Thank You:I do Music 2009 and beyond

Another year and yes I do Music has continued to grow as the years pass. We at Patchwerk Recording Studios would like to take time and thank you all for being apart of this offspring we continue to cultivate, because it would not have been much of a big deal if it wasn't for YOU!

Lets make '09 a great one! I'll see you all @ I do Music tomorrow!

Follow Through With Planning

As I’m writing this, I'm looking at the beautiful downtown Decatur skyline, reminiscing at the times of my failure and my successes, both of which I believed are triggered by visualization. I sit here and think the ideas I have; those ideas which have been smothered with countless talk and blabber only to suffocate your dreams of their true value. Basically I talked more than I executed action.

Visualization=Everything

I wrote this in my black journal a couple of months back, but what is it really? It basically means that you create a walkthrough in your brain (not mind) which enables you to believe in a path, one of which you will eventually experience.

Musically, we have to feel our music, because who else will.

Yeah! You may want that club banger, but you first have to make the music for yourself before you make it for anybody else. This is the element that I feel we are lacking with the independent music community.

You must visualize yourself gaining success with your music. You must visualize a fan base the size of the Grand Canyon. Not only that but when your done visualizing your must take the steps to make sure that it happens the way you want it.

There are too much Kanye West glasses wearing rappers out here

There are Lil' Wayne clones at a lot of the showcases.

There are too much Beyonce Zombies out here as well.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't be influence by these individual. You should just be THYSELF

There is nothing new under the sun its never what you do but how its done

-NaS

Its going to be 2009 I want my new favorite artist to be an INDIE

I want my new favorite producer to be an INDIE

I want my new favorite singer/songwriter to be an INDIE

I want my new favorite musician to be an INDIE

I want my new favorite INDIE to be @ I do Music!!

The Elimination of the Compact Disc in 2009

Merry Christmas to each and everyone who continues to view our blog and show support daily. It is the end of the year and I often like to play back a few cds that had me zoned out while handling my werk. Well the problem this year is I only bought 3 cds. Yeah I was making more moves online then in retail stores. Although cds still make for great presents during the holidays, their presence was lacking in '08.

Labels have tried forever to clamp down on piracy and sorry to say that is the hamster analogy I use often. Activity is at an all time high but achievement has never been worse. Music Labels need to emphasize on digital first for all new releases and catalog issues via digital services. The Cds won't be eliminated but moved to an on demand publishing setting.

According to Gartner Research VP Mike McGuire,music physical revenue went from 91% of overall sales in 2005 to 77% in 2007. Keep in mind by 2012 77% of households are expected to have broadband Internet. From Gartner's research, they suggest the remaining 23% will either get their CD's burned on-demand or will purchase through Wi-Fi laptops or 3g mobile phones.

It may be hard to turn your head from the past marketing and promotional practices built around CD Launches. The reality is we are in the Jestons era now and the convenience and choice factor make it a no brainer. The Compact Disc will have a place but avenues such as promotional giveaways and merchandise at concerts will serve better. Now I'm going to continue my sipping on eggnog and bump my playlist on imeem.com. Merry Christmas folks!

Bringing Talent To Life

When you have a true talent, it will always shine through. If you seen the post about the Homeless brother showing off his musical skill then you know he was nice. Well how about the man goes by Red and he actually was signed after millions of people checking him on the net. Peep the video here of his preview for new single. Could he be the savior from the West Coast?



Amazing what can happen in a few days. Red has the fresh cut and clean clothes ready for showtime. All it took was his belief in his music and video camera for the exposure. What are you waiting for? Your chance can be New Year's Day with I dO MUSIC at Apache Cafe. Make it happen!

News: Lil Wayne Accused Of Copyright Infringment

Yes! You heard it right New Orleans' own Lil Wayne has faced legal issues over sampling. I'm sure we went over this on the blog about sampling and if its legal....(Did you check it?....OK!)

Well anyway, their was a federal lawsuit filled in May by singer Karma Ann-Swanepoe, claims that Lil Wayne had received no type of permission to sample the song

The suit says that the record label (Cash Money Records) that Wayne is signed on, failed to negotiate the license in which Ann-Swanepoe song "Once" was being used to create the song "I feel like dying"

Currently Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records are currently requesting a New Orleans judge to a Friday deadline, for turning over documents requested by lawyers which were part of the people who published the song "Once".

