Evan Gundlach, music business, universal, twin cities

Well its been awhile since last time I wrote here but I went out of town down to Kansas to visit my family that I only get to see once a year. I had a really good time, but I wasn’t upset to come back and keep interning. This week I did some online research about radio stations that have had artists appear live. I had to go online and see if I could find an archive of some kind to see the past guests. It sounds a lot easier then it actually is but I found quite a bit of new information. We are getting the information and adding it into our artist appearance database. With this database we then can see which radio shows give the biggest boost on record sales. Since we have radio, TV, and award shows we can also see which type of shows give the biggest lift. Once I got a lot of the research I just cleaned up the database fixing little errors. The music meeting on Friday was cancelled so no new music but it was still a really fun week and I’m glad to be back.

Jon Johnson - The Firm - Beverly Hills: Goodbye Firm

After 3 short months my time at The Firm has come to a close. My final day was this past Tuesday, and I can say that it was one of the most memorable days I've ever had there.

I spent a healthy 12 hour shift covering the same desk I had been covering for about a week, and I was able to talk with almost all the employees that I've gotten to know over the past 3 months, and say goodbye. There are not enough good things that I can say about everyone over there. To all those employees that are at The Firm: I would like to thank you for everything that you've done to teach me, and the words that many of you spoke about me on Tuesday were more than flattering.

I wouldn't change a thing about what happened at The Firm, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else. The knowledge and insight that I've gained are invaluable, and so are the contacts that I was able to get.

As I type right now, I am only a few hours away from leaving the apartment and going to the airport, effectively ending the McNally Smith Summer intern semester (I'm the last one in the apartments-Traci is coming back though). I can't wait to get back and share all of the great stories and lessons that I've gained over the summer.

I dunno if I'm going to do another post or not, we'll see....

Cole Hendricks - Final Thoughts

Hey everyone,

Well it's my last night in LA for a few months. I have decided to come back and finish my last semester of schooling. The House of Blues has told me they will rehire me if I wish to return after my graduation.

This summer has been so amazing and so beneficial. The amount of things I have seen and experienced while working and just hanging out in LA has been so much. Even when times were tough, I knew I had to stick through it and that it would pay off in the end. I have had so much fun in Los Angeles working in a top notch urban recording studio and working at the House of Blues right on Sunset Blvd. Working with some of the biggest acts out in the media right now has taught me how the industry works when it comes to production and live sound. I learned that the studio life is not glamorous as an intern but I was able to learn how commercial studios are run. In the end, this summer was well worth it and I would suggest everyone to take up this opportunity if presented with it. I mean who doesnt want to live where it only rains twice in three months. Thank you McNally Smith for the opportunity.


Cole Hendricks
Audio Engineer

Traci @ Key Club, LA-- Music Business: Its so hard to say Goodbye...

Hey all,

Last week held my last two days at Key Club, which means this is my final post for the summer of 2008.  

I know it is common to ease out of work in your last few days, but I kept going strong.  We had a busy week for Jumbotron ads, where normally we might have 2 or 3, this week we had 5... I know it is only 2 more, but it still is a lot for just one week of ads.  I spent most of Monday organizing those and updating the ad schedule.  I also did some demo listening for Carrie.  

Tuesday was my last day, so there was actually a decent amount of things I was asked to do before I walked out the door.  I started off the day finishing the demos for Carrie, sending out the last few Jumbotron ads from the day before, and researching/photocopying press pieces for Zach in PR.  Hollie and Kerry took me out to a farewell lunch at Rainbow, which was a lot of fun, and I learned that I need to stay more up-to-date on current events.  After that, I had just a couple of things to do, and then I said my goodbyes.  

I learned a lot from the people at Key Club.  It was a great environment, and since it is so small, you really get used to seeing those people everyday.  We will hopefully stay in contact and work together in some way or other down the line.  

The reason Tuesday was my last day is because I have decided to stay in L.A. and continue to pursue my career.  Since the job hunt is on now, we thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a little extra time to look, as there are currently no openings at Key Club.  This summer offered an amazing journey from student to young professional... one I hope you (students) all get to experience.  A big thank you goes out to all those involved, and to you for reading.  

Until we meet again,

Traci Larsen, Music Business & Vocal Performance

Key Club, Summer 2008

Jon Johnson - The Firm - Beverly Hills: 2 days left

It's weird to think that I only have 2 more days left at The Firm. All of the great people I have met and had the opportunity to learn from, and all of the fun experiences I've had with my fellow interns and mailroom staff.

This past week was mostly filled with desk coverage. From about the last forth of Tuesday through Friday, I filled in for an assistant who had been injured. The experience was unique compared to all other opportunities to cover desks. It went fairly well on Tuesday and Friday, okay on Wednesday, but if I had the chance, I would definitely take back Thursday. But that is all behind me, and I can only take it as a learning experience, which is what it was.

I really can't complain at all about the opportunities I've been given at The Firm, I have had more desk coverage than any other intern, or trainee (paid employees) has had during my stay. Each time I have sat on a desk, I've learned something useful, whether it be directly about the music business, or something about myself.

I pretty sure I've stated this before on my blog, but if I haven't, even better. Every McNally student with some ambition to do something in the music business needs to come out to Los Angeles. The pace is just so much faster than anything I've ever experienced in the Twin Cities.

Stay tuned for next week. I'll probably split up my blog into two or three parts like my fellow bloggers. I know I don't ever disclose too much on this blog, and so I might just be a little more personal about what I've actually done out here in LA.

Maybe

Traci @ Key Club, LA-- Music Business: and now, the conclusion of our episode....

Hey all!

I don't know if you noticed, but I have tried to have a running TV/Hollywood theme throughout most of my posts... because we're in L.A...... moving on.  

The last of this little mini-series of late posts is from last week, which essentially revolved around... WRAP PARTY! (yet another reason for my attempt of a TV theme) The photo to the right was my Hollywood look of the evening, and since we were asked to adhere to the strict rules about cameras at the House of Blues, the only one I have.  However, there was a professional photographer there, so the school should have some soon.   

The summer wrap party was in the Foundation Room at House of Blues, which was beautiful, and was attached to a large patio.  The venue was great, and you should all go at least once while you are here... but not until after you go to Key Club...

The night was great, getting to mingle with your mentors, peers, and alumni, as well as other professionals in the industry, and if you are lucky you walk away with a few new contacts and friends.  We had presentations to our mentors about half-way through the evening, thanking them for everything they have done for us throughout the summer and presenting them with certificates/plaques.  All of the guests at the party also got these really cool, artsy pins with the McNally Smith logo.  There was food and drink and great conversation.  I could have gone all night long talking with some of the great people I got to meet.  I also got to catch up with some of the people I met at the L.A. Women in Music event I went to, including Michael (the guitarist), and Leanne, the president of the organization.  It was a fantastic night filled with great experiences.  I was sad to see it end... or to see them cleaning up around us as we stayed after we were supposed to, still talking.  

The next day, Zach and I went to Venice beach in the early evening to walk on the beach and have dinner before he had to head back to the airport.  It was wonderful getting to see him out for the party, and start making plans for his L.A. internship.  We had dinner at C&O Trattoria at the beach, which is a delicious Italian restaurant. 

So that you are not confused, I did work as usual during this week, but I figured you would want to know about the party....  

