Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Hello Everyone!

I just want to wish everyone Happy Holidays!

I know this has been a busy time for many of you and there's been so much going on with everyone whether its spending time with loved ones or shopping for friends.

Therefore, I will make this post sweet and short and will continue posting in the New Year along with an updated entry with my recent internship experience on a metal-themed cruise called 'Barge to Hell,' where I made some new friends and as always networked!

I wish all the best for everyone in the year to come.

Nicole

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Billboard Switches It Up

Billboard has updated its Latin, country, rock and hip-hop charts in order to accurately include data from streaming and downloading via the Internet. It has also maintained some of the traditional methods, such as radio spins. 

Basically, whenever one is streaming from Rhapsody or downloading music from iTunes, this data will now be counted as well to reflect what artist/band is being sought out the most.

This is a great idea and it just goes to show how this business continues to evolve and take into account to what fans have to say...something unfortunately some businesses still lack or refuse to change their old ways.

Kudos to Billboard for always trying to stay on top of its game.

Monday, October 08, 2012

Job Seeker Gets Creative

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that its' super hard to land a job...trust me, I personally know.  And job seekers are doing anything they can to survive this tough market....even outside the box.

Check out Mike Castellucci, who graduated just last year at the top of his class and still can't find work. So he decided perhaps running in marathons was a good idea to help polish his resume. As he was preparing for one of his marathons, it hit him....post an oversized resume to his back?!

Yep! HIS BACK! He figured it'd be a great way to get potential employers' attention and let's be honest, who wouldn't be talking about this?

My only suggestion: have a stack of business cards Mike while you run and good luck!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Awesome Interview with Bill Silva!

Steve Rennie featured music entrepreneur Bill Silva this past week as a guest speaker on his site.

Silva created Bill Silva Presents (BSP, a concert and promotions company) and Bill Silva Management (BSM, an artist management company). He's produced shows with everyone from Bob Dylan to Madonna, and manages artists, such as Jason Mraz and Christina Perri.

Oh and FYI, he started BSP while in college!

Check out this amazing interview from starting his company to working with artists and incorporating brand marketing!


Monday, September 03, 2012

Rebuilding Detroit's Music Scene

People often complain or talk about the current state of today's music industry and about the artists who either are or aren't talented.  But I don't think we talk enough about other areas within the business that can actually help grow or better itself.  For example, the latest "trend" is rebuilding Detroit's music scene.

Gary Anglebrandt's Detroit's Challenge: Building Music Industry article is a great read and well worth your time about how Detroit can make a comeback from the days of Motown and who doesn't love a comeback? The local music scene is great, but unfortunately major tours skip the area and this isn't good for fans or locals.

However, there are opportunities like starting a conference....hint...hint...South by Southwest (SXSW) for starters.  Anglebrandt also mentions that the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. (DEGC) had indicated a major label possibly opening a studio but can't confirm or give more info.

Although the rest of us can complain about how today's industry is in the dumps, I think we could all do something to help bring back some old school we all grew up on.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Straight From The Pro

Hey Everyone,

My apologies for the absence.  However, this is one post you're going to want to take notes on!

Steve Rennie, manager of Incubus...yes that's what I wrote...has started his own site

(http://www.renmanmusicandbusiness.com/)

to help those wanting to work in the business by giving advice through videos and webcasts with other pros from the business.  Members can ask him questions, as well as post and network with others.

This is a great idea because not only will users be getting the right advice but know what it is like hearing from the team behind the artist, which is something we don't hear too often.  Mr Rennie, congrats on your new site and we all look forward to learning from you.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Sit Down with Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris

All I can say is that I'm on a natural high because earlier today I met Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men!  Yes!  Mr. Morris sat down with Full Sail University and discussed the group's new album "Twenty," and topics ranging from being in the music business to knowing one's basics (I'll explain in more detail).

Morris sat down and gave the group's background and how he learned that one must have "respect and love for each other." Basically, its "about everyone" he stated.

The second thing he learned was that finances needed to be out of the way. "[It] keeps focus on the group, keeps the music going." (Only if some of our young artists today would have heard him say this!) He continued to explain that the reason he felt the group was so focused on their craft was because they shared everything evenly.

Morris was questioned about change in the music and if it was important to keep up with what's on the radio. His response, "60 million people fell in love what we do." He agreed there was some pressure and second guessing himself was natural but doing what they (as in the group) do best is what truly made them who they are.  If anything, he suggested to "try different things in the realm of what you're doing."

The change in the music industry itself was also a major topic.  He foresees the industry being in "business" for at least another 10 to 15 years and then artists will have to find another way to make money.  To further note change, he used the Grammy's as an example and how only artists were allowed to attend. It "used to be a unique club.  If you weren't part of the entertainment industry, you couldn't be involved.  Its not special anymore."  However, he did explain why this is probably occurring because the industry needs to make money and he could understand that.

Another important piece of advice he gave was learning one's basics...meaning knowing your craft.  In his case, reading and writing music, and learning instruments not pulling them up from one's laptop .  He stated that its essential to know what it is that you're doing because it will be the only thing that you can fall back on and eventually "someone's going to pull the plug."

One common but often forgotten manner he gave, "always be punctual." He indicated that this is still important, but unfortunately our society has allowed people to become lazy in this manner.

In addition, as an artist he also spoke vaguely about his support team. "[You] have to respect people you hire and let them do their job." Of course every artists wants to be involved in everything that has to do with his or her career but when it comes to certain things, let others handle them.

And by having this network of support, it can even give you leverage or something you can bring to the bargaining table if a record label wants to sign you. "[You] want to have leverage" in terms of having a CD already done, a manager, and "whatever you feel you need to feel stable" because labels aren't going to want to spend money on you.

Morris' sit down was great and I was so honored to have been a part of it! And just to show you how appreciative this group is, he stayed and took pictures with everyone who wanted one despite being on a time crunch!



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

New Trend Alert!

Happy new year! And with that being said, I literally just saw moments ago on ABC News, a new trend among dads to be. 

Dad-Chelor parties! 

What?! Yes, turns out this new trend is when "new" daddies get together with their buds and celebrate the new bundle of joy's arrival along with beer and diapers!

I have to admit, I'm kind of digging the idea! Why not celebrate a little one's arrival and actually be happy about it! GO DADDY GO!

(To check out footage of a new daddy partying it up, click the title!)