So the other day, out of the blue, I decided to email a raw...and I mean raw track to the head of urban buying for approximately 800 FYE stores, just to get some feedback. Now, let me explain (back story)why I felt comfortable emailing a track to someone in this position.
It was about five, six at the most, years ago, when someone we had sent a few demo tracks to in Las Vegas contacted my partner and told him some encouraging news. He had let a few people in the music industry listen to the tracks and they were enthusiastic about the potential. (not until later did I understan that potential is not enough)
One of those people, was this buyer for FYE. This contact said he would pass on our information to this buyer, and as we waited, and the music we had presented them with began to evaporate before my eyes due to growth of the artists, I celebrated more than a few birthdays(yeah, me) and learned how to dye my own grays.
Jump ahead three years or so (approximately 2007)and on one of my many trips to Los Angeles, while sitting in my hotel room, wondering what that small stain on the floor was (eeww) I received a call from one of my new clients. He informed me that his friend, who works in a halfway house, is friends with someone who is friends with this FYE buyer, and he had made contact with this person. Now, mind you, he had no idea I knew who they were (oh, yeah, I googled them six years ago)so he was uncertain if this was a good connection to make. Now this FYE buyer is not just any run of the mill person in the industry. They have been in the music industry for over 30 years. Have worked at various labels as an A&R, and was even mentioned on both an Eminem and a Prince track. You can understand the "wow, this is only God" moment I had.
My client had their personal cell phone number, business and personal email addresses...and now so did I. I called them immediately, and was invited to email some tracks for feedback. I did that, got the feedback, which was very positive by the way, and asked them if I could meet with them on my next trip to California. I was relieved by the, "most definately".
Jump ahead to my next trip. I met this person at their office and talked about the industry and how they could help me. They said they would buy my artists' CD in their region once they secured distribution. YEAH!
Since then, three years now if you're counting, I have been in contact with this person for advice, to verify if so in so really works at Universal records as he claims (yeah, people lie about stuff like that...smile) and just to say hello. That is why I felt very comfortable submitting the new material to them for feedback.
Whew....so, to continue. The reply I got was something to the effect of, "I hate when I get asked to give feedback because I can only be honest, but in this case it's all good".....God is good, and although we need to have a completed project in order for this person to really do anything for us, we are going to celebrate every positive step even if we have to wipe some things off the bottom of our shoes every once in a while. They make travel sized baby wipes, just for such an occasion.
Edified,
Jai
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Book of Eli - my two cents (spoliers)
The Book of Eli – My two cents (contains spoilers)
This movie very cleverly is comparing and contrasting religion and faith, as they are two very different things with Denzel representing faith while Oldman represented religion. Faith will set man free while religion imprisons. Faith is relationship between man and God and religion is a political organization designed to control people. This movie illustrates the difference. I’m not sure this was a movie about Christianity, specifically because at the end of the movie, the Bible is placed on the shelf next to the Koran and other religious books. The book shelf scene is a pinnacle moment of the film.
Denzel represented all of us, metaphorically, blind to all around us, seeing only our selves and not what is truly important...Treat others better than you treat yourself. Faith can only be experienced blindly, that’s what faith is.
You can tell if you pay attention to the movie that he is not only figuratively blind but literally blind, if only partially. For those of you who didn't catch it the first time, go back and watch the movie a second time. Watch for all the things he does, and doesn't do. Ask me what I saw, and we can exchange lists…smile
There is nothing through the whole movie that he did that he didn't do blindly, figuratively and literally.
As for those who think his ability to sense things to be ridiculous, my first response is; it’s just a movie. Did you not notice the silky hair and stylish long cut, and, compared to others, the extremely white teeth on Mila Kunis? My second response is to tell them to ask a blind person to describe a sound or a deaf person to describe a smell...it is more vivid than any description a seeing or hearing person would describe.
Some have said to me that there was a lot of violence by the main character considering his was Christian. Did he ever once proclaim he was saved and sanctified…smile.
