Indie Label - June

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indielabelmagazine.com

:ndielabel Bertell

Houston’s R&B Prince

2007 Š indie label magazine.

june 2007 / vol 1 issue 1

there i s a m a r k e t. . . s o , l a b e l m e i n d e p e n d e n t

for h c a o r app w e n e sts i th t r A t en c o n t e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . d n e p e d In 2 6 12 14

save money, avoid poor recording sessions p. 3 June Premier.indd 1

ASHS jazz/funk with a dark psychedelic edge p. 5

:ndiediva :ndieads :ndiecover :ndiepro

Soul Hop nourishes and speaks to the soul p. 5 5/18/2007 7:59:18 AM

:ndielabel june ‘07 premier

:ndiediva

’ i tn

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r&b hip hop Diva

genre R&B | HipHop single/album Crystal Clear hometown Los Angeles, CA :ndielabel TEAM Mash’n Ent. myspace.com/sing4u247

Most American car horns honk in which key?

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5/18/2007 7:59:30 AM

If you do not get anything out of this magazine just Remember Man what we have said on this page.

–jerry rodriguez : bass guitarist : editor :

USA... in the .

Made ICAN parts X ME h it w

Be prepared for recording sessions.

Remember the 5 P’s...

Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance Many recording sessions can be a disaster if you don’t plan ahead. It is a good idea to have a general guideline of how you are expecting your song to sound before you lay it down on tape. Many artists make a mistake of attempting to find themselves or discover uniqueness about their ability the day of the session. It is a good idea to get in to the habit of practicing your song as if you were performing it for a sold out arena. I think we have all heard the phrase, “I’ll bring out the best in me when I play in front of a live crowd.” The time to experiment is NOT during a recording session. Time is money and if you are wasting time creating while you are in a recording session, then obviously you are wasting money. Let’s face it, if you do “create” something knew in a session, chances are that it is going to spark a creative flame in one of your fellow band member’s imagination. Then you will get into the “what if” syndrome. “What if we overdub it with some strings”, “what if we put a chorus on the bass guitar”, “what if we double up on the lead”, “what if we”, “what if”, “what if”… Creativity is never ending, especially for an artist. So, “what if” you tweak your song BEFORE you get to the recording studio? (continued page 14) (from page 3)

the publisher......... kyla staten editor..................... gerardo rodriguez graphic artist(s).... danielle miles

kyla staten reporter................. cornel grant admin .................... audrio mock contributors......... xavier gonzalez

kenneth james

keno sims

street anthem, inc.

Cover Photo & Design Orbit (Houston, TX) www.orbitsworld.com (832) 286-7477

:ndiecreative

:ndielabel

legal stuff should go here. However, we just want you to know that Indie Label Magazine is created to promote independent bands, artists and business. Any and everything in this magazine is for Y’all. If you see some stuff you don’t like... You can’t blame Indie Label Magazine. Just remember, we will not print stuff for Major Labels or material that may be offensive.

This is a KAMITRI eWorld Resource, Inc. publication and it is made with pride by Texan Americans. 2007 © Indie Label Magazine.

for advertising indielabelmagazine.com (877) 40-INDIE | (877) 404-6343

inc.

Where is is Mozart buried?

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5/18/2007 7:59:39 AM

:ndielabel june ‘07 premier

l a e R z I In February of 2006 five kings galvanized behind one common vision; to provide the world with a vibrant, fresh, and intensely creative form of hip hop that nourishes the soul, excites the senses, inspires creativity, and challenges limits. The founding Kings of this grand vision are Bryan K. Crowder, Christopher Gorman, Elliot Harris, Jamon Jamison, and Christopher J. Ramsey. Soulhop Legacy Music group was contrived as an initiative to incite (put in motion); music/record industry renaissance and reform. Soulhop is the cure for the corrosive cancer of greed and superficiality that is killing music softly.

One that has emanated (flowed) from this group kings is Christopher J. Ramsey.

Only now he is known as IzReal. IzReal challenges the listening audience to be free, observant, informed, playful, honest, and emotional. He transcends the stigma that hovers above most emcees (MC’s).

Not only is he a performer, he maintains a Gnostic [nos-tik] lyrical approach that delivers unquestionable thoughts to his

never-ending phrases. You know, the things that make you go, “Hmmmm”. He categorizes himself as a multi-dimensional artist because he possesses the ability to appeal to more than one target audience. When asked to define his mission he has this to say, “My musical mission is to provide an introspective (huh?), insightful, and yet intensely entertaining experience of the soul. Music is the melody of the moment and the rhythm of reality; therefore I have made it my responsibility to define the human experience by transforming life into artistic expression. This is why I have introduced Soulhop as the truest definition of what it is we are giving the people.”

What is Soulhop Legacy? It is good music that speaks to all five components of the human soul. When you bring soul back into the music, you bring back intellect, emotions, memory, imagination, and human will. Hop is short for hip-hop.

