Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls,
The Rap Beat Creator Podcast is coming soon. It'll have mostly current events in music and some music business tips but it will be entertaining!
I'll send out the first podcast by the end of this week.
Also, coming early 2009, I'll be revamping my best selling audiobook "How To Get Thousands of Dollars Worth of Free Hiphop Advertising" as well as releasing my new book, "Teach Me How To Rap."
You'll be the first to know...
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Importance of Having a Team
Have you ever played any organized team sports like football or basketball? I played both in school and what you learn in practice is way more valuable that just how to play a sport.
You learn things like "there's no "I" in Team", "together we stand, divided we fall" and all sorts of lessons to help you build a "team spirit".
How does this relate to the music business?
Well for starters, if you look at the music industry and the biggest power players, you'll notice there are teams. Even a solo artist like Jay-Z has a team. The Wu Tang Clan is a team that can be a football team all by itself! More currently you have crews like The Diplomats, T.I.'s Pimp Squad Clique, and Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace.
Your Personal Manager is what Passman calls the CEO/General Manager of your team. This person is responsible for helping you direct your career and basically going to bat for you in whatever way to boost your career. They can also be responsible for helping you pick your other team members.
The Entertainment Attorney is, according to Passman, the most important member of the team. They take care of the legal details for the artist, help negotiate contracts and make sure the artist can get what they want with the least amount of legal hassle. They also help shop your music to get a record deal. Their job is generally to protect the artist.
The Booking Agent is the person who is responsible for getting you gigs. They help you get concert dates and public appearances.
Last but not least is the Business Manager. This person handles all of your finances and they are responsible for making sure all of your money dealings are in order. They help you budget, pay bills, make investments, check your royalty statements, etc. In a nutshell they are the ones responsible for helping you make your net worth grow.
Do you now understand the importance of having a team? You can try to do it all alone but you'll make much more money if you have a team of players to help you succeed.
One more thing on the quality of the members of your team. This has more to do with your team members' mindset. Make sure your Personal Manager, who is the CEO/General Manager of your team, is a go-getter. That is worth repeating.
Make sure your Personal Manager is a go-getter.
Your Personal Manager can make or break your career so choose wisely. And don't be afraid to replace your team members if you need to. If you have a weak link, then you need to get rid of the dead weight. In the end, it will be a blessing to your career especially if you plan to be in the music business on a long term basis.
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
You learn things like "there's no "I" in Team", "together we stand, divided we fall" and all sorts of lessons to help you build a "team spirit".
How does this relate to the music business?
Well for starters, if you look at the music industry and the biggest power players, you'll notice there are teams. Even a solo artist like Jay-Z has a team. The Wu Tang Clan is a team that can be a football team all by itself! More currently you have crews like The Diplomats, T.I.'s Pimp Squad Clique, and Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace.
When I was touring with KRS-ONE in California, he had a team. There was his personal manager, Simone, his road manager, and several other people who were there to make sure everything went on schedule as much as possible. Everybody knew what they had to do and sometimes they even did another persons job if it was necessary.
A good book to read about building your music business team is Donald Passman's 'All You Need To Know About The Music Business.' In it, he outlines the basic team members for people wanting to be in the music industry.
A good book to read about building your music business team is Donald Passman's 'All You Need To Know About The Music Business.' In it, he outlines the basic team members for people wanting to be in the music industry.
Here's a loose sketch of your team members:
- You (The Artist/Producer)
- Personal Manager
- Entertainment Lawyer
- Booking Agent
- Business Manager
Let's look at each of these in more detail:
You is self explanatory. Without You, none of this is possible and there is no need for the rest of the team. You are the center of the team.
Your Personal Manager is what Passman calls the CEO/General Manager of your team. This person is responsible for helping you direct your career and basically going to bat for you in whatever way to boost your career. They can also be responsible for helping you pick your other team members.
The Entertainment Attorney is, according to Passman, the most important member of the team. They take care of the legal details for the artist, help negotiate contracts and make sure the artist can get what they want with the least amount of legal hassle. They also help shop your music to get a record deal. Their job is generally to protect the artist.
The Booking Agent is the person who is responsible for getting you gigs. They help you get concert dates and public appearances.
Last but not least is the Business Manager. This person handles all of your finances and they are responsible for making sure all of your money dealings are in order. They help you budget, pay bills, make investments, check your royalty statements, etc. In a nutshell they are the ones responsible for helping you make your net worth grow.
Do you now understand the importance of having a team? You can try to do it all alone but you'll make much more money if you have a team of players to help you succeed.
