Orlando Calling!! What a Weekend!!

     This past weekend was incredible for me. I had the privilege of attending Orlando's very first music festival! Orlando Calling was not only Orlando's first festival, but also mine! I had a BLAST!! I truly felt as though I was a part of history in the making! It was an excellent concert with many acts thats that I was introduced to. The first day I attended, I was just a participant in the festivities. It was fantastic!!

The first act I saw was rapper Kid Cudi. He had an excellent show! I must admit, I didn't know all of his songs that he performed, but I was clapping and screaming like I did! The crowd wasn't as packed as I expected because it was so early,but he still pulled it off.

Kid Cudi was the first to perform on the main stage but there were several bands that were outside of the stadium on different stages. There were 5 stages in all. I would have to say, besides the main stage, some of the most incredible acts were on this small stage in the front area of the festival. There is were I was introduced to two great bands. LeBlorr was a suttle mix between Wolfmother and some other band that I cant put a name with. They were excellent and the great thing about that was that they all had albums that were available on iTunes! LeBlorr was good, but I was completely BLOWN AWAY at this chick named Kaleigh Baker!! I just so happened to be walking aimlessly around the festival, until I heard this shriek of a voice coming from the small stage. She was like a mix between Janis Joplin and Ann Wilson of Heart! Absolutely incredible!!!.

I then ventured off into the festival where I saw acts such as Gavin Degraw, The Roots, and many more. But it was time for the main show! The Killers were FANTASTIC!! They truly killed it in every sense of the word. I was a little disappointed that they haven't updated their set list, because the same set list they used for another festival, 'Hard Rock Calling'. They still blew me away though. Brandon Flowers is an excellent frontman and their live playing was top par. I was truly entertained by that show!!

The next day I attended the festival not as an audience member, but as a volunteer. I must say it was an incredible experience! I love networking and meeting new people and thats basically what my job was. I was a VIP attendant and my job was to make sure everyone was having a good time and to help them get assistance with anything that they needed. I enjoyed doing it. I met a lot of unique people that day and I would definitely do it again if the opportunity arises. It was truly an awesome experience!

Top Albums of 2011

The time has come when the yearly reviews start pouring in. Within the past two weeks, I have been in close proximity with someone who has a hand in voting in the nominees for the Grammys. The Grammys is like my Christmas. I've taped every ceremony since 2000 (They are on VHS, buy hey, sue me), so when I heard that nomination season is approaching, it inspired me to compile my own list of the best music of the year. I narrowed it down to the top 5. Hopefully, these albums will end up on the nominee ballad. Lets start.

The first album of the year that I purchased was the Kings of Leon. Come Around Sundown. I LOVE this album. I would say I was singing that album for a nice little while. I do feel, however that the feel and mood of the songs and the album as a whole has a nice summery vibe to it. I would have thought that it would have been released in May or June, but hey, not my call....Still an excellent album. Faves: "Pickup Truck", "Birthday", "Mary"

Next is the QUEEN of rock n roll: Stevie Nicks. One would think that a woman in her 60's who used to weave images of gold dust women and welch witches would be dried up by now. Not Ms. Nicks. Her album In Your Dreams was released in early May lead by the single "Secret Love", a song she wrote in 1975 and SHE IS STILL ROCKIN!! Still telling enticing and intriguing tales with her music, she goes from country to folk, to a little R&B, to Hard Rock. I truly feel this is her best work since Bella Donna. Faves: "For What Its Worth", "Ghosts Are Gone" "Twilight", "Annabel Lee" and MANY more

From one queen to another. This summer, the Queen of Pop, Beyonce releases her forth studio album entitled "4". Honestly, I thought that she didnt reach her full potential. I was expected Sasha Fierce to come back with a vengeance, but instead my ears were met with mediocre mid-tempos that didnt give me chills like the days of "B'Day" and "Dangerously in Love". If Beyonce is one of the top artists of today, then you would think she would hook up with the top producers and make a chart-topping album right? Wrong!! This album puts me to sleep. Now this is just my one lonely opinion, but I truly feel that Beyonce just threw something together without any effort and of course, her fans, like zombies, ate it up.  I, on the other hand, wasn't fooled so easily. There are a few goodies on here though: "I Care" "End of Time" "Miss You" and "Party"

Another slight disappointment of the year was the highly anticipated album by Rap icon Lil Wayne. His Carter IV was an album that I love now, but it took me a few listens to come to this conclusion. As I have stated before, I think the mistake he made was continuing the Carter series. I think 3 was enough. However, after a few listens, I can see it fitting comfortably in the series with the rest of them. Faves include: "Blunt Blowin""So Special""Its Good" and "Nightmares of the Bottom"

Finally, an album that completely blew me away! All of the previous albums that I mentioned were albums that I have had to listen to a few times to grasp the concept, but Young The Giant captured my attention and kept it for a lonnng while. I havent heard a debut album that good since Janelle Monae. They combine everything I love; soulful vocals, melodic rock, enticing lyrics and a nice groove all into one extraordinary debut album. After hearing their album, they quickly became my new favorite band. And their lead singer is incredible!! Faves: "Apartment" "Cough Syrup" "God Made Man""Your Side" "I Got" and a few more....undeniably the best debut album of the entire year.

