Artist Spotlight
Unpredictable RED
7
Business Spotlight
Far Better Records
5
Producer Spotlight
Conte
13
Also Inside... Blaque Kat p.17 Slim Dog p.10 Open Mic Showcase & Industry Events Calendar
IN THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2008 VOL 2 - ISSUE 2
MUSIC INDUSTRY
EXTRAS
7... Artist’s Corner 7... Artist Spotlight 13... Producer’s Corner 13... Producer Spotlight 12... Dj Corner
6... B4 The Fame 6... Don’t Hate… 6... Question of the Month 16... Event Calendar 16... Resource Directory 18... On Location
FASHION INDUSTRY 9... Fashion Corner 10... Modeling Corner 11... Model Spotlight
VIDEO & FILM INDUSTRY 8... Actors Corner 9... Video/Film Corner
BUSINESS 4... Business Corner 5... Business Spotlight
Makin’ It Magazine published by CJC Media Services Inc. 3939 Lavista Road E-249 Tucker, GA 30084
Office: (678) 528-6925 Fax: (888) 812-9710
14
Cover Story
www.makinitmag.com Info@makinitmag.com
Editor in Chief Kelby Cannick Ext #710 kcannick@makinitmag.com
Copy Editor Kimberly Cannick
Contributing Writters B. Davidson, A. Chevious, P Anderson, J. Johnson
Distribution Manager B. Davidson Jr .
Market Coordinators Jacksonville Cedric Young (555) 555-5555 c.young@makinitmag.com Houston Shelby Allen (555) 555-5555 s.allen@makinitmag.com Indianapolis Avachino Reeves (555) 555-5555 a.reeves@makinitmag.com
WORD FROM KC Hey, What’s up with everybody? We had another great month and are happy to be celebrating the official launch of our first Makin’ It Magazine franchise in Jacksonville, Florida headed up by Cedric Young. Be on the lookout for the first On The Grind Mixtape hitting the web with 5,000 Free copies be distributed on the streets of Atlanta beginning February 22. Also lookout for that Hot In The Streets Mixtape featuring Young Buck, Lil Boosie, Willie Joe and the 2007 Beat Game Finalists. We’ll be distributing 10,000 Free copies of this mixtape all around Atlanta as well. For those who want to register early for this years $5,000 rap competition visit www. TheBeatGame.com to get your 15 Free beats. I appreciate all the love and support we’ve been receiving and look forward to another good month for February. Until next month ....
Chicago Rich Jones (555) 555-5555 r.jones@makinitmag.com Milwaukee T. Reese (555) 555-5555 t.reese@makinitmag.com
If you would like to bring Makin’ It Magazine To your city call us Today for distribution and Franchise information. (678) 528-6925 info@makinitmag.com
-KC
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FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 3
BUSINESS CORNER This month I would like to talk to you about bartering. As a small business owner cash is always going to be one of your most valuable assets. You will often find yourself in need of services and goods from other small business owners. Though last month I spoke strongly about the need to pay others (especially fellow entrepreneurs) for the goods and services they provide, I understand that many of you may not have a ton of cash at your disposal. While I still stand firm in my belief that everyone should be compensated, compensation doesn’t always have to be in the form of cash. Depending on your business, resources and talents you may find many opportunities to pay for the things you need at little or no cost to yourself. Bartering or trade-out, as many call it, is
I AINT TRIPPIN... WE CAN SWAP ITBY K.OUT! CANNICK
simply when two people agree to forego cash and exchange goods or services. This offers both parties the opportunity to get what they need at a far cheaper cost. For example, a singer that happens to paint houses for a living hears that the owner of a studio needs to have an invest property painted. He offers to do the job in exchange for studio time. In this case the singer gets $4,000 worth of studio time in exchange for a few days of work and the studio owner save $4,000 in exchange for scheduling a few extra sessions. Everybody wins! The first step to successfully bartering is having something the other party values or needs. Too often individuals attempt to barter and have nothing to offer or something that is of no value to the other party. Consider if the singer in our example was an auto mechanic. While he may
have a service he can provide, it doesn’t meet the needs of the other party. As a magazine publisher I get bombarded with offers to barter from small businesses needing to advertise. The first thing I always ask is, “What are you offering?” That’s where most of them get stomped. If they can’t answer this question, I know that they have only considered themselves. To build successful bartering relationships you must consider the other party’s needs. When you ask to barter without this consideration, it shows that you are just out for yourself and not to actually build a relationship. Instead do your research. Find out what the other party needs and how you can accommodate them. When you find something, offer to help in that area. This will show that you
