John Berry was a founding member of the Beastie Boys!!!

By Don Melvin, CNN

Updated 1:53 PM ET, Fri May 20, 2016

(CNN) John Berry, the founding member of the Beastie Boys and the person who came up with the groundbreaking hip hop group's name, has died. He was 52.

Berry died Thursday morning at a hospice in Danvers, Massachusetts.

He suffered from frontotemporal dementia and his health had been failing for several years, his father, John Berry III, said.

Frontotemporal dementia shrinks brain tissues and leads to changes in personality and behavior, and difficulties with language.

"It's nice to see the outpouring of love and support for our son," Berry III said, after his son's death. "He was a tremendous son, a tremendous musician, and quite a wonderful artist."

The Beastie Boys, who blended punk and rap, burst on the music scene in 1986 with the album "Licensed to Ill," which included hits such as "(You Gotta) Fight for the Right (to Party"), an anthem to teen angst; "Brass Monkey" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."

Their success in hip-hop was notable at a time when the music form was dominated by African-American performers.

"The group's music crossed genres and color lines, and helped bring rap to a wider audience," said Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy.

But Berry had departed long before then

He played on the band's first EP, "Polly Wog Stew," but left the group shortly afterward.

The band thanked Berry, calling him a formative member, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

Follow @Don_Melvin

CNN's Chuck Johnston contributed to this report.

Do you have what it takes to be a Music Manager?

*Comments from Barry Brown (B. Brown) - The Art of Music Management

There are a lot of people connected to the music industry in some form or fashion. The one position that a lot of people believe they will be successful in is the position of Manager. It is probably the 2nd most popular position chosen next to being the actual ARTIST.

A talent manager, also known as an artist manager, band manager or music manager, is an individual or company who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day-to-day business affairs of an artist; advise and counsel talent concerning professional matters, long-term plans and personal decisions which may affect their career.^[1]

The roles and responsibilities of a talent manager vary slightly from industry to industry, as do the commissions to which the manager is entitled. For example, a music manager's duties differ from those managers who advise actors, writers, or directors. A manager can also help artists find an agent, or help them decide when to leave their current agent and identify who to select as a new agent.^[2] Talent agents have the authority to make deals for their clients while managers usually can only informally establish connections with producers and studios but do not have the ability to negotiate contracts.

Modern talents managers are associated with all artistic fields, sports, as well as various fields in business.^{[citation needed]} Talent agents have at times been covered in the music or art press almost as intently as artists themselves.
A music manager (or band manager) may handle career areas for bands, singers, and DJs. A music manager may be hired by a musician or band, or the manager may discover the band, and the relationship is usually contractually bound with mutual assurances, warranties, performances guarantees, and so forth. The manager's main job is to help with determining decisions related to career moves, bookings, promotion, business deals, recording contracts, etc. The role of music managers can be extensive and may include similar duties to that of a press agent, promoter, booking agent, business manager (who are usually certified public accountants), tour managers, and sometimes even a personal assistant.

--- Wikipedia

ARTISTS, are you ready to learn how to separate yourself from rest?

I was judging an Open-Mic event this past Monday night, and it's amazing how many artists (rap artists in particular) sound alike. As a matter of fact, most of these aspiring artists don't even dress like star artists. So if you sound like everyone else, your style/image does not stand out and you are just jumping around with a whole bunch of people onstage with you, how do you separate yourself from all the other artists? Plus you are not talking about anything in your lyrics. Is everyone selling drugs? Artists, there are other things to talk about in your songs, trust me.

If you are interested in learning more about the industry that you say you want to be a part of, contact B. Brown of BREG for entertainment consulting at 678.883.2734 or bbrownbreg@gmail.com

You may also be interested in BRAND YOUR SWAG, the ebook! Learn how to build your music and business empire!

Click on this link for BRAND YOUR SWAG (eBook)

An Evening of Ascension and Giving with TAVARES STEPHENS!!!

Tickets Now Available View this email in your browser

Join Us for a Powerful Experience of Music, Worship and Artistic Expression An Evening of Ascension and Giving with Tavares Stephens Join Tavares Stephens for An Evening of Ascension and Giving at Salt and Light Truth Center. The night promises to usher in the spirit of God in such a way that worship is the experience. Tavares will minister pieces from his new gospel/spoken word album entitled, The Ascension Project. Evoking the spirit of the Psalms, The Ascension Project is a ground-breaking compilation aimed at worshiping God through music, song, and poetry. Visit tavaresstephens.com for more information.

Event Details December 7, 2013 Salt and Light Truth Center 2622 Snapfinger Road Decatur, GA 30034 7 PM $20 [in advance]  $25 [at the door] Winter Coat Drive  Tavares and his team are also using the event to help provide winter coats to those in need. Please bring slightly used winter coats to be donated via Hosea Feed the Homeless. Let's all be the change we want to see!

Video: Fifth Aisle, Fourth Row Video: Sweet Communion

Entertainment Consulting - Do you need assistance in setting up a Radio Campaign?

By:  B. Brown --- Bar-Red Entertainment Group (BREG)


When it comes time to invest in your career, I advise that you do your research, interview potential service providers and choose wisely!

As the music industry continues to change, shift & transform, it is a great opportunity for rising, independent and established artists to carve out a place for themselves in the marketplace.

Most artists are one hit song away from reaching a level of success that brings fame and money, and the right radio campaign can help you reach your goals!!!

One thing hasn't changed, which is testing your record and getting as much feedback as possible to see if you need to keep pushing the record or introduce a new record from your catalog.

Here's an example of a Radio Campaign Package & Service that BREG can provide:

30 - Day Radio Campaign

-300+ Weekly Plays

-4 Weekly Airplay Reports

-Submission to 2500 monitored stations (2-3 radio formats)

-BDS & Mediabase Encode and Tagging to ensure airplay monitoring accuracy

-All Stations PAY royalties through Performance Rights Organizations and Soundexchange. Artist receive 100% 

of all royalties. 

-Weekly Airplay Reports include station names, location & total spin count

-Station Links to first rotations for airplay verifcation

-Station deliverys include MTV, AOL, Rhapsody, Yahoo Radio, Live365, Shoutcast, College, FM, Europe, Canada, Napster, UK and China Radio.

