LOOKS ARE EVERYTHING...(@ first)

Aight, I’m back off in this micky-ficky mo-fo. Today, I’ma give u the skinny like Calista Flockhart after being in a full body-cast. My insider tip for the day (holla back Martha Stewart!) is simple: presentation is key. Years ago, I remember this fresh-faced, aspiring superstar: eyes full of hope with a handful of his “hot off the burner” cds in paper-sleeves. He was on his way to meet an aggressive fast-talker interested in managing his music career. I was lucky enough to witness the ensuing exchange. After an ordinary exchange of pleasantries, the novice emcee handed his cds to the slightly more seasoned manager. (keep in mind, the young manager is still interviewing for the job) Before any significant number of seconds could pass, “Manager X” was already explaining to “Rapper Y” that paper sleeves just won’t get the job done. He continued, “When you want people to take you seriously, presentation is everything. Your cd has got to look more professional.” Rapper Y tried to argue, “But, listen to the music…it’s flawless!” Unfortunately, he soon found that the contents of his cd are secondary to the appearance of it. LISTEN UP LADIES AND GENTS. You should package your music to be both eye-catching and professional-looking. Otherwise, it may never be heard. I’ll put it to you like this: before you, (male or female) decide whether a person has all of the qualities you look for in a perfect mate, you engage in conversation, or cease to do so, based on their looks. You’re never going to say, “Hey, I know that you’re butt-ugly. However, you look smart and funny so let’s go out on a date anyway.” Likewise, these music folks won’t give your music the time of day if it’s not presented to “look the part”. It’s just the way of the world. Until, next time, do YOU, do music.

-Gilles