have genuinely considered them and will put you in a far better position to negotiate terms of the barter. If you have a comment or story Idea for this section please email it to business@makinitmag.com
Soul Food - This New York native has just released his 2nd album “Rap Dealer Vol. 2” and is hard at work on a follow up first quarter release. With strong lyrical content his name is his music, soul food. He is currently seeking to connect with a good manager or promoters to book more shows. He can be reached at (718) 662-8451 or rappersoulfood@gmail.com myspace.com/SoulFoodAKABurnsBr Nika Surviving the storm of Hurricaine Katrina this female emcee relocated to the “A” six months ago. After completing her latest mixtape shes back in the studio working on her album. With a style like gumbo she is breaking the mold of female MCs delivering a range of substance and subject matter. Currently working with producers, Wood & Track King, she is looking to connect with more producers to create a well rounded project. (504)421-1660 or (504) 813-5587 mrs_rwilson@yahoo.com
myspace.com/nikasweetladyofthesouth 4 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
Xclusiv This trio of highschool friends combines the soulful styling of B. Jones, rugged tone of Ray, and the musical genius of Sharod to produce a unique genre of music that appeals to all. With the ability to sing, rap, write and play instruments, XCLUSIV is capable of reaching various audiences. For info contact Aisha Albritton, CEO of Britton Management bmp. atl@gmail.com myspace.com/XclusivATL Wanna Advertise... Call (678) 528-6925 or visit www.MakinItMag.com
BUSINESS CORNER
FAR BETTER RECORDS BY K. CANNICK
This past week I sat down with Jontae “Swissher” Green, the founder of Far Better Records. As he calmly sat back in his seat to light up a clove cigarette, he began to layout his business plans for the impending year. Currently operating a record store, recording studio, and record label, he is also in the beginning phases of launching a clothing line and film company under the Far Better umbrella. Understanding the importance of brand marketing, he jokes about launching a “Far Better” Tooth Paste line if he found that connection. To understand where Far Better is heading you must first understand where it came from. Swissher’s natural love of music found him in the studio at just 7 years old under the wing of his older brother Chris “Cash C” Williams who was part of the six member rap group, Illegal Procedure. Swissher would sit in the studio harmonizing with the beats creating melodies for hooks. From there his love affair with the music industry began. Learning to produce and engineer, he would later found his own company, Far Better Records. Founded in 2002 Far Better latter incorporated in 2005. Today, with a roster of 3 artists including Mr. Optimo, Mr G. and Stan Boogie, Swissher is looking to further build his team with the people necessary to dominate not just in the music industry but all aspects of the business. He is currently seeking singers, songwriters, graphic/ web designers, a personal assistant, clothing designers, street team members, interns, online promotions specialist and voice talent for commercials. When rapping up our interview I asked Swissher a hypothetical question that I pose to every person I interview. I asked, “If you could ask for anything in the world that would help take your business to the next level, what would that be?” In a true testament to his character he sat back and contemplated the question before giving one of the best answers I have ever received. In his own words: ”It would be nice to have someone who sees my vision to help by investing, but money comes and goes. If I could only ask for one thing and receive it, I would have to ask for wisdom, The knowledge to make the right decisions in my day to day life. That’s something that would last a lifetime. With that, I’m pretty sure I could handle everything else.”
Swissher’s Far Better Studios MIXTAPE PACKAGE DEAL - $250 FREE Studio Time - 12 Tracks CD Cover Design - 10 CDs Printed 2 Posters & Webspace
Studio Time $25/Hour
Call Swissher to set up an appointment
(404) 396.3103 Big Oak Plaza - 5900 Maxham Road Austell, GA Suite 14 @ Far Better Record Store Wanna Advertise... Call (678) 528-6925 or visit www.MakinItMag.com
FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 5
LUDACRIS B4 THE FAME
QUESTION OF
THE MONTH
There are so many people trying to break into the music, fashion and film industries with so few spots to fill it is only inevitable that many will not succeed. I am sure many of you have been discouraged by family, friends or the numerous obstacles that life may throw at you. Some have told you it can’t be done. Others may have told you to be more realistic. I ask you to look deep inside of yourself and answer this simple question. With the odds stacked against you, what is it that motivates you? What gives you the strength to stay the course and continue to keep pushing forward in spite of challenges and naysayers? Why do you pursue your dream?
