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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Spot is looking for it's Visual Artist of the Month!

We are looking for our Visual Artist of the month. Whether you paint, draw, photograph,  sculpt or graphic design we want to hear from you! The chosen artist will have their own page on The Spot's blog for the entire month where we will feature their work. 


To submit entries  or inquiries please email paradyme.the.writer@gmail.com


Thank you. 

The Spot Welcomes Kyra Simone Oct 7th @10pm Est.




Kyra Simone "The Scent"
Click here on Oct 7th @ 10pm est to listen to Kyra Simone LIVE!
Call in number 347-884-8899!


Soothing, Sensual and Sophisticated Nu-soul Vibrations... Experience a rainbow spectrum of colours to brighten up any grey day. Touching the essence of life, love and spirituality, embrace the warm welcoming sounds. Enter the world of Kyra Simone Kyra Simone was born in the UK having a Caribbean background of St Lucian and Grenadian parentage. A wonderful mixture of the islands, musical ties and cultural influences has shaped how Kyra Simone thinks, feels, sounds and looks.
Coming from a musical family where her father played keys and sang and her mother sung lead in a reggae steel band. Her musical tastes growing up were from Soca, calypso, reggae and pop music. Her greatest influencers at the time being her mother and her idols were Prince and Madonna. Kyra got her first recording done at the tender age of six. ‘Wow when I listen to that I can't believe I was singing that high, its crazy, I was so young I barely remember it but I have the tape to prove it', Kyra recalls.


After a few years of singing with bands, recording, doing live performances with her mother and joining a girl group, Kyra made a decision to take up singing full-time and that's when she found out she was pregnant. ‘It was the best thing that ever happened to me I was so happy and really excited but I had to leave the girl band as I wanted to concentrate on my baby'. Once her son was born Kyra moved back to London and went to Lewisham College , which is where she studied performing arts and music. Whilst there she worked with Peer Publishing, BBC Worldwide and Mercury records, and was recognised by the college for her talent and was featured in the college magazine.





Kyra continues to work with various artists, and producers, such as Supafly who had a hit Lets get down
(Island Records) and Maria Lawson (Sony BMG Artist), Supa Soul Brutha Del, Jason Jermaine, Andrae
Bentley and other distinguished UK artist's. Kyra also continues to get support from UKSoul.Org, BBC 1Xtra SJ G Child, Ronnie Herrel and Footloose, BBC Three Mighty MP and Incognito, SCON PR, Smarta Business,
UKMusic.com, Black Heroes In the hall of fame - Flip Fraser, Struggs - A Salute to the Wailers, Madison Media, Streetcredmagazine.com, Rewind Magazine and others.
15/02/2010 Kyra Simone Biography | SoulTracks -…






Monday, September 27, 2010

CandyAcidReign: Where Music and Art Collide.



Who is Ladessa Sullivan A.K.A The Artist Known As CandyAcidReign? She is a visionary. One of the rare souls who see's visual art in the spoken word and the melody. She is completely self taught, a professional Poet, Painter, Fine Graphic Artist, Web Designer, Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and all around creative spirit that dabbles in most artistic crafts including jewelry making, crocheting & sewing. 


Him, Her and Past Pain Feat. Talaam Acey
By CandyAcidReign
Click here to Watch this time lapse video on YouTube.
How did I come across her? While clicking through endless YouTube video's  I came across her time lapse painting video featuring the spoken word genius himself Talaam Acey. I was immedietely struck. Having never seen what to me is a masterpiece created right before my eyes, i was awestruck. So I did what is in my nature, ask questions. Thankfully CandyAcidReign is as welcoming and warm 
spirited as she is talented




One question that I pondered was, 'How did this marriage of visually stunning artwork and music come to be?'


