Friday, June 20, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
"The Music Business Is Worse Than The Dope Game....." Ummmm....Ooookay?
Often I hear people say this. And often I give them the same confused and bewildered look I have given to many people time and time again. Ummmm..... the dope game? I don't even smoke cigarettes! How can I possibly understand the correlation of the music industry to a crack cocaine dealer? Right. I'm still confused.
But after constantly studying, and peddling my way through the industry I have realized a few basic truths that may encompass the meaning behind the dope game phrase, as well as running across some one who may be able to help us.
For one, 80% of the people in this business are dishonest. They will steal from you, lie to you, and basically do any thing they can to get that next "fix" i.e. deal, to include almost selling their souls to the devil. Which, is where I believe the phrase "This business is worse than the dope game" actually comes from. Buuuuut..... if not, I'm still confused.
But! In my travels I have been very fortunate to meet some very loyal and experienced pioneers in the industry beginning with Robert Terell. Mr Terell is the owner of Wealth Nation, a quickly growing and dynamic Management Firm catering to Indie Artists and Labels seeking that extra "push" in their careers and network. Take a look at an excerpt I was able to find summarizing his experience breifly:
(Hype Magazine) "Robert Terell is a serial entrepreneur, whose areas of expertise include brand development, personal finance and business management. Terell has more than 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry including; business management, A&R, international marketing and deal negotiation. He currently holds the position of A&R Director and Project Manager with IMG Recordings, which is distributed via Warner Brothers, Sony, EMI and Universal Music Group." Needless to say, he is "DA PLUG".
Fortunately for me I was able to briefly encounter Mr. Terell as I was applying for a position as an Entertainment Executive for Wealth Nation. During my initial interview he candidly and honestly discussed with me the "New Dynamic" of the music indsutry, and how the age of walking into a label and getting signed off of "being hot" with no internet presence or numbers has pretty much gone down the drain. He explained that in 2014 you need money, and above that, you need a plan. In other words, direction in this industry is much more important than speed. As there are 43 million unsigned artists in the world going nowhere, FAST.
But as I usually do, once my interview was over I began to research Wealth Nation, as well as Mr. Terell just to double check his accomplishments and accolades to find that he is VERY connected and well versed in the music industry, as well a teacher, motivational speaker, mentor and father. In addition, as I was reading an excerpt from an article in Hype Magazine (that I sourced for much of the information in this blog) I was able to find out a few of the initial questions that he asks artists BEFORE working with them, that could not only better prepare an unsigned artist for working with him, but also help an unsigned artist gage what areas they need to focus on period, so that they may be better equipped to speak with industry executives. Please see the excerpt below: (Source Hype Magazine)
What do you seek to learn about each artist prior to working with them?
1. What is their REAL budget? What portion do they have access to NOW!!
2.What does their current online/offline presence look like right now? Ie: social media, blog sites, press, etc. What’s their street buzz like in their own market and surrounding markets? Do they have a genuine fanbase? What equity has been built into their brand locally, regionally, and nationally?
3.What is their ultimate objective? A Major Record Deal? Distribution Deal? Label Deal? Management? Licensing Deal? Merchandising? Etc.
4. What’s their personality like? Worth Ethic? Ability to listen? Focus? Passion? Discipline?
5. What is their industry IQ?
6. Who are they currently working with? Ie: Management, Producers, Labels, Networks, and other Artists
7. What type of deals are they in or have they signed and what’s the status of those deals?
Great right? Exactly! Very pertinent information for an artist who is serious about his or her career and who is looking to make the right moves, with the right people. I, of course read the entire article, in which I will put the link below, so that you can read it later for more resourcing and information.
So! That pretty much sums up our "Dope Game" lesson for today. Lol! Brief it was, but very informative. If applied correctly and carefully, you can take that tid bit of information about Mr. Terell, Wealth Nation, and his thoughts on the "New Industry Dynamic", and position yourselves to take your musical career to new heights. I charge you to research him, study his business model as I will, and make sure your head is in the game. Not the dope game though, the REAL game, called LIFE. Which for most of us, this music is just that, our life.
