So. As I was kicking around the idea of actually keeping a blog to a few friends, I couldn't wrap my head around the idea that people would want to read what I think, or care about it. I had conditioned myself to think that I would be pretty self important to think so. But, then I spoke to one of my students...not TOO far behind me in years that said: "it's not even about that...just write. People want to hear about real things from real people, don't you?" What a difference a few years make in perspective.
So, I am down in MD/DC with my family. My Dad had his first ever surgical procedure in his life in all of 60 something years. A major accomplishment on my Dad's part...too bad I didn't get those genes. I have been in the hospital so many times..LOL. But maybe b/c I am reckless. LOL. But Dad was a Philly Police Officer for years...and still nothing no hospital related injuries. I got to eat my wheaties. LOL. I DIGRESS.
I am blessed to have both of my parents; to benefit from all of their wisdom in my adulthood. I love them so much, I can't imagine my life without them though I know, it is inevitable...that I will eventually live without them...and my kids without me. Morbid, you may ask? NO...morbid is so permanent and terminal. See, I tell them both every chance I can, how much I love them. And I listen to their advice, and memorize their responses, and accept their CRAZINESS. They may take a little more time to get going these days...but can you really put patience on the # of times my dirty diapers were changed, or the price of orthodonics, or broken limbs, or my first 5 speed driving lesson, or my first heartbreak, or the price of books in college etc. NAHHHH. Sometimes I miss the days when they were on full throttle though they still got plenty of juice in them. I just remind myself to take full advantage of ALL my days and ALL my time.
The highlight of the hospital visit was when my Dad was coming out of the anesthesia fog and he was looking dazed and confused. Mom and I teased him that he is now a "drug-y"...looking all spaced out. My Dad who has never touched an illegal substance nor abused a legal one; a man that has had a distinguished 40 year career of putting "those kinda of people" behind bars says..."yeah...give me some of the weeds" through his groggy smile. Spoken like a true hard core druggy rockstar. HAHA!
Enjoy your parents as best you can for as long as you can. And get out and destroy your own reputation!
Peace and Soul!
Rt!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I am just getting used to the this blog, facebook, twitter, myspace etc. etc. thing. So...I expect to be a a regular "post-er". I will attempt to keep up.
So, I am posting some pics and video from my first official RAVE! I did my single with International Electronica Pied Piper DJ Feelgood at the HOW SWEET IT IS party in San Bernardino, CA. It was an experience to say the least...and a great one at that...aside from me being the bionic man and BUSTING MY ASS on the side of the stage courtesy of random drunk dude. LOL. HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS! I am wondering if the the crowd heard me say..."WHAT THE FUCK DUDE" in the mic?
I have to say though, I didn't realize how many kids (21 and under) come to these things. I was trippin'...little girls suckin' on pacifiers half dressed in 55 degree weather...it is not a myth. Nor, are the guys walking around half dressed sucking on pacifiers...but I will save that for someone else's blog. LOL. READ: I AM NOT A PERVERT NOR INTERESTED IN FRATERNIZING WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE PERVERTS.hahaha In the meantime, I was chillin' out backstage having drinks with the band Craak & Smaak, and other DJ's in the line up. There were 8,000 kids in our "room" alone...there were over 15,000 people there period. NOW THATS NUTS!
I look forward to partying with the Raver's again. Feelgood and I are working on some other tunes from the CONFESSIONAL album too, so stay tuned for some summer hits. Rave on! Shout out to Jessie!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Downshift Baby.
Last month while taking a short holiday in between gigs, I found myself driving alone one early morning on a provincial 2 lane road tucked away among mountains that in their massive stillness brought me back to "start". A gentle breeze, the smell of the sea, greenery and flora abound, the right tunes and an icy blue sky lulled me into meditation. Simple Bliss.
I turned a bend in the road, and I suddenly found myself behind an older couple enjoying their 2 km/hr Sunday morning drive. I just had to wait for the opposite traffic to clear the lane before I could pass them. I grew more anxious even still as some road rogue barrelled down behind me. Immediately, the "moment" disappeared. I no longer saw the beautiful scene around me, the music fell away, and I was transplanted to a New York City street locked in traffic and glaring out of my rear-view mirror. I was consumed with getting away from the car in front and behind. To my right, a small hill top cemetary adorned with billowing pastel ribbons revealed itself in between larger mountains. It brought me back to my "moment". In an instant, the lesson was so clear, as if His hand had stamped it on my forehead.