I thought it was a good movie even if it was a familiar plot. So far, the only people that have told me they didn’t like it are those who quite possibly missed much of message or maybe they feel convicted….smile
Clearly, my opinion…and my blog
This movie very cleverly is comparing and contrasting religion and faith, as they are two very different things with Denzel representing faith while Oldman represented religion. Faith will set man free while religion imprisons. Faith is relationship between man and God and religion is a political organization designed to control people. This movie illustrates the difference. I’m not sure this was a movie about Christianity, specifically because at the end of the movie, the Bible is placed on the shelf next to the Koran and other religious books. The book shelf scene is a pinnacle moment of the film.
Denzel represented all of us, metaphorically, blind to all around us, seeing only our selves and not what is truly important...Treat others better than you treat yourself. Faith can only be experienced blindly, that’s what faith is.
You can tell if you pay attention to the movie that he is not only figuratively blind but literally blind, if only partially. For those of you who didn't catch it the first time, go back and watch the movie a second time. Watch for all the things he does, and doesn't do. Ask me what I saw, and we can exchange lists…smile
There is nothing through the whole movie that he did that he didn't do blindly, figuratively and literally.
As for those who think his ability to sense things to be ridiculous, my first response is; it’s just a movie. Did you not notice the silky hair and stylish long cut, and, compared to others, the extremely white teeth on Mila Kunis? My second response is to tell them to ask a blind person to describe a sound or a deaf person to describe a smell...it is more vivid than any description a seeing or hearing person would describe.
Some have said to me that there was a lot of violence by the main character considering his was Christian. Did he ever once proclaim he was saved and sanctified…smile.
I thought it was a good movie even if it was a familiar plot. So far, the only people that have told me they didn’t like it are those who quite possibly missed much of message or maybe they feel convicted….smile
Clearly, my opinion…and my blog
Oklahoma here I come....Not
OK, so I chose not to travel to Oklahoma this weekend. I was unable to sleep as I fought with myself about a decision. I can understand why the Bible discourages being doubled minded. I assume this means having such contradictory thoughts about a single thing that it can only be described as having two minds. Man, the energy it takes to navigate from one mind to the other. Sometimes you get lost...and are just feeling around in the dark, bumping into a string of unrelated, distracting and consuming thoughts. How could I sleep? One mind wanted to give some relief to the eyes that burned while the other mind wanted to continue to write and rewrite the list of prod and cons.
Don't get me wrong. I yearn for the days I get to; wake up at 4am in order to arrive to the airport for my 6am flight that is delayed until 10am; fly from here to Utah to Sacramento in order to get to L.A.; sit in the middle seat after looking forward to sleeping on the flight; realize I should have grabbed something to eat because they don't feed you on flights any more.
Even with all of these wonderful things to look forward to (boy I love to travel)I still had to weigh the most important question of all. Do I want to use my frequent flyer miles on a ticket to Oklahoma? All I can say is I slept very well last night after making the decision to stay....
But, I'm not crazy...smile....There will be three of my artists' there (two flew out today) and my partner from California...just in case.
Don't get me wrong. I yearn for the days I get to; wake up at 4am in order to arrive to the airport for my 6am flight that is delayed until 10am; fly from here to Utah to Sacramento in order to get to L.A.; sit in the middle seat after looking forward to sleeping on the flight; realize I should have grabbed something to eat because they don't feed you on flights any more.
Even with all of these wonderful things to look forward to (boy I love to travel)I still had to weigh the most important question of all. Do I want to use my frequent flyer miles on a ticket to Oklahoma? All I can say is I slept very well last night after making the decision to stay....
But, I'm not crazy...smile....There will be three of my artists' there (two flew out today) and my partner from California...just in case.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Should I stay or should I go?
There are only three days left before the party. I just returned from Cali last week and honestly I am not looking forward to a six hour trip this weekend.
As a woman in the industry, I often wonder if it's because of my wonderful insight, great conversation and strong intellectual presence that allows me to hold the attention of key players in this game....or could it be that I look amazing in my form fitting, tailored dress, ruby red lipstick and red, two toned heels?
It can really be exhausting because as a woman I feel as though I have to work extra hard. Not to prove my worth, but to keep redirecting attention to what is coming out of my mouth from images of what my mouth could be doing other than talking.