Until next time!!!!! I wish you Love! Peace! Annnnnnnnnd SOOOOOOOUL!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥
Hype Magazine Link - Story on Robert Terell and Wealth Nation: http://www.thehypemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=244:who-is-robert-terell-&catid=39:rokfeature
But after constantly studying, and peddling my way through the industry I have realized a few basic truths that may encompass the meaning behind the dope game phrase, as well as running across some one who may be able to help us.
For one, 80% of the people in this business are dishonest. They will steal from you, lie to you, and basically do any thing they can to get that next "fix" i.e. deal, to include almost selling their souls to the devil. Which, is where I believe the phrase "This business is worse than the dope game" actually comes from. Buuuuut..... if not, I'm still confused.
But! In my travels I have been very fortunate to meet some very loyal and experienced pioneers in the industry beginning with Robert Terell. Mr Terell is the owner of Wealth Nation, a quickly growing and dynamic Management Firm catering to Indie Artists and Labels seeking that extra "push" in their careers and network. Take a look at an excerpt I was able to find summarizing his experience breifly:
(Hype Magazine) "Robert Terell is a serial entrepreneur, whose areas of expertise include brand development, personal finance and business management. Terell has more than 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry including; business management, A&R, international marketing and deal negotiation. He currently holds the position of A&R Director and Project Manager with IMG Recordings, which is distributed via Warner Brothers, Sony, EMI and Universal Music Group." Needless to say, he is "DA PLUG".
Fortunately for me I was able to briefly encounter Mr. Terell as I was applying for a position as an Entertainment Executive for Wealth Nation. During my initial interview he candidly and honestly discussed with me the "New Dynamic" of the music indsutry, and how the age of walking into a label and getting signed off of "being hot" with no internet presence or numbers has pretty much gone down the drain. He explained that in 2014 you need money, and above that, you need a plan. In other words, direction in this industry is much more important than speed. As there are 43 million unsigned artists in the world going nowhere, FAST.
But as I usually do, once my interview was over I began to research Wealth Nation, as well as Mr. Terell just to double check his accomplishments and accolades to find that he is VERY connected and well versed in the music industry, as well a teacher, motivational speaker, mentor and father. In addition, as I was reading an excerpt from an article in Hype Magazine (that I sourced for much of the information in this blog) I was able to find out a few of the initial questions that he asks artists BEFORE working with them, that could not only better prepare an unsigned artist for working with him, but also help an unsigned artist gage what areas they need to focus on period, so that they may be better equipped to speak with industry executives. Please see the excerpt below: (Source Hype Magazine)
What do you seek to learn about each artist prior to working with them?
1. What is their REAL budget? What portion do they have access to NOW!!
2.What does their current online/offline presence look like right now? Ie: social media, blog sites, press, etc. What’s their street buzz like in their own market and surrounding markets? Do they have a genuine fanbase? What equity has been built into their brand locally, regionally, and nationally?
3.What is their ultimate objective? A Major Record Deal? Distribution Deal? Label Deal? Management? Licensing Deal? Merchandising? Etc.
4. What’s their personality like? Worth Ethic? Ability to listen? Focus? Passion? Discipline?
5. What is their industry IQ?
6. Who are they currently working with? Ie: Management, Producers, Labels, Networks, and other Artists
7. What type of deals are they in or have they signed and what’s the status of those deals?
Great right? Exactly! Very pertinent information for an artist who is serious about his or her career and who is looking to make the right moves, with the right people. I, of course read the entire article, in which I will put the link below, so that you can read it later for more resourcing and information.
So! That pretty much sums up our "Dope Game" lesson for today. Lol! Brief it was, but very informative. If applied correctly and carefully, you can take that tid bit of information about Mr. Terell, Wealth Nation, and his thoughts on the "New Industry Dynamic", and position yourselves to take your musical career to new heights. I charge you to research him, study his business model as I will, and make sure your head is in the game. Not the dope game though, the REAL game, called LIFE. Which for most of us, this music is just that, our life.
Until next time!!!!! I wish you Love! Peace! Annnnnnnnnd SOOOOOOOUL!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥
Hype Magazine Link - Story on Robert Terell and Wealth Nation: http://www.thehypemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=244:who-is-robert-terell-&catid=39:rokfeature
Saturday, March 23, 2013
NC Artist Profile - "Lil Drex" of EatCity/SoFresh Ent.