Peace,

Traci

Traci @ Key Club, LA-- Music Business: Busy Busy Bee

Hello all!

I know you have been anxiously waiting for parts 2 & 3 of the previous blog, so I will shoot them off back to back today!

When last I wrote, I had told you about the hectic event week at Key Club.  The week that followed (July 28-August 3) was a little busy, but a little quieter.  We had Oakley come in and kick off the X-Games with a star-studded private party that was a smash!  We also had radio stations in, KLOS and KLSX, for daytime live broadcasts, which is something we do occasionally.  

KLSX was hosting a Battle of the Bands to find bands to play at...I believe it was the station's birthday party, or summer bash.  It ran until early afternoon and ended with one of the host getting "kidnapped" by some of the fans.  One of the many fun things about that was that for lunch, all of us from the office got to order food from the club restaurant and had the option to see some of the bands while eating.  I have to say, between having to sample the appetizers for the L'Oreal show (a request made by our executive chef so that I would know what I was serving, not just me stealing food...), and having lunch I have to say, our food is fantastic!  Plus it is a lot of fun to watch the bands from up in the mezzanine section where our restaurant is located. 

KLOS had a live morning show broadcast with Foreigner as a special guest for which they had a radio giveaway for tickets.  Foreigner was in town for a concert later that night or the next night, so this was kind of a special day.  It was finishing up when I got in that morning, but as far as I know there were no complications.  

Those were the work highlights of the week.  Over the weekend, the McNally "Team" (Debbie, Isreal, Sarah, Zach Taylor, Harry and Alice, and Chris Osgood (no, not the goalie)) came out for the annual Summer Wrap Party, which I will discuss in the next blog.  The interns hosted a little BBQ for our meeting at Meadows about the party with Debbie, Charley, Isreal, Ashley, and Warren as our guests.  Except for a little problem with the grill (no fires, I promise), it went well and everyone left full... hopefully.  

So that was pretty much that week.  Now, on to last week.... can you handle the suspense?

Peace, 

Traci

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Wrapping Things Up Pt.2

A bitter sweet moment walking through LAX to catch my red eye flight back to Minnesota. I was happy to go back home to my bed but I was leaving California, the place I called home for three (3) months. I learned and experience so much living in LA. I learned a lot from the business stand point but I learned more on the personal level. While observing the buildings and beautiful life on my way to downtown St.Paul, I was just in shock realizing how much God has been good to me. Moving from Detroit to Minnesota to California in less than a year is a blessing for me. I am truly understand that I'm seeing these places for a reason. I am so focus on the things that I need to accomplish. I understand being focus is nothing without actually getting out to do the necessary work that you're focused on. My drive, will, and work ethics has increased after being in LA. I needed that duration of time spent in Cali to push me further to blaze my trail that I'm leading. So even though I wrapped things up in LA, I didn't tie the knot too tight to where I can't go back and untie the knot!

Evan Gundlach, music business, universal, twin cities

Well, I’m now a whole year older. It was my 21^st birthday on Wednesday so this week was a little busy for me, but I still got some time in at universal. On Monday I worked on the album tracking database and I found out we are actually really close to having that done. Some other people had been working on it also so we only have a little more history to put into and then all we have to do is keep updating it. Since it was my birthday on Wednesday they let me have the day off on Thursday so I didn’t end up going in. On Friday the new kids on the block were at the mall of America so a lot of people were out of the office on and we didn’t have a music meeting. I had to pick up my friend who was flying in from Colorado so I left a little early on Friday but I got a lot more titles into the database before I left. I think I'm going to take it pretty easy this weekend and rest up for another week at universal.

Jon Johnson - The Firm - Beverly Hills: New Phone

Wow, it's almost over. It's almost surreal to think of all the time I've spent working at The Firm. Quite a bit has happened over the past week, and I'll try and get into everything...

Over the last weekend I had lost my phone, and I was unable to find it during the week. This meant I couldn't make or receive any calls, making it a tough week to communicate with people. I was able to get a new phone on Friday night, (thank God) but there is one problem, I lost all of my numbers. So, I invite everyone to join my new facebook group, and post up their numbers. I will post that link soon.

For a good portion of the week (Mon - Thurs) I was covering a desk for the assistant to the President of the music division over at The Firm. That was by far my biggest challenge yet when it came to covering desks for others.

Now I have covered plenty of desks in the past, but nothing prepared me for the challenge of covering this particular desk. First off, this desk is insanely busy, calls just keep coming in, so you have to keep on your toes and be prepared. Secondly, this desk requires hours, at least 11 hours everyday. Oh, and you can't leave the desk. During this desk coverage, I ran into some situations that I believe could have compromised my status as an intern for The Firm, but thanks to the help of those around me, I was able to get through these situations just learning valuable lessons.

The intern wrap-up party on Wednesday was very enjoyable, I was able to thank those around me at The Firm who had helped me so much throughout my internship. I don't want to spend too much time on it though, because it seems like everyone else had covered it as well.

Later during the week I saw a couple of fellow interns take off. Moe, Munya, It was great to be able to hang out with the both of you. I hope that you both enjoyed your stays out here, and I can't wait to see you both back at McNally Smith.

Only a couple of weeks left, the 24th is approaching.....

Traci @ Key Club, LA-- Music Business: Wow... I'm behind...

Hey all!  

So, its been a while due to a variety of different things, mainly staying incredibly busy to the point where I really didn't realize that it has already been THREE weeks!  So here's how this is going to work:  This post will be from 2 weeks ago, then later tonight I will post from 1 week ago, and then tomorrow you will get updated on this past week... so a kind of final countdown to the end of the semester, if you will (and now I have that song in my head... "It's the final countdooooown...").

Monday, July 21:

Such a crazy and fun day at Key Club.  We were booked for two back-to-back events.  The first of which was a L'oreal Matrix Hair Show.  This actually required quite a bit of set up.   They had people in the club stuffing gift bags and placing product for testing all over the club while we rolled out the red carpets and set up tables, photo areas and candles (n

ot too close to the hair sprays, mind you.  We had to be very careful).  They also were having hosted food and beverage for about an hour as guests arrived before the big extravaganza o' hair!  The show was pretty interesting because they have a hair model sit while a "creative designer" performs his magic, all the while explaining what he is doing and how he prepped the model.  Pretty cool actually.  I picked up a few tricks.  Then after the show, it was another half hour of passed drinks and appetizers so people could mingle on their way out.  Then it was a chaotic half hour to transform the club from the hair show, into the normal Steel Panther night with a VIP JVC/Spin Magazine party in our Plush lounge for the launch of the Carstereoke contest that is going on right now.  That is the billboard we had up for the event and the product of the photoshoot on my very first day at Key Club.  You can also see it in this month's Spin Magazine along with an article.  

You know how people always say "Hard work pays off?"  Well believe them!  I offered to stay and help cocktail during the L'oreal show since we were slightly short-handed for that aspect, and then pitched in to aid in the turn-over, even though it was not expected.  Because of this, I was asked to stay for the JVC/Spin party and the show that night.  I met some great people, and got to spend a little non-work time with my mentors and had a chance to enjoy what we had worked so hard for that day.  

Tuesday, July 22

This was a slower day, used to catch up on work that would normally be done on Mondays, including my Jumbotron ads, a few phone calls, and research. I feel like there was something else that happened... but all I remember was being completely exhausted from the night before.  

