Breasia Studios, Jam Session - A Freestyle With BSMG

We mentioned in a our last couple of blogs about a meet-up group we recently joined called "Production and Music Connection."  Last night was the first meetup with this group and it was an all around great experience.  In fact, I don't think it could have went any better.  I met several extremely talented artist and production professionals and received some really great feedback on our work.

Last nights meet-up, a Jam Session, was where each member had 5-8 minutes to showcase their work.  Some sung and played live instruments (most impressive) and others played pre-recorded vocal tracks that blew me away.  It was a diverse and unique group of musical genres that made the experience all the more enjoyable.  I applaud Breasia Studio for taking the time and energy to give artist a forum to showcase their talent.  I won't mention any names but the talent last night was inspiring and at times gave me chills.  From the sound engineer to the meet-up coordinator this was a complete success!    

One of the gentlemen who attended heard one of our sample tracks during our showcase and was  instantaneously inspired.  When it was his turn to showcase his work, directly after his pre-recorded track ended, he grabbed the nearest mic and jumped on two of ours with an incredible *freestyle.  We have attached a video clip of the freestyle for your listening pleasure.  The first track is titled "Not Guilty" which is a theatrical song.   The second track is a Hip-Hop song titled "Say Goodbye."  The digital instrumental is a music production of BSMG, but the lyrics were created by this artist on the spot. (This video was shot on an iPhone4 so please forgive the audio & video quality.)



*For those of you that are not Hip-Hop inclined a Freestyle,  is commonly referred as rap lyrics which are improvised through acapella or with instrumental beats, i.e. performed with no previously composed lyrics, or "off the top of the head"

Freestyle Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freestyle_rap

Special Note:

Artists, Advertisers, or Music Supervisor interested in BSMG services contact us directly at BSMG@BeatScienceMusicGroup.com.  We offer an array of musical productions that can be made to fit your desired sound and imagery.

For those members who attended last nights Meet-up, and asked about collaborating with BSMG, be sure to contact us when you're ready and available.  Collaborating is what makes us better at what we do.     

For more info on Breasia Studios, or the featured artist in this blog, contact Breasia directly at http://www.breasiastudios.com/.  They offer an array of music and lighting production services. 


Thank you for reading and stay tuned

Coming up this week you will see and hear from John Legend, Ozzy Ozbourne, The Roots, and Yusef aka Cat Stevens. 

P.S.  The "Song Of The Week" will be posted early this week as well. 

Chuck Anderson
BSMG, CEO

A Meetup Affair - Listening Party (Jam Session)

I went to the jam session tonight and had a really great time.  It was a great environment with people who were supportive and extremely talented.  We actually have a video of one of the meet-up members free-styling on two of our tracks.  It was bananas!   I'll blog more about it in the morning (Sunday).


Chuck Anderson
CEO - BSMG

Entertainment Lawyers Who Do What?

Starting a business is an adventure not many care to take.  Over the past year or so one of the most critical things we have been told to build a solid business is "Get a lawyer."  From a business standpoint it makes perfect sense to have a lawyer feed you the legal jargon via layman's terms.  This was something we did mid-way through the initial development of BSMG earlier this year.  After reading several business development books we felt like we had all of our bases covered regarding the protection of our investment, BSMG.  But for us we felt like the only way to guarantee the legitimacy of what we were doing was to consult an Entertainment Lawyer.  After all was said and done with our Entertainment Lawyer, we found out that we were on the right track.  Having a legal professionals confirmation makes sleeping at night a bit easier.

Reading the Music Licensing book I ran across a couple of pages discussing the benefits of having an Entertainment Lawyer represent you in more ways than one.  A lawyers role is always from a legal perspective in the capacity of protecting your investment.  From what I've read, a good Entertainment Lawyer can facilitate the scoring of TV, film, soundtrack, and even commercial placements.  When a lawyer works within the context of client representation, their presence has a certain appeal for all parties involved with a negotiation.  Having a lawyer allows you to accept or deny a deal with confidence knowing the legal expectations were understood with insight and experience.  Like most, our understanding of a lawyer's role was to represent you in court and take all your money.  Fortunately, we were wrong. 

When developing BSMG our initial thoughts were that we would have to negotiate our business deals and later consult a lawyer to confirm our assumptions on legalities.   There is a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you have a wider range of support than initially expected.  In this case, it would be the support of an Entertainment Lawyer.  Not to be fooled, these legal services are not free and in many cases an Entertainment Lawyer would not utilize there time supporting a start-up company such as ours.  However, now understanding the diverse roles a lawyer can play we have the insight to get to the next level of a successful and well supported business. 