Get out of the rear view mirror; look ahead and drive. Don't worry about what the car behind you is doing. Down shift baby!
So, thats exactly what I did. I downshifted, passed the couple in front of me and drifted back into my gracious meditation. Not only did I lose the road rogue, but I lost the stress of worrying about whatever may lay in front or behind of my vision. It's so much more fun, and productive to just BE in the present. Life is short, make it rich by pushing your potential every chance you get.
Get out of your rear-view mirror!
Peace and Soul,
Rt!
I turned a bend in the road, and I suddenly found myself behind an older couple enjoying their 2 km/hr Sunday morning drive. I just had to wait for the opposite traffic to clear the lane before I could pass them. I grew more anxious even still as some road rogue barrelled down behind me. Immediately, the "moment" disappeared. I no longer saw the beautiful scene around me, the music fell away, and I was transplanted to a New York City street locked in traffic and glaring out of my rear-view mirror. I was consumed with getting away from the car in front and behind. To my right, a small hill top cemetary adorned with billowing pastel ribbons revealed itself in between larger mountains. It brought me back to my "moment". In an instant, the lesson was so clear, as if His hand had stamped it on my forehead.
Get out of the rear view mirror; look ahead and drive. Don't worry about what the car behind you is doing. Down shift baby!
So, thats exactly what I did. I downshifted, passed the couple in front of me and drifted back into my gracious meditation. Not only did I lose the road rogue, but I lost the stress of worrying about whatever may lay in front or behind of my vision. It's so much more fun, and productive to just BE in the present. Life is short, make it rich by pushing your potential every chance you get.
Get out of your rear-view mirror!
Peace and Soul,
Rt!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Music
Reality check
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Music
My faith in music is undying...but my faith in people in the music BUSINESS is wavering...dangerously. I know the Laws of Attraction and all say that you bring to yourself of what you speak...which leaves little or no room for negativity. But what do you do when there are promoters faulting on artist fees and blaming it on the artist to save face; when there are "facilitators" talking smack on one end and grinning like a Cheshire cat at the flip of a coin? What can you do when you are really in this business to make an honest living by doing what you passionately LOVE...and it’s soiled by foolishness? How can you not say...all y’all crazy folks just kiss my natural black...well...yellow ass! Some how, that probably does not fall into the Laws of Attraction. HAHAHAHA.
Every once in a while, I come across some really good people that do really good things for what they love, and it reminds me of why I fell in love with Music.
I had just flown in from London to NYC then NYC to Houston then Houston to Dallas (it was MUCH cheaper that way--sacrifice convenience for the love). And when I arrived in Dallas en route to SXSW 2008, I was exahausted in mind, body and spirit. But, I had a rehearsal with the support singers before dinner (so I would not catch the -itis and pass out). When they got to my spot, I was exhausted at the thought of having to teach the entire set ALL OVER AGAIN. Just so you know...playing different cities without your own band is so far from glamorous...it is WORK. Though, the gigs are blessings and I am grateful...so keep them coming (y’all know I like to talk). Anyway, so from the first moment they opened their mouths...I was like...OMG...y’all not only know the music, but y’all are KILLING IT. I was floored. They were amazing. So, we ran through the set, and then ended up singing longer ..just because it sounded so good and we were having fun. I felt like a kid...nevermind I hadn’t slept nor eaten much. It did not matter because I was smitten again.
