Promoters are often shady and take advantage of artists. I have pointed this out in several blogs on here. But not all promoters are snakes. Not all promoters want to screw the artists over. The one thing all promoters have in common is they invest their own money into booking shows. They have to pay for artist travel, hotel, riders, venue cost, ticket cost, promotional materials, and much more. This can be a very expensive venture and a promoter wanting to protect themselves so they do not continue to hemorrhage money hosting shows should be acceptable. At the same time not every artist is shady. They all don't want to get on shows for free, be allowed to not sell any tickets or get fans in the door, or have nothing invested in the shows they do. This blog is here to clear up my thoughts on show promotion and how in the end everyone can make money and be happy.
One of the most popular and shady promoter tactics is called Pay to Play. I recently started planning a
show here in Tucson and was accused of this tactic. So this blog is my response to this accusation and hopefully a better understanding of what the term means and why what I do is not pay to play.
The most simple explanation is this, paying to play is where artists pay the promoter a certain amount of money to secure a spot on the show. That money gets the artist nothing in return except a 10-20 min slot on the show. The artist gives the promoter the cash and gets no money in return. Quite simply they "Pay to Play." The biggest problem with this is that most promoter that do this do not care about the show. They only care about the money. They will book 10-15 openers at $150-200 per opener and essentially make their money off of the artist. They don't care about getting fans in the door or "Promoting" the show. To them their money is made off the openers. This leads to minimal crowds for the headliners and really poor performances. By doing this these promoters ruin tours and shows for everyone. All the benefits are on the promoters side.
Another tactic promoters use is having openers sell tickets to secure the spot. They will consign the openers a certain number of tickets (25-50 usually) and have them give them the money from the sales the day of the show. This is a perfect scenario for the artist. They get the tickets and are expected to sell them to secure the spot. There are three major problems with this. First all of the money from those sales is expected to be handed over to the promoter the day of the show. So the artist once again makes no money. It becomes a pay to play scenario which brings in fans by the artists hustling ticket instead of the promoter. These shows have a better turn out because of this but the artist is still without payment. The second problem is in the fact that the artists don't have to sell the tickets, they simply have to give the promoter the cash the day of the show. So this still allows for artists with minimal skills or hustle to get onto shows and not have to bring one person in the door. And finally if the artists do not sell tickets and show up with no money the promoter is really assed out and either has to let them perform or have a huge hole in their lineup. The benefits work more in the artists benefit here but still leave the financial benefit in the promoters hands.
The final way of promoting and booking a show is what I prefer. I ask the artists put a deposit on the tickets I ask them to sell. In this case I am asking the artist "buy" 25 tickets from me for $6 per ticket. This means when they pick up the tickets I receive $150. After they have the tickets they are allowed to sell them for $8 per ticket and keep all of the money from the sales, this is $200. So by selling the 25 tickets required they make $50 in the end. After the 25 tickets I sell them tickets at $4 per ticket and they sell them for $8 per ticket making $4 for every ticket they sell. So lets do some simple math:
Artist buys 25 tickets at $6 per ticket-I (promoter) get $150
They sell them for $8 per ticket- They (Artist) get $200. A $50 profit in their pocket.
Lets say they sell another 25. They purchase them from me for $4/ticket- I get another $100.
They sell those for $8/ticket. They get $200. Another $100 in profit.
So as you can see in this scenario I as the promoter am able to protect my investment in the show, the artists has a chance to make some good money with their hustle in ticket sales, and the fans are brought to the show because of the sales. This is the closest thing to a win-win in the business. The artist does take risk in the ticket deposit but that is mitigated when they sell the tickets. I as the promoter take a risk someone will "pay to play" and not bring anyone in the door but that is mitigated by the fact the artists have an opportunity to make money. I don't know anyone in their right mind knowing they can sell 25 tickets that wouldn't take the risk in the deposit to make $50 or more.
No situation is perfect and all can be abused. But I can promise any artist I work with an honest and fair deal that can be mutually beneficial. I can also promise that any artist on my shows that "pay to play" will never be asked to do any of my shows again. I am willing to give anyone a chance until they burn me. I want artists that are willing to put in as much effort as me in promoting, getting fans in the door, and putting on the best shows in Tucson.
We need to start being fair and helping each other make money. We need to get away from the me first attitude. The what are you going to do for me while I do nothing for you mentality. I would love to get your thoughts and opinions so feel free to let me know!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Wicked Butterfly Update!
So the past few months I have posted a lot of things on this blog but today I am here to give a little update on Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and what we have going on, so here we go:
Black Project officially has a demo out in the public space. It contains five tracks from our upcoming album and is pure fire! This demo has two collabs on it that are absolutely the best of the best. The first is "Lay my body to rest" it features both Bukshot (Underground Avengers, Mobstyle Records) and T-Razor (Underground Avengers). This track took us several months to get together but it is one of the best things we have ever done. The second collab is with a guy named Stacc Styles of Cultivate Creative Sound. It is called "Wrote this letter" and shows a softer more deep side of Black Project. The demo is rounded out by "Darkest Place", "Dig ya Grave", and "Never make it out". If you are in Tucson or Amarillo hit up our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Project/479855342036749?fref=ts leave a message and we will hook you up for just $5.
