Dope Writers - Amos Lee

So one day I was at my internship at Propulsion Media Labs and I heard this music billowing out of the office next to the intern desk. It takes really good music for me to go ask someone what it is. I'd like to say Thank You Jon Yucis for introducing me to Amos Lee. One of the first songs I learned on guitar ... his lyrics and story telling are so compelling for me. I promise I was a guitar slinging singer/songwriter in another life.

Check it out!

Broke* Screening at F/M Festival

At the Philadelphia Film and Music Festival, I was invited to check out a screening of a film called Broke*. The screening was at Invincible Films, which was a very interesting space. The film was created by singer/songwriter Will Gray and was all about what it takes to “break” as an artist in today’s music industry. Broke* was a very compelling tale of the ups and downs of working as an independent artist. The film explored the current record label models and how they are failing. A great film for others in the industry, we got to see such a human side to those simply trying to sustain through their craft. We often think about the music megastars, but what about those who just want to create music as a career? Gray let us into the debt he racked up by going out on tour. He showed us the torment he faced, that he couldn’t pay his musicians what they were actually worth, but they were so honored just to play with him so they played anyway. Even throughout the filming of the documentary, his good friend and band mate found herself in the midst of a divorce. It was one of the most compelling parts of the film. Gray’s music was very honest, an interesting mix of hip-hop, soul, blues, and grassroots music I was very intrigued. I also appreciated the fact that Gray took the time to feature music from many of the other artists that gave interviews in the film. So many talented people that have had their share of label meetings, deals, and for one reason or another have ended up doing it themselves. The fact of the matter for me is, although there is a lot that labels can provide mainly DOLLARS … the industry is in a good place where artists are regaining control over their art. If you already have to have a fan base in place, selling your own CDs, doing shows in order to remotely have a label pay attention to you, then you have a lot more bargaining power when you come to the table. I was excited to hear that Gray recently locked in a publishing deal with Warner and for the last 4 months has been in various writing camps. He even had a meeting with Roc Nation close to the time that the film was screening here in Philly. THERE IS HOPE! As a writer, that is of course one of the things that I hope I am working towards. But I have taken note from many independent artists, writers have to market themselves as well, secure placements, etc. on their own before anyone will pay attention. I’m working on it. To check out more information on the Broke* Documentary, check out www.brokedoc.com.

Dope Writers - Bob Dylan

This is one of my favorite records. Although I was introduced to it by Adele, I absolutely salute Bob Dylan as one of the greatest songwriters of this time. I am a sucker for love songs. Sometimes it is the simplest lyrics that really make a song. I promise in my heart I am a folk, singer/songwriter. Maybe once my catelog is boss, I'll put out a folk record. lol.

Sometimes I just be mad and stuff ...

If it was easy what would be the point. I guess what makes finally achieving or reaching goals is the fact that most often you work your butt off to get there. But sometimes … you can get so disenchanted. As a creative person, it’s hard to go on a streak where you’re not creating. Sometimes you just want to quit everything, become a nomad, and write beautiful music. But the truth is, we live on Earth with student loans and utilities to pay. So we grind. Many like me go to work during the day, hit the studio at night, network when they can, but if it doesn’t seem like often the momentum comes to a screeching halt at times! I mean, there are times when it seems like you are meeting all the right people, coming up with the best lyrics, and like your dreams aren’t quite as far as you might have thought. Yeah right! Then I hit a dry spell and get FED UP. Fed up with chasing after people, fed up with wishing that people saw in me what I see in myself, fed up with un-returned emails and people talking out their behinds about things they know they’ll never do. It’s like I lose sight of why I started on this path in the first place. But the thing is … I am a writer. I can’t escape it. Every time I write something, a story, letter, paragraph for work, I realize that I do really have a way with words. All I want to do is write crap and get paid for it. But it is really not the easiest thing to do. HA! But what can you do? I am at a point where I just want to regroup. You spend so much time trying to make sure that you have what it takes, that you’ll take anything or jump through any hoop someone puts out there for you. But I am done with that. I am headed toward making strategic plans to get where I want to be. And if you are not really interested in helping me with my vision, I’d just prefer you get out of my way! You don’t have to tell me things you don’t mean or pipe me up. I AM GOOD on that. I just want to impress those that are willing to put themselves out there because they believe in the product. That’s it. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE. But when time is running faster than a floozy out of church, it’s hard sometimes.

The Team

I don't know that I ever knew the magnitude of what it feels like to have a whole team of people behind you that believe in you and your gift. I get it now! It is such a gift to have individuals that only want to see you succeed. And NO WE DO NOT ALWAYS AGREE! Let me emphasize that. lol. But in the end, we really pulled something off here! I hope that the whole world shares our sentiment. Khemist is one of the most talented MCs I've experienced! No matter what, our journey over this summer has been amazing. You couldn't tell us we weren't on a world tour!But we set a goal and we reached it! This Puzzle Pieces summer has been an adventure, we are constantly learning and growing. Cheers to a great album release event. And if you haven't picked up the album already, please visit http://khemist.bandcamp.com or holla at me ... you can preview below:

Our Stories ... #1

“He was rapping all the words to the song…” He said it in a tone slightly higher than I’m used to. Eyes glazed over based on the fact that he just laid his heart out on the stage at SOBs in New York City. A milestone in a young career, imagine, stepping onto the stage where many of your influences and icons stepped before you. It must be something surreal. Are you then channeling the echoes of their voices? I would think so. It’s amazing to see your dreams play out, in real life. What was my response to him? “Get used to it kid.” I mean whether he believes it or not, he’s a star, born to do it, as some would say. To be a part of these moments … is a blessing. As I patiently await those moments in my journey … the moment, I hear my music on the radio or being performed at stadium status, I am so full of joy to watch someone else achieve their own. We were there, we did it, we rocked a New York Crowd, had them vibing to the music, singing the words to the songs. Goes to show that no matter what they say about you, you can make things happen. Make your dreams come to fruition. Enjoy these moments, I’m wondering what the response will be when the world knows the words …

Worth A Thousand Words

This is just sheer happiness in a cup.