The next day we all set out for the 3 hour drive to SXSW in Austin, TX. I had spent the entire evening passing out flyers (shout out BHen) and talking up the show. The next day, I did the same, including a TV interview (shout out Mr. Blakes) and an hour long radio interview at a local station (shout out Hot Pepper), then back to passing out more flyers and watching my fellow artists perform (Renee Sebastion, Maya Azucena, Bavu Blakes, Melissa Young and more). The artists were great and really gave their 100%, but the night within the SXSW context overall had some disappointments. Needless to say, we (the singers and I) got on stage and played with a band with which I DID NOT REHEARSE and we rocked the joint for the love of MUSIC anyway. The vibe on stage was so right, it could not have been stopped. It was spiritual and it was so much fun regardless of what was going on off the stage. Afterward, the singers from Dallas (Van, Harmonie & Junye) said to me how grateful they were to have shared the stage with me, and how it was an honor to sing with me. They took the time to learn my music, to rehearse, to drive 3 hours, to perform amidst not so wonderful conditions, and they considered it an honor to sing with me? HELL..the honor was all mine. See, right then, I was reminded AGAIN of why I love music so much, and performing. They did it on love, on respect, on the excercise of using the gifts given to them and sharing it with me and everyone listening. That was the message given to me that night...and it kinda’ soothed away the fact that I wanted to crack a couple of heads. LOL.
Seriously though, when these damn folks in this business get to acting ridiculous, remind yourself of this (and remind me too if I ever seem to need it) ...a very good singer friend of mine shared this sage advice with me the other night...let me paraphrase: God has given you a gift of music. it is your responsiblity and right to share it. He will protect you in your sharing as you do it from you heart and soul. All things that are not of Him, that threaten to hinder or sabotage you, will wither and die in your path.
And you know thats right.
Let the crowd say AI’IGHT.
Now let us get back to the music.
Enjoy the new single.
Peace,
Rt!
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Music
My faith in music is undying...but my faith in people in the music BUSINESS is wavering...dangerously. I know the Laws of Attraction and all say that you bring to yourself of what you speak...which leaves little or no room for negativity. But what do you do when there are promoters faulting on artist fees and blaming it on the artist to save face; when there are "facilitators" talking smack on one end and grinning like a Cheshire cat at the flip of a coin? What can you do when you are really in this business to make an honest living by doing what you passionately LOVE...and it’s soiled by foolishness? How can you not say...all y’all crazy folks just kiss my natural black...well...yellow ass! Some how, that probably does not fall into the Laws of Attraction. HAHAHAHA.
Every once in a while, I come across some really good people that do really good things for what they love, and it reminds me of why I fell in love with Music.
I had just flown in from London to NYC then NYC to Houston then Houston to Dallas (it was MUCH cheaper that way--sacrifice convenience for the love). And when I arrived in Dallas en route to SXSW 2008, I was exahausted in mind, body and spirit. But, I had a rehearsal with the support singers before dinner (so I would not catch the -itis and pass out). When they got to my spot, I was exhausted at the thought of having to teach the entire set ALL OVER AGAIN. Just so you know...playing different cities without your own band is so far from glamorous...it is WORK. Though, the gigs are blessings and I am grateful...so keep them coming (y’all know I like to talk). Anyway, so from the first moment they opened their mouths...I was like...OMG...y’all not only know the music, but y’all are KILLING IT. I was floored. They were amazing. So, we ran through the set, and then ended up singing longer ..just because it sounded so good and we were having fun. I felt like a kid...nevermind I hadn’t slept nor eaten much. It did not matter because I was smitten again.
The next day we all set out for the 3 hour drive to SXSW in Austin, TX. I had spent the entire evening passing out flyers (shout out BHen) and talking up the show. The next day, I did the same, including a TV interview (shout out Mr. Blakes) and an hour long radio interview at a local station (shout out Hot Pepper), then back to passing out more flyers and watching my fellow artists perform (Renee Sebastion, Maya Azucena, Bavu Blakes, Melissa Young and more). The artists were great and really gave their 100%, but the night within the SXSW context overall had some disappointments. Needless to say, we (the singers and I) got on stage and played with a band with which I DID NOT REHEARSE and we rocked the joint for the love of MUSIC anyway. The vibe on stage was so right, it could not have been stopped. It was spiritual and it was so much fun regardless of what was going on off the stage. Afterward, the singers from Dallas (Van, Harmonie & Junye) said to me how grateful they were to have shared the stage with me, and how it was an honor to sing with me. They took the time to learn my music, to rehearse, to drive 3 hours, to perform amidst not so wonderful conditions, and they considered it an honor to sing with me? HELL..the honor was all mine. See, right then, I was reminded AGAIN of why I love music so much, and performing. They did it on love, on respect, on the excercise of using the gifts given to them and sharing it with me and everyone listening. That was the message given to me that night...and it kinda’ soothed away the fact that I wanted to crack a couple of heads. LOL.
