This year I have seen advertising for over 30 music conferences just within the Southeastern United States. What could possibly be the reason to have so many conferences about the same issue? Is there such a dire cadre of uneducated artists, producers, label owners and wannabes that these conferences are really needed? What are these conferences setup to do? The reasoning is ultimately extremely easy to understand. ALL of these conferences have played to a basic instinct within the populace.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A STAR.

Every one of these conferences has had showcases of one type or another that was a hidden reason to pay additional monies to the conference owner. What has been accomplished? The majority of the conferences were attended by independent record labels that never understood the rationale around selling music versus performing for free. These labels will take their budget, (whatever it is) and squander it upon creating cd's, postcards, flyers, hiring promotional people or the occasional video. Their ultimate goal is to have a major label "discover" them, pay them, sign, promote, market and sell their music all the while creating more and more opportunities for them to become famous. NOT ONCE has this happened! The performers are performing in front of their peers and not anyone that has an interest in signing them.

What happened to educating the people? Why are there so many people rushing to give away their money just for a few moments upon a stage?

What has been created has been the growth of a new business model. This model is one where a few entertainment industry people are getting wealthy from the mass of uneducated artists who have a burning desire to be a STAR. Unfortunately none of the artists, labels or producers knows anything about the music industry.

What I am finding more and more of is the young entrepreneur who really only desires the fame and popularity associated with the entertainment industry and not the basic business acumen needed to initiate and maintain a viable entertainment business. "BALLIN" has become a game of one up man ship to see who has the brightest "iced out jewelry", biggest most expensive cars and the latest fashions. Who can market themselves into a major deal yet not have any professional team available to maintain a deal.

Tools needed to become a winning label.

The creation of a written document outlining the agreement among partners should be one of the first things you do. Next the organization of your office environment where all mailings, billings, invoices and correspondence can be collected, sorted, acted upon and filed. A central phone number and a computer based office system should be formed.

How will you keep in contact with the many different individuals and companies you & your crew will come in contact with?

Incorporation of the business will give you the tools needed to create a corporate bank account, savings certificates and a corporate credit card. Additionally it will also give you the basis for paying your taxes and the ability to keep open and honest legal documents.

The entertainment industry is based on communication so a strong ever-increasing database of radio, retail, publicity and industry executives should be started.

You won't be getting this information at any music conference that you attend locally, because it is better to keep you ignorant and coming back than to assist your knowledge and have you become a potential conference owner yourself.

As for you conference owners and promoters your days are limited. People deserve and want more than a chance to perform in front of other "poor and unsigned" companies. To stay in the conference business you will have to change your conference structure.

A few ideas for the next REAL music conference.

1. Publish a list of the conference attendees and give it to every person that attended your event. This will increase networking and give your attendees something that they will hold on to for at least a year.

2. Make sure that you have "hand outs" for each panel, seminar, lecture, etc. Thus giving your attendees information that they can study and learn from at their own pace.

3. Have everyone of your panelists write a paper or case study of something they did concerning the title of their panel. For example if the panel is about independent distribution, then the case study should be about a label that acquired independent distribution and how they fared.

4. Stop having panels and start having working workshops that teach skills.

Qualify your panelists and know that they have done something positive within the industry BEFORE you ask them to be involved with your conference. There are WAY TOO MANY frauds speaking on panels today.

Recently I spoke at a conference and during a private networking session I was asked how to just "jump over" all that old fashioned business and go directly to having a major record deal. My response was that it would be really easy to do if you have met someone in the position of power at the major labels that wanted to immediately sign you and spend their money on making your career. The only issue I can see would be in how you will keep a deal of this magnitude without knowledgeable individuals around you that know the business, have connections and will work on your behalf to ensure your continued success and well being.

In other words where is your trusted team?

Why continue to go to conferences that only waste your time? Why not develop the business structure you will need now, acquire your trusted team, develop your database of industry connections and prepare yourself for success.