Black Project has two shows coming up on the nationwide "Eerly Birds Tour" with J Hornay & Cultivate Creative Sound. The first is in Albuquerque, NM on June 8 @ Blackwater. The second is in Tucson, AZ on June 12 @ The Rialto. These shows are not to be missed!
Finally Black Project has been steady in the studio finishing off more tracks for the "Highly Classified" Album. We are hoping to have at least 4 more tracks done before the Eerly Bird shows, if so you might just get to see them performed live at the shows.
I have been busy working on a lot of concerts and scheduling with Unstable Promotions. The big news is that July 7, 2013 former Strange Music artist Snug Brim is bringing his Arrogant Tour to Tucson, AZ! You heard that right the show is 8 pm at DV8 on July 7, 2013. It will be headlined by Snug Brim, Mr. Grey and Cultivate Creative Sound. Tickets are just $8 presale and $10 at the door. Cheap price for a great show and one that shouldn't be missed!
At the end of July Unstable artist Jigsaw is going to be in Tucson for a show. Details are still being worked out and I will give you an update as they get finalized.
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and West Coast Chill are teaming up to bring the new energy drink in a self cooling can into the market here in Tucson! This can is awesome, it cools the drink 30 degrees in just 3 minutes! We are also working on bringing West Coast Chill to the Gathering of the Juggalos so be on the lookout for that. If you don't know about this energy drink hit up www.westcoastchill.com and see what it is all about!
Finally it has been my pleasure to continue to do reviews for www.faygoluvers.net. Scottie D has kept putting his trust in me to give my honest straight forward opinion on the music he sends me and for that I am greatful. I have had the pleasure of hearing a wide variety of good, bad, horrible, and great music and hope to continue into the distant future.
With all that in mind here is my shout outs:
Scottie D- Much Love Homie. Thank you for the trust and confidence in me.
Randy Forester aka 806 Outlaw- Been a year man and I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished with Black Project.
Cecil Martinez aka Narkotix- The past year you havent made my job to easy but it has been an awesome ride. Keep you feet to the fire homie and lets get this CD out this year!
Stacc Styles- Thank you for the love, support, and trust you have place in me for the past few months. Your new solo album is going to be pure fire. Still wanna work that Heel Stacc "I'll pull your Bitch" album.
Crookyd- Road trips have been interesting to say the least! Been a great time with you and all the guys from CCS. Cant wait to get crackin on that solo project!
Bukshot- As one of the truest and most honest musicians I have ever worked with it is my pleasure to call you my friend. I will get you out here for a show and we will bring that Mobstyle to Tucson!
Mars- People love you and people hate you man. Been that way since day one. I consider you my friend and have truely enjoyed working with you and hope we can do more together in the future.
Kung Fu Vampire- What can I say man you are doing big fangs! No doubt you have earned everything you have gotten and have still managed to stay humble in this business. I proudly say you are my friend and I am always here to help out.
Mr. Grey- Hopefully the beginning of big things man! I have enjoyed your work and the times we have had to meet up or talk have been awesome. I am here if you ever need anything homie.
Steven Natale- As Black Projects Producer and main mixer you have been awesome. One of the best I have ever worked with and I definitely look forward to a long and hopefully prosperous future making hits!
Kristina (My Wife)- I would not be where I am without your support. You have been there since day one in this music business. I have made good decisions and bad decisions and you have always had my back. I have no doubt with you in my corner I can make it in this cut throat business. I love you and thank you for everything.
Thats it for this post. I know a lot of shout outs and love in this one. But I feel truely blessed to be where I am and doing the things I am doing. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog for more info on the album release and upcoming concerts.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus!
Black Project officially has a demo out in the public space. It contains five tracks from our upcoming album and is pure fire! This demo has two collabs on it that are absolutely the best of the best. The first is "Lay my body to rest" it features both Bukshot (Underground Avengers, Mobstyle Records) and T-Razor (Underground Avengers). This track took us several months to get together but it is one of the best things we have ever done. The second collab is with a guy named Stacc Styles of Cultivate Creative Sound. It is called "Wrote this letter" and shows a softer more deep side of Black Project. The demo is rounded out by "Darkest Place", "Dig ya Grave", and "Never make it out". If you are in Tucson or Amarillo hit up our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Project/479855342036749?fref=ts leave a message and we will hook you up for just $5.
Black Project has two shows coming up on the nationwide "Eerly Birds Tour" with J Hornay & Cultivate Creative Sound. The first is in Albuquerque, NM on June 8 @ Blackwater. The second is in Tucson, AZ on June 12 @ The Rialto. These shows are not to be missed!
Finally Black Project has been steady in the studio finishing off more tracks for the "Highly Classified" Album. We are hoping to have at least 4 more tracks done before the Eerly Bird shows, if so you might just get to see them performed live at the shows.
I have been busy working on a lot of concerts and scheduling with Unstable Promotions. The big news is that July 7, 2013 former Strange Music artist Snug Brim is bringing his Arrogant Tour to Tucson, AZ! You heard that right the show is 8 pm at DV8 on July 7, 2013. It will be headlined by Snug Brim, Mr. Grey and Cultivate Creative Sound. Tickets are just $8 presale and $10 at the door. Cheap price for a great show and one that shouldn't be missed!
At the end of July Unstable artist Jigsaw is going to be in Tucson for a show. Details are still being worked out and I will give you an update as they get finalized.