Before exploding on to the scene with his ground breaking debut album, this Gramy award winning Rapper/Actor/Entrepreneur was known to Millions as DJ Chris Lova Lova at Hot 97.5, which would later became Atl’s Hot 107.9
DONT HATE
CONGRATULATE!!!
A big shot goes out to my man DJ
HOLIDAY who was recently Aphiliated joining the ranks of DJ DRAMA, DJ DON CANNON, DJ SENSE, DJ OX BANGA, DJ JAMED, DJ JAYCEE, DJ LIL LARRY, DJ INFAMOUS, DJ HEAD DEBIASE. Congratulations to GUTTA SLIM (Cordele, GA), YOUNG KAYTO & ZOE PESCII (Alpharetta, GA), CONIYAC & JUGANOT (Los Angelos, CA), JASON (Richmond, VA), SYNSYRE, SLAY BOOGIE & CITI BOI (Belle Glade, FL), LIL CHAPPY, HOMEBWOI, B.O.B (Montgomery, AL), TIGGA BOUNCE (Decatur, GA), NOTICE, 2 FLY KEITH LOGAN, MR 44 (Youngstown, OH), GRIND THEN SHINE ENTERTAINMENT (Honolulu, HI), FLY GUY WADE B (Atlanta, GA), JAECYN BAYNE (Indianapolis, IN), KING FROST, FRANK SPENCER (Waterloo, IO), SCO, KIOTTI, KINGPIN SKINNY PIMP (Pontiac, MI), MONEYSTACKZZ, GUTTA BOI (Atlanta, GA) FARO (United Kingdom) and THE UNPREDICTABLE R.E.D. (Watts, CA) who all received a placement on Makin’ It Magazine’s “On The Grind Mixtape: Volume 1.” A special thanks to the homie WILLIE JOE (Wataboy/Sho’ Nuff/Capitol Records) who came through to host the mix. 5,000 Free copies will hit the streets beginning February 22nd make sure to mick Yours up. If you want to submit you song for the next mixtape visit www.OnTheGrindMixtape.com.. 6 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
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ARTIST’S CORNER FIRST IMPRESSIONS: GOOD PACKAGING BY J. JOHNSON You only get one chance to make a first impression. We’ve all heard that saying and, unless your first impression is forgotten, it stands true. When preparing for an important meeting, such as a job interview, people make every effort to put their best foot forward. In the music industry, artists unknowingly meet with key players in the music industry all the time- though most times they will never see them in person. In fact, in most cases, they may never know the meeting occurred. You may be wondering (1) How is this possible? and (2) If possible, how can one prepare for a meeting they will not be attending? Good questions. I have good answers. The answer to the first question is simple- demos. Anytime you distribute demos, there is a possibility that it may reach a beneficial music-affiliated per-
son: whether it is a local radio station program director or an A&R for a major label. When such people listen to your work, an interview is in progress. Your demo represents you. It is your musical resume. If that’s true, your packaging most certainly serves as your cover letter. That is not good news for most aspiring artists. The vast majority of aspiring artists unaware of the importance of properly packaging their demos may have unknowingly submitted terrible representations of themselves. The good news is, of those badly-packaged demos, most were probably disposed of without being read or listened to. As a result, you have a second chance to make your ‘first’ impression. As previously mentioned, packaging serves as your cover letter for your music. Just
as a bad cover letter increases (if not guarantees) that your resume won’t be reviewed, such is the case with your demo. Now that we know why packaging is important, your next question may be ‘How do I package my demo properly?’ I thought you’d never ask. The main components of a properly packaged demo are as follows: decent graphic work on the CD and CD cover, focused musical content, and proper contact information. Most badlypackaged demos are guilty of violating the first componentdecent graphic work. If a demo with decent graphic work on the cover and thermal print on the CD were a Hallmark card, demos with everything handwritten in permanent marker would be the construction paper Mother’s Day cards 8-year olds make at school for their
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Of those that make it past the first round, a good number will be eliminated by Round 2 as a result of not having focused musical content. What is focused musical content? We’ll discuss the answer to that and proper contact info in Pt. 2 which is posted on the Blog section of my MySpace page. My contact information is listed below for those that wish to get in touch with me. If you have a comment or story Idea for this section please email artists@makinitmag.com
THE UNPREDICTABLEBYR.E.D. K. CANNICK
Last July I introduced many of you to a new artist out of Los Angeles, California by the name of The Unpredictable R.E.D. This past month I was able to catch up with R.E.D. and discuss his current projects. Since his last appearance in the magazine things have really taken off. His MySpace traffic has increased dramatically and other artists and producers from across the country have been reaching out to him. He has been hitting the streets real hard and doing shows to promote his new single “Watts Star” which will be appearing on volume one of our “On The Grind Mixtape.” In addition to that, the song will also be featured in the upcoming documentary “Gangsta Rap: The Greatest Lie Ever Sold.” This film, written and directed by Lil Tookie , a protégé of John Singleton, promises to put a lot of industry rappers on blast for not being who they claim to be. Wanna Advertise... Call (678) 528-6925 or visit www.MakinItMag.com
moms.
