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.
We see it often but we seldom realize.
Amazing achievements that seem to come from out of the blue.
The reality is they didn't come from no where, they were grafting under the surface for what seemed to them like an eternity. Quietly putting one foot in front of the other, stepping on their journey of a thousand miles with little to no recognition whatsoever.
Until... One day.
Gravity can no longer hold them and the stars are perfectly aligned.
The years of pressure have formed a diamond that cannot be denied in value.
We knew they were talented. That was never really the question.
Do they have staying power?
Can they go the distance?
Congratulations to the true superstars!
We see it often but we seldom realize.
Amazing achievements that seem to come from out of the blue.
The reality is they didn't come from no where, they were grafting under the surface for what seemed to them like an eternity. Quietly putting one foot in front of the other, stepping on their journey of a thousand miles with little to no recognition whatsoever.
Until... One day.
Gravity can no longer hold them and the stars are perfectly aligned.
The years of pressure have formed a diamond that cannot be denied in value.
We knew they were talented. That was never really the question.
Do they have staying power?
Can they go the distance?
Congratulations to the true superstars!
The Miss SA pageant takes place today.
I am amazed that beauty pageants have stood the test of time with the rise and fall, and rise again of feminism, through the shifting sands and changing hands of governmental power.
Revolutions may come and go, but a beautiful woman is still to be admired.
Man-kind.
It does make me wonder about the evolution of humanity.
Is it that the more things change the more they stay the same?
Once you let a panel of judges you have probably never met grade you on how beautiful you are, how elegant you look, and how intelligently you answer every question; surely some of your natural beauty is stripped away so that you can be well liked by the masses?
Isn't it more important that you choose yourself?
Whatever your viewpoints are on beauty pageants I am sure it will be an entertaining show.
At least Gangs of Ballet will be performing.
And you can also catch them Live at Hemingways East London on the 24th April 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.
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?
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.
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.
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."
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!