I have been shocked to silence (yes, I have been at a loss for words) if only for a split second, at some of the conversations...blatant conversations, I have had with A&R people...who, in their words, were just "being real" with me. According to this one in particular, I won't mention any names, either I had to be managing incredible talent, or suck a mean d*** if I wanted to get anywhere in the music industry.
Wow...for those that know me, I graciously handed him my sampler CD of my artists and told him he could either listen to it, or toss it like a Frisbee...but he will not stop me from doing what I set out to do. Give him a CD. I also informed him that unfortunately for him, he is not the person I need to be working with and no one has any control over my success but me (as long as I follow God's plan, that is)
That is just ONE example...as I look back, this has really been a crazy ride so far and as we move closer to the goal, I expect it will only get worse. But, no matter what comes my way, I will always be me. It may take me a little longer to get where I'm going, but I will get there....looking hot in my form fitting, tailored dress, ruby red lipstick and my red, two toned heels....morals in tact.
I will use this blog as a personal journal of my trip to success, and it will be a trip...but also as a learning place for those who are on the same or similar path.
Edified,
Jai
As a woman in the industry, I often wonder if it's because of my wonderful insight, great conversation and strong intellectual presence that allows me to hold the attention of key players in this game....or could it be that I look amazing in my form fitting, tailored dress, ruby red lipstick and red, two toned heels?
It can really be exhausting because as a woman I feel as though I have to work extra hard. Not to prove my worth, but to keep redirecting attention to what is coming out of my mouth from images of what my mouth could be doing other than talking.
I have been shocked to silence (yes, I have been at a loss for words) if only for a split second, at some of the conversations...blatant conversations, I have had with A&R people...who, in their words, were just "being real" with me. According to this one in particular, I won't mention any names, either I had to be managing incredible talent, or suck a mean d*** if I wanted to get anywhere in the music industry.
Wow...for those that know me, I graciously handed him my sampler CD of my artists and told him he could either listen to it, or toss it like a Frisbee...but he will not stop me from doing what I set out to do. Give him a CD. I also informed him that unfortunately for him, he is not the person I need to be working with and no one has any control over my success but me (as long as I follow God's plan, that is)
That is just ONE example...as I look back, this has really been a crazy ride so far and as we move closer to the goal, I expect it will only get worse. But, no matter what comes my way, I will always be me. It may take me a little longer to get where I'm going, but I will get there....looking hot in my form fitting, tailored dress, ruby red lipstick and my red, two toned heels....morals in tact.
I will use this blog as a personal journal of my trip to success, and it will be a trip...but also as a learning place for those who are on the same or similar path.
Edified,
Jai
Sunday, February 21, 2010
It's late...and I'm up...again
My mind is so full of thoughts and ideas that writing is really the only way to release them. Being a woman in the entertainment industry is hard. I have very few people I can really talk to, heart felt and absolutely none at this hour...smile. What would I say if I did find an ear? Not sure, really, but I do have so many thoughts rushing through my head. I guess what I would want..is just an ear. One that would allow me to take the time to sort the thoughts out....ans not rush me becasue they have other things to do, or thoughts of their own to sort out.
Well, my sweet tooth is yelling at me to get something..and although it feels like I mistakenly put lighter fluid in my eyes instead of "Clear Eyes" and leaned over an open fire, I think I will muster up the focus and attempt to stop the yelling....smile. I am positive this will not help me sleep.....
Well, my sweet tooth is yelling at me to get something..and although it feels like I mistakenly put lighter fluid in my eyes instead of "Clear Eyes" and leaned over an open fire, I think I will muster up the focus and attempt to stop the yelling....smile. I am positive this will not help me sleep.....
Behind every great......
A supportive partner can make a world of difference in your life. Rather than stand behind you, they stand next to you, as your equal.
I thus submit that if you find me a great man, by my definition he will have a great woman in his life. And great to me is not money or influence or the amount of horsepower in his vehicle it’s about so much more. It is about depth of personality, strength of conviction, confidence, compassion, and courage. (think back to King Leonitus in 300 - wink)
A great man commands instant respect and admiration. He has friends who go to battle for and rely on him, family members who are proud of him and work associates who like to be around him. But most of all, he has a strong and stable woman by his side to support him. (Queen Gorgo in 300)
Do you have that woman?
