MONTHLY NEWS FOR THE BEATZILLA IN YOU!
Griffin Gazette Issue
12 T 17
Jan. 20
this issue
Letter from the Editor:
The Power of the Internet P. 1
Soul to Success P. 2
We at Beatzilla encourage
Beatzilla Listening Party P. 3
the discovery of hidden tal‐
Meet Jo Blaq P. 4
ent, one through our mission statement and two our logo. Our mission is to, “discover the hidden, encourage the uncertain, develop the un‐ trained, and empower the powerless among artists”. Our logo embodies a gry‐ phon; an eagle part lion cre‐ ated to protect the hidden. Our journey in discovering good music won’t be easy; it will take time, understand‐ ing, and a fresh outlook on the ever evolving music in‐ dustry. But we are ambitious, full of heart, and open to the chal‐ lenge. Peace be to Brooklyn! Ashley Smith
All Things Indie: Discover the Hidden The Power of the Internet Discovering Indie Talent
Fighting to Be Seen Indie Labels Band Together
By Carolyn Fraser, VP of Public Relations
By Ashley Smith, Art and Editorial Intern
The internet is a mecca for every type of music artist, especially for “indie” artists. There is a plethora of music listening, networking, maga‐ zine, and promotional websites for any seeker wanting to receive exposure or be in “the know” music‐wise. Artists can blow up just by displaying their tal‐ ent on a music networking site like MySpace. Ask Cassie, Janelle Monae, Soulja Boy, and Sean Kingston. All of these artists were signed to major labels after being discovered on the World Wide Web. The internet is readily accessible to indies, where they can secure bookings, promotions, production assistance and even a manager…all with a click of their mouse. However, discovery on the net won’t happen without some serious effort. Be prepared to post music and press kits on music networking sites, be sure to keep profile information up‐to‐date, and submit your music to online music editors for review on a regular basis. If discovery or signing to a label doesn’t hap‐ pen, don’t write the net off. The internet is one of the best places to start to make a name for oneself with marketing and promotional strat‐ egies.
There are a growing number of independent labels emerging everyday. Many are overshad‐ owed by the dominance of major labels. How do indies fight back? One strategy is Mer‐ lin, a group headed by Australia’s largest inde‐ pendent music distributor, Charles Caldas. This group has gathered together a record 1200 indie labels whose collective strength makes navigating through the competitive sea of the music industry more manageable. Caldas has also made a deal with SNOCAP which is run by Shawn Fanning, formerly of Napster. The deal provides indie artists an eas‐ ier way to sell their music on Myspace or to create their own online. With artists focus now leaning toward building a fan base than the threat of piracy, SNOCAP also provides all backend distribution and payment processing systems without the limitation of DRM’s (digi‐ tal rights management). Merlin isn’t your typical traditional label. With their focus on acting as a licensing authority that negotiates rights they are making their way to becoming one of the major players in the world of music today.
Mr. Borgart: M.O.B.
Understanding the True Cost of Greatness
By DaRonn VP of Artist Development
First things first, what is M.O.B. you ask? Let me ex‐ plain. M.O.B. is an anagram for Money over Business. Why this topic? I'll tell you why. M.O.B. is probably the number one killer of an art‐ ist’s career. Most artists search their en‐ tire career looking to be saved by some record, pub‐ lishing, or distribution deal. They’re then persuaded to take an advance instead of negotiating back end money (where the label receives its residuals from). Let's explore this a bit more. A major label approaches you with a 5 year exclusive deal and a $ 300,000 budget. What does it cost the artist you ask? The distribution and packaging costs actually comes out of the artist’s roy‐ alty rate. Not to mention the cost of marketing and pro‐ motional tools for the pro‐ ject. So from the first minute you sign, you're in debt. How do you stay on top of the game? Be a connoisseur of your profession. Stop go‐ ing after the bait and wait for the fish. It’s more often that you will have the opportunity to ne‐ gotiate your deal more effi‐ ciently. Here are 3 ways how: 1.) Become knowledgeable about the business. 2.) Seek advice from a professional source that has your best interest in mind. 3.) Have some LEVERAGE via record sales (consignment, hand to hand or logged).
We asked Beatzilla’s CEO about the keys to achieving greatness.
Beatzilla founder D. Rashaan
I once heard the word vision
odds. Can you see (or envi‐
Gilmore shares how to turn
described as “the ability to see
sion) the final outcome of all
visions of greatness into your
the end of a thing.” I like that.
your efforts to achieve great‐
very own reality.
It means knowing what you
ness? What does it look and
want to accomplish before
feel like? What emotions run
you set out to do it.
through you? Be honest, are you really de‐
Greatness cost. And, for most people the cost is way too steep. Most of us want ulti‐ mate success in our relation‐ ships, businesses and lives overall. However, so few are willing to do what it takes to make it happen.
Perseverance is more than
termined to overcome the
just endurance; it also in‐
challenges blocking your way
volves unrelenting determina‐
right now? If not, you can
tion to get something done
begin by reaffirming your
even in the face of difficult
commitment to your vision and refusing to quit.
Vision is
Ironically, though greatness costs, you can’t buy it! Great‐
the ability
ness is obtained only through
to see the end
vision and perseverance. No‐
of a thing.
While not everyone is born great, everyone absolutely can be great. Find your inner greatness and don’t let go.
thing else really matters.
This Week’s Internet Hot Spots 1. Unsigned Entertainment
2. bandBUZZ
www.unsigned.com
www.bandbuzz.com
This website features emerging
bandBUZZ profiles both indie
artists from a variety of music
and commercial artists. Songs
genres, where fans can create
are streamed from the website,
their own profiles to engage with
while rating if the artist and
artists of their preference.
their music is the “buzz”.
