Quarter 1 was definitely one for the books. I came out firing straight out the gate. New York Public Library feature was a success. Then, I was able to collaborate with some of my favorite creatives to throw an event and speak at a SAE. Finally, I was able to get back on the road as I was in the Midwest for Wizard Fest. We were able to get the word out with some features from Good Vibes M.I, Mads Singers Podcast , and other platforms. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a solid plan as Larry June mentioned on his last album.
Before the new year started, I had a massive sit down with myself, and I was determined to understand why I couldn’t get any projects off the ground. I looked at how 2021 and 2022, and I was like I didn’t have a plan. Everything was spontaneous! I was going from X to Y, and I was trying to figure out where was Z. It was a good chaotic, but it was draining financially and physically. However, it was needed to find clarity, and I can tell you the projects coming out not only from me, but the rest of the family is going to change our trajectory for YEARS!
With this solid plan, we can start executing the various creative ideas we been holding back for a minute. This newsletter is focused on the plan of attack. Quarter 2 is a huge quarter, and I want you to mark those calendars. It begins with my short film, Deal With It, produced/directed by Victor Otero and Steven Mena. This short films talks about a struggling entrepreneur who wrestles to keep his dreams alive while working his dream job. This short film will premiere on Tivid TV on April 15th, and then Amazon Prime in May , and then finally made to public in June.
On April 15th, you can buy and stream the short film. It’s dark, and just the beginning of more production in the future. Love ya.
Sumthing Like Spring
Spring is around, and allergies are coming. You were smelling that Runaway Rose, and it got you feeling like you need to be outside. Well, you should be outside because April 16th, Jxhar is throwing a rooftop kickback with sounds by DJ 500k. We will be in Philadelphia for the day, and we will have 4 vendors from food, drinks, and accessories to give you an experience. Come chill and network with us.
Or Elsewhere: Table Read
March 12th was one of those days! I was invited by Nik and Nikki to attend a table read for their upcoming project called Or Elsewhere. I had no idea who was going to show up and what was going on. The only thing I genuinely knew was that there was food. As I walked in, I saw a ton of creatives that Nik and Nikki had been working with. Everyone was networking, laughing, and smiling. The biggest takeaway that night for me was how everyone was willing to contribute to the success of both of them. Those types of spaces are always welcoming and warm. We want to continue that love on May 20th when Nikmoody and Kerry Blu shut down NUBLU. There are a ton of surprises for this show, and I want you to be there.
Mads Singers Podcast
Management is one of the hardest things to do within the music industry. Lately, I’ve been seeing how I’ve learned my fair of mistakes trying to manage talent. One thing I realized when trying to manage is that you have to know your client. I tried the same approach on a ton of different clients. Some responded well to it, and others responded differently to it. It definitely helped me see myself in a different light, which I am appreciative of.
In Episode 183 of Mad Singers, I had a chance to be vulnerable and talk about how managers within the music industry can motivate their talent. I mentioned that if one is a manager within the music industry it is best to partner up with the artist since you both are building together. I had gotten this idea from James, who has really done an excellent job at reforming the industry. We need to build with the artists, and I am excited that I am building a healthy relationship with everyone. Check out what I had to say about management within the music industry below.
Music Is Our Hero: Guest Mentor
In February, I remember seeing a ton of my friends and colleagues at the Grammys in LA. I started comparing myself to them as I was disturbed why I didn’t get the opportunity to be there. A few months later, I reached out to Music Is Our Hero to inquire about their guest speaker series. I was shocked to see that Drea Young, a Grammy award nominee, select me to be a guest speaker. I am truly honored to share my knowledge on the DIY scene with the audience of Philadelphia on May 1st. It’s going to be fun.
The topics of discussion are as follows:
Live Performances: Attracting unknown audience to your shows
Streaming: Spotify Discovery Mode and how this can potentially aid artists in the short run.
Media Coverage: SEO Optimization and finding outlets that accomplish this.
Guided by Obas Services
People are always wondering what are my services and products as a business. I decided to create a list of the things that I offer for creatives and event curators at Guided by Obas. I want to make sure that we are progressing both brands in the direction where people are constantly coming back to both our businesses. When we successfully do it, we will reek the rewards together and increase our value and marketability ten folds.
If interested, you can simply email me or dm me! Excited to work with everyone.
What’s to Come:
Some of you have been asking for Volume 2. Well, we got 6 months to give you Volume 2. That’s the deadline! It will be out by then. We have the cover art done already. The chapters are getting edited as we speak. I really want to add one more, but it’s enough. We looking at 28 chapters, which is double the chapters from 1 at 78 pages. This volume has 75% of my thinking process, which is different from the volume 1. I wasn’t as confident with Volume 1 and the concepts at first, but every time I hear someone mention a chapter, it puts a smile on my face and makes me excited for Volume 2.
The image above was the first of the final drafts. There are 3 final versions. I am just showing you one of them because I know you are excited just like me. This version take account of the digital world and how it impacts our trajectory with the music space. That is what the cover art and text of that looks like, however, I don’t think this volume should come out just yet. This somewhat accomplishes the goal of volume 1, but not its entirety.
So, what is the true cover for Volume 2? Stay Tuned! Go Cop Volume 1 before Volume 2.