-Weekly resubmissions to ensure AIRPLAY, station reviews and airplay considerations!

*For more information, contact:

Telephone:  678.883.2734

Email:  bbrownbreg@gmail.com

Website:  http://www.BREG1994.com

Creating Your Marketing Plan (The Three Step Process) [Kindle Edition]

Authors & Speakers Academy - May 4, 2013; *BREG Special Discounted Price!!!

HU AUTHORS & SPEAKERS ACADEMY at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, May 4, 2013!!! --- 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Room C203, Atlanta, GA - Downtown Atlanta)

The HU AUTHORS & SPEAKERS ACADEMY is for anyone that has... (or wants to start) a business, wants to write a book, wants to get paid to speak, or otherwise monetize their expertise. If you are serious about changing your life and the lives of others, the HU Authors & Speakers Academy is your opportunity to "Learn & Earn!!!"

- Saturday, May 4, 2013 --- 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

- Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Downtown Atlanta, Room C203
BREG has *Special Discounted Price tickets for $299.00 instead of the Regular Priced $399.00 tickets.
Contact me directly at 678.883.BREG (2734); info@breg1994.com

One Love!


PROMO VIDEO: http://www.slideshare.net/hustleuniversity/hu-authors-and-speakers-cademy

PICS FROM LAST HU ACADEMY: http://www.slideshare.net/hustleuniversity/hu-authors-speakers-academy-1-photos

VIDEO TESTIMONIES: http://hustleu.org/upcoming-events/hustle-u-academy/

*Special Discounted Price Tickets for $299.00 (Regular Price $399.00) for The Authors & Speakers Academy on Saturday, May 4, 2013!!!

Do You Know What It Takes To Make A Hit Record?

Insight from: B. Brown (BREG)

When it comes to knowing how to make a hit record, no one can tell you exactly what to do and bam, you have a hit record!!! But there are some things you can do to increase the chances of having a hit song and several (if not all) of those elements that most hit songs possess are listed below.

I've had the pleasure of working with some very talented artists in the studio and they have all given it 110%, but of course all the songs have not become hits.

So you see, we can all work hard in the studio, but let's pay attention to some of the key things that we can do to increase our chances of having a hit record!!!

Enjoy the information below, and let me know if your next song becomes a hit!!!

One Love!!!



*From the A&R Section of http://www.musicclout.com

What Are The Essential Features Of a Hit Record?

We have all heard those hit songs that can be considered ‘timeless classics’.

Whether it’s a hip hop track, a rock classic or an 80’s power ballad, these songs share some essential features that ensure they will be on the airwaves for years to come. Obviously there is not one hard and fast rule for this as every song is different, but here is a list of features that many of these hit records share.

A ‘catchy’ song

Starting with the obvious, a hit record must be a great song. Above all the melody must be strong, as this is what a listener focuses on and this should be accompanied by some great lyrics and a good groove. You can apply the best production techniques possible, but if the song is weak then the record will sink without a trace!

A strong vocal

Having a great vocal is a real asset to any record. If you have a quality song and you have a strong vocalist to sing the melody, then this can be the golden ticket to creating a hit record. A great vocal does not necessarily need to be technically proficient, but more to do with how a singer can successfully interpret the emotion in the song i.e. how they can convey the message in the lyrics.

A creative arrangement

After the song and the vocal, you need to ensure you have a strong arrangement. This involves using the right structure and ensuring each section of the music is interesting for the listener. This can be achieved by adding extra instruments, adding a counter melody, changing the drum pattern, or changing the key etc. Have a listen to some hit songs, and pay attention to the subtle differences between each section. How is verse 2 different to verse 1? How is the last chorus different to the first?

An accomplished performance

You may have the heard the crude expression “You can’t goldplate a turd” and this definitely applies to creating a hit record. A track must sound like there is ‘life’ in the performance and no amount of editing in the studio, fiddling with EQ’s, compression or reverb can replicate this. It can be hard to put your finger on it at times, which is all the more frustrating, but sometimes one take just sounds better than another. If you have musicians who put there all into a performance and play with real emotion and intensity, then the production phase becomes far easier!

A well produced track

Although there are examples of hit songs which don’t technically sound very good, generally the really big and timeless records do sound excellent. A well engineered record does not guarantee it will be a smash, especially if the song, vocal, arrangement and performance are not up to scratch, but it can add an extra dimension to the overall sound, if the EQ’s are well balanced and the right amount of reverb and compression is applied.

The timeless factor

Despite having all the previous factors in place, if the track sounds like the last trend, and the musicians or band members look like it too, then the record might not take off as you would like. Having said that, a ‘retro’ look and sound to a band can work out really well if you go back two or more trends.

Are all the above factors essential for every hit song?

Well in short, no.

There will always be some songs which become hit records and cannot be explained. You will find some songs with weak vocals and melodies which take the charts by storm.

However, on most of the really big hits, you will find they contain the majority, if not all, of the factors in this article. Songs like “Merry Christmas Everybody” by Slade will be heard every December in shopping malls and on the radio. Other hits like “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and “Imagine” by John Lennon will be played all year round for many years to come.

Would you like some great tips on how to write a song and compose music in any style? Download a FREE 10-page guide on “5 Essential Elements On How To Improve Your Music Making In Any Style” at http://make-music.net

JAY-Z can teach us about success in business!!!

Thoughts by:  B. Brown (Bar-Red Entertainment Group)

There is no question that Jay-Z has accomplished a lot in his illustrious career. From the block to the boardroom is a tremendous feat, but he has done it! When you read the article below you will have a glimpse of how he parlayed his entertainment career into an amazing business career!

When I'm speaking with one of my clients, and we're discussing a plan of action, it's always interesting to hear an artist talk about creating music, but I very seldom hear them talk about how they are going to or even want to market and promote their music. You see, having product is one thing, marketing, promoting and selling product is another thing. To be successful, you need all of these components to be in sync to be successful. Here's the beautiful thing, it can be done!