She responded that "When it's a collaboration like with the Taalam project, I selected one piece of his prior to sitting down to paint, that spoke to me the most at that particular time. Meaning my spirit was already leaning in a direction and I selected that piece to accompany (it). When I did that particular collab, it was mostly with the poem "Scarz" in mind but I did put his Spoken Word in rotation with the music I was listening to while painting. Also, I looked at his photos before painting to keep the man himself in mind. I only know him professionally, but I go off of his aura or what i intuitively perceive. I didn't look at him while painting though, purposely I looked before hand and then painted how I saw him. Of course, being that it was a collab, I infused much of myself into the piece. My style, my way of perceiving, rather than just creating the basic normal portrait."


Mother of Nature by CandyAcidReign


Obstruction by CandyAcidReign







"In other cases where I used the music of a band or artist, it was by an audition of sorts. They sent in their work desiring to have it featured in my video and I selected the song that best suited the painting which was already made."







She goes on to say, "It's odd because as a woman and artist who is serious about her work, sometimes I get people who think that I MUST know him personally in order to create the painting "Him, Her and Past Pain"... nope; not at all. We know of each other professionally based on a mutual respect & admiration for eachothers work." 

The end result is nothing short of magic. Her 
techniquee is magnificent. The finished products are wonderous, whimsical,  and at the same time 
hauntingly beautiful. 

For more on CandyAcidReign visit: 
http://twitter.com/candyacidreign
Polarity by CandyAcidReign

Coco Bongos by CandyAcidReign


Sunday, September 26, 2010

Music PR Facts to Know When You're Unsigned.


Music PR Facts to Know When You’re Unsigned
by Mona Loring
Apr 2, 2008, 19:05
©2008 Mona Loring. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


Most unsigned artists trying to break in the music industry don’t have the luxury to hire a publicist. Many have to try and do their own PR in the beginning, and it takes time and experience to learn how to work with members of the media. As weird as it may sound, music media personnel (journalists, TV show producers, radio program directors, etc.) are really—let’s just say particular. The problem is that they have different ears for music, extremely busy schedules and limited patience. Your best bet in the beginning is a local paper or a music website or ezine to write a story about you or review your new album. Stop here. If you don’t have at least a professionally put together EP, wait. Music press has certain standards. They won’t take a burned CD full of MP3s or a few MP4s off iTunes. If you don’t have the basic materials, start there before you worry about media outreach on any level. If you already have the tools needed, then go and get some attention!
Below are 5 helpful tips about music media outreach:
- Do your homework. Know what they like and dislike, do and do not review. If you position yourself in a manner that appeals to the person you’re contacting, your chances are obviously… greater.
- Never address your press material generically. If you do, your materials will be put into a large pile on someone’s desk if you’re lucky—but probably thrown in the trash. They’d much rather review the 100 other CDs mailed in a package addressed appropriately! Again.. do your homework!
- Follow-up! Every call and mailing sent deserves a follow up. Wait about a week, then call the contact and just ask if you could take a minute of their time to tell them about what you have going on…  If you actually make contact, find out if they got your package/email, and if they plan to cover you in some way. Be very polite and don’t take it personally if they blow you off... these people are very busy/
- If you do get a hit with the media, remember to be very punctual and professional. Do not miss your appointment, or show up late for an interview, they do not give second chances. Again, you are dealing with very busy individuals that have many more people like you to choose from—you, do not have that luxury with media.
- Be prepared for mistakes to happen. Again these people are very busy and unfortunately, this means they may get your name wrong on air, mix your facts up in a feature, or worse, tell you they will cover you and then flake out. No matter what happens, if you want to have the chance to work with them again, you need to take it all with a grain—ok a spoonful of salt.
This is not an easy job but it’s doable. If you take these tips to heart and really put time forth working with the press, researching potential contacts, reaching out, and staying in contact with the media, you should get the initial buzz you need going.
Copyright 2008, Mona Loring


 Click here to go to the website.

Natalie Stewart ft. Musiq - Forever (New Music)




Really feeling this but then again with Natalie Stewart and Musiq how could i not.