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and West Coast Chill are teaming up to bring the new energy drink in a self cooling can into the market here in Tucson! This can is awesome, it cools the drink 30 degrees in just 3 minutes! We are also working on bringing West Coast Chill to the Gathering of the Juggalos so be on the lookout for that. If you don't know about this energy drink hit up www.westcoastchill.com and see what it is all about!
Finally it has been my pleasure to continue to do reviews for www.faygoluvers.net. Scottie D has kept putting his trust in me to give my honest straight forward opinion on the music he sends me and for that I am greatful. I have had the pleasure of hearing a wide variety of good, bad, horrible, and great music and hope to continue into the distant future.
With all that in mind here is my shout outs:
Scottie D- Much Love Homie. Thank you for the trust and confidence in me.
Randy Forester aka 806 Outlaw- Been a year man and I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished with Black Project.
Cecil Martinez aka Narkotix- The past year you havent made my job to easy but it has been an awesome ride. Keep you feet to the fire homie and lets get this CD out this year!
Stacc Styles- Thank you for the love, support, and trust you have place in me for the past few months. Your new solo album is going to be pure fire. Still wanna work that Heel Stacc "I'll pull your Bitch" album.
Crookyd- Road trips have been interesting to say the least! Been a great time with you and all the guys from CCS. Cant wait to get crackin on that solo project!
Bukshot- As one of the truest and most honest musicians I have ever worked with it is my pleasure to call you my friend. I will get you out here for a show and we will bring that Mobstyle to Tucson!
Mars- People love you and people hate you man. Been that way since day one. I consider you my friend and have truely enjoyed working with you and hope we can do more together in the future.
Kung Fu Vampire- What can I say man you are doing big fangs! No doubt you have earned everything you have gotten and have still managed to stay humble in this business. I proudly say you are my friend and I am always here to help out.
Mr. Grey- Hopefully the beginning of big things man! I have enjoyed your work and the times we have had to meet up or talk have been awesome. I am here if you ever need anything homie.
Steven Natale- As Black Projects Producer and main mixer you have been awesome. One of the best I have ever worked with and I definitely look forward to a long and hopefully prosperous future making hits!
Kristina (My Wife)- I would not be where I am without your support. You have been there since day one in this music business. I have made good decisions and bad decisions and you have always had my back. I have no doubt with you in my corner I can make it in this cut throat business. I love you and thank you for everything.
Thats it for this post. I know a lot of shout outs and love in this one. But I feel truely blessed to be where I am and doing the things I am doing. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog for more info on the album release and upcoming concerts.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
The more you know
Wow has it been a month already?! I know I have been super busy but heck I have had a ton to blog about, especially with the events happening in the underground. Here is a quick list of topics I am going to give some thoughts on!
1. KMK vs Subnoize
2. The Gathering of the Juggalos 2013
3. Breaking the fourth wall and getting to know artists/rappers personally
So lets get at it!
A lot has been said back and forth between KMK and Zinger of Subnoize Records. My take is this, what happens between them is really not important to fans of the label or music. The only thing affected by all of this is who is involved in business at Subnoize and what label pays KMK. The music is still going to be released by both entities. Various Subnoize artists might jump ship if Daddy X does not manage to get the label and forms his own, then again they might not. This is yet another camp diving into chaos. A few years ago the top labels in the underground were Psychopathic and Subnoize. Now they are both in a free fall due to internal conflict and Strange has quietly taken the top spot. I know there are those of you who would disagree but I guess it is all a matter of opinion and since this is my blog that is my opinion! I will continue to buy KMK albums, review KMK albums, and support their music. I will also continue to support Subnoize and any artists associated there. I have friends on both sides of this argument and respect everyone involved for their contributions to our music genre as a whole. If you were a KMK fan before this stuff, you should be a fan after, period.
This years Gathering of the Juggalos has been dubbed "Rise of the Underground". I have no issue with Psychopathic giving love and some spotlight to Underground artists as long as their intention is just that. I think Kung Fu Vampire deserves to have a slot on the main stage along with several other big names in the Underground. But my fear is that the shift in focus is due to Psychopathic saving money either but cutting corners and not trying to get big name artists (Ice Cube, Ice T, etc) or no big name artists being willing to show some love. As we have seen in the past few years big name artists get booked and just fail to show. I hope it is just that, a fear of mine. I do think Psychopathic should spotlight more Underground artists but I do feel there is a place for a few big names on the bill too. I hope to be able to attend the Gathering again this year and hope it is as fresh as it was last year. I would also like to see more Family love. Last year the golf carts were rarely seen and when they were the main guys (ICP, Twiztid) were not on em. I saw ABK, Chop, and a few other but the big guys stayed hidden away. Maybe I just missed em I am not sure. So that is my take on the Gathering this year.
