Check This Event Out!

This seems like it's going to be a pretty dope event! Not to mention a really nice flyer design...click here for more info

Music University 5 is back September 21st 2008

Music University 5 September 21st 2008


Artists, Songwriters, Producers, and Moguls

Get your pens and pads ready
because PatchWerk's acclaimed
Music University is back!

On September 21st 2008
PatchWerk Recording Studios will host its 5th
Music University - a one day event
chock full of informative lessons
from today's leading music
industry professionals.

Last Year:

PatchWerk hosted an impressive set of panels, with “teachers” ranging from Bryan Michael Cox to DJ Don Cannon, DJ Nabs, Jason Geter, Drumma Boy, Kawan Prather, and Orlando McGhee. The positive feedback surrounding this series is always overwhelming. This time around expect all the highlights of the last seminar plus much more, including a brand new set of informative lessons from top industry execs!

Date:

September 21, 2008


Schedule:

Start End

9:30 AM 10:00 AM BREAKFAST

10:00 AM 11:00 AM Artist Panel

11:15 AM 12:00 PM Producer Panel

12:30 PM 1:30 PM SongWriter Panel

1:45 PM 2:45 PM Executive Panel

3:00 PM 3:30 PM LUNCH


Location:

PatchWerk Recording Studios

1094 Hemphill Avenue

Atlanta GA, 30318


Contact:

Kervins C.

404.874.9880


Register:

Deal or No Deal: Pros and Cons of Having and Not Having a Deal

Being Independent allows you to make more money and have more creative control over your style, music, and presentation.

Educate Yourself about the business and always think one step ahead of everyone else because in being independent you have to grind and DO WORK….you CAN NOT be lazy!

Own Your S**t…like ringtones. In being independent you still have to have some money to work with, therefore, any money that you make should be FLIPPED. Get investors and/or begin a deal, such as the 360, single, and/or ringtone deal.

Ryde or Die! Get a STREET TEAM. This is your promotional tool that will, depending on the individuals, will make sure that your product reaches the masses. Build an audience. It’s a NUMBERS GAME…and BUSINESS.

Double UP! Work your grind and a job…then RE-INVEST!

Don’t Forget the Internet. Myspace, Facebook, Email, Blogs, and etc are the waves of the future and eventually will be the primary way to reach a majority of your audience. So educate yourself on the BUSINESS and the best way to master it.

Going Digital! The new store to buy music is your phone!

Money in the Bank! There’s more than one way to define your self as a bankable artist. 1) Be your own manager. 2) Have a good situation that needs managing. 3) Have CDs, cards, Myspace, and anything else that can promote you positively.

“Luck Favors the Prepared” –Kia Shine

Right Place at the Right Time. Always be in the environment that can help you develop and that will always loyally support you. You must build a fan base…and always use you marketing tools to get to where you’re trying to go.

Made IT! Get with the right individuals once you get on and stay open-minded. Work with different producers and artists that can give you guidance and advice.

NETWORK!

Stamp? Send your songs to labels and give them to artist…you never know!

Avoid “Work for Hire”

Think Long-term when dealing with publishing.

Get IT! Get that paper…Make that money. God will lead you as long as you believe in what your doing.

“Same Grind…Different Day” –Don Cannon

Upcoming Events, ATL

8/16 - Kelsy Davis and the Radical Soul & Abyss at Apache Cafe at 10:30 PM.


8/19 - Tru School Tuesdays at Apache Cafe

8/22 - Doria Roberts at Apache Cafe at 9:00 PM. $12. .

8/22 - Transgression at City of Ink (323 Walker St - Castleberry Hill) at 7:00 PM.

8/26 - Tempo Tuesdays at Sesac Office, Atlanta - 7pm-9pm

8/27 - Erykah Badu at Chastain Park Amphitheatre at 8:00 PM. $25 - $59.

8/28 - The Producers Swap Meet at Apache Cafe at 10:00 PM. $10.

9/01 - Atlanta Reggae Fest at Dreamz ATL at 7:00 PM. $40

9/03 - Young Jeezy at the Tabernacle at 8:00 PM. $31.

9/10 - Musiq Soulchild at the Tabernacle at 7:30 PM. $27.50 - $32.50.

9/27 - 09/28 - Atlanta Smooth Jazz Festival 2008 at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre at 12:30 PM.

10/05 - Janet Jackson at Philips Arena at 7:30 PM. $53.75 - $129.75.

10/11 - Fresh Fest at Atlanta Civic Center at 8:00 PM. Ft. Naughty by Nature, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Whodini, & the Force MDs. $38.50 - $76.

11/09 - Tina Turner at Philips Arena at 7:00 PM. $59.50 - $152.

September 21, 2008

For More Information Email Marketing@PatchWerk.com w/ "Music University" in your subject line.

Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones

Monster Teams Up with Dr. Dre and Interscope Chairman Jimmy Iovine to Design State-of-the-Art "Beats" Headphones Engineered to Accurately Reproduce the Best of Today's Pop Music.

Legendary Music Producer/Artist Dr. Dre's First-Ever Foray Into Consumer Products.

For Info: http://www.beatsbydre.com/

IdM EXCLUSIVE: From Cd's to Digital Download Cards

Here's an idea worth considering.....digital download cards that report your sales.

It’s no secret the music industry is and will continue to be digital, yet sometimes I wonder why I see so many independent artists still trying to sell old-school CDs at their shows. Let’s face it people, CDs are done.

Allow me to introduce you to SoundLoad Music, a new way to sell your digital music in the physical world. SoundLoad is a new company that provides artists and labels with customized digital download cards, that upon redemption, count for a SoundScan.

CAN YOU SAY WOW!!!

SoundLoad offers a new medium that combines traditional album sales with a contemporary digital music model. With their innovative redemption process they allow artist and labels the ability to track and report sales, so that every redeemed SoundLoad Card (with a unique PIN) is counted as the sale of (1) album or single by the same information system used to gather sales data for the Billboard charts.

Stop spending your money on pressing up old-fashion Compact Disks, and start reaping the benefits of digital download cards.

SoundLoad cards provide you with a “vehicle” that “drives” traffic to YOUR website or MySpace page, instead of hoping someone will remember to visit your website or expect that they will remember how to spell your name. The cards are a fresh new way to reach your fans and at the same time they help you promote and build YOUR brand.

In addition to reporting sales, the cards are also used to collect back-end data, such as fan's e-mail addresses. This way you are building a data base of valuable information from the people who are interested in your music, and with your SoundLoad account you can log-in anytime to view this information.

All MP3’s attached to SoundLoad Music cards are D.R.M.-free downloads and your fans will not be required to sign up for an account to redeem their card. Additionally, they are not bombarded with advertisements or spam, nor are they allowed access to other client’s promotions.

Independent artists have seen a steady decline in ways to get their material out there; from retail stores not accepting consignments to established MP3 stores making it almost impossible to get their material added in a timely fashion. SoundLoad cards will help drive the sales back into the hands of the artist. SoundLoad's goal is to help defer the high cost of producing, recording, and marketing your album, by ultimately providing an alternative means of producing the final product: cheaper, more efficiently, and at a far better value than a Compact Disk.

In addition to your music files, any file that can be uploaded to a computer can be downloaded from a SoundLoad card. No file size is too large.

1. A full length album (up to 30 tracks)
2. A single (up to 3 tracks)
3. High quality video content
4. Album artwork and credits on a .pdf file
5. Electronic Press Kits
6. Info. on upcoming events or concert dates
7. Special offers, discounts, or promotional packages

Digital album cards are another example of necessity breeding invention and as the majors try to squeeze out a bit more revenue from old-line retail, the music market will continue to move online.

To learn more or to request additional info, contact Lauren Zelgewicz at 678-468-6907 or by email at lauren@soundloadmusic.com.

August I dO Music Event Recap

The only event where you can learn, netwerk, promote, and perform is back in full force. August's I dO music was burning up with solid netwerking, stand out performances and a dynamite panel! This event is the only of its kind in the city and the proof is in the numbers. Click here for pics from the event!

This month we focused on the theme Deal or No Deal: The Pros and Cons. Our panel was one of the strongest yet, including, DJ Don Cannon (The Aphilliates) , Ian Burke (Drift City), Kia Shine ('So Krispy' and 'WOW'), and Johnnie Cabbell (Hit Afta Hit). Together, their forces combined and revealed the current status of record deals in the industry and the independent movement. Click here for notes on what our panel had to say!

The I dO Music stage is still cooling down after August's showcase performances. Fiona Simone stole the limelight with her hit TomBoy Fresh, while E-Rowe represented for the streets with Stay Down. Nesha brought one for the ladies with Card Declined and HollyWeerd dominated the stage with their eclectic sound and hit single, Weirdo.

This event is becoming the ultimate hub for music industry professionals who are looking to create professional opportunities within the city. Don't just take our word for it. If you are looking to connect with individuals who do music like you do music, then every 1st Thursday you need to be at I dO Music!

How to Get a Balanced Mix:

1) First, Prepare the Mix

This includes setting up the console so it properly receives the digital signal from the multi-track

a. Cue the tapes

b. Mark the faders with instrument names, on masking tape

c. Clear the console by turning down (or setting to normal) all controls & switches

d. Check Word Clock and set preferences if you are using a digital console

e. Recall a "Chamber" or Echo Room program on your main reverb unit and make sure master send & return controls are normal.

2) Second, Use Pan and Level Controls

You should start with drums and rhythms instruments

3) Third, Add Reverberation

You want to do this in order to obtain the proper front/back perspective.

