Music Makes Memories

I remember it like it was yesterday. 

But actually the year was 2007. 

I was visiting my sister in the UK and this was my first time traveling that far.  My sister who is an excellent gift giver (without a doubt it must be one of her top two love languages), went all out  to show us the sights and sounds of London.

And then she did something I will never forget. 

Now those who know me well, know that I am a Prince Fan and during our brief trip to the UK Prince was on his Earth Tour.

Now my sister who is not a Prince fan decided to buy us tickets to go see the show. She took the time to collect and cut out all the news clips leading up to the show, got the free promotional CD that came with the newspaper, wrapped it up and put it all into a little gift box.

I've long forgotten how much we paid for that plane ticket to visit family overseas, and I can't even remember how long the flight was; but what I do remember is my sister's kindness and her giving me such a generous and thoughtful gift. The way she did it was priceless to me and a very cherished memory.

I still keep the box and newspaper clippings with the ticket stub as a reminder. In fact, that's what you see in the above picture. Without a doubt, music has the ability to create memorable moments. It's almost as if it captures the sights, sounds, smells and feelings into a bottle and crystalizes them in your mind. 

Why am I telling you this story?

Well, it's easy to see that I am passionate about music.  This is why my team and I have been passionately working hard in the background to bring you amazing artists to the live stage to help create memorable moments for you and your loved ones.

 Our latest project brings Gangs of Ballet to Hemingways East London on the 24th April 2015. 

If you haven't yet, I encourage you to buy a ticket for yourself and a loved one and make some memorable moments.

Tickets are still available and you can click here to purchase your tickets.  

Don't miss out!

Get your tickets NOW

One step from stupid

One step from stupid 

A popular saying goes: "We are all one step away from stupid."

And that's an important fact to remember. 

No matter how smart you are (Or think you are). No matter how well things are going, you are capable of making a mistake and doing something stupid. 

Mistakes happen. 

Failure happens. 

What is more important is how we respond to those situations.

Happy April Fools Day! 

Yes, No, Maybe

Let your yes be yes.

And your no be no.

If anything changes, I'll let you know.

Don't second guess your team's commitment to the cause. It undermines their authority as well as your own. If you have taken the time to truly get to know your team you will know where they stand and get on with the work. 

The Road back to South by Southwest 2015

It has been nearly 3 years since I was last at the Mega Music festival know as South By Southwest (SXSW). A lot can happen in 3 years, but the fond memories of the people I met and the music and knowledge shared are still very real to me.

As I head back, I have a mixture of emotions and a whole host of thoughts and questions. Will I meet up with any of my old friends? Will I make new friends? What if it doesn't live up to my previous expectations?

All of that and a bunch of other silly things, like did I remember to pack my toothbrush?

But once I have had a chance to quiet my mind and sit still and reflect on the journey ahead. A few things become clear.

Things change

That is a certainty in life and and as the saying goes change is the only constant. So learn to go with the flow and ride the waves.

I am blessed

This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am very greatful to IMEXSA and DTI for making this opportunity a reality for independent artists. I am greatful to God for my talent and allowing it to open doors.

Maximize 

The phrase carpe diem (seize the day) comes to mind. When a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself again, pun intended, you do what you can to make it keep happening and take full advantage of it.

Enjoy the ride

Every bump, every turn, every pothole and every fork in the road is all a part of the journey. There is no point finding fault around every corner. Just enjoy the ride.

3AM

What is it about the early hours of the morning that seems to be so deep and profound?

Is it the fact that everyone else is fast asleep and that you actually have a silent moment to think and be with your own thoughts? 

Probably...

People often view that as a bad thing to be a wake so early (I know I certainly did for a long time). I often saw it as a sign that I was stressing and that I was letting worry take hold. And yes, sometimes that could very well be the case.

But another way to look at it is as an opportunity. Often when wrestling with thoughts and ideas in the busyness of the day, you tend to think and operate in parts, with a multitude of distractions. You often ask other people for advice and opinions on half formulated thoughts.

At 3AM, there is no one else to turn to and ask questions but God. He never sleeps, He never slumbers and knows every thought, every fear, every idea that you wish to bring to life.

Why not use your early morning jolts as a launchpad into meaningful prayer and meditation? A spring board into doing the important and meaningful work that you have been putting off during the regular hours of your day.

Many great men and women of history have done this. You just might be one of them.

Question:

What do you do when you get an early morning jolt? 

For the record...

It's not your record or album or EP that will make your career as a musician happen. It is actually your Tour, or lack of one that can make or break your career. 

It has been the secret weapon for creating music careers for years. From Elvis, to The Beatles, to Beyoncé and Drake. It is their tours that make their careers really take off.

They have all put in their 10 000 hours. So should you. 

So as Steve Blank, the Godfather of the lean start up entrepreneur movement would say, "Get out of the building" 

For most artists that can be translated as "Get out of your bedroom."

Trust. The non-negotiable

You can work with people you don't like. Heck, I've done it before. It was not pleasant and I would not do it again if given the choice. I was surprised that we were able to not kill each other and get work done. Honestly, I was even surprised that we could accomplish the things we did.   

Many factors can contribute to this: 

1. Having a common goal 
2. Having a common fear

Are the two main factors that spring to mind. As the saying goes: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

But if you don't have trust. Forget it! Walk away from the deal immediately.

All it takes is for the other party to show up late for a meeting, take your parking space and sit in your chair and all bets are off.

However, when you are in a situation like that there are a few things that you need to remember. 

• You may not have control of the other person's actions, but you can control your actions towards them
• What exactly is it about them that gets under your skin? Learn to identify it so that you can avoid doing it to others
• Look for common ground while you are with them. It will at least help pass the time. (Breathing air...That's common right?) 

Which leads me to my last point. Try and have a sense of humor about it. The people who are also suffering along side you because of this person could end up being some of your best friends. 

But the bottom-line is without trust as a foundation stone, you've got nothing to build on. Walk away as soon as possible. 

Question: 

What is your non-negotiable when working with a partner? 

Going for the BIG bang

We often have this big bang approach to things. It's ALL or NOTHING.

I am either a full time musician or I'm not.

I either have 10 million to start my new business venture or I won't. 

I either have six months of free time to write my book or I won't.

But what about the small spaces in-between? 

The little changes that add up and multiple into big things over time. The small wins. The small sales. The things that may excite you to see working even if nobody else understands it. 

Add those together, string those wins in a line and then you'll get your big bang. The overnight success that took 10 years to make. 

The power of a good question

People say there is no such thing as a stupid question.

But if God in all His infinite wisdom, majestic power and might was to grant you the answer to one question. 

And you look up and ask: "Hey God, What's the time?" That would be a stupid question...

We often underestimate the power of asking good questions. When the truth is, Good leaders ask Great questions. 

Questions have the ability to steer us in the right direction, if we are brave enough to seek the answer. 

Question:

What questions have you asked yourself recently that have helped changed the direction of your life? 

80/20 Principle might be the answer you've been looking for

I must admit, I've been intrigued with this concept of the 80/20 Principle for a long time. 

If you haven't heard of it perhaps you should read up about this Pareto Principle in more detail. It could just be the answer to the question you never knew you have been asking.

“Conventional wisdom is not to put all of your eggs in one basket. 80/20 wisdom is to choose a basket carefully, load all your eggs into it, and then watch it like a hawk.”

- Richard Koch