Friday, September 24, 2010

If you missed Gabbie McGee on The Spot check it out here!

If you missed Gabbie McGee on The Spot then you missed a fabulous show! Gabbie shut it down with her amazing music and gave an accapella performance that was OUT OF THIS WORLD! That's how we do...on The Spot!



Thursday, September 23, 2010

Spotlight on Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928. She grew up in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. She is an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her autobiographical books: All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986),The Heart of a Woman (1981), Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976), Gather Together in My Name (1974), and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for the National Book Award.
Among her volumes of poetry are A Brave and Startling Truth (Random House, 1995), The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994),Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993), Now Sheba Sings the Song (1987), I Shall Not Be Moved (1990), Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? (1983), Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well (1975), andJust Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie (1971), which was nominated for the Pulitzer prize.
In 1959, at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou became the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From 1961 to 1962 she was associate editor of The Arab Observer in Cairo, Egypt, the only English-language news weekly in the Middle East, and from 1964 to 1966 she was feature editor of the African Review in Accra, Ghana. She returned to the U.S. in 1974 and was appointed by Gerald Ford to the Bicentennial Commission and later by Jimmy Carter to the Commission for International Woman of the Year. She accepted a lifetime appointment in 1981 as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1993, Angelou wrote and delivered a poem, "On The Pulse of the Morning," at the inauguration for President Bill Clinton at his request.
The first black woman director in Hollywood, Angelou has written, produced, directed, and starred in productions for stage, film, and television. In 1971, she wrote the original screenplay and musical score for the film Georgia, Georgia, and was both author and executive producer of a five-part television miniseries "Three Way Choice." She has also written and produced several prize-winning documentaries, including "Afro-Americans in the Arts," a PBS special for which she received the Golden Eagle Award. Maya Angelou was twice nominated for a Tony award for acting: once for her Broadway debut in Look Away(1973), and again for her performance in Roots (1977).





http://mayaangelou.com/

Lyfe gets 3 1/2 years...


Man oh Man all i can say is it's a shame.  Well, NEXT!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

"Starlight" From Flying without Wings featuring Brazen.

I just had to check this out when i saw Brazen's name attached to it. She is a spoken word artist from Grand Rapids, MI who, after a short amount of time, has became one of my favorite people. Genuine, kind and definitly a commnunity activist she is someone that you should know. I hope to bring her to The Spot soon. Click here to listen to StarLight!

Check her out on Facebook as "Brazen".

-Paradyme

A deeper look, "Falling" With Tshombe.


A Deeper Look, "Falling" With Tshombe
The Interview...

Learn more about how Rachel & Tshombe met and how their collaboration on the single Falling came to be.
Tshombe delivers a poignant performance, boldly addressing the meaning of love. His words are so intense and bold, that I had to know more. Find out what he had to say...
www.rachelwalkeronline.com/a-deeper-look-falling-with-tshombe/
Tshombe has an amazing story. For those of you who are not aware of of Tshombe and his work, please log on to his website, www.tshombeism.com, and experience his "Kai (Life) Poetry. Read more about him here

"Falling" & "Falling Feat. Tshombe Sekou" are NOW available on iTunes & CD Baby.

Get your copy today!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

This Is Going To Be An Interesting Race....


Chicago Mayor Race: Who's In, Who's Out, Who's Considering

Updated: Friday, 17 Sep 2010, 8:15 AM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 14 Sep 2010, 3:37 PM CDT
FOX Chicago News
Chicago - With dozens of politicians clamoring for attention since Mayor Daley announced his retirement, who can keep track of who wants to be the next Mayor of Chicago? (In fact, it might be easier to keep a list of whodoesn't want to be the next Mayor of Chicago.)
FOX Chicago News is tracking the candidates who are in, who are out, and who are on the fence. Check back here daily for the latest.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Listen to the Archives for the Spoken Vizions Launch Party!