Since last time we spoke, R.E.D. has had a considerable amount of growth as an artist, which he attributes to finally setting up his own preproduction studio. He says it’s a good feeling when he can wake up with a hook at two o’clock in the morning and lay down the whole song instead of just writing it on a piece of paper. R.E.D. is also back in the lab with Ji Ji Sweets working on a new mixtape titled “Blunt Music” which will be hosted by the homie Delron. He says the CD will offer something for everyone but at the same time stay true to his style. It’s definitely going to be a CD you can just toss in and smoke to. He anticipates the project’s release for later this month. As always R.E.D. is open to collaborating with other artists and producers and looking to do more shows (willing to travel). You may Contact R.E.D. at Phone: (323) 336-7139 Myspace.com/TooUnpredictable FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 7
ACTOR’S CORNER CASTING CALL TIPS BY PATRICIA ANDERSON, MBA Casting calls are either cattle calls; (you don’t have an individual appointment, they are asking the public at large to audition) or scheduled interviews, (your agent gives you a date, time, and who you will be auditioning for.) You will also receive payment details, and character breakdown. There are several types of auditions: scripted, monologue, and improvisation. If a monologue is required memorize 2: a dramatic one and a About The
Author Patricia Anderson, MBA Founder/ ReelBiz.TV and FilmBiz.TV www.reelbiz.tv reelbiz@bellsouth.net
8 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
light/humored one. 1. Be PROFESSIONAL, from the moment of the phone/call e-mail to the time you leave the audition. 2. Bring 2 copies of your headshot/resume/comp-card with you, with the contact information for you or your agent. 3. Dress the part of the character, if you know beforehand which character you will be reading for, if no direction; dress business casual in camera friendly bright colors. No stripes/black/white or shiny materials on top. 4. Arrive on time - ten minutes early. 5. Be clean. Your clothing, hair, body, breath etc. Many times
you will be auditioning in close quarters with another actor, and you are basically selling your appearance. 6. No gum chewing EVER. 7. Study the script if provided and memorize it, however, don’t be surprised if you receive a script change at the audition. Your response to this is “THANK YOU!” Do not go on about having another script, etc. Even though you have memorized your script, bring it with you, and keep it in your hand below camera angle, in case you forget a line. 8. Ask questions before (NOT AFTER) the audition. Questions such as “What is my frame?” (the camera angle on your body) are legitimate questions BEFORE the audition. It is also
acceptable to ask for a rehearsal; going through the lines before it is actually recorded. This allows the director to see how you deliver the lines, and you are subliminally asking them for feedback BEFORE you audition! 9. When you are done say “Thank you!” and LEAVE. Do not ask how you did, or how much you will be getting paid. Do not hang around and talk to other actors. Forget the audition; don’t obsess over what you did/didn’t do. 10. Take the feedback they give you with a grain of salt. GREAT doesn’t mean you got the job. There is an 85% chance you will not get the job, so don’t give up, take classes, and audition OFTEN!
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VIDEO/FILM CORNER
PROMOTING YOUR INDEPENDENT FILM (1 BYOFM. WIESE 3)
1. Understand Your Target Audience – When independently promoting a film or video, properly identifying your audience is a little difficult because you really have three separate audiences, not just one. They are: • Those who will watch the product (consumers via purchase, rental or broadcast situations). Consider a viewer’s gender, age, education, income, religion, race, occupation and location. • Those who will buy/sell the product (distributors, acquisition agents, subdistributors. video buyers). Each has different motivations and needs for product. • Those who will promote the product (publicists, media, festival programmers). Their support is very important in gaining industry access. 2. Analyze Your Hooks – A good selling point for your film or video – or any other product for that matter – is known as a marketing “hook.” Hooks are exploitable elements, aspects associated with the production that will attract those people who comprise your audience profile. Hooks take many forms –
a person, place, thing, action or idea. Many times, a film or video’s title alone will function as the marketing hook. Finding the right hook means a mediocre film can become wildly successful while a much more accomplished, yet hookless, project sits on a shelf. The survival and success of most independent films and videos are predominantly dependent upon realizing the proper hook to use in the promotional campaign. What is the single most-promotable element of your film or video that will attract its target audience?
