, but keep in mind the other stuff.

(Click the link to go straight to the source.)

Florida Music Festival & Conference

In case you were under a rock this past week, you might have missed the Florida Music Festival & Conference! I unfortunately didn’t get to catch any of the shows…however I did get to attend some of the panels and really enjoyed what the panelists had to say. 

I enjoyed “Meet the Producers” panels where these gentlemen spoke from (of course) the producers’ perspective on artists, music, and technology used during the recording process. They gave great advice on how absolute perfection for songs may not always be the key to success. As for artists: don’t worry about the technical stuff! That’s their jobs, not kidding, that’s what they said!

The other panel I loved was “Demo Happy (Or Sad) Hour” where producers, executives, and so on listened to demos from acts performing at the festival. Each listener gave great feedback to suggestions on how to improve the songs. 

What I really liked about these panelists is that everyone gave feedback the artist or band could use while at the same time not be cruel. I’ve been to a panel like this before at another conference and I remember one person in the panel just ripping into everyone because their music wasn’t what she worked with. Yesterday, someone from a Hip-Hop background sat through many songs that would be considered rock, indie, punk, and so forth, and he didn’t even do that!

Yesterday was a learning experience and I loved it. As for those wanting to work in this business, I urge you to attend at least one of these events! However, I actually suggest that you attend more than one because the knowledge you receive from the pros helps whether you’re an artist or not.

(To find out more info about this event, click on the title.)

Inappropriate Language

In my opinion, there’s a time and place for everything. Whether it is joking around or even using inappropriate language. Today in class I dropped the F bomb during a very important presentation! Yes, I know, it was uncalled for and not professional.

I was speaking in regards to a project I had been working on with a local band called The Deepest Red. I accidently said it when I was trying to quote an attendee from the band’s show last week…he said the banding was “f***ing awesome!” Actually he said the whole word but I am trying to be clean here. I meant to say that in the way I just wrote it…however…the whole word came out. All my classmates laughed and my professor was shocked…I was mortified. I guess that woke up the class! I quickly apologized about the incident and explained that I was quoting someone and had all the intentions of “cleaning” up the word, but as one can tell that didn’t work out!

I learned for the next time to be very careful…even when quoting someone else’s words. Or maybe just not even try to quote such a quote because regardless if it is in class or for a business meeting, it is still inappropriate language and disrespectful.

Ethics

When I first started studying Public Relations, one of the aspects of the field I was taught was in regards to ethics. Ethics was and is still important in anything you do, but more so if you're in the public eye. Once you sign next to that little X on the line, you now belong to the public and you better believe everything you do is under the microscope!

It seems as if a few pop stars may have been blinded sided and forgot their ethics at home. Rolling Stone reported artists such as Usher, Beyonce and Mariah Carey performed private shows for dictator Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya...whom I know you know has been in the press lately when he "ordered security forces to open fire on citizens protesting his rule."

It is assumed these artists may been paid as much as a million dollars for these private shows.

Now I don't entirely blame these artists for wanting to get paid if this information is accurate....but I would think somewhere a line would be drawn between money and one's ethics...unless you don't have any....and now their colleagues within the industry are seriously considering their actions and not in the best light. So next time a great opportunity comes up, just make sure you get all the details or you'll end up in the wrong limelight.

Friendship

This month I'm taking two classes for school...but then again this isn't so new...and I'm fortunate enough that one of these classes is with my two GREAT friends: Brodrick Renfro and T-Ray (both artists you will soon know).

I used to be in the same classes with them until I fell behind due to recovery for an accident I had almost a year ago. But now we're all together for the time being and I love it! Whether its cracking jokes or driving our professor nuts (in a good way...I think he gets a kick out of it), which reminds me of old times.

This past weekend was the first time in a long time that we got to spend some actual time together...even though it was working on a project...it was still fun.

The point of today's post is to cherish those great friendships you have, because sometimes its these relationships that keep you going through good times...and bad...I know I do.

Professionalism

So I was in my producing class today when my professor was going over lecture which was about being paid upfront or by project, and so forth...when he mentioned a very well-known producer that tends to rip people off. I won't say the name but what I can tell you is this person didn't pay him for the project he worked on and has done this to many people...what a shame that he works with famous people yet doesn't pay the staff when they should get paid.

Like I said I won't say his name because that would just be wrong, but am informing all of you that when you screw someone over....word gets around! My professor even told us that he makes sure to tell everyone about this individual so that they don't get taken advantage of! He doesn't tell them to not work with him, but to be careful...but if you ask me, if someone warns me about working with someone...I wouldn't really trust them at all. Therefore, don't screw anyone over!

Your site on a tag?!