Wednesday, July 23

We held a charity event called Rock for MS, hosted by MS Friends.  Set up for this was a little more low key since they brought out a lot of people to do most of the setting up.  We mainly just had to help with a few tables and flower arrangements and candles again.  It turned out beautifully.  

The event featured legendary Rock 'n' Roll photography and photographers and was a combination of silent auction, live auction, and DJs.  There were some incredibly recognizable pieces for silent auction in our Plush lounge, as well as the opportunity to meet some of the photographers, such as Jim Marshall.  Then, as I understand it, the DJ would play sets with live auctions in between.  It was so amazing to be in a room with some of the most famous Rock 'n' Roll pieces around, especially the candid shots, as if you were a part of their lives for that brief moment in time.  Very cool.

Thursday, July 24

Another quiet day at the office, returning to the normal pace of things.  Cleaning up a little from the previous days.  I was also getting a little anxious for my parents to visit again, however briefly, and they had started the drive that morning.  After work: SLEEP.

Friday, July 25

I researched some companies for some activities for a Bar Mitzvah we had coming up. Listened to a few demos.  I think I even finished up a little early and headed back to Culver just in time for my parents to get it.  

The rest of the weekend was a lot of fun, but packed trying to show them a few things they would enjoy, like the Rock Walk and cool Rock 'n' Roll art galleries on Sunset, Lunch at Mel's Diner, and, my favorite, Venice Beach and canals around sunset.  

Somewhere during this week, I also tried "Chile's" for the first time ever (I know, I can't believe I went to a chain when there are so many great places out here either, but it happened).  It was very yummy and I think I went back the next day too... It was at my transfer stop and I was hungry, ok?

Until later tonight!

Traci

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Wrapping Things Up Pt.1

On Wednesday August 6, 2008, the place to be was The House of Blues in Hollywood. As one of the nine interns in California I attended with gratitude towards The Urban Network and most importantly Miller London. I arrived with Cole Hendricks and Munya to the famous House of Blues. I had the experience to visit the performance room with the stage and it was incredible from observing the antique wood to the classic photo's of world renowned rock stars. I made my way up some stairs greeting those who I knew and didn't know. There were tons of people in attendance from successful companies in the music industry. The party started off with some light mingling amongst your peers and others. Then we kicked the party off with presentations from the interns presenting a plaque to their mentor of the company. After expressing my words of gratitude I was shockingly surprised by the staff at The Urban Network with my own cover on The Urban Network Magazine. I was smiling so HARD receiving my plaque. I wish I had the photo's to show you guys but I'm sure you'll see them posted soon. After all the presentations were done. It was time to do some more networking. I was able to get some contacts to some people that cam open more doors for me and what I'm doing. This party was very very cool. I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere in the building. Everything went smoothly until I had to...........................TO BE CONTINUED


Stay tuned! Sunday @ 7:00 I Will Post Part 2 of "Wrapping Things Up"

At The End...Nick Garrison - AEMG - Los Angeles

My work for Alan Ett Music Group came to an end. It has been an amazing experience working for such a professional and established company.
I have soaked up so much information about aspects of music licensing, publishing, royalties, and so much more.
I'm really not sure what to say at this point. This has been a summer that has had a big impact on me and will definitely help shape my future.

I am really grateful for the opportunity I had in coming out here and all the doors that were opened. I have met some incredible people that I will be keeping in touch with as I head back north.

Take care,

Nick Garrison

ZIMBABWE TO LA, AN INTERNATIONAL INTERN STORY SO FAR pt 4

Hey guys

Well I have to say the last week has been quite eventful and a busy time for me, for we are getting to the end of this long journey here in LA.

Last week began with a sudden shake up to the city of LA with an earthquake happening at the beginning of the week. I was at work sitting on my desk when all of a sudden our room was shaking and moving side to side. I quickly went underneath the table and Maurice did the same as well, as our whole building was moving. This was just another crazy experience to be in, but to some a first time. To me this was just another adds, to my many earthquake experiences I have had in my lifetime but been in while since I have felt one and I must say it did give me a little shake up. Being in this earthquake reminded me of the days I was I lived in Japan, an about 13 years ago I experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes of all time in 1995 when an earthquake struck in Japan in the city of Kobe. Now this was a life and death situation but luckily at that time we had just moved to the city of Tokyo but the earth quake was so powerful that the after shock’s were able to reach Tokyo.

On Thursday we had a half day at work but returned to work later on that night at 9:00pm for an all night of working hard and pushing ourselves to reach certain goals that Warren wanted us to achieve by the end of the night or should I say beginning of the morning. Yet again this was quite an experience, but hard working as well, really hard. But a lot of work was done and to; all social networking sites, invites for the upcoming marketing entertainment summit it Houston Texas and packaging of magazines. We did it all, but at the same time it was fun and tiring too. We got done around 5am and It was back at the apartment for a little nap, and before you know it I was once again up at 8am and ready to get back in the office around 10am. We had to get in early to attend a meeting at noon at SESAC that day. So Tracey kindly gave us a ride to work that morning and we were in the office just in time to meet up with and Jayson another intern that interns with us from MI and Warren to head down to the SESAC offices in St Monica.

The reason for this meeting was for the marketing campaign that Maurice and I are involved, and we had to shoot some footage for the promo video that Maurice has been working on for most of the summer. Being at SESAC was an honor indeed; it just felt so great to be at this organization were songwriters and publishers license there songs and music. In addition of being there we were able to meet with the senior director, writer and publisher relations Mr. James Leach. It was such wonderful pleasures too meet and chat with Mr. Leach who’s has been with SESAC for many years and around the music industry for as well. The man had a few words to say about certain things we discussed and just before we left Mr. Leach gave us some really good words of encouragement and advice to Maurice and I. It was truly something to take in and hear these great words from him. After spending sometime at SESAC we headed back home and all I wanted to do was sleep the rest of the day.

This past weekend was my last weekend out here in LA and I wont lie I really wanted to make the most of it, and there’s no other place I’d rather be at than the beach on the last weekend. So a couple of friend’s of mine and I headed down to Manhattan Beach for the day to watch the huge Volleyball Tournament that was being held on the one side of the pier. The Beach was ridiculously packed with people and there was no chance of walking on the beach, but we made a plan and were able to park some were and watch the games being played. The day went on and turned into an eventful night of hanging out with random people that we met by the beach. On Sunday the day began early and getting prepared for Debbie’s arrival to the apartment. Debbie, Charley, Warren, Ashley and Israil all came by for a visit and hang out and to talk about our wrap up party on Wednesday night, on specific things we shall be expecting to happen. The afternoon went on very smoothly and relaxing, with hotdogs and salads and just socializing time. Later on that day around 5 Cole and I headed down to Venice Beach, for I hadn’t been there yet and there was no way that I was going to leave LA without seeing this place. Cole and I just took a walk down the side of the road to see various activities that people will be doing. The beach is very entertaining and full many cultures and tourists walking by and admiring the area. It was actually a good time to be at he Venice because at that point in time the sun was setting and we lucky to see it. I was told before I came to LA that you have to see the sunset at Venice beach for it’s the most incredible thing to see and it truly was.

