Sshh! It's a surprise

As the popular Bob Dylan song goes; The times they are a-changin'...

As the year draws to a close, it seems we all feel compelled at this time to feel some nostalgia and think back on the ups and downs of the year. 

I usually prefer looking forward and thinking about what the future holds. But it would be a missed chance not to think of all that 2014 has brought.

Even in our small little town of East London there have been some small,  yet significant changes that have taken place. 

For example, I recently heard the news of Numbers closing its doors - Numbers has been a popular night club that has been serving the city for decades. Growing up as a kid it was often where the "Cool kids" would go and hang out. Even to its very end, it was still able to attract some of the most popular local Dj's and artists in South Africa.

Sadly, it will be an end of an era. 

Another era that draws to a close in 2014 is that of VideoLand. The 'For Sale' sign outside its doors sealed its fate. A once popular video store that you could get nearly any DVD you were looking for, even the very niche movies and series has ended up closing its doors in 2014. VideoLand shutting down is really a sign of the times with Internet downloads and alternative forms of entertainment a common place. 

To add to this interesting conundrum of a lack of good quality entertainment in our city, Ster-Kinekor cinema was also shut down at Vincent park shopping center. Leaving Hemingways as the only place to catch the latest movies on the big screen. 

This really got me thinking: 

What is there for people to do in this town?

What can young people do for fun?

With these questions in mind, 5 months ago my team and I began working on a project to help bring some fun and excitement back into our little city. 

Our planning and preparations have paid off!

And 2015 looks set to start with a bang! And I would really like to share those moments of fun and excitement with you. 

So in just a few hours I will be happy to make the announcement about this project on my next blog post.  

We've kept this a fairly guarded secret project but now it's time to let the cat out the bag:)

Mary, Did you know - Pentatonix

Goosebumpily - Is that even a word?

But that's what I feel every time I hear their voices. The Pentatonix are simply Amazing!
You know what will be playing in my house this Christmas. 

Mary, did you know - Is a good reminder of what Christmas is about. 

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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. 

You have the final say! Which Band logo do you prefer?

As a popular saying goes: "Some friends of mine went to business school, I started a rock band (Guess who had more fun?)." 

It has been quite a whirl wind learning experience putting a band together. 

The things you learn about business, people and your craft is totally heightened. One thing I'm certain of is that working with a team takes you to a level that you could never reach on your own.  

There are enormous highs and ridiculous lows when dealing with people in any setting. And when you link that to the passion and drive of musicians, you get some pretty interesting results. And I can't wait to share those with you. 

But before we get there, we need your help. Yes! YOU. 

We recently had our band logo designed by the exceptionally talented lead lady of SmallTalk Graphic Design, Celize Kriel. I was thrilled with the results and even though I had my favourite logo that I could easily see printed on T-shirts and banners, the reality is I don't intend to be the only person wearing the clothes. So I thought it would be best to ask what you thought would make a cool design? 

The Story behind the name. 

Soldier.Lover.Poet

I first heard the phrase being used when GodFirst Church ran a sermon series on the story of King David, the biblical hero who had an amazing journey with God from a Shepard boy to young soldier and then eventually becoming King of Israel. The thing that stuck with me so prominently was the title. Soldier.Lover.Poet. Three strong characteristics that resonate with most men. I wanted to call my next EP that but the band members thought it would be a cool band name.  

After trying it on, I must admit it kinda sticks (Like super glue). So we have narrowed our logo designs down to these four designs. I know which one is my favourite but ultimately you can help us decide on our  final band logo. Help us decide and stand a chance to WIN a T-Shirt with our newly minted logo. 

A)

B) 

C)

D)

Which band logo do you prefer A-B-C-D? Leave a comment by clicking on the comment button below or click the survey button.

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 

Life before the Internet

A dark time indeed...

But it existed. And we survived. I recently had the unfortunate event of being disconnected from the the Internet and cell phone network towers for about two weeks. 

Having no network connectivity felt like I was thrust back into the dark ages... Knowing smoke signals would have come in handy. 

This got me thinking of how dangerously vital the Internet and Network connectivity is to my business and my way of life. 

I also noticed how people really get upset when you don't respond to their messages and calls. 

So where am I going with all this? Honestly, I am not quite sure because it's not like we can ever go back. It would be like going back to using candles and fire instead of electricity. In a country where power cuts are a reality we don't need to imagine life without electricity and how awkward things can be without it.  

One of my favourite authors John C. Maxwell, doesn't use a computer. But he has written and continues to write more books than most tech-savvy aspiring authors could dream to write in a lifetime. Click here to checkout his latest book.

The technology on this computer that I am writing on, my HP, Intel Core i7, along with Cubase 5 and Reason 5 software is more technology power than the Beatles had when they recorded at Abbey Road. 

It's not the tools. It's the mind state that matters most. 

I will never forget coming home one day after failing a class test. I tore up that exam paper vigorously and threw it in the bin in front of my Dad. To which my Dad gently responded: "The rubbish wasn't on the paper, it was in your head."

Don't blame your tools. If you can't drive then make a plan or make enough money to hire a chauffeur. 

Electricity, Cars, the Internet, Social Media, they are all here to stay. 

So we need to embrace the changing landscape or find ways around it to use it to our advantage. 

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Go and create something worthwhile. Regardless of the tools you have at your disposal. 

You already have more than you realize.

Go! Create!

Freedom or Jail? The Oscar goes to...

What happened was a real tragedy. 

Whatever the outcome it will never bring back the beautiful life of Reeva Steenkamp. 