One primary objective of this label is to provide hip-hop that is infuses with soul. We are carrying on in the tradition of musical giants from all genres ranging from Jazz to Folk music. Their sound and soul live on through our music genius.

www.myspace.com/itgetsreal

Did Warner Communications pay for the copyright to the song “Happy Birthday”?

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5/18/2007 7:59:40 AM

We actu a

lly have 9

to 5’s.

:ndielabel

june ‘07 premier

A>S>H>S

Audible Stellar Hypnotic Situations More a philosophy than a band, ASHS has combined the latest in technology with the standard instrumentation of our times to create consuming rhythmic environments. From full on tribal percussion assaults to smooth free flowing jazz/funk with a dark psychedelic edge, ASHS has been creating Audible Stellar Hypnotic Situations since 1997.

After dominating Houston’s underground scene for years, they’ve now added visuals in combination with their infectious sounds making it easier for the group and the audience to feed off each other thus influencing the music. Their performances are driven by experience. Since no two are alike, missing the chance to see these musical evolutionaries is not an option.

ASHS cut their teeth with the infamous Spiral Tribe, throwing all night renegade parties at unlikely and sometimes illegal places. In 2000, ASHS gained notoriety for

Drums | Aux Percussion | Producer | Visuals Bass Guitar Congas | Aux Percussion illiams Turntablist | Visuals | Design Jason W ls Tenor Saxophone ho Scott Nic zales Keyboards n

o Xavier G r “BezerK” Karl he p o t Chris n erryma B h p e s o J ger Chad Hil

their 12,000 square foot warehouse in the Southeast area of downtown Houston deemed by local press as a “hotbed of alternative entertainment”. ASHS began to redefine the underground music scene. Producing showcases of live suspension rituals, fire breathing robots, and fire dancers with raw unadulterated music. Following the DIY philosophy, ASHS made an indelible mark on the underground scene in Houston by hosting dozens of now legendary events. ASHS has since gone on to open for such acts as Spoonfed Tribe, HairyApes BMX, And Mystique Quintet, And has completed their debut studio album ...Check the website for more info.

www.ashs.us | myspace.com/ashs What do the letters EMI stand for?

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5/18/2007 7:59:50 AM

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Here to rev up the crowd so that everybody has a good time.

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Live in Concert Near You. Booking: Lea Jones 832-721-4117

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4

:ndies 1. Keep it simple 2. Speak with confidence and clarity 3. Make eye contact 4. Speak directly to the audience

5/18/2007 8:00:07 AM

4Thirty

Borderline natives from Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA. Spicing up the South with the soon be hit single “I-45”, featuring Lil KeKe & Killa Kyleon of the Boss Hogg Outlawz. myspace.com/4thirty

K.I.D.

First K.I.D. from the South to win the Fight Klub battle on MTV2.Work together with Paul Wall, 50 Twin, Slim Thug, Corey Mo, Bun B, Jokaman.

Soon to hit the streets: Featuring productions from Cory Mo, The Runners, who produced Hustlin’ (Rick Ross), Money on My Mind (Lil’ Wayne) and Slap (Ludacris). New release will also include some work from Hi-tek, who has produced for G-Unit, Game and Dr.Dre. myspace.com/kidthemayor

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5/18/2007 8:00:13 AM

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5/18/2007 8:00:22 AM

:ndielabel june ‘07 premier

b e rt e l l

“The slower you move the faster things happen for you in this industry”, expresses this good looking, clean cut 23 year old self proclaimed Houston’s R&B Prince. “You have to take to time to make sure you are doing things right”, he exclaims in a reassuring voice. “Most artists are trying to get to the top too quickly and they don’t take the time to perfect their art. You can’t take short cuts in this business.” Coincidentally, this slower pace approach appears to be doubtlessly functioning in a thoroughgoing pace. This pace, unquestionably, is full steam ahead. An exclusive personal listening session to his new, soon to be released, single “Rock“ proved to me that this thing called music was self-evident in his heart, mind and soul.

As I listened, he sang along to his fresh track with great precision and confidence.

He romantically gestured to the make believe “hotties” in the make believe audience in the make believe front row. One would get the feeling that he was actually on stage performing to a screaming and out of control crowd. Then, out of nowhere, he slaps me on my shoulder as he jumps up and down in excitement and says, “Watch this break!!

Watch this break!!” then

gently shuts his eyes and goes right back to the sold out concert in his mind. Hell, I was holding up my personal make believe poster board and swayed it from side to side with a note on it that read, “I LOVE YOU BERTELL!!” But hey!! It was all just make believe, so don’t trip!

