Career Decisions vs. Business Decisions

Based on my experience, the number 1 reason for failure of a project is a result of an artist decision rather than those that surround them. It is easier to respond and correct a business decision than it is a career decision. My suggestion to artists is once you've made your career decisions don't confuse them with business decisions.

Recording Performance

There seems to be a belief that the recording process has changed in recent years to reflect technology and shrinking recording budgets. Yes it is true that with today's technology, virtually anyone can record without the need of a large tracking room or a budget equal to the price of a median house in southern California. Regardless, the one constant that has remained is performance. With it, any properly mic'ed session, whether in the studio or live from the stage, can result in vibrant and engaging recordings that consumers will cherish and embrace. As in the past, too many artists and young producers focus on technology and budgets and not enough on performance, when in fact the reverse should take place.

John Lennon Remembered

30 years ago today I was in Ames, Iowa watching the Monday Night Football game between New England and Miami when Howard Cosell broke the news of John Lennon's death. Where were you?

Irrelevant Space?

Does anybody really care about the new MySpace reboot?

Hitting The Road

I'm about to do something I have never done in my 20 some years of working in the music business, I'm hitting the road with the band. You see I manage an artist, Maxim Ludwig & The Santa Fe Seven. William Morris Endeavor, their talent agency, booked them onto the Austin City Limits Festival this year. We're renting an RV, stopping in Phoenix for a show at the Martini Ranch along the way and then pushing it in to Austin. Nothing fancy, campgrounds and truck stops, peanut butter and jelly and the occasional fast food joint. All you supposed music people sitting in your offices who claim to be "street", I'll be looking for you (lol). Otherwise, for all that I meet, looking forward to it!

R.I.P. Robert Schimmel

Robert Schimmel survives cancer and passes as a result of a car accident. R.I.P.

John Mayer Live from Red Rocks

John Mayer will be stopping at the famous Red Rocks venue in Colorado tomorrow night (9/1) as part of his Battle Studies world tour. The show will be streamed live on Ustream, starting at 10:45 p.m. (ET) and 7:45 p.m. (PT). You can watch it here