Business Plan Development: Part 2

     Time is steadily winding down for my business plan. As you all should know by now, I've been critiquing and editing my business plan for quite some time now. For the past 11 months, I have constantly learned skills and techniques that are required to composed a stellar business plan. I've learned everything from how to come up with logos, trademarks, copyrights, negotiations, mission statements and many other aspects that comprise a business plan. I am happy (extremely happy) that my business plan is just about complete. Now that that is out of the way, the objective now is to shop it to investors.
So what do investors look for? What is it about certain business plans that attracts investors? How do you spark their interest? How do you keep their interest after you've attained it?
     In my last post, I highlighted to investors that know a good business plan when they see one. The first person I selected to highlight was Mark Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatre and many other businesses. As a key investor in the entertainment business, he knows what to look for in a business plan. According to him, the key aspect of a business plan is the financials. He also looks at the person who is opening the business. This gives me incentive to be presentable, and well mannered when presenting a business plan to an investor.
     The second investor I highlighted was Chuck Blakeman, head of Crankset Group. According to him, time shouldn't be wasted on planning and planning, but rather execution is the key. He feels that when you have an idea, jump to it! Any mistakes or kinks will be worked out when they arise. I cant say I truly agree with this philosophy. I am one to plan first, then execute later.
     To me, the most important part of a business plan is the elevator pitch and the executive summary. I think this way because the executive summary tells all the aspects of your business all on one page. I think this is important because investors are usually short on time and can only read so much. Therefore, by giving them a nice, exciting elevator pitch, you grab their attention, and your executive summary (if you write it right) should offer insight into how your business operates and generates revenue, therefore keeping their attention. All of this however, is pointless if your business plan is poorly written. That being said, I have some proofreading to do!

Business Plan Experts

     I have been working on my business plan for about 9 months now. I have devised a plan that allows for me to open up a live music venue that caters to unsigned, local acts. The focus of this place is to not only serve as a platform for artists to present their music to their fans, but it also serves as a place where these artists can come and hone their skills by utilizing the venue as a rehearsal space. These past few months I have really been buckling down on the core values of my business. For this blog we were asked to research business plan experts and what were there views on the world of business.
     The first person I chose to highlight was Mark Cuban. He is from Pittsburg, PA, which is hometown to alot of my family. Mark Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and handful of other businesses including the world of technology (IMDb.com). According to Mark, when it comes to reviewing business plans for potential investments there are a few things that he looks for. "The track record of the person opening the business will tell you alot, along with the financials of the business, if there are any". I agree with this statement because if the person is shady, then so will there business be. Also, if that business isnt making any money, then why would one invest in it? For more info on Mark Cuban click here.
     The second person I chose to highlight was Chuck Blakeman, head of Crankset Group. I chose to highlight him because of his unconventional style. He believes that one shouldnt waste time preparing and preparing for a business, but that they should tackle it head on, as soon as the idea is presented. He firmly believes that if there are any changes that need to be made, then tweak them on the way. According to him, "the key to success is the speed of execution" (Blakeman, 2011). I would have to agree with this, seeing as though so many businesses get buried in the process of planning. Sometimes you just have to go for it. For more info on Blakeman, click here

   

Fall Season: Whats Happening in Television

As the summer is slowly making its exit, fall is right around the corner. That means the trees and starting to fade and whittle. The air is getting a little cooler. Luckily for us, we live in Florida so fall doesn't necessarily mean cold weather, but one thing that I am personally looking forward to this upcoming fall season in the return of my favorite television shows. Anyone who knows me knows that my passion is any-and-everything music, but I am also an avid fan of television. So let's get to it! I'll categorize the fall shows by their network.

First is FX, the reason I am doing them first is because their best show, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, premieres TONIGHT! I am curious to see just what mishaps these idiots will get into this season. They've gone from extortion, to getting addicted to crack, to running for office, to stealing boats, to being hobos. I cant wait to see what these misdemeanors will get into tonight. Click here for more info.