Well the final week is finally here and it’s hard to believe it, but it’s true so much drama, action, love and laughter has happened out here in LA. For some its going to be hard to leave behind what they have created but not goodbye, but others its been a opening gate for new things in life, but I think to all of us its, defiantly been worth it. So I say this to all the other Interns congratulations!! On a job well done and make most of these last few days or weeks form some and make them count, for you only live once to tell a great story.

Munya

.....eh

The past week has definitely been an interesting one, to say the least.

If there is one thing that anyone should know before coming to LA to intern, it's that you should be prepared to WORK. If you don't dedicate yourself to the internship, then there is no reason to even come out here. I'm not saying you can't have fun. Some weekends out here have been very action packed and exciting for me, and the rest of the interns. Just be prepared to focus during the week, and keep your mind on the goal at hand.

This past week, I was able to walk into Snoop Dogg's manager's office and hang out for awhile. I was given the opportunity to listen in on calls, and ask for advice from Snoop's manager on becoming a better, more prepared person myself.

When you're a manager at the level that Snoop's is, you'll always be working. That is something that I've noticed while working at The Firm. I honestly don't know how some of them keep on top of things. There are so many people that need daily correspondence, and it seems like half of a manager's day is playing phone tag. Not to mention, the added stress of everyone else who calls in, with other concerns.

I loved the experience, and I was also given the opportunity to come back again sometime this week, which I definitley won't pass up.

Currently, I'm covering the desk of one of the busier assistants at The Firm. The manager I am working with is at the head of the music division. So he is in charge of a lot of different things; not to mention his own expansive client list. My experience of covering this desk has definitely given me my own share of lumps, but at the same time, I'm still even more eager to take on the challenge.

I honestly hope that everyone at McNally, and perspective students alike, are able to one day come out to LA and see what the heart of the music business is like. I have enjoyed almost every moment out here, and I'm torn about coming back to MN. I've got a few weeks left, and I'm looking to make the most of them.

Stay tuned-I still need to tell you all about the business that me and a few others are working on.

Stream of Consciousness

First let me say that I blog daily. Okay, almost daily. But most definitely more than I do here. But I do it on my Twitter page. You are invited to check out my Twitter feed below. What is Twitter? It is a micro-blogging tool that allows a maximum character count of 140 (like a txt msg). I consider compressing a complex thought in to such a small space an art form. Word.

LARRY LUCIO ON TWITTER

I just spent the weekend at my computer. Well nearly the whole weekend. Well nearly the whole summer. But I did get a break to kick it at the McNally BBQ on Sunday.

We were graced with the company of Debbie, Charley, Ashley, Israel, Warren and my fellow interns Jon, Joel, Munya, Traci, and Cole. Cole by the way is my hero. This dude is the youngest of us all out here and is making more happen for himself than I can believe. If he has the time to write blogs, you should be sure to follow his because what he is going through is the perfect example for any future intern to observe. Perseverance, sacrifice, hard work, and pure hustle. This guy has stared both diversity and the devil in the eyes and he is still standing. I salute you Cole.

Now back to the computer. I have yet to see the beach, go to a nightclub, or even take a dip in our pool. I've been working a lot. And this is as it should be. I have a big responsibility to do well at my internship and deliver on the CD project I mentioned last time. I take these commitments very seriously. What I am saying, is that to be out here takes sacrifice. I didn't realize how much until now. The summer is winding down to a close but I feel proud of how hard I worked. For me to stay focused in an environment like Los Angeles is a personal triumph. The distractions are endless and the things a guy can do with his time are vast and varied.

As an intern, I think I have learned more about myself than about the industry. This summer has been an exercise in mental discipline and intestinal fortitude. I faced some personal challenges that I would have handled very differently in the past. I felt like giving up sometimes. Anyone who says they haven't is not being honest with themselves. But the point I am making is that this experience has been worth it's weight in gold. It's the kind of thing no amount of money could ever buy you. You are dropped into an strange place and you either sink or swim. And I feel like I'm swimming. This could not have happened without the McNally Career Center. That is just a given. At the same time, I think they will tell prospective interns that the Center can only show you the door. You have to walk through it.

I have yet to make a decision about whether or not to stay. The allure of working for GridMob is intense. I can't reveal details yet but I have had the pleasure of working on deals for some of music's most iconic figures. In fact I got a chance to work with an artist who's work literally changed my life. I know that sounds vague but when the dust settles and the contracts are signed I will explain further. Confidentiality does not lend itself to be good blog material. But the discipline required not to name drop all over the place is good I guess.

That said, I will try to provide some more insight into the experience of an intern as I go along my last few weeks. But the truth is, some things are hard to capture in words and I hope when you read this you allow me that caveat.

This entry was more about me providing some momentary insight into the thought process of an intern in action. I decided ahead of time to sit down and do a stream-of-thought entry. This wasn't planned out... It just came out. And I hope you find some value in it.

To the young people reading this and considering coming to McNally, I have one piece of advice that I am sure you will hear me repeat again and again.... You will get out of this experience as much as you put into it. It is that simple for me.

And I feel good about what I put into it.

PEACE. PEACE.

LL
LarryLucio.com

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Grinding To The Sun Come Up

This past week has been very busy in the offices of The Urban Network. On Thursday, July 31, 2008, Munya and I worked a half a day leaving at noon to come back to the office at 9:00 that night. Yes I said it, 9:00 pm. Along with two (2) other interns we worked from nine (9) pm to four (4) am on various assignments. Blasting promotional invites and flyers and boosting myspace activity were some of things we did that night. This was fun but also a tool to relieve you from deviating from the work that you have been assigned to. I had my head phones on playing music "grinding it out" to reach the goals that we had to meet.

After leaving the office at 4:00, I made it home with just enough to catch three(3) and a half hours of sleep before heading to the office that Friday morning to attend this meeting with James Leach, Sr. Director, Writer Publisher Relations for SESAC (performing rights society). Arriving at the SESAC California office, we were greeted by an assistant offering beverages , "Would you like a water or apple juice?". "I'll take a apple juice please!", was my rebuttal. She returned with a Juicy Juice small carton that you use to pack in your lunch in elementary LOL. I'm not going to lie the juice was very good. James arrived shortly and we soon began our meeting discussing some details about some ideas that we would like him to be apart of for The Urban Network.

Today I finished R&B artist Chaz promo video. I see the growth in video editing each time I edit some film. I hope Miller (CEO, The Urban Network)enjoy the video as much as me. So far he has liked all my videos. That's great coming from especially when I just started editing prior to me coming to California. One (1) video down and two(2) more to go. As my internship at The Urban Network approaches the end, the things I've learned are being revealed and coming to fruition.


Much Love
Maurice C.

Evan Gundlach, music business, universal, twin cities

This week at universal I continued to work on the data base about single songs. Since there are so many titles its taking a really long time to get through. I also have to make sure all of the information is correct so I go through it pretty slow. I am going to start putting the sales information on the cd sales pretty soon and start to measure the lifts. I haven’t done that yet so I’m pretty excited about that. So as far as the work I did this week it was a lot of the same, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have fun. On Thursday I got to go to the cities 97 studio c and watch Duffy do a private performance for us and that was really cool. On Friday we had the music meeting and watched some new artists. I also got the N.E.R.D cd and I thought it was pretty good. I’m also using the warped tour tickets I got this weekend so I’m excited about that as well. Sorry to be so short but I'm sure next week will have a lot to write about. Talk to you later.

