We are at episode 19 of this series and I want to take a break from the dj/production side of things for a moment.Because through your journey ahead you will be cast on oceans of waves, jagged cliffs and tremendous winds….challenges indeed. You need to cope well when these storms hit you,I have learned a few tricks along the way,because people were kind enough to save me when I was drowning in my sea. This will help you as a person, your more than a DJ you know!
The goal is to be a great human, everything else comes second in my opinion, what we leave behind is our legacy. Who will care when your gone? who cares now? It is an important question,few take the time to ask themselves if what they do effects others in a positive way providing light,or do you keep providing shade?
Before I start I wish to thank my boyfriend Chevy,Chris,Eve,Josh,Paul,Jerry and The Sakyong Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche
These people have helped me find an inner peace that was lost to me before.There are many more people who have helped me on my journey in so many ways and I thank them all.
Now, here are some cool dvd’s to watch and some great books to read.Lets start with some dvd’s.
1.Down the rabbit hole, what the bleepThis is quantum physics at it’s best. It also changed my life, my attitude and really is interesting, I dare you to try it!!!!
2.Deepak Chopra the essential dvd collection
3. Fast food nationKnowledge is power,know what you put into your body,the goal is to have a healthy mind,soul and body.
4.supersize me.You will never eat junk food again!
5.Eckhart Tolle’s findhorn retreat ” stillness amidst the world” In fact get everything he does….
Books. I love to read because I am on planes all the time,what better use of your time?
Here are some of my favs.
coversations with god,The power of now,The sedona method,A new Earth,Effortless mastery( this is a must, liberating the master musician within)the seven spiritual laws of success,How to know god ( Deepak Chopra).
By the way, I am in no way suggesting you don’t pepper this with your horror movies…
(I do) or stop reading US magazine ( sad to say I sometimes do…) Or stop watching AMERICAN IDOL (go Adam Lambert!!!!!)Just open your mind to it all,it’s a big world out there.
Meditation is hard to learn but well worth it. I am trying this every other day,again really tough.But If I can’t control my mind and be still,there will always be ” noise”.
Exercise should simply be part of your life. There are no excuses. It creates endorphins that make you HAPPY as well as the obvious benefits.
I hope some of you have the same great results I have found with this…remember life is about experiences…so go taste them all!!!!!
Hope this helps — Members of my mailing list get free music in their emails! Sign up now on www.djrap.com. Luv and Bass DJRAP

The importance of motivation. What flicks your switch?
So some time has passed and WMC is but a distant memory,was it really that great? (Yes,if only I could keep that feeling.) Back in the real world, my day is chained to my computer ( I actually love it) and late night studio sessions. If one stops to think if what they are doing makes sense, you would go crazy. I close my eyes and leap off that cliff with no feather mattress to land on. Faith is my parachute, hope is the wind. Jagged rocks of uncertainty below me.
Sometimes it gets so hard to be motivated . Some-one else is always doing better than you, but I try to remember that someone is also doing worse. You only have to watch CNN to know how lucky we are.
I am a little disposed you might say because I do alot for my art. Blogging, videos,spend all my money on the business of making business,podcasts,running two labels….to wonder if it all actually leads to anything. If you want to buy my records you will,right?( unless your sad and steal music) does me making videos help you do that? I guess this months important question is: is all this viral/Internet/social networking worth it? Does it help your business? Or does it de-motivate you?
I ask this because I think it can de motivate you,It can be a time-suck, take you away from the real business in the studio,unless your sick like me I actually enjoy it. I am curious as to my fans opinion.So I hope a ton of you give me feedback re this issue, I really do.I personally enjoy talking to you,it gives me the motivation to keep going,God knows I need all the help I can get,we are only human after all.
As my mum says, we all bleed when cut. Amen to that!
I wake up get my tea ( I am a Britt) answer fans in my space etc… and there is nothing better than someone saying how your music helped them through a tough time. It is humbling to know soldiers risking their life took a minute to write and say my music helped them jump out of a plane, while training,getting ready to risk their lives. I say don’t do it to sell records, do it because it makes you feel good. That’s my motivation. You. ( and a little vodka).