Check out the Spoken Vizions Launch Party on The Spot.  Buy your copy at www.spokenvizions.com



Click Here To Listen To The Spoken Vizions Launch Party!

The Age of the Dumb Down is Over Check out Skyzoo.

Aside from his rhyming skills and bright prospects, Skyzoo is probably best remembered for his loss to fellow rhyme-slayer Jin on BET's 106 & Park freestyle contest. Nonetheless, coming out of that defeat, the New York MC has launched his career by landing theme tracks for ESPN and Guiness beer, building his own Custom Made Entertainment company, and securing a continuous relationship with North Carolina rap crew the Justus League. The Brooklynite was born on December 24, 1982, in Crown Heights but spent much of his youth just south of there in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Skyzoo (nicknamed by his parents after the Skyy disco song of the same name) was inspired to rap at the age of nine when he first heard "Age Ain't Nuthin' But a #" by Native Tongue youngster Chi-Ali. While still a rookie in the game, he managed to work with the likes of esteemed producers Jay Dee and 9th Wonder and hit the streets with many mixtapes in hopes of acquiring a major-label deal. When Jay Dee, a relatively new friend of his, passed in February 2006, the news devastated him. He was one of the few artists to do a tribute song, which he named "Sky's Last Donut." Although he was still aiming for the majors, he released the collaborative LP with 9th Wonder, Present Cloud 9: The 3 Day High, on the independent Traffic Entertainment, which apparently only took him three days to record. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide

Skyzoo & !LLMIND "Frisbees" Music Video

Sex On The Table- Talaam Acey

Spotlight on Pablo Neruda.


Pablo Neruda (July 12, 1904 - September 23, 1973) is the pen name of the Chilean poet Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. Neruda was born in Parral, Chile. His mother died soon after he was born and his father was a railway employee. Neruda and his father soon moved to Temuco, where his father remarried Doña Trinidad Candia Malverde. At thirteen, he submitted a few of his poems to the daily newspaper, La Mañana. His first poem was titled "Entusiasmo y perseverancia", or "Enthusiasm and Perseverance." In 1920 he sent more poems to the literary journal Selva Austral under the pen name Pablo Neruda. He used a pen name to avoid conflict with his parents because they did not want him to become an author. He eventually got his name legally changed to Pablo Neruda (after Jan Neruda, Czech writer and poet).

Neruda had his first poems published in Crepusculario, in 1923 The following year he published his second book of poems, Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada, or Twenty Poems of Love and a Song of Despair. This is one of his best-known works. The Heights of Macchu Picchu is considered one of his best works.

Literary experts agree that the poet's defining work was Canto General, an extensive work about the Americas that he wrote while living in clandestinity in 1948 and 1949, when he was persecuted by the government of Gabriel González Videla (1948-1952), which banned the Communist Party, for which Neruda had been elected senator.

Neruda studied French and education at the University of Chile. In 1927 the government gave him honorary consulships to many countries. These jobs let him travel to seven different countries, including Spain. While he was an ambassador, Neruda read and tried many different types of poems. During that time, he wrote many surrealistic poems for which later became famous.

Neruda had three wives, María Antonieta Hagenaar, Delia de Carril, and Matilde Urrutia. He married María in 1930, but they divorced in 1936. He lived with Delia from the 1930s until they were divorced in 1955. They were married in 1943. In 1966, he married Matilde Urrutia.

Neruda joined the Republican movements in Spain and France in 1937 after the Spanish Civil War. He was an anarchist for a while, but later joined the Communist Party of Chile in 1945. He also ran for president of Chile once, but stepped out of the race to give his support to Salvador Allende. Politics influenced many parts of his life, including his job, his poems, and his death. He was very concerned about social justice and equality, which is reflected in many of his poems.

Pablo Neruda and his poems won many awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. He won the Stalin Peace Prize in 1953.

He died of prostate cancer in the evening of Sep. 23, 1973 in the Santa María Clinic of Santiago.