One more thing on the quality of the members of your team. This has more to do with your team members' mindset. Make sure your Personal Manager, who is the CEO/General Manager of your team, is a go-getter. That is worth repeating.
Make sure your Personal Manager is a go-getter.
Your Personal Manager can make or break your career so choose wisely. And don't be afraid to replace your team members if you need to. If you have a weak link, then you need to get rid of the dead weight. In the end, it will be a blessing to your career especially if you plan to be in the music business on a long term basis.
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Working On A New Beat
I'm staying persistent with making beats. I started on one a couple of days ago and worked on it yesterday.
I plan on mixing it later today and then putting it up for sale.
You'll be the first to know...
Let's make it happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
P.S. If you would like to know more about how you can make beats online and make your own beats check out my beat review site at www.RapBeatCreator.com.
******************************
I plan on mixing it later today and then putting it up for sale.
You'll be the first to know...
Let's make it happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
P.S. If you would like to know more about how you can make beats online and make your own beats check out my beat review site at www.RapBeatCreator.com.
******************************
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
New Beat I Put Together
Here's something I put together a while ago. Don't ask me why I've waited this long to post it.
Click on the link below to hear the track:
http://www.free-hot-rap.com/WhereYouBeenBoy.mp3
The track is for sale to the highest bidder.
Bidding ends December 3, 2008 9pm Eastern Time
Starting Bid is $20.00
Holla...
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
Click on the link below to hear the track:
http://www.free-hot-rap.com/WhereYouBeenBoy.mp3
The track is for sale to the highest bidder.
Bidding ends December 3, 2008 9pm Eastern Time
Starting Bid is $20.00
Holla...
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
www.RapBeatCreator.com
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Do You REALLY Want To Be In The Music Business?
Whassup Peeps?
There are a lot of people who subscribe to my email list just to get free rap instrumentals that come when you sign up. There are probably fewer people who are on the site to really learn about the music business AND how it works.
In my opinion, any aspiring artist who is not learning about the workings of the music business is wasting his or her time. Why do I say that? Well, its 2008, not 1978 when good emcees were extremely rare. Nowadays, most of the emcees that come on the scene are halfway decent. The artists that have longevity though are the ones that KNOW this business.
There are countless stories of 1 hit wonders in the music industry or wildly successful artists who end up broke after a few albums. I mean look at TLC when they where at their highest point. They had to file bankruptcy. MC Hammer, Teddy Riley, Peabo Bryson. The list could go on.
Just because you see an artist with an assload of jewelry and a nice assortment of high-end cars doesn't meant that they are financially sound. Don't forget, the music industry and Hollywood sleep in the bed together EVERY night. Video editing plays tricks on the eyes and ears everyday. Most new artist don't know this but its the truth. Hollywood has a way of sensationalizing everything so buyer beware.
For those that don't want to get taken to the cleaners or strong armed by CEOs like Suge Knight, you should learn all aspects of the music industry. In addition to most of the traditional "must-have", "how to" books on the biz, you should definitely check out the book "Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business" by Fredric Dannen. This book is classic because it gives you an accurate picture of what the music industry really is and how it works.
Please don't be the next artist to be living from a cardboard box because you didn't want to learn the business. That's insane to me and I just don't understand that point of view. If this is your passion, your dream, your greatest hope, your "calling" and you feel like you can make it in the biz, why not study it?
Here is your task: Do something everyday toward your career related to the music business. Do just 1 thing is all I ask and if you are as good as you think you are, more opportunities will come to you.
Untill next time, Peace!!!
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
http://www.free-hot-rap.com/
To Get 7 Free Rap Instrumentals Right Now Goto www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!
There are a lot of people who subscribe to my email list just to get free rap instrumentals that come when you sign up. There are probably fewer people who are on the site to really learn about the music business AND how it works.
In my opinion, any aspiring artist who is not learning about the workings of the music business is wasting his or her time. Why do I say that? Well, its 2008, not 1978 when good emcees were extremely rare. Nowadays, most of the emcees that come on the scene are halfway decent. The artists that have longevity though are the ones that KNOW this business.
There are countless stories of 1 hit wonders in the music industry or wildly successful artists who end up broke after a few albums. I mean look at TLC when they where at their highest point. They had to file bankruptcy. MC Hammer, Teddy Riley, Peabo Bryson. The list could go on.
Just because you see an artist with an assload of jewelry and a nice assortment of high-end cars doesn't meant that they are financially sound. Don't forget, the music industry and Hollywood sleep in the bed together EVERY night. Video editing plays tricks on the eyes and ears everyday. Most new artist don't know this but its the truth. Hollywood has a way of sensationalizing everything so buyer beware.
