How to find the 3 chords that "go together" in any key.
More free lessons at: www.learnpianoonline.com/welcome.html
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: Southern Drawl and All
"I live everywhere it seems these days. I meet new people almost every day. Yep, crazy it can be. I have met almost every kind of person you can imagine...I have a crazy and unexpected life, but I love it." -- Jeremy Brandon Carroll
Bama Boys Entertainment: At what age did you know that you wanted to pursue acting seriously?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would say at age 15 is when it really hit me. I really wanted to be an actor in film. After watching The Color Purple one day it did something emotionally to me that sparked a fire in me for this industry. It made me want to be a part of something that is as special as that film is.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Do you work with an agent or do you pursue roles on your own?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I work with four different agents. I have one in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Los Angeles. Even though I have agents, I have booked most of the work myself. I have really had to hustle and work my but off just to get this far. You really learn in this business, when it comes down to it that YOU ARE YOUR OWN AGENT. No one will look out for you better than you. You can't depend on too much of what people say in this business.
Bama Boys Entertainment: How does being from a small town help or hinder your acting career?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: It hinders me when People here a southern accent. I have had to work with coaches to change it. Also people treat you like your stupid and all of the cliche things southerners deal with. I think being from a small town helps me because it keeps me very personal and REAL.
Bama Boys Entertainment: If you weren't an actor, what career path do you think you would have followed?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: If I was not an actor, I would probably be a Meteorologist. Other than acting I have always loved to tell everyone weather reports and watch the weather. I am very fascinated with Mother Nature.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Who is the most influential person in your life?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say my mom. She has always been there for me and supported me in all of my auditions. Both my parents and family are very supportive, but she is just always that extra support that pushes me through. I put my faith in God and pray all the time and listen for the answers to guide me.
Bama Boys Entertainment: If you could co-star in a movie with any actor or actress, who would that be and why?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say Robin Williams. I think he is extremely talented and extraordinary. I mean he goes from Mrs. Doubtfire to One Hour Photo. The man is a genius! I have also listened to him in interviews and behind the scenes from his work. He seems to love his job and besides the AMAZING talent he has I really think he is a great guy. I look up to him as an actor.
Bama Boys Entertainment: What is one of the biggest misconceptions about Hollywood?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say MOST THINGS ARE FAKE. Relationships, Magazines, Reality shows and Looks. Most of what you see and hear has some shady publicist behind it that is generating popularity for their client. They will do whatever it takes to get their client in front of the media.
Popularity. Don't believe much of what you hear or see on TV.
Bama Boys Entertainment: How big of a role does music play in movies?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I think music plays a huge role. Most of the time soundtracks are what make movies. Take Footloose for example. Although that movie is great, even when a movie is bad and you hear a great song, you will remember that movie and want to see it again because of that. Music and film go hand in hand. In horror movies it's the score "MUSIC" that makes the scenes scary and nerve racking. I think it plays a vital role in film.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Is there any advice, books, or other materials you would recommend for individuals looking to get into acting?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: Although there are many great books, I have not read many books that prepared me for what I have gone through. The best advice I will give is RESEARCH, RESEARCH. If you are serous about being an actor I would start off doing extra work, STAND-IN WORK in movies so you can be around a set and get to know the business hands on starting at the bottom. Do as much acting as you can even if it's free, to keep your self growing. Also, put yourself out there because you never know who you are going to meet and usually in this business it's being at the right place at the right time. NEVER EVER pay anyone unless they are getting you a job and are taking out of that pay. You should never have to pay an agent unless they have booked you worl. They don't make money UNLESS YOU MAKE MONEY so don't get scammed. There are many out there.
Bama Boys Entertainment: I see that you are an Auburn fan. Describe Cam Newton in one word.
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: TALENTED! War Eagle!!!
Check out Jeremy Brandon Carroll at www.facebook.com/jeremy.b.carroll and his bio and acting credits at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1148107/.
Bama Boys Entertainment: At what age did you know that you wanted to pursue acting seriously?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would say at age 15 is when it really hit me. I really wanted to be an actor in film. After watching The Color Purple one day it did something emotionally to me that sparked a fire in me for this industry. It made me want to be a part of something that is as special as that film is.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Do you work with an agent or do you pursue roles on your own?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I work with four different agents. I have one in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Los Angeles. Even though I have agents, I have booked most of the work myself. I have really had to hustle and work my but off just to get this far. You really learn in this business, when it comes down to it that YOU ARE YOUR OWN AGENT. No one will look out for you better than you. You can't depend on too much of what people say in this business.
Bama Boys Entertainment: How does being from a small town help or hinder your acting career?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: It hinders me when People here a southern accent. I have had to work with coaches to change it. Also people treat you like your stupid and all of the cliche things southerners deal with. I think being from a small town helps me because it keeps me very personal and REAL.
