'Afternoon America,
It was a great summer. Fortunately I have had some work fall into my lap that paid ok, and a few opportunities and contacts that I can take advantage of now. At the same time, I have found that my education would make me more employable in the circle of people I've started to build my network, which would, in the long run, give give my career longevity. Doing so many things and being good at them isn't enough for me. I'd much rather be great. So logically, school will only help advance my knowledge and skill. If nothing more than to buy time to perfect and build on what I already know, the 11 months it will take to finish is worth it. Being in school is also giving me more outlets to get to where I'm trying to go...if it wasn't for school I wouldn't have come to LA this summer (hmmm!!!).
This wasn't the easiest decision to make. It's hard to say "hold on" to the things you imagined and dreamed you would be doing. On top of that, everyone I'm working w/ is not especially happy to see me go, but they support me going back to school, if I promise to come back as soon as I finish (lol). Aside from buying time to make myself a hot commodity, I want to complete something for the first time in my life. Other than high school, which I barely made it out of, I've never had to complete anything. Getting this degree will give me a sense of accomplishment on so many levels...not to mention it will make my mom the happiest in the world.
It's just time I started investing and believing in me as much as the people around me invest and believe in me. So, we'll see how it goes...I told Debbie anything short of $100,000 can't keep me out of school!!!LOL
Until next time...well, there is no next time,
You've been a great audience America
Thanks,
-The "BIG" Is
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Last Stand
Good morning America,
My internship is offically over as of August 10, 2007. This was one of the most valuable experiences of my professional career. Being at Cube Vision forced me to play a role outside of comfort zone. Instead of being in a creative mode, I was always in a problem solving mode. For example, Cube Vision didn't have intern policy and procedure guidlines before me. I was given a few tidbits of information, a 3-ring binder, and a check list of everything that needed to be included in the guidline manual. I drafted scheduling forms and contact information forms. There was also a script manual included, which I had to piece together from researching other manuals, along with an elctronic keypass and other items. This same task was given when I acquired the work visa's for Ice Cube and WC's international tour. I was given passports of the two artist and the entourage along with other legal documents, International Visa work forms, a phone number to contact the promoter, and an ink pen to fill out the forms. After completing the forms, I was responsible for arranging and facilitating a time with each person at which they could review and sign each document (of course, under the supervision of my boss Nancy Leiviska). A similar task was given to me when creating the travel itenerary for this international tour, compiling all the travel, hotel and performance information. All of these task were what I would call "very time sensitive assignments".
Although none of these had anything to do with music, they directly made me a better producer. As a producer I have to create ACCURATE budgets, take care of scheduling for artists, musicians, mixing, etc. In short, I have a lot of deadlines that I am responsible for by taking on that role. The set of skills that I've gained and polished will apply to, hopefully, my career in its entirety.
My internship is offically over as of August 10, 2007. This was one of the most valuable experiences of my professional career. Being at Cube Vision forced me to play a role outside of comfort zone. Instead of being in a creative mode, I was always in a problem solving mode. For example, Cube Vision didn't have intern policy and procedure guidlines before me. I was given a few tidbits of information, a 3-ring binder, and a check list of everything that needed to be included in the guidline manual. I drafted scheduling forms and contact information forms. There was also a script manual included, which I had to piece together from researching other manuals, along with an elctronic keypass and other items. This same task was given when I acquired the work visa's for Ice Cube and WC's international tour. I was given passports of the two artist and the entourage along with other legal documents, International Visa work forms, a phone number to contact the promoter, and an ink pen to fill out the forms. After completing the forms, I was responsible for arranging and facilitating a time with each person at which they could review and sign each document (of course, under the supervision of my boss Nancy Leiviska). A similar task was given to me when creating the travel itenerary for this international tour, compiling all the travel, hotel and performance information. All of these task were what I would call "very time sensitive assignments".
Although none of these had anything to do with music, they directly made me a better producer. As a producer I have to create ACCURATE budgets, take care of scheduling for artists, musicians, mixing, etc. In short, I have a lot of deadlines that I am responsible for by taking on that role. The set of skills that I've gained and polished will apply to, hopefully, my career in its entirety.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Good afternoon America,
The "BIG Is" is tired. I'm beat, like Rodney King. Let me tell you why. I've been at CubeVision everyday from 10:30am until around 4 or 5pm then heading to Burbank on the train working in the studio until around 3 or 4am, which is a very nice facility by the way. On top of all of that I've been rehearsing for this acoustic set I'm playing this coming friday. Peep this America, the gig is at a fashion show. I'm playing a gig at a FASHION SHOW in Hollywood, CA. Maybe only the guys got it, but since I'm a nice guy interested in the entire commonwealth understanding the life and times of The BIG Is I'll say it like this. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF MODELS ON THE PREMISES. I don't know, I might be the only one excited about that...
