A Vocal Talent Gone But Never Forgotten

 On the eve of the most anticipated day of the year, The Grammy Awards which was during Valentine's  Weekend, the world lost one of its most beloved vocal titans Ms. Whitney Houston. How could this happen we have asked our selves time and time again. However Ms. Houston had a long time battle with drug abuse and alcohol which inevitably contributed to her demise. Reports say that Ms. Houston was discovered in her luxury hotel room submerged underwater in her bathtub. Confirmations have not been made through toxicology yet but it is believed that Ms. Houston passed due to the mixing Xanax and other powerful prescription drugs and alcohol and that she may have passed prior to slipping underwater. Reports state that here family was told by Los Angeles Coroner officials that there was not enough water in her lungs to declare cause of death by drowning. Sadly enough it was reported also that 18yr old daughter Bobby-Whitney was hospitalized for having fallen asleep in the bathtub the night before and that she was also hospitalized again twice after the devastating news of her mother's passing. Fears grow the young teenager maybe suffering a melt down and is suicidal at the wake of her mother's passing.
While the world can agree with me when I say that words can not express how saddened I am to lose such a vibrant talent, admired and loved by all who knew her and followed her music, I can not help but observe how when a known artist passes suddenly their popularity sky rockets. Ms. Houston's songs have top the charts in the last week since her passing.
A similar effect was seen after the deaths of Michael Jackson in June 2009 and Amy Winehouse in August 2011 as fans paid tribute by buying the artists' singles and albums. In summer 2009, six Michael Jackson albums hit the Official Albums Chart Top 40, including a greatest hits at Number 1, while five singles hit the Official Singles Chart Top 40, a week after the singer's death. Two years later, Amy Winehouse's albums took three places in the Official Top 10, along with five singles in the Official Top 40.
It is interesting to note that with out fail every time an artist passes that when an artist passes their popularity sky rockets and they sell way more music having passed than having been alive. Does their passing make for a better artist sale wise then them having been alive? Many beloved artists' along with Ms. Houston that have passed have come out of bankruptcy because their residuals have soared as a result of their booming album and single sales.




Sources:

Gye, H., Dewsbury, R., Boyle, L., Keneally, M., & Moran, L. (2012, february 15). Whitney houston . Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2100426/Whitney-Houston-cause-death-Star-died-drugs-NOT-drowning.html

Thank You Madonna

So today was the long awaited 46th Annual Superbowl 2012 with the Giants facing the Patriots on the green field....However, there can be no Superbowl without a half time show.... After the grueling 2011 NFL lockout finally drew to a close bringing results to both players and owners, it is a breath of fresh air for the legendary Madonna to come and put on a phenomenal show. It was so carefully orchestrated and coordinated. Set design was spectacular, vocal quality was on point...Its safe to say that Madonna truly brought back the life of what a Half Time Show is all about. Black Eyed Peas performed well but didn't sing well last year at the 2011 Superbowl, as well as Rolling Stones, and the infamous wardrobe malfunction between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. I truly believe that this half time show was by far the most anticipated show over all the past years performances and is gonna be one of the most watched. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Madonna's medley performances of classic hits like "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer"....
Interestingly enough I found many on my Facebook page and twitter pages to have mixed feelings concerning the half time show....Many still feel that it was no different from the other shows....Its as if they're still waiting for a new re invention of the Half Time show... I say we could use a face lift. But at the same time was just got out a major lockout, the owners and players are were of all the negotiations, the players were growing anxious to get back on the field and playing, providing financial stability to their homes once again. But the most hit hard was the fans...Fans look forward to their football games whether it be watching it in the convenience of your own home or going to the actual game....The lockout itself made everyone restless. The future of American Football  was in jeopardy of being shut down. This was the most anticipated game of the year....
Despite all the critics, football is here to stay, and entertainment performances will continue to be a trendsetters during the half time shows... Lord knows how much this cost to make it all happen after going through such a vigorous lockout the year before.