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Ground SHAKING

On Tuesday July 29th, 2008 I was working diligently in the office of The Urban Network when I felt a powerful push and tug on the walls of the building. Little did I know, we were going through a Earthquake that struck 5.4 on the rector scale. As the walls began to shake tremendously I fell to the ground under the desk with Munya. I know that's crazy but I was very shocked like, "What's going on?". That was my first Earthquake experience. In Detroit we get Tornado's and that's about it LOL. Praise God the Earthquake didn't cause any major damages to anyone or any business. This event was scary and fun at the same time. I know that sounds absurd but it's very true. It's just amazing feeling an actual worldly disaster that you learned about in school. Plate tectonic, see I learned something Rob, Historical Geology teacher for MSCM.

ZIMBABWE TO LA, AN INTERNATIONAL INTERN STORY SO FAR pt 3

Hey everyone,

I hope you guys are ready for yet another ride to my adventures here in LA, because I’m about to fill you in with another crazy journey. So sit back and relax and enjoy.

So about a month ago the fabulous BET awards were being held and so much great events were happening and every hot singer, rapper, music producer, managers, models, actors, actresses, and sportsmen, were in town and attending these awards for LA was the place to be at. Well I had the pleasure to attend the Keyshia Cole BET Awards Official after party at the Ritual Nightclub. This was such a great event and so much fun to be at, that I had my first red carpet experience with all the flashing lights on me and mingling with the stars and seeing celebrities such as Sean Kingston. This was a night to remember. Work had been pretty much the same that week and I had a lot going on for me. I was given the opportunity to transcribe the Common interview (which is in this month's magazine so check it out at wwww.urbannetwork.com) and an up coming artist known as HiPost. It was a lot of work but worthwhile knowing the new scoop on things.

That Friday I was invited to attend the G- Unit Listening party hosted by DJ Woo Kid at the Social Nightclub in Hollywood. This event was something unexpected and was packed with people and the whole G-Unit family representing, on behalf of G- Unit for they were touring in Canada, promoting their new album. After that I met up with the rest of the interns and some friends around UCLA and hung out hung out with them for the remainder of the night networking with other college students.

The next day, Joel, Nick and a friend of Nick's named Patrick who had come down from Texas to visit and I went, spent the day at St. Monica Beach and the pier. The day was just sunny warm a day of hanging out as a group of guys and having fun by the beach and cool out. We acted like real tourists and took pictures at every nice spot we can find, and I have to say I would probably be the blame of that. Hahahahahaha. We even road on the roller coaster and dragon swing don’t remember what the name of the ride was but it was decent. Later that day around 6 in the evening, I left the guys and met up with my friend Vivien who had invited me to attend with her a screening of a new HBO; show written and directed by Alan Ball (the writer for American Beauty) called True Blood. Vivien had been working on the set of this show and was part of the cast and members. The show is about the Southern Vampire Mysteries books by Charlaine Harris and its cast members are:

Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse,
Stephen Moyer as Bill Compton,
Alexander Skarsgård as Eric Northman
Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte
Ryan Kwanten as Sookie's brother Jason Stackhouse
Brook Kerr as Tara Thornton

And a few others that I cant quite remember. They only screened two episodes from the show which totally got me hooked on, that I do advise you all to keep an eye for the show when it airs on HBO this fall. After watching the show everyone from cast and crew members and invited guests gathered outside the lobby for drinks and snacks and have a chance to meet and socialize with some of the actors and actresses from the show. I had the opportunity to talk to some of them from Alan Ball, Stephen Moyer, who was quite an interesting man and thought I was British because of my accent to some of the producers from the movie The Fast And The Furious franchises, one of the producers of Deal Or No Deal and a few cast members of the TV show Lost. It was truly a great experience and a great time. After a while of mingling, Vivien and I headed back to St Monica to meet up with Joel, John and Patrick for a night out, along 3rd street. Good Times. The next day all fours us met again for lunch and watched the finals of the UEFA EURO CUP 2008, (for those who don’t know what that is, its the European soccer or should I say “football” cup) which was very an interesting game and congrats to Spain for wining it. After a good lunch we spent the rest of the day at Nick’s place and hung out and ended the night watching the movie Wanted.

That week work had been a bit busy, for it was coming to the end of the month and at this point in time everyone is trying round up the last bit of the magazine. But work ended on Thursday that week for the 4th of July weekend, so we had Friday off. That Thursday night Joel and I hung out with some friends that we had met in our apartment place in Hollywood and all I can say is what a night. Lol. The following day Joel invited me out to spend 4th of July with a friend of his from The Firm for a BBQ to chill out and have a good time. Vivien also ended up joining us as well later on that day, and it turned out to be a great night of celebrations. That Saturday Joel, a couple friends of ours and I spent the day by Redondo and Hermosa Beach. It was a really hot, sunny day and the beach was the place to be at. I spent most of time running around playing soccer and volleyball and taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean just to cool body down. That Sunday John and I went to spend the day with Tim and see what he was up to, but to our surprise Tim planned on took us to Malibu beach for the day. Malibu was a beautiful quiet and calm place and very different from the other beach’s I had been that weekend. Malibu was fun.

The following week on Friday Warren took us to Warner Brothers Records for business and to also meet with the Chairman of black music Mr. Kevin Black. Being at Warner Brothers was something so out of this world and could not believe it. This was definitely a moment I cold not imagine being in, and seeing myself walking in the halls of Warner Brothers Records meeting up with incredible people. It was truly a point in my life I could not for get about. Later that afternoon we went to a studio in Watts where we met a really talented producer named Stix. He had amazing songs that he had been working on he really had me blown away that I really have an ambition to work with him one of these days. That Saturday I spent the day mostly at home relaxing but later on that night Joel and I met up with a few friend of ours and did the whole dinner, then a movie thing, which Larry later joined us on, to watch Hellboy, which I thought was a good movie.

The following weekend was the weekend that a lot of people had been waiting for all summer, the premier of the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”. I have to say this was on of the most anticipated movie of the year to come out and let me repeat myself and say that it was worth the wait and the money to watch this movie. If you have not seen this movie yet go and watch out now.

This last week has been quite a hectic week with work and the few things that had to be done, but Maurice and I we were able to get the job done and get most of the work done. During the weekend our apartment complex had a party and BBQ by the main pool with free food and drinks and a chance for all residents to interact with each other. This was really fun and Larry Joel Maurice and I attend the event and hung out with everyone. It was a good time everyone to have a great time to meet new people that live around us. Joel and I hung out that with a few friends that we had met that afternoon, down by the Marina for dinner and drinks and just get to know new people and friends.

Well in closing I would like to say this; Being at The Urban Network and this internship has made me realize what a great opportunity we have to be out here in LA and gaining an experience of a life time in the fields that we want to be in. I personally have learnt so much about this music industry that you really have to work so hard for what you want and be able to take every opportunity that you have and take advantage of it, for Napoleon Hill once quoted “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” So never turn away from an opportunity. It can change your life.

To Live and/or Die in L.A.

Since what happens in Los Angeles, definitely does not stay in Los Angeles, I will assume a few of you have heard parts of my summer story and I will attempt to fill in the blanks. For the rest of you, just follow along. This should still make sense... Kind of.

I started my summer at Crash Mansion in downtown Los Angeles where McNally alumni Conall Walsh was my mentor. This guy is one of a kind. I really hope you are lucky enough to meet him someday.

