Bruce Bean

Rehearsal

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:26:00 +0000

....woRds....

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:14:00 +0000

Life has a way of taking you through ups and downs. For some the good far out way the bad and for others, it seems as though the bad far out way the good. For those in the latter, more often than not, it simply comes down to past choices made that have led to their current situation or status. Yet there are some in this category that have just been dealt a terrible hand in life.

Back in 97’, at the age of 13, I lost my mother to cancer. At that age, death, if never dealt with before, is still a concept that still doesn’t quite make sense. While it’s understood, the effects of it are not, nor can be at any age, calculable. It has been a steady uphill fight ever since. Growing up, I can now look back and see where having that mother figure in life was critical to healthy development. While I had a descent support system in my corner at that moment and basically steady since, there are just some moments in life that can only be satisfied by the bond between mother and son.

I am fortunate to come from a large extended family. My mother has/had 14 living siblings (two aunts died at birth). I was blessed to have 8 aunts and 4 uncles, each of which loving in their own way while all coming from the same genuine place. I can recall a time when I was seeking to be released from my family while trying to find happiness in other families. But about 3 years ago, for the first time I was able to realize and intelligently put to words how important this family is to me, and how I would not want to be apart of any other family than the “Hudson Clan” as I have titled us.

The loss of my mother was a devastating blow to our family. She was the first of her siblings to die. My grandparents had passed back in 88 and 89, so here is the family almost 10 years later, letting go of their first sibling to death. I mentioned the two aunts who died at birth. Well one of those aunts was born right before my mother. That aunt was number 9 technically, but when my mother was born, she took that position. Right before her is sibling number 8, Sioux. The bond between these two is described in the family as down right incomparable. The story is told that during the Thanksgiving holiday, my grandfather would not allow the food to be partaken until the two of them arrived. Their presence was infectious and provided an atmosphere of love and comfort that was enjoyed by all. With the death of my mother, Aunt Sioux, rightfully so, stepped in as the maternal figure in both my brother and mine lives. I did not realize this until about September or October of 2010. When I realized this, I can’t explain the level of comfort I received. It was like I was holding on to a mountain size bolder by myself for the past 14 years. Again, not having my mother brought plenty of hard times emotionally, and my father, while he definitely did the best he could which wasn’t all that bad I must add, just wasn’t the most comforting of individuals to approach especially when it came down to needing emotional help. So while Aunt Sioux had been helping me with this bolder all along, yet, it wasn’t until I was 26 that I realized this.

In April 2011, I buried my Aunt Sioux 8 days before her 62^nd birthday. In December 2010, her doctor confirmed the diagnosis of cancer. I, along with the rest of my family, did not find out about this diagnosis until March 12, 2011 when she was hospitalized for having a low blood count. She went in cause she was feeling weak and this was fixed with a blood transfusion which gave her the energy she needed and was used to having. I can, during this time, recall the high spirits she had and the trust in God she had regarding the outcome of this situation. I can also recall the level of fear that came over me when she told me she had cancer. Having been down this road before, loosing my mother to cancer and another aunt, I was afraid that the outcome was predestined. I am fortunate also to come from a God-fearing family. We know and believe that in all things, God has a plan and we need not worry because He’ll never leave us and we have the promise of seeing our loved one’s that laid down to rest in Him, again. You’d think that promise, coming from the Almighty, would be enough to carry you through hard times such as these. While it does carry most of the weight of the burden of loosing a loved one, the human nature still experiences the pain of separation and that pain is enough to drive any one person insane. To experience it twice, well you can imagine. I mentioned the maternal role that my aunt possessed in my life. That role was just beginning to mature. I was fortunate to further my education at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL obtaining my Masters in March ’11. I had some really rough times in Orlando. While I was use to being on “the road” and having to take care of myself, I had never been in a position where I longed for my family and could not get to them for little of nothing. My aunt, with her maternal instinct, would always call or text right when I needed that word of encouragement or just a pick-me up to keep me working toward my goal. During my teenage years, away at boarding school, and even in some parts of college, I never had that. After earning my Masters, she was a driving force behind making the moves toward the current position I have. God gave me the ideas to do what I am doing; this is the truth without a shadow of a doubt. Yet my aunt was a tangible driving force behind what I’m doing. Currently, I sit as the VP of Operations for Madison Avenue Records. It is an independent record label in Huntsville, AL that is showing potential for significant growth in the immediate future. Other positive endeavors have presented themselves as a result of making the move to Huntsville…but now I don’t have her to show her what I’m doing. I don't have that pat on the back from her, which only she could give, that let's me know she's proud of me. I would call her FOR INSTANCE and say “Hey Auntie, I’m going to make my bed this morning. I’m nervous about it though. What will people think or say about me making my bed. What do you think?” She’d reply, “If the Lord has told you to make that bed, you get in there and make it. Don’t be nervous, you serve a God that has promised to (insert scripture quote) and that’s the promise you rest on during this venture of making your bed. And honey, people are going to talk about you no matter what, whether you’re doing good or bad so don’t worry about them people, you do it cause God told you too.” Then she’d go into some life stories, which normally included some experience she and my mother had together or individually, which would have us crying laughing, all the while giving me the strength to get in ‘the game’ and continue fighting.