Source: Billboard
So be careful with the sampling folks. I hate to see any of you in court!

"Brand" New

While many believe the only way to know if your making noise in the industry is if MTV or BET is acknowledging you. Those who truly understand this game respect branding. A prime example of an artist who made major moves this year was Santi White, better known as Santogold. If not familiar she provided the soundtrack to Bud Light Lime, Ford Flex, VO5 hair products, Nokia and Telus wireless ads. She provided the visual and music for the Converse campaign as well. Maybe you missed these commercials this year. Well her songs appeared on CSI:New York, Gossip Girl, Entourage, 90210, and Grey's Anatomy.

Santogold was able to license 75% of her tracks from the self titled debut album. It is very well possible she could have the entire album licensed at the rate she is going. Note it has been out for 8 months and should break 100,000 by years end.

I did a summer promotion for Santogold with Dowtown Records and was impressed with how they truly cover the market. It may sound repetitious but understand in the new age we are in, there are multiple ways to get your music to the people. Research is required to find out which brands suit your style and can be most beneficial.

Another group to dive into the market along the same lines were the The Cool Kids. They appeared in a Rhapsody ad and linked with Mountain Dew on a few singles. They were able to sell 36,000 copies of the EP "Bake Sale" according the Nielsen Soundscan. The group Chairlift was able bolster their sales scoring the Apple Ipod ad. The single "Bruises" sold 108,000 copies and the 6,000 copies of their latest album"Does You Inspire You," according to Soundscan. None of these groups suffered a loss since they still received publishing royalties, and a nice penny for the synchs. I wouldn't say you can make a career of it, but it can be beneficial if your strategy is correct.

WMG Pulls Plug on Youtube

Perhaps you were looking for a few videos yesterday on youtube and noticed something missing. Warner Music Group pulled its entire collection of music from the website due to a halt in negations with the Google video site. It is the same story every time with the companies that are making millions. WMG feel the artist, songwriters, labels, and publishers aren't being thoroughly compensated for their work. Until an agreement can be reached all media is stripped.

Warner was one of the first media companies to set up a deal with Youtube. The idea that money has to be evenly spread comes on top of the rising competitor making moves, Hulu. Other sites such as MTV and Myspace Music are still ways to view your WMG artist.

Youtube also has agreements with other major labels also going through renegotiations. The news with WMG could definately affect the talks now. Understand that Warner has more then 20 percent market share of albums and Atlantic is the number 1 label in the U.S.

This Homeless Guy "dO Music" Forrreeaall!!

Man! ...And you thought you were grinding!?!? I see people like him on the streets everyday and I could see the hunger in their eyes. Homeless people have some of the best spirits. Try talking to one of them one day....you'll learn something.

Route to becoming a Music Journalist: Pt 1

The life of a music journalist isn't the glitz and glamour you may all think. You have to subscribe to this thing called the Grind. No you have to live by the grind in order to make it truly beneficial.

They let the world know what is going down in the music world and cover the latest breaking stories. This involves everything from attending concerts to listening to music albums all day. Deadlines have to be met so time is always of the essence. Here are a few things that would keep you above water:

Music Knowledge- You must become a messiah in your genre of music. The wider your knowledge is the more contacts you will be able to establish. Fresh fish don't get it twisted. The history has to be known from past,present, and the future.

Writing Skills- Regardless if you writing for Rolling Stones or Rolling Out, your writing ability has to be up to par. The ability to keep your audience entertained is a gift. Once you have refined your creativity, the sky is the limit.

Good Telephone Etiquette- Must be able to present yourself well, secure information, handle interviews, and even carry out interviews over the phone effectively. Think before hand what questions your going to ask. Speak calmly, clearly, and confident.

Critical Skills- Everyone has their own opinion and with music it is important to give facts. Listen to the radio and pick a song you love and one you dislike. Now break down the difference in songs and analyze what makes each track stand out. Make a habit of commenting on everything you hear and see. Always look for feedback from the masses too.

People Skills- You have to like people and always look for the best in them to get the best result. If you project a positive image you are more likely to receive one in return. Get your people skills up by attending events like I dO MUSIC.

Interview Skills- The key to interviews is to understand what it means to research and plan. Finding out as much as possible about the subject and plot your questioning. Don't script your questions. Your interview will flow more thoroughly. Ask open ended questions such as who, what, where, when, why, or how? Nothing worse then the simple yes or no answers.