Then, very shortly after I celebrated the organization I work with back home being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, I survived being robbed at gunpoint. In broad daylight. At 2PM. On a busy street. How is that for peace? Ironic right? I changed internships twice, experienced all the challenges of entering into a new work environment (3 times), and all the while maintained 70 hour work weeks. 50 at the internship and 20 at the "day job" (I'll explain below).

The “day job”, for lack of a better term, is as a consultant for the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Youthrive. They are the upper midwest affiliates for PeaceJam International, an organization that works to connect young people with Nobel Peace Prize Laureates like the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and President Oscar Arias. For my job, I am working on the 2nd edition of a CD (Zero Element) project that utilizes credible Hip Hop music as a tool for bringing the ideas of peace to young people. I'm basically using the appeal of music and art to get kids to acknowledge the cryptic messages of peace woven into the fabric of Hip Hop culture since the art form began. To claim that message as their own, and encourage them to begin breaking away from the commodified garbage being sold to them at their own detriment. Through my work at Youthrive, I was also able to work with the Cesar Chavez Foundation (East L.A.) during their Los Angeles PeaceJam event and travel back to MN for a week to work on the POWER Summit with the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Paul. I have been busy. The real kind of busy. A kind of busy I did not know existed prior to this summer. Really.

Next I went to The Firm in Beverly Hills. My mentor there was Tony Ross. As the office manager he is responsible for SO many people. The office there spans two floors and is pretty big, which means he has to deal with every individual and every individual’s set of problems. I have learned a lot about how to conduct business under pressure from watching him. He makes it look easy but I still wonder to myself if I could do what he does. I didn’t get the impression that The Firm interns are generally that “highly cut-throat type” of competitive, but by the time I got there, Jon & Joel had set the bar VERY high for other interns like myself to follow. Don't get me wrong. I have always given 110% to my internships but we worked HARD. And work hard at a constant rate. There was literally NO DOWN TIME when I was there. None. I made so many runs some days that I still have the blisters on my feet now to prove it. I even estimated one week that I was walking an average of 7-8 miles per day. This was by no means a “requirement”. It was out choice. There were a few interns that put their energy into other areas, but when runs were needed, Jon, Joel, and I stepped up every time. This was our choice. They set the example and I followed suit. And it paid off.

In fact this summer I beat my original record of being offered a job within the first 21 days of an internship by 1 whole week. But not at The Firm... At my 3rd internship, a mobile marketing company called GridMob, where I was offered a promotion to a paid position after only 2 weeks.

You’ll have to wait until the next blog to hear about my most recent internship with GridMob. But I’ll say this... It involves BMW’s moving at high rates of speed through Beverly Hills, massive amounts of cigarettes and second hand smoke, 3 carnivorous fish, one little dog named Henry, and me (a young Mexican kid with only my gift of gab) talking a professional locksmith into breaking down the doors of a stranger’s mansion on Paris Hilton’s street. And yes... It was all legal. But so much fun it probably should not have been.

Oh yeah, and not that you would care anyways but I will be deciding whether or not I stay in L.A., or come back to MN very soon.

Stay posted!

PEACE. PEACE.

LL
LarryLucio.com

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Time Is Drawing Nigh

As the end of my internship approaches, the busier it gets. The marketing and branding department that I'm apart of at The Urban Network started a marketing campaign for the company, as well as the forthcoming conference in Houston, TX this September 24th through the 27th, 2008. I've been responsible for overseeing the marketing campaign. Last week I finished editing the EMI promo video for their artists that performed at The Urban Network last conference in March. Before the EMI, I edited SESAC's promo video clip also. You can watch these videos at www.youtube.com/urbannetwork or www.theurbannetwork.blogspot.com. This week is no different with no exceptions when it comes to getting things completed before I leave. I'm currently working on another video as I write this blog. It's funny because I'm learning things on both sides of the spectrum. One side is the knowledge I desired to seek while being out here in California and the other side is exercise and experience I'm getting from editing these videos. Plus I'm working with someone else footage that makes work more challenging. I'm going out with a BANG, mark my words!

On another note, living at the Meadows have been great. Since moving in the Meadows in May, the business admin has prepared two (2) full blown out cater style food for all the residents. I love it here! Below are some of the pics taken from the event Saturday July 26, 2008.

Christina- Soup Bowl- Minneapolis

So this week went by pretty fast considering it was finals week at school. But as always Soup Bowl was entertaining.

This week I had to post comments Soup Bowl and The Z-MO Trio about the school showcase at the Acadia cafe this past Wednesday. I did that all day Tuesday, Soup Bowl and The Z-MO Trio have tons of friends that I had to search through just to find the ones from the Twin Cities, but it was a good time. Wednesday I didn't have to come in early to school for internship the only thing I had to do that day was go to the Acadia school showcase, which I did. Everyone did a fantastic job, the music was great and the food was great also. I had a fun time and it was awesome to see fellow students come out and support each other. Though I left a bit early so I didn't get to see the last two bands that were suppose to play, but I'm sure I'll end up seeing them sometime soon here.

That was all that my week consisted of. It's been a great time at Soup Bowl, some good memories and new information that will be really helpful later in life.
Christina

Unai Bolivar - 93X Rocks! - Production - Twin Cities

Hey guys & girls!

For some reason my recent posts haven't been showing and I didn't realize it until now, but I will include all information about the past weeks in this one and will be as thorough in my explanations about my internship with 93X as I can! First off, a review of the past two weeks!

On the first post that didn't show I wanted to tell you guys that it was the first time Patrick allowed me to record him for a commercial and edit it all on my own! I guess he saw he could trust me and that my ability was up-to-par with what he needed so he let me do the entire process; from recording, to editing, to saving on all systems and make it radio-ready! I learned how to operate the EncoDAD, Audicy, and Dalet hardware/software properly and have been looking over Patrick's shoulder every time I could to see if I could learn a new trick or two!

The week after that we had finally talked extensively about beginning the "Ask The Expert" segment for the Loud & Local show. This segment allows people who tune to 93X to email their curiosities regarding ANY aspect of the music industry. The question can range from how to get a certain guitar sound to how to put together a good media package or presentation! Every week a question would be addressed, an answer recorded fro the mouth of one of our local experts at McNally Smith (our gracious Department heads were the ones followed around the most) and aired on the Loud & Local spot. We set everything up to start the following week. We planned out the name of the segment [McNally Smith College of Music's Ask The Expert], the time it would air in [before the 'Goodbye' segment of Loud & Local], a music intro and bed were made, and a set up of how we would go about getting the media [we settled on having me record the teachers at school using a good quality field recorder and then making the recording radio-ready].

The week following that we aired our first Ask The Expert segment. The official debut was by the head of the music business department: Dave Olsen. He talked about how to copyright and protect your material if you are into composing songs and creating ideas. Keeping your ideas protected is extremely important as you never know who might end up using something you did for money, and you want to make sure that either: A. that doesn't happen; at least not behind your back. Or B. That you are handsomely rewarded for your work.

This week we aired the second segment of McNally Smith's Ask The Expert. This time we had Judy Donaghy talk to us about how to keep your body and voice healthy in the case that you are a rock singer who either practices a lot or gigs or just demands that much from their voice. She described tips for keeping the voice clear and throat unharmed. This is something that I think hit the spot with 93X Rocks' listeners as a lot of them are avid rock singers or know someone who is and will consequently come back to listen to more advice from our resident experts!