I write this post for several reasons. The first, I’ve been crying my eyes out for the passed 7 hours and I just needed to vent before I lost it. I called everyone I trusted to talk to and not one person answered or called back. Which takes me to my second reason, to encourage. People are going to let you down. Even in death. Death, in retrospect, is someone "leaving" you. As I mentioned, that thing called ‘Life’ has a way of messing people up. I have gone through many ups and downs, some of which are and are not mentioned here. I have walls so high that even God has to get a running start to jump over or break down. The hand ‘Life’ has dealt me is not all that great. Yes, there are others that have it worse than me, this I’m sure of. Yet this is my Life, it is all I can speak on, and I hate when people use the cliché, not to mention it really just doesn’t work, “Someone else has it worse.” THIS IS WORSE FOR ME. Could it be worse? Yes!! But that’s not what is being addressed. Someone reading this needs to know to not let life’s circumstances keep you from 1. Being true to you, 2. Keep you from your goals, dreams, or aspirations 3. Destroy you. I know first hand and all to well the hardships that losing someone close to you can bring. I’m sure there are other situations and circumstances that are far more complicated and heart wrenching than my own. Therefore it is to you I write this post. While there is a level of self-liberation that is obtained from writing this, the pain still exists. So cry your tears and have your sleepless nights future CEO, Entertainer, Music Maker, Doctor, Lawyer, or Firefighter. You stay in that moment for as long as it last. But remember it’s a moment and you cannot let it consume your life. They will come up every so often. Only time will heal. But don’t forget you have a future to fight for and you must hold on to that, allowing that future to be one source of your strength. These words I speak to myself as well.

My last reason and most importantly, I have to let people know that God is in control. While my ‘Life’ is not all that I want it to be, or think it should be, God has a master plan. I trust in Him. I may get mad, scared, nervous, doubtfully and a plethora of other emotions, but I have the promise that “God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So I’m sad right now. Even as I write this, tears still fall down my face, but I know God will carry me through this. So that is the promise I give to you right now to encourage you to keeping fighting and holding on a little longer.

~ Go forth and amaze

The National Anthem at the Amway Center (Magic Game)

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Here's the audition video! I didn't even know this was out.

So I decided to post this blog as a video!