From an independent music company or artist point of view, they usually use all their resources creating their music  --- studio time, paying artist with names for features, going to the clubs, etc. Then when it's time to market and promote their music for real (i.e. Radio Promotions, DJ Organiztions, Flyers, Promo CD's, etc.) they do not have the funds to do so or they don't understand the value of marketing and promotions. If McDonald's and Coca-Cola promote every day and commit major resources to their marketing and promotion campaigns, why don't you believe that you will need to do the same? Ok, let's bring it closer to home. If Universal, Sony and WEA designate large budgets towards marketing and promotions, how do you plan on competing if you don't want to spend a dime?

Checkout the article below and see what one of the best that has ever rocked the mic says about creating music and presenting that music to the world .......

What Jay-Z Can Teach You About Success in Business

•  

September 21, 2011

By Christopher Henty

 

Jay-Z is one of the most successful musical acts of our generation. With Bill Russell and Phil Jackson-like numbers — he’s had 11 Billboard #1 albums and counting — he now trails only the Beatles for most U.S. #1 albums in music history. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide and has received 13 Grammy Awards for his work.

But if you look further, past his fame and accolades as an entertainer, you may find that Jay-Z (a.k.a. Shawn Carter) is perhaps one of the most compelling American entrepreneurs of our generation. Carter is a remarkably successful music artist — he’s worth over $450 million and is on the Forbes 400. He knows music. But most importantly, he knows business: Jay-Z realizes that his music is his product, and his fans are his customers.

To a business, customers are everything. They are the lifeblood of any startup, small company or Fortune 500 corporation. If you don’t have customers, then everything else about a business’ functional areas — from product development to accounting, finance and human resources — are pointless. So needless to say, acquiring new customers is perhaps one of the most important things a business can do. This is especially true for a startup or struggling business. Take Nintendo and its “Wii” as an example.

In 2006, Nintendo, a company that once dominated the video game industry, was struggling. They could not compete with Sony’s new Playstation 3 or Microsoft’s Xbox 360 — two products that “hardcore gamers” loved for their graphics and many advanced features.

So what did Nintendo do? By introducing the Wii — which appealed to almost anyone, from 40-something adults to teenage high schoolers — they entered a segment of the video game market demographic long overlooked and left untouched. And in doing so, by 2009 Nintendo had sold 51.6 million Wii consoles, surpassing Xbox’s 31.35 million and more than doubling the 23 million in PS3 sales.

Similar business and marketing dynamics can be found in Jay-Z’s music. Before the mid 1990s and into the millennium, Rap and Hip-Hop were mostly considered niches within the music industry. But Jay-Z helped successfully re-brand the genre as “mainstream.”

His music appeals not only to lyrically hungry rap die-hards, but also to those who just want to hit up a club or frat party (I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard Jay and Kanye West’s new album, Watch the Throne, played at parties in the past month). In business terms, he engages both a faction of loyal users (his biggest fans) and the mainstream market (the rest of us). That’s hard to do. But Carter knows what sells and what doesn’t.

In one of his songs, titled “Moment of Clarity,” Jay-Z explains this understanding through rhyme and clever wordplay: “If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli. Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense. But I did 5 mill’ and I ain’t been rhyming like Common since.” Rappers Talib Kweli and Common are often considered lyrically talented but have been unable to achieve widespread commercial success.

But as an artist, it’s one thing to produce a few hits and another to consistently stay in the mainstream spotlight. A catchy tune can only get you so far — just ask Vanilla Ice.

Jay-Z is well aware, however, that retaining his fans — his most loyal customers — can be as important as acquiring new ones. While he has many chart-topping singles that appeal to a lot of us, devoted fans often appreciate more than just the hits.

Jay-Z’s albums often have subtle messages about America’s societal ills — specifically, how an environment ridden with poverty, drugs and violence affects those who grow up in it. And perhaps because of this, for some fans, Jay-Z is more than just a rapper: he’s an artist, a storyteller or even a social activist.

It is Jay’s writing talent — his core competence — that allows these fans to see something in him that they don’t see in other rap artists. What’s more, these fans are often willing to pay a little bit more for his work — merchandise, books, t-shirts, concert tickets, the whole works. In other words, for these fans, it’s less about the music and more about the experience. He’s the Starbucks coffee to a McDonalds 99-cent latte. You pay a little bit more for it, but in return you receive, arguably, a better experience.

If you go to a Jay-Z concert, you’ll know what I mean. His concerts feature live bands, real instruments and impressive audiovisual effects. He also points out enthusiastic concertgoers and brings fans on stage, personalizing the concert experience and turning an average listener into a Jay-Z fan by the time the show’s over.

Shawn Carter thinks of music as a packaged experience, as he once said in an interview: “I just believe in giving people a better package so when they leave the concert hall, they want to come back again. A lot of [young artists] make that mistake when they're hot. They just sell off the name and sell off the moment. We over-deliver on the experience.”

If anything, Carter’s success as a music artist and entrepreneur has proved that artists can craft songs for their creative value and make a boatload of money at the same time. They’re not mutually exclusive.

As Carter told Steve Forbes, in a joint interview with Warren Buffett: “When you're in the studio you're an artist, you make music, and then after you finish, you market it to the world. I don't think anything is wrong with that. In fact, I know there's nothing wrong with that.”

In other words: “I’m not a business man, I’m a business, man. Let me handle my business, damn!”
Christopher Henty is a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He may be reached at chenty@cornellsun.com (What up, Jay). #TheStartupBiz appears alternate Wednesdays this semester.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from BAR-RED ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (BREG)!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from BAR-RED ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (BREG)!!! 2011 was a great year and at the same time presented some challenges. We THANK all of the individuals, organizations and companies that did business with us in 2011, and we thank GOD for bringing us into 2012!

BREG is excited about the opportunities that are coming forth in 2012, and we look forward to helping our current clients and new clients reach their goals and objectives.

In 2012, look for awesome things from Nu Strata Music Group, Chipped Up Entertainment, X-tratainment Inc. & Hustle University! Artists that are bringing new music, live performances and videos in 2012 include Spade Kosta, Da Bad Habbitz, Grizz, Blushe, Chief Scrill, Lady X, Magnem P.I. & Jay L. Also look for new e-books for your Kindle (click on this Amazon.com link) directly from BREG.

