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? 

Build Up to the Matthew Mole Gig (Sneak Peak)

The Build Up

With show time rapidly approaching I must admit there have been a couple of late nights and early mornings preparing for the gig. Which reminded me of a quote I read recently that said: "Music is the strongest form of magic". 

And honestly, even though the behind the scenes preparation can be a mad rush with crazy deadlines and up the hill logistics, the beauty of it all is when it all starts to come together to create wonderful sounds. 

Recently my good friend Dale, who will be doing the photography and videography on the night. Whipped out his Sony XPERIA Z3, and took some sneak peak footage of what we have been working on. 

If you haven't got your tickets yet, click here to get them now!

It's going to be a great show and we'd love to see you there.

Turn off and Tune in

Turn off your cell phone.

Turn off your radio.

Turn off your internet connection.

Turn off those negative voices in your head.

Turn off your innermost critic. 

Turn off all distractions.

Tune into a higher power. 

Tune into your inner child.

Tune into the important work that you have been putting off.

Tune into a good book.

Tune into your creative side.

Tune into your next conversation. 

Tune into the other persons feelings.

And here is how people will know you actually care...

Stay tuned.

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."

Ladies and gentleman, Dynisty Entertainment presents...

Yes!!! It's official.

With a month and a bit to go, Now I can proudly announce that Dynisty Entertainment in association with Hemingways are proud to bring you Matthew Mole Live. 

I have already expressed my admiration for Matthew as an artist. And now we get to bring him back to East London shores, with a bigger stage and a bigger sound.

More details on the event to follow but for now enjoy your festive Season. If you are like me and are still scrambling for a gift or two, always remember that music is the gift that keeps on giving. And nothing beats a shared experience. 

To book your tickets early for the 2015 show click here

Merry Christmas & have a Happy New Year!

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. 

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.