A Day in the Life of a Model- Interview with Model Saycred Monroe

Today I had the opportunity to interview a model/film maker/Entrepreneur known as Saycred Monroe. She has been in the industry as a model for a little over a year and film making for 4 years running. As her career unfolds we are a given an insight in a day in the life of a model through her daily experience on set.


Maestro: Saycred Monroe Welcome. Thank you for joining me today.


Saycred Monroe: Thank you. Glad to be here today.


Maestro: How do you manage to separate the people from the problem as a model when engaging with other models, producers, artist in shoots?


Saycred Monroe: I separated the people from the problem by simply thinking to myself that everyone has a job to do. The model wants to at least have their 15 min of fame. So if they get cranky it's, because they have been up for sometime and they just want to get to the top just like I do. I just brush them off and try not to have any animosity toward them.  I never really have any issue with a producer. Artists can get a little grabby and I let them know that they can't do that if we are not shooting. If it continues I simply leave the shoot.


Maestro: Is there biased appreciation for models in the industry?


Saycred Monroe: Yes, there is.  most of the time if you are not red or yellow bone or caramel skin which means lighter skin tone its harder for you to get in the door. If you are my complexion, which is darker then caramel it is hard for you to get work. Unless you have a big backside then they have no other choice , but to let you in.


Maestro: What has been your criteria objective when diving into multiple roles other than modeling? how do you balance out the load?


Saycred Monroe: My objective criteria is just to be successful even if it is not with modeling. Just to be a dam good businesswomen.  How do I balance the load? Well  I have a really crazy schedule. I have to make sure that I attend to my regular business. Along with networking in the film industry, and going to shoots that don't require me to be in front of the camera.  I also still have to keep my networking up in the modeling industry and try not to miss any events. I can't let people forget about me. I have to exercise almost everyday. So on an average day I go to bed around 4am in the morning. Along with juggling a lover.  I actually use almost all of my 24 hr in a day.



Maestro: How does your definition of "model" give you leverage and power over other models in the industry? What makes you more valuable as a model than the rest?


Saycred Monroe: What makes me more appealing is that I am very artsy when it comes to shooting. I have no problem with doing tasteful nudity. I push the envelope enough, but I wont go into pornographic work.  To make this clear I will not show my boobs or my "vajay-j"...(laughter) I am very intelligent and I know a lot about the business. I can tell if someone is trying to screw me over. However, I do feel that I have a big personality.  It kind of gets me through the times when I am nervous about something that I am doing ( such as public speaking) along with God.


Maestro: As a whole how do you  see the mutual benefit when working with others that may try to sabotage you and how does that shape who you are as a model today?


Saycred Monroe: I see every negative that comes my way as a positive. When someone does something wrong to me, like take my panties and my shoes(laughter), I look at it as a plus. That means that I am doing something right as a model; that they are scared that I will steal their shine.  Things that I have seen in the business has shaped me as a better model, because now I know what not to do.  I feel like I've made some mistake, but I have learned from them.  I am only 23 years old, I started almost 1 year ago, and I picked up quick on the bad and the good of the industry.  Now I can apply them and make it all positive for me.



Maestro: Thank you so much for sharing your personal insight on the life a model. I wish you all the luck and success in your career.

Saycred Monroe: No Thank you for having me

Amy Purdy: Living beyond limits

Amy Purdy inspires me to keep striving to achieve my ultimate goal ^_^
How is it that someone go could through so much, yet over all obstacles surpass and become the number female snowboarder in the special Olympics. Such an accomplishment like that shows how strong the mind is over the physical body. She wasn't about to let her inhibitions keep her from doing the things that she loves to do. Its kinda of like how they say that when you tell yourself something even if its not legitimately true, if you keep telling yourself thatth eventually you end up believing that it is true. Such negative thinking was something Amy did not allow herself to become taken over by. Overcoming bacterial meningitis is no joke and she looks absolutely amazing and you would never know that she has two prosthetic legs as a result of the bacterial infection. In addition to the loss of her legs she also lost part of her ability to hear. I couldn't even begin to fathom what its must have been like to wake up to half your hearing gone and both of your legs gone as well....Its even interesting to note that even though she lost half of her hearing, her form of speech is quite intact.