We must address our youth of today that are still killing each other at an alarming rate. BREG is looking forward to the day when the tv is turned on and there are no reports of a young person killing another young person. Parents and adults, it is on us to love, teach & discipline our children so that they will love themselves first & foremost and learn to respect & love others. That way they won't believe it is ok to just end another person's life. What actually happens is that two (2) lives are destroyed. The person that has been murdered and the person that goes to jail. Think about it, it's a lose-lose situation. Young people have a responsiblity too! Do not take education for granted because it is your best option for bettering whatever situation you are currently in, and education will bring about positive opportunities for you. You have the ability to understand what is wrong and what is right. Think before you talk, and definitely think before you act; and you will save yourself and your family a lot of heartache and unwanted problems. Believe in yourself, you can do it and have a successful life!

On the political scene, there will be Local, State and National Elections taking place this year with the Presidential Election being the highlighted election. Do your research on the candidates and make the best decision that you can make for you and your family.

So as you have read, BREG is very excited about 2012 and we look forward to connecting with exciting people, organizations and companies this year and beyond! One Love!!!


Yours Truly,

B. Brown

@BREGBrown

Facebook.com/BREGBrown

50 Cent - Rap's Renaissance Man

Thoughts By: B. Brown - BREG
- Author of the E-Book The Art of Music Management

50 Cent has proven over the years that he is willing to pay the price for what he wants in life, but you may be thinking that I referencing his drug dealing past and fondness of robbing people to supply his needs and desires. What I am actually referring to is his love and need to read! That's right, reading! 50 Cents loves to read!

Now, when you read the JET MAGAZINE article below, take note of the fact that 50 Cent has just released a book he wrote to deal with the serious issue of bullying in schools because he was a bully in school. He is making a difference!

Even though he dropped out of school in the 10th Grade, 50 understood that learning never stops and the best way to do that is by continuing to read. He gives credit to strategy books for helping him in high level negotiations that he has been involved in during his career.

So to all my aspiring artists, producers, managers, etc., keep your reading list tight and peep some of the books that 50 has read so that you continue to learn and position yourself for greatness!

One Love and enjoy the article below!


Jet Magazine - Oct. 24-31, 2011  jetmag.com

By: S. Tia Brown

I am nervous. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson III is the first candidate in my favorite archetype of “men I’d like to marry” — The Reformed Thug. Smart. Sweet. Sexy. And ever-so dangerous — I’m from Brooklyn, don’t judge. So while I know the likelihood of becoming “Mrs. Jackson” is slim, my stomach is still jumping as I wait the six, yes, six, hours it takes to get him on the phone. My mission: I don’t really want a ring. I’m just hoping some of his greatness will rub off. It’s selfish but true.

When 50’s handler finally gets him on the phone, I’m not greeted with the brash instigator we hear on the radio, or the crotch-grabbing cad we see in videos such as Candy Shop. Instead, I begin chatting with someone who sounds way more like a former classmate from my New York City magnet high school (you know, the kind where everyone has to test in). His diction, subject/verb agreement and politeness surpass those of many of my Kenneth Cole-donning, college-educated suitors. Most of all, he doesn’t convey the aura of someone who held up corners as a tween, dropped out of school in the tenth grade and robbed people to thrive.

Defining Moments
We all know the story of 50 Cent, the former drug dealer who was shot nine times before he courted, then married, fame. Still, few people get the story of Curtis James Jackson III. In the suburbs, whole schools are offered trauma counseling when one of their White classmates gets hit by a car — but what happens to our boys when they see their friends shot, their mamas robbed or their dads stabbed? Nothing. So they cope the best way they can– typically with aggression or depression. We all know what Jackson chose...

... The rap star's most recent project, a book entitled 50 Cent: Playground, The Mostly True Story of a Reformed Bully, is just one of the ways he's hoping to make a difference. "I read Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I realized I wanted to do something like that, but from the perspective of someone who's bullying and not dealing with his or her emotions," he says.

... While some college grads never open a book after flipping the tassel, dropping out of high school wasn't the end of 50's education. He's always loved reading. "It allows you to learn from someone else's mistakes. It puts you ahead of the class and the curve at the same time. You get to develop a passion in an area and inform yourself in every way possible on how to become successful and work towards it."

It's obvious where his passion lies. "A lot of books that I've read are on business and philosopy, like The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction. I read those books because I got interested in robbing people," he says of these renowned works on strategy. Luckily, the books offer transferable skills, which he took to every negotiation. "I paid attention to the possibilities of the deal," he states. "Instinctively, I wanted the most options in the deal. How would I know? You pay attention to winning." And he did.

Asking 50 whether he was scared to wrestle with the big boys --- you know White, educated, pedigreed males --- is like asking a tiger whether he's scared of a lion. The answer is no. They respect each other's power. "It's levels out because when you have an aura around you, people kind of understand that they shouldn't play with you," he shares. "They skip the little games they would play with others," he adds.

Success Redefined

Though 50's success may be considered an anomaly to some, a result of prayer warriors by others and luck to a few, there is no doubt in his mind that reading changed his life. "Even someone under the hardest circumstances will tell you they can free themselves through reading," he tells JET. "So no matter what's going on, you have other options." ...

... Education is ongoing.

A Tour Manager's Decision!

Insight By: B. Brown - BREG


In any field of business, management is key! But in reference to the music industry, management is absolutely important to the career & sometimes the life of a solo artist, group or band.

The article below highlights a great decision made by Sugarland's Tour Manager. It was a great instinctive decision that actually saved the band members lives!

I've dealt with a lot of artists and groups that don't necessarily believe what their management tells them even when it's in their best interest to listen and at least try to understand what is being said to them. Now, I'm not saying that management is going to always be correct, because no one is right all the time, but I am saying that all parties involved in a situation should listen to each other and make the best decision possible.

Communication is the key and having contingency plans in place when artists are on the road is critical. Airline Tickets, Bus Set-up & Maintenance, Security, Props, Venue Access, Dressing Room(s), Radio/Publicity Schedule, Charity Work, Stage Props & Set-up, Sound Check, etc.

You see, it really never stops and the Road Manager is the point person, and has a lot of responsibility to make sure the show takes place a close to perfect as perfect can get.