This past weekend I got to do a little shopping and thank goodness for coupons! Student on a budget here! But this is not what is important…what is….is the tag on one of the items I purchased. What caught my eye was the tag informing me that I could download a free iPhone app for that merchant and then scan the barcode for more info for this particular item!

What better way than to grab anyone’s attention on where and how to get more information!? I mean imagine what it would do for those artists who are up and coming and trying to reach their fans? Just put a tag on, for example, your T-shirts (or merch that you’ll be selling) at your gigs with your webpage and boom!

Now I know not everyone has an iPhone or app but the concept behind this little tag wasn’t so bad after all! Kudos to whoever came up with this idea! I’m so jealous!

Connecting with your fans!

So as many as you may know that the big LOVE holiday is around the corner! Some of us may have significant others....others not but aside from that I always think this day is not just about that "one" but about everyone you love!?

However, as someone who used to know what it felt like when Valentine's day came around and single at the same time, it kinda does suck! Well you don't need me to tell you that but Simple Plan came up with a new song called "You Suck At Love!" for those of us who used to feel this way...or still do.

You can log onto their site to hear the song...but what I love the most is that the guys have e-cards you can send to an ex letting them know how they suck at love! I mean, let's be honest, just like there's a market for the big day...so is for those who dread it! What better way than to tap into this market! Very smart gentlemen and crafty!

I'd send my ex one but you know what....the new man in my life makes me forget all about him.

(Love you Ian)

The Music Biz is not dead!

Or it isn't in my mind, but its definitely going through a transformation.  Just two weeks ago, I wrote that EMI was no longer a game player in the biz, not to mention CD sales are at the lowest...however that doesn't mean our time is over.

Ace Enders of "I Can Make A Mess" speaks about the band's current projects: a new album (without deadlines), a team of support (or let's say the new approach as oppose to a record label) and a documentary about this experience:

"A mission to search and discover how to keep the underground music community alive and strong enough to outlast the harsh climate of the music business that leaves independent art with little respect."

This project is surely anticipated and perhaps will show the rest of the world what its really like when you don't have a multi-million dollar deal.

All the best to Ace and his projects!

(For more info, click the title.)

Apps on your smartphone and music?

That's right! I happened to come across this article while researching for school and it features the top 5 apps of 2010. I know we're in 2011 but the music lover and blogger in me had to write about it...this may help those of you who are glued to your smartphone who just happen to be artists in the making!

One app, called the Soundcloud, lets users "who have a lyric, a tune or a beat stuck in their head but don't have time to sit down and actually write the song," record whatever it is and then check it on your computer! Now I'm no artist but I would assume it'd help those who might be inspired on a whim!

Another app, the StudioMini XL, "a functional mixer and recording studio" let's you, the artist, create an album! Turns out the Gorillaz did exactly this!

Now when your mom says to stop playing on your phone, you can tell her you're making music...literally.

(You know the deal, click the title to go to the site!)

Students run label!

Yep you heard it! A small label is actually being run by students! What started off as an upper-division course at the University of Memphis is now a "student-run record label" called Blue TOM Records and primarily focuses "on releasing music created by students and Southern musicians." How about that?!

The label has been impressively successful by working with local groups and released 2 compilation records.

As many of you know that there are now 3 major record labels left because EMI is no longer a player amongst the others. In my opinion, reading this article about students running a label just goes to show that this industry continues to thrive. Not only that, but perhaps we in the field need to go back to the basics. As I just wrote there are now only 3 major labels left...hell I remember when there was the big 5 and that wasn't too long ago. Perhaps the giants need to learn a lesson or unfortunately and I hate to say this...but maybe its time for the giants to step down....that or start to do something different to save themselves because something isn't working out for them.

As for my peers at U. of Memphis, good luck!

(You know the deal, hit the title!)

Intern Like a Rockstar!

As you know my reason to blog is to bring you my readers the best I know in how to learn everything possible about the music industry and where to refer you to that information.

Intern Like a Rockstar is a great example of my mission! You need to check out this site because not only does it strive to give you up to date info about the field but also internships, newsletters and info about jobs in the industry!

I can't stress it enough of those of you wanting to work in the music industry to check out this site and sign up for its newsletters...and yes I practice what I preach...I too have signed up!

(Click on the title to go to the site.)

Happy New Year!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year! I wish everyone a better year this year since the last one sucked across the board and for lots of people. But enough of that because its a new year! And with that being said, here is a new post about in regards to the Billboard Touring Conference and Awards that took place in November....yes yes I know I'm late on that but thought since I'm in the whole new year mood what better way than to look back on what affected the touring business both good and bad, and what businesses are doing now and for the future.

(As always, click on the title to go to the site.)