Two days later, his funeral took place surrounded by military machine guns. (the military coup against Salvador Allende's democratic government was 12 days before), but nonetheless it turned into the first act of rebellion and public denunciation against Gen. Augusto Pinochet, whose dictatorship lasted until 1990.

Neruda owned three houses in Chile: today they are open as museums:

La Chascona in Santiago.
La Sebastiana in Valparaíso.
Casa de Isla Negra in Isla Negra, where he and his third wife Matilde Urrutia are sepulted





To Read Neruda's Poem "For the Love of This Book" Clike here!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

See What's New from Creative Impowerment.




Creative Impowerment Artist Media

This company is designed to give media coverage to Pacific Northwest events. CI is also sponsor of Writing from the Depths of Ones Soul. The company and the show work hand in hand to bring the best interviews and coverage of events done by musicians, poets, spoken word artists and other local venues. CI is also sponsor of Youthful Expressions Workshop. www.youthfulexpressions.yolasite.com. The workshop is designed to bring the youth together to create and express together as well as share their creative talents.


STAP stands for 'Stop the Abuse Please' we are an organization designed to assist and educate regarding ones rights and where to turn in abuse situations. We will raise funding for various organizations with benefit dinners, concerts various other fundraisers. The first of the benefit dinners to be put on will be the Red Dress Affair (details pending).

3. As an artist Charlotte Langston is working on a book project 'Widow's Chronicles'. Short stories in poetry form covering the senseless deaths and abuse we experience daily on a national level. The project is projected to be completed in Summer of 2011. Proceeds from the book will be donated to a yet to be determined family shelter.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Have you been following her Movements? Experience Monique Forrester..


by Voice Of Poetical Reason

Monique Forrester aka Lyrical Movements
Have you been following her Movements? I make no qualms in keeping my fixation on her talent, a secret. She is considered light years ahead of her competitors. Anyone who has ever had the honor of hearing her speak will nod in agreement when I say… She is the truth. Lyrical Movements is a force to be reckoned with…. Period. I will try to make this article as cliché-less as possible. But sometimes you just have to call it like you see it. Legends are made of less than what is thriving within the veins of Monique Forrester. It is not in the way she carries herself, which can be summed up many ways but I will choose one word ~ Golden. Nor is it the blues she has been through which has given her enough character to hold on to the Literal throne for several decades. Some may label her as a Poet, but she is beyond Poetry.
She is beyond the limelight or the chase to be in it. She is effortlessly a magnificent icon in the making. My superiors, who pre-read this article, felt as though I was laying the fluff on extra thick. After all…. Many of you have no idea what she is capable of and in my opinion her playful yet passionate videos on YouTube, do her no justice. This woman can captivate your eardrums for hours at a time, with or without your voluntary control. When you look at the pretty face you think….. Oh No… Here goes another sugary sweet Poet ready to douse the crowd to sleep with her, "He loves me, he loves me nots"…. You might get some of that from Ms. Forrester but it will not have the normal impact. It will have you envisioning her chosen subject and flipping the scenario so you can share the same theoretical, undying kisses. These mere factors make her a Master of Wordplay.
Her poems are truly unique. When asked, what style of poetry she identifies with she slyly remarked "Abstract". Abstract indeed, In fact her poem ~ "No More You” can make you bleed tears of overstanding. This woman has been to the Moon and back. In fact, she was Dream Chasing before she even knew how to interpret her dreams. There lies her secret, her dreams catapult her to the next level or propels her to bringing them into her current reality. Sometimes our flesh gives up and our spirit has to keep trucking along. Even after the bar closes up, the singers exit the joint, the bartenders turn in the cash, and the Manager turns down the lights. You may find her, reciting in an empty room just for rhyming’s sake. Her vibrations are felt off the walls…. Intensely. Several lifetimes are lived, through this woman's chase of her dreams. After moonlighting as an Accountant, she knew the monotonousness of the day to day hustle and bustle was quietly stifling her soul. The legal/morally illegal practices of her former counterparts opened her eyes to perform a soul search that even she had no idea on where the outcome would lead …..
When one takes a leap of faith to delve into an Artist, there are definitely times when he/she becomes satisfied/unsatisfied on contact. "If you are a sucker for the rhyme then you will be sweet on this verbal edible treat." said Phil Lee, as he left the Poetry haven ~ The Bowery Poetry Club, known for its years in the game. She is known by the masses as a Diamond in the Bronx, or as per Jewelz ~ "A Diamond in the Hood". The buzz is hovering over the Lyrical phenom, and you better believe this aspiring Lyricist is sure to woo even you… Poetically. She has so many wonderful qualities. To date she has completed two Spoken Word Albums; Lyrical Movements: When the Rain is Watching and Lyrical Movements: When Butterflies Harden, respectively. One of her Poetry books is complete and the other one is in its beginning stage, not to mention she has a novel in the works and a few screen play projects on the side. When I say this woman is dynamic, I mean this Butterfly is flying into every crevice under the sun, which she sees fit. Her warrior spirit makes her fierce in regards to the lyrics she has bestowed upon us.
A. Taylor quoted her as being a "Microphone Dropper". Not only do I agree with him but I know in my heart of hearts that if/when given a chance she will make you remember to follow her Lyrical Movements. You can obtain her CD, "Lyrical Movements: When Butterflies Harden" @ http//:www.cdbaby.com/LyricalMovements. Her first collection of poetry is entitled ~ "Lyrical Movements: The Melodies and Makings of Me" and it will be released laterally with the second edition ~ "Lyrical Movements: Changing Destiny". It's quite alright if you decide to sleep on all of this talent. I have no doubt in my mind that she will find a way to wake you up…. That's my take on her… Did I mention she gives interviews too…. Feel free to reach out to her; she's on Facebook: Lyrical Movements & Monique Forrester, Twitter: LMovements, MySpace, Black Planet, & YouTube: Lyrical Movements… 