Sugarland's road manager made a decision to keep them off the stage for a minute or two after surveying the clouds in the sky and seeing a storm approaching. That decision saved the band members lives because major wind came through a minute later and destroyed the stage killing several people in the audience. My Prayers go out to them and their families.

Checkout the article below .......

"Sugarland likely saved by tour manager's decision"

CAITLIN R. KING - Associated Press | AP

Tour manager Hellen Rollens looked at the sky and decided to hold the band backstage a minute before 60 to 70 mph wind gusts toppled the roof and the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment at the Indiana State Fair where five people died Saturday night in Indianapolis.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It came down to seconds and one instinctive decision that may have saved the lives of country duo Sugarland and others at the Indiana State Fair where five people died when a stage collapsed.

Tour manager Hellen Rollens looked at the sky and decided to hold the band backstage. A minute later, 60 to 70 mph wind gusts toppled the roof and the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment on Saturday night in Indianapolis. It crashed into the audience, killing four instantly and fifth later at a hospital. Dozens were injured, some critically.

When they heard the deafening boom of the stage crashing, Sugarland and crew hit the ground and took cover against a wall, thinking it was going to collapse on top of them. At some point, they made it out of the dust and debris and converged on their tour bus.

"There was no running out anywhere," Sugarland manager Gail Gellman told The Associated Press on Monday. "No one knew what happened. It was just the moment when your eyes get big."

Gellman said others felt it was safe to go on stage, but Rollens ultimately acted on her intuition.

"As a tour manager, it's super important to understand what the weather conditions are when you play outside. We've always talked about not putting the band on during wind, lightning or heavy rain," said Gellman, who was in Las Vegas with another client that night.

"Everybody was standing in a prayer circle getting ready to go onstage, and Hellen, as she was walking down the ramp, the stage fell. So her decision to hold them for literally a minute saved every band member and crew's life."

The calamity has deeply touched Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.

Nettles said in a statement that she watched video of the collapse on the news "in horror" and was "moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones." She said she was also "moved by the great heroism" of fans who ran toward the stage to help rescue the injured.

Gellman met up with Nettles on Sunday and has watched her struggle to cope since then.

"There are moments I can see great clarity in her eyes, and there are moments I can see her tears well up so much that I just don't know what to do," Gellman said. "She's just processing and wants to encourage people to be together, to support each other."

Bush went home to be with his children in Georgia.

Gellman strongly believes it was the weather and not a staging problem that brought down the Indiana State Fair structure. She said it will not dictate how she guides her acts in the future.

"I would pose the same question to every band that goes out there, Keith Urban, Kenny (Chesney). We all tour during the summer. We all play outside. We're all cognizant and very aware of what we hang and what we do," she said. "We have restrictions and requirements (from each venue), and we stand by every single one of them."

Sugarland's elaborate set for their "Incredible Machine" tour was destroyed in the collapse. They canceled their Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair, but are "hoping and preparing" to perform as scheduled in Albuquerque, N.M., Thursday.

The Journey of Songwriters & Music Producers

Thoughts By: B. Brown (BREG)

When I'm speaking to up & coming songwriters, producers, artists or independent production/record label owners, they usually believe doing one thing will skyrocket their careers and that is very rare indeed. Women have even a tougher time breaking through to stardom and financial success in the music industry.

I spoke with DJ Hollywood of DirtySouthradioonline.com a few weeks ago and we discussed the fact that it takes several different campaigns going on at the same time or several different contacts connecting the dots for a spark to occur in someone's career and that takes time! In a lot of cases, a lot of time, like in many years!

The article below is about Angela Hunte-Wisner and Jane't Sewell-Uepic and their songwriting/producing journey.


The Duo Behind The NYC Anthem (Ebony Magazine; June 2011; pg. 70)
By: Margena A. Christian

It's a man's world behind the scenes in the music industry. But women are doing it for themselves. No two people know this better than the Grammy-winning songwriting/production duo of Angela Hunte-Wisner and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic.

"A lot of people said, 'You won't make it,'" recalls Sewell-Ulepic, a graduate of William Paterson University of New Jersey. "They said, 'You will never win a Grammy.' We had to band together as sisters --- hold on, go into this thing and look out for each other. We let our music speak for itself. We don't have gimmicks."

The New York natives, signed to EMI as song-writers and producers, proved the naysayers wrong last February. As the masterminds behind the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys tune, "Empire State of Mind," they won two Grammys for BEst Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. It's also rare for songwriters --- especially women --- to also have co-produced their hits.

"We're the last people who anyone knows about, but we're the mental force of the song," says Hunte-Wisner, a former video casting director and industry stylist. "Being a songwriter is like being a ghost. You give the artists a piece of your soul."

With a combined total of 30 years' experience in show business (Sewell-Ulepic was an engineer for many years), the ladies have been songwriters for the lasst seven. They partnered nearly five years ago after meeting at an EMI writer's conference.

"This is all business and 2 percent music," says Hunte-Wisner. "We deal with publishing issues, approving licenses, bankers and business attorneys. We do our own contracts. It takes a lot to be able to write comfortably. You must be very focused. It's like going up the mountain."

They give back through their work with Grammy U's New York chapter, where the duo prepares college students for careers in music. "They are the future," says Sewell-Ulepic, who earned Grammy nods in 2007 for Fantasia's When I See U. "No one is telling kids how this thing is really structured. We saw the real era of music. We want to find the new Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye."

Look at the money that the Top Artists earned these past 12 months! Wow!!!

*Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

Here is what's popping! An Artist or Band has to become popular enough to get on the road and perform! It may start with a local or regional single, and you may have to start your own promo tour and build up to paid shows. But paid shows is how you will earn a substantial part of your money, point blank!

When I consult an Artist or Record Company (Independent or Major), the million dollar question is always what are we going to do to make the Artist popular. Are we going to start with a street campaign, DJ campaign (Record Pools), online campaign, promo tour, radio campaign, videos, etc. Of course, the project budget has a lot to do with what gets done, but the Artist has to start somewhere.

When you read the article below, you will be amazed at how much money an Artist can make once paid shows start coming in on a regular basis.