For those that don't want to get taken to the cleaners or strong armed by CEOs like Suge Knight, you should learn all aspects of the music industry. In addition to most of the traditional "must-have", "how to" books on the biz, you should definitely check out the book "Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business" by Fredric Dannen. This book is classic because it gives you an accurate picture of what the music industry really is and how it works.
Please don't be the next artist to be living from a cardboard box because you didn't want to learn the business. That's insane to me and I just don't understand that point of view. If this is your passion, your dream, your greatest hope, your "calling" and you feel like you can make it in the biz, why not study it?
Here is your task: Do something everyday toward your career related to the music business. Do just 1 thing is all I ask and if you are as good as you think you are, more opportunities will come to you.
Untill next time, Peace!!!
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
http://www.free-hot-rap.com/
To Get 7 Free Rap Instrumentals Right Now Goto www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Free-Hot-Rap.com Changes to Website
Whassup Peeps?
It's been a long time since I blogged. Time has gone by so fast. The last time I posted a blog was back in November! I took a better position at my day job and it requires alot of my attention. Yes, I said day job. We've all heard the saying, "Don't quit your day job". We'll I've quit mine several times and got good and bad results but I can honestly say I'm okay today.
Although I haven't been blogging regularly, that doesn't mean that I haven't been working hard on what I can do to make the www.Free-Hot-Rap.com site better. I changed the site to be easier to navigate and although I still give away the 7 free rap instrumentals, selling beats is not my primary focus anymore...helping newbie emcees is.
Why am I doing this you say? We'll to be honest with you, my beat making skills are cool but everybody is doing it. In layman's terms, there is too much competition for selling music online. I know of some guys making 5 figures a month consistently but that doesn't mean selling instrumentals is right for me just because I know how make them. Trust that I AM a true emcee and my lyrical skills far exceed my production skills.
Now this doesn't mean that I won't make anymore beats. I enjoy beats like no other. I just don't have to make all of them myself to be happy with myself. Writing and spittin' lyrics for me comes easy because I've done it for over 25 years. Damn, did I say that? Yes. Over 25 years, I've been hashing out some dope lyrics. It's natural for me.
Is it natural for you?
I asked because I've noticed several people who come to the www.Free-Hot-Rap.com site are interested in songwriting. I believe these are the people who I'm supposed to help. Beats are a dime a dozen but well-written song win Grammys and songs, I can definitely teach you how to write. But its not only writing the song that's important. A true artist that wants to succeed in this business must learn it from all angles.
There is much more than just beats and lyrics (Whaddup J-Force!). The music business is as KRS-ONE put it on The Arsenio Hall Show many years ago: 10% show and 90% business.
So please stay with me as I make this journey into teaching this business to you and whom ever else reads this. I think I've found my calling.
Check out my free article on music contracts and get 7 FREE rap instrumentals right now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
It's been a long time since I blogged. Time has gone by so fast. The last time I posted a blog was back in November! I took a better position at my day job and it requires alot of my attention. Yes, I said day job. We've all heard the saying, "Don't quit your day job". We'll I've quit mine several times and got good and bad results but I can honestly say I'm okay today.
Although I haven't been blogging regularly, that doesn't mean that I haven't been working hard on what I can do to make the www.Free-Hot-Rap.com site better. I changed the site to be easier to navigate and although I still give away the 7 free rap instrumentals, selling beats is not my primary focus anymore...helping newbie emcees is.
Why am I doing this you say? We'll to be honest with you, my beat making skills are cool but everybody is doing it. In layman's terms, there is too much competition for selling music online. I know of some guys making 5 figures a month consistently but that doesn't mean selling instrumentals is right for me just because I know how make them. Trust that I AM a true emcee and my lyrical skills far exceed my production skills.
Now this doesn't mean that I won't make anymore beats. I enjoy beats like no other. I just don't have to make all of them myself to be happy with myself. Writing and spittin' lyrics for me comes easy because I've done it for over 25 years. Damn, did I say that? Yes. Over 25 years, I've been hashing out some dope lyrics. It's natural for me.
Is it natural for you?
I asked because I've noticed several people who come to the www.Free-Hot-Rap.com site are interested in songwriting. I believe these are the people who I'm supposed to help. Beats are a dime a dozen but well-written song win Grammys and songs, I can definitely teach you how to write. But its not only writing the song that's important. A true artist that wants to succeed in this business must learn it from all angles.
There is much more than just beats and lyrics (Whaddup J-Force!). The music business is as KRS-ONE put it on The Arsenio Hall Show many years ago: 10% show and 90% business.