The Full Sail Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:07:00 +0000

Executive Leadership

In this course, we examined the success of entrepreneurs. Walt Disney was our case to review. It was by his example that we were able to see that nothing should keep us from following our dreams. Disney started with nothing and now has a dynasty that is comparable to none. For the first course of the program, I was encouraged to be innovative, resourceful, and long-suffering, never quitting or giving up despite the environmental downfalls. What an introduction! For my leadership portfolio activity, I had to research a industry leader that had a hand in revolutionizing the entertainment industry. My industry leader of choice was Bill Cosby. Mr. Cosby was the first black actor to accomplish cross over shows paving the way for other black actors to be taken seriously as actors. This LP assignment spoke volumes to me personally signifying that the industry is ready, willing, and able to accept new and creative things that will change lives across the country.

Activity 1: Amber Bullock, Nashville Noise - Problem Solving

Artist Management

Amber Bullock is one of the artist I have the pleasure of representing. She is a gospel artist who is new to the industry. She wants to be a positive influence to young people and encouraging to all. In January 2010, Amber was invited to go to Nashville, TN to perform at a lounge called The Foundry. Being her sole manager currently, it was my role to secure her transportation, gather the performance band and the background singers verifying their practices and transportation to the gig, and ensure that everyone received proper compensation. I was also responsible for securing some area performances for exposure for Amber as an artist and to balance out the monetary needs for the weekend.

A couple of problems were presented this weekend. The first was, of the three background singers, one of the singers canceled a half hour before the call time to rehearse. The singers were to come together and practice by a track the band recorded for rehearsal purposes. This caused me to immediately go into problem solving mode. I immediately called the two background singers who were on their way and thankfully driving together. They were the middle and bottom voice. I talked the both to moving up a voice so the middle became the top and the bottom became the middle. The advantage here is that I am a singer so I, knowing the songs to be performed was able to step-in as a background singer, singing the bottom line. The second problem that arouse was Amber’s flight was delayed 2 hours. The gig was to begin at 8pm. She was to perform at 9:15. We were due to arrive at 8:30 at the venue. She was due in at 5:30pm. The band and the background singers were to practice from 6:30- 7:30. Her flight now did not arrive until 7:45. Again, my problem solving instincts kicked in. I loaded the music director and the two background singers in the car and we headed to the airport to pick up Amber. The solution was to get Amber and we practiced from the airport to the venue, which was about 30 minutes. We made the engagement and her set was a success. This was a great learning experience. I did not crack under the pressure and I did not panic. Keeping a clear, level head allowed me to think quickly on my feet and meet my goals despite the setbacks.

Project and Team Management

This month’s course taught how to productively and efficiently manage work projects and workers. An activity, that was different for a learning course, was having to create an ice-breaker activity that can could be used in the work environment to bring familiarity amongst employees. This was an opportunity for each participant to gain perspective from both the employee and employer point of view on said type of activities. What works, what doesn’t, all helped one to conclude how to be a more affective employer. An assignment that brought about immediately usable information was having to produce a network diagram. The diagram helps employers to visually map out a project and check on efficiency ability for timing. This is helpful to employers because they can see what changes need to be made to a project so time restraints are kept and met.

Business Storytelling and Brand Development

This was the first month where the actual shape of my company started taking shape. For this month, the leadership portfolio assignment was to develop a short story that described the very nature and purpose of my company. Having to complete this assignment lead to having to put true thought into my company for the first time. After careful thought I was able to develop the niche market and discover what exactly I would need to be able to market efficiently to that market. This was the beginning of the saga toward success for my company.

Entertainment Business Finance

Entertainment Business Finance, this course is most known for separating the boys from the men. Yet, I prevailed! This class truly brought about knowledge toward the ability of my company. This class taught everything I need to know about the math of my company. It put in perspective what exactly I was going to be able to do with the company and if the company was going to be able to sustain itself. To further my understanding of what my company would be able to do, the leadership portfolio assignment for the course was to interview an investor of some sort, be it a bank investment specialist, an angel investor, or an investment firm. I decided to interview a bank investment firm specialist. The insight gained from this assignment showed me exactly what would be expected of me as a new company. Most investors won’t invest in new companies without some sort of established line of credit, and some years of experience as a company. With this knowledge, I now know how to present myself to investors for the best results. The entire class led up to the grand finale of a pro forma spreadsheet, which was a visual/tangible layout of the finances of the company. This was, for everyone, a turning point. It showed that either more thought is needed to go into one’s company idea, tweak a couple of things for the longevity of the company, or that one were headed down the right path. I was shown that I have a fighting chance be success at following my dream.