Find something that can take yo away from the studio,live a little, it will make your music better,full, mature. I guess I will never be rich in money,but in my soul I am a billionaire.

Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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The importance of ” victory”.What does it mean? I believe victory is for believers and for those who believe in it long enough. You see this picture above? That is my team in the studio ( well some of them anyway!) Left to right, Chris wood( mix engineer) me ( writer), Andy Irvine ( bass guitar) Chevy Bhorntus ( producer/composer). A happy team means a great experience making what will hopefully be a great album!
It is important to be realistic and keep your feet on the ground in this business. It is easy to let success get to your head, and as my mother always said, ” be nice to those on the way up, because you never know who you need on the way down”. I have seen so many people who started out cool and ended up wankers, They were ” hot” for a minute, full of ego, but soon disappeared when their 15 minutes of fame cooled down. Our biggest enemy- is EGO. Better to have a long career than a short one!!!!
I have worked with some of the best in the business, Mark Isham, Hans Zimmer and these amazing composers taught me a valuable lesson early in my career….
It does not get much bigger in the world of Hollywood music score .These titans are so humble, as with any great human who is not fearful, they are quietly confidant, with no need to tear others down or brag about their accomplishments. You will find in the world not only in music, that those who do this are often unsuccessful which is exactly the reason they behave in this way. They are terrified they will remain so…. Because I had the opportunity to watch these composers work I realized early on how far I had to go ( god all I do is produce dance music ha ha) and that if I ever did indeed make it, would try to be like them, in other words be grateful not hateful!!!!
I struggle still with this concept, we all do. None of us are perfect but I honestly try on a daily basis to be the person I want others to see..the person I want to truly be. Some times I win, sometimes I fail, but I chose to not beat my self up but try again…I often ask ” could I have handled that situation better?” If so I learn from it and adjust.
The desire to be noticed for all the hard work you do is strong, ( if the force is strong with you) sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil right? Maybe, however I have learned that it is your ability to be consistent and endurance and your self belief that really pays off as well as your talent. That is victory.
What is my point? well you you make it and your out there a million eyes are on you, people dying to be where you are ready to tear you down, make up stories,always with a camera (those damn phones lol) blogs, forums..the INTERNET. So be smart, be polite and when ever you work with people above all, be professional. If you are in a studio session be nice to whoever you are working with,especially the runners, you can be sure they will tell everyone if your an asshole who demands vodka at 3 am and doesn’t leave a tip! Pay everyone on time, I pay everyone before- if I am using session musicians-just so they feel comfortable and this always elevates the mood because they feel safe. It goes a long way because so few do this ….YOU will stand out. After all, your gonna pay them anyway right? Be original!!!!!
If you take drugs/drink , be private,doing this in front of your crowd on the decks is so cheesy
( yes I see it all the time) otherwise you will end up like some djs who are more famous for that than their talent, promoter, agents, we all live in a small pond so be smart about who you chose to swim with!!!! look at any star who is famous for their fuckups instead of their art…they will have to constantly fuck up to be interesting because sadly, that’s all they have. Being famous just to be famous is so lame but then, if you are a real artiste you won’t crave fame or be in love with the idea of fame, you’ll be too busy actually creating art .
I just finished adding the final touches to my album,( synthesis out in fall) I worked with some of the best musicians in the business, and it was so nice to have them say so many nice things and cut me a deal to boot because they enjoy working with me. I hope to work with them over and over because it is hard to find great people, so it pays to make it fun and keep it clean. After all, its not so much what you did that people remember, but how you did it.
Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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Winter music conference is around the corner yet again. Should you go?
wmc
Winter Music Conference, in its 24th year, is regarded as the singular networking event in the dance music industry, attracting professionals from over 70 different countries. With its high concentration of top international artists, DJs and industry professionals, WMC permeates the international press and is thereby one of the most publicized events in the business. Every aspect of the industry is represented including the top technological innovators, artists, DJs, producers, radio and video programmers, retailers, distributors, audio manufacturers and many more. There are countless reasons why people from all over the world return year after year for this event, the most outstanding one being that there is nothing else in the world like it.