These are just a few jewels to take note of. Stay tune for more info!

Who's in PatchWerk Recording Studios?

In Studio 9000



Atlantic Recording Artist, Plies capped off several weeks of recording with engineer Leslie Brathwaite, assisted by Mike Pratt with a listening party for his upcoming release “Da Realest”. Sean Garrett, Yung Joc, Plies, Chaka Zulu (DTP) and Plies himself were just some of the big names in attendance.

Jessica Tonder and Derrick “Drop” Braxton aka The Robot and the little Girl spent a lot of time in PatchWerk this past December working on an incredible album aptly named “The Robot and The Little Girl”. Engineering was done by Kori Anders while Executive Production was from PatchWerk’s own Bob Whitfield.

Chamillionaire had a mix done by Leslie Brathwaite , assisted by Mike Pratt, and recorded a session with PatchWerk engineer Kori Anders.

Also in 9000 were sessions for Dear Jane, Red Maiden, Rocko, Akon, LOS, and Gangtsta Grillz.


In Studio 995



KP and Malay of Ghet-O-Vision bought YelaWolf into the studio 995 at PatchWerk this past December. The Alabama-native had songs mixed by head engineer Mike Wilson. Singer, songwriter , record producer Sean Garrett was at werk with his engineer Miles Walker assisted by PatchWerk engineer Mike “Snotty” Miller, while Island Recording Artist Rocko, had tracks recorded alongside PatchWerk’s senior engineers Mike Wilson, Kori Anders, and Mike “Snotty” Miller. A number of his tracks include production by Drumma Boy and Bangladesh. Ace Boon Coon with his engineer TomCat, assisted by PatchWerk engineer Dee Brown, were all hard at werk this month. Be on the lookout for tracks from Ace Soon.

Other sessions in 995 included those for Struggle, Jessica Tonder, Leek, Marq Sears, Bruh, Phenoms, Francesca and Ashe Wednesday.

How to Eliminate Latency

First of All, What is Latency? Latency is another way of saying delay. So in sound and audio-cards, latency means a delay in your audio. This can be an annoying inconvenience. You may not be able to cure it all together but you can reduce it so low as that you cannot feel or hear the effects or alternatively use hardware monitoring.

Read below for some tips on how to reduce and get let lower latency

How can I get lower latency ?

There are three ways.

1. Use hardware monitoring. If you need to apply realtime effects from the computer or use VSTi then you need to do one of the following.
2. Lower the buffer size of your audio-card and ensure your using an ASIO driver. You need an audio-card with an ASIO driver and low latency support.
3. Use a higher samplerate. When you double the samplerate you half the latency as your using the buffer up twice as fast.

For the full article on Reducing Latency check out

http://www.pcmus.com/latency.htm

HOW TO SECURE A MUSIC PLACEMENT

Music Placements have to do with finding the right match for you and your music. When placed effectively in Media music has the power to really make an impact on the listener. There are also many benefits to the creator. Make sure you know all the avenues to take to make it happen!

1.) Set up Publishing and/or Performers Rights
Performing rights organizations are designed to represent songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public. The primary job of the music publisher is to link up new songs by songwriters with suitable recording artists to record them, with the intent of creating a hit record and generating large numbers of sales and airplay. In Music, the major Performing Rights Companies are :
BMI
SESAC
ASCAP

2)Look into a reputable Music Placement Company
I’ve listed a couple for you below:
http://www.mymusicagenda.com
http://www.jetsetsound.com/
http://www.musicplacement.com/

3) Hire an Agent
Specifically, someone who is well-connected and can be the specific go-to-person for getting your stuff heard and placed.

4) Throw a Listening Party
Invite all the potentials who you think may be interested in your work, and let them all hear it at once. It will save you a lot of time. And it is an influential environment.

4.) Don’t Limit Yourself to Just Records.
Music Placements come in all forms:

Albums
Film
Television,
Video Games
Corporate Videos
Advertising
And More!

-Toya Elise

The Mu 'sick Industry in 'O9

What to expect in the new year?