Negotiation and Deal Making

This course was one of my favorites. Suzanne Bain, who was the course director, maybe one of the funniest people I know. She brought life to what can be an intimidating and some times boring topic, especially for discussion. However, this course taught “how to get the most for your dollar.” This is some thing that we as society seek every day. The goal of “getting the most for your dollar” was brought into perspective through real life scenarios. The course had two activities that brought about experience for the concept of negotiating and deal making. One was playing a game of monopoly. One may think, how can one be taught from playing monopoly? But in the game of monopoly, things can get pretty intense. One can loose everything at the roll of the dice. So, to survive, negotiating with players for money and property is a must and being savvy and convincing is a must. This is applicable for the world of business and to be successful in it.

Activity 2: The Lloyd Mallory Singers - People

Client Recording

The Lloyd Mallory Singers is a choral ensemble of classically trained singers. The group formed back in the early 80’s at Oakwood University under the capable leadership of the namesake of the group Lloyd Mallory. The group has been together off and on since that time but has now reformed to pursue performing career as an ensemble. Dr. Lloyd Mallory has retained a reputation of excellence and excitement for his delivery of music. His reputation has stood through time and has opened doors for classical singers to gain experience as performers. The ensemble was recently contracted to record a track for a rising piano performer, Donnell Josiah, Ph.D. He was working on a project that included a piece entitled “The Inaugural Dream” dedicated to the presidency of President Barak Obama and the milestone crossed through his election. As the manager of the ensemble, I was contacted by Donnell to contract the ensemble to record the piece. The ensemble is composed of forty-five singers but can function with as little as sixteen. As the sole manager of the ensemble, it is my position to contact ensemble members in regards to any activity involving the ensemble. Having such a large roster, it can be challenging to contact everyone, keep straight everyone’s availability, and most of all adjust to each individual member’s temperament. To reach the need for this project, eighteen singers were needed. The initial way to contact singers is to send out an email. The dilemma is getting replies from people who have families, jobs, and a number of other responsibilities, especially the individuals who are singing in the ensemble as a hobby. To send out forty-five emails and receive eight replies, as a manager, especially when having to work under time restraints, can be frustrating. But as a manager and an entrepreneur, it is important to learn how to cope with people and all the different challenges that come with them. With minimal responses through email, I then had to jump on the phone and call individuals to get an answer. My time was short. The client only had ten days to get the track laid down and it was going to be a great opportunity for the ensemble so I was pushing to get the ensemble assembled to get the project started. It took me almost two days to assemble eighteen singers, but the job was done. I arranged the rehearsal times, practice facility, call times, and what everyone was looking for, the checks. The job was accomplished but this taught me a lot about people. No matter how frustrated they may make you or how hard it may be to deal with them, as a manager and one motivated for success, I must keep the prize in view and this will always ensure victory.

Product and Artist Management

This course showed how, as an artist manager, to know what to expect as a manager from both the artists and the business. Ideas were created for expansion of company clients, solidifying them as brand. There was an assignment that was especially unique for this course and right up my alley. As a group activity, we were responsible for planning an event and submit the request to an artist for a performance date on their tour (this was a hypothetical assignment). Our artist of choice was B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray. Here is where I experienced artist’s riders, speaking with venues, coordinating with management of the artist and synchronizing with a team to ensure the success of the event. This is an experience that will take me right into my entertainment field of choice, Artist Management.

