It STARTS!!!

Hey ya'll....

Sorry it's taken me so long to start blogging but I've not only been extremely busy, but I just couldn't figure out how to log on to this thing.  But now that I've figured it out, here we go!   This experience has been amazing and I am only a few weeks into it.  For the first week, I started off in the office, (doing paper work) working with Rowdy Records Production Manager/A & R, Kim Smith. On my first day working there, she asked me if I had any music she wanted me to look at and shop and I said (Excuse My Excitement)," HELL YEAH!  Right after that, I stepped out of the room and nearly ran into Dallas Austin himself.  He laughed and then Kim introduced us.  I nearly fainted (not really, but it felt like it).  Working under the A & R for the first week taught me A LOT!.  For all of you who don't think they even bother listening to your songs........ THEY DO!  And for those of you who don't think presentation matters..... IT DOES!  I can't tell you how many CD's I threw away just because the handwriting was sloppy.  Buuuuuuut N E WAY, on to the good stuff.

  The following week, I started working in the studio.  I started off cleaning and getting food (the usual intern stuff), but now, they allow me to sit in sessions and even engineer some.   Don't get me wrong, I still clean.  But now, I've figured how to get my duties done so that when it's time for a session, I've done all my work.  

This past week, Dallas Austin had a show in Atlanta (he's coming out with an album) and it was phenomenal. I mean this is the kind of thing that nobody has ever seen before.  It is so innovative that the stuff that goes on in music now seems about 30 years behind.  It's incredible.  I wish I could spill more beans but we're sworn to secrecy at DARP. 

Well, I'm beyond tired and I haven't been able to practice much so I figure right now would be a good time to practice, and then sleep.  And oh yeah, This Georgia heat, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like until today.  Can we say 90 degrees and it's not even summer yet.  WHEEEW!

 

Maurice Champion - Urban Network (Los Angels) - Music Business - Fresh Off the Plane

It's funny because the day that my plan was taking off I still went to work and worked the whole day (9 am -5pm). So may say that's impressive, others may call it stupid, but I call it taking care of business so things are straight for the next four (4) months while I'm gone.I made my way to the airport. I checked in and just waited until it was time to board my plane and ready for take off at 10:00pm. The flight was cool even though I slept the whole way LOL. The ride was approximately four (4) hours, so I landed in Cali, LAX, around 11:30 (you have to remember Cali is a three (3) hours time difference from the east coast). I hoped of the plane and made my to baggae claim and I saw the Black Ranger Zach, from the first Power Rangers LOL. C'mon you remember Zach, he use to break dance. He was looking a little dusty, run down, ragedy (I guess that Power Ranger money ran out). I felt fresher than him and all I had on was a hoody, some jeans, and some boots nothing fancy. I think it was him but IDK because Cali is filled with look a likes LOL. I found my bag and I went outside to wait on my ride to take me to the place where I'll be staying in LA.I finally arrived in my apartments and was greeted by my roomates, that I knew from school (they're interning also). I unpacked and went to sleep because I had to be at The Urban Network in four (4) hours.I woke up the next morning ready for my big day at the office. While waking into The Urban Network I was greeted by Miller London (CEO/President of Urban Network) with a firm hand shake and a welcom to LA. Now quick history lesson, Miller London was a very young man when he went to work for Berry Gordy at Motown Records in 1969. VP of Sales and Marketing for a very long 21 years. Then he just bought the Urban Network.....Rewind HE BOUGHT THE URBAN NETWORK...YES SIR.I finally got situated in the office and started working right off the back calling radio stations and creating radio contact spreadsheets. That same day these two cats named Rock City (they also go by R City), who is sign to Akon label Konvict, came through the office and had a meeting with Miller London and others in the office. Rock City was playing tracks that have written for artist and playing music from their album. One of the many songs they wrote was Mario's "Music for Love". They also did "Get Low" with Beanie Sigel. Rock City has worked Akon, Usher, Leona Lewis and that's just to name a few.It was nerve wacking feeling while Rock City was in the office being interview because I wanted that to be in their position but instead I was making phone calls, but I realized that I was actually on the grind pavening the way so I can be doing the same thing as Rock City, making music and living out my dream. At the end, my first day was a great day and I'm enjoying LA

The Adventures of Joe Weum cont.