There are all types of client/attorney agreements that can be made between the two as far as services and fees.  Typically, like any other profession, if you pay them they will work.  It's just a matter of how much they "require," and how much you can comfortably afford.  The best thing to do is a Google search on local Entertainment Lawyers and see what pop's up.  Always, and we mean always, ask for references and look at online reviews.  This could potentially save you a massive headache down the road.

Last item, always ask if the first consult is free.  Some lawyers are willing to give you as much time as  you need during the first consult in order to get you back the second.  Create a basic list of legal questions you need answered and fire at will.

Check out a more specific breakdown of what service an Entertainment Lawyer can provide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_law

We hope you learned something in this blog, we certainly did.


Have a great night
BSMG Staff


 

A Meetup Affair - Listening Party (Jam Session)

 A few weeks ago we joined a local music production meet-up group named "Production and Recording Connection" in Washington D.C.  This Saturday is our first event and we're looking forward to see what it has to offer.  The Jam Session will be taking place in a fully equipped recording studio directly outside of D.C.  Each guest will have 5-8 minutes to play there music and tell the story behind it.  It seems like a good venue to network and share ideas with other music entrepreneurs.  We already have a song in mind that we want to showcase during this meet-up, titled "Not Guilty."  You can here a snippet of this track on our website at www.beatsciencemusicgroup.com under "Production Samples."  It has a theatrical theme to it that reminds me of an intense police chase on Law & Order.  Listen to the track on our website and let us know how you interpret the story behind the music.  We will tell you all about it on Sunday and hope to have all good feedback and meet some interesting industry people.

"We are here to connect people in various aspects of the music industry in Maryland, DC, Virginia and beyond. Music professionals, aspiring artists, singers, writers, producers, engineers. State-of-the-art digital recording studio, rehearsal facility, great producers, talented singers, songwriters, publicists, musicians, newbies and professionals all under one roof."

Source - Production and Recording Connection, A Meet-up Group
http://www.meetup.com/breasiastudios/calendar/14819571/


Our next blog will be about the Music Licensing book I recently mentioned in our blog.  Its a great read as I mentioned before and has some really great information on how BSMG can move forward with getting our music heard (and sold).  


Good Night
BSMG Staff

Song of The Week - "Lola's Theme" by MOS via Shapeshifters (Relaxed)

Lola's Theme, a disco house track, was released by a UK based production duo (Simon Marlin and Max Reich)  named Shapeshifters on 12 July 2004.  With in a blink of an eye this track went to #1 on the UK charts and peaking at #1 on the American Dance Charts.  This is certainly not a new release but it will forever be timeless for music lovers and those who can appreciate the finer things in life.   

 In 2004 the Ministry Of Sound (MOS) released a relaxed (lounge) version of this track that is incredible.  This relaxed version provides a sensation of good vibes with a cocktail and a two-step.  MOS released "Lola's Theme" via there mega hit series "Chillout Sessions" (Session 6, Disc 1 Track 3).  For those of you who are familiar with MOS "Chillout Sessions," good on ya.  For those of you who are not, get on it.  Check out the links below for YouTube videos of "Lola's Theme."

Lola's Theme Background...

 "Lola's Theme" features a sample from the introduction of Johnnie Taylor's 1982 R&B^[1] and it was originally released as an instrumental at the end of 2003 on their own Nocturnal Groove label. Due to its immense popularity, "Lola's Theme" was licensed from Nocturnal Groove to Positiva Records. At the same time, the sample of "What About My Love" was then completely replayed by Mark Summers at Scorccio Sample Replays, recreating all elements of the sample (strings, brass sections, piano etc.). The duo then set about finding a vocalist. After a long search they met Cookie, a gospel singer from the London Community Gospel Choir who recorded the vocals for the full release, "What About My Love."  

Source - Wikipedia,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lola%27s_Theme  

Youtube Video: "Lola's Theme" (Relaxed) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVbn_nAjlSg

Youtube Video: "Lola's Theme" (Original) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnqrX_-DjSY&feature=related

 

Enjoy The Music...