We're rounding off the last quarter in 2008. Labels are releasing their biggest (and supposedly most promising) records. The big music companies are repositioning, and yes, people are getting fired. In the music industry, all these things are typical signs that one year is ending a new year is approaching. For some, this is great news but for many, the year 2009 may not look so inviting. The music industry is obviously going through some major changes. Even as we speak 360 deals are becoming the standard, companies are experimenting with different distribution formats, labels are becoming more open to DRM-free downloads and off-center marketing strategies, and things are becoming a lot less predictable. With 2009 on the horizon, anyone who is serious about making a living in this business next year should have a good idea of what to expect. Here are my predictions:

More people will buy music from their cell phones & cell phones will become the dominant music player.
If you haven't heard, the mobile phone industry is one of the only industries that is actually booming during this recession. With most of the big name companies working on new product releases for 2009, and music companies selling more and more music on these new platforms, it's definitely not overstating to say that most music will be purchased on cell phones.

Even more ad-supported online music companies will be seen.
Over the past year we've seen a handful of companies pop up that have adopted a revenue building strategy based on advertising dollars. You better believe we're going to see many more in 2009!

Most new artist will be signed to some variation of the 360 deal.
With music sales down, and touring up, you better believe labels are going to want in on the action if they're investing in you. No question!! Period!! Point blank!! That's the bottom line!!

Major artist deals will consist mostly of touring and endorsements.
This year we've seen superstar after superstar get ridiculous deals valued at record dollar amounts for marketing and touring. Labels want to continue to invest in this growing segment so expect it to get even more the standard. Think about it...if I'm going to invest money in you anyway, why wouldn't I invest more of it in an area that promises me more of it back? It's common sense!

Live Nation & Ticket Master will offer superstar artists unbelievable deals that include touring, merchandising, and endorsements and go on to be two of the most profitable companies of the year reaching record sales and profits.
These two companies have already started offering superstars deals that offer them marketing dollars in return for a cut of more than just touring monies. I really believe people are going to see these companies functioning more and more like the traditional "record label". The big four is either going to join the band wagon or fall as victims of time (what goes up must come down)...we'll see.


Existing and new Streaming Music sites like Rhapsody will flourish. Internet Radio services, not as much.
People in this age appreciate their options. Streaming music services has given people the power to choose exactly what they want to listen to and access it immediately. Whereas Internet radio forces you to listen to what they play...it's not that hard to see why this sector won't be able to compete unless they figure out a way to give listeners more direct power over what they hear.

Kanye will release an album where he's rapping again...lol (I had to!)
Just a joke...no but seriously...he will.

Is iTunes killing music?

I read this article on billboard today.It goes on to suggest that the iTunes craze that has been plaguing the world by storm over the last couple years may indeed be a culprit to the slump in the music industry. All over the world, people were thrilled at the opportunity to one-click certain tracks that they liked. At a certain point some labels took heed to this trend, which in turn allowed them to release some artists' albums via iTunes only.

Artists' like AC/DC and Kid Rock only want the albumns to be released as a whole. However, the initial purpose of iTunes prohibites this feature. The lack to comply betweent Apple and the two groups failed to leave a dent with the digital music powerhouse. So, this action made Kid Rock to choose Rhapsody, while AC/DC stuck with Walmart. Surprising enough iTunes lost was someone else gain.

How To Get Placements - (Audio) December Panel

***AUDIO FILES MAY TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO DOWNLOAD***

Introduction - Panelists: LT Moe, Derrick "Drop" Braxton, Nard & B, Byron Wright

Part One - What They did to Get Placement

Part Two - Why A&R's Are So Reluctant To Listen

Part Three - How To Submit Records, How Much Money To Expect

Part Four - Byron Wright Speaks

Part Five - How to Get Into Ghost Writing

Part Six - Don't Sample!!!!!!!

Part Seven - 4 Love or 4 Money

Part Eight - Negotiating

Part Nine - The Real Deal on the "Poor Man's" Copyright

Part Ten - Where Music is Going

Part Eleven - Gear

Part Twelve - Fort Knox Get's it In...

Part Thirteen - Closing Statements

Health For Guitarist

The guitarist has to strum the guitar on a constant basis. Without the proper procedure and experience this can leave many novice strummers weak in the hands. Which is why you need to put together a ritual that will provide you with the "stamina" you need to rock out all night.