be used in most of your marketing efforts as a way to tell the story of your film. If you’re planning a project for a very specified target audience (i.e., an urban or horror film) solicit this group for input before you start using your logline. It’s vital that the core viewer understands your promotional campaign, especially so if they represent a small or limited number.
3. Create a Concise Logline – Your movie or video project cannot be all things to all people. You should be able to define your film in one concise sentence, identifying its genre in the process while at the same time conveying the basic storyline to the potential viewer. This method of summarizing your entire film into a short sketch is known as the “logline.” Consider your film’s structure, genre, emotional pleas, characters, action and setting when writing a logline. Look to the movie listings in TV Guide for examples of well-conceived loglines. This logline will
FASHION CORNER Considering many startup companies don’t have the right financing or know how to effectively market and sale clothing at a trade show many leave with no orders and less money than they started with. Many go in with the belief that they will leave with thousands of dollars
expensive and yield far better results. These alternatives in no way replace the marketing and branding potential a trade show offers, but they can help get your line into the hands of buyers and hopefully onto retail shelves. Showrooms are definitely one of the more popular alternatives to
in orders or find an investor that wants to put millions of dollars behind their company. For most of us this is not going to happen. There are other ways of going about getting your clothing line into stores and finding avenues to sell. While more time consuming, these avenues can be less
tradeshows. They offer much of the same benefit without actually having to be there or hire a sales rep. In fact, no direct contact with stores or buyers is required. Most showrooms do all the dirty work for you (meetings, sales, etc) allowing you to focus on running your business. Always
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TRADE SHOW ALTERNATIVES FASHION INDUSTRY CEO
work with a proven showroom or at least one that is reliable and trustworthy. It is also a good idea to find one that is familiar with your style of clothing (urban, street, active wear). Showrooms can usually be paid on a performance basis (Monthly, Seasonal Commission) Catalog Sales is pretty much self-explanatory. You can develop a catalog for your fashion company’s seasonal collections and build up a direct mailing list or hit the streets and go door to door informing possible clients of your clothing company. If you’re graphically inclined (Photoshop, Illustrator) the only cost you will accrue is printing your catalogs and a little time sourcing a printer. I would recommend using a professional photographer. Direct Sales or Cold Calling include selling online, at local
events or from your company’s warehouse. Many overlook the effectiveness of selling directly the consumer. This approach allows you to cut out the middle man and collect all the profits. Going door to door talking with stores or boutiques is more time consuming than anything else, but will lead to better relationships with your buyers. You also get to see their store layout and determine if their target customer fits for your line of clothing. This route also offers better brand control. Cold calling can be effective as long as you don’t come off as a solicitor. Instead focus initially on educating prospects about what you have to offer and increasing awareness of your brand. Till next month... Keep on Pushin’
FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 9
MODELING CORNER WORKING WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS BY A. CHEVIOUS If you haven’t worked with a photographer yet, here are a few things you need to know about your photo session. Some photographers are “creative directors”, giving you instructions on posing, hand placement, and facial expressions. As a model you must be able to take direction in order to give the photographer the desired shot they are seeking. other photographers may feel they don’t have the time to show/teach About The
Author Avery Chevious averychevious@aol.com 678-732-8494 www.myspace.com/atltalent_scout
you how to model. To them time is money, and they don’t have it to waste as you to learn to model in front of their camera. Many photographers may feel that you should already know how to achieve the desired poses without being given any direction. I know by now you’re wondering how to tell which is which before your photo shoot. It is actually quite easy. A lot of photographers will direct you to a modeling/photography website (like musecube.com) to view their portfolio. On many of these sites you will be able to see models that the photographer has worked with in the past. You can view the models page and ask questions about the photographer. This will be your opportunity to see the type of poses, angles, and lighting techniques the photographer favors. Along
PRODUCER PROFILE
SLIM DOG BY K. CANNICK
David “Slim Dog” Bell founded Slim Dog Productions after getting started in audio production just four years ago. Having played drums since fifth grade he has a strong background in music spanning from orchestra to jazz, which he regularly incorporates into his tracks. His current goals include getting as much music into circulation as possible. He is looking to collaborate with all taletned hip hop and R&B artists. The two main acts he is currently working with include Nobull and 2Mental, who recently hit #1 in Cash Box Magazine’s Independent Music Charts and will featured in this months WWS Magaazine. In addition to being featured in Makin’ It Magazine Slim Dog will also be appearing on IACMusic.com this month. If you are looking for quality production, his tracks range from $100 to $300 for exclusive rights.