This Artist needs your support to keep her relevant, so feel free to reach out and read her Notes. I just want you to learn more about her Movements, so you can co-sign at the dotted line. Don't forget to thank me for putting you on to this Verbal Diva. Truth be told, after meeting her in person, I realized she has the passion of Super Woman.
How so? For starters, She is an Accountant by day and a Poet by night. This Lyricist has appeared on two television shows; more than a half a dozen times, with one hour spotlights… I might add. The Cultural Pioneer Showcase and Positive Choices were the shows. In the movie Across the Universe, she played a Revolutionary. Over the last year, she has appeared as a Feature on numerous radio shows. She is the epitome of Sunshine to everyone she touches. She's a Writer, a Poet, an Author, a Songwriter, an Artist, a Producer, a Composer, an Arranger, a Model, and a Business Owner ~ Lyrical Movements, and the list grows and grows. Her skills are priceless. She also offers interview services, as well as headshots for some of her favored clients. She is purely unstoppable, and a perfect example of what you can accomplish, If you focus on your goals. Ms. Movements aspires to get more in depth in the field of Poetry and capture some hearts in the Acting World. Did I mention, she occasionally does runway, print work, and in the Fourth Dimension Publications Calendar for 2009, she was Ms. March …. Least I forget, LM, was also April Spotlight Artist of the month on Raintiger.com. Like I said to my wife, Versatility has no mark on her. Her being easy on the eyes will be her husband's responsibility. Off the cuff, this is any man's Dream Girl. But that is just my take on Lyrical Movements from the Bronx. We may do a documentary on the Movements, just to further fulfill our curiosity on her internal beauty, and the checks and balances she holds dear to her. I'm signing off with this final thought. If you are not Following the Movements, Then you better be on your way to the Promise Land…. Happy Hunting ~ L.Y.R.I.C.A.L ~ Movements… As in the one who has and will continue to move the masses with her verbs and predicates…

Friday, September 10, 2010

Soulful music to uplift -Gabbie McGee





Gabbie McGee Musically…


If you want to call her something; call her Soulful... Southern...Sultry these words clearly define the songstress Gabbie McGee. What is her music? It is her own brand of deeply spiritual, powerfully moving, filled with love brand of "Soul-Jazz".