3. Get Signed
4. Nextcat
www.getsigned.com
www.nextcat.com
Get Signed is specifically de‐
Acting as a networking community
signed for musicians and industry
It’s all about who you know!
professionals. Music videos of
Nextcat provides a marketplace of
featured “indie” artists are also
opportunities for both established
streamed from the site.
and emerging talent.
The Gift of Sound
EYE ON IT: Dark was the Night
Highlights from Beatzilla’s Holiday Party
There’s nothing better than
In the Booth Staff Picks Carolyn’s Pick Akon “Right Now (Na, na, na)”
artists giving back while mak‐
ing great music. All profits from the highly anticipated indie rock album Dark was the Night (with a total of 32 tracks) will go to support the Red Hot AIDS Organization. This album marks the inter‐ national charity's 20th music compilation. The organiza‐ tion utilizes music as a “vehi‐ cle to raise both money and awareness.” The release date for Dark as the Night is set for February 16th (worldwide) and Febru‐ ary 17th (in North America). Artists featured include: Arcade Fire Feist Cat Power
st
Sunday, December 21 , 2008 team Beatzilla heated up the coldest night of the year with their first holiday party The Gift of Sound. The event also served as Beatzilla listening party 3. Hot 103 Jamz DJ and party starter Sean Tyler hosted the entertain‐ ing event. Performances included students of the Paseo Academy Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Program, lead singer of Soul’s Poem Sonya Anders‐Blackwell, Lee Langston, saxophonist C‐Note, Errol Dixon and jazz singer Lisa Henry. Pro‐ ducer and pianist Jarvis Rhone accompanied most acts. As the party came to a close, pro‐ ducer of hits such as Chris Brown’s “Forever” and Rihanna’s “Disturbia”, Brian Kennedy, made a surprise appearance. A crowd quickly gathered around him as he broke it down on the key‐ board. Click here to listen to Brian Kennedy and T‐Wiz’s remix to Beyonce’s “If I were a boy”. • • • Special Q & A with Rising Artist Errol Dixon Q: I heard you were once signed to R. Kelly’s label. How did that come about?
A: At the time I was in an R&B group of four called “Talent.” It all started when my twin brother Bishop (also a member) was at an R. Kelly concert. He was then ap‐ proached by a friend who knew Kelly’s cousin, Blaq who was look‐ ing for a group. Long story short we left a voicemail with Blaq of us singing. He loved it. We then sang for R.Kelly over the phone.
It wasn’t even two weeks be‐ fore he sent a plane and signed us to his label Rockland. Q: Why did you leave Talent? A: I was always on the road and never got time to see my family. It made sense for me to leave. Q: Did you stop pursing music for awhile after you came back?
Quentin’s Pick Brandy “Piano Man“
A: Not at all. I’ve been doing background vocals for a lot of gospel artists like Fred Hammond and the Clark sisters. Currently though I’m in a gos‐ pel group of five. We haven’t tied down a name yet, but we are in the process of audition‐ ing for band members and looking to get signed. I’m also working with a rapper (name disclosed) doing vocals. Q: When did you find your pas‐ sion through music?
A: I’ve been singing actually since the age of five. My fa‐ ther’s also a pastor so it’s in‐ stilled in me. For me music is like breathing. • • • In 2009, Beatzilla Unplugged welcomes a brand new cycle of listening parties. This growing series showcases breakout art‐ ists seeking to be heard. If you have a project and would like to be considered for Beatzilla Unplugged contact us at un‐ plugged@beatzilla.com. • • • Who’s next in the Beatzilla Unplugged listening party series? Check out the ad on page 4 for more details.
Chris’ Pick John Legend ft. Brandy “Quickly”
Check This Out Grammy‐Nominated Producer Brian Kennedy
Click on Picture to Watch Beatzilla Holiday Party Surprise
Beatzilla Top 3: Hidden Artists 1. Corinne Vielle
Masterminds 2009 Cash for Creativity January and February
Coming to a City Near You
Re d White and Blue Collar Westport Flea Market Saturday, January 17th Let the excitement begin! In less than
“The Pitch” will hand out money to artist,
ten days Senator Barack Obama will
innovators, and entrepreneurs who are
be sworn into presidency. The Jackson
changing KC’s metro creative and cultural
County Democratic Committee is cele‐
landscape. They will write checks for at
brating by hosting the black tie event
least $1000 to someone in each of the fol‐
2. Mike Ant
Red, White and Blue Collar at the party
lowing categories: Visual and performing
room in Westport’s Flea Market. Tickets
arts, fashion/design, and all‐around crea‐
start at $15.
tive accomplishment.
Balanca’s Stop, Drop and Roll Every Friday
3. THICKE
BB King and Buddy Guy Valentines Day Concert th Saturday, February 14
Coming to the historic Midland Theater
If you want to enjoy some of the best in‐ dependent artists that Kansas City and the
in downtown Kansas City; come enjoy a
nation has to offer, Balanca’s is the place
night of classic blues with the legendary
to be on Friday night. They will be spin‐
BB King. Tickets are on sale now.
ning: Electro, INDIE, soul, and punk.
Fashion Rocks: Miss Independent Every independent woman needs a style that reflects her
Beatzilla Unplugged Presents
drive and strength. Check out
Meet Jo Blaq…
these current trends along with a soundtrack to put you in the perfect mood to ex‐
NAME: JO BLAQ
press yourself this season.
TITLE: PRODUCER, SINGER, SONGWRITER
AGE: 25
Click the picture below to see full layout.
GENRE: POP / ROCK
LABEL/PUBLISHER: BUG MUSIC
HOT NEW SINGLE: “HOLLYWOOD” CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! Photo Credit: Jani Bryson Photo Artistry
Stay Tuned For More Details!