Now with both of those topics out there let me say the past year and a half has been very eye opening to me. I have had the oppotunity to do some great interviews for Faygoluvers and meet a lot of good guy and bad guys in the business. That is when I discovered that breaking that fourth wall is a blessing and a curse. Now I am not going to name people who I love as artists but really have grown to dislike as people but I will give you all a glimpse at artists who say they support the family and actually are good people on and off stage. The first guy I can say is a down to Earth dude is Bukshot. I contacted him about a collab for my guys in Black Project and he was nothing but professional. We talk often and I consider him a friend in business and life. He has nothing but respect from me. Another is Kung Fu Vampire. I have met and talked with him quite a bit and he is always down to chop it up. Respect is definitely earned by me as well. Potluck, cool dudes who always have love for the Juggalos and have earned my respect on many levels. Liquid Assassin, great guy and I hope to work with him in the future. Mr. Grey, met him at the KFV show in Mesa, cool dude and definitely talented. Mars, some people hate him and some people like him, my interactions with him have been all on the positive. He sat down for my very first interview and has done several collabs with my guys. I consider all of these guys my friends as they have always held themselves to a higher standard and make me appreciate this business. Now on the other side there are guys I have met and they all seem dope at first but as I have gotten to know them and how they do business I realize they are self centered, egotistical jerks who will only be cool with you as long as you can do something for them. Unfortunately there are a ton of them in the business and they make me question being involved at all. Luckily the guys who I mention first have made it all worth while.
As a fan I had respect for many artists and as a reported/reviewer/interviewer I have lost respect for some. I guess that is the real pitfall of being involved beyond the fan level. Do I regret it, hell no! I love what I do. I love listening and reviewing everything submitted to me by artists and Scottie D. I have nothing but love and respect for all artists out there grinding on a daily. I hope to continue to provide this blog, Faygoluvers, and other media outlets positive vibes on the Family and movement. Most of all I appreciate everyone who comes here and checks out my brain droppings and then goes over the Faygoluvers and hits up my reviews. I have Much Family Love for life.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
1. KMK vs Subnoize
2. The Gathering of the Juggalos 2013
3. Breaking the fourth wall and getting to know artists/rappers personally
So lets get at it!
A lot has been said back and forth between KMK and Zinger of Subnoize Records. My take is this, what happens between them is really not important to fans of the label or music. The only thing affected by all of this is who is involved in business at Subnoize and what label pays KMK. The music is still going to be released by both entities. Various Subnoize artists might jump ship if Daddy X does not manage to get the label and forms his own, then again they might not. This is yet another camp diving into chaos. A few years ago the top labels in the underground were Psychopathic and Subnoize. Now they are both in a free fall due to internal conflict and Strange has quietly taken the top spot. I know there are those of you who would disagree but I guess it is all a matter of opinion and since this is my blog that is my opinion! I will continue to buy KMK albums, review KMK albums, and support their music. I will also continue to support Subnoize and any artists associated there. I have friends on both sides of this argument and respect everyone involved for their contributions to our music genre as a whole. If you were a KMK fan before this stuff, you should be a fan after, period.
This years Gathering of the Juggalos has been dubbed "Rise of the Underground". I have no issue with Psychopathic giving love and some spotlight to Underground artists as long as their intention is just that. I think Kung Fu Vampire deserves to have a slot on the main stage along with several other big names in the Underground. But my fear is that the shift in focus is due to Psychopathic saving money either but cutting corners and not trying to get big name artists (Ice Cube, Ice T, etc) or no big name artists being willing to show some love. As we have seen in the past few years big name artists get booked and just fail to show. I hope it is just that, a fear of mine. I do think Psychopathic should spotlight more Underground artists but I do feel there is a place for a few big names on the bill too. I hope to be able to attend the Gathering again this year and hope it is as fresh as it was last year. I would also like to see more Family love. Last year the golf carts were rarely seen and when they were the main guys (ICP, Twiztid) were not on em. I saw ABK, Chop, and a few other but the big guys stayed hidden away. Maybe I just missed em I am not sure. So that is my take on the Gathering this year.
Now with both of those topics out there let me say the past year and a half has been very eye opening to me. I have had the oppotunity to do some great interviews for Faygoluvers and meet a lot of good guy and bad guys in the business. That is when I discovered that breaking that fourth wall is a blessing and a curse. Now I am not going to name people who I love as artists but really have grown to dislike as people but I will give you all a glimpse at artists who say they support the family and actually are good people on and off stage. The first guy I can say is a down to Earth dude is Bukshot. I contacted him about a collab for my guys in Black Project and he was nothing but professional. We talk often and I consider him a friend in business and life. He has nothing but respect from me. Another is Kung Fu Vampire. I have met and talked with him quite a bit and he is always down to chop it up. Respect is definitely earned by me as well. Potluck, cool dudes who always have love for the Juggalos and have earned my respect on many levels. Liquid Assassin, great guy and I hope to work with him in the future. Mr. Grey, met him at the KFV show in Mesa, cool dude and definitely talented. Mars, some people hate him and some people like him, my interactions with him have been all on the positive. He sat down for my very first interview and has done several collabs with my guys. I consider all of these guys my friends as they have always held themselves to a higher standard and make me appreciate this business. Now on the other side there are guys I have met and they all seem dope at first but as I have gotten to know them and how they do business I realize they are self centered, egotistical jerks who will only be cool with you as long as you can do something for them. Unfortunately there are a ton of them in the business and they make me question being involved at all. Luckily the guys who I mention first have made it all worth while.