Here is another point of view. Just my humble opinion,everyone has an opinion, they are just like assholes.
Before we get into it, lets talk about the spirit past of wmc……..
This has become a bit of a joke. In many ways it is important and good things happen, but at the rate Miami is going with the prices, this is becoming a ridiculously expensive timesuck. It is great to see the Djs showcasing their new material, though many of them play for practically free, clubowners/promoters making a bloody fortune. Who can blame them, it is seasonal after all, however last year was dismal and more and more people say they won’t bother next year.Now, with this recession it really will be interesting. It is so expensive to stay in a hotel now that unless you share with 50 in a room, it seems impossible for the fan. Not too mention the chaos of getting into a club. Last year I did not go out once, I was so knackered from doing press and working, but that was fine with me, I can’t stand the claustrophobic clubs. ( lets pray there is never a fire!)I hope there is the old spirit that I miss there, I hardly see anyone I know now, it’s all business. I used to always have a crazy night there, a drinking hole for the dj/producers…..but now that drinking hole has dried up and only ghosts remain. I have gone for over 10 years, this may be my last time. We will see. WMC I miss you.I miss what this used to be all about.
As for those really wanting to know the benefits of registering, there are some…. I did some great panels and will do the same this year(BMI publishing) these are valuable so long as there are true speakers on the panel who know what they are going on about. I love doing these as they can be educational and fun. The truth is there are many opportunities out there, you never know who you will bump into, but if you are new in the biz getting a meeting is nearly impossible…..still I am glad to be there, but if I did not have any shows, you bet your socks I would not blink if I wasn’t.I go for the fans, to perform for them, I hate to see them ripped off with these prices, is nothing sacred anymore!!! Anyway, here is some more info for you, but go to the site for the whole picture……

This from wmc

Industry Development

Currently, the music industry is engaged in a profound structural metamorphosis. CDR’s, MP3’s, download streams and other new technologies are forever changing the ways in which people create, buy, sell and listen to music. Such matters are among the many debated at Winter Music Conference. The WMC program brings together informed professionals to present new ideas, discuss industry issues, and build new inroads for business development. Meetings and seminars focus on topics such as market strategies, artist development, copyrighting, publishing, writing contracts, artist management, distribution, radio, promotion, Internet retailing, and the media, just to name a few. With more than 30 important meetings and seminars on the agenda, WMC will continue its mission to provide a decisive global platform for resolving the current challenges and stimulating new industry growth and revenue.

Artists, DJs and Events

One of the most exciting aspects of Winter Music Conference is the convergence of industry executives, press and A&R reps, as well as artists and DJs of all levels bumping heads on the dance floors and rubbing elbows at the bar, while enjoying their favorite DJs spinning on the decks. The level of exposure WMC provides for artists and DJs is invaluable. WMC offers endless opportunities for DJs and artists to network and have their music heard by an international audience of music industry professionals. The Demo Listening Workshops, CD compilation, DJ & performance stages, DJ Spin Off and a host of other performance events, showcases and release parties throughout the week, provide limitless opportunities for innovative DJs and artists to break out of the box. Venues throughout Miami feature a non-stop schedule of nighttime events showcasing legendary artists and DJs from all over the world. WMC also presents the International Dance Music Awards, revered as the premier annual awards event for the dance and electronic music industry. Ultra Music Festival, the largest music festival of its kind in the U.S., is the official closing event for WMC. Nowhere other than WMC will you experience such diverse and unique talents gathered together to share one week of exclusive music industry events.

Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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As we start to delve into more complex issues with my series, many ask certain questions but can not afford a music lawyer, I hope some of this information can help though I recommend a music lawyer ALWAYS. I have taken much of the net here from wikipedia got rid of the unnecessary and condensed it so it’s a little easier to digest. ( see bold type after each topic)

Royalties (sometimes, running royalties) are usage-based payments made by one party (the “licensee”) to another (the “licensor”) for ongoing use of an production/song etc.
Royalties can be determined as a percentage of gross or net sales derived from use of the asset or a fixed price per unit sold.. A royalty interest is the right to collect a stream of future royalty payments, used in the music industry to describe a percentage ownership of future production or revenues from a given leasehold, which may be divested from the original owner of the asset.

now, this gets tricky, when structuring a deal it is really important to get good royalty rates….this is where your lawyer is vital! I have always tried to get the best rate I can because this is how I earn a living.