Since this was my last week at my internship. I decided I would take the time to show you guys that in most jobs [especially in the music industry] it's not all stress and deadlines. I took some pictures of things that I thought were cool and were a part of what not only 93X means or is, but also who the people that work there are.

First off, the atmosphere is very relaxed at 93 X and the adjacent radio stations.
One quirky thing about the place that says a lot is: there is a radio tuner in the bathroom. Yep..two knobs: one for volume and one to pick the station. It's great..you can listen to anything you want in the bathroom. Another thing was there are toys everywhere! Doug's office [the 'big dog' at 93X Rocks!] is covered in collectibles! Not to mention there is a Toshiba scooter/cooler in Patrick's office and regular scooters spread throughout the facility, for ease of transportation obviously. Every one's mood at 93X is always cheerful and it was a pleasure to work along side them!

Now that my internship has come to an end I realized that I wasn't going to let them high and dry with out any support from the school. So I took the liberty to make a batch of Ask The Expert segments which I will email to Patrick so he can air.

I am very happy with my experience at 93X and my first internship. Patrick and all of the guys and girls at 93 X are AWESOME. They're all funny, quirky, unique, great conversationalists, and they are always willing to help!

I would like to take this opportunity and thank everyone involved in this project and everyone I met! I want to thank Patrick for being such a good boss and great friend over all; I want to thank Doug and Rudy and the rest of the guys and girls from 93X whom I had the pleasure of talking to and growing with; I want to thank Bryan Forrester for giving me this great opportunity and trusting me with the Ask The Expert segment. It means a lot to me when a teacher endows me with the same trust and responsibilities as an equal. I want to thank Sarha Paterson for helping me out along the entire time! Even though it's your job you did it with a good heart all the time and a great spirit! I want to thank Debbie for cheering me on and being such a sweetheart! All of you guys helped make this experience ten times better than anything I was anticipating!

I will see you all next semester.

Best wishes,

Unai J Bolivar Uriarte

Evan Gundlach, music buisness, universal, twin citys

I can’t believe how fast the time is flying by, its feels like the summer just started. This week I got to do something a little different and it was pretty cool. Some one at the LA office had a database about single songs being played on shows and tracking the CD sales after. I didn’t know it but we had one of these data bases as well but we had only 100 songs in it compared to 600 in the other one. For most of this week I have been combining the 2 data bases and adding more in depth information about the artist and albums. The music meeting on Friday was really long and we got to watch new videos from ill Wayne and listen to a newly signed artist, Hollywood undead. I also just got tickets to go see the warped tour and I've never been before so I'm pretty e1xcited to go to that. Well ill talk to you guys next week!

Langen- Soup Bowl- Minneapolis

Same old same old this week at soup bowl. It was full of booking and chocolate ice cream.

I'm still working on the Dingus tour and am getting a lot of responses back but all of them are asking me to look for some locals which is almost harder than actually booking the shows. It's extremely frustrating to look for bands. Myspace changes some of the ways you can search for bands and it's becoming more and more difficult to use Myspace as a resource for bands. I have started to use Purevolume but I consider it a bit out of date and I know I'm missing out on many new bands that don't have a purevolume.

Even though the semester is done, I will keep on working on this tour along with various other ones.

Peace,

Langen

Cole Hendricks - Recording Technology - Studio Atlantis - Los Angeles

Hey everyone,

Not much new lately. Just been working alot of hours at the House of Blues. I am enjoying myself so much at the job. I have been blessed to be able to work with some of the top music artists this summer while working there.

I'm finishing up my internship at Studio Atlantis very soon. I've been golfing alot in my spare time trying to always improve where needed. I am happy to be out here enjoying my job at House of Blues and enjoying the weather and people.

Evan Gundlach, Music business, universal distribution, Twin Cities

The summer seems to be just flying by. This week went by really quick although I had a pretty bad beginning. I had a slight case of pink eye but I caught it early on so I got rid of it pretty quick. I couldn’t go to universal on Tuesday since I might be contagious but by Thursday I was ok to go. On Thursday I found out that someone in California was making an artist appearance data place like the one we were working on. They sent it over so we now have a big list of shows that we might have missed. So this week I’ve been going through the other data base and adding a lot more titles to the data base. This new data base also has up coming shows so now as the shows happen we will be able to track if there is a lift in album sales. Friday we had another music meeting and watched a ton of new music videos. We heard some songs off the new Nelly cd that comes out this fall which was pretty cool. I also got the new beck and weezer albums which I was pretty excited about. Well hoping I stay healthy and can go for a full week this week until then ill talk to you later.

Traci @ Key Club, LA-- Music Business: Where do I begin...?

Hey all!

So last week was crazy busy and by Tuesday it already felt like it should be Friday.  I don't even know how much I can remember, but I will try... for you.  

Monday was kind of slow at work, but I got to meet up with a good friend of Charley and Debbie's, Nancy Leiviska, who works across the street at Cube Vision in the 9000 building.  We took a midday stroll through a residential area near Sunset and chatted about our backgrounds a bit while trying to find Sammy Davis Jr's ex-wife's house (Nancy used to work with Sammy when she first got started with music).  We had so much fun we are made plans to make it a frequent thing, taking  walks when I get done in the afternoon.  

Tuesday was a little busier at work.  We had our Marketing Meeting a day earlier because Jerry Pressman, the club owner came in.  Then work resumed as usual.  I can't even remember what all I worked on, just that I stayed busy.  

Wednesday, more work (I enjoyed being busy this week, don't get me wrong... I just can't talk about some of the things I worked on because it involved a little espionage...).  Left at my normal time but was invited back to join in the red-carpet event of the evening.  Oooh.. Fancy!  We hosted  a charity event for The David Lynch Foundation including a silent auction and some bands.  I had a wild time trying to find a "date" last minute, but I pulled it off and managed to make myself look fabulous in 30 minutes in order to make my appearance for the night.  There were some indie film stars (no, not Indiana Jones... I got that a lot this week), although I really can't even remember their names... I recognized their faces but couldn't tell you anymore than that.  We didn't stay very long, but it was a great time while we were there.  

Thursday I did some follow-up for our Rock for MS event coming up on Wednesday with local art galleries that were invited.  I had made a database of the galleries and email invitations because the event features a rock & roll photographers and their work up for display and as part of another silent auction.  I have seen some of the photos and they are amazing, and include the iconic photo of Bob Dylan with the tire (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should look it up.  Great photo).  

Friday was a casual day and was pretty laid back.  I finished up with the few galleries left to contact and did a little PR, but it was a pretty slow day.  The bus took a really long time to get back to Culver due to traffic, so after that I slipped into a pretty lazy night.  It was pretty refreshing actually after the crazy week I had.  

Saturday, Tim Bjorkman came over for a BBQ and relaxing catch-up session since we have been trying to schedule time to hang out, but due to the sometimes last-minute-opportunity style of the music business usually got changed around.  mmm...BBQ and sunshine...  Then he had to go and help out an artist friend/client of his for a performance and I boogied over to an Alumni house-warming party with John.  We had a lot of fun catching-up with our peers and hearing about their recent adventures.  The next soiree will be an afternoon pool-side at the Meadows.  