Bama Boys Entertainment: If you weren't an actor, what career path do you think you would have followed?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: If I was not an actor, I would probably be a Meteorologist. Other than acting I have always loved to tell everyone weather reports and watch the weather. I am very fascinated with Mother Nature.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Who is the most influential person in your life?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say my mom. She has always been there for me and supported me in all of my auditions. Both my parents and family are very supportive, but she is just always that extra support that pushes me through. I put my faith in God and pray all the time and listen for the answers to guide me.
Bama Boys Entertainment: If you could co-star in a movie with any actor or actress, who would that be and why?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say Robin Williams. I think he is extremely talented and extraordinary. I mean he goes from Mrs. Doubtfire to One Hour Photo. The man is a genius! I have also listened to him in interviews and behind the scenes from his work. He seems to love his job and besides the AMAZING talent he has I really think he is a great guy. I look up to him as an actor.
Bama Boys Entertainment: What is one of the biggest misconceptions about Hollywood?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I would have to say MOST THINGS ARE FAKE. Relationships, Magazines, Reality shows and Looks. Most of what you see and hear has some shady publicist behind it that is generating popularity for their client. They will do whatever it takes to get their client in front of the media.
Popularity. Don't believe much of what you hear or see on TV.
Bama Boys Entertainment: How big of a role does music play in movies?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: I think music plays a huge role. Most of the time soundtracks are what make movies. Take Footloose for example. Although that movie is great, even when a movie is bad and you hear a great song, you will remember that movie and want to see it again because of that. Music and film go hand in hand. In horror movies it's the score "MUSIC" that makes the scenes scary and nerve racking. I think it plays a vital role in film.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Is there any advice, books, or other materials you would recommend for individuals looking to get into acting?
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: Although there are many great books, I have not read many books that prepared me for what I have gone through. The best advice I will give is RESEARCH, RESEARCH. If you are serous about being an actor I would start off doing extra work, STAND-IN WORK in movies so you can be around a set and get to know the business hands on starting at the bottom. Do as much acting as you can even if it's free, to keep your self growing. Also, put yourself out there because you never know who you are going to meet and usually in this business it's being at the right place at the right time. NEVER EVER pay anyone unless they are getting you a job and are taking out of that pay. You should never have to pay an agent unless they have booked you worl. They don't make money UNLESS YOU MAKE MONEY so don't get scammed. There are many out there.
Bama Boys Entertainment: I see that you are an Auburn fan. Describe Cam Newton in one word.
Jeremy Brandon Carroll: TALENTED! War Eagle!!!
Check out Jeremy Brandon Carroll at www.facebook.com/jeremy.b.carroll and his bio and acting credits at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1148107/.
Monday, December 06, 2010
10 Reasons Why Your beats Are Whack!
1. The instruments or sound kits your using are not quality.
This is the case for a lot of amateur producers. The get so excited that they can make a beat and they don’t pay attention to the fact that the quality of their beat is horrible. Also, they don’t know how to get better sounds kits. Today getting quality sounds fx and kits is a lot easier than it used to be thanks to digital audio software and VSTs. Make sure you compare your beats on a sonic level with industry beats.
2. Your mix is bad.
Most producers don’t understand how to mix a beat properly. Most amateur music producers take this for granted. To do this you need to have a basic understanding of effects, volume, and panning. Do some research if these terms sound foreign.
3. The song structure doesn’t fit the song.
When you make a beat make sure you choose a song structure that compliments the arrangement. For starters find a song with a similar sound and mimic the song structure until you get used to how beats are structured.
4. If the melody in your beat is bad then your beat is bad.
The definition of melody is a sequence of pitches and durations. I usually come up with the melody in my head first then the rest of the beat flows.
5. The timing and/or rhythm is off.
Quantize will usually help you with this.
6. The sound quality is not good.
Make sure you have decent headphones or monitor speakers when making your tracks. Also make sure you listen to your tracks in different sound systems and environments so that you have an idea how other listeners will here your beats. I put my beats on my IPod, in my car, and my home stereo at least before I let someone else hear them. You don’t have to go to that extreme, just make sure you try different speakers.
7. Your production style sounds to much like another producers.
Its okay to mimic and be inspired by another but its not okay to copy. If you do this people will let you know instantly that your beats are not original. You will get no where this way. Use sounds that you haven’t heard before or create your own.
8. The beat is not made for an artist.
This is not always a problem but it does happen. Some beats are just not made for a person to perform over. If your trying to get a beat placed with an artist, you must make sure that beat fits that artist. If you don’t want an artist to perform on your beats don’t worry about it you can always pitch it to radio or movies.
9. Your beat has no variation or change ups.
In order to keep the listener engaged into your beat, you must add some level of variation. A good example of this is the tracks the artist Beck uses.