The "BIG Is" is tired. I'm beat, like Rodney King. Let me tell you why. I've been at CubeVision everyday from 10:30am until around 4 or 5pm then heading to Burbank on the train working in the studio until around 3 or 4am, which is a very nice facility by the way. On top of all of that I've been rehearsing for this acoustic set I'm playing this coming friday. Peep this America, the gig is at a fashion show. I'm playing a gig at a FASHION SHOW in Hollywood, CA. Maybe only the guys got it, but since I'm a nice guy interested in the entire commonwealth understanding the life and times of The BIG Is I'll say it like this. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF MODELS ON THE PREMISES. I don't know, I might be the only one excited about that...
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Good morning America,
Once again The BIG Is has been working tirelessly. I went to the set of Ice Cubes new movie this past Thurs. You'd think it would be fun, wellllllll it wasn't. it was just as boring, if not more boring than sitting in a biology class, learning about animal body parts. but since it was sssoooooo boring I'll talk about something else.... I also had a show this past Thursday (June 28th) at a really dope spot out in Santa Monica called the Temple Bar. So, of course I was showing off. I couldn't help it. There was eye candy everywhere. This one girl in particular was in the crowd staring at me the entire 50 minutes we were on stage...(gimme some of that groupie love!!!). but seriously I played a good show and the director of publishing at SESAC gave me his card and told me to give him a call on Monday, but me being the person I am, I haven't yet picked up the phone...what else???...Tonight I have a session w/ Darryl Anthony...a really super dope songwriter, and Eric Seats... platinum hit producer (for the ones that didn't know). I'm kinda excited and nervous. Both of these guys have been in the music industry for years working and for whatever reason they wanna work w/ me. YIKES!!! On the 13th, which is......next Friday w/ the same artist (Chrissy Depauw)...man! she got a body like...well nevermind. Anyhoo, it's an acoustic set so it's just me and her. It's at The Avalon...some spot on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Debbie might be able to make it 'cuz she might still be in town. Charlie might come too. (heeehheehheeehheee!!!!). Until next time America...
P.S.
look out for the shows on youtube.com...they're coming soon (hopefully)
Love, Music, Groupies
-The BIG Is
Once again The BIG Is has been working tirelessly. I went to the set of Ice Cubes new movie this past Thurs. You'd think it would be fun, wellllllll it wasn't. it was just as boring, if not more boring than sitting in a biology class, learning about animal body parts. but since it was sssoooooo boring I'll talk about something else.... I also had a show this past Thursday (June 28th) at a really dope spot out in Santa Monica called the Temple Bar. So, of course I was showing off. I couldn't help it. There was eye candy everywhere. This one girl in particular was in the crowd staring at me the entire 50 minutes we were on stage...(gimme some of that groupie love!!!). but seriously I played a good show and the director of publishing at SESAC gave me his card and told me to give him a call on Monday, but me being the person I am, I haven't yet picked up the phone...what else???...Tonight I have a session w/ Darryl Anthony...a really super dope songwriter, and Eric Seats... platinum hit producer (for the ones that didn't know). I'm kinda excited and nervous. Both of these guys have been in the music industry for years working and for whatever reason they wanna work w/ me. YIKES!!! On the 13th, which is......next Friday w/ the same artist (Chrissy Depauw)...man! she got a body like...well nevermind. Anyhoo, it's an acoustic set so it's just me and her. It's at The Avalon...some spot on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Debbie might be able to make it 'cuz she might still be in town. Charlie might come too. (heeehheehheeehheee!!!!). Until next time America...