“Yo tak cut bu

Bertell has already created a name for himself. In his young career he has had the opportunity to rub shoulders with renowned producer/ songwriter Royal Bayyan, former member of the successful group Kool and The Gang and producer for legendary groups such as Color Me Bad and Blackstreet. Bertell was then given the opportunity to record his demo in Mr. Bayyans studio. Bertell has also had the luxuries of working with some of the best in the music industry like Lil Flip, Chi from Ruff Endz and Dem Franchise Boyz. Along with his debut on Its Showtime at the Apollo in May 2005, Bertell was featured on the UPN show Street Flavor which brought in its highest ratings ever that weekend.

His first hot single, “Shorty What that Do” features Dem Franchise Boyz who have topped the Billboard charts with their hits “I Think They Like Me” and “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” Bertell’s distinctive sound has been heard in radio stations as far away as Omaha, Nebraska and Augusta, Georgia.

This soulful soloist will undoubtedly pave his way to the top of the charts to croon alongside some of the megastars in the business.

:nd W

Bertell

Berte

just ke my mix Therap in deliv great s

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beats t the lad

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The passion, motivation and innovation are exactly what caught the eyes of Bowie & Cox Management (producers of Usher, Mary J. Blidge, Mariah Carey and others).

He is the first independent artist to be signed under this management team.

Bowie and Cox Management are currently negotiating a summer concert tour (2007) that will include Bertell on the same bill as Ne•Yo and Tyrese.

:nd W Berte

Marvin are som to me. some n person and ar contrib indust

:nd Do

Needless to say, positive and encouraging endeavors are in store for this young enthusiastic, entertainer named Bertell, Houston’s R&B Prince.

realize about get tha that!” c

12 June Premier.indd 12

5/18/2007 8:00:29 AM

Houston’s R&B Prince “You can’t take short cuts in this business...”

bertell

:nd What is going on with

Bertell LOL! Yeah, and

Bertell these days?

Bertell Well, Right now I’m just keeping it going with my mix tapes called Street Therapy. I am doing my part in delivering great beats and great songs.

sometimes the song isn’t even about them and I still get a call. One of my boys called me once and told me that I was singing about the story of his life. I said, “Man, that song wasn’t even about you!” LOL!!

But inspirations are constant because there are plenty of situations to write about.

:nd So, you got some good beats that are going to excite the ladies, right?

Bertell Ha! Yeah! But you know, I like to excite the ladies with my songs but I still do my best to refrain from doing or saying anything derogatory towards them.

:nd What is one of your most

:nd Do your friends ever

:nd With that being said, what

:nd Who inspires Bertell?

Bertell (without hesitation)

realize that you are singing about them and do you ever get that “Dog, U wrong for that!” call?

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is your most embarrassing moment as an artist?

Bertell Ha! Now you trying to

–jerry rodriguez

:

b e rt e l l

Marvin Gaye & R. Kelley. Those are some serious inspirations to me. I realize that they carry some negativity with their personal life, but musically and artistically, they still contributed their gift to this industry.

memorable moments in your young career?

Bertell Man!! I was at the BET Music Awards (2005) Will Smith and Jay Z were hosting a party for Steve Stoute. It was a congratulations party.

I got to see Guy perform. I was hanging out back stage and singing along and out of nowhere Tyrese started singing and harmonizing with me. I couldn’t believe it. He was as excited to be singing as I was to see Guy. Awe man!!

That was an incredible feeling.

dog me! It didn’t even happen on stage. Awight, I’m cool, I am human. LOL! Straight up…LOL! Why are you calling me out like this, dog? Man… Once, I was trying to be cheap and I didn’t want to stop for gas. I knew I was running low, but HEY! I am Bertell, and nothing is supposed to go wrong with me…I was rolling and thumpin to my CD on a real busy street in Houston and I didn’t want to stop for gas. Unfortunately, my truck didn’t feel the same. I strut my truck everywhere I go.

Not to mention my picture and everything about me is wrapped around my truck.

You can’t miss me on the streets. I was alone at the time. Everybody was honking at me, until they realized that that the picture on the truck corresponded with the person pushing the truck. Man, that was embarrassing, dog. LOL!

myspace.com/bertell

5/18/2007 8:00:42 AM

:ndiepro me t hip-hop, the na k of west coas is bells. Th definitely rings cer has created Keith Clizatirk u d o r p m u n Tha multi-pla : Snoop Dogg, p’s elite such as , just ho ds por hi r ec fo R s it at be and No Lim t, or Sh er o ov g To lin its tota Eastsidaz, production cred ith itely W . fin w de fe s a ha e to nam beat creator is th , ld so s rd history books.

10 million reco in the hip-hop ot sp t en an rm : earned a pe –cornel grant

When you thin

:nd So what’s going on with you?

Clizark Man, What’s not going on. Right now I am about to release some projects on my new company TEAM M.A.S.H.N. Entertainment. :nd Most music producers have production companies, what made you start an entertainment company?