Activity 3: Sherice Tomlin, CD Release - Staff Development

Stage Management

Sherice Tomlin is a rising artist. She is a independent artist paying for her project, concerts, and all other necessary expenses. She is currently promoting her sophomore project and distributing through PODs and iTunes. In February 2010 I was asked to stage-manage for her sophomore project CD release concert that was planned for August of 2010. This was going to be my first experience working as the actual stage manager. In the past, I had been apart of shows that were timed by stage management, but never had to be in the management role. So this was a new venture for me to accept and I was very excited.

To complete this job, I had to organize a team to do this job well. I put together the schedule for the dress rehearsal and the schedule for the show from beginning to end. It was also my job to put the stage together, placing the background singers on the stage along with the band, and coordinating the lighting and cues for when the program participants when to and not to walk out on stage. Working with people, multiple people meaning multiple personalities can be somewhat of a challenge however, I knew going in that I was going to need to prepare my team to get the job done. I told them in my first contact that we were headed into a realm that required precision and high levels of anticipations. They accepted the challenge of being on the team and success was the end results. One of my team members reviewed her experience as “ “. One of the general managers described their interaction with me and my team as “ “. This experience opened my mind to more opportunities for me in the future. Organizing the team, motivating them and moving them to work for a cause that was not even directly beneficial to them and seeing the results of planning and hard work ignited a new confidence in me and my abilities to get the job done no matter how hard or new to me.

Advance Entertainment Law

In this month, the course presented vital information about the legality involved in the entertainment industry. Material such as copyright laws, how to legally function as a company such as a S-Corp. or LLC, and examining client agreements and their standard components were helpful and vital to know for the success of my or any other’s company. The leadership portfolio activity was a great opportunity. Each participant of the class was to interview an entertainment lawyer. This was especially helpful because I was able to make a great contact in the industry along with discover the current trends in the industry. My interviewee gave me candid inside look at what works and what does not work and how to be optimal in the work I do to ultimately be successful.

Entertainment Media Publishing & Distribution

As an artist manager, it is important that I always look out for what is best for my client. Some times that means cutting as many financial corners as possible to make things work, especially when it comes to new artists. In this course, we were shown tools to use to self publish and distribute product without having to go through the hassle of finding an outside publisher and distributor. With this ability, any new artist can publish and distribute their material. This has become a trend in the industry. When artist present themselves to booking agents or managers, most often, representative companies want to see what the artist has done for him/her self. As a manager, it is, of course, illegal to operate as both a manager and a booking agent, collecting revenue from both so the material of this course has added to the well of knowledge needed to proper and successful represent clients so they in turn can be all they can be.

Digital Marketing

What’s in a name? The truth. This course is and did exactly what the name says. It showed easy and FREE ways to show capability and the experience of one self, ultimately showing how to market through digital avenues. These avenues were Twitter, Facebook, Blogging sites, and LinkedIn to name a few. Each of these avenues has a new purpose and ability to this employer. Using the social sites for more than just socializing is important as an artist manager. This is an opportunity to build a brand, reputation, and bring about awareness of an artist and myself as an artist manager. The advantage of using these sites for these reasons is priceless but will generate profitable benefits in the end.

Mobile Marketing & Commerce

This month’s course showed the movement of the technological world at its best. How can mobile marketing and commerce ($) work as one? Well the most exciting news about this is that they can. It was brought to awareness in this course’s participants just how much consumers value their mobile devices, especially cellular devices. With the personal touch that each device holds to individual consumers, developers are now working on ways to be able to use mobile devices as the means to take care of all commerce needs. A simple way of the phone at a train station can allow for quick and fluid-like movement at train stations and simple no thought transactions for consumers. Yes, there are some security risks involved, but these risks are being worked on and are for this consumer worth taking. A valuable marketing technique that was picked up in this class was marketing through “QR codes”. This is a modern technique to having for new-age markets and one that I as an artist manager plan on taking advantage of. It’s new, fun, and convenient. Again, with consumers being so attached to their mobile devices, the able to see an ad, visit a website, or even read a flyer right on their mobile device will create a buzz about that advertisement that will be valuable for marketers and advertisers.