Phone: (719) 232-3503 Myspace.com/SlimDogProductions Soundclick.com/SlimDogProducitons 10 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
with the insight the models will give you; often you can see the vision and direction of the photographer. While you’re on their page, check for a MUA (make-up artist) on their page as well. Most photographers have an MUA on hand at the photo shoot, but it is always good to be prepared to do your own make-up if none is available. Sometimes the MUA may not have the exact foundation that matches your complexion, so it is good to bring it with you. Hair should be done in your desired style along with nails and toe nails. Bring multiple outfits with you to the photo shoot in case of wardrobe malfunctions and/or the photographer wanting to mix and
match different items together. Sometimes they pick the wardrobe for the photo shoot according to the background or for a particular theme. Do your homework first, know your limits and strengths. Can you take direction and instruction? Or can you give the photographer the shot their looking for on your own?
Jazz moved to Atlanta from Florida a year ago. After two years of grinding she is gearing up fo rthe release of her second album entitle “Nast as I wanna be...” In her own words, “The CD comes at you hot, exotic, erotic and sexy soulful.” Jazz is currently seeking shows and a good manager that knows the business. Check our event section for details about her album release parties www.WhoIzJazz.com
Now Hiring Rappers!!!
www.TheBeatSquad.com Wanna Advertise... Call (678) 528-6925 or visit www.MakinItMag.com
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DJS CORNER WHERE DO I START BY K. CANNICK The most common question to come in so far has to be... how do I start DJing? So here is some advice on how to approach this. Start by thinking about what format you wish to use. Do you want to scratch as well as mix? Do you want to pick up traditional DJ skills using turntables, CD or MP3 devices (most of these DJ skills are transferable between all devices)? Today the Digital DJ is recognised as much as any conventional DJ so start by thinking what format you wish to use for your mixing, what format is your music in already, Vinyl, CD, MP3? Did you know you can mix your MP3's using most DJ devices today? In my tutorials I use a time coded vinyl system, this allows me to use vinyl's from normal turntables to communicate with my laptop which in turn plays music files as if they were played directly from the turntables. The records do nothing more than tell my computer at which point the needle is on the record and how it is moving at that
12 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
point. The laptop is using that information to play the music file as if the needle on my turntable was playing it. There are many systems out there that use this technology so don't be fooled, shop around and you will find great deals. These systems are also available for CD devices too. Vinyl itself is still readily available, I have many friends who are not interested in mixing using any digital technology and still use original vinyl only. Mixing without specific DJ equipment is also achievable by using computer programs, there are many of the market. However remember the more you move into a computer based system the less accessible your controls will be at any given time. What I mean by this is, the volume, gain, eq and crossfader are physical controls on your DJ mixer allowing you access to change all of them at the same time if you wished... this isn't so easily achieved with a mouse and keys! That said, there are controllers on the market
to work with Ableton Live and other software packages so look at what's around before you buy. These controllers actually interact with programs giving you physical access to the programs controls, much like a DJ mixer. The market for DJ equipment is booming, new products are constantly coming out. Ultimately this means that it would be unwise for me to advise you on any particular products if I wanted to remain an impartial adviser. Therefore I'm just going to tell you what you need! In order to mix you firstly need the ability to change the speed of your tracks. You also need volume controls for both your channels (tracks you are mixing), a crossfader is a good control to have but its not necessary as it really only automates the same ac-
tions you could do by sliding your volume faders in alternate directions at the same time. You do however need a cross fader for scratching, so bear that in mind! EQ controls are also very important, you can mix without them, but if you want your mixes to sound more professional then they are a must! These are the basics you need to consider when starting out. DJ skills are not developed over night! It will take time for you to learn to DJ properly so don't worry too much about what you might want in the future just concern yourself with trying it out first.
