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.)