As a fan I had respect for many artists and as a reported/reviewer/interviewer I have lost respect for some. I guess that is the real pitfall of being involved beyond the fan level. Do I regret it, hell no! I love what I do. I love listening and reviewing everything submitted to me by artists and Scottie D. I have nothing but love and respect for all artists out there grinding on a daily. I hope to continue to provide this blog, Faygoluvers, and other media outlets positive vibes on the Family and movement. Most of all I appreciate everyone who comes here and checks out my brain droppings and then goes over the Faygoluvers and hits up my reviews. I have Much Family Love for life.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Brutal Honesty
For a while now I have written blogs about honesty in music. This week I got a shock when a review I did on an rapper's CD led to his quitting. Yes you read that right, I made him quit. The CD was good as far as recording quality but it lacked substance, originality, and passion. Since I started reviewing CD's for Faygoluvers.net I have prided myself on giving brutally honest reviews. I have done a few negative reviews in the past and had artists take my criticism to heart and change the way they do things. I have also had artists disregard my opinion totally. But never have I had someone quit. I have said in the past that any artist in any genre needs to surround themselves with people who will tell them the truth. People who will tell them when what they are doing is not good or needs improvement. So many rappers surround themselves with yes men. People who refuse to tell them what they are doing might need work for fear of losing their friendship. So it came as little suprise that this review was so hurtful the guy quit. I hope he takes it in stride, modifies what he is doing, and comes back to prove me wrong.
I do not review albums this way to be cruel or force people to stop being creative. I do it because without that brutal honesty the whole genre suffers and gets a bad name. I am trying to make the overall acceptance of the music more common. There are a ton of talented artists in Horror Core that are often overlooked or lumped in with the unimaginative and uncreative masses in the genre. I have reviewed so many artists who deserve to "make it" but are not even given a glance because they are Horror Core. I will never back down from the standards I have set for music. I will always be as honest as I can in my opinions. But at the same time they are just that, my opinions. I do not expect everyone to agree with me, heck I expect at least 90% of people to have a different opinion. I always welcome comment, opinions, and feedback.
Scottie D over at Faygoluvers appreciates my honesty as do many big name artists in the Underground. That is why I will never comprimise that position. If we as fans, reviewers, and artists set a higher standard for our craft we can make positive changes. We can make our genre more accepted. If no one speaks up nothing changes. Sure 1 man can't changes the world but no man speaking up cannot change anything.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
I do not review albums this way to be cruel or force people to stop being creative. I do it because without that brutal honesty the whole genre suffers and gets a bad name. I am trying to make the overall acceptance of the music more common. There are a ton of talented artists in Horror Core that are often overlooked or lumped in with the unimaginative and uncreative masses in the genre. I have reviewed so many artists who deserve to "make it" but are not even given a glance because they are Horror Core. I will never back down from the standards I have set for music. I will always be as honest as I can in my opinions. But at the same time they are just that, my opinions. I do not expect everyone to agree with me, heck I expect at least 90% of people to have a different opinion. I always welcome comment, opinions, and feedback.
Scottie D over at Faygoluvers appreciates my honesty as do many big name artists in the Underground. That is why I will never comprimise that position. If we as fans, reviewers, and artists set a higher standard for our craft we can make positive changes. We can make our genre more accepted. If no one speaks up nothing changes. Sure 1 man can't changes the world but no man speaking up cannot change anything.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Evolution
So it became official today with Violent J's interview that Blaze is no longer with Psychopathic. Honestly it came as no suprise. I said in my blog about Twiztid leaving it was going to happen. So I have spent much of the day today reading forum posts, watching videos, and just feeling out the Family and how things are currently. Now I took a lot of hate and criticism because of my thoughts about Twiztid leaving. So let me say as plain as I can, I am and always will be a Juggalo. I will always support the music ICP makes, like it or not, I have nothing but respect for the Dons of Psychopathic. I will always support Blaze and Twiztid no matter where they go and what they do. Nothing can take any of my memories or feelings away that I have developed over the last 16 years. I will always support music I like and speak out if I don't like something. That is what makes the Family unique, our ability to be individuals while still being a Family.
All that being said I wanted to share my feelings on the state of Twiztid, Blaze and Psychopathic. Psychopathic will be fine and move on without Twiztid and Blaze. As long as ICP is making music the label will continue. My feelings on the current management of the label have been made clear throughout this blog. For two years I have opened myself up and told you all exactly how I felt things were going. I do not think the label will be as successful now that Twiztid is gone. The talent just isnt there. Twiztid will forge their own path and so will Blaze. I see nothing but bright things in their futures. One video I watched was a review of Abominationz. In the video the guy speaks exactly how I have been feeling. He says at one point he can't tell if Twiztid is speaking directly to ICP a majority of the time. He also feels like the album is Twiztid's stance against the current movement of the label, and I agree. It was Twiztid's renewal of their devotion to the Family and movement that ICP built. I feel like they have not agreed with the current shift in policy and product. That is why when I hear lines like:
"Your looking for acceptance in places your never gonna get it accept it
Our painted face is rejected
An abomination infected
With so much hatred collected
How can you say you didn't expected to go this way
Like bad directions
They're looking at me like a weapon
We got the world's attention
Were like this great invention
There all to afraid to mention
Shun me like bad intentions
But we'll see who really had agendas
A misconception I don't wanna be in your fucked up life or interventions"
I can't help but feel like they are speaking directly to ICP. Like I have said I will support the music ICP, Twiztid and Blaze make for life. on the business side of things I think things need to change. I do not agree with business decisions being made. Period.