10. You don’t have enough practice making beats.
Make more beats and you will get better. Repetition is the father of learning. Don’t expect to be great over night.
Article written by ikebarnes courtesy of BeatCreators.
This is the case for a lot of amateur producers. The get so excited that they can make a beat and they don’t pay attention to the fact that the quality of their beat is horrible. Also, they don’t know how to get better sounds kits. Today getting quality sounds fx and kits is a lot easier than it used to be thanks to digital audio software and VSTs. Make sure you compare your beats on a sonic level with industry beats.
2. Your mix is bad.
Most producers don’t understand how to mix a beat properly. Most amateur music producers take this for granted. To do this you need to have a basic understanding of effects, volume, and panning. Do some research if these terms sound foreign.
3. The song structure doesn’t fit the song.
When you make a beat make sure you choose a song structure that compliments the arrangement. For starters find a song with a similar sound and mimic the song structure until you get used to how beats are structured.
4. If the melody in your beat is bad then your beat is bad.
The definition of melody is a sequence of pitches and durations. I usually come up with the melody in my head first then the rest of the beat flows.
5. The timing and/or rhythm is off.
Quantize will usually help you with this.
6. The sound quality is not good.
Make sure you have decent headphones or monitor speakers when making your tracks. Also make sure you listen to your tracks in different sound systems and environments so that you have an idea how other listeners will here your beats. I put my beats on my IPod, in my car, and my home stereo at least before I let someone else hear them. You don’t have to go to that extreme, just make sure you try different speakers.
7. Your production style sounds to much like another producers.
Its okay to mimic and be inspired by another but its not okay to copy. If you do this people will let you know instantly that your beats are not original. You will get no where this way. Use sounds that you haven’t heard before or create your own.
8. The beat is not made for an artist.
This is not always a problem but it does happen. Some beats are just not made for a person to perform over. If your trying to get a beat placed with an artist, you must make sure that beat fits that artist. If you don’t want an artist to perform on your beats don’t worry about it you can always pitch it to radio or movies.
9. Your beat has no variation or change ups.
In order to keep the listener engaged into your beat, you must add some level of variation. A good example of this is the tracks the artist Beck uses.
10. You don’t have enough practice making beats.
Make more beats and you will get better. Repetition is the father of learning. Don’t expect to be great over night.
Article written by ikebarnes courtesy of BeatCreators.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
On-air Radio Personality Stess the Emcee Shares His Thoughts on the Music Industry with Bama Boys Entertainment
Stess The Emcee: I really can't say who the most influential is. Sure you got guys like L.A. Reid running Def Jam, but when’s the last time Def Jam was truly a trendsetter? Jay-Z is definately an influence, so he’d be up there. Snoop went over to head urban music at Priority, but he hasn’t made a lot of noise. I do give him props for showing so much of the back catalog at Priority love. Akon got T-pain and Lady Gaga on his roster. Usher scooped up Justin Beiber thanks to Scooter Braun. It's hard to say. What I can say is Steve Rifkin at Loud and SRC, and Dru Ha and Buckshot over at Duckdown are probably the biggest influneces on me.
Bama Boys Entertainment: We always talk about real hip hop, but do you think real R & B will make a comeback?
Stess The Emcee: Real R & B really didn’t go anywhere. It’s just, in black music it tends to get real “pop” real quick. And everyone remains focused on what ever’s popular. So it seems gone, but there is a lot of talent, they just don’t get a lot of attention. Look at the album that John Legend just dropped with the Roots. Melanie Fiona dropped an amazing album last year. Hell even Phil Colins said his last album will be the one he’s about to drop, and it’s got a lot of Motown cover songs. Hell even El Debarge is back!
Bama Boys Entertainment: What are some of the reasons why Eminem received 10 grammy nominations?
Stess The Emcee: Eminem made a great album plain and simple. He changed up what he normally does, and worked outside his normal box. Recovery is dope. And also he’s received the grammy for best rap album for every major solo album he has released.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Is the strip club really the best way to get your song to jump off?
Stess The Emcee: Its one of many, but not the best. Woman are the best way to get your music going. Women dictate trends like you wouldn’t believe. Hell even Biggie did R and B Radio friendly stuff, and he became a sex symbol.
Bama Boys Entertainment: What are your thoughts on the Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj situation?
Stess The Emcee: I don’t care for rapper beef at all. Point blank. I don’t care what rappers have to say in interviews, I just want dope music. If beef is the subject matter, that’s fine, but if you’re going to beef on wax, im going to need you to make one dope ass record, if not, then you are just wasting everyone’s time.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Which unsigned artists are you feeling right now?