Activity 4: Bermuda - Self-Discipline

Performance Engagement

In December 2010, I had the privilege to participate in a Christmas and New Years celebration on the island of Bermuda at Hamilton SDA Church as a featured solo artist. The engagement included singing on Christmas Day, Tuesday-Friday night, and New Years Day. I received the invitation to sing only three weeks before the program was to take place from the newly appointed Music Coordinator of the church, who had only been in the position for three weeks prior to my invitation. The celebrations were viewed on live television on the island and was broadcasted via the Internet to be viewed across the world on a website called churchpond.com. The program was planned and I was given three performance spots on the Christmas program. Two songs I had to learn and one song I could pick. Being no stranger to performing as a singer, the time crunch was not a big deal, however, the music was plentiful and it was going to take some self-discipline and commitment to learn the music in time. Arriving in Bermuda, I was greeted by host and taken to the apartment where I was taken. It was a late arrival so I went straight to my place and was able to get some sleep. The next day was dress rehearsal and I still had music to learn. Having friends in Bermuda, it was a challenge to ignore phone calls and text messages in order to get prepared for the dress rehearsal. I spent the entire day learning music and was ready for the dress rehearsal that took place at 4pm. The experience had its ups and downs. Being that it was a 10-day trip and I had to sing 7 of the 10 days, it was tough to not hang out with, stay up late with, and go out with friends. Having to say no to appetizing activities was tough. However, the sacrifice was worth it. I received highly affirming reviews, an invitation to return for same celebrations next year, invitations to sing at other programs on the island and I have been placed on a list of performers for the Premiere of Bermuda (equivalent to the U.S. President). Although it was challenging, the results of my self-discipline were encouraging to my ability to be successful.

Activity 5: Steve Easton, Just Platinum Recording Studios - Integrity

Industry Employee Interview

I had an unexpected opportunity to meet with Steve Easton CEO of Just Platinum Recording Studios on the island of Bermuda. I was in Bermuda for a performance and some friends were going to meet up with him just to say ‘hey’. This ‘hey’ turned into a five-hour insight into not just the recording industry, but also the entire entertainment industry as a whole and the current mindset of industry. Steve has had the opportunity to produce work for music, movies, and commercials, working with gospel artist Yolanda Adams, movie mogul George Lucas, working with James Earl Jones for the Darth Vader voice over in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, and commercial work for many advertisers on the island. Steve gave the candid truth, sharing experiences on every end. He shared that the industry is tricky and can consume you as an individual. Reflecting on this conversation, I have retained many lessons about the industry and life in general. Integrity, morals, being true to myself are some just a few characteristics I picked off of Steve not just as characteristics people should possess but also ones that he portrayed. However, two admirable attributes stuck out the most, nothing new to me but some thing that I don’t want to take for granted. One is, working in a field that brings me internal happiness and not working in a field to create external happiness. Again, not a new concept, but Steve shared this as a source of his success more than once with us so it has higher level of relevance for me. The second attribute was, always remain honest. He told a few stories illustrating that although people will attempt to get over on you, in his case try to take claim for having produced a track, the truth will always come to the forefront showing you as having been the trustworthy the entire time. Steve is a admirable industry leader and will become a long time source for wisdom and encouragement.

Business Plan Development

This month was devoted to careful explanation of the elements of the business plan. Each class was spent talking about each component. Topics covered were Industry Analysis, Company Description, Competition & Differentiation, Marketing Plan, Operation & Personnel, Assumptions, Milestones, and Financials. From day 1 talking about the “Industry analysis” which taught how to properly research to ensure that we are prepared to make an accurate decision about the markets being pursued and the business being created to the last day where we covered “Assumptions”, all brought about further understanding and awareness about the business that was being created.