Gabbie's song is one of hope, faith and triumph. Having taken a few classes from the "old school", her style and vocals are reminiscent of the sounds and spirits of great vocalists like Sarah Vaughn, Dianne Reeves, and Randy Crawford while remaining saturated with a flavor that is uniquely & undeniably Gabbie McGee.

Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, (Greenville, MS) Gabbie McGee is a singer by design. With a voice that can rage like an angry storm, or flow as soft as a mellow stream; Gabbie uses a creative concoction of jazz, soul and a hint of the blues to draw listeners into her world of sunshine and colors. This self proclaimed "Country Gal" is what the industry calls the total package. With her debut independent release "Certified Soul", Gabbie established herself as a self contained artist; setting a table full of musical delights that have been certified, stamped, and approved by listeners world wide as "quality" music.

Songs like "Sunshine & Colors" and "Somethin' So... "echo beautiful melodies that ooze warm jazz tones and textures all while showcasing Gabbie's ability to beautifully project a message of joy & love through sound and lyrics. To further build on the foundation laid by “Certified Soul” , earlier this year Gabbie released a new collection of songs lovingly entitled"Mississippi's Daughter"; songs that are deeply rooted in history, life & love. As she introduces "Mississippi's Daughter" to listeners all over the world; she says of her latest work, “This album will definitely give you a look into my life and show you how I've grown. The more you listen, the more you'll know and the more you'll grasp the direction of where I'm "growing".

Gabbie McGee & The Community...

A proud graduate of the historic Jackson State University (2001), Gabbie's resume boasts many accomplishments in music and beyond! Gabbie's deep musical roots in gospel, jazz and the blues enable her to "standout" as a singer, songwriter and pianist; but it is her striking smile and warm personality that lead her to the "spotlight" of beauty competitions. The former Miss Metro Jackson, Miss Capitol City Classic(2000), Miss Omega Psi Phi (2000 YE Chapter), and Miss Black Atlanta (2002) showcased her rich mezzo-soprano vocals and mesmerizing stage presence as a fierce competitor and committed queen with a platform to preserve and promote the arts for the enrichment of America's youth. Even though she has long retired her crown(s), she continues to commit herself to the cause of "preserving the arts". As a wife and mother of 3 year old twins, Gabbie is more than aware of the effect music can have on the shaping of young minds.

In the summer of 2007, she began her quest to "educate & entertain" by organizing a live concert series that introduces jazz to children ages 2 to 6 with her Early Childhood Development Music Program "Live Music for Little Ears". “Live Music for Little Ears” is a fun and interactive way for little ones to experience the joy of jazz with catchy, colorful- kid friendly songs complete with an easy to understand “mini music lesson”.

“ Ms. Gabbie has a great voice and she works very well with the children. The songs were lively and the colorful props she used were eye catching and kept the children engaged. We look forward to her concerts at our center every summer. Personally, I hope Ms. Gabbie will make a children’s CD so that the children and I can sing along with her all year long.”

– DeShone Hall, Lead Teacher, Daystar Christian Academy, College Park, GA

To Gabbie, the world is a stage; her talents have been witnessed during Off-Broadway musicals like "Jelly's Last Jam", The Showtime at the Apollo Summer Tour 2001 and numerous charity events. In September of 2007, Gabbie was personally selected by Congressman Bennie G. Thompson as the featured entertainment for the 2007 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. She was also featured during an episode of TBS Storyline as a"Community Gem" along with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank. In September 2009, Gabbie was the featured entertainment for the NAACP Annual Fundraising Gala. Very recently, Gabbie toured Southeast Asia and Singapore as the featured vocalist for the esteemed Harry's International Jazz Bar.