The World's Highest-Paid Musicians

Posted Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:35pm PDT by Zack O'Malley Greenburg

Two decades ago Jon Bon Jovi sat with the members of his eponymous band in a basement in New Jersey. Hoping to rekindle the group's desire to make music after two grueling years on the road, he'd hung vintage posters on the wall, illuminated only by candles and blacklights. But instead of feeling inspired, Bon Jovi found himself becoming cranky and short of breath.

"I'm thinking maybe this is an issue, maybe I just don't like them," Bon Jovi said in a recent interview for the FORBES Celeb 100 issue. "Until I realized that all the oxygen was sucked out of the room by the candles ... So I blew out the candles, cranked up the amplifiers, and said, 'We're going to be a rock band. If you believe in what I'm telling you, we can be the Rolling Stones.'"

Sure enough, Bon Jovi is still rocking. The group earned $125 million over the past 12 months, enough to claim the No. 2 spot on FORBES' annual list of the world's highest-paid musicians. U2 (pictured above) took home $195 million-and music's money crown-thanks to an international stadium tour that grossed some $700 million over two years, surpassing the Stones' A Bigger Bang tour as the most lucrative of all time.

Power ballad rockers aren't the only artists raking in the cash this year. Elton John ranks third with $100 million, fueled by a 102-show tour; Lady Gaga, godmother to Sir Elton's new son, clocks in at No. 4 with $90 million; Canadian crooner Michael Bublé rounds out the top five with $70 million, also on the strength of a lucrative tour.

Full List: The World's Highest-Paid Musicians

Our numbers encompass all pretax income earned from May 2010 to May 2011, before subtracting agent and manager fees. The totals were compiled with the help of data from Pollstar, RIAA and others, as well as extensive interviews with industry insiders including lawyers, managers, concert promoters, agents and, in some cases, the musicians themselves.

Full List: The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians

For most artists, touring was the largest source of income this past year-but some were more efficient than others. Lady Gaga grossed nearly as much in 12 months of touring ($168 million) as Elton John ($204 million), but the costs of her elaborate production (dozens of backup dancers, pyrotechnic undergarments, etc.) ate into her take significantly. Gaga did grab plenty of additional cash from recorded music, publishing and endorsements. And regardless of the margins on her tour, drawing some 2 million fans over the past 12 months is no small feat-for Gaga, or for any of the big touring acts.

"It's one thing to cut a song and get airplay, it's another thing to convert listeners into a loyal fan base that goes through the trials and tribulations of buying tickets, paying for dinner, hiring a baby sitter," says Randy Phillips, chief of concert promoter AEG. "To motivate a fan base to go through all those hurdles, there are very few artists who can do that consistently."

The musicians on our list run quite a gamut. Justin Bieber, who raked in $53 million, is the youngest at age 17. Paul McCartney, who took home $66 million, is the oldest at 68. One couple even made the list-Jay-Z and Beyoncé took home $37 million and $35 million, respectively, marking the first time since their nuptials that the hip-hop mogul earned more than his wife.

Beyoncé is one of only five female solo acts on the list, compared to 13 males. What the list lacks in gender equality, it makes up for in geographical diversity-over one-third of the artists hail from outside the U.S., from countries including the U.K., Barbados, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and Australia.

As for the Rolling Stones, they're widely expected to hit the road again to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2012. But don't expect a Bon Jovi reunion tour in 2030.

"I don't know if I want to be 68 years old and doing 140 shows in a year," admits Jon Bon Jovi. "Where I'm going, I don't know. And that's the beauty of it."

Additional reporting by Dorothy Pomerantz and Chris Barth.

Making Money Outside of the Music Business!

Quote from Chris Lighty (Violator - Artist Management Firm)
Black Enterprise Magazine (By Tennille M. Robinson; Jan. 2011; pg. 78)

"50 Cent, Sean Combs (P. Diddy) and Jay Z are the poster boys of what went wrong in the music business. They've made so much money outside of the music business, and the music business helped market and promote their brands; but didn't participate in being partners in their brands."


*Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

Chris is basically letting everyone know that these type of superstar artists are the reason the major labels have changed contracts to the "360 Deal" model where the label participates in the artist's entire brand (tours, merchandise, tv, movies, clothes, etc.)

So it is very important that artists understand what leverage they have when they come to the table with a record company and be ready to expand into other marketable areas outside of music. Music is just one component of your business brand as an artist.


Quote from Robbie Vorhaus (CEO & Founder of Vorhaus & Co., a brand strategy firm based in Sag Harbor, NY)
Black Enterprise Magazine (By Tennille M. Robinson; Jan. 2011; pg. 78)

Robbie describes many artists as "timekeepers," meaning they are singular in what they do. They may be "hot" but they aren't making money in their sleep, he adds. "50 Cent figured out he did not want to be a timekeeper. Instead, he said, 'I want to build something sustainable so that even when I'm not as popular as my talent, my production companies, movies or music that I discover will live on."

www.blackenterprise.com

Jay-Z’s $450 million Business Empire

Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

The article below is a very interesting piece about Jay Z and his mindset. He is no doubt one of the greatest rappers ever, but more importantly, he is becoming one of the greatest American businessmen ever!

I would like all of my aspiring Artists and Business people to read the article below to get a good idea on how we may want to build our portfolios and choose or not choose to be a part of and/or attached to certain companies, products and projects.

Each one of us is an entity, and we must protect and grow our entities properly.

I have a lot of respect for Jay Z, and I wish him continued success!

One Love!


By Daniel Gross | Daily Ticker – Fri, Mar 25, 2011 5:38 PM EDT

This is a superstar economy, in which A-listers live large while minor leaguers struggle. Hedge fund managers like John Paulson may rack up big returns, CEOs like Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman, Sachs bag huge compensation packages, and all-star baseball players like Alex Rodriguez ink nine-figure contracts. But few of them can match the combination of fame, public acclaim and monetary value that Shawn Corey Carter has racked up.

Who?

Amid the carnage of the music industry in the past decade, Jay-Z has managed to parlay artistic success into financial fortune valued at up to $450 million, according to Forbes. Jay-Z's many business successes (and few failures) are described in a new book by Forbes writer Zack O'Malley Greenburg, entitled Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office.