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PRODUCER’S CORNER ATTACK OF THE CLONES! BY BILLY AVIDSON, JR Producers, as with any profession, have other producers that they look up to or are influenced by. On just about any producers top op 5 lists of their biggest influences, you’re sure to see names like Timbaland and Dr. Dre. As we first start out, we tend to emulatee our favorites, mimicking their drum patterns, types of sounds they use, nces and so on. But when does being inspired by your biggest influences draw the line between biting-or just simply paying homage? Year after year, every genre of music has that BIG hit of the year ns of from a big name artist and producer, and soon to follow are tons strusongs that sound the exact same-but so much worse. Similar instruments, same formula, same everything. Just look at T-Pain last year, and now this year how many other artists and producers are using ff as auto-tune. Why steal someone else’s style and try to pass it off ound your own? Why can’t YOU be the one to create a whole new sound no one else is doing? Now more than ever, the music industry is in dreadful need off a boost from everything to sales and promotions, right down to thee artists we listen to. One of the first steps in creating that boostt starts with the producers. As a producer, YOU groom and cultivate the artists we listen to on the radio and see on T.V. everyday. YOU are supposed to lead the artist in the right direction to go in. If your whole sound is a blatant rip off of another producer’s style, why should anyone listen to anything YOU have to say???
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT CONTE BY K. CANNICK At only 24 years of age Conte has been producing for a little less than a decade. The Naptown (Indianapolis) native started his music career as a member of the teenage rap duo, Raww Dawgz on 2 Da Top Entertainment. Though he enjoyed rapping, he quickly found that his true passion was making beats. He reminisces on his first beat machine the Yamaha QY-70. No bigger than a Sega Game Gear, It would accompany him everywhere he went. After maxing out the potential of the QY-70 he would move onto several other platforms including the MPC and Triton before finding himself at home with a PC using Reasons & FL Studio. After a long and bumpy road filled with challenges and setbacks, Conte is now at a comfortable place in his career. With the help of his amazing manager, Jeff, he has landed a good situation working with The Gang Ent. Having recently relocated to the ATL he has been getting it in, literally living in the studio. Working closely with Konvict Music’s own Dolla, Poli Paul and several other artists he is set to make a big impression on the game this year. Conte still has a lot of love for independent artists and is willing to work with all reasonable budgets. To get information on leasing tracks contact Conte at (678) 570-2745 or ConteBeatz@yahoo.com. Myspace.com/ConteBeatz Wanna Advertise... Call (678) 528-6925 or visit www.MakinItMag.com
FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 13
COVER STORY MAKE $100K A WEEK BY K. CANNICK We’ve all watched MTV Cribs or any of the many VH1 specials detailing the extravagant lifestyles of celebrities such as Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre and various other Hip Hop heavyweights. As you watch them ride around in cars that cost more than you will gross over the next decade, I’m sure you’ve asked yourself “What is their Secret?” Well, in this article I will reveal a secret that has been guarded by our nation’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Passed on in secrecy this simple formula is the key to amassing great wealth in any field you desire. This is a tried and proven method to succeeding in the music, fashion and film industries. It has been used by Bill Gates, Sean Carter, Hype Williams, The founders of Google, Dell Computers and thousands of other successful organizations. This simple formula, when applied, can mean the difference between being stuck in a dead end job for the rest of your life and raking in over $108,000 per week ($5.6 Million a year). Before I reveal this life changing information I have to make sure that you understand the immense power that I put in your hands. This is not a formula to be played with. If you wish to successfully use it, you must commit to it. There is no room for error. If this equation is not followed to the letter you risk seriously devastating consequences to your personal, financial and social life. For those of you who are not ready to take on such a responsibility, this is your opportunity to stop reading. For those of you who are serious about the desire to improve your situation and taking your life to the next level, please proceed. This secret formula for success consists of one skill that must be used whenever possible. It is a skill that I know you possess because you are doing it right now. It’s a skill that 99% of all American adults are capable of but so few actually do. I am talking about reading.