Seriously though, when these damn folks in this business get to acting ridiculous, remind yourself of this (and remind me too if I ever seem to need it) ...a very good singer friend of mine shared this sage advice with me the other night...let me paraphrase: God has given you a gift of music. it is your responsiblity and right to share it. He will protect you in your sharing as you do it from you heart and soul. All things that are not of Him, that threaten to hinder or sabotage you, will wither and die in your path.
And you know thats right.
Let the crowd say AI’IGHT.
Now let us get back to the music.
Enjoy the new single.
Peace,
Rt!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Being an Artist
8/29/07
I just left the Ledisi concert in NYC at the Highland Ballroom, and damn if that girl can’t sing. And, it’s not just about the singing. Its about the experience…the entire show, the emotions, and the energy; both hers and that of the audience. It was really a great experience. GREAT!!!!
I have followed Ledisi’s career for the past couple of years, and she has a tremendous CV for what the public at large has come to under-expect from independent artists: singing with Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, selling out shows on 4 day runs…I mean the list goes on and on. Up until I met her, I was sure the magic of her music was a result of her command of her voice. She is a technician in every way. But once putting that element of knowing her person, and the live show…well, the magic is multi-faceted. She is a talent, and indeed an artist is the true sense. It was her rendition of Yesterday, that reminded me of just how being able to sing and perform is such a gift. At least for me, it was cathartic in the sense that when I am on stage, its like an out of body experience, like God is working, even when I am singing not so Godly songs. It’s like I am an instrument, because what I am doing and feeling is so natural and flowing. Like I am a puppet. But it’s the best feeling, like I belong.
The good thing about seeing her show too, and it probably wouldn’t have happened had I not met her before, was that I was an artist watching her, and I experienced it as such. In my daily pursuit of success as a recording artist, I have become so self-centered and driven, that I sometimes loose sight of other folks outside of myself; its kinda’ a blessing and a curse consistent with the mindset of running a race…while you are running, you look straight ahead, not to the sides or behind, just to the finish. Nevermind, Dr. Ruby Glover, jazz extraordinaire telling me… in art there is no competition (blushing in embarrassment). But tonight, I was very much an artist experiencing Led’s art and living, growing and breathing though that experience, and in turn making my art, I guess, even more fortified (not to mention my run on sentences and poor grammar). Isn’t that what it is all about? Sharing, giving and taking? I am really sounding like some Iyanla Vanzant/Orpah shit, but…what’s the point of doing anything creative if no one or nothing is CHANGED? Whether it is me, or someone that hears or sees my stuff. If no one is changed, then the art has failed. Its gotta’ make you think, make you laugh, cry, disagree, go home and make love, blush, SOMETHING.
When I gave Led a kiss goodnight after her show, I passed her a note that I wrote during her set and it read:
U SANG YOUR ASS OFF!!! U touched me tonight, AMAZING, you make me want to be a better man, a better artist, a better person and grateful for it all. Thank you BOO.
You know, why limit that shit to just my art…how about in life. I want to change folks, make them think. Everyone that I meet, I want to add something to their life no matter how fleeting.
Damn…now I really feel good.
I just left the Ledisi concert in NYC at the Highland Ballroom, and damn if that girl can’t sing. And, it’s not just about the singing. Its about the experience…the entire show, the emotions, and the energy; both hers and that of the audience. It was really a great experience. GREAT!!!!
I have followed Ledisi’s career for the past couple of years, and she has a tremendous CV for what the public at large has come to under-expect from independent artists: singing with Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, selling out shows on 4 day runs…I mean the list goes on and on. Up until I met her, I was sure the magic of her music was a result of her command of her voice. She is a technician in every way. But once putting that element of knowing her person, and the live show…well, the magic is multi-faceted. She is a talent, and indeed an artist is the true sense. It was her rendition of Yesterday, that reminded me of just how being able to sing and perform is such a gift. At least for me, it was cathartic in the sense that when I am on stage, its like an out of body experience, like God is working, even when I am singing not so Godly songs. It’s like I am an instrument, because what I am doing and feeling is so natural and flowing. Like I am a puppet. But it’s the best feeling, like I belong.