We have been told recently that the Gathering this year will be a celebration of the Underground. When I heard that my first thought was "Huh?" I like the idea of people like Kung Fu Vampire, Bukshot, Liquid Assassin, Mars, Molly Gruesome, and others getting a chance to hit the mainstage and bring the house down. My biggest fear is this move is being made to save money because of the lost profit with Twiztid leaving. Do I think Twiztid will be at the Gathering?, yes. Do I think in 5 years they will be at the Gathering?, not sure. No one can disagree it is much cheaper for the label to have these underground artists on the main stage for $500-800 per set than to bring guys like Ice Cube, Ice T, and others out for $10,000 or more for a set. I am not sure at this point how I feel about the Gathering this year. I am hoping to get a chance to go out there as press and do an actual honest review of the Gathering. We shall see.
Now back to the point of the post, evolution. As a long time Juggalo I have seen shifts in the movement. I have seen band wagon fans come and go. I have seen the music succeed (Melinko, AJB, Mostasteless, Abominationz) and I have seen it fail (The Calm, Tempest, Mutant) but the one thing that has remained constant is the fans. We support the music more rabidly than any other fanbase out there. We get hated on for it and it makes us ban together and put a middle finger in the air at the mainstream. The video review of Abominationz the guy makes a great point and that is this "BPB and MDP were great albums but they do not deserve to be called Jokers Cards. There is something missing that was in all six of the origional cards." They are well done, great as far as production, and have many tracks I can relate to. But the magic is missing. The story is a faint reminder of what we have been told for decades.
The one thing nobody can avoid is evolution. I will never be 100% behind every project that Psychopathic, Twiztid, or Blaze puts out but I can tell you I will give each and every release it's fair shake. I will listen to what is being put out and support the ones I enjoy while allowing the others to collect dust in my collection. I have nothing but love for each and every Juggalo and Juggalette in the world. The real los and lettes not the band wagoners that we seem to be gathering recently. Being a Juggalo isn't about a set of rules, a pledge, if you do drugs or not, or even the music. Being a Juggalo is a state of being. When you find the Family you know you belong no matter where you come from, how much money you have, or what your recreational activities are. Being a Juggalo is about being an individual. Liking what you like and standing firm on your beliefs. We are a Family. Evolution doesn't change that. J said it best in the interview posted today "But if one day you get to college and start hangin’ with a new group of friends and you start to like other kinds of music, just don’t be one of those bitches that’s like, “Can you believe I used to be a Juggalette? I was so young and stupid, I guess.” Never talk that shit about us. Never sell us out because the you at 14 is just as important to your legacy as the you at 34. Yes, it’s OK to be a 14 year old Juggalette. It’s even OK if you grow out of being a Juggalette one day, but do us a favor. Never sell us out. Always remember the good times you had as a Juggalette and cherish them. Don’t look back on them with regret, look back on these days as great days. Never bad mouth the family. Better yet, stay down with the family forever!" Thats it right there. Evolution is going to happen. People will outgrow the need for the music and the Family and that is ok. And if you leave the music behind for a while and find in the future you need that connection again, we will be here.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
All that being said I wanted to share my feelings on the state of Twiztid, Blaze and Psychopathic. Psychopathic will be fine and move on without Twiztid and Blaze. As long as ICP is making music the label will continue. My feelings on the current management of the label have been made clear throughout this blog. For two years I have opened myself up and told you all exactly how I felt things were going. I do not think the label will be as successful now that Twiztid is gone. The talent just isnt there. Twiztid will forge their own path and so will Blaze. I see nothing but bright things in their futures. One video I watched was a review of Abominationz. In the video the guy speaks exactly how I have been feeling. He says at one point he can't tell if Twiztid is speaking directly to ICP a majority of the time. He also feels like the album is Twiztid's stance against the current movement of the label, and I agree. It was Twiztid's renewal of their devotion to the Family and movement that ICP built. I feel like they have not agreed with the current shift in policy and product. That is why when I hear lines like:
"Your looking for acceptance in places your never gonna get it accept it
Our painted face is rejected
An abomination infected
With so much hatred collected
How can you say you didn't expected to go this way
Like bad directions
They're looking at me like a weapon
We got the world's attention
Were like this great invention
There all to afraid to mention
Shun me like bad intentions
But we'll see who really had agendas
A misconception I don't wanna be in your fucked up life or interventions"
I can't help but feel like they are speaking directly to ICP. Like I have said I will support the music ICP, Twiztid and Blaze make for life. on the business side of things I think things need to change. I do not agree with business decisions being made. Period.
We have been told recently that the Gathering this year will be a celebration of the Underground. When I heard that my first thought was "Huh?" I like the idea of people like Kung Fu Vampire, Bukshot, Liquid Assassin, Mars, Molly Gruesome, and others getting a chance to hit the mainstage and bring the house down. My biggest fear is this move is being made to save money because of the lost profit with Twiztid leaving. Do I think Twiztid will be at the Gathering?, yes. Do I think in 5 years they will be at the Gathering?, not sure. No one can disagree it is much cheaper for the label to have these underground artists on the main stage for $500-800 per set than to bring guys like Ice Cube, Ice T, and others out for $10,000 or more for a set. I am not sure at this point how I feel about the Gathering this year. I am hoping to get a chance to go out there as press and do an actual honest review of the Gathering. We shall see.