 BSMG Staff

The Musicians Guide to Licensing Music - Film, TV, Advertising, Digital Media & Beyond

  On October 11^th we mentioned that we expanded our brand to Commercial and Entertainment (C&E) music production services.  We purchased a book titled “The Musicians Guide to Licensing Music - Film, TC, Advertising, Digital Media & Beyond” written by Darren Wilsey, with Daylle Deanna Schwartz.  The old adage “Knowledge Is Power” couldn’t apply more to our expansion of services.  So far the book as been incredibly informative and an easy read.  As we continue to put our name out there we want to feel confident that we are what we say we are.  Having resources such as this book and other insightful resources will keep us on track.  Being able to speak intelligently from an informed perspective does wonders when negotiating contracted services.  Amazon Review Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5

Here is a snippet from the book itself showing the insight it offers to C&E interested readers:

“Plug your music career into the lucrative new income streams of the digital marketplace Record deals are so twentieth century. Today, music licensing is the fastest route to widespread exposure and a steady income. Creators of films, television shows, commercials, video games, ringtones, podcasts and other digital-age media hunger for music perfectly suited to their projects-providing endless, lucrative opportunities for savvy musicians. Whether yours"re an unknown composer, an up-and-coming songwriter, an independent-label performer, or a big label star, therers"s a place for you in this fast-growing field-as long as you learn to master the game. How does music licensing work? Where are the most abundant and rewarding opportunities? Find the answers in this authoritative, up-to-the-moment overview of one of the most effective ways to market your talent. Itrs"s all here: The key players in the music licensing business and the best ways to make contacts and bring your music to their attention Types of licensing agreements and how to understand them An inside look at the licensing selection process and how to get a jump on music requests Negotiating payment and protecting your music in the open marketplace, including international venues Getting music licensed for television shows, films, commercials, digital media, and less obvious markets like colleges and universities, theater companies, corporate training videos, and restaurants Firsthand advice from top music executives, marketers, music supervisors, lawyers, talent managers, and filmmakers « less…” 

Author Bio: Darren Wilsey is an award winning composer, songwriter and music producer. He has written and produced music for numerous independent films and network television. His music has appeared on such shows as Ghost Whisperer (CBS), Sex and the City (HBO), Queer as Folk (Showtime), Punk'd (MTV), Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (Bravo), Dane Cook's Tourgasm (HBO), Road Rules (MTV), Skin (Fox), Life With Derek (Disney), Breaking Bonaduce (VH1), Snowboarding World (NBC Sports), Beverly Hills 90210--The Complete First Season (Paramount Entertainment), and Melrose Place.

Stay Tuned…. Our next House track, “Drop In Sixty Seconds” is in the works.

Thanks,

BSMG Staff

Entertainment Weekly - Over 6 Billion Worldwide

Sitting at my desk reading an Entertainment Weekly article on "The 50 Most Powerful Entertainers." Guess who is number one?  Answer: Johnny Depp - Worldwide Movie Gross: Over 6 Billion! 

Johhny Depp Bio: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000136/bio

Fun Fact: Lady Gaga has had 1.1 billion YouTube video plays. The U.S. population is approx 310 million, do the math.

Music: Black Eyed Peas new album "The Beginning" is due out in late Nov to early Dec.
Source: Entertainment Weekly

BSMG Staff

A New Name For "Over And Over" - A House Production

We mentioned a couple blogs ago about a song titled "Over and Over" and how the title was not likely to change.  Guess what?  The title has changed to "Drop In 60 Seconds."  The theory behind this track is for each stage (verse) of the song, each 60 seconds long, the beat changes but the baseline stays the same.  At the beginning of the next stage (verse) you hear "drop" at which point the next stage begins.  This is where the title "Drop In 60 Seconds" comes from.  The track has morphed and re-morphed and will likely continue to do so as it's developed.  Its a great dance track and we can't help but bounce back and fourth every time it plays.  Stay tuned for more info.  Once this track is complete we will be moving on to our Commercial music.  Have a great night!

BSMG Staff

Business & Relationship Balance (Date Night)

 Tonight was date night.  Check back tomorrow where I will talk about this new and, so far, amazing book on licensing music in the entertainment and advertisement industry.  Check back in 24hours!

Chuck Anderson
CEO - BSMG

Song of The Week- "Crazy" (Live SOHO iTunes Ver 2008) by Gnarls Barkely

It's on the 2008 Gnarls Barkely, (St. Elswhere) - iTunes live from SOHO EP.  When the radio version came out in 2006 it blew up instantly.  It had such unique and groundbreaking sound.

