I know I haven't blogged in a really long time, but the recent death of Def Jam Exec Shakir Stewart prompted reflection. Though I'd only met and spoke with the brother a few times in passing, I was privy to the way he flawlessly worked a room and commanded respect. He had passion, business savvy, and hustle--all things that are required for survival and success in the music business. Suicide just seems so far from everything I would associate with this man. I keep trying to make sense of the situation, but I can't.
I think the lesson in this situation, is that no matter how much power, money, or respect you have in the music industry, you have to have to balance those things with a little humility and acknowledgment of vulnerability to all things that are worldly. You have got to stay grounded to survive the rigors of the music industry.
God Bless Shakir's family!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Single Life
My sister called me the other day and asked what record store she could pick up a certain artist’s CD from. After informing her that Best Buy has a pretty decent variety of CDs, I told her that “I really don’t buy CDs in the store anymore. I buy music online because I like to know what I’m getting first. I only buy what I like.” This is huge coming from someone who collected over 500 CDs by the time she was 23.
Interestingly enough, two days after my sister purchased the CD, she called to tell me that the CD was a disappointment. Out of 13 songs on the CD, she only liked three or four of them. With the creation of single retailers like iTunes, where you can listen to a snippet of a song before you buy it, why would you buy a new CD (online or in a store) if it ‘aint good?!!!
I don’t want to take too much away from artists who pour their hearts out in their albums, cuz they’re artists and they’re sensitive about their music…but are A&R execs really doing their jobs? What happened to listening parties that real music fans attend? Damn, I know artists have to grow in their creativity, but listeners are fickle. If you disappoint me on one album, chances are that I will be pretty skeptical about buying the next one. That is why the singles market, which nearly disappeared in the 90s, is back in full force.
Even so, an RIAA Report released in August of 2007 proclaimed that “the CD has become a better value than ever before,” costing an average of $15 in 2006, down from $21.50 in 1983. Is that really a good value if out of 15 songs, you only like five, which you could have bought on iTunes for $5? I give kudos to people like Lupe Fiasco who made an album with 17 or so tracks, which sells for about $14. I like 10 of them, so I bought 10 of them for $10 on iTunes. Now that's value!
With RIAA’s reasoning, I think I’ll stick to living the single life.
Peace and Love,
Melodee J.
Interestingly enough, two days after my sister purchased the CD, she called to tell me that the CD was a disappointment. Out of 13 songs on the CD, she only liked three or four of them. With the creation of single retailers like iTunes, where you can listen to a snippet of a song before you buy it, why would you buy a new CD (online or in a store) if it ‘aint good?!!!
I don’t want to take too much away from artists who pour their hearts out in their albums, cuz they’re artists and they’re sensitive about their music…but are A&R execs really doing their jobs? What happened to listening parties that real music fans attend? Damn, I know artists have to grow in their creativity, but listeners are fickle. If you disappoint me on one album, chances are that I will be pretty skeptical about buying the next one. That is why the singles market, which nearly disappeared in the 90s, is back in full force.
Even so, an RIAA Report released in August of 2007 proclaimed that “the CD has become a better value than ever before,” costing an average of $15 in 2006, down from $21.50 in 1983. Is that really a good value if out of 15 songs, you only like five, which you could have bought on iTunes for $5? I give kudos to people like Lupe Fiasco who made an album with 17 or so tracks, which sells for about $14. I like 10 of them, so I bought 10 of them for $10 on iTunes. Now that's value!
With RIAA’s reasoning, I think I’ll stick to living the single life.
Peace and Love,
Melodee J.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"Hi, My Name is..."
Greetings to all readers of this blog!
My name is Melodee. I'm an attorney by trade, but a music fanatic by blood. Welcome to my blog, "The Music Makes Me High".
Music is a part of my DNA...I just can't function without it. Moms said I used to dance around in her stomach before I was born when any music was playing around her. My father is a self-taught musician who plays keyboards and the saxophone. With a mother who loved classical and country music, and a father heavily influenced by funk and jazz, I was exposed to all types of music as a kid.
After sleeping through five years of piano lessons, I, like most teenagers, wanted to be a rapper. Unfortunately, in the small town of Tacoma, Washington, there aren’t a whole lot of industry people checkin’ for talent. After moving to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, whose motto is "Find a Way, or Make One", I did just that. Though my desire to be a rapper had subsided, my passion for the music biz kept me afloat. I got my first taste of action when, on behalf of a student group, I brought Messy Marv and San Quinn (Bay Area hip-hop artists) to perform at an annual event called West Coast Weekend, a celebration of West Coast culture. Since then, I haven't turned back. As an attorney, I currently represent entertainment companies and artists in the music business.
I created this blog to share my thoughts, insights, and frustrations about all things music. This might include things like: why 2Pac has released more posthumous albums than while he was living, or how your favorite artist might have cheated you at the last concert you attended by failing to perform any of the songs that made them your favorite. I also hope to share music industry tips and trends I've learned at the many conferences I attend with industry professionals.
Feel free to share your feedback. Everyone has an opinion.
Stay tuned for my next blog entry comin’ real soon...
Peace and Love!
Melodee J.
My name is Melodee. I'm an attorney by trade, but a music fanatic by blood. Welcome to my blog, "The Music Makes Me High".
Music is a part of my DNA...I just can't function without it. Moms said I used to dance around in her stomach before I was born when any music was playing around her. My father is a self-taught musician who plays keyboards and the saxophone. With a mother who loved classical and country music, and a father heavily influenced by funk and jazz, I was exposed to all types of music as a kid.
After sleeping through five years of piano lessons, I, like most teenagers, wanted to be a rapper. Unfortunately, in the small town of Tacoma, Washington, there aren’t a whole lot of industry people checkin’ for talent. After moving to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, whose motto is "Find a Way, or Make One", I did just that. Though my desire to be a rapper had subsided, my passion for the music biz kept me afloat. I got my first taste of action when, on behalf of a student group, I brought Messy Marv and San Quinn (Bay Area hip-hop artists) to perform at an annual event called West Coast Weekend, a celebration of West Coast culture. Since then, I haven't turned back. As an attorney, I currently represent entertainment companies and artists in the music business.
I created this blog to share my thoughts, insights, and frustrations about all things music. This might include things like: why 2Pac has released more posthumous albums than while he was living, or how your favorite artist might have cheated you at the last concert you attended by failing to perform any of the songs that made them your favorite. I also hope to share music industry tips and trends I've learned at the many conferences I attend with industry professionals.
Feel free to share your feedback. Everyone has an opinion.
Stay tuned for my next blog entry comin’ real soon...
Peace and Love!
Melodee J.
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