So please stay with me as I make this journey into teaching this business to you and whom ever else reads this. I think I've found my calling.
Check out my free article on music contracts and get 7 FREE rap instrumentals right now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Friday, November 30, 2007
Attention Rappers: How To Beat Writer's Block
Lately, I've been dealing with the challenge of just finishing ONE song. Yep, you heard it right: One song. I mean this is not just a one day thing or a one week thing. This has been going on for a little while.
A friend of mine asked me to write a song for a group that he's working with because they needed material. I accepted the challenge not having written a whole song for anybody before because I figured it would be a good way to branch out further into songwriting. I mean I've written verses for people to spit but never a whole song and being that its for a younger audience makes it more challenging.
The real challenge that I'm having involves simply staying focused on getting it done. I've come up with several song topics but actually writting about them has been difficult. 2007 has been a very strange year for me. I can't say its a bad one but its definitely not one of my most favorable years.
I not a big fan of excuses but it seems as if I've been cheering them on lately with this latest project.
So here is what I am proposing to do and if you think it will help you then by all means join me.
First, I need to seriously look at my "Why" for doing this project. Why am I doing this? Is it for fame and glory? Is it because I like to write? Or maybe its because I see dollar signs and a pot of gold at the end of the writing rainbow. What ever my "Why" is I need to clearly have that in the forefront of my mind if that is my goal and then the second step is to...
I heard some stats a while ago that said that people who have clear, specific goals with a deadline are usually more inclined to achieve them. I believe that figure was about a 97% achievement ratio. What's absolutely krazy is that I ususally write my goals down but with this project, I slipped. I'm only human.
Once I've got my goal for this project written down and my "Why" for doing it firmly etched in my brain. The next step is to break that main goal into smaller goals or milestones. How else do you eat an elephant but one bite at a time?
Okay, so now I got a reason and some written goals and milestones to look forward to. Here is the next and one of the most critical ingredients:
A friend of mine asked me to write a song for a group that he's working with because they needed material. I accepted the challenge not having written a whole song for anybody before because I figured it would be a good way to branch out further into songwriting. I mean I've written verses for people to spit but never a whole song and being that its for a younger audience makes it more challenging.
The real challenge that I'm having involves simply staying focused on getting it done. I've come up with several song topics but actually writting about them has been difficult. 2007 has been a very strange year for me. I can't say its a bad one but its definitely not one of my most favorable years.
I not a big fan of excuses but it seems as if I've been cheering them on lately with this latest project.
So here is what I am proposing to do and if you think it will help you then by all means join me.
First, I need to seriously look at my "Why" for doing this project. Why am I doing this? Is it for fame and glory? Is it because I like to write? Or maybe its because I see dollar signs and a pot of gold at the end of the writing rainbow. What ever my "Why" is I need to clearly have that in the forefront of my mind if that is my goal and then the second step is to...
WRITE IT DOWN!!!
I heard some stats a while ago that said that people who have clear, specific goals with a deadline are usually more inclined to achieve them. I believe that figure was about a 97% achievement ratio. What's absolutely krazy is that I ususally write my goals down but with this project, I slipped. I'm only human.
Once I've got my goal for this project written down and my "Why" for doing it firmly etched in my brain. The next step is to break that main goal into smaller goals or milestones. How else do you eat an elephant but one bite at a time?
Okay, so now I got a reason and some written goals and milestones to look forward to. Here is the next and one of the most critical ingredients:
Action!!!
All this planning is cool but nothing happens without action. And while action is great, it helps to have a map of where you're going. That's what all the planning and goal setting was about in the first place. So you begin to take steps toward the first milestone.
For me that involves having at least 2 songs completed before the end of next week that I can submit to the group's manager for review. To do that I must schedule some time out of my busy life to sit with the pen, the pad and some fire beats to write to...let's say about 30 to 45 minutes a day. I can afford to do that even if it means getting up a bit earlier in the morning...without hitting the snooze button.
Today is Friday evening going into Saturday morning so by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, I should be reviewing my progress to see how far I am from completing the 2 songs. This is a good half-way point to access where I am and if something is truely holding me back, what is it?
Okay so here are the steps again:
- Figure out your "Why" for writing the song. Why are you writing the song?
- Write down realistic goals for completing the song?
- Set milestones to help measure your progress
- Action, Action, & more Action!!! Nothing beats action.
- Track you progress to make sure you're on schedule to complete your song.
- Finish the song.
With these 6 simple steps, anyone who chooses to use them should be able to knock out plenty of songs in a short period of time.
I'll let you know how this works out for me and please keep me posted how it works out for you.
Holla...
Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.
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