How can I put this lightly...what happened to the music? Each award show I get very excited to watch, hoping to see something new. Yes, Chris Brown had a great performance, and J-Lo made me situp in my seat (she still got it), but for the majority of the performances, it felt like I was just listening to the radio (which I turn off most of the time). I know all of the artists performing work very hard at what they do, but they also have tons of handlers, and people telling them what to do, and how, and when, to do it. I just wish the award shows would call for a certain standard of performance when choosing who should perform. I'll be sure when I schedule my next performance to keep this in mind, and to make sure I can provide something that will make people sit up in their seats.
What I'm Watching Now: Patriots Game of Course!!
Link to my website: www.jaredjonesonline.com
Talk with you Tuesday!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Looking Back to Move Ahead
I can honestly say that for as long I've been focusing on my music career (since 15 years old when I began learning how to use studio equipment, songwriting, etc), as of today I feel like I'm just getting started. And that's the absolute truth. The music industry looks and operates like a completely different animal than even just two years ago. Below I've listed somethings I've learned over the last 10 years (yes, I'm 25 years old now).
1) Embrace my personal circumstances
With every job I've ever had, I've always made it a battle between job and music. Sure the job was paying my bills, and keeping food on the table, but when it took too much time away from my music, I would find a way to get out of it. Then to be without a job for a few months, realize that I not pulling in any money was helping my music career either. Only recently did I realize that having a full time career can actually enhance my music career. Forget that it would take time away from music, no, it would allow me to put more money into my music career. Sure I'm not going to be able to attend all the music conferences across the country, and easily hope a flight to L.A. or Atlanta to work with certain artists, but I do have the power to build the music career that I want for myself. My thoughts used to be, "If only I could get a contract I'd be able to make music full time, and then my career would really take off". But after reading tons of articles on the music business, the reality is I'm in the best possible position without the contraints of a contract, and still having money. And let's look at what my true desires and passions are at that. Did I want to have to fly all over the country at a moment's notice, or feel obligated to write songs I did not like, or sing songs I did not like? I have a wife, and two daughters that I enjoy seeing everyday. And last time I checked, I've always wanted creative control over everything I do. So maybe a contract isn't what I wanted (or needed) in the first place.
2. Run with any idea, don't second guess it
I'm sure you've had an idea, only not to act on it, and then see someone else do the same thing you were thinking. I'm sure you may have even stood the chance to earn some money too. Well that was me, and producer Ezemdi Chikwendu, just four ago, when we were sure we had the formula for music and financial success. Music Licensing. You see at the time, little was known in the independent music world about music licensing (which is the practice of granting permission for a film or television show to use your song, and negotiating the amount of money they will pay you). At least little was known in the R&B/Pop world. The only talk we would hear from other artists, songwriters and producers was about big time album placements. So we focused our attention on music licensing, and wouldn't you know within 5 months of learning about it, we had our first placement on CBS, "The Young and The Restless". We went crazy! How many people can say they've had music placed on a national television show?
Anyway, we thought we had our ticket. We went on to achieve a few more placements through various 3rd-party licensing services, and then something happened. Nothing. Let the waiting game begin. Instead of continuing to pursue more placements just as frantically as we had done in the past, we waited....and waited, for that next e-mail, or phone call telling us that we had a placement. Nothing. What was the difference? Well, as the record labels began to sell less and less music, all but killing the dreams of many artists, smaller companies and producers to hi big, they all had to look for other ways to bring in money, and they all seemed to find music licensing at the same time. So much for our ticket! Needless to say, there are more and more networks developing every month, and all are creating new shows, and most all will need music. Time to get focused again. And when the next idea hits, we can't let up.
3) Plan 3-5 years ahead
Yes, we are not promised tomorrow, but I'd sure like to go into with a plan. I thought was pretty good at long range planning, but I've really only ever had long range hopes, not actual plans. I know it has a lot to do with being in and out of jobs, in and out of apartments, and it's I because I was chasing something I never really wanted in the first place. With a new plan in place, that includes new music, films, a new brand, and an all encompassing direction, my mind has never been more clear.
Beginning with this blog on Friday, November 18, 2011, you have entered with me into the Jared Jones Journey. I'll talk with you again Monday.
What I'm Listening to Now: "Just Me" - Brian McKnight
YouTube Video You Should See:
1) Embrace my personal circumstances
With every job I've ever had, I've always made it a battle between job and music. Sure the job was paying my bills, and keeping food on the table, but when it took too much time away from my music, I would find a way to get out of it. Then to be without a job for a few months, realize that I not pulling in any money was helping my music career either. Only recently did I realize that having a full time career can actually enhance my music career. Forget that it would take time away from music, no, it would allow me to put more money into my music career. Sure I'm not going to be able to attend all the music conferences across the country, and easily hope a flight to L.A. or Atlanta to work with certain artists, but I do have the power to build the music career that I want for myself. My thoughts used to be, "If only I could get a contract I'd be able to make music full time, and then my career would really take off". But after reading tons of articles on the music business, the reality is I'm in the best possible position without the contraints of a contract, and still having money. And let's look at what my true desires and passions are at that. Did I want to have to fly all over the country at a moment's notice, or feel obligated to write songs I did not like, or sing songs I did not like? I have a wife, and two daughters that I enjoy seeing everyday. And last time I checked, I've always wanted creative control over everything I do. So maybe a contract isn't what I wanted (or needed) in the first place.
2. Run with any idea, don't second guess it
I'm sure you've had an idea, only not to act on it, and then see someone else do the same thing you were thinking. I'm sure you may have even stood the chance to earn some money too. Well that was me, and producer Ezemdi Chikwendu, just four ago, when we were sure we had the formula for music and financial success. Music Licensing. You see at the time, little was known in the independent music world about music licensing (which is the practice of granting permission for a film or television show to use your song, and negotiating the amount of money they will pay you). At least little was known in the R&B/Pop world. The only talk we would hear from other artists, songwriters and producers was about big time album placements. So we focused our attention on music licensing, and wouldn't you know within 5 months of learning about it, we had our first placement on CBS, "The Young and The Restless". We went crazy! How many people can say they've had music placed on a national television show?
Anyway, we thought we had our ticket. We went on to achieve a few more placements through various 3rd-party licensing services, and then something happened. Nothing. Let the waiting game begin. Instead of continuing to pursue more placements just as frantically as we had done in the past, we waited....and waited, for that next e-mail, or phone call telling us that we had a placement. Nothing. What was the difference? Well, as the record labels began to sell less and less music, all but killing the dreams of many artists, smaller companies and producers to hi big, they all had to look for other ways to bring in money, and they all seemed to find music licensing at the same time. So much for our ticket! Needless to say, there are more and more networks developing every month, and all are creating new shows, and most all will need music. Time to get focused again. And when the next idea hits, we can't let up.
3) Plan 3-5 years ahead
Yes, we are not promised tomorrow, but I'd sure like to go into with a plan. I thought was pretty good at long range planning, but I've really only ever had long range hopes, not actual plans. I know it has a lot to do with being in and out of jobs, in and out of apartments, and it's I because I was chasing something I never really wanted in the first place. With a new plan in place, that includes new music, films, a new brand, and an all encompassing direction, my mind has never been more clear.
Beginning with this blog on Friday, November 18, 2011, you have entered with me into the Jared Jones Journey. I'll talk with you again Monday.
What I'm Listening to Now: "Just Me" - Brian McKnight
YouTube Video You Should See:
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