How to Start a Movement- Derek Sivers

Derek Sivers presentation was straight to the point. Its true how the saying goes "where more than one are gathered big things happen..." A movement can start with person but it will eventually result in a bunch of participants and believers. Such is the same principle with starting your business. It begins with you but as you start to develop this business of yours you begin to tell people about it and the people you told tell their peoples about it. Thus you've created followers and supporters for your cause. A movement can be a very powerful thing and can spread like wild fire.






















Reference:
This video was uploaded from youtube but was originally found at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html

Author of "Eat, Pray, Love" Speaks on Nurturing Creativity

         As I was browsing around Ted.com I stumbled upon this wonderful presentation of Elizabeth Gilbert writer and author of "Eat, Pray, Love" which is one of my favorite novel's yet next to The Divinci Code by Dan Brown. Gilbert explains that writing is not just her profession but it has been her "life long love and fascination." Through the recent mega success of her novel, Eat Pray Love she has found her self through some what of a slight predicament. No one ever imagined that Eat Pray Love would blow up to be such a huge local and international success. 

         Gilbert has found herself in the midst of daunting questions like "Are you ever gonna be able to top that? Will you able to produce another novel just as powerful that everyone will care about just as much if not more?....With such questions picking her thoughts it has caused Gilbert to recalibrate her whole outlook and relationship with her work. Gilbert admits to fears before and after her success. Event when she was young and in grade school she would constantly get asked by her peers "aren't you afraid that you won't be able to make a career out of writing?. Should we as creative minds fear the work we were put on this earth to do.

       I can say that I'm on board with Gilbert on the notion of the fear of being successful or not in the career that I feel I was destined to fulfill in my life time has always been a daunting question in my mind. It lingers in my mind constantly questioning my reasoning in every decision and move I make towards getting closer to reach my career goal. Every creative mind that can affirm that at some point in time in their path they have question themselves on their motive, direction, and purpose. 

       Gilbert later on elaborates on the notion of how there is such a high death rate among the creative minds of our time and day. As time has evolved the genius is now considered to be the creative mind instead of having a genius as the ancient Romans considered it. Gilbert says that it was a bad bad idea for the perception of "genius" to be the creative mind because it now adds this load of anxiety and responsibility that  human psyche cant handle resulting in the pressures of that responsibility killing our creative minds for the past 500 years. Artists like Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Chris Farley, Curt Cobain, Chris Penn, Amy Winehouse, Heath Ledger and the recent death of Pop King Michael Jackson are just a few examples of creative minds that unfortunately short lived there lives due to the pressures and anxieties of life and career responsibilities overwhelming their psyche.

Gilbert wishes this would stop because "I want our creative minds to live" we all want all the talents and stars that we have come to love to last for as long as they can.

I feel that through Gilbert's presentation has edified my perspective outlook on the importance of nurturing creativity. Truly is precious and important to safe guard and hold fast to or else it can spontaneously combust if not properly care for. I agree with Gilbert's perspective of the roots of the artist and how it has evolved and effected our artists through out the years. The vain materialistic demands of the craft and how it distorts the beauty of the creative mind. It has also help me to focus on nurturing the creative mind of the talents that I manage within my company including not losing my own creativity. I have fears as well but I can't let those things hold me back. I acknowledge that those fears are there but I evaluate options on how to get past those fears and I hope to help my talents with those fears as well.

 In order for Gilbert to protect herself from that "pit of despair" as she calls it she creates a psychological construct to manage her emotional and mental inhibitions. When she feels stuck or going through a small road block she figures out ways to circumnavigate and continue persevering to the work is finished and finished to her satisfaction.

I agree that creative process is different for every creative mind and does not behave rationally and can be at times as Gilbert would put it "paranormal". Inspiration comes elusively and tantalizing.

