Slowly but surely I’m seeing the music industry change around me. When FRA started I was just a fan of music and the culture around it. Since then I’ve seen the collapse of the traditional record label and big management groups. It’s interesting to see how different people are tackling on these changing times, from the artists themselves to the “behind the scenes” workers. I’m seeing producers becoming the “stars” for one. The nerdier we all get, the more appreciative we get for the craft of song writing. With the amazing technology we have around us, producers really get to showcase their talent in real youtube-time, ala The Stereotypes. Indie “myspace bands” have also shown us that the internet truly is a world wide phenomenon. With good songs, and hard work, an indie band can gather an army and promote online with a vengeance. Nowadays being a rockstar can be like running for office. You gotta meet and greet your peoples. Take a lesson from FM. The amount of behind the scenes work these guys put in is extraordinary. One thing everyone is wondering is “How does one make money off of music?” That’s still something everyone is working at. What does seem clear is that CD’s don’t sell. Let me say that one more time, CD’S DON’T SELL. Get over it. Music is becoming more like a promotional item. However it still is an artists’ number one branding tool. Entrepreneurs in the industry are beginning to see this and are starting to take different routes. Hevi Inc is one example. Lead by Shawn Matian, Hevi Inc has worked with artists such as Fonzworth Bentley, Ja Rule, and KO The Legend. With forward thinking minds, Hevi has begun to invest in new media outlets and has expanded the markets of their artists to beyond just cd sales.

In the end I’m as interested as everyone else in seeing what happens. The right circumstances will always result in new ways.

I’m not racist. maybe. However, I have love for the African American descent. They create our culture and teach us beneficial things.

How to Pick Up Chicks with your Refrigerator
Click here to view the embedded video.

Kid’s Cartoons Morals
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The Wondrous Events on Married Life
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And of course: How to Take Care of Your Women
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-”peace, peace and thats my piece”

I have no sympathy, no love, no respect for men who beat women.

Chris Brown was one of my favorite artists of last year, but what he has done and reportedly has done in the past to Rihanna is simply disgusting and despicable.

It may be argued that his upbringing and environment primed him to be a wife-beater, but after the first time, you must know in your heart it was a cardinal mistake, learn from it and correct your behavīor. Right? No, for someone as egotistical as Chris Brown, he feels he doesn’t need to change, to fix himself, to be a better human being.

Let’s say I were to give him some latitude…

Once: an accident
Twice: a coincidence
Thrice: an act of war

He’s hit her on multiple occasions, and it is absolutely inexcusable.

And the whole argument apparently stemmed from a text Chris Brown received about a “booty call” right in front of Rihanna, his girlfriend. That’s ego, no wait, that’s narcissistic, ignorant and mindless behavīor. That’s Chris Brown.

So kids, please, don’t brown it up.

Hello world!

Just wanted to show love to the wildly talented producing trio, Stereotypes. These dudes have worked on a slew of hits for artists including Danity Kane, Ne Yo, to FM. Check out their site at stereotypesonline.com

Drop a line and check out their making of the song “Girls on the Dance Floor” (FM):

The Grammy Awards were yesterday. There were notable performances and wins:

Robert Plant and Alison Kraus sweeping their categories and going home with 5 Grammys
Lil Wayne winning 4 awards
Coldplay winning 3 awards
John Mayer winning 2 awards
Legendary acts coming together for 1 night.
ie, Blink 182!

But what usurped that excitement was not within the Grammys, but what occurred prior:

Chris Brown was arrested for assault allegedly on Rihanna. Actually, not allegedly. It was undoubtedly for giving Rihanna a beatdown, “MMA-style” as a police officer was quoted saying.

So the news counters were saturated with that story, rather than the story of the Grammys.
God knows the music industry needed to shine at least for 1 night. Can the record industry get a break?

On a brighter note, here’s “I’m on a Boat” featuring Andy Samburg and T-Pain.

The Grammys should create a new category for Best Comedic Song and Music Video. They have one for every other category, so let Andy Samberg win one ya know?