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Advice From The Certified Genius – 1/12/2011

C.G. — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:58:41 +0000

C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From The Certified Genius

How’s everyone doing? Good I hope. Happy new year everyone, here’s some new advice for the new year from your favorite producer.

Tips for life: Be thankful. The only thing guaranteed to us in life is death so I’ve come to realize that a lot of things that we take for granted like food, shelter, health and clothing really are blessings. If you look at any third world countries there are people starving to death and dying of malnutrition. Be grateful for what you do have and try not to focus on what you do not have.

Tips for producing/beat making: Diversify. Try new things musically. Don’t be afraid to go out of your element and make a pop or hip-hop beat. Even try some R&B or cross genre tracks. I used to strictly do more rugged and grimey east coast hip-hop. Over the past two years though I really worked on creating my own style and just doing my own thing musically and I have been getting a lot of great feedback. For an example, check out my new remix/cover song to G-Unit’s “Stunt 101″ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFF1CsN4ZQU or here C.G. Productionz \”Stunt 101\” Remix/Cover Song (same link)

Tips for song writers/artists: Promote. However you want to do it is up to you but you need to promote yourself. Whether you want to use Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc. is your choice but you need to get your music out there. People need to know and hear what you’re doing. In most cases a label doesn’t sign artists that don’t already have somewhat of a fan base (not in all cases but generally speaking). Even if you don’t want to end up with a major label you still need to promote because independent artists need a fan base to. Once you have the music or the movement that catches people’s attention you’re halfway there; now you just need to keep their attention.

Tips for finance: Buy assets, not liabilities. Keep this in mind especially when you start making excess money or get a raise or nice bonus. Even if you’re an artist, producer or song writer. Don’t blow your big check on a brand new Benz or big mansion (liabilities: items that depreciate in value and don’t make you any money). Instead, buy some real estate or talk to a stock broker and invest in some stock (assets: items that can make you money, if done correctly). Before investing in anything or buying any real estate it’s very important to educate yourself and make sure you’re working reliable and professional people on your investments. There’s no sense in blowing a few thousand dollars on new designer clothing and then struggling when the money dries up. The truth is, you never know when you might be out of a job or when your music won’t be the center of attention anymore. For these reasons, I believe it’s very important to purchase assets rather than liabilities. Suggested reading: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel.

I hope this advice helps to bring in the new year on a positive note for everyone and I wish everyone much love and success for 2011. Ending on that note, I’ll talk to you guys in another two weeks. Don’t forget to leave some comments and feedback too!

Thanks,

Posted by Christopher “C.G.” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

P.S. My second mixtape Payback: Certified Genius Volume 2 will be released on Monday, February 28th. Stay tuned for that, especially if you like the remix that I posted!

Top Twenty List of Music Review Blogs

Corey Koehler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:21:54 +0000

: Image by Bright Tal via Flickr

Today, I wanted to share a post with you from a blog I’ve been checking in on lately. The blog is Slowcoustic and they recently did a post which points to another post from a blog called ClickTicket. These posts list what they feel are the Top Twenty Music Review Blogs.

I figured some of you might be looking for a little more in music review department, because, as I’ve admitted in my latest podcast, I am not the most frequent blogger on the planet. (note: the fact that 500+ of you stick around points to the fact that I am possibly the luckiest music blogger on that same planet).

Oh and if you’re wondering why I am sharing the Slowcoustic version of the story – rather than serving it up straight from the ClickTicket tap – it is because I think Slowcoustic’s version gives you a little insight as to what kind a blog Slowcoustic is (since they were on the list themselves).

Its like watching an awards show, many times I think it is more interesting to hear how the artist goes about accepting an award than it is to hear the announcement itself (does that make sense?). I think you will be left with the same impression I was left with, Slowcoustic is appreciative, humble and not afraid to prop up fellow blogs. In other words, good people!

One last thing, without knowing fore sure what the criteria for this top 20 list are, I figured I’d throw in a few that I would consider in mine. If you are into hard rock and metal check out Hard Rock Hideout and Rock My Monkey are both very solid.

Any hey, if there are any that you know of that are on not on this list but you might put in your top 20, please, share in the comments below. Maybe we’ll have enough to put together a Musicgoat top twenty.