Next is Fox. I'll admit, I'm not a huge Fox fan, but they will be reeling me in every Tuesday because starting September 20, the third season of Glee premieres. I admit, I am curious to see how this season pans out with all the controversy surrounding some of its leading actors and the show's characters that will be graduating this year. So yeah, some of our favorites wont be returning for the 4th season. (But as long as Santana is still around, I'm happy). To find out more info about this show, click here


ABC has never really been a network that I strive to watch often, that is until they brought Modern Family and Cougar Town to their Wednesday line-up. It will be interesting to see the Dunphy's once, considering over the summer I became a HUGE Modern Family fan. Also, I am anxious to see Courtney Cox & Friends wisk up some hilarious drama once again. Both shows will be premiering their 3rd season this Tuesday, September 21. For more info on these and other ABC shows click here or here






 

And finally, the funniest night of all. THURSDAY!! Special Thanks to NBC for making Thursday night the staple of comedy ever since the hay day of Friends. They have followed this trend years later with what is called "Thursday Night Comedy Night, Done Right". With this, NBC airs ALL of its best shows on Thursday night. I will discuss them in the order that they air. First is Community, the little show that could. I admit, at first I was not a fan, but it has slowly become one of my favorite shows ever. Everyone's favorite study group will be diving into their third season this Thursday, September 22. After that, the next show that comes on is Parks & Recreation which I am super excited about. So many hilarious situations happened in its 3rd season finale, that I am super stoked to see what comically unfolds during the 4th season. And finally, the seasoned veteran of the night, and the most experienced show, The Office will be premiering its 8th season on September 22. Everyone is anxious to see what the show will hold considering the departure of Steve Carell's character, Michael Scott. There have been talks that Jim Carey will be filling in for him, and I've even heard Jay Leno. Who knows, but I will be tuning in Thursday night to see for myself. For more info on these shows or NBC, click here (Community), here (Parks & Rec), or here (The Office).

Long Live The Industry!!!!

A couple of weeks ago during class, I remember feeling as though I was an ancient dinosaur when I was the only one who actually admitted to buying physical albums, not digitally. The class tried to sway me to go digital and I still refuse. My personal thought is that by buying an album from iTunes is cool, but I'd much rather buy the physical album and upload it manually to my iTunes, than just paying $9.99 for basically, a file. Another reason is that I like to add to my MASSIVE collection. I have a huge briefcase that holds 264 albums, and I've just about filled it up, especially after yesterday.

So lets get to the Music!!

First of all, one album that I had been waiting for was the highly anticipated follow-up to Lil Wayne's 2008 masterpiece The Carter III. The album, The Carter IV is a nice album, but I think artists mess up when they try to continue something they've already perfected. This album lacks the passion, tenacity, and creativity of the now classic Carter III. I personally feel as though Wayne should have named this album something else other than another Carter. That trilogy was perfect, 4 is a crowd.

Another album that I was personally waiting for was the new album from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I'm With You is their first album in 6 years. Like Lil Wayne, this album is another follow-up to a classic. Stadium Arcadium is widely considered their greatest album ever. How do you top that? Alot of artist fall under the "follow-up spell" and usually make an album exactly like the last one or they go in a completely different direction, leaving their fans like, "Huh"? The result is usually bleak, like the one we see above, yet the Chilli Peppers have seem to overcome this stigma. With the release of I'm With You, the Peppers have returned to form, giving us their unique blend of punk-funk that we all have grown to know and love.

Lastly, one of my favorite artists Lenny Kravitz is BACK!! Lenny is one of my favorite rock artists, and he, like the Peppers have released an album that you can tell he put alot of heart and soul into. The album is Black And White America, and it is rockin! Lenny has been a rock icon and an inspiration to me and many other for years, and this album proves why. Rich with soulful groovy ballads, and riff-heavy rockers, this album is definitely gonna be in heavy rotation on my handy-dandy iPod!

As you can see above, I bought way more than three albums, but these three are all the most current. Actually, they were all releases this past Monday. By the way, when did release dates change from Tuesday to Monday? For more reviews or to purchase music for yourself, click here.

The Industry: The Tables are Turning

The entertainment industry use to seem like this whole nother world to me when I was a young boy. I thought that in order to be in the circle of Hollywood, you had to be discovered. I thought that record companies and movie studios sent people out to look for talent in these uncommon places. As I grew older, my perception of the industry changed. I thought that in order to breakthrough, it was all about who you knew. Connections, connections! That was my frame of mind. In recent months I have acquired information that has shown me that in order to break into the business, you have to do it yourself.

Sure, there are a few magical instances where fate deals some unsuspecting Joe a winning hand, and before you know it, you have another Rebecca Black or Susan Boyle on your hands. However, with the entertainment industry changing drastically, in order to be taken seriously in this industry you have to be smart and cunning.

The key to this is self-publishing and self-distribution. Over the past month I have learned that you dont have to have a major studio to back your project. You don't have to have a major record label to be a music star, at least not initially. With the digital age, more and more information is becoming available. Now, that agent that you were waiting on to discover you, here's his info. Everything is up for grabs.

With the industry doing this massive overhaul, one must wonder. What is the future for these huge media  corporations. When your film is shot, produced, written, edited and distributed all by you, and it becomes widely successful, then who needs a studio. Who needs a record label when all you have is a Mac Book, ProTools, and a vivid imagination. Eventually, some of them will fall and make room for new companies. I seriously predict that in 20 years, big corporations like Warner Bros. Viacom, etc. will all be struggling to maintain, if they're even around at all.