A license agreement defines the terms under which a resource or property such as copyrights,productions,songs are licensed by one party to another, either without restriction or subject to a limitation on term, business or geographic territory, type of product, etc. License agreements can be regulated, or they can be private contracts that follow a general structure.

Again this is a contract which will tell you they have the right to sell your music in whatever territories you have agreed, the world or just U.S.A for example, it will explain what they will pay you etc….however, you own your product which is better than a record deal where they own your soul.

Trademarks are words, logos, slogans, sounds, or other distinctive expressions that distinguish the source, origin, or sponsorship of a good or service (in which they are generally known as service marks). Trademarks offer the public a means of identifying and assuring themselves of the quality of the good or service. They may bring consumers a sense of security, integrity, belonging, and a variety of intangible appeals. The value that inures to a trademark in terms of public recognition and acceptance is known as goodwill.
A trademark right is an exclusive right to sell or market under that mark within a geographic territory. The rights may be licensed to allow a company other than the owner to sell goods or services under the mark. A company may seek to license a trademark it did not create in order to achieve instant name recognition rather than accepting the cost and risk of entering the market under its own brand that the public does not necessarily know or accept. Licensing a trademark allows the company to take advantage of already-established goodwill and brand identification.
Like patent royalties, trademark royalties may be assessed and divided in a variety of different ways, and are expressed as a percentage of sales volume or income, or a fixed fee per unit sold. When negotiating rates, one way companies value a trademark is to assess the additional profit they will make from increased sales and higher prices (sometimes known as the “relief from royalty”) method.
Trademark rights and royalties are often tied up in a variety of other arrangements. Trademarks are often applied to an entire brand of products and not just a single one. Because trademark law has as a public interest goal the protection of a consumer, in terms of getting what they are paying for, trademark licenses are only effective if the company owning the trademark also obtains some assurance in return that the goods will meet its quality standards. When the rights of trademark are licensed along with a know-how, supplies, pooled advertising, etc., the result is often a franchise relationship. Franchise relationships may not specifically assign royalty payments to the trademark license, but may involve monthly fees and percentages of sales, among other payments.

I have these as a brand it is important, it is costly so bear that in mind, you also have to think about how many countries you can afford to be trademarked in, it all adds up! You put all your hard work into your company, last thing you need is someone owning your company name in another country and profiting off that hard work!

Copyright law gives the owner the right to prevent others from copying, creating derivative works, or publicly performing their works. Copyrights, like patent rights, can be divided in many different ways, by the right implicated, by specific geographic or market territories, or by more specific criteria. Each may be the subject of a separate license and royalty arrangements.

Copyright royalties are often very specific to the nature of work and field of endeavor. With respect to music, royalties for performance rights in the United States are set by the Library of Congress’ Copyright Royalty Board. Mechanical rights to recordings of a performance are usually managed by one of several performance rights organizations. Payments from these organizations to performing artists are known as residuals. Royalty free music provides more direct compensation to the artists. In 1999, recording artists formed the Recording Artists’ Coalition to repeal supposedly “technical revisions” to American copyright statutes which would have classified all “sound recordings” as “works for hire,” effectively assigning artists’ copyrights to record labels.
Book authors may sell their copyright to the publisher. Alternately, they might receive as a royalty a certain amount per book sold.
Some photographers and musicians may choose to publish their works for a one-time payment. This is known as a royalty-free license.

Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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What is music publishing?

Hi guys this is a subject people go to school for, it is that huge. I am still learning everyday what this means. It is vital you learn as much as you can in order to protect yourself. This is where the writer really makes his/her dough, money, pension, etc. One hit song can keep you snug for years literally. But if you don’t copyright your music, register it to these companies, you’re lost in an uncounted sea of possible dollars. Some people say that these companies have bad accounting, go and line and you will read horror stories for sure, however most people I know including myself earn quite well from them, in the end it’s better to have someone collect for you than not. You could look at this this way, if you do not play the lottery you have no chance of winning do you?