Music Review: Jennifer Dixon, the Face of Alternative Country’s Uncompromising Future

treadmarkz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:31:54 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Some Country music purists would probably say that anything that warrants the name “Alternative Country” is not really Country. But ultimately it is the domain of the fan to judge what an artist is or is not, to them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Jennifer Dixon.

A little country sensibility with a style that hovers along the cusp of blues, pop, jazz owing to a stint on Memphis’ legendary Beale Street, and nearly a decade in Nashville, her new CD, “2 Years” is the fruit of experience. She did not come out of nowhere.

Which makes it all the more uncanny that she has been labeled “un-Nashville.”

The intro to “A Little You For Me” sounds like a nod to “I Lie Around” by Paul McCartney and Wings. But this Norah Jones-like tune comes from the heart of a woman who has given all she can give to the world, yet she finds she’s got a little more left for her man if he’ll meet her halfway. Like “I Lie Around” it never really takes off. It threatens to, repeatedly. But when it comes down to it, it’s just right.

“Too Tired To Care” is Dixon, having been there, done that and not doing it again regarding love. When she starts to hear the same old lines, she is just that, too tired to care. It is a mellow funk romp with a lyric delivered in focused rapid fire, highlighted with some sultry vocal inflections.

“Easy Goodbye” seems to be a follow up on the same theme in that, having heard it all before, its easy to let go and move on. These two tracks are the most un-Nashville of the bunch. One can picture many of today’s top female vocalists flagrantly over-doing “Easy Goodbye”, robbing it of its symbolic ease. One of its greatest features is that the musicians, while doing some top-notch work, back off and let the vocals shine.

With these tracks what you get is a many-tiered cynical view of love. In that respect, “If You’re Looking For An Angel” is refreshing. Just when you are expecting something like “Strong Enough” by Cheryl Crow, it turns into something closer to “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt in its vulnerability. For instance, in the chorus, Dixon sings “If you’re looking for an angel…” Having heard a couple of these songs, one may be surprised to hear her continue with “here I am.” It’s sweet, its comforting, and it demonstrates that with a few gentle, sincere words, yes, women can make men, dare I say it, swoon.

Love Me Back” delivers the very subtlest hints of the smoky vocals of Natalie Merchant or Melissa Etheridge, yet tips the scales with those well-executed vocal inflections again.

Dixon finally brings the thunder with “I Need a Man.” It’s gritty, harkening back to Tanya Tucker, matching the vocal strength of Carrie Underwood. Here Dixon is laying it all out on the line as if to say “This is what I need, damn you!”

Four of these tracks can be heard on her homepage www.jenniferdixon.net, and one is featured in the indie film “Shattered”.

Music Marketing Strategies: Where You Can Send Your Music Demos

Corey Koehler — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:02:43 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

If you are an artist or band looking for a place to send your music demo and/or get your music into TV, movies, ads or games, I have a few suggestions for you. Check it.

Music Licensing

Music Licencing 101 – If you are looking into getting your music on TV shows, movies, advertising and/or video games, check this program out. I am taking Aaron’s – the teacher at Music Licensing 101 – 90 Day Challenge now and I have already had my tunes accepted into a few publishing library’s so I can tell you that he knows what he is talking about.

You can sign up to get his free ebook here (affiliate link) to get a solid introduction to getting your music in placed.

Also, you do a Google search for “music industry directory”.

All-in-One

Indie Bible -For a measly $34.95, this 330 page music marketing Swiss Army Knife will show you how to get access to 4000 music publications willing to do reviews, 3200 radio stations willing to play your songs along with 1200 other resources looking to help you get the word out. They also have a long list of labels out there that might be looking for what you have to offer.

I know this works because the Musicgoat is listed in here and I get bombarded with tons of mail – e and snail – filled with CD’s, mp3′s, press releases, review requests, etc. Go get a copy now (affiliate link).

Between those to resources you should be well on your way to getting your music out there. And if I missed any, let me know in the comments below. Good luck!

WAIT! You don’t want to miss the next review, podcast, music promotion tip or whatever else music related we decide to put out here. Subscribe to the Goat now for the all time low price of free and you will get all the kick ass content from the Goat fast and easy. Just subscribe to Musicgoat.com newsletter by email now and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it .

