A beautiful Sunday>>>
walked down 15th street to Washington listening to “Bye bye baby” Janis Joplin.
That made me smile from ear to ear
Cocktails in the sun at the Standard…
*Looks like Dubai here!
Cool friendly crew of people from San Francisco 
*Homage to the sunshine*
Then @ Clevelander for Joey Negro… body painted gogo dancers!
Too wild for me! :p
… latin vibes to complete the day!
11.30pm= bedtime! :p
What a day! Started around 8am, ended around 5am!
Well, started out at a little Italian cafe. Beautiful little place around the corner…
I get wistful about cafes like this.. one day I quite fancy having a cafe like it near me. Walk there each morning, read the paper and enjoy an expresso, croissant and orange juice 
Sure is the simple things in life that make you happy!
Wandered Lincoln avenue.. invaded Quiksilver! and a few other stores 
Then to the conference!
saw some crazees on the way..
Saw some kids hustlin!
First session I went to was called “The real deal- negotiating a “360″artist agreement”
Very useful session indeed.
A complex topic with no real ‘standard’. It pretty much comes down to, always being aware that record labels want and need to make money out of you once they have invested. How much you should give away, will depend very much on what they can do for you and how much they are putting in. These days money is made from live shows and endorsements, money from record sales is minimal these days unfortunately.
Next panel was a “Songwriting and publishing master class”.
This stuff always gets me confused! But damn it is SO important!!!
main points here to remember-register with PRS of course, and make sure that if you’re working with a producer and/or other writers make sure that right from the beginning you keep a writer-split sheet (you can get these online, just google it). It can save the heartache later on, and keeps everything clear. You have to make sure that you have a good relationship with your publisher, who basically handles the agreements for the business side of your music. Publishing is where you can really make money- royalties, film, adverts, ringtones. etc.
The main thing I have really learned here at the WMC is how important the business side is in music. Its really important to understand all the terms. Its all too often that artists get screwed because they don’t understand and put their trust into fate and ‘go with the flow’. Can lead to tragic cases where you end up with nothing and someone else gets credit for what your talent. happens too much!
A lot of food for thought!
Well, WMC is half about the business and half about the party!
and boy did we party!
Started out at the Delano, a beautiful hotel with outside bar garden. Then went downstairs for a party with the man 9th wonder on the decks and then my favourite rapper TALIB KWELI!
What can I say? I am blessed!
Made some cool and crazy new friends
(girl on the right dates one of the guys from the PLATINUM PIED PIPERS! Dope!)
The beautiful Lalla my new partner in crime- she’s Moroccan. Random to make arabic friends here in Miami!
Then we went to LIV.
Errr… the most insane club I’ve ever seen! (and ive seen some crazy parties!)
Paul Oakenfold on the decks, and a packed club with some of the most glamourous girls and guys you could imagine.
After we left the rest of the crew stayed and checked into the biggest suite in Miami. (Lady Gaga had just checked out). They had a hot tub, drinks, ordered breakfast and partied on until.. about now.
Nuts…
….. Welcome to Miami !
Miami Day 3 I am rather ashamed about.
I spent most of it in bed, with a raging headache from Miami Day 2.
Luckily yesterday half the day it rained, so atleast I wasnt missing good weather.
Lets just say, mixing tequila with rum and vodka and beer.. not big, not clever!
I honestly swear, I’m gonna go T-total any one of these days.
Alcohol is just NOT the one.
The only physical movement, was around 8pm when I realised I needed to eat and started to fantasise about burgers. Went to Johnny Rockets, demolished an original with cheese, and went back to bed!
There is no food more satisifying sometimes :-/
At least, inspired by the “Buzz” talk I did some productive stuff online.
I updated my new soundcloud account with music!
http://soundcloud.com/mestizamusic/tracks
Downloaded a lot of music: some Herbie Hancock, Janis Joplin, Bugz in the attic, 4hero & Kaidi Tatham.
Dying to record with some producers back in London on a cross over break beat vibe.. Lets make it happen this Summer!! Can’t wait to make some new music!
Well, here I am at the WMC with break beat producers and DJs en mass.. its 8am. I’m gonna go get breakfast and get to that conference and get my ass in gear!
Today is all about, how much can I learn, how many people can I meet and how much music can I vibe to?
I’ll take lots of pics for you people!
Ain’t it fun! ;p
The sun is shining. I’m on Miami beach… LETS GO!
In the meantime- vibe to this!
10.03.11: 4.45am: Miami time
Sheer dedication and Red bull are the only things that entice me to write at this time.
I really wanted to document every day here.. but the jetlag after that 20 hour journey, was way too strong..
S0, lets begin on day 2!
Started off for breakfast at Balans. Expresso & pancakes with fresh fruits.. mmm
Checked out some stores on the lovely Lincoln Avenue.
Discovered a beautiful vintage boutique. Purchased a leather wallet.
saw a dude of a dog:
Then hit up the WMC for a panel session called: “The Buzz: Media, marketing, Social networking and You”.
The talk highlighted the importance of building your online presence and your fan base.
Perception is everything and its all about marketing.
That being said, you still have to have the talent, the product and the show to back it up!
Once you have that in place, you need a good business mind.
Back in the day you could be an artist focused on the art only and have someone else take care of the rest. It was all about talent.
But these days you have to package yourself nicely with bio, pictures, video & an internet fan base before media, fans or promoters will even look at you.
Luckily I enjoy the business side. I enjoy blogging and seeing what’s out there on twitter and facebook.. I love coming up with artistic concepts for photoshoots, videos, shows, flyers. and I’m getting into the promotion thing a bit more too with “History makes herstory too” and more events in the pipeline soon.
But I wonder, for the genius talents who have no idea how to market themselves or connect with their fans.. what becomes of them?
Unfortunately this whole “buzz” form of marketing online means that music becomes an ‘image ting’, and everyones always looking out for the next hot shit. Its real hard to create longevity in this marketplace.
I’m still learning about the music industry.. how to get music on itunes, how to promote, how to release a record, how to get your music copy-written, published. etc. All these important aspects of the music industry are not straight-forward at all, but these days you have to learn.
Thankfully over the years I’ve been blessed to be around some successful people on the Independent scene, who are always there to advise and push me in the right direction.
It’s all a learning process and a journey. I’m still learning!
The most useful link I picked up from the panelists was http://www.fantrail.com Watch the video.. awesome stuff!
After the talk, checked out the some places on Miami beach
This guy made me smile:
Ate some scrumptious Cuban food/ smoked some shisha at another joint (to remind me of home )
Check out a ghetto club called BED after the queues at Club Ten & Mansion were insane.
I use the word ghetto.. not a term I like to use.. but when normal girls are grinding on poles and have their buttcheeks hanging out of their “dress”.. and guys dance with dollar bills between their teeth.. the word is allowed!! Craziness!
Here’s the guys striking their best gangsta pose:
We didn’t stay there long! and made it over the Mekka, a WMC party, which was good DJs & good vibes. 4th time lucky!
I realised something last night… I don’t really enjoy clubbing anymore! :-/
But thats another blog!
I think day 3 might be a bit of a right off judging by the time… :/
On a side-note- I need to work on my club pose, this cheesy grin ain’t cutting it.