contracts that they never bothered to read. I watch artists throw away money and miss out on much needed opportunities for not taking the time to read or research. I’m sure the concept of reading being able to generate you thousands of dollars a day seems a little far-fetched, but look at every successful individual that inspires you and ask yourself this question: Would they have achieved the same level of success without reading, researching or reviewing their contracts? I watch artists and entrepreneurs routinely get taken advantage because they choose not to read the fine print or do a little research. As the saying goes, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” This includes the problems and situations you may be faced with. Believe me someone else has encountered that same problem before and it has most likely been solved and documented somewhere in a book. Instead we prefer to waste our time reinventing the wheel. I fail to understand why people invest thousands of dollars into studio equipment and not take time out to read the manual or a book on proper recording technique. The time that you spend reading will greatly increase your productivity and save you a hundred fold in time, energy and money. I’ve done a great deal of different things from computer programming, to running a record label. I have also owned several other publications prior to Makin’ It Magazine. Many people have asked me how to start a magazine, record label, studio or other type of business. Even though it a simple process to start a business, they have already displayed the inability to successfully run a business. For a person to ask me this question when there are thousands upon thousands of books that deal with this topic, illustrates their work ethic. If you want to do something you have to apply due diligence. Do your research, review the paperwork and READ! READ! READ!
If you were looking for some lofty scheme or foreign concept, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Every day I receive emails and phone calls from people asking questions that can easily be found in this magazine or in any number of resource books. Every day I hear artists complain about being screwed on 14 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
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ARTIST PROFILE AAROC BY K. CANNICK
ARTIST PROFILE PIMP BO BY K. CANNICK Pimp Bo has been on his steady grind since last time we spoke. Having shot two music videos for his songs “When My Lord Calls” and “Pimp $#!T”. He is prepping to shoot a third video for his new artist Skitzo from Bankhead for the song “All My Loot” which he is also featured on. Working closesly with his producer JG, Bo is now sixteen songs deep into the album. Bo is turning up the pace as he searches for his lead single. Pimp Bo is a serious artist looking to connect with DJs, Promotions and Marketing people. myspace.com/hollieclangangstas
Aaroc’s love affair with music began when he was just five years old. As a child in New haven, Connecticut he would perform in the school dance groups. This love for the spotlight would soon shift his juvenile attention to hip hop. As we talked, he recalled his sister writing down his raps for him before he could write himself. In 1991, Aaroc relocated to Atlanta. This dramatic shift in culture had a profound effect on the impressionable nine year old. He also attributes this to making him the artist that he is today. He describes himself as a northernsouthern rapper. He explains that he believes there are two types of rappers; Hip Hoppers whose lyrics are more metaphorical and Rappers whose lyrics are more straightforward. He feels that moving to the south and such a pivotal point in his life helped him find a unique balance between the two.
When he was younger he rapped for fun but as he got older he realized the power that music has on people’s emotions and mental state. He says it was then that he re-evaluated his motivations for rapping and the type of music that he was putting out into the world. This led him to becoming a more balanced artist. Though he plans for a prosperous music career his true goal is to creative a positive social change by opening the eyes of the youth. As Aaroc prepares for the release of his new album, AarocBridge, under his own independent imprint, New Breed Inc. he looks forward to finding investors, promoters and marketing specialist who believe in the project as much as he does. In his own words, “I don’t want to be the best rapper, I just want to be people’s favorite.” Contact (678) 949-4301
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ARTIST PROFILE
BLAQUE KAT BY K. CANNICK
I got the chance to chop it up with, BlakKat CEO and lead artist on Blaque Kat Records. Originally from Dayton, Ohio he has been doing his thing promoting heavy throughout the LA and San Diego areas while still finding time to travel back and forth to the Midwest where he has been building a steady growing fan base. He has recently begun to stretch his reach to the ATL and is currently looking to connect with promoters, marketing professionals and DJs. His lead single, “Independent Black Owned” from the album “Kata$trophe Platinum Certified 113 Proof” is available on iTunes & Napster. For more information or to hear his music, visit him online. info@blaquekatinc.com Myspace.com/blaquekatinc Myspace.com/ceobki ReverbNation.com/BlakKat Phone: (213) 448-2871 FEB 08 \ Makin’ It Magazine \ 17
ON LOCATION PRODUCER SWAP MEET BY K. CANNICK The last Thursday of every month Ft. Knox, Big Ty, Hotep and the whole crew over at Dynamic Producers put on The Producer’s Swap Meet, one of the best networking events for upcoming producers I have ever been to. The night starts with the Producer’s Swap Meet section where producers get 5 minutes to showcase their work for a crowd packed with artists and industry professionals. The second segment includes live performances before the newly added Remix Competition, where prooducers showcase remixes that they’ve done to a current industry hits. The Night Concludes with the Producer’s Battle. For more information contact (404) 294-7165.
18 / Makin’ It Magazine / FEB 08
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