My advice is always hold on to your publishing, set up a company (inc) so you and your assets are safe, register all domain names of your company and make them legal. It is costly!!! (I know) and tough. The best option for the starving artiste is to register to Bmi/Ascap in the U.SA
and MCPS/ PRS in the U.K.

This is a handy site http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/ I have taken some pieces from here so you don’t have to go anywhere, relax, sit back and study the shit out of it. I hope this helps you some, it is a tiny amount of info, compared to what there is to learn, however, as this is a basic overview. as always, investigate further my budding fellow musicians.

What does a publisher do?

The business of music publishing is basically concerned with developing, protecting and valuing music.

The business is diverse and demands a variety of skills. These range from the ability to spot writing talent and original music that is likely to appeal to an audience, to ensuring that all uses of music are properly licensed and paid for. Music publishers play a vital role in the development of new music and in taking care of the business side, allowing composers and songwriters to concentrate on their creative work.

The role of a music publisher involves:

Finding new and talented songwriters and composers and encouraging and supporting them as they develop their skills, whether through helping with their living expenses, providing them with the facilities they need to produce music or offering advice and guidance in writing for particular markets;

Securing commissions for new works and helping to coordinate work flow;

Registering the works of songwriters and composers with all appropriate collecting societies and agencies, such as MCPS and PRS;

Producing performance materials (score and parts) and demonstration recordings;

Producing and licensing the production of printed music;

Preparing promotional materials, including sampler CDs, study scores, etc;

Promoting composers and songwriters to performers, broadcasters, record companies and others who use music on a commercial basis;

Licensing the use of music;

Monitoring and tracking the use of the music they own and ensuring that proper payment is made for all licensed uses;

Making royalty payments to songwriters and composers in respect of the usage of their music;

Taking appropriate action against anyone using music without the necessary licence;

The business of music publishing is dependent upon there being a strong copyright framework in place. The control of copyright enables a publisher to recover the investment made in songwriters and composers and to ensure that they are rewarded for their creative work. Without copyright there would be no financial incentive for music publishers to invest in composers and musical works. This would be to the detriment of composers who depend upon publishers to manage the business of exploiting musical works and administering royalty payments.

The relationship between a music publisher and a songwriter/composer is supported by a publishing contract setting out the rights and obligations of each to the other. Under these contracts songwriters and composers assign the copyright in their music to the music publisher in return for a commitment to promote, exploit and protect that music. The publisher agrees to pay the songwriter/composer a percentage of any income earned from such exploitation as royalties.

What is copyright?

Copyright enables composers and authors to be paid for their work. Copyright is the means by which those who make and own creative works (e.g. music and literature) can control who makes use of their work and the circumstances in which it is used, to ensure that the integrity and value of the work is respected.

Copyright legislation has evolved over the last 500 years to provide a balance between the interests of those who invest skills and intellectual effort, time and money in the creation of works on the one hand and those who want to use and enjoy those works on the other.

The current UK copyright legislation is to be found principally in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Can I sample somone else’s music?

Similarly, if you want to sample a recording of a song or piece of music which was made or released within the last 50 years then the recording will still be in copyright and can only be sampled with permission from the copyright owner of the recording (usually the record company) or their agent, PPL, and from the performer(s) in addition to the copyright owner of the music and of the words.

The sample used will infringe copyright in the music and/or the sound recording, as the case may be, if it is a ‘substantial part’ of the original and is used without the necessary permissions. The sample is considered ‘substantial’ by reference to its quality rather than its length. If it is recognisable, however short, as coming from the original piece of music or recording then it should be regarded as being substantial and the necessary permissions should be sought. If you are in any doubt, apply for permission.

How can I find the copyright owner for permission to use a piece of music?

To use any piece of music that is in copyright, you must first get permission. The type of permission required depends on how you wish to use the music.

Trumpet
For permission to photocopy printed music, the MPA can help to direct you to the copyright owner. You should provide as much information about the music as possible, including the title, composer, any arranger or editor and the date of publication or copyright line (usually inside the front cover or at the bottom of the first page of the music), together with the name of any publisher that you have for the work.