Now back to the point of the post, evolution. As a long time Juggalo I have seen shifts in the movement. I have seen band wagon fans come and go. I have seen the music succeed (Melinko, AJB, Mostasteless, Abominationz) and I have seen it fail (The Calm, Tempest, Mutant) but the one thing that has remained constant is the fans. We support the music more rabidly than any other fanbase out there. We get hated on for it and it makes us ban together and put a middle finger in the air at the mainstream. The video review of Abominationz the guy makes a great point and that is this "BPB and MDP were great albums but they do not deserve to be called Jokers Cards. There is something missing that was in all six of the origional cards." They are well done, great as far as production, and have many tracks I can relate to. But the magic is missing. The story is a faint reminder of what we have been told for decades.
The one thing nobody can avoid is evolution. I will never be 100% behind every project that Psychopathic, Twiztid, or Blaze puts out but I can tell you I will give each and every release it's fair shake. I will listen to what is being put out and support the ones I enjoy while allowing the others to collect dust in my collection. I have nothing but love for each and every Juggalo and Juggalette in the world. The real los and lettes not the band wagoners that we seem to be gathering recently. Being a Juggalo isn't about a set of rules, a pledge, if you do drugs or not, or even the music. Being a Juggalo is a state of being. When you find the Family you know you belong no matter where you come from, how much money you have, or what your recreational activities are. Being a Juggalo is about being an individual. Liking what you like and standing firm on your beliefs. We are a Family. Evolution doesn't change that. J said it best in the interview posted today "But if one day you get to college and start hangin’ with a new group of friends and you start to like other kinds of music, just don’t be one of those bitches that’s like, “Can you believe I used to be a Juggalette? I was so young and stupid, I guess.” Never talk that shit about us. Never sell us out because the you at 14 is just as important to your legacy as the you at 34. Yes, it’s OK to be a 14 year old Juggalette. It’s even OK if you grow out of being a Juggalette one day, but do us a favor. Never sell us out. Always remember the good times you had as a Juggalette and cherish them. Don’t look back on them with regret, look back on these days as great days. Never bad mouth the family. Better yet, stay down with the family forever!" Thats it right there. Evolution is going to happen. People will outgrow the need for the music and the Family and that is ok. And if you leave the music behind for a while and find in the future you need that connection again, we will be here.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Can't believe it's been 2 years!
In looking at my blog stats I was very happy to see it finally passed 9300 page views! I never thought it would get that many. Then I was looking back at all my posts and realized an even bigger achievement, this blog has been going strong for 2 years yesterday!
The evolution of the blog is funny to look at because it started as a way for me to show support to Juggalos/Juggalettes and help promote the Family in a positive light. Since that time things in my life have changed and evolved. I now manage Black Project in their music, write reviews of CD's for Faygoluvers.net, am doing freelance reporting for American Media Distribution (Hopefully they will send me to the Gathering to write a positive story and get rid of more stigma associated with us), have booked and promoted a concert, and have worked with a lot of Underground artists and gotten to know them which I never expected. It is so funny to me that my life went for 31 years and then the last 2 have gone by so fast it makes my head spin.
The current theme in my blog is giving advice to artists, promoters, bookers, and managers. I am no expert but I do business honestly. I truely think we need more honesty in this business. Now I have had my share of haters and that is ok with me. I respect everyone's opinion and welcome any comments all the time on this blog. I take an active role to respond to everyone in some way and show my appreciation for the time they give to read my ramblings. I have started a new non-rap blog this year which has yet to get it's legs but hopefully soon.
I am very intersted to see where we go from here. If you are a regular reader know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you are new welcome! Feel free to comment or hit me up on email. I am looking forward to more years to come!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
The evolution of the blog is funny to look at because it started as a way for me to show support to Juggalos/Juggalettes and help promote the Family in a positive light. Since that time things in my life have changed and evolved. I now manage Black Project in their music, write reviews of CD's for Faygoluvers.net, am doing freelance reporting for American Media Distribution (Hopefully they will send me to the Gathering to write a positive story and get rid of more stigma associated with us), have booked and promoted a concert, and have worked with a lot of Underground artists and gotten to know them which I never expected. It is so funny to me that my life went for 31 years and then the last 2 have gone by so fast it makes my head spin.
The current theme in my blog is giving advice to artists, promoters, bookers, and managers. I am no expert but I do business honestly. I truely think we need more honesty in this business. Now I have had my share of haters and that is ok with me. I respect everyone's opinion and welcome any comments all the time on this blog. I take an active role to respond to everyone in some way and show my appreciation for the time they give to read my ramblings. I have started a new non-rap blog this year which has yet to get it's legs but hopefully soon.
I am very intersted to see where we go from here. If you are a regular reader know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you are new welcome! Feel free to comment or hit me up on email. I am looking forward to more years to come!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Business or Hobby
So since my last post I have had several discussions with some rappers that feel my views might not be right in the context of the business today. They have told me I am out of touch. I disagree completely. I also have been told that too many rappers today look at music as more of a hobby than a business, thus why this blog post is being written.
What are some things that make music a business vs a hobby?
1. Quality of recordings. Rappers today do not feel the need to pay money for an actual sound engineer to mix and master their music. They feel that their $300 mic and closet setup are good enough to sell records. There was a thread on the Faygoluvers forums about Fruity Loops which touched on this. It was the view of one of the participants that in his studio he could get a recording 96% perfect so why should he pay money to get it to be 99% perfect. My answer is simple, his mixing and mastering is no where near 96%, at best he puts out 60% as for the quality of the recording. Not because he doesn't have the skills but because he doesn't have the compressors and other equipment needed to even out and fine tune the tracks properly. 95% of rappers today do not know how to properly level the music and vocals so they are even and sound the best they can. A trained and educated engineer can do that and more. I have had a few people I work with that thought their recording, mixing, and mastering were on point. Then I take their track into the studio with a pro engineer and when I am done they have realized the difference immediately. If you are not willing to pay for quality you think of Rap as a hobby.