The good thing about seeing her show too, and it probably wouldn’t have happened had I not met her before, was that I was an artist watching her, and I experienced it as such. In my daily pursuit of success as a recording artist, I have become so self-centered and driven, that I sometimes loose sight of other folks outside of myself; its kinda’ a blessing and a curse consistent with the mindset of running a race…while you are running, you look straight ahead, not to the sides or behind, just to the finish. Nevermind, Dr. Ruby Glover, jazz extraordinaire telling me… in art there is no competition (blushing in embarrassment). But tonight, I was very much an artist experiencing Led’s art and living, growing and breathing though that experience, and in turn making my art, I guess, even more fortified (not to mention my run on sentences and poor grammar). Isn’t that what it is all about? Sharing, giving and taking? I am really sounding like some Iyanla Vanzant/Orpah shit, but…what’s the point of doing anything creative if no one or nothing is CHANGED? Whether it is me, or someone that hears or sees my stuff. If no one is changed, then the art has failed. Its gotta’ make you think, make you laugh, cry, disagree, go home and make love, blush, SOMETHING.
When I gave Led a kiss goodnight after her show, I passed her a note that I wrote during her set and it read:
U SANG YOUR ASS OFF!!! U touched me tonight, AMAZING, you make me want to be a better man, a better artist, a better person and grateful for it all. Thank you BOO.
You know, why limit that shit to just my art…how about in life. I want to change folks, make them think. Everyone that I meet, I want to add something to their life no matter how fleeting.
Damn…now I really feel good.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Raising the bar!
So, last night, I had a meeting with a good friend/colleague of mine that has begun her journey in her creative career moving upward. I was so happy for her, I was moved to tears, the punk that I am. But it is a testimony to myself that I am growing into an even more open creative spirit. As an artist, I always have this innate competitive component that lives just behind my left ear that says: "thats good for her/him, but what are you doing...work harder, push more, get yours too." More consistently though, I am recognizing that that little voice is getting quieter, and I genuinely happy that my friends & my colleagues are enjoying such success and strides in their careers. Its that selfish self-centeredness that makes the artist say..."well, what about me?". That's dangerous, but necessary for our individual preservation. I am getting so closer to perfecting yet another tight-right act, walking b/t the two perspectives, and being cool with where I am at any given point and time. Note to self: who do I think I am...Oprah? AHAHAHAHAHA.
So, the other break-through last night was: I hung out with two mentors of mine in the "business", who happened to be 20+ year veterans. They have enjoyed alot of the Platinum days" of music, and now at this sweeping merger state, where there will be JUST ONE MAJOR RECORD LABEL..pretty soon; they offer alot of great informed perspectives. We meet up at an Angie Stone show for Von Dutch, speaking of..now that is a industry study. I have always liked Angie Stone and her records, always. But watching her smash an impromptu, a capella hour long set with cocktail in hand, well...kudos to her dammit! And there was a mixed crowd for sure, black, white, East Indian, Men, women, Soho jetset, Gay, straight...and hey were all singing the words to her songs. Even songs I didn't know. It was refreshing! It was good to meet her again and get her down home flavor. I would imagine its the only way to be in the smoke and mirrors business. Gotta' find a way to be solid...why not just be real.
So the zinger of the night...I was chatting about business to one of the mentors in Publishing, and he said to me "Not everyone that is Dope should be a star. Not everyone that can sing has that potential". So, of course I went on to defend my under-rated underground bretheren...with, "if you want polish and bling, it has to be paid for. Most of the dope underground artists spend their budget on dope ass music." And then, he shut me up with: Russell, if you were to never make another record, would you be missed? Maxwell and Sade are the only ones right now in "Urban Music" OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I couldn't answer that question. I remain proud of my freshman record, but I can't really say that folks would miss me. I had no rebuttal. But what I did do is write that quote down to post on my bedroom and studio walls, to remind me, that the next record has to be to that standard.
Here's to raising the bar...