Happy Memorial Day all! Things continue to go great here in Pasadena. I am really liking the area more and more each day. DMI continues to go well as I learn more and more each day about this digital music company and how it really is the wave of the future. Everyone continues to be so nice and helpful to me which is very encouraging. Lately I have been helping out with reprogramming the chips they send out to their clients which is pretty important in the whole process of what they do. To all recording technology students: Get very good at editing in Pro Tools because it goes a very long way out here and most likely where ever you will end up as well. Weather hasnt been to great here but still having lots of fun going to new places and meeting new people. Take care Minnesota.

Joe

P.S. All these Dodgers games make me miss my Twins.

Reporting Live and Direct from Califas

Greetings from the city of Angels.

My name is Larry Lucio, Jr. I am currently completing my Bachelors Degree in Music Business from McNally Smith College of Music.

I will be maintaining a Weblog here, a Photoblog via Flickr, a Video Blog via YouTube, and a mobile blog via Twitter. I am still generating content worth looking at but here are approximately 100 pictures from my first week on the job.

Below is a link to some pictures of the following...

Adventures in Los Angeles Photo Stream

* Crash Mansion L.A.
* Culver City, CA
* Downtown L.A.
* LAX (Airport)
* McNally Smith
* The Meadows (Our Apt.)
* T.B.I. 2006 Sites (Tunnel Builders Institute)
* Travel (Driving, Flying, Walking, etc.)
* Wild Life (Possums stalk our patio)

A sincere thank you for the time you spent absorbing my content,

Larry

What a couple of weeks.

Jon Johnson again, and what a first couple of weeks this has been in LA. So far, my experience at The Firm has been great. Everyone is nice, and it's generally a pretty laid back environment, which is completely different from what I expected coming into this internship.

Generally, Coop and I do the same tasks everyday at The Firm, but sometimes we're given special jobs. During my first week, I was able to cover for an assistant, which interns usually aren't able to do during their first week. That was definitely an interesting experience, receiving calls from people you've actually seen on TV.

My second week, which we've just wrapped up, has been just as fun and interesting as the first. I've gotten to meet several of the managers, and have gotten to know several of the assistants very well. Not only that, but I got free stuff, and free stuff is always great. Especially when one of the free things is a pair of Christian Audigier jeans. Which I got just by doing a routine mail sweep around the office, and being at the right place at the right time.


Later in the week, Coop and I had to go on a run to get food for Snoop Dogg. I don't think either of us had run so fast to get food in our lives, but the chance to see Snoop was good motivation. I wasn't able to meet him, but seeing him was pretty surreal.

What a couple of weeks it's been in LA. I can only hope the next months will be just as fun.

Welcome to the Jungle... (part 2)

... Last time... Let me tell you... you have experienced nothing until you have ridden an outdoor escalator.  Ok, well maybe there are some cooler things, like when Charley took me over to venice beach and I got to stick my toes in the ocean and get run past by a training football team... or seeing a film crew set up and film a scene from the Notorious BIG biopic... or walking down the street for lunch and passing by a film crew for The Girls Next Door and looking over to see Holly (one of Hef's girlfriends)... well, you get the point.  

I guess by now you see that I am truly having a one-of-a-kind experience out here so far.  While for now my main focus is settling into my internship (which is going great, I couldn't ask for nicer people to work with), I can only imagine what the rest of the summer will bring.  Friendships are already blossoming, with, I'm sure, more to come as we spend more time with the Alumni and start making contacts, and puzzle pieces are snapping into place, and adventures are being had.  Plus the (almost) perpetual sunshine is amazing.  I can't wait to see what the next 2 1/2 months have in store.  

Happy adventures, all.

~Traci

HOME SWEET HOME!