Genre: Rap/Hip
Hop
Place of
Birth: Fort White FL
Cross over
artist Courtney Williams aka “ Lil Drex “ refers to his movement as “poetry
in motion”. Drex possesses both the talent and musical passion to turn heads in
the entertainment/music industry with his charisma, astounding studio resume,
as well as street credibility all obtained at a very young age.
Florida
native Lil Drex left home at an early age, allowing him to suffer experiences
that would cause most young artists to lose focus. Instead, Drex rose above his
adversity, using his music as a vehicle of healing and expression, gaining him
both momentum and recognition as an ‘urban poet’, and positive role model to
those in his community. Drex maintains the facts that though he has suffered
through much emotionally, music has become his source of strength, and the tool
he uses to speak to, and through others.
Drex cites his
lyrical influences to the likes of Tupac, Master P and Trick Daddy. All artists,
whom like Drex, have risen from poverty and used life’s struggle to become a
muse for authenticity in their music. However, Drex chooses not to focus his lyrics
or message on the struggle, but yet the solution that can be resolved through
personal and positive choices, the premise behind the ‘Lil Drex’ and SoFresh
Entertainment movement.
As a progressive
artist Drex has gained experience through numerous performance venues and tours to include opening up sold out
concerts for Juvenile, Mystical, French Montana, Rocco, Yo Gotti, Jeezy, Lil,
Webbie and Trick Daddy, to name a few. Currently working on a dual mix tape
drop, now preceding two previous underground mix tapes already circulating, “Thug
Living Vol. 5” and “The Lil Drex Show”, Drex is confident that his new dual mix
tape drop will be his most successful street debut yet, second only to his
album drop, set to hit the streets late summer 2013.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
"Come Sign Me" Segment - Choosing The Right Label
How to Choose The Right Label For You ~~
Hi Guys!
So today I'm going to start my "Come Sign Me" segment in which I discuss how successful music managers and artists even, end up signed to a major label.
Since I have been in the business I have come to learn a few things. One thing being that most artists DON'T KNOW SHIT. They want to be famous, be rich and get signed, but they have NO CLUE how to get there.
First, you need to figure out which labels actually need an artist like you. What good does it do to send your music and tracks to labels that mostly only deal with POP if you're a HIP HOP artist? Not only did you just waste your time, but you also just pissed off a content manager who was already not having a good day.
Second, you need to make sure that you're even ready to be pitched to a label. Do you have an EPK? What do your numbers look like? How many recent Press Releases have you submitted? Have you successfully pitched a radio campaign? Who's your manager? Have you established a budget on your own? How many followers do you have? When is your next performance or tour? What are your plans and goals for future promotion? Do you know for sure that your music is up to industry standards???...... RIGHT. If you can't answer these questions, you're not ready. Plain and simple.
But!!! For those of you who ARE ready, below I have put together a list of all the top major labels and the smaller sub (subsidiary) labels that will be more inclined to work with you as an Indie Artist/Label.
My advice would be to make some contacts with the sub labels and try to get signed with them. Once you have some good sales under your belt you can then think about moving to a major.
Here is my gift to you (list below) …I did all the work for ya, all you have to do know is START PLUGGING!!!!!
EMI GROUP PLC
Sub labels
- Capitol Records
- Virgin
- Blue Note
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Sub labels
- Geffen Records
- Island Def Jam Music Group
- Motown Records
- Verve Music Group
- Decca Music Group.
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT INC
Sub labels:
- Arista Records
- Columbia Records
- Jive Records
- RCA Records.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP
Sub Labels:
- Atlantic Records
- Warner Bros
- Records
Love you guys!!!! If you have further questions about any of these labels or how to go about getting in touch with the AR's email me at ncradiovixen@gmail.com or simply just wait for my next segment.
Peace Out!
So today I'm going to start my "Come Sign Me" segment in which I discuss how successful music managers and artists even, end up signed to a major label.
Since I have been in the business I have come to learn a few things. One thing being that most artists DON'T KNOW SHIT. They want to be famous, be rich and get signed, but they have NO CLUE how to get there.
First, you need to figure out which labels actually need an artist like you. What good does it do to send your music and tracks to labels that mostly only deal with POP if you're a HIP HOP artist? Not only did you just waste your time, but you also just pissed off a content manager who was already not having a good day.
