Equipment

Advice / Equipment / Industry Trends — Comments Off
31
May 08

The Secret To A Successful Record Label

Rock and Roll

Need Loans But Have Bad Credit?

Visit http://gewdir.com for information on how to get loans with bad credit

The reason most businesses fail isn’t because business is risky. It’s because many business people do risky and stupid things. Business isn’t that risky folks. Let me say that again. Business isn’t that risky. Of course, that phrase should always go along with fine print that says, “…if you plan well.” And that’s a big if that most people who go into business ignore at their peril. And a record label is a business. Now, many people I’ve met who are involved with a record label in some way haven’t fully realized that a record label is a business and they wonder why they aren’t making it.

Doesn’t it seem like everyone today has their own record label? Record labels today litter the landscape like cat turds in a kitty box. If I got a nickel for every guy who told me he was part of or thinking of becoming part of a record label, I’d be pretty damn rich by now. Thing is, in my experience, usually a record label just consists of a few guys with a loud, crappy MySpace and some recording gear who yearn to be taken seriously, but who are usually doing little more than just screwing around.

And they don’t know it. They think they’re not screwing around. In fact, in their minds, they’re 100% convinced that they should be taken seriously. But in reality, they’re just screwing around. I know that sounds harsh. But the uncomfortable truth is that many people who think they’re running a real record label need to open their eyes and see how badly they’re shooting themselves in the foot through the downright silly and sometimes stupid decisions they make.

A record label is no different from any other business in that regard. When it comes to sound decision making there is one crucial area that usually spells death for most music ventures. It’s the main reason why most record labels either never get off the ground or run out of steam. It’s called leadership.

The way most record labels start out is that a few people will get together because one person sings well, the other produces and the other is good with numbers or knows management or something like that. They realize that if they put their talents together they can create a business that produces and sells music. In the beginning everyone is super excited about all the possibilities and they all think they’re the hottest new thing out and they’re going to take over the world. I actually saw that on one band’s MySpace. They said they’re “Taking over the world,” like the Dark Overlord or something. But then the rubber meets the road. They actually have to take action and do the numerous daily chores that the business requires to succeed. The real world hits them like a fist. Continue reading →

Advice / Celebrity Business / Equipment / Marketing / Music Business — Comments Off
15
Mar 08

Rocawear Clothing – How Jay-Z Made 204 Million Dollars Selling Clothes

get it girlRocawear Clothing founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke has become the premier Hip-Hop clothing line worldwide. It’s an urban line that features many significant design first, and brought together by some incredible leaders in the Hip-Hop music industry. Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, Kareem “Biggs” Burke, and Damon Dash started the clothing line after the Roc-A-Fella Records producing company had established itself as the future of the recording industry. It was the hope and endeavor of the three partners to also establish the Rocawear Clothing line as the most sought and stylish clothing line for men.

The brand follows a relaxed fit clothing design, intended for the off hours in an urban environment. This proves to be an incredible step forward for the Hip Hop evolution into a global lifestyle that touches lives in some of the most remote locations. The Rocawear Clothing line provides the street savvy customer with incredible design, and detail that was previously unmatched by any clothing designer. This has facilitated the spread and popularity of the clothing line, Continue reading →

Advice / Equipment — Comments Off
6
Nov 07

Helpful Hints to Finding the Perfect Subwoofer

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketWhen it comes to car audio, it’s all about the bass. You don’t have a real system if people standing outside your car can’t feel the thump of your audio system. That deep thump sound comes from the subwoofer and it easily one of the most exciting aspects of a car audio system.

For many first time car enthusiasts, it was that deep bass and pounding rhythms which initially drew them in. Unfortunately, factory installed OEM speakers just don’t cut it. If you want real, quality sound, you will need to shop around for a subwoofer.

Adding an aftermarket subwoofer can produce some massive results. Just adding one or more to your car’s audio system can give you the single, most significant sonic improvement possible just by adding some real bass to your music. Here are a few points to consider before purchasing a new subwoofer system. Continue reading →

Equipment / Music Business / Performance — Comments Off
1
Nov 07

How do I become a Mobile DJ?

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketThe Pro’s (and woes!) of becoming a Mobile D.J!

So how do you become a Mobile D.J?, easy!, just call yourself one!. There are no diploma’s or qualifications and no graduation ceremony. However the time may come where you are called upon to demonstrate your D.J’ing skills and often this will be in front of 100′s of people at your first gig. Entertaining such a a large number of people can be a very daunting and nerve racking task.

Not just music and flashing lights

Mobile D.J’ing is different to club or radio D.J’ing. Just spending a fortune on the very latest equipment and latest chart music won’t make you a successful D.J or get you re-booked. Being a Mobile D.J is also about being an entertainer, rather then just being a Jukebox surrounded by lots of pretty lights!. You will also have to play a lot of music genres which you may not otherwise choose to listen to by choice.

A successful D.J is one who plays to his or her Audience, who can break the ice at difficult functions and who isn’t out to satisfy their own ego’s. Most D.J’s learn to “read” the audience, and are frequently watching the dancefloor to gauge what music will work next. At Mobile Functions such as Weddings, your audience may take some time to get onto the dancefloor and this is where Microphone work is important in order to break the ice, make your audience feel welcome and encourage them onto the dancefloor. Continue reading →

Equipment — Comments Off
31
Oct 07

Tips On Buying Keyboards And Digital Pianos

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketThere are so many keyboards and digital pianos on the market today. How does one make a selection? Here are a few tips to help you choose one that meets your needs.

1. How much can you afford?

With such a wealth of keyboards available, a working person shouldn’t have a problem finding one that fits their budget. Low priced keyboards are all over. But this doesn’t mean that you should settle for anything. As the old adage goes, you usually get what you pay for. Usually the more money you invest, the greater the returns.

2. Do you need weighted action or synth action?

Weighted action means that the keyboard comes with heavy (weighted) keys and feels like an acoustic piano. You need some muscle to play such keyboards. If you’re a trained pianist or you want to develop your piano skills a weighted keyboard would be better suited.

Synth action would mean lighter keys. You can usually play faster and easier with a synth action keyboard. Are you gonna be playing synthy and techno stuff? Then synth action is what you need. Continue reading →

Equipment / Performance — Comments Off
31
Oct 07

The Free $1000 Techno Machines

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketI sometimes don’t like to admit it, but I am nostalgic. I like 80s music, old type computer games (Street Fighter, Defender..come on!) and classic techno making machines.

Why?

I think they forged through and made todays music what it is. Machines like the TB303, TR909, JD800 and the famous Moog- what an effect they have made on dance and techno music! The rise in popularity of techno, i.e, with the makers and in the audience, was down to the cool sounds and the general compatability (sound wise) between the machines were the key.

In some cases limited numbers were made and the increase in popularity only meant two things. 1) An increase in the same old songs, rehashed versions that sounded similar in everyway, and 2) The price went into overdrive. Machines like the TB303 were selling for silly money. This trend is still being seen today. You can buy one of these machines for between $600-$1000. Continue reading →