Opening the DAW to your music career

So which music production software is the best? Well the short answer is:

It kind of depends. 

Honestly, I wish the answer was a simple one but I realise how complicated it can be. And really there is no one size fits all.

I would like to pause for a minute, just to emphasise the importance of selecting the right DAW in terms of your music career. 

If you can afford a Ferreira then why not - Right! 

But if your only purpose for having a Ferreira is to go to the grocery store to buy milk and bread in your pajamas. Then, it may be over kill. 

Not to mention the pot holes or speed humps you will need to avoid. 

So pick one and run with it. At the end of the day it is a tool to get you where you need to go. And the more familiar you are with your tools the faster you can go.  

Better.

Artwork by: Lauren Lee Aboagye, Jean-Pierre Gonneau & Johan van Loggerenberg

Lyrics that tell a story - Check 

Melody that moves your soul - Check

Eye catching video - Check 

Thought provoking artwork - Check 

New Music Single loading... 14th November 2017

Moving pieces (Project Management 101)

The toughest thing but also the most rewarding thing about being a project manager is that you depend on other people to do the actual work. Yes, you plot the course, set the milestones and remind the team of the deadlines. But ultimately your success is often determined by the teams performance. 

Like a professional coach or business owner, a large part of your work goes unseen. And it can all fall a part or come together while you stand on the sidelines cheering your players on and directing their movements. 

You need to anticipate the next move constantly and the quicker you learn the ins-and-outs the better for you and the lifecycle of your project.

Every move has a desired outcome.

Know the players.

Understand the game.

Learn the strategies.

Real entrepreneurs don't have time for pitty parties

So, not too long ago I sat in on a break-away workshop discussing small businesses in incubators and the whole business development hub movement that has become quite popular. And frankly, I was stunned and little bit saddened by what I heard.

Granted, that sadness probably changed to anger and annoyance pretty quick.

The majority of the wanna-preneurs in the room lacked a basic ingredient that is essential to starting and growing a business. HUSTLE.

They would rather complain about the lack of funding government is giving. Or focus on what business hubs and incubators are doing wrong with their selection process. 

Really... 

Is it worth dragging business leaders, real entrepreneurs and thought leaders into a room only to throw a Pitty-Party? 

Blaming them for why your business is not succeeding. 

REALLY!? 

Let me answer that for you. No it is not!

If you are focused on the right things:

1. Adding value to your customers.

2. Adding value to your team or building a team if you don't have one yet.

3. Creating products and services that will drive home that value.  

4. Developing systems and processes that make it easier to do your jobs. 

5. Marketing. Because nobody knows your business better than you. 

Those problems, those discussions are worth having and worth bringing people together.  

Time; Is the greatest equalizer. It is also your greatest asset. Don't waste it on things you have no power to change. 

STAY HUMBLE & HUSTLE HARD. 

Words - And the power to communicate

Often it seems that communication is the key. Well that's because it usually is. It gets things done.

The President says the words. And a country goes to war.

She says; I Do! And your world changes forever.

"LET THERE BE LIGHT". And the world was created.

If you communicate well your team can enjoy victory and make a difference. If you fail to communicate effectively, then you can't expect much from your team.

The level of your communication can determine the success or failure of any undertaking.

Communication; is a powerful tool that is used by leaders to get things done. From Presidents, to Queens, Coaches to Pastors, Business Leaders to Managers. All need to use and carefully measure the effectiveness of their words.

God spoke the world into being. And indeed we are made in his image.

Words are a powerful tool. Now the question is, What are you going to do with them?

Why I don't like gatekeepers and you shouldn't either

Unless they work for you or the party is yours, security can usually be a pain.  

Don't get me wrong. Bouncers, security, secretaries, gatekeepers are all useful and valuable to most organizations. 

It makes you feel important. It gives an air of exclusivity. You made it. You are in the "in-crowd" . 

But here is the thing, when you create a "Tribe" you are not looking to keep people out. Rather your worldview and culture begins to naturally attract people of the same mind and repel those that don't agree. It leaves little room for bystanders and expects your involvement.

In an era where we are seeing dictators and traditional gatekeepers fall at a rapid rate.  

What do you want to create, a VIP club or a community - a Tribe? 

May I have this dance feat. Chance the Rapper [Video]

Akward but cool!

Before we make song babies together

Writing a song can be a very intimate thing.

And I believe that in order for beautiful minds to come together; It's important to get to know each other first before you commit to something as binding and long term as a song.

Because for better or worse, richer or poorer, once your creation is let loose on the earth. It's out there for good.

So before we make song babies together;

Here are some critical questions to help break the ice:

1. Name 5 songs and their artists that made the greatest impression on you and your musical journey?
2. Provide a link to a song of you created that best describes your current musical style
3. What was the best concert you have ever attended?
4. If you could collaborate with any 3 artists, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
5. Name three areas that you believe are your strength zone when it comes to song creation?

Answer the above 5 questions and send your response to dynistyrecords@gmail.com

If you are intrigued by what you have heard from your potential writing partner.

Congratulations!

Your mission, should you choose to except it. Is to create 3 high quality demo songs in the next three months.

This message will self destruct in the next 30 seconds. (Okay, I'm joking! No it won't. But that would be pretty cool!)

Happy writing!

Thinking back to SXSW 2017 [Video]

After over 18 hours on a plane, we arrived in Austin Texas. Tired but excited! The next few days were an absolute whirlwind for the senses.

Here are some of the sights and sounds of the trip.