P.S.
look out for the shows on youtube.com...they're coming soon (hopefully)
Love, Music, Groupies
-The BIG Is
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Week 3
Yo America,
As usual I have been very busy w/ my internship and the rest of what I do in LA. I mentioned before that I am working w/ a very very talented young lady. Her name is Christine Depauw...we call her Chrissy...anywayz, if you don't believe me go to myspace.com/chrissysmusic. She was really impressed w/ the work that I did for a certain Universal/Motown artist back in Detroit that she asked me to be her Musical Director. I gladly accepted that position knowing that he bassist just got off tour w/ the Players, and her Cello player is r&b artist Jon B's brother. I have my first show w/ her at the TEMPLE BAR this coming thursday, June 28. Later on in the week I found myself at Studio 56 w/ the manager and A&R rep. for producer Neff U (thanks to Warren Griffin). Neff U has done records for Eminem, Jay-Z, 8 Ball & MJG, Westside Connection, r&b artist Brandy, etc...what else?...I've been working w/ someone that's currently working on Brittany Spears new album. This person wishes to remain anonomous so they shall remain nameless...From Tuesday to Friday I've had a session everyday until around 4 or 5 am w/ the super hot group called the Ghetto Blasterz (Transformers), getting back up at 8 am to be at work on time is a B@#$% #@& &%^#@%)":{!!!. It's almost literally a 24 hour grind!!! Speaking of work I'm taking Spanish lessons from this very hot intern from Uraguay. She is sssooooooo HOT!!!...she has these blue, grey eyes and super nice long dark hair. and her accent!...OMG!!!...Work is great too. I'm something like a Rk'str...(thats rockstar for the impared). On another note, Ice Cube is shooting a movie and I get to go to the set this coming week and hang out. Super cool right???
As usual I have been very busy w/ my internship and the rest of what I do in LA. I mentioned before that I am working w/ a very very talented young lady. Her name is Christine Depauw...we call her Chrissy...anywayz, if you don't believe me go to myspace.com/chrissysmusic. She was really impressed w/ the work that I did for a certain Universal/Motown artist back in Detroit that she asked me to be her Musical Director. I gladly accepted that position knowing that he bassist just got off tour w/ the Players, and her Cello player is r&b artist Jon B's brother. I have my first show w/ her at the TEMPLE BAR this coming thursday, June 28. Later on in the week I found myself at Studio 56 w/ the manager and A&R rep. for producer Neff U (thanks to Warren Griffin). Neff U has done records for Eminem, Jay-Z, 8 Ball & MJG, Westside Connection, r&b artist Brandy, etc...what else?...I've been working w/ someone that's currently working on Brittany Spears new album. This person wishes to remain anonomous so they shall remain nameless...From Tuesday to Friday I've had a session everyday until around 4 or 5 am w/ the super hot group called the Ghetto Blasterz (Transformers), getting back up at 8 am to be at work on time is a B@#$% #@& &%^#@%)":{!!!. It's almost literally a 24 hour grind!!! Speaking of work I'm taking Spanish lessons from this very hot intern from Uraguay. She is sssooooooo HOT!!!...she has these blue, grey eyes and super nice long dark hair. and her accent!...OMG!!!...Work is great too. I'm something like a Rk'str...(thats rockstar for the impared). On another note, Ice Cube is shooting a movie and I get to go to the set this coming week and hang out. Super cool right???
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Week 1
I'm very very sorry America. I should've been in contact w/ u sooner than today but in my defense I've been taking care of BI (thats business, for the people that don't know). I'm still very busy so here are the highlights: I'm the director of the A&R Division of Lench Mob Records (Ice Cubes label) something that I did not plan on happening to me,which has has turned me into a workaholic, and a better person. More responsibility forces u to focus more. I'm working w/ this artist from London and this other artist that has a voice like nonother (and she is super hot!).
Tune in next time for more from...The "BIG Is"
Tune in next time for more from...The "BIG Is"
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
McNally Smith College of Music
Music Education at McNally Smith- Saint Paul, MN
At McNally Smith College of Music, you'll explore your passion for music at a top music college with a unique hands-on curriculum that immerses you in today's technology, nurtures your vision and develops your talents. Imagine a music college where you can study music business, audio recording, production and live sound, or popular music performance with your instrument of choice--guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, voice, brass or woodwinds. Your music college is McNally Smith.
At McNally Smith College of Music, you'll explore your passion for music at a top music college with a unique hands-on curriculum that immerses you in today's technology, nurtures your vision and develops your talents. Imagine a music college where you can study music business, audio recording, production and live sound, or popular music performance with your instrument of choice--guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, voice, brass or woodwinds. Your music college is McNally Smith.
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