So, the other break-through last night was: I hung out with two mentors of mine in the "business", who happened to be 20+ year veterans. They have enjoyed alot of the Platinum days" of music, and now at this sweeping merger state, where there will be JUST ONE MAJOR RECORD LABEL..pretty soon; they offer alot of great informed perspectives. We meet up at an Angie Stone show for Von Dutch, speaking of..now that is a industry study. I have always liked Angie Stone and her records, always. But watching her smash an impromptu, a capella hour long set with cocktail in hand, well...kudos to her dammit! And there was a mixed crowd for sure, black, white, East Indian, Men, women, Soho jetset, Gay, straight...and hey were all singing the words to her songs. Even songs I didn't know. It was refreshing! It was good to meet her again and get her down home flavor. I would imagine its the only way to be in the smoke and mirrors business. Gotta' find a way to be solid...why not just be real.
So the zinger of the night...I was chatting about business to one of the mentors in Publishing, and he said to me "Not everyone that is Dope should be a star. Not everyone that can sing has that potential". So, of course I went on to defend my under-rated underground bretheren...with, "if you want polish and bling, it has to be paid for. Most of the dope underground artists spend their budget on dope ass music." And then, he shut me up with: Russell, if you were to never make another record, would you be missed? Maxwell and Sade are the only ones right now in "Urban Music" OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I couldn't answer that question. I remain proud of my freshman record, but I can't really say that folks would miss me. I had no rebuttal. But what I did do is write that quote down to post on my bedroom and studio walls, to remind me, that the next record has to be to that standard.
Here's to raising the bar...
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
MOODY BLUE...and crazy too!
I promised myself that I will write more, so I am writing. Its gonna help me get the new music churning too, so write I shall.
I have been in an artist funk lately. I went to this year’s Soul Summit in ATL, and man I love that city. Best case scenario, I would live in NYC, LA, and ATL. Claim it and so it shall be. I got to see some of my artist friends that I haven’t seen in a bit all in one place. But then, I got to meet some new folks that I really enjoyed. It’s cool to meet people that I listen to and enjoy and have them say to me that they listen and enjoy me too. Actually, it blows my mind. It’s a supreme compliment…kinda’ like the vibrations are aligned, and the creation is affirmed: like minds/things attract each other….that whole SECRET thing. Speaking of which, I am a big proponent of the Secret’s platform, even before it was recognized as The Secret. But, here lately, its been kinda’ hard because of all the unstable energy around me. That’s what my artist funk has been about…there is a lot of junk floating around out there, and since I am blessed (and I say blessed, though it can be a curse sometimes) with artist sensibilities, I am very sensitive to my environment. Sometimes, its difficult to discern between what is good for me, or bad for me, and even more tricky..what is indifferently grey for me. So, I have gotten caught up in my moodiness. Then the guilt of: since I am attracting crap, I must be putting it out there…man. I need to change it…round and round I go.
But now, I am OVER IT. Fuck THE SECRET, fuck all this blah blah blah. Stop talking, just do it.
Let me just go ahead and write a song.
☺
I have been in an artist funk lately. I went to this year’s Soul Summit in ATL, and man I love that city. Best case scenario, I would live in NYC, LA, and ATL. Claim it and so it shall be. I got to see some of my artist friends that I haven’t seen in a bit all in one place. But then, I got to meet some new folks that I really enjoyed. It’s cool to meet people that I listen to and enjoy and have them say to me that they listen and enjoy me too. Actually, it blows my mind. It’s a supreme compliment…kinda’ like the vibrations are aligned, and the creation is affirmed: like minds/things attract each other….that whole SECRET thing. Speaking of which, I am a big proponent of the Secret’s platform, even before it was recognized as The Secret. But, here lately, its been kinda’ hard because of all the unstable energy around me. That’s what my artist funk has been about…there is a lot of junk floating around out there, and since I am blessed (and I say blessed, though it can be a curse sometimes) with artist sensibilities, I am very sensitive to my environment. Sometimes, its difficult to discern between what is good for me, or bad for me, and even more tricky..what is indifferently grey for me. So, I have gotten caught up in my moodiness. Then the guilt of: since I am attracting crap, I must be putting it out there…man. I need to change it…round and round I go.
But now, I am OVER IT. Fuck THE SECRET, fuck all this blah blah blah. Stop talking, just do it.
Let me just go ahead and write a song.
☺
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