Sampling Lyrics

I recently read an article that gave me food for thought. In a world were it seems that indeed nothing is new under the sun, why should lyrics be any different? I remember when I first came across the words: "contains an interpolation of... ". It was in the CD booklet of 2 Pac's Me Against the World. 

And I was like, what is that? Sounds fancy. It was then I learnt that it was kinda like sampling lyrics or lifting a phrase or riff from another song. And now I've been noticing this technique of songwriting has become a growing trend. 

To read more on this checkout the full length article on The Guardian: Copy-and-paste songwriting for a switched-on world. 

The Secret Weapon behind Drakes uncanny success

When the dust settles and the smoke clears. I have no doubt in my mind that Noah '40' Shebib will emerge as one of the most influential producers of our generation. 
(10 years from now, you can quote me on that.)

Every interview I have read or seen always leaves me more impressed!
His approach to production, his choice of operating outside the music hubs, his focus on the artist, all these and more are definitive moments that set him apart from the rest of the pack. 

Checkout this cool interview he did with Native Instruments Maschine. 

Why fairness isn't always fair

Fairness, with all due respect is a bunch of polony!

Just like when someone says with all due respect - know that the next line to come out of their mouth is probably going to be something disrespectful.

Similarly, When a person says that it's only fair...

Or I think that that is fair...

Know that it probably isn't fair.

Fairness is such a subjective thing. 

Your employer probably thinks he is paying you a "fair" wage. And let's face it, he probably isn't. 

You probably think you put in a decent day's labour. And I would bet that your employer would probably disagree with you.

The next time you make a deal with someone don't look for what is fair, seek to be generous.

Generosity. That is the difference between abundance and scarcity.

Sniper Vs Shot-Gun Approach

When it comes to being able to execute a plan, I find you only really have two options. 

The Shot-Gun or the Sniper approach. 

Shot-Guns - Don't require much planning. Spray and pray. Sometimes you hit your target, sometimes you don't. At least you hit something right?

But are random acts of improvement the best way to increase your success? My guess would be - No. 

And then you get snipers. 

Snipers - Approach things a little differently.

Like a chess game you have to see at least 3 to 4 moves ahead and anticipate what will happen next. Watching your environment, studying your target, adjusting for wind speed. All while the war wages around you.  

Sometimes however, you can use both methods to your advantage. But almost always, it's better to execute your strategy as a sniper.

How do you execute as a sniper? Practice, plan and shot. Then do it again, and again and again. Until you get better at it.  

Keep shooting until you hit the target - Every-time! 

What are record labels looking for?

So, What are record labels looking for?

I've been asked this question a few times and sadly, this is a very good example of a very bad question.

It is like asking me, what is a dinosaur looking for? Well, food, water... Oh, and not to be extinct.

I get annoyed at this question because it shows a complete lack of understanding of the current music environment. A lack of self awareness of what you as an individual can bring to a team or company in terms of skills, value and freshness. Often the person asking this is not thinking what can I give to add value to you but what can I take.

It shows a genie mentality towards your craft and music - I rub my magic lamp and someone else makes my wish for money, power and fame come true. 

But just because it's a bad question, doesn't mean we can't learn from it. And now that I've got that out of my system, let's jump into some lessons from this question shall we: 

Business Smarts

Fact, every business needs to make money or they will become extinct. This is a given. So lets get the money talk out of the way so we can dive into the deeper things. 

If you have no track record of selling even 100 units of anything (CDs, tickets, merchandise etc.) What on earth makes you think you can sell a million units? 

Have you ever even tried selling a 100 of anything to your potential market? It's not as easy as it sounds but it is achievable. And if it is achievable why haven't you done it yet? 

These are fundamental questions any business will ask and if you don't have answers I would suggest you begin looking for the answers fast. You need to show proof that your brand sells or has the potential to sell to a ready and willing audience. You need more than just your mom's approval to say that your talent is real at this stage of the game. 