Stess The Emcee: Nikki Lynette is dope, Joell Ortiz is a free agent now, here in Tallahassee we have Jube, M Beezy, Kim D, Rufat, and After the Smoke. My homey P Pluck still doing his thing. I recently been playing a lot of Childish Gambino, Chiddy Bang just signed and they’re dope, um is Al B Back signed yet? He always drops dope stuff. I was listening to A Cool Stick a lot, for a while there. Kevin Knottingham posts a lot of dope unsigned music on his blog. Not sure if these folks are signed but Chip The Ripper, Tom Hardy, Tabi Bonney, Vado, The Kid Daytona, Laws, Shawn Chrystopher, Emilio Rojas (and on and on and on).
Bama Boys Entertainment: Travis Porter recently signed to Jive records. In an interview, I heard them say they turned down Bad Boy. You think there's any truth to that statement?
Stess The Emcee: Im not sure. But I do feel they should have stayed independent.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Which artist(s) would you like to see make a comeback in 2011?
Stess The Emcee: I want to see the Fugees put everything behind them and drop something incredible. Ego’s and money is such a funny thing. But it’s an album that Hip Hop needs. I get kind of disgusted at artists sometimes when they are being selfish. Just think about the first time you heard The Score. How amazing it was. These kids need the Fugees to return. We all do.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Does 106 and Park need to be cancelled?
Stess The Emcee: No but it needs to be fixed. It’s a great outlet and I understand it has a target audience. But BET needs to show some responsibility to its viewers. And not just 106th and Park, but in all programming on that network. And who do I need to talk to, in order to get Rap City back on?
Bama Boys Entertainment: What is your all time favorite hip hop lyric or line?
Stess The Emcee: Too many to name. Inspectah Deck killed the first verse on Wu-Tang’s “Triumph”, Prodigy’s first verse on “Quiet Storm” is classic to me, Eminem’s first verse on “I Don’t Give A Fuck”, Dead Prez whole “Hip Hop” record is insane, Biggie on “Long Kiss Goodnight”, Pharaoh Monch always goes in. I really don’t have a favorite.
You can catch Stess the Emcee on Diggin in the Crates every Sunday from 8pm to 10pm on Blazin' 102.3 in Tallahassee or listen live online at www.Blazin1023.com
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Not So Good Things I Noticed About The Music Industry
I would consider myself a part of the music industry...loosely. I make beats but it's not the way I make a living. For those of you who are trying and haven't quite made it yet, I want to share some things I've experienced and some things to be prepared for. First, you must develop thick skin. You are going to have bad days when people say your music sucks. You are going to have days when you want to quit. If you put your heart and soul into your product and you stand behind it 100%, keep pushing. The music industry is saturated with artists, producers, and managers so you have to do whatever it takes to stand out. Don't be afraid to stick out like a sore thumb. The whole landscape of music has changed and most of the shot callers are in it for themselves. They want to make as much money off you as they possibly can so you should develop the same mentality. They don't put alot of money behind your music. Don't expect follow-up conversations. If you get a meeting with a label, company, etc, don't leave that meeting without signing some type of deal, agreement, contract, or something that guarantees some type of business transaction will happen. If you have a bonafide hot record, work it in the streets yourself. Take it to the strip clubs. Take it to the regular clubs. Most radio stations now play unsigned artists on a regular basis. Do your homework. Pass it out at music conferences. Get the point? Make the record execs seek you out. You will have more barganing power that way. Reverend Run said your network determines your net worth. That is so true in the music industry. If you are not a part of the right circle of people, you will not be presented with the same opportunities as someone one who is. Friends give work to friends. So don't expect alot from people. But be ready when opportunities arise and be prepared to create your own.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Make music on your iPhone and iPod Touch
Transform your iPhone into a music production studio.
The SynthStation25 transforms iPhone or iPod touch into a portable music production studio for mobile music creation. This MIDI keyboard controller gives your handheld device a two-octave set of piano keys and professional audio outputs, and it works with the Akai Professional SynthStation app. The SynthStation25 is powerful enough for professional musicians, yet virtually anyone can use is to easily create music.
This 25-key synth keyboard features a built-in dock for iPhone or iPod touch. The SynthStation25 gives you two octaves of velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and octave up and down and sound-bank buttons. The SynthStation25 has a stereo pair of RCA line outputs and a headphone output for connection to recording and sound reinforcement systems.
You can use the SynthStation25 with Akai's SynthStation Studio app as well as virtually any MIDI music software on your computer or with MIDI hardware devices such as sound modules, samplers, and MPCs using its USB/MIDI output. Available exclusively through the Apple App Store, SynthStation gives you three powerful synthesizers for creating and modifying sonic textures used for melodies, chords, and bass lines. Built around Akai Professional’s history in synthesis and drawing on the newest MINIAK synth, the SynthStation Studio app sounds great and offers wide-ranging sonic flexibility with its virtual analog synthesis.
The SynthStation25 transforms iPhone and iPod touch into a professional musical instrument. Craft your musical ideas wherever you are.
iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
(Article taken from http://www.akaipro.com/)
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