Day 3 - No Budget: How do I meet quality producers and writers?

Day 3 - There are really levels to this business and as an artist, meeting talented producers and writers all depends on what level of your career you are on. I find the key to independent artists connecting with the best producers and writers, if you do not have the machine known as the record label funding your recordings, is to get with your performing rights organizations and attend the networking events they coordinate. These events are for artists like you who are trying to connect with other talented artists, producers and writers. If you have a relationship with your P.R.O. representatives and know about these events, nine times out of ten, you are a quality producer and writer. 

It's amazing how many musicians I come across who do not know what a P.R.O. is. This lets me know that they do not have royalty checks coming in and then it further let's me know what level of their career they are on. The most popular performing rights organization in the United States is ASCAP. The second most popular is BMI. The third most popular is SESAC. (FYI, your P.R.O. is responsible for paying out your royalties when you get placements that produce mechanical royalties.) 

#GoogleThem

If you are independent (you are not signed to a major record label, therefore, you do not have an A&R finding producers and writers for you) then I suggest becoming affiliated with SESAC. SESAC has fewer affiliates than ASCAP and BMI. This is because it is required that you go through an assessment process with SESAC. You must submit your work and it will be reviewed for you to become accepted. Also, SESAC pays royalties monthly now which is great for independent artists who may depend on various streams of income. Another reason, I find, is their networking events are the best for connecting artists, producers and writers together. If you are lucky and your rep really believes in your talents, he/she may go above and beyond to personally find you placement opportunities. That's not their job to do, but I've seen it happen time and time again with talented musicians at SESAC. 

We've talked about getting the music right, we've talked about making sure you are mastering your craft, now it's time to get hooked up with the right people. Visit all P.R.O. websites online, do your research and homework on all organizations, figure out which one is the best fit for you, become affiliated, then attend their events and get to networking! 

Start the social conversations using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

-Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation!

Day 2 - Really, Do Music Genres Still Matter?

Day 2 - In my previous post, I mentioned, "make sure your genre is the love of your life." I also advised to pay attention to the individuality of the various artists in your genre. As an artist and musician, it is very important to become a master of your craft, study music theory, and to do so you must study the fundamentals and elements of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form and texture, and the history of music. That's if you're serious about being a professional musician and longevity in the business. Figure out what your sound is and what separates you from the rest.

There are various different types of genres: Alternative Music, Blues, Classical, Country, Dance, Easy Listening, Electronic, European Folk/Pop, Hip Hop/Rap, Indie Pop, Inspirational/Gospel, Asian Pop/J-Pop/K-Pop, Jazz, Latin, New Age, Opera, Pop, R&B/Soul, Reggae, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, World Music/Beats.... And then there are a multitude of sub genres under each one of those. There are also new genres that have emerged over the years like Dub-Step and Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM. I understand that when you are in the creative process, you are not focusing on "what genre of music does this song fall under," you're just creating what best interests you. By all means continue to do that and not put yourself in any genre box! Genres are for the executives to make sense of what you're creating!

Genres really begin to matter once you become a "recording" artist and you want to be taken seriously by us. Executives, label radio promotion departments, and radio program directors will need to know where to place you at radio on station formats. We need to know whether it's considered "Urban Adult Contemporary," "Smooth Jazz," or "Top 40" also known as "Contemporary Hit Radio," etc. Therefore, know what your base is, whether it's Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, etc, but don't focus so much on placing yourself in one of those boxes. There are a lot of musicians who cross genres for example, Taylor Swift's "Both of Us" featuring B.o.B. Another example is Nelly's "Over and Over" featuring Tim McGraw. Know your base and create what feels good to you. 

Start the social conversation by using hash tag #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation.

The "Artist Development Dedication" 25 Day Brand Challenge - DAY 1

A LOT of independent artists out there find out the hard way that it takes more than good music these days to get publicity, bookings, a social media following, a core fan base, let alone get signed to an independent with major distribution, or get signed directly to a major. I come across so many talented artists who have the potential to acquire indy or mainstream success, but they are missing one very crucial component, A BRAND. 

I've started this 25 Day #ADD Brand Challenge to give a little insight to independent artists about what it takes to develop an attention worthy brand to grasp the attention of fans and music business executives. I am challenging you all to take it up a notch! #ADD simple stands for "Artist Development Dedication." If you are serious about getting into the industry of music, you must be dedicated; which means, you must look like a professional doing it! Otherwise, we're not paying attention to you. The market is saturated with aspiring musicians. I'm taking a new approach to artist development and teaching you artists out there a little something called "branding." Your success starts with the music, but you will last in this business by developing a brand. Your brand consists of your music, the message of your music, your image, your online visuals, your marketing collaterals, your merchandise... any and everything you put out to the public.