The Beatles’ Studio Revolution of 1962

treadmarkz — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:03:56 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com

Buddy Holly wrote his own songs. Chuck Berry wrote his own songs. Little Richard wrote his own songs. Paul McCartney and John Lennon, being devoted followers of all three, began writing their own songs early, and often. McCartney wrote rough versions of “I’ll Follow the Sun” and “When I’m Sixty-Four” in about 1957. And many of the originals from the Beatles first album were written by John and Paul around that same time. They knew that it set them apart from the other up-and-coming bands.

But rock n’ roll had changed drastically by 1960. Holly was dead, Berry was in jail, Little Richard had become a preacher, and Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll himself, had become a balladeer, more interested in making movies than creating a movement. Rock n’ Roll was in trouble. Balladeers singing already-proven hit songs were running the charts. Nothing new was happening!

Fast-forward to September 1962. The Beatles had just been brought in to record their first professional single at Abbey Road Studio. In June of that year, during their audition, they had brought in a number of original songs that they intended to show off. After playing them all, producer George Martin did not think any of them were strong enough to be a single. He also did not like their drummer, Pete Best.

When the Beatles came back in September with Ringo Starr on the skins, Martin suggested a song called “How Do You Do It?” written by Mitch Murray, a professional songwriter. So the Beatles came in and recorded the song. But they knew it did not suit them. They insisted on having another go at a song they had submitted in June, “Love Me Do”, and they continued to argue for it until they got their way.

Their first single, “Love Me Do” was their own song, as was it’s b-side “P.S. I Love You”. Gerry and the Pacemakers went on to success of their own with “How Do You Do It?” but not as much success as the Beatles. The Beatles version of the song can be heard on the Beatles Anthology 1 CD, disc one.

The version of “Love Me Do” recorded on Sept. 4 would become the Beatles first single, but another version would be recorded for the Beatles first album, Please Please Me a week later. It seems that Martin did not like Ringo’s drumming either, at this point, and brought in a professional session drummer, Andy White.
Many fans now point out how painfully simple and repetitive “Love Me Do” is. This may be true, but the Beatles had taken creative control from day one, and went on to inspire generations of musicians to sing their own songs, and do your own thing. September 4, 1962 is certainly the day “The Sixties” began, at least for rock n’ roll.

Organize the Hell Out of Your MP3 Music Collection

Corey Koehler — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:57:45 +0000

I just wanted to pass this on since I imagine most of you have huge library’s of MP3′s, like myself. Here is a post on a site called Killer Tech Tips about organizing your MP3 collection.

Check it out. Let me know if you use any of this stuff already.

Serj is coming!

Brice — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:52:17 +0000

Thanks for the introduction CK. Iâ€™m glad to post for you, itâ€™s an honor. Ok, my first entry into the Goat, so here we go. I feel no pressure. (Yea, right.)

Now that yet another of my favorite bands has decided to â€œpursue individual interests,â€ Iâ€™m left again to wonder what the future holds for myself musically. I look to Serj Tankian (lead vocalist, System of A Down) to heighten my interest immediately.

Serj is unloading the bandsâ€™ first solo project on October 23rd, oddly titled, â€œElect The Dead.â€ He has been pushing his project almost overwhelmingly on Myspace.com.

Although only two singles have been released, itâ€™s obvious that this album will not sound much like System at all. Serj amuses with his unique banter of catchy phrases and vocal prowess that has made him into one of the top lead men in music today. Not only can Serj hang with the best of them vocally, he has an artistic advantage due to his experiences in the industry. He knows what sounds good and what people want to hear. He mixes his talents beautifully, all while speaking his ever so opinionated mind. A lot of people can â€œsing,â€ but itâ€™s those who can incorporate voice, rhythm, harmony, and the occasional scream that end up with a true masterpiece.

Although â€œThe Unthinking Majorityâ€ single was an immediate hit with fans and critics, it was leaked out by an unidentified source. Serj later played it off by saying, â€œI released this song due to the chaos of our world today. There are a lot of problems that we all must deal with immediately.â€ Serj always has an issue with something in our government. Although I love the guy like no other, it tends to piss me off a bit that he can never keep it shut. After all, Iâ€™m not interested in â€œDixie Chickâ€ opinions, I just want to rock!