Second, you need to make sure that you're even ready to be pitched to a label. Do you have an EPK? What do your numbers look like? How many recent Press Releases have you submitted? Have you successfully pitched a radio campaign? Who's your manager? Have you established a budget on your own? How many followers do you have? When is your next performance or tour? What are your plans and goals for future promotion? Do you know for sure that your music is up to industry standards???...... RIGHT. If you can't answer these questions, you're not ready. Plain and simple.
But!!! For those of you who ARE ready, below I have put together a list of all the top major labels and the smaller sub (subsidiary) labels that will be more inclined to work with you as an Indie Artist/Label.
My advice would be to make some contacts with the sub labels and try to get signed with them. Once you have some good sales under your belt you can then think about moving to a major.
Here is my gift to you (list below) …I did all the work for ya, all you have to do know is START PLUGGING!!!!!
EMI GROUP PLC
Sub labels
- Capitol Records
- Virgin
- Blue Note
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Sub labels
- Geffen Records
- Island Def Jam Music Group
- Motown Records
- Verve Music Group
- Decca Music Group.
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT INC
Sub labels:
- Arista Records
- Columbia Records
- Jive Records
- RCA Records.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP
Sub Labels:
- Atlantic Records
- Warner Bros
- Records
Love you guys!!!! If you have further questions about any of these labels or how to go about getting in touch with the AR's email me at ncradiovixen@gmail.com or simply just wait for my next segment.
Peace Out!
BE A "GOAL DIGGER"
OMG!!! I am like sooooo INSPIRED today!!!!! So I was on Facebook, like I am most mornings around 9 am and I saw a post from Millionaire Divas Club (go subscribe the page is great) that read, "BE A GOAL DIGGER". I was like, WOW! How positive is that!?!!!!????!!!! And guys, to be perfectly honest it hit home for me for a couple of reasons.
I won't go into all of them but I will touch on one specific thing that really BURNS ME UP and that is how women are portrayed in the music industry. Most of us as are portrayed as sex symbols, video vixens, eye candy, hoes, jumps offs, etc. Basically, SEX ON A STICK! Which really, really bothers me. Mostly because alot of us don't have to succumb to that at all! There are so many talented, smart, and beautifully educated women in this industry but for some reason they choose to be behind the man, instead of in front or at least beside him, and choose to be labeled as a sex symbol, versus the powerful and talented woman that they are. WHY? Because most do not have the courage, or enough self esteem or self respect to DEMAND to be equal in this business. Instead of being a lioness they choose to settle for being a "kitty", literally.
So with that being said and without me getting on a soap box I will end it with this. Ladies all the power you need to be successful in this business lies WITHIN YOU, not BESIDE YOU. Having a man to fulfill you emotionally is fine, but financially YOU DON'T NEED HIM. I charge you to become self sufficient. Sit down and figure out what it is that makes you "tick", and then capitalize on that. Set yourself some short and long terms goals and become RELENTLESS in achieving them. Then, build a support group. Surround yourself with positive people who can feed you positive energy. Stay away from "negative cake". It makes you fat and miserable. As a matter of fact go on Facebook and start with the Millionaire Divas Club. Go on the page and start reading. It has tons of positive imagery and posts on there. Be mindful of what you take in. If it's not positive don't digest it, period. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you only get to live it once. Give it every thing you've got, and some times even what you don't. Become a GOAL DIGGER. At least at the end of the day you'll be the person responsible for what you dig up. Good or bad.
Love you guys!!!!!!!!! Until Next time. ♥
Vivian Cash, NC's Radio Vixen
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Indie Artist Spotlight
Hi Guys!!!!
Soooo for the month of March each Friday I am going to feature an artist in my Indie Artist Spotlight segment. To be featured all you have to do is send me 2 of your BEST tracks and a Youtube video if you have one. Once submitted, I will go through all the tracks received and select ONE to be my Indie Artist of the week. If selected, not only will you be featured on my blog, which will include an interview and photos featured on my blog, but in addition, you could possibly win a promo video and free radio promotion as well. To submit your tracks simply email me at ncradiovixen@gmail.com.
Good luck!!!!!!!
Vivian Cash, N.C.'s 'Radio Vixen'
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