These days, you must come with the total package and that includes what seems like team of individuals who manage your brand, but it could very well be you sitting in your living room or studio with multiple apps and computer software, producing high quality visual presentations. All it takes is a little "know how" and creativity to get noticed. Grab you a couple of college interns, set aside a budget and let's get to work.

If you are an independent artist and you feel what I'm saying, then listen up because for the next 25 days, I'm giving you the juice and guiding you on how to #ADD to your brand.... 

DAY 1 - I'm an artist. How do I get my music "right"? 

As an artist, your music is your legacy. It will be here long after you leave this earth. The first and most important step is getting your music right. You can't be heard without the music. Make sure that your 

the genre of music is the love of your life. Immense yourself in your genre and understand it thoroughly. Study your craft. Learn from the successful greats who came before you, then add your own approach. Pay attention to the individuality of the various artists in your genre. 

If you're not sure if your music is any good, it probably isn't. But, it may not be your fault. It could be an issue of bad vocal production, you may need better writers or the track's production isn't all that great. If you are a singer and you can't quite hit every note the way you should, or if you're pitchy and always out of tune, get a vocal coach. If you are a writer, take your time with the music. Write songs one inspiration at a time. Never rush the songwriting process. Make sure you have catchy hooks and the lyrical content that is not common; something you hear in songs everyday. Invest in a thesaurus or visit Thesaurus.com. You will learn there are a million and one ways to say the same thing. Singers, your lyric and melody should ride the tracks perfectly. If you are a member of SESAC, ASCAP or BMI, invest in the songwriting workshops they offer. You will learn from Grammy award winning producers and writers. If you are an aspiring producer, make sure you are using software to produce professionally mastered music quality. Take a trip to Guitar Center and get schooled about different production equipment and software. Research the producers and studios in your local area and get an apprenticeship under a producer you admire. Also, I encourage everyone to learn a thing or two about engineering. It will help your ear when recording. If you don't know what that means, then you need to take a couple music classes...

At the end of the day, if you hand an executive a demo and it's not properly mixed and you sound horrible, we are going to toss it to the streets and find out what they think about it. It only takes 30 seconds into each song for us to know.

Start the social conversation by using hash tags #ADD and #JCouturePR

- Joy A. Young, CEO of J.Couture Productions

Visit www.JCoutureProductions.com to submit for a one on one consultation. 

EXCLUSIVE: Pebbles on The Wendy Williams Show

Ladies and gentlemen, I haven't blogged in a minute but THIS was definitely blog worthy. Unfortunately, we couldn't get much juice from Pebbles due to confidentiality agreements that are in place and the fact that she's writing a book so she really wasn't going to spill ALL the beans, BUT she did admit to believing Chilli of TLC had an affair with her ex-husband, LA Reid.... She also stated VH1 sent her a notification last night stating that the story which was portrayed is a false story. However, Pebbles could care less. She's still pursuing to sue them. Wow. Take a look....

BONUS CLIP:

Watch T-Boz and Chilli on the show last month promoting their movie, The TLC Story!

Because I love TLC so much, none of this is going to make me love their music any less, but I just might buy Pebble's book just because I want to know... #Jesus

- J.Couture

Kanye West vs. Jimmy Kimmel

So I'm watching E! News and I'm hearing Kanye West has gone off on Jimmy Kimmel for spoofing his interview with the BBC. Jimmy Kimmel hired two kids to reenact the classic Kanye interview. Watch this! It's soooo funny!

After seeing the spoof, Kanye took to twitter to let Jimmy Kimmel know how he really feels. Check out how Jimmy responded, lol...

This was literally the highlight to my morning... 

For those of you who have been living under a rock, check out the original Kanye West interview with Zane Lowe of BBC Radio here..

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

#TheJuiceBlog

-J.Couture

NEW MUSIC: 2 Chainz ft. Fergie "NETFLIX"

2 Chainz is hosting an album listening party tonight in ATL that I do plan on attending. In honor of the new release from the Grammy nominated ATLien, check out his new music featuring Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas titled "NETFLIX." The beat goes haaaaard! I for one am excited to hear the production on this album. I am a fan of 2 Chainz, despite what the critics say. Check it out!

#METIME

DO WE LOVE IT?!

-J.Couture

NEW MUSIC: Justin Timberlake's "Take Back the Night"



Justin Timberlake isn't skip a beat with his newly released single "Take Back the Night" from his highly anticipated 20/20 Experience Part II. The single was produced and written by the man himself. Sounds like JT is determined to take back music. LOVE IT!

This groove is craaaaaazy! Do we love it?

- J.Couture