Does your brand align with the business? 

This requires you to do your homework on the company. A rookie mistake that I see often, is when artists don't know what kind of music the company they have submitted to makes. 

What does this company stand for?

Do I see myself fitting into what they believe and how they operate? 

How do they operate?

How can I see them in action? 

What is their latest release?

These are all questions you need to answer for yourself before you even make official contact and ask them for anything. 

Professionalism

I've written on this before in a previous blog post but I believe it is so sorely underrated that it needs to be mentioned again. And again, and again... Until it sinks in. 

What does professionalism look like? Well, let me break it down for you: 

• Are you as a person able to follow simple instructions? (Think carefully about this one. Because every company has their preferred way of doing things and if you can't follow their instructions you are going to tick someone off)
• Can you email a person when it is requested.
• Call back when requested
• Respect office hours and not call on weekends and after hours without prior consent
• Can you humbly except rejection and thank the person even when it hurts
• Can you backup your claims of being wonderful and amazing through the testimonies of fans and clients
• Have you taken the time to present your product, service or yourself in a manner that is fitting of another persons respect 
• Is all the necessary information about you and your product neatly presented, written down and easily accessible 

In a nutshell, would you approach a CEO of a company you wish to work for the same way as you would approach your home-boy down the street? - Hint: The answer to this should be no.

The irony of professionalism is that none of it requires talent and can be taught, learnt and improved upon. So you have no excuse. 

Originality 

Yes, as the Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. So no matter how different you think you are, your music still needs to fit into some kind of a category and that can be a good thing.  It helps you know who your audience is and what they like and don't like is often clear to those within the tribe. As the saying goes, The Beatles didn't invent teenagers but they did show up to lead them. 

Where you can be unique however, is through your point of view. Sharing your story, speaking your truth. Which speaks to a particular world view. When I want to listen to Drake, I listen to Drake. I don't listen to his cheap imitation knockoffs. 

Education 

If you are not constantly learning more about your chosen industry you will get left behind and in todays current times with the Internet, all the knowledge you seek is usually a click away. It is easier than ever to learn more about how an industry works and who the key players in the game are. If you are not taking advantage of this you are shooting yourself in the foot.

For example you can read books like 'All you need to know about the music business' by Donald Passman. Plus many others that can broaden your horizon and perspective of the industry you wish to join.

If you have limited access to the Internet then the library makes an excellent substitute. So with the will to work hard and a library card you have no excuse.

Go and create!

Make a difference.  

Streaming - The new sliced bread

Primavera 2016

Streaming is a hot topic right now.

Why did we get into music in the first place?

If you are anything like me, I remember clearly that the goal was to get our music into as many ears as possible.

China, Spain, Poland, Ukraine - that was the goal.

Places I would go and some I may never go to. But they would know my music and they would know my name, that was the aim.

Streaming makes that possible. Why would you want to limit that?

Why would you put a ceiling on that?

Naturally, you want to capture your home turf and there will be times to be more strategic. But sometimes using a shot gun can be part of your strategy.

Streaming opens up a world of possibilities and as Indie artists we would be foolish not to take them. Go where your customers are, discover new ones.

To use a street term Streaming is like your gateway drug. You get them hooked and then you push them towards your more profit generating products and services.

To use a more politically correct example and business term: Streaming can be viewed as a loss leader or discovery tool. Introducing potential customers to your brand and then leading them deeper into more value added services and products.

(You see how I flipped it there.)

At the end of the day it's about reaching fans and converting them into real (paying) customers.

Nothing happens until you have made a sale. And if you are standing still, then you are actually moving backwards.

Side Note:

Major labels are not the enemy here. I keep hearing people referring to Indie vs Major, David vs Goliath, as if this is a losing battle. Now I don't know about your Bible but in mine, David won that battle.

Independent labels need to use the natural tools at their disposal and never lose touch with the people that are helping you to build your business. They are what matter in the long run.