Final Activity: Ewing Memorial SDA Church Choir - Vision

In April of 2010, a college colleague, who is now a pastor, called me to ask if I was interested in an assistant position as church choir director. This position would involve preparing the choir for services and possibly leading out in songs before services began. Upon my arrival to the first rehearsal, I realized my position was a little more involved than I was prepared for. I was thrown into the deep in of the pool with other swimmers and looked to for instructions on how to swim and survive. With such responsibility, I most definitely had to take a few steps back and re-evaluate the situation. Discovering the needs of the ensemble, the service, and the dynamics of the members of the congregation, led me to realize the need to make out a plan to be able to take everything from its current level and move it to the next. Through strategic positioning and careful planning, I was able to create and execute a vision of excellence and excitement that has left a lasting impact on multiple lives. The experience gained from this opportunity has built a confidence that allows me to be able to create some thing from nothing, present to consumers, and be successful in their appreciation and pleasure of it.

Digital Mayhem

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:55:00 +0000

The management team behind artists in the entertainment industry is some times taken for granted. We don't win awards and are some times forgotten about when artists final peak in their careers. However, for the true manager, acknowledgements are not what matter. The only thing that does matter is the artist and their success. With that said, in the digital campaign of an artist, there are some things to consider to have successful digital campaigns. First let's consider generating sales and leads, items which make major contribution to an artist's success. When an artist is just beginning, have new projects coming out, promoting a new tour, or just trying to increase popularity, managers must ensure that every impression is a lasting impression. Personal communication to clients about artists, their dealings and future plans cause an open line of communication to exist and maintains a sense of relevance. Current and future consumers are searching for artists online and are not interested in searching and searching for information. This presents another item to consider for successful digital campaigns, building a community and creating traffic for your artist through search engine optimization. One way this can be accomplished is through social networks. Using social networks to create a stir about artists will cause for optimum use of social networks potential. Creating blogs about artists, their experiences, and other relevant topics will create a great presence for your artists. Lastly, the most important key to success for artists is branding and creating a trust with their fans and the people who work with them. Remember the reputation of your artist will precede them. Let everything that is said about your artist be things of a positive nature. These are just a few ways to ensure success for digital campaigns. Every individual situation will vary in results so remember to do what is best for your artist and lead them only toward success.

Media for the Media

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:22:00 +0000

Being successful, as an artist manager requires one to have multiple traits. Two of which compliment each other: creativity and innovation. As entertainment/media industry evolves, the trend of advertising via video is taking a front seat. Think of your consumer life. What sticks out to you most? First you must consider some product of interest. Then, that product is engraved or stored in the positive section of your mind when you “see” an advertisement of that product that stands out to you. Now with the creation of Facebook, advertisers are recognizing the value behind video advertising. One such company that has done so is Nike. Nike’s “Write the Future” campaign was first aired on television. Nike took their campaign to the next level by placing the ad on Facebook. Nike’s Facebook fan page went from “1.6 million to 3.1 million over a single weekend” (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_40/b4197064860826.htm). With these numbers, we as artist managers must consider the value behind video marketing in our strategy to promote artists, whether it is their products or for increasing the popularity of our artists. This also proves valuable when developing and advancing the brand of our artists.

One artist, turned business mogul, that has shown the countless opportunities to increase artist’s awareness is P. Diddy. He has developed a brand that emits perfection, sophistication and prestige while still maintaining the “rock star” lifestyle. P. Diddy’s recent development of Cîroc Vodka, metaphors the smoothness of the product with the same characteristic that an individual should possess, that he himself attempts to exemplify. His product has now taken mainstream notification and is the vodka product of choice by celebrities and the typical club night out consumer.

Another ad campaign that can be recognized is John Legend’s “Get Lifted” album campaign. Winning multiple awards and still enjoyed by all his fans, one can theorize that the work done in promoting his album can be recognized as a contributor to the success of this album. This campaign included a rare television ad that exists for music industry artists.