I was searching through iTunes recently and ran across the SOHO version and it has a completely different feel.  It has a mellow European marching band type feel to it.  To be able to transform such a hit into what I heard on this live version is pretty amazing.  Its a track you could sit back and read a book to or head out to a listening party deep into the city with everyone chanting "Does that make me crazy.........possibly"  It is a masterpiece.....

Click here for a live version of "Crazy"

Denmark's 2008 Rosklide Festival
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgHioCC3yCo

49th Annual Grammy Awards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woFpafSBKpk&feature=related

(Check out "Cell Therapy" on Goodie Mobs 1990 Dirty South Classics album on iTunes.  You will hear the roots of Gnarls Barkely aka Cee Lo Green)


Thanks for reading

Chuck Anderson - CEO

What's Next On The Menu? House Music!

  At the moment we’re working on a House track titled “Over and Over.”  The name of the track could certainly change but the hook makes me feel that’s unlikely.  We’ll post more on this track soon.  Stay Tuned

 

BSMG Staff

Tom Bosley aka Mr. C from Happy Days Passes

For those of us that grew up in the 80's remember the Happy Days theme song like it was on Ryan Seacrest Top 40 yesterday.

Remembering Tom Bosley, beloved 'Happy Days' dad: An extraordinary ordinary-guy
It's not easy to play warm-and-cuddly and smart-and-funny, but Tom Bosley, who has died at age 83, managed to do it. As Howard Cunningham in Happy Days, Bosley was a model TV parent: patient, occasionally wise, sometimes exasperated, yet blissfully ordinary. It's not easy making "ordinary" interesting, but Bosley managed to do that, too.

Bosley died of lung cancer in his home in Palm Springs, Calif.

The most modest and charming of actors, Bosley was happy on Happy Days to be part of the ensemble, working with crack timing alongside costars Marion Ross, Ron Howard, and Henry Winkler. But Bosley had a varied career. He won a Tony for his portrayal of the flamboyant New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1959's Fiorello! He appeared in small roles in many '50s
and '60s TV shows and movies before finding permanent pop culture resonance as Mr. C on Happy
Days (1974-84).

By Ken Tucker - Entertainment Weekly
Published 10/19/2010

BSMG Staff

What Comes First? (Hook or Beat)

Good Morning All....

Typically when I put a song together  (verse, hook, chorus, bridge) I start with a beat pulled from a single or several chopped up loops on Logic (Mac Audio sw).  There are other times where I am riding the metro train (Washington DC) on my way home from work and a hook or chorus will pop into my brain.  At that point I feel the need to rush home and record the vocal so I don't lose the energy behind the hook or chorus.

From what I have read every producer has his or her own method to building a track.  Typically for me it is easiest to build a track off of a hook.  In my opinion, the hook defines the mood and direction of a track.  There is a track posted on our website titled "Again" that has a dramatic gospel type hook to it.  I added some reverb and mild destortion to the loop making the hook all the more cinematic.  The track started from that hook which ultimately dictated track direction.  If you listen to the chorus you will hear "Never gonna see you again, like then, again.  Now you'll never ever see me again."  Listening to how the chorus comfortably drops into the dramatic hook draws me to the song.  It paints a picture without having a verse on the track which is something I strive for.  Making music is a passion for me and being able to hear/see that passion come to life is incredibly rewarding.  If you have production tips or constructive critisim please feel free to share.

We appreciate your time....

Chuck Anderson
CEO - BSMG

Setting Boundaries - Business and Relationship Balance

As some of you may or may not have read, my partner Eric and I started BSMG together nearly a year ago. As in any successful relationship, over time the two of you grow together and become increasingly intertwined in the others personality.  The stress of running a business on your own is incredibly exhausting and adding a relationship to that can be overwhelming.  We realized from the very beginning this process and the success of our business would take a toll on our relationship.  We sat down recently and discussed beneficial boundaries to separate the business from our relationship.  For instance, we make a constant effort to take time out for one another when we get home from our full-time jobs; when he gets home I take 15 minutes to see how his day went (he gets home later than I do); when we eat dinner we do not discuss business, etc...

These are principles we try to follow but also know that as business picks up the more difficult it will become.  Our effort in seeking balance in our personal and business relationship is what makes us successful and keeps us sane (for the most part).  The message from us to you is to make sure you focus on what is most important as your business and personal relationships move forward.  The word "important" is relative but it will ultimately define your happiness and success.