1. Drinking 8oz. of water a day.
2. Avoid caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol. This is very important for the Party Harders, seeing as these beverages can slow you down.
3. Warm up with a light stretch. Your muscles should become expanded for you to perform.
4. Watch your posture at work. Check for your back! You don't want a slump back when the curtains open, you could end up straining it, standing long periods of time.
5. Try to avoid sewing, and activities that relies heavy on the arm and shoulder.
6. Make sure you use ice-packs to heal swollen muscles.
7. If the muscles in your neck and back are sore and tense, moist heat may be good in relieving the pain. As with ice, use heat for periods of 20 minutes at a time. Take the heat off for 20 to 30 minutes between sessions.
   

What do you think?

Patchwerk Recording Studios is looking For College Reps

Just in case you were looking for an opportunity:

Foreign Exchange Giveaway

Last night we had an awesome show at Apache Cafe. Take one guess what that was....drumroll please. I dO MUSIC was live and effect. Stay tuned for the recap on the show with footage shortly.






What we have today is a special giveaway courtesy of Rick Cook who has put together an awesome show tomorrow at Sugar Hill. The group Foreign Exchange is going to be in town featuring Yahzarah performing their latest collaboration from the new album 'Leave It All Behind'. Special guest include Small Eyez and Stacy Epps.



We have a ticket for you and a friend to enjoy the show by simply answering one question. Name one of the two female artist that featured in our I dO MUSIC Anniversary Show. The first to submit with the correct answer will have their Saturday Night set. Send your email to obanga.patchwerk@gmail.com.

Plies Listening Party @ Patchwerk Recording Studios

This past Monday (Dec. 1) Plies hosted a private listening party for his upcoming album "Da Realest". Plies began the by thanking everyone for attending the celebration of his third masterpiece.


One song that is featured on the albumn is "Family Times", which he referenced his Aunt who had died as a result of AIDS. He also dedicates the song to his brother who is currently in prison, as well as making things right for his children.



Media provided by the good folks @ Ozone

Dj Don Cannon Rocking an I Do Music Tee

The movement is growing stronger!

Get on board...see you @ I do Music Tonight!!!!

The More You Know:Two Elements of Promotion

You have the single out and the streets are buzzin'! What next? Some people don't ask this simple question, to the fact that people remain stagnant, when their local venue plays their song non-stop. But, a true grinder doesn't stop just yet!

Radio Play:

Yeah your song is getting crazy play along the open-mic and showcase circuits alike. You got a fan-base that can recite your hit word for word. What about getting it on the radio? Well this is not a easy task. You will need to get connects with major radio outlets......but the chase continue. Another avenue to look in would be community and college radio stations. Although the popularity of these stations are unlike the majors, you song will be heard!

Touring:

Gas-Prices are hitting an all-time low, take advantage. Get with your local colleges and contact their student union associations. Ask if you could perform at the school. This alone will add not only popularity among the college generation but a even more bigger promotional tactic that will eventually flood the state you live.

And that was a quick: The More You Know

VISUAL JOCKEYS

As we continue to push further into the new wave of technological advancements we have to keep ourselves sharp on what is popping. When we go to the club or our designated chill spot we look to be entertained correct? How cool is it when you see your favorite video on the screen and being mixed with clips from other videos? Welcome to the world of a VJ. Their mission is to provide projected visuals within the club evnvironment while the dj is cutting up the 1&2's. To truly be successful you have to be both a technican and artist wrapped in to one.

Not to be confused with a video jockey. Those are tv presenters to link videos on music channels.

If you wanna lock in to the game make sure you are prepared. Its a two stage process. The first stage is collecting and shooting video clips, and editing and treating them so that you have a library of amazing images to play with. The second stage is doing it live - putting your visuals together in a spontaneous live set and playing them out at gigs. The basic kit you'll need for this is:

A video camera to record images for your set
A PC or laptop to edit images and play them out in the club Software for editing and treating your images
Software to allow you to play out your images interactively
A projector to show it all happening on a screen or wall in the venue

When you have scratched and clawed your way to obtain your kit its all about networking and refining your techniques. Attend I dO Music so you can solidify your connects is one way to get your rep up. Understand it doesn't have to be a solo project either. There's nothing to stop you teaming up with a friend who's also interested in VJing - one of you might be great technically, the other better visually. Together you'll learn from each other and really progress.

Its better to make your own clips then straight up copying everything. You don't want those copyright issues to creep up. The Creative Archive License is one site to browse from. Filming and editing makes up the real battle in the VJ world. Its all about letting your mind make the move. The market is wide open for VJ's.