The second and final single that was released is titled, â€œEmpty Walls.â€ It has a catchy feel to it from the start and it never loses its interest. It always makes me feel like Iâ€™ve heard it years ago, but yet I still find myself listening to it. Of the two singles, I feel this is the strongest. Although Serj has only given us a limited peek at his project, it sounds like itâ€™ll be a well-deserved Top 10 seller. Strong opinions aside, as we all have them, I look forward to the album more than I did before the release of the â€œIllusionsâ€ by GNR in 1991.

Two weeks ago Serj announced his plans for a small tour to promote his album and hopefully jumpstart his solo career. It all starts off here in good oldâ€™ Chi-town at the Vic Theatre on Friday, October 12th. Yes, I was online with Ticket master at the moment they went on sale! Serj does not plan on playing any System songs, but hopefully with a little heckling we can get a stellar version of â€œSugarâ€ rocking the small theatre into a madness that has yet to be seen.

After the Chicago show, Serj heads to Canada for a one night show in Toronto, then comes back to the states for 7 shows to fill up the October calendar. Starting November 3rd, he heads overseas, teaming up with the Foo Fighters for a total of 6 shows in Manchester, New Castle, Dublin, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Manchester.

Finally, Serj wraps up his small tour in cities with larger arenas, such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Although Serj plans a larger scale tour in the near future, he has yet to release any of these dates. Iâ€™ve heard rumors it will consist of some pretty big names, but weâ€™ll just have to wait and see.

So mark your calendar for the 23rd of October. I guarantee an enjoyable album that will be listened to for years to come.

Welcome Jersey Todd Listeners!

Corey Koehler — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:17:13 +0000

First, I want to thank Jersey Todd for giving me some publicity. What a guy!

Next, if you are here because of Jersey Todd, welcome. I figured I would give you a quick tour.

First thing you are going to want to do is check out check out is the About page. There is a method to my madness and you should know up front.

Second, check out some of the reviews I’ve done for some very deserving artists. I have a ton of people sending me stuff to review all the time and every chance I get I share it with you.

Third, I do like to talk stupid and share humorous music related stuff every now and then. There are a few examples for you in the humor category.

Once you have checked it all out go ahead and subscribe. If you made it that far you are going to want to hang around for much more of the same.

Anyway, thanks again for stopping’ by. I know she’s not much to look at right now but a new Musicgoat them is in works as we speak (can’t wait). See you soon.

Note to all of my dedicated readers (and listeners), make sure you swing over and check out The Jersey Toddshow. He’s a lawyer who really likes Indie music and sharing his opinions. Good stuff!

Thanks again JT!

No related posts.

Three Ways to Learn Guitar Online

Corey Koehler — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:17:51 +0000

This stuff comes right out the “I wish they had this stuff when I was a kid” category. Check out these sites and develop, or start learning, your guitar chops. Pick your medium. I’ve only found three but I just bet there are quite a bit more Via video – GuitarTricks.com Via email – GuitarTips.com.au [...] Related posts:

Can You Write a Song?

Corey Koehler — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:23:07 +0000

Hey! Do you want a really short blog post telling you where you can go kill some time and maybe even write a hit single?

I thought so.

Go now and check out the website Chordstudio. You can choose your very own chords and then pick the instruments to play them.

No musical talent required and you might even learn something. What could possibly be more entertaining than that?

A Way Around Tomorrows Internet Music Blackout

Corey Koehler — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:45:13 +0000

Do you listen to internet radio? If so what are you going to do tomorrow?

Not sure if you knew this or not but tomorrow there will be a internet radio blackout to help further the cause of the SaveNetRadio campaign. They are protesting against the proposed internet radio royalty hikes. Here is a heads up as far as what you can do if you have nothing to listen to tomorrow.

The heads up comes from a suggestion that Adam Curry made in this post on his blog the other day. Curry is basically promoting his own Podshow.com and Pod Safe Music Network but it is all good stuff. Either one should keep your toe tapping just like any other day.

I haven’t done to much with the Podshow site but, in preparation for my upcoming podcast, I have spent a ton of time on the Pod Safe Music Network. There is a ton of good stuff on there if you look around. Also, you might want to check out Adams podcast; The Daily Source Code. There is a huge backlog of shows that are entertaining, offer a few laughs and good music.

There ya go. Now you have another avenue to take tomorrow. Don’t be left in the dark (or should I say silence), go check out Adam Curry’s internet radio blackout alternative now and start preparing.