Whats going on everyone? I just finished my 2nd week at Alan Ett Music Group. It was a slow first week, but this week was definetely better! The best thing so far was that I got to sit in on a spotting session and an editing session for the Modern Marvels episode on lead. Alan Ett Music Group and Opus 1 provide music for a number of well know networks. Such as, The Discovery Channel, History Channel, NBC and so on! The music editors down here are amazingly fast! Nothing like back home. I love California living though! Sunny all the time, warm, and the ocean is only minutes away! I moved down here with my girlfriend and we both have decided that we will be staying down here for good. I am all done with my classes at McNally Smith so school will not be an issue! If you want to work in the music/entertainment industry this is where it's at. Well thats all I have for now.

~ADIOS~

KM

Welcome to the Jungle... (part 1)

... concrete jungle, that is.  Well, I am a naughty girl and forgot to post last week, so this will be one of two, in case you were thrown off by the title.  But in true Hollywood fashion, I am going to leave you hanging in suspense until tomorrow for part 2.  

Part 1: My First Week

The first week at Key Club was great.  A slow start at first, with a great finish.  I am handling a few different projects, including making sure the current acts are on the Jumbotron (big flashing TV screens that advertise for us as well as others) outside of the club.  This was my biggest accomplishment for the week, believe it or not it is a pretty big responsibility to be handed in the first week.  I also got to search for press clippings for the club as well as some of the bigger events we've had, which turned out to be a lot of fun because it gives me some back story to some of the great shows we've hosted.  

It is hard to believe that a little over a month ago, I was barely aware of the Key Club's existence... as far as I knew, it was an exclusive honor society that my sister applied to in high school (lame, I know... not my sister, my lack of knowledge).  But now I am working for a club that is so notable that my very first day, there was a photo shoot outside the club for JVC car stereos featuring our weekly, Monday night band, Steel Panther (formerly Metal Skool), to be run in Spin Magazine.  That quickly enlightened me as to just how important this club is.

We explored just a little, enough to have seen the outdoor mall that is within (long) walking distance of the apartments.  Let me tell you.....   To Be Continued....  (don't you just hate that?!)

~Traci

The Adventures of Joe Weum

Whats up Minnesota. My name is Joe Weum and I just moved out to Pasadena CA. for an internship through McNally Smith where I graduated with a Recording Technology Degree. Debbie Sandridge and Sarah Peterson of the Career Center worked with me while at school to get an internship at DMI Worldwide in lovely Old Town Pasadena. I am working for a company owned by DMI called Private Label Radio. We specialize in custom in-store playlists for local and national companies around the US. We also partner with record labels to promote bands at many movie theaters across the Us as well. My first week was very fun where I began to learn how the company works as well as meet all of my very nice and helpful co-workers. My week consists of working Monday through friday and on the weekends I get a chance to explore socal and see what this place has to offer. This weekend I was in Venice Beach which is a very fun beach in Santa Monica. I will continue to post of my progression at DMI as well as my adventures. Take care Minnesota!

Joe Weum

Week One Done.

I'm glad no one else had that title because it rhymed and I thought is was clever...

Anyways, the first week at Alan Ett has been great. I have learned a lot about royalty information and how deals are split up between multiple publishers.
Earlier this week, Kyle and I were allowed to sit in on a spotting session where music was picked for a show that will air on television. After that, we were allowed to watch the editing session where the music was edited to fit the show.

This first week has been great, tiring, but great. L.A. has been a different experience, but I am happy to say that even though each work day leaves me exhausted, I am excited at what I will continue to learn.

I hope all is well with you.

Nick

Cole Hendricks

I am in-between my 3rd and 4th semester at McNally Smith College of Music where I am pursuing a A.A.S. Degree in Recording Technology with an emphasis on audio engineering.  I decided that the best possible situation for me now was to put myself into a professional environment, so I decided to make the trip to Los Angeles and intern at Studio-Atlantis in Hollywood, CA.  Studio Atlantis is a top notch recording facility with a huge client list. 