Gilbert gives the example of Tom Wade a tormented contemporary artist who figured out how to take the "genius" out of him to relieve the stress and heavy anxiety that had been tormenting him for soo long. He understand how to calibrate it to fit his creative process. The work was all the same and just as good just the process and outlook on life is what change and helped him continue to make the music that everyone appreciated.   

Gilbert is an amazing speaker and I hope to one day be able to attend one of her presentations. She continues to be one of my favorite authors and I look forward to enjoying a couple more decades of her amazing writings.

Source of original video:
Elizabeth Gilbert presentation on Ted.com

What you may or may not know about the RIAA

          One of the most influential associations in the growth of my company has been learning about the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which is a trade organization designed to give the much needed support and promotion of creative and financial vitality of the major music companies of our day. In addition RIAA strives to protect the intellectual property and first amendment rights of its artists and music labels; they conduct consumer, industry, and technical research as well as monitor and review state & federal law, regulations and policies. There are four main services that RIAA provides beginning with the technical services which includes things like watermark payload specifications, Global Release Identifier also known as GRid, and Digital Data Exchange. A second service RIAA provides is the Dual Disc; a product sought after by many in the music industry for the mere reason that it is both a CD and DVD in one- allownig an artist to deliver audio, video, and computer content all on a single two-sided disc to the anxious consumer fan. One side of the disc is CD while the other side of the same disc is DVD... in this way their is more interactive content in the album as a whole thus allowing the artist to offer more appealing features and bonuses to its fans. Not everybody can obtain a DualDisc product. Record labels are required to obtain a license to use the Dual Disc logo on its products.
          A third service RIAA provides is the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) which is the internationally recognized identification tool for sound and music video recordings. It is used by major download sites, digital distribution companies and collecting societies as a tool to manage digital repertoire and track commerce. The fourth and most important service RIAA provides is the FBI Anti-Piracy Seal & Warning (FBI Seal) which is important to artists and record labels in the protection of their material. As a result of substantial losses to the recording industry due to constant piracy, the RIAA worked closely with the FBI to devlop a new government seal & warning for placement on copyrighted music products in order to increase anti-piracy awareness. If you weren't aware infringement can cost you up to $250,000 in fines and up to 5 years jail time. You can't use the mark unless your a member of the RIAA. Companies must join this program in order to use the marks.
         The RIAA specifically states in their site that takes an uncompromising stand against censorship and for the first amendment rights of the artists to create freely. There for you can be a member, submit what ever artistic material and there will be no bias against it. They work to protect not to hinder.


         RIAA currently has two programs the Gold and Platinum program which was luanched in 1958 to honor artists outstanding achievements and create a standard by which to measure sales of a sound recording.
Gold Album award = 500,000 copies sold
Platinum Album award = 1,000,000 copies sold and was created in 1976
later the Multi-Platinum award was created in 1984.
In 1999, the RIAA launched the Diamond Awards honoring sales of 10 million copies or more of an album or single.
50 years the Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum and now Diamond award programs are the longest running objective measure of achievement for sound recordings in the United States, and it also provides an unmatched historical perspective on the success of countless recording artists.


Lastly, In connection with the RIAA, The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) issues a silver, gold, platinum, and diamond award category for a number of countries including the US (IFPI has members in 70 countries and 5 continents)


The RIAA is important to our industry because it has sought to protect the work of artists and labels through out the years and continues to do so in the most meticulous and genius way. Not only do they offer services to the music industry in the US but they also take it over seas internationally as well. Piracy happens all over the world and the RIAA is protecting its current artists and incoming artists that aren't educated on the demands of the industry and all the legalities involved in keeping their careers safe and intact. I can definitely see my company eventually becoming a member of this association in the future. As a manager protecting the talents and their creative material is extremely important to me and the company I run. RIAA helps facilitate that in a more legitimate way. There are a lot of legalities involved in managing talents and I feel that RIAA has educated me on a lot of details I didn't know about. This inturn helps clarify the direction and decisions I need to take in insuring the success of my talents.


Reference:
The official site of RIAA
(2011). Retrieved from http://www.riaa.com/index.php