Today was a wind-down/gear-up day for the upcoming week.  I usually like to take Sundays to decompress and prepare myself for what's to come since one usually doesn't know what that will be and it is important to be able to take things as they come with as much energy as possible.  Positivity is the name of the game and we always need to steal away time to debunk.  

Oh, also, in there somewhere I spoke with a songwriter in OC about recording at least one song in the near future... looks like I may be able to fulfill my deal with Charley after all... :)

I hope you all have a great week and we'll chat soon! 

Peace,

Traci

Nick Garrison - Alan Ett Music Group - Los Angeles

So this past week I was put in charge of a another project.  With the program File Maker, Max, the computer guy, added a new version for cd descriptions. I have been updating their database all week.  It has been a lot of computer, but it's been good.

One of the breaks from that routine I had was getting to sit in with another mixer. He was working on a show for a series that hasn't been aired yet. I was allowed to sit in with him and watch him mix the whole show. The attention to detail is amazing. So much work goes in to shows that I didn't even notice, but if what they did wasn't there, you would know something was missing.

It was a good week. 

Oh, and if you haven't seen it, you should check out "Dark Knight".  Alan Ett did some work on that movie. It's crazy to be working for a place that is doing such big things.

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Get Out!

This weekend I was able to observe more of California beautiful locations. My girl and I went to California Pizza Kitchen in Santa Monica. Before we actually went to the restaurant, someone was subconsciously raining on our parade by saying, “California Pizza Kitchen is cool but its very motif because you can buy everything they sell anywhere else”. Motif Huh! Dude who cares, we never been LOL. My perception of California Pizza Kitchen was this simple little spot that served pizza but when we arrived, that perception was promptly changed. It was a full dine in restaurant that was packed with people ordering. We waited approximately five (5) minutes before we were actually led to our table. The atmosphere of this place was amazing. I really enjoyed the feeling of being there. Some places just give off this good vibe and California Pizza Kitchen is one of them. We tried the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza that was cool but it didn’t give the feeling of wanting to buy it again. After the meal we decided to head to Santa Monica Pier which was right up the street on Ocean. We walked on the beach glazing at the Pacific Ocean while the children voices on the rides acted as background music for that specific scene LOL. Driving around Malibu was fun as well looking at different shops and homes.

I visited the Studio City and more of Beverly Hills. It was very intriguing being up there in the hills. I was just thinking how in Cali it’s two different worlds. You have those people that live in pits of the city that never seen Hollywood and they live in California. Also, you have those people that live on top of those hills that don’t realize the pits of the city exist. I guess we can call it the haves and have not’s. I’m glad I’ve been exposed to both because it one of those things that help balances you as a person. No too longer ago I was in Watts doing some film work for Flawless in the studio. This internship has been very beneficial to me on the business side and as a person. I can’t complain. It’s been too good!

The White Stallion

Hey there again, another week at Soup Bowl Records done with. This week I could say was a bit more productive, yeah that's a good word for this week.

Well on Tuesday I had to go through all of Ryan's venues for each state and put them in an excel document with the name, address, contact, phone number and all that good stuff. It was a fun time, I didn't mind doing it. Ryan wanted to do a video update for Soup Bowl but no one wanted to talk except for me, but in the end we didn't do it. It would have been fun though. After I had finished up a state for Ryan he showed me how to update the Soup Bowl website, which was fun. I like to use html stuff, I do a lot of it with my myspace and what not. I got to update the website and post a little blog about what is new with Soup Bowl, which is just The New Monarchs joining us.

On Wednesday I had to type up an Management Agreement for five or so artist, that was cool. I love reading that stuff and looking at what they agree to. After typing that and printing it all out, I had to go to class but after class I had to start looking up some more music blogs. We need more electronic music blogs for The New Monarchs since they are more that genre and all the other music blogs we have are rock oriented.

That was what my week consisted of and I'm sure this week will be jammed pack with more blogs and venues. But till then,
Christina

Langen- Soup Bowl- Minneapolis

This week was another thrilling week at Soup Bowl Records. Okay, so I'm lying, but it wasn't that bad.

It was another week full of booking. I'm still working on some Now, Now Every Children tour which is not going well. Apparently the band is getting mad that the dates are filled and a few had to be cancelled due to the venue. I wish they knew just how much work all of this really is. I hate how some bands take booking agents for granted. I've also run across this with my own company and it's really frustrating. I would rather work with bands that have tried to book their own tours before because then they know just how hard it is to book tours and to get everything going.

Ryan is letting me work on a whole new tour. It's for the band Dingus (www.myspace.com/dinguspunk) and it's in October which gives me plenty of time. I feel like this tour is more on me than the last ones because I will get everything finished with the venue. Before now I would send out the e-mails asking if the band could play and then once I got a positive response Ryan would kind of take over. This time it's all me which is exciting but extremely stressful. 

Well, that's all for now

Until next week...

Peace,

Langen

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business -The Unreachable Becomes Reachable, The Unavailable Becomes Available...

What’s going on readers and supporters? You know when I deliver I give you something good every time. In that case, right now I’m giving you food for thought and it’s on you if you do the dishes. Last Friday on July 11th, 2008, I hoped out the car walking to Warner Bros. Records. As I’m walking, I’m briefly able see some of the background sets for the attracting tourists. As We (Flawless, Munya, Jason, and I) walked through the doors all you see is a long desk in the front with a couple of a Sreceptions and receptionist. There were two (2) sets of soft leather sofas and chairs sitting on white shag like carpet on both sides of the waiting room. The carpet was so soft I wanted to take off my Rockports (they’re comfortable) Lol. It’s funny because they (Warner Bros.) have these funky seventies (70’s) televisions on playing videos. While waiting on Kevin Black, the Office of The Chairman of Warner Bros, I just happen to look up at the entrance door viewing the Warner Bros, Reprise, Sire, Warner Nashville, and Nonesuch Records logos on the door. Here is a Brief history of Reprise Records. The label was started by Frank Sinatra and later sold to Warner Bros. with the help of Mo Austin, Frank’s accountant. (Back to the story) We were greeted by Kevin Black intern and then lead down the hall, through a door, down some stairs, through a door outside to another door that was the vicinity of Kevin’s office. After meeting with Kevin’s assistant, we waited in his office for him to come in. This was enough time for me to assimilate being at Warner Bros.. WHAT A DISTANCE I CAME!!!

I say that for this reason. Growing up in Detroit, MI isn’t the brightest city for seeking refuge through your dreams because your dreams are tainted by other people mess ups and the depression that’s giving off by others and so much other crap. If you’re in an environment like that, please believe that there is a brighter day but you must have faith that there is. Coming out to California and being exposed to these nice places and nice things has really open my eye’s allowing me to see that you can really have what it is you desire. A year ago I was in my mother’s basement praying to see nineteen because of what was going on outside of my home. Now I’m walking on top of the hills in Malibu looking over the Pacific Ocean. On the roof top of a beautiful hotel that overlook Hollywood. Dude I WAS IN HOLLYWOOD, MAN! Only with the help of God that this is possible but you must also work towards your dreams and goals as well. I know I haven’t “made” it yet, but I do know I’m not that far from achieving it. I look at situations like, “The cup is half way full not half way empty”. Continue to work and work and I promise you your rewards will be revealed to you. “The unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable becomes available…” (Stacy Charter).