Does she lift you up when you need it and provide constructive criticism to make you a better man? Better yet, does she make you strive to be a better man?
Ask yourself these questions..
Is she loyal? You can give your all to a woman and inspire zero devotion in return. In a dispute with a mutual acquaintance or even a family member, her allegiance is suspect. A supportive partner is on your side no matter what, ready to go to war with you and take on whatever obstacle life presents.
Does she challenge you? Meaning does she challenge you to progress all the time to develop, grow and go out there and get what you deserve out of life. Not nag (ladies) but challenge.
Does she inspire you? She can inspire by her example or by her word, but overall, she motivates you to get better.Hand in hand with her capacity to challenge you, her inspiration factor is essential. Physical attraction is what may get you at first but over time, you need a woman who can make you think and reflect on a deeper level. This is what inspiration is all about. When you have it, you change for the better and develop wisdom you thought you never had.
Does she sacrifice for you.? Never expect her to do so but keep tabs of when she has put you first. When she rushes to be with you in your hour of need (or not), be grateful. You don’t want a woman who sacrifices herself, but makes adjustments to consider you.
Does she love and care for you? Love is not a descriptive word. For me, real love encompasses every point listed above. The basic point of my message here is to get you men who are blessed enough to have a woman in your life who demonstrates all of these qualities as well as shows affection on a regular basis with abandon and ease -to recognize the treasure you have.
There is no elegant way to phrase it: life can suck sometimes. When it does, there is no remedy like the tender touch of a good woman. Strike that. A great woman. (smile)
If you answered YES to these questions… congratulations!
And remember that in order for the equation to balance, you have to execute every condition laid out above for her as well. Sorry men, but it’s a two-way street.(smile)
I thus submit that if you find me a great man, by my definition he will have a great woman in his life. And great to me is not money or influence or the amount of horsepower in his vehicle it’s about so much more. It is about depth of personality, strength of conviction, confidence, compassion, and courage. (think back to King Leonitus in 300 - wink)
A great man commands instant respect and admiration. He has friends who go to battle for and rely on him, family members who are proud of him and work associates who like to be around him. But most of all, he has a strong and stable woman by his side to support him. (Queen Gorgo in 300)
Do you have that woman?
Does she lift you up when you need it and provide constructive criticism to make you a better man? Better yet, does she make you strive to be a better man?
Ask yourself these questions..
Is she loyal? You can give your all to a woman and inspire zero devotion in return. In a dispute with a mutual acquaintance or even a family member, her allegiance is suspect. A supportive partner is on your side no matter what, ready to go to war with you and take on whatever obstacle life presents.
Does she challenge you? Meaning does she challenge you to progress all the time to develop, grow and go out there and get what you deserve out of life. Not nag (ladies) but challenge.
Does she inspire you? She can inspire by her example or by her word, but overall, she motivates you to get better.Hand in hand with her capacity to challenge you, her inspiration factor is essential. Physical attraction is what may get you at first but over time, you need a woman who can make you think and reflect on a deeper level. This is what inspiration is all about. When you have it, you change for the better and develop wisdom you thought you never had.
Does she sacrifice for you.? Never expect her to do so but keep tabs of when she has put you first. When she rushes to be with you in your hour of need (or not), be grateful. You don’t want a woman who sacrifices herself, but makes adjustments to consider you.
Does she love and care for you? Love is not a descriptive word. For me, real love encompasses every point listed above. The basic point of my message here is to get you men who are blessed enough to have a woman in your life who demonstrates all of these qualities as well as shows affection on a regular basis with abandon and ease -to recognize the treasure you have.
There is no elegant way to phrase it: life can suck sometimes. When it does, there is no remedy like the tender touch of a good woman. Strike that. A great woman. (smile)
If you answered YES to these questions… congratulations!
And remember that in order for the equation to balance, you have to execute every condition laid out above for her as well. Sorry men, but it’s a two-way street.(smile)
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