Introduce yourself!

[Thedy B]

You just never know who people are, what people do, what connections you can make and have, and where that person may take you. So introduce yourself to each other: send a comment, or post who you are here in this forum. Let's make some connections! I'm telling y'all these social networking sites work when we work them! Some of you are here because of friendships. Some need what you have. Some can learn. Some can share. So don't just "park here" - meet, greet, and socialize! (:-) And don't forget to post, start a discussion, start a group, post some pictures,share your videos. Let's make this site a music business family site!

I personally look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
hitsamillion.blogspot.com

[Thedy B]

and into video games!

[Grego]

Whats good everyone.. First of all great Idea on creating this social network. I always kinda missed a STRONG network for people in the music bizz to interact and discuss current topics and trends...

My name is Grego. I'm a 22 years old self-driven individual out of Europe and am currently a Digital Marketing Director for WestCoast Phenomenon "The Game" and the Black WallStreet... Basically trying to continue bringing their careers to the ultimate level. Through the use of street team penetration, online focus, innovative technology, and strategic marketing, I am working to help set the industry standard on how artists take their careers to the next level with support of a promotional staff.

My latest project was the whole social network for ThisiZGame.com

Hit me up for anything at [e-mail]


Grego

[Thedy B]

Thanks for the love. 22 and doing your thing. Nice! Okay, so the game has a ning site too: is it really just to promote him and the things he and his camp are doing? You say you're from Europe...are you presently there? How did you hook up with his camp from Europe? How did you hear about this site?

[Urban Underground®]

Hey How goes it?

I'm here thanks to TwinSpirit.
I'm
Keith 'KDubbs' Williams
Bassist/Producer for
Urban Underground®
www.myspace.com/urbanunderground

I'm an old skool veteran of the music industry having worn just about every 'hat' there is to wear in this 'business' (CEO, A&R, Promoter, Manager, Agent, Artist, Producer, Engineer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Graphic Artist, you name it, I've done it). I won't say I've done it 'well' because thats' for others to say.
But let's just say I'm respected and have made a name for myself working with various Major Label signed acts and minor label artists in all the 'Urban' music genres (HipHop, Rap, R&B, NeoSoul, Funk, Acid Jazz, etc.).

I specialize in Remixxes and Remakes. Taking that accapella vocal and breathing NEW LIFE into it.

I'm currently involved with a HipHop release, a Smooth Jazz guitar group (JDR Quartet), a couple SF Bay Area churches-playing Bass and working on my own future Acid Jazz/Smooth Jazz release (slated hopefully for release in spring of 2009).

If you are an instrumental SOLOIST or a vocalist-singer or MC, I need your help on this project (Twin/Quimby ya hear me? smile)..
Early preliminary example tracks posted here;
www.myspace.com/urbanundergroundinstrumentals


GOD Bless

[Thedy B]

oooooh I like acid jazz so let us know when you release it!

Which of the roles that you took on in the biz did you like doing the most? Which was the hardest? Any advice for those wanting to get in the business?

In terms of vocalists, what type of sound are you looking for? Are you going to be traveling? Will the artist need to travel with you?

[Urban Underground®]

Thanks. Yeah you will be posted up on when the Acid Jazz release drops.
I'll probably even post up a few of the tracks here.

The role(s) in the biz I like the BEST are the one's I'm still doing
(Producer/Engineer/Bass Player/Graphic Artist).

The HARDEST is CEO and Promoter. Mainly because most people generally want to do things 'THEIR WAY'. Not a good attitude to have when it's not that individual who is bankrolling the whole thing (Selfish attitudes).
They tend to think there's only one way to skin a cat (THEIR way), and unfortunately it frequently doesn't include that 4 letter word (WORK - which is much different than 'convenience'). Hard Work is INCONVENIENT...

So my advice is to Stay Humble (it's not ALL about YOU) but WORK hard, and put your money where your mouth is.

If someone else is willing to do the work for you, especially when they kick in their own money, AND their own time, get out of the way and let them do what they do.
Have an open mind,
Don't expect anyone to do something for you (using their own time and own money for FREE), unless you are willing to do something for them for free.
Everyone seems to want HANDOUTS.. This is the music 'BUSINESS'. It's a FOR PROFIT situation. No one who is any good at 'business' will work for very long for free.. You get what you pay for (you are not working with a 'professional' if you are not paying them). Don't pay someone who doesn't have a good established RESUME (if they haven't made someone else money, chances are they can't make you any money).

Do Collaborations whenever possible.
Until your name is a household name (not just in your city), look to work with others who are at your level or higher (often times this requires you to work for free- or at least for 'future payments').

In terms of vocalists, I'm interested in someone who is polished and yet has 'their own sound' (see the humble comment above). I meet a lot of folks trying so hard to be the next Beyounce, trying to be the next Erykah, trying to be the next Anthony Hamilton, Mariah Carey, etc. etc. find YOU and be the best YOU you can be (polish you).

When you hear my music, you'll understand what I'm saying (who do I sound like)?

I haven't really prepared for the 'traveling' question. That being said, I will go to the artist to record (I have a portable recording setup), or they can travel here to the San Francisco bay.

Once the project is off the ground, we will be interested in touring YES if that's the question.

Initially the tour will be California only, until the budget kicks in (or hookups-opening for certain acts and so forth). But yes the objective is for the project to become self sustaining, full time, and financially solvent (which IS going to take a LOT of hard work- lol)...

KDubbs
Bassist/Producer
Urban Underground®

[Rikki]

So my advice is to Stay Humble (there's always gonna be someone better than you) but WORK hard, and put your money where your mouth is.

If someone else is willing to do the work for you, especially if it's their money, get out of the way and let them do what they do.

Amen!

[Thedy B]

That's real good advice right there too! I agree especially on the paying people to help you part and/or bartering services and about collaborating. And boy, we could talk all day about humility! Humble ppl are rare ppl indeed in the industry but I will say that when I interviewed Adonis and Cristyle, both of them were extremely humble and great ppl to meet.

And thanks for clarifying on what you're looking for. Also, put your needs up in the classified ad forum too: That's a good place to put what you are looking for too.

[Monts! ter®]

"
Do Collaborations whenever possible.
Until your name is a household name (not just in your city), look to work with others who are at your level or higher (often times this requires you to work for free- or at least for 'future payments')."

AMEN!

[Stephannie Reed]

Hello everyone. My name is Stephannie (with 2 n's). I'm a singer/songwriter. I'm originally from Houston,TX. I live in Atlanta, GA. I'm trying to find my way into this thing. I'm not new to it, but I'm sticking with it this time.

[Thedy B]

Stephannie, glad you came over here! We gotta get our analysis of hitsongwriters going on on this site! I hope you are going to join the Lyrically Speaking group and set it off!

and um...if it's Stephannie with 2 n's then why didn't you spell your name with a "t" in it as your username! (:-)

[Stephannie Reed]

I type too fast Thedy.....rofl. I don't be catching my mistakes man. (:-) I fixed it though...on both sites. And um.....joining the Lyrically Speaking group as we speak.