So what’s next for Gabbie?

Well, the sky is the limit as she now offers her time and talent; blending in to do her part to aid in the fight against Cancer, Diabetes and Hypertension. Having been a part of the Atlanta’s Biggest Loser: Mom’s Edition (2009), Gabbie states “I have a commitment to encourage my family, friends and community members to be preventative and adapt healthier habits like adding more natural foods to their diet and exercising. I will gladly share my weight loss journey with the world if it inspires change and saves lives." Harmonizing her way through the show, she made connections that are life-long and definitely divinely ordered!

Gabbie McGee Personally…

Embodied with a giving spirit and sweet, yet sassy southern girl charm; Gabbie has a burning desire to use her music to inspire positive change in the world. She prides herself in creating music that captivates listeners with sincerity, motivating messages and timeless grooves. She has the God given ability to tap into the very essence of life and human emotion by singing the pains, joys, hopes and dreams we all share as a common bond. A strong believer in the power of perseverance, Gabbie offers, “When the odds are against you, use that pressure as resistance to pushyourself forward”. She has remained true to that highly regarded belief and is proud to deliverer soul infused jazz all while representing those who are "beating the odds" all over the world as ... Mississippi's Daughter




Wednesday, September 8, 2010

5 Sales Tips for Independent Artists



Sell your music better and you’ll have resources to make more music, better-sounding music, and get more people to hear it. Here are five tips to help you generate more sales:
1. Believe In Your Product
It’s difficult to look someone in the eye and ask them to buy something that you don’t believe is a good deal for them. If you’re trying to sell a CD to someone for $10 that you believe is worth $5 then you’re going to have a hard time selling it. The idea is to focus on ‘giving’ them something that’s valuable to them at a fair price. You can always tell when someone is just trying to ‘get’ something from you. Don’t underestimate the intelligence and intuition of your fans. Nothing is more powerful in sales than the truth. The first step is creating a product that you believe in. Your belief and enthusiasm will shine through.
2. Examine Your Beliefs About Sales
Sales is really just about connecting people with things that are valuable to them. If you have other feelings that make it difficult for you to sell then you might want to examine your beliefs. Try this: Get out a piece of paper and write the words “People who sell are…” and then write down the first 10 things that come to mind without censoring your thoughts in any way. The first step to changing your beliefs to something more empowering is to become aware of what your beliefs are. You may have had bad experiences in the past or inherited beliefs from your parents that are holding you back. Once you become fully aware of what you believe you have the power to choose and adopt more powerful and supportive beliefs.
If you have a hard time promoting or asking people to buy things from you then you’re going to be severely handicapped in your efforts to make money with your music. If you get these first two right then this should get much easier.
3. Have a Clear Pitch
You need to be clear in your communication from the stage, on your website and beyond. Ex. “We have CDs and T-shirts in the back. Go see Tina – she’s right over there.” Have clear and clean linked images on your website where people can purchase your music and merchandise. Remove obstacles and make buying easy.
4. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
Sales are not usually made on the first pitch. Tell people more than once that you have CDs and merch for sale. Make your mailing list a priority and put clear purchase links in all of the emails. Selling as an indie artist is not a one-shot deal. You’ll need to build repetition into your strategy and you’ll need to…
5. Build Relationships
Sustained success as an artist isn’t about tit for tat, it’s about giving as much as you can to as many people as you can for as long as you can. It’s about real relationships with people who you care about and who care about you. You don’t need everything to happen for you right now. If you continue to take care of the first four things on this list while building relationships, you’ll be playing the game to win for the long-term.


Read more: 5 Sales Tips for Independent Artists — Echoes - Insight for Independent Artists http://blog.discmakers.com/2010/08/5-sales-tips-for-independent-artists/#ixzz0yxoLhAC1