2. Fan base. If you are the hottest rapper in whatever city you are in that is good on you. If no one except people from your city know you, you are doing it wrong. To move from this being a hobby to a business you need to expand your fan base, do shows in as many cities and states as possible, and put in the work to get your name known by more people. The fans worldwide should eventually know you and what you do, if that isn't happening, you think of Rap as a hobby.
3. Performance. Most new rappers need as many performances as they can in the beginning to shake the nerves, get used to the stage, and learn how to play the crowd. The problem is rappers who don't learn anything while doing these performances. If you do a show once a week and never change what you are doing, you are wrong. You should grow with each and every performance. You should have people around you willing to tell you what worked and what didn't work in the show. Accept criticism. No matter how long you have been doing this business there is always room for improvement. There is always a young guy or gal on your heels that will some day pass you up. The time most rappers spend at the top is relatively small in comparison to how long they worked to get there. If you are happy doing a show once a week, never making things better, and surrounding yourself with yes men, you think of Rap as a hobby.
4. Money. The number one thing that shows you consider Rap a business and not a hobby is money. If you are not spending money to improve your product with confidence that it will be returned you are destine to fail. We all can say all the time "I could get paid nothing and I wouldn't care. I do it for the love of the music" That's great, does love of the music pay the bills? No it doesn't. In any business if you forget that making money is your number one priority you will not be in business long. I do believe you should make the music because you love it. You shouldn't be afraid to make money or make music that will make you money. If all you care about is the "Love" of the music, you think of Rap as a hobby.
I have encountered quite a few underground rappers who, for lack of a better way to say it, suck. The quality they put out is sub par, their performance on stage is horrible, and their ego is way to large for where they are in their hobbies. That is the point of this blog really. Stop making music if it is a hobby. If you cannot commit time, energy, and money into making a product that makes you money, then don't. The underground is so flooded with egotistical half talented hacks and it is making us all look horrible. There are some shining stars and even they get hated on for the money they are making.
All businesses start out as hobbies we enjoy. The time hobbies become businesses is when you focus your efforts on making money.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
What are some things that make music a business vs a hobby?
1. Quality of recordings. Rappers today do not feel the need to pay money for an actual sound engineer to mix and master their music. They feel that their $300 mic and closet setup are good enough to sell records. There was a thread on the Faygoluvers forums about Fruity Loops which touched on this. It was the view of one of the participants that in his studio he could get a recording 96% perfect so why should he pay money to get it to be 99% perfect. My answer is simple, his mixing and mastering is no where near 96%, at best he puts out 60% as for the quality of the recording. Not because he doesn't have the skills but because he doesn't have the compressors and other equipment needed to even out and fine tune the tracks properly. 95% of rappers today do not know how to properly level the music and vocals so they are even and sound the best they can. A trained and educated engineer can do that and more. I have had a few people I work with that thought their recording, mixing, and mastering were on point. Then I take their track into the studio with a pro engineer and when I am done they have realized the difference immediately. If you are not willing to pay for quality you think of Rap as a hobby.
2. Fan base. If you are the hottest rapper in whatever city you are in that is good on you. If no one except people from your city know you, you are doing it wrong. To move from this being a hobby to a business you need to expand your fan base, do shows in as many cities and states as possible, and put in the work to get your name known by more people. The fans worldwide should eventually know you and what you do, if that isn't happening, you think of Rap as a hobby.
3. Performance. Most new rappers need as many performances as they can in the beginning to shake the nerves, get used to the stage, and learn how to play the crowd. The problem is rappers who don't learn anything while doing these performances. If you do a show once a week and never change what you are doing, you are wrong. You should grow with each and every performance. You should have people around you willing to tell you what worked and what didn't work in the show. Accept criticism. No matter how long you have been doing this business there is always room for improvement. There is always a young guy or gal on your heels that will some day pass you up. The time most rappers spend at the top is relatively small in comparison to how long they worked to get there. If you are happy doing a show once a week, never making things better, and surrounding yourself with yes men, you think of Rap as a hobby.
4. Money. The number one thing that shows you consider Rap a business and not a hobby is money. If you are not spending money to improve your product with confidence that it will be returned you are destine to fail. We all can say all the time "I could get paid nothing and I wouldn't care. I do it for the love of the music" That's great, does love of the music pay the bills? No it doesn't. In any business if you forget that making money is your number one priority you will not be in business long. I do believe you should make the music because you love it. You shouldn't be afraid to make money or make music that will make you money. If all you care about is the "Love" of the music, you think of Rap as a hobby.
I have encountered quite a few underground rappers who, for lack of a better way to say it, suck. The quality they put out is sub par, their performance on stage is horrible, and their ego is way to large for where they are in their hobbies. That is the point of this blog really. Stop making music if it is a hobby. If you cannot commit time, energy, and money into making a product that makes you money, then don't. The underground is so flooded with egotistical half talented hacks and it is making us all look horrible. There are some shining stars and even they get hated on for the money they are making.
All businesses start out as hobbies we enjoy. The time hobbies become businesses is when you focus your efforts on making money.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
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