For permission to arrange music the MPA can help to direct you to the copyright owner. You should provide as much information about the music as possible, including the title, composer, any arranger or editor and the date of publication or copyright line (usually inside the front cover or at the bottom of the first page of the music), together with the name of any publisher that you have for the work.

For permission to use music in films or commercials you should contact the copyright owner. The MPA can help to direct you to the copyright owner.

For permission to record music you should contact MCPS.

For permission to perform music live you should contact PRS.

For permission to broadcast music or include it in a cable programme service you should contact PPL and MCPS-PRS Alliance.

For permission to perform a musical, opera or ballet you should contact the publisher directly. Again the MPA can help to direct you to the correct publisher.

For permission to play a recording of music in any public place you should contact PRS and PPL.
For any other usage not mentioned above you should contact the copyright owner directly. The MPA can help, email us on info@mpaonline.org.uk

What should I do if I believe that someone may be infringing copyright?

If you are concerned about illegal photocopying of music contact the MPA immediately.

If you are concerned about any other illegal use of music, film or software, contact the Copyright Advice & Anti-Piracy Hotline: 0845 603 4567

© Music Publishers Association – Contact Us – MPA legal notices

Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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As we come to the end of the basics in becoming a Dj, music, production etc… The rest will be up to you. I could go on forever about what I have learned but then you would be left with very few surprises and how boring would that be? Today I want to talk about legacy, what you do is what you leave behind. I mean what do you want to be remembered for musically? This means you have to think about the genre of music you choose that best represents you and your expression. I am an odd case when it comes to this, most people do one thing and stick to it, if you’re a drum and bass producer, then that’s what you are, same goes for house breaks etc. Back in the day it was unheard of to do what I did, step outside the box, in fact run from that damn box and laugh at it. I did the unthinkable, shock horror gasp and made a “pop” record.

“Learning Curve” was a very successful record though I never viewed it as “pop”. To me it was an experiment fusing all genres, all emotions into a deeply electronic adventure. I had always wanted to write songs and that is what I am at heart, a songwriter, playing the piano from an early age, I always incorporated melodies into all my productions, that is what made me stand out I guess you could say from the get go. However, I was so drawn to the technical aspect of production that when drum and bass first appeared on the scene I was instantly hooked being the geek I am. So, as you may know, tracks like ” Spiritual Aura” though drum and bass had these lush strings and a strong sense of emotion in it, very different to what was out there. I disliked the ugly harsh side of drum and bass but that does not mean I didn’t like my drum and bass BADD ASS TOUGH like the heroes Dillinja, Pendulum, RonnieSize, Groovrerider produced.

Still, I liked to keep things fresh and moving, so though drum and bass got very modern, it also got so technical that I felt the emotion was missing somewhat. So I went in a different direction, and the rest is history. You probably know I leapfrog through genres, I like the flexibility of producing whatever I want, though no doubt this has caused more confusion and certainly made it hard for me. The problem is I get bored and I have always been that way. The only way to survive this head fuck is to do what I do, multitask your music. How has this hurt me and how has it benefited me is the question, and this is what I want you to understand when choosing this path.

As I watch some of my fellow artistes who have stuck to one thing become successful and really cracking it, I often question whether I fucked up. I really do, had I stuck to house which was what I first played (that’s right, I was around before the birth of drum and bass) I would be so fucking huge!!!! or would I? Did I do well because I chose drum and bass? point is, you’ll never know. I certainly would be richer, that’s for sure.

Today we are going to talk about the taboo subject of illegal downloading (click on that and read about the consequences) and how it effects artistes… and it does! So if you’re one of those thieving assholes that lives on Kazaa etc. that thinks I am an asshole for writing this, you could look at it this way: You pay for food, clothes and just about everything else, yet I don’t know anyone who can live without music, we all have it, we are the iPod gods, the click generation, so it still amazes me that people expect to pay nothing for this.

Hi and I hope you are all well, great responses from these blogs, glad I can be of service…

So now you have a basic grasp on production, DJ skills, how to present yourself, blah blah, what next? Should you get a manager? An agent? How do you climb that ever elusive ladder to success? All I can tell you is my own experience, which doesn’t necessarily make me right. You have to follow your own path and listen to your gut, because it’s nearly always spot on.