I have been in LA since Sunday of last week and I think this place is perfect me.  I am able to work hard and meet a lot of people in the industry.  LA also brings a certain vibe that I think encourages people.   Israel took me around and showed me all around the west LA and I feel I have a great understanding of the area already.

On Tuesday, I met with the owner of Studio-Atlantis and got a tour of the facility.  I was very excited to get started to work for him.  The rest of the week I spent working out and getting to know more of Los Angeles.  I have been out in the city everyday whether just hanging out or walking around to check out the sites.

Today is Monday, I have been here now for a week and a day and I am very happy.  I started my internship today at Studio-Atlantis and it went great.  I will post more later when I get time!

Cole Hendricks

Audio Engineer / Producer

651-890-94507

colehendricks.com

Here We Go...

This is Nick Garrison checking in on the blog site. I guess this would be considered my third semester at McNally Smith. I am pursuing a Bachelor's in Music Business and currently I am pursuing that degree in Los Angeles. My internship is with Alan Ett Music Group and the companies associated with it. Needless to say, I am excited about being out here. These first few days have been great. There has been a lot of sleeping as I get adjusted and lots of driving around this crazy, big place.

As Joel posted, we had quite the adventure getting out here. Driving across the country in just over two days. We clocked in about 2200 miles. Good times.

Now as Monday gets closer, I am excited/a bit nervous about my internship. Since my acceptance to McNally Smith, many opportunites have headed my direction. Now, those opportunites have led me to Los Angeles.

Well, that's all for now. There will definitely be more to come. And if I figure it out, there may even be a few videos.

Take care,
Nick

LA - First Impressions

Hey, my name is Jon Johnson. Currently I'm a 4th semester business student. I came to LA to intern at The Firm, which is the largest and most powerful artist management firm you could ever find. I will start my internship on Monday.

I landed in LA on Wednesday night, and it's been a trip since I got here. The apartment buildings that most of us interns are staying at are extremely nice looking. The scenery (not just the trees, heheh) is beautiful. I wish I could show pictures, but I don't have a camera... yet.

So far me and the other interns have been checking out all that West LA has to offer. We saw sunset blvd, beverly hills, bel-air, and the UCLA campus, all of which are visually satisfying. Me and a few other interns also checked some fine dining by eating at In-N-Out Burger, as well as Fatburger. If you ask me, Fatburger is the better choice, but some might disagree.

Yesterday, Me and fellow intern Joel Cooper went to go check out the location of The Firm's building, which both of us are going to work at. The building is around 10 miles from our apartment, located in the middle of Beverly Hills, surrounded by expensive stores. It took us about 4 hours to reach the building, it would've only taken us about 2 hours, but we got lost a few times.

All-in-all it's been a fun week. I can't wait till I start this upcoming Monday at The Firm.

Hell-ooooooo LA!

Hey all!  Traci here.  I am a soon-to-be McNally Smith Graduate with an Associates of Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music Business.  But for now, I am a Summer intern sunny California...LA to be exact (its ok, you can be jealous).  I will be interning at the Key Club, a highly noted club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood (drooling yet?).  Now some fun stuff:

So, I've been here in lovely Los Angeles for a total of 3 1/2 days, and the surreal-ness is just barely wearing off.  Between myself and the other interns, who you will meet later, each day so far has been peppered with "dude, we live in LA."  We have explored into a few areas, mostly the Target, but also some fun things.  We went to Sunset Blvd for the alumni dinner (those of us that made it into town in time), which was a lot of fun.  Debbie and I made sure to take a few minutes to pop down to the Key Club so I could see my awe-inspiring internship venue in person.  

Another fun thing a bunch of us have decided to do is hit all the native burger joints and decided which is best.  Yesterday was the ever-famous In-n-Out Burger (yummy, but if you want to taste the meat, ordering a Double-Double is recommended.  Great Fries!) and today it seems that a few of the guys went to Fat Burger...I will have to catch up I guess.  

We are all so excited to start our internships Monday.  But then, you'll just have to wait and see....