With that said it has been intriguing to watch as this cultural touchstone has developed right in front of our very eyes. Like it or not Oscar and Reeva have now become a part of pop culture. 

Like OJ Simpson, or the death of Madiba those who are old enough to remember will always remember exactly what they were doing on the day the Oscar's verdict was delivered (For me it would be writing this blog post). Cultural touchstones link generations together around a particular event in time. 

As artists it is important to make notes of these times. 

If reality shows like Idols, Survivor and Big Brother still have a large followings it is clear that people watching is still a popular sport. 

Emotions are high during these times and people often don't know what to say to voice their emotions. The People vs Oscar Pistorius - And the public has already judged. We are just waiting to confirm our judgement. 

As artists it is our job to help make heads or tails of the world around us through our art. Something that comedians often do well by making light of a serious situation. 

Now is a great time to be an artist of any kind. Why do I say that?

Because we have ever before in our history been more connected in society as we are now. There are a lot of historic events happening and the Internet has them just a click away. This Oscar Pistorius trail, sadly being one of them. Change is constantly going on in the world around us and information is readily available on just about any subject you can think of. As artists we need to be able to interpret the world around us to help people make sense of it all.

Art helps us interpret the world around us.  

There will be probably be a movie about this.  A tragic love story with murder and intrigue is too good a stortyline for any Hollywood studio to pass up on. And good stories will always need to be told. In music, film and books stories serve as a tool to warn us, guide us and intrigue us.

Although our canvas maybe different, we are all artists. Let your voice be heard. Share your worldview.

Take Aways:

• Learn to have an opinion on the world around you
• Let he without sin cast the first stone 
• Use your creativity to reflect the world you see back to your audience
• Surf the trends - Using your ability as an artist to spot trends is an important skill to have, learn to capitalize on it to create an impact with your art 
• Clockwise or Counter clockwise - It's not enough to just spot the trends, After you spot them you have to know whether to go with the trend or against it. This is where the 1st point comes in handy. 
• Become a spokesperson for your generation - Chances are you are not the only one with that particular world view. As an artist it is important to share your world view and connect with an audience that has a similar world view.
• The beauty of art is that even if people don't agree with your world view, if it is presented artistically enough they can still appreciate and respect it. 

Question:

What are your thoughts on the Oscar Pistorius verdict?

Why I don’t enter TV Talent competitions (Pt.2)

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by my good friend Bukani Duba. He is an artist, songwriter and producer. His last project The Sweet Science is available here. Connect with him on his Twitter or Facebook. This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Click here for part 1. 

1.       It is better to define yourself than to be a ‘made man’.

Calm down, I’m not talking about the Mafia’s ‘made man’, I’m talking about one who is created by the industry. One who is advised to create a whole new persona – a new image, so as to rack up publicity. His music is whatever the masses want and his rep is created and carried by the label.

Last year, I would hang with Zwai Bala, the Z from TKZee and frontman of Bala Brothers Productions. I would sit in on his meetings, gaining first-hand experience in the dealings of a seasoned veteran in the industry. We’d have studio sessions and I learned more than I ever thought possible, from my former mentor – and what a mentor he is. But one thing that always stuck with me was the stigma of being ‘Zwai’s boy’; everywhere I went, people recognised me as that – I had no rep of my own. I had not earned the respect of the contacts that I made – there was no reason for them to remember my name. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship, I would not change a thing, but I knew that I had to make my own way.

Record labels do that to the undefined ‘diamond in the rough’. If you don’t know your style, know yourself or how far you are willing to go for fame (your limits), they will define all of that for you.

The real reason we make music is to self-express and hope the listener identifies with what we’re saying – the message we’re portraying. How tragic would it be if you didn’t even have your own voice for that?

2.       I don’t feel like I’m ready just yet.

There’s nothing like getting into that sweet spot of creating your own music and actually being able to make a living out of it. South Africa is a strange crowd to deal with and the industry is fickle. The trends are all over the show and to try and follow them would always leave you one step behind – so instead of following, one must lead. That’s what I’m working on. I’m still developing myself as a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer. Maybe I’ll make it or maybe it’s not ‘written in the stars’ for me but there’s always room to grow and learn. I want to gain as much experience and knowledge about where I’m going before I decide to take off. You wouldn’t go overseas without contacting someone you know over there, or trying to find a safe place to stay, researching the good, the bad and the ugly about where you are going, would you? So it shocks me how many people would walk so blindly into the ravenous entertainment industry – it’s ravenous, believe me, I worked at SAMRO last year; you would not believe the amount of rip-off deals (would-be record deals) I saw, that people ignorantly signed. But I digress.

3.       Others made it without winning a competition

The bulk of the industry is made up of artists who worked hard and grinded for their fifteen minutes. They know what it took to get where they are, so they don’t take it for granted. They are proof that it is possible to make it, hence this emphasis people put on TV competitions as the golden ticket to success.

So in conclusion,

TV competitions, it has to be said, have given numerous successful artists their ‘lucky breaks’ and who’s to say that it won’t happen for you or someone you know? Just remember that luck is 2% opportunity and 98% preparation; luck favours the prepared. I’m just gonna let God work on me and trust that I will become the man and musician that He has meant for me to be. I could be years off the tangent or I could be closer than I think. All I know is that when I’m ready, you’ll know…

In the meantime, it would be remiss of me not to mention that I am working on a new concept EP / mixtape – called Material due for release later this year, dealing with the issue of Materialism and its subsequent themes.

Feel free to listen to my single Red Dress, and let me know what you think.

Also, feel free to add your opinions on this topic in the comments section below.