In 2010 alone, he earned $63 million, more than all but seven CEOs of public companies, writes Greenburg. While the money came primarily from touring, Jay-Z has a business interests ranging from music to nightclubs, from restaurants to apparel, from sneakers to a chunk of the New Jersey Nets. As Greenburg and I discuss in the video, the Brooklyn native, who spent a chunk of his teens selling drugs before devoting himself full time to rap, has "a unique ability to set trends and profit from them, almost to an astronomical level."

Early on, Jay-Z displayed an acumen for business. In 1994, unable to find a company to produce his debut records, Jay-Z, Damon Dash and a silent partner founded their own label, Roc-A-Fella Records. And when a distributor agreed to take on the album, he negotiated a deal to retain ownership of the master recordings.

In the late 1990s, he discovered that sales of Iceberg apparel rose after he began including references to them in his songs. But when he went to Iceberg and asked for an endorsement deal, the company demurred. Instead, he started his own apparel company, Rocawear. In 2006, Rocawwear was sold to a brand licensing company for $204 million.

There's been much more: a line of sneakers for Reebok, the 40/40 nightclub chain, an ad for Hewlett-Packard, and an interest in the hot New York City gastro pub, The Spotted Pig.

Jay-Z's career and business interests are vivid testimony to the mainstreaming of hip-hop culture. Deals come his way in part because he is, simply put, much cooler and culturally relevant than older guys in suits. It's not simply that he can attract a crowd, but that he lends a kind of legitimacy to all sorts of ventures — including the efforts to build a huge arena/ development to house the New Jersey Nets in Brooklyn. The New Jersey Nets, as Greenburg notes, had long been a second-tier team in the NBA, and an afterthought in New York. Facing political obstacles and community opposition, Nets owner Bruce Ratner offered Jay-Z a small ownership stake in exchange for becoming one of the public faces of the project. Another potential bonus: the other owners thought Jay-Z could help attract top talent like LeBron James to the Nets.

That hasn't quite worked out. And, of course, as is the case with most serial entrepreneurs, Jay-Z has had his share of business setbacks. He spent a fair amount of time last decade working on a Jay-Z Jeep, which fell apart due to issues at Chrysler. A GMC Yukon painted Jay-Z blue never got beyond the concept car stage. As Greenburg notes, the singer makes a strong effort not to highlight failures. "He doesn't want to be seen as anything other than victorious." Greenburg adds: "Even Jay-Z fails, but that doesn't make him any less of a businessman."

So what's next? Despite all his operations, music and performing remain at the core of his business, and of his brand. And here he faces something of a challenge. In rock and pop, it's not uncommon for groups and singers to fill big arenas well into their 60s — the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, even Neil Diamond (who is now 70!). But hip-hop is a much younger genre, and Jay-Z is already 41. "He's the first guy who is going to be out there and seeing what the market is for aging rappers," said Greenburg. "But if he wants to tour all the time like the Stones do, he could certainly do that."

Jay-Z has succeeded in part because of a tough-minded mentality that make him insist that he own a part of any operations he's involved with. And that explains in part why he and his team didn't cooperate with this book. When he signed his book contract, Greenburg went to Jay-Z's team, sought interviews, and explained the book as a business success story that "would put him up in the pantheon with Warren Buffett and Steve jobs." Came the response: "What's in it for us?" He didn't want to help with the production of a book that he wouldn't partially own. Besides, he was working on his own book. When it was published last November Decoded debuted as #3 on the New York Times best-seller list.

Daniel Gross is economics editor at Yahoo! Finance

Can You Believe These Superstars Were Once Rejected By 'American Idol'?

Insight from: B. Brown (BREG)

As an Artist, you encounter plenty of up's and down's, but the key is not to give up and let a disappointing experience destroy your drive. You must regroup by honestly looking at your most recent performance and do everything in your power to improve from that situation. That's how you get better and secure the next opportunity that arises!

Check-out what these former American Idol hopefuls that did not make it on Idol, but became stars on other shows and in other ways.


*By Lyndsey Parker (Yahoo! Music | Friday, February 25, 2011)

These familiar faces didn't make the "Idol" cut.

The "American Idol" top 24 have been announced, and along with the expected ringers there are quite a few surprise omissions: Chris Medina, John Wayne Schulz, Jerome Bell, Carson Higgins, and Jacee Badeaux, to name but five. I'm sure they're feeling pretty rejected, and dejected, right now, as they watch their peers move on to the live "Idol" stage while they pack their bags and Greyhound-bus it back to the small towns from whence they came. But they shouldn't sulk. They should realize that quite a few talented singers were turned away by "Idol," but went on to bigger and better things.

Chris, John, Jerome, Jacee, et al: If you're feeling low, read about the following "Idol" also-rans and realize that your respective musical journeys are far from over.

Hillary Scott:
The stunning Lady Antebellum frontwoman auditioned not once but twice for "Idol," and never even made it past the preliminary rounds, never even sang for Simon Cowell and the other judges. "I never got to see them. I literally performed for the production assistants and the interns, and I just didn't make it," she recently told Entertainment Tonight. No worries. Hillary simply formed Lady Antebellum instead, and went on to win five Grammys this year, including Record AND Song Of The Year. No Idol has ever done that!

Colbie Caillat:
This plucky songstress also auditioned unsuccessfully for "Idol" twice, and on her second try she even warbled her own original ditty, "Bubbly." ("I was shy. I was nervous. I didn't look the greatest. I wasn't ready for it yet. I was glad, when I auditioned, that they said no," she later told USA Today.) I guess Colbie had reason to be glad. Not only did "Bubbly" eventually become a massive international hit for her, without "Idol's" help, but it's since been covered by various other "Idol" hopefuls, like Casey James, Katie Stevens, Katelyn Epperly, and Anne Marie Boskovich. Apparently Colbie wasn't too bitter to grant the show rights!

Amber Riley:
The "Glee" diva auditioned for "Idol" at age 17, but she too didn't even make it past the producers. But obviously, the singer also known as Mercedes Jones made it onto the Fox Network anyway. (And one of her biggest standout solo performances on "Glee" was "And I Am Telling You," a song famously performed by Idols like Jennifer Hudson and LaKisha Jones.) "You know what? I still work on Fox and I get paid! Thank you, 'American Idol,'" Amber recently gloated to Access Hollywood. You go, girl.