Thanks for reading...

Chuck & Eric
BSMG Co-Owners  

Justin Bieber on Cam'Rons "Speaking in Tungs"

This kid just does it all, huh? Justin Bieberis known for eliciting squeals from tweens by way of singing and dancing. But last night the Biebs made his debut as a rapper. Over Cam'Ron and Vado's "Speaking in Tungs," a huge hip-hop record in New York's tri-state area, Bieber confidently steps to the mic in a short Youtube clip. Honestly, he's pretty good. Lyrically it's pretty light on substance. But that's okay. He's only 16! And rich. He rhymes about buying a girl diamonds, being on fire, and being fly. But there is one line that's a cut above the rest, where he takes a shot at New England PatriotTom Brady – who's been getting a lot ofheat for sporting Bieber's hairstyle. Apparently there can only be one mop cut king.

"Call up Mr. Brady," Bieber spits as he gets into quarterback stance. "Tell him leave his hair to the guy who sings 'Baby'." It's all in good fun, of course. Don't expect a rap album from Bieber any time soon. "I just wanted to do this just to prove that I have skills on the rap game," he says when the track winds down. Mission accomplished. Check out the clip after the jump and let us know what you think of it. Is it time for Brady to meet a pair of scissors now?   

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9rUjEKihyU

 - Entertainment Weekly

It's Official, Peter Jackson is directing 'The Hobbit'

Warner Bros., New Line Cinema and MGM have finally officially announced that Peter Jackson will direct J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit with production beginning in February 2011. The film is planned to be divided into two installments and will be shot in 3D. Said Jackson, "Exploring Tolkien's Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal film-making experience. It's an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We're looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo - and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM".

- Entertainment Weekly

Meetup Groups - Social Networking

  We joined a local Washington D.C. meet up group that allows you to network with others in the local and national entertainment industry.  We felt it would be another good way for us to put our name out and meet others that we could help and get help from.  Working with others can at times give some of the best motivation and insight a person could use. 

For those of you interested in meet up groups in your area go to: www.meetup.com

Thanks for reading.....
 BSMG Staff

Entertainment Weekly - A Great Resource

  Good Evening....

  We've been reading Entertainment Weekly (EW) magazine recently. It helps us keep up on what's going on in the entertainment world.  Its a solid magazine that doesn't have a bunch of celebrity gossip clogging the pores of your brain with ridiculousness.  (No offense to those of you who like the gossip mags, but really?)

Anyways, in the Oct 8th edition EW has a good interview with Justin Timberlake on his role in "The Social Network."  According to the article JT has no plans to put out another record anytime soon.  Disappointing, but we have no choice but to support and respect someone who does what they want because their gut tells them so.  For more check out the article...Pg 43 of EW

My New Favorite Song

My new favorite song - Bruno Mars & Cee Lo Brown - "The Other Side"

It's on the new Bruno Mars CD that was released on 5 Oct 2010; iTunes.  For those of you that don't know, Bruno Mars sings the chorus on B.o.B's "Beautiful Girls" and on Travie McCoy's "Billionaire"

Check out Doo-Wops & Hooligans on iTunes to get Bruno Mars entire CD - It's worth the purchase and has a great mellow sound.

Thank for reading

Chuck Anderson - CEO

TV/Commerical - A Wider Audience

   On our website we have samples in 3 separate sections of music.  We have Hip-Hop/Pop, house, and Commercial/Entertainment (C&E).  The C&E section is new for us and also very exciting.  Our intent is to have a wider range of audience and market to cater to.  We realize this is a business and the more exposure we gain from having multiple services the better.  Our challenge now is to work the business process into our creative process.  With Eric working the tech side of our business and me working the music portion we have a solid team.  Understanding the business as far as promotion, direction, resources, and general experience is something we are and will learn together.  We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog.  Your constructive creative and business input is welcomed.

BSMG Staff 

Lift Off!

  Good Sunday Evening....

 Tonight we have the pleasure of announcing our newly launched website and production samples.  Our website shows a few different genres of music as well as tunes used for Commercial Jingles, Radio, and Reality TV.  We have expanded BSMG and are looking forward to your feedback.  Check out the website tonight at www.beatsciencemusicgroup.com and contact us for more info.

Stay Tuned
BSMG Staff    

Online

  We are now back online.  Check out the newly updated website and watch out for music samples coming soon.  We appreciate your patience.

BSMG Staff