Clizark Making records is cool, but it limits my creativity, so I am also writing movies and t.v. shows, with active projects in each category it was only natural that I tie all my projects into one company (T.M.E.). :nd What’s this buzz I’m hearing about “THE TAKE OFF”?

Clizark Wow,.. “THE TAKE OFF,” is a documentary about the hustle, the grind, and the dedication of five artists on the verge of becoming super stars. The world will get to see the real before the bling. :nd Who are the artists?

Clizark A female rapper from Houston, Texas by the name of Reece Cakkes. She is the perfect blend of Hip-Hop, Reggae, and R&B. Her solo debut album

“Pink Lemonade” will change the game, jack! Bacc St. from L.A., the Crenshaw district, look for his album “The Voice of the People”.

Lace Dosia is from Oakland, Collectin Papa N’ Scrappin’ Scrappas All Day, his solo debut album is “Str8Lace, No Chase”.

Black Mack is from Central Valley, California. My dude go hard in the paint…believe dat. The title of his solo debut is called “Black Mack Haze”. Now Cortni’, she’s T.M.E.’s R&B diva, imagine Mary J. and Alicia Keys, enough said. And four more artists in the T.M.E. bullpen; Deadly Threat, Kwest, D. Dolla, and my white boy rapper Nino White. :nd How do you find the time to handle all that?

Clizark With the help of the T.M.E. staff; L.A. KiD and Illion keeps it all flowing, from artist management to daily operations.

He also has a staff under him: Ally, Will, B-Wag, and Sean E. Mack. :nd When you say T.M.E. is a movement what do you mean?

Clizark Man! We got sleeper cells in every market all of the country waiting to be activated.

www.keithclizark.com

How many strings does the average medium size piano have?

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out a song in an hour. It’s not going to happen. It is OK if you only get the music portion of the song on tape on the first session. Have a general time frame of how much time you want to spend on a particular section. This may mean that you practice the song with a metronome so that everyone in the group is comfortable playing to a “click track”, especially, the drummer and bass player. They are the heartbeat and the pulse of the entire group. This will eliminate rehearsing in the recording studio. After all, if they are “off” in timing, then the whole song is going to sound “off”. Don’t expect to fix something in the “mix”. It is a good idea practice your song with a metronome before you get to the recording session. This will surely be beneficial to your utilization of time and money.

It’s a good idea to minimize distractions while in a recording session. This may mean the following: No alcohol,

Creativity is a reflection and an extension of you and your band. One of the benefits of being an Indie label is that you are allowed and encouraged to create your identity as an artist. Let’s face it, bands of old such as Rush, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Journey. Air Supply, and WAY TOO MANY OTHERS TO NAME had that opportunity to grow. They were given the opportunity to create a signature sound. Most all big labels are interested in record sales and forecasting.

If your second CD doesn’t sell the anticipated number of CD’s, then chances are that you will get “put on the shelf”. So, enjoy your freedom as an Indie artist. Use your time wisely when recording your song or CD. Have fun with your art. And above all remember, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

drugs, hangover’s, cell phones, ‘friends/wife/husband, “party people”, or prior engagements

• Don’t forget the 5 P’s - Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance • Rehearse playing your song with a metronome • Keep distractions to a minimum • Don’t anticipate or expect a finished product the same day of your recording • Creativity is a reflection of you and your band -Use it wisely

during the scheduled recording session for it is not known how long one is going to be in the studio. This is serious business and if it can’t wait, then maybe it/they shouldn’t be with you to begin with.

Many artists expect to have the “final product” in their hands when they are finished with the recording aspect of a song. There are far more elements that need to be considered; sound effects,

. Mr. EDITOR

e Blah, Blah...

Thanks for th

!

–jerry rodriguez

:

The Answers: p.2: In the key of F; p.3: No body knows; p.4: Yeah, $28 million; P.5.: ‘Electrical and Musical Instruments’; p. 14: About 230 strings.

June Premier.indd 15

june ‘07 premier

Be realistic. Don’t expect to knock

Tapes don’t lie. I think it is a good idea to record yourselves with whatever recording component you have at home in order to analyze the arrangement and the structure of the song. This way you can tweak the song at home for free.

Remember, prior preparation prevents poor performance.

:ndielabel

equalizing each individual instrument, the mix, and above all, the mastering. The mastering of a CD or song is something that is usually not even considered, yet it is extremely critical. There is a rule of thumb that I like to incorporate when it comes to mastering a CD or song. That is, the person that mixes the CD or song is NOT the person that masters the product.

Why? Generally, one wants the person that is mastering the CD or song to have a fresh set of ears. After all, the person mastering is not going to change the final mix, he is only going to enhance the sound of the recording.

(from page 3)

15

5/18/2007 8:00:44 AM

exas ton, T

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TODAY! June Premier.indd 16

5/18/2007 8:00:48 AM