Both of these videos covered the most vital part of any advertisement campaign. Awareness! This attribute is important to the success of a product/artist, moving that product/artist to the next level and ultimately making that product/artist stand the test of time.

~Revolutionary

Links to videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkUIPqjc5Dw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF3G7vdM2UI

Technologies Thrills

noreply@blogger.com (Bean) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:43:00 +0000

As time advances so do the technologies available for consumers. The entertainment industry is and will continue to reap the benefits from the advancements in technology made by mankind. Such advancements as the iPod, making available high volumes of music in the palm of one's hand, to now the television that allows consumers to enjoy the once visual rarity three-dimension image in the comfort our their home has set a standard of excellence that has consumers eager for more. When thinking specifically about music, one can only sit and wonder where technology will take it next. With the development of the Apple’s iPod/iTunes, music has become more transportable and easy to manage. YouTube has given access to live shows that consumers may want to recap on or may have missed all together. So what can come next?

Sony along with Google has developed a new and innovative way for consumers to browse the Internet and view and listen to content without ever having to leave the couch. Google TV they call it. This gives viewers access to the Internet while still viewing their desired content on television without having to move a muscle. How does this impact the music industry you may ask? With consumers being able to watch video content on larger screens a platform is now set for the music industry to digitize concerts for viewers who are unable to make concerts in person. The industry can create sites or channels that are friendly for Google TV users and charge for the viewing of the concert by that particular device, set up the same way as Pay-Per-View channels. Although optimal revenue may not be obtained, the music industry is still reaping some sort of financial gain. Does that sound good to you? Sounds good to me.

(Video Introducing Google TV)

Ready to order? Go to www.SonyStyle.com/SonyInternetTV

If that doesn’t wet your whistle, Apple has developed a new social network in iTunes called Ping. This network was created with the music lover in mind. It is a platform for fans to follow their favorite artists, seeing what those artists are doing, when their next project is coming out or where an upcoming performance will be taking place. It also gives opportunity for individuals who enjoy the same styles of music to come together and share information about songs, artists, and other information. The Los Angles Times describes it as "Facebook and Twitter meets iTunes...but it's not Facebook, it's twitter. It's a social network all about music."(LATimes.com) This platform will be useful for the entertainment industry, specifically for the music artist. Especially for the up-and-coming artist, taking some time to develop this social network can improve the following an artist has, ultimately creating more buzz about artist, which can push the artist into the mainstream. This is yet and still valuable to current artists. It brings more awareness to them as an artist and is just another tool available for promotion. Although consumers seem to not like the new social platform, I believe it will become more of a standard use as it develops and shows its true value and potential.

For those of us out there who are Blackberry(BB) loyalists and are playing as if we're not jealous of the iPad, worry no more. The Blackberry Playbook(BBP) is coming. Similar to the Apple's iPad in structure, the BBP has the lovable blackberry operating system with new apps and many more user-friendly features. BB has been viewed for many as a sign of a true business mind. Now blackberry lovers will have the same comforts as Apple users. This now calls for app developers to create apps for BB systems. I predict some great exposure for music creators. With new platforms comes new innovation. How will this specifically affect the entertainment industry? The possibilities are surely becoming endless. BBP has everything the real Internet has to offer. With music becoming more and more digitally downloaded, the market is now opening up so that content is now going to reach more consumers i.e. the BB devout.

All these technologies are creating more opportunities for marketers. The use of advertisement which was/is on the decline due to the ability to view content on sites such as Hulu.com and YouTube commercial free, can now slowly move back into eyes view with the development of Google TV. Ping is opening up the music market to exposure through social media that is set aside specifically for the industry. Marketers i.e. artists, artist's managers, promoters should view this as an opportunity to bring recognition to rising artists and a means to help develop those artists. The blackberry playbook is creating growth the technology market reaching out to consumers that were loyal to a specific product thus creating opportunity for advancement. So I ask again, what can come next? You tell me.

~Revolutionary