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.