4) Lastly, Apply Signal Processing and Make any Final Adjustments

Equalization can be used to overcome masking and to reduce leakage and ambiance obtained in the

recording. Equalization is applied last so that any changes the tone of the instruments can be checked

with all of the instruments playing. The use of equalization should be to make up for less-than ideal mic

placement and to overcome masking.

Taken from: http://recordingeq.com/EQ/req0200/recmeth.htm

How to Reach The A&R...

Read the Billboard Executive Turntable each week. The Executive Turntable is a section inside of Billboard Magazine (which you can also find online) that announces people who’ve taken new positions within industry corporations. Take a peek at the column each week in the store and write down appropriate names. Also, the A & R Registry, lists A & R people who are new to labels. See if anyone just began working for one that would be appropriate for your music.

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/magazine/executive_turntable/index.jsp

Who’s in the Studio?

In Studio 995

July was a busy month for the engineers at PatchWerk Recording Studios.

Mike Wilson engineered over a dozen sessions for artists including Ludacris and Tiffany Evans. Wilson tracked vocals for Ludacris’ “Nasty Girl” ft. Plies and also worked with Tiffany Evans tracking and recording songs like “Can’t Ask for More”, “Hair”,“No Reason”, and “Yearbook”.

Kori Anders sessions included those for Lil Scooter, Gucci Mane, and Trey Songz. For Lil Scooter Anders tracked “Can’t hold me down” and “Favorite Girl” (produced by Lil Ronnie), while for Trey Songz he tracked songs including “If It’s Hood”, and “Take You Home”. Guest engineers Seth Firkins and Miles Walker were also in the studio working on tracks for Shawty Redd and Sean Garrett respectively.

Other sessions in 995 included Blood Raw, Allizee, Najah Jack, G Money, G Phonics, Young Haze, YI’s, Ike James, Young Pee Dee, Jessica, Ges, Smiley Face, Usher’s Camp New Look, and Sweet Rush.

In Studio 9000

Leslie Braithwaite engineered a majority of the sessions in 9000 this past July. For the most part, Braithwaite spent a large part of the month grinding all night at the boards for several weeks mixing Young Jeezy's upcoming release. Braithwaite assisted by Justin Trawick, mixed over a half dozen songs for the ’Snowman’ including “Crazy world” (produced by Midnight Black),” Hustla” (produced by Drumma Boy), and “Air Forces 08” (produced by Justice League)

Braithwaite, this time assisted by Mike Miller , also mixed sessions for Q Parker (formerly of 112), and Lionel Richie. Q Parker had mixes done for “Your Free” “Never Let Go” “You Know” and “Holding On” While Lionel Richie had mixes done for “Just Go” and “Nothing Left to Give” (both produced by Akon).

Mike Wilson was also hard at werk in Studio 9000, mixing ‘What Cha Know’ for Smiley Face of Yacht Music Group.

Other session in 9000 included Jessica, Shawty Redd, JR, KC Jockey, Ike James, Megan Rochelle, Jordan Taylor, Joe Gutta, Sweet Rush.

-T. Elise Brown

AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...

Broke as a joke? Is your credit so pathetic you couldn’t afford a debit? Even better, you’re trying to break into the oh so lucrative entertainment business, aren’t you?
Here’s the funny thing about the music biz: like so many other industries, it takes money to get money. So let’s start with you. How are you going to finance your project? That 9 to 5 is barely making ends meet and you need to get the ball rolling. My advice: USE SOMEONE ELSE’S MONEY! Granted, it’s not as easy as it sounds. You actually have to convince people that you’re good. More importantly, good doesn’t mean good. Good means good enough to invest some hard cold cash on. BACK TO THE LECTURE AT HAND. Assuming you’ve got some real talent, you’re on to phase 2. The challenge here is to make people see value in your project. This will require heavy thinking on your part because you must convince these sponsors that you mean business. Business means dollars and cents. (A presentation on the many and IMMEDIATE ways a sponsor can benefit from donating to your project is essential) Rest assured, businesses won’t be too keen on entertaining propositions that don’t add up on the balance sheet. A few suggestions to get you started:
1. Present “real-life” figures so that sponsors know exactly where their money is going to.
2. Offer logo and name placement on your project. (i.e.: If Gillesini Clothing is sponsoring you, your project should include something along the lines of, “Gillesini Clothing presents…insert your project name here”
3. Make sure you set clear dates to keep track of the duration of your sponsorship agreement. Don’t be in someone else’s pocket longer than you’re benefiting from his/her contribution.
4. It can NEVER hurt to have a trusted lawyer look over your agreement. You do have one, right? If not, I’m gonna need to refer you to one of my previous blogs…

Until next time, do YOU, do music.

-Gilles