Robyn Troup:
Robyn is the least-known name on this list, but she actually made it the farthest, getting all the way to Hollywood Week in 2006. She was cut during the second group round, but she performed on the Grammys only a few weeks after her elimination aired, when she won Yahoo! Music's own "My Grammy Moment" talent search and got to duet on the live awards telecast with none other than Justin Timberlake. (And Jennifer Hudson introduced her!) Since then, Robyn has recorded with Santana, and is now prepping her debut album for the Emblem Music Group, a record label helmed by David Cook/Taylor Hicks producer Matt Serletic.

Every Record Label in the game turned us down .......

By: B. Brown (BREG)

I don't know if a lot of artists know this or not, but to become a signed artist, specifically with a major label, the artist has usually down a lot of non-glamorous work and has usually paid some very humbling dues to get to the point of signing a major label contract. Once the ink dries however, the fun really begins. More free shows (promotional shows) and a ton of appearances attempting to get your name & face out there! Oh, did that artist get an advance? Some do and some don't. You might be surprised. I'm sure you have heard the stories. Nonetheless, in most cases, being an artist is not what it is all cracked up to be. Becoming a Superstar and actually becoming Rich helps out tremendously if that artist is one of the Blessed few!

In Jay-Z's book, DECODED, he talks about how every record label in the game turned him down and that's what sparked him, Dame and Biggs to start Roc-A-Fella Records. Here's what Jay-Z says about being a recording artist:

"Being a recording artist on a major label is the most contractually exploitative relationship you can have in America, and it's legal."

*B. Brown: How about that! Artists, times have changed because you can easily produce & release your own records now, but you still have to market and promote yourself and there lies the problem for the overwhelming majority of artists today even with such a powerful marketing and promotional tool as the internet. A plan, work ethic and some type of budget must be in place to play ball!

Click on this link for more information on a business plan, budgets, etc.


One Love!

Tank - Staying true to R&B

*Thoughts by B. Brown (BREG)

My man Tank has always been a beast when it comes to writing and delivering hit songs like one of my favorites "I Deserve!" I take my hat off to this brother because he always seems to bring real-life-situation-music to the marketplace and that's why he has hit songs! Tank is overlooked a lot of times I believe, but I put him right up there with Babyface and R. Kelly in the song writing department.

Tank my brother, keep doing your thing and bringing great music to the ears and souls of many ......


By Melody K. Hoffman (Jet Magazine Dec. 27, 2010/Jan. 3, 2011; pg. 48)

Jet Magazine Website

In regards to his music, Tank says, "I like to call it classic, current R&B. I keep with the basic formula as far as who I'm sing to, what I'm singing about, and even the passion I'm singing it with. I keep that part of it in tact."

"R&B is about love---the good and bad. The stuff when we're together, the stuff when I'm trying to get you, the stuff when we're breaking up, the stuff when we're having fun, the stuff when we're fighting, all of it. I'm not mad at people singing about what they have on and being on their way to the club, that's fine. It just doesn't appeal to me on a substance level. For me, it's about legacy and making my mark in R&B and I want to be as true to the craft as possible."

Let me handle my business!

*B. Brown's thoughts:

I am currently reading Jay-Z's book DECODED, and he makes point after point in his book about life in general and the music industry. The excerpt below talks about a powerful issue that has been a part of the industry for a long, long time, probably from the start of the music industry. What am I talking about? It is people saying that artist's should not learn about the business side of the industry, and they should just stay tuned-in with the artistry side of the business and that the artist will be fine. How could that be true? So an artist is supposed to be taken advantage of financially?

Jay-Z (Decoded; pgs. 30-31): The other part of "commercialization" is the idea that artists should only be thinking about their art, not about the business side of what we do. There was maybe a time when people in hip-hop made music only because they loved to make music. But the time came when it started to pay off, to the point that even dudes in the street started thinking, "Fuck selling drugs, this rap shit is going to be my hustle!" A lot of people came to hip-hop like that, not out of a pure love of music, but as a legit hustle, another path out of the hood. I've reflected some of that in my music because, to be honest, it was my mentality to some degree---when I committed to a career in rap, I wasn't taking a vow of poverty. I saw it as another hustle, one that happened to coincide with my natural talents and the culture I loved. I was an eager hustler and a reluctant artist. But the irony of it is that to make the hustle work, really work, over the long term, you have to be a true artist, too.

In the streets there aren't written contracts. Instead, you live by certain codes. There are no codes and ethics in music because there are lawyers. People can hide behind their lawyers and contracts and then rob you blind. A lot of street cats come into the music game and expect a certain kind of honor and ethics, even outside of contracts. But in business, like they say, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. So I mind my business and I don't apologize for it.

There's this sick fascination with the dead artist, the broke artist, the drugged-out artist, the artist who blows all his money on drugs and big chains and ends up on a VH1 special. Or artists so conflicted about making money from their art---which so often means making money from their pain and confusion and dreams---that they do stupid shit with it, set it on fire or something. This is a game people sometimes play with musicians: that to be real, to be authentic, you have to hate having money or that success has to feel like such a burden you want to kill yourself. But whoever said that artists shouldn't pay attention to their business was probably someone with their hand in some artist's pocket.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from B. Brown (BREG)

By: B. Brown (BREG)

Happy New Year!!! It is always great to start a new year and give thanks to the Most High for Blessing us with another year of life!

I am very excited about the opportunities out there that will positively impact my business endeavors in 2011, and I am looking forward to helping as many people as I can gain affordable access to the legal system and help as many people as possible protect and grow their businesses, be it an artist, a plumber, etc.!

One of the things that makes me feel very good thus far in 2011 is the Ted Williams story. Here is a man that would be considered down and out, but he continued to share his talent and gift with everyone he came in contact with and now he is receiving a second chance at life. May God continue to Bless him and keep him as he moves forward in his soberiety, re-connecting with his family and career. God is good!

Remember, "Big journeys begin with a single step!"

Have a great 2011!

One Love!