Allen Johnston - The Music Specialist

Blount's musical journey began in his home in Richmond, Virginia listening to his parent's records. In his teens, the young talent joined the church choir. At school he performed in local talent shows and school events. While music was certainly his first love, there was another interest that was quickly fighting for the #1 slot - that love was sports. Blount, a superior athlete, applied and received a full Track and Field scholarship to Virginia State University. Unfortunately, the 6'1 All American's sports career was sidelined due to a chipped knee bone. Unable to play sports, music became the focus again and Blount was quickly snapped up to sing jingles in his local area. From there, Virginia's best kept secret was recruited to singing jingles and record music fo popular television programs as the "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World". To his credit, Blount has over 200 advertisement spots which include (but are not limited to) Pepsi, Mobil, Purina and The Marriott Hotel chain. Says Blount laughingly "Most of the people have heard the commercial but don't know that it's me."

True to his charismatic character and four octave vocal ranges, Blount was pursued by legendary hit R&B/Soul groups, The Main Ingredient, The Manhattans and The Temptations. However, Blount chose The Main Ingredient.

Rosie Carlino - "What Matters Most"

When it comes to Adult Standard in the POP field, I feel privileged to be able to add to my roster of an artist. such as..ROSIE CARLINO!!!

Now when you have li on the planet as long as I have....being exposed to the various facets of music (and I thank my family for making me listen from Duke to Ella...Count to Dinah...Blakely to Miles...from The Penguins to The Channels (well maybe not this era)...from Frankie Valle to Elvis...from the Temps to The Tops...MAN...it is a lot of history as well as a lot of Music.

So is the case of ROSIE CARLINO. A truly eloquent project with Adult Standard Radio all over the place!!! "What Matters Most" a "must have" for TRUE MUSIC LOVERS!!!

RATING...*****

Contact: Edmondson Communication - 610-459-126

Rosie Carlino

House of Yisrael - Las Vegas Branch

This is not a coffee company, but a faith based organization committed to raising funds for the greater good of those that are less fortunate. Please understand our mission and passion to help others. At this time, we are not able to send out samples of these wonderful gourmet coffees.

However, it will be our privilege to be a part of your special fund raising event. Any Assembly, Temple, Church, Mosque, Little League, Girl Scouts, Artist CD Release Party, New Company Grand Opening, The Coffee Connoisseur or a Gift for the "Special Someone", whatever the occasion let us be on your preferred or "A" list. Your contribution and hard work would be greatly appreciated.

The most popular gourmet coffee is the House Breakfast Blend. Also there are novelty items from Kenya, Jamaica, Brazil and other international markets. Order by E-mail for security and record keeping purposes at - yisraelasaph@yahoo.com

If any additional information and/or questions...please contact: Asaph at 702-252-4958...All Praises to the Most High! - *Asaph is also known as "Uncle Ronnie" in the music Industry...Funds raised through this non-profit organization enables people in the Las Vegas area to obtain...Bus passes...Health cards and gives rides to the Elderly for their Doctors' appointments.

A VERY SPECIAL PROJECT..J. Randall...Young, Talented, and Special. Unyted Records, CEO James Marquett is proud to present a new kid on the block...J. (Josh) RANDALL

J. Randall is a uniquely talented twenty year old singer, songwriter, entertainer, who has been honing his skills as a performer since the ripe young age of eight. His early musical influences include the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Hall & Oates, New Kids on the Block, as well as Usher and Justin Timberlake. These artists' influence on him are unmistakable, but make no mistake, his funky hip-hop style is purely his own.

J. spent the past year touring Europe with boy band IMIJ, all the while fine tuning his songwriting skills and his high energy stage presence. The results of which are evidenced on his first CD release, Illusion.

If J.'s image seems mildly familiar to you already, it may be because you've seen him on Ford Motor Company's "Cruisin" campaign, Sony's new speaker ad, or even joining Daddy Yankee in promoting Citgo's new TV spot.

In addition, Randall recently shot a pilot for HBO's new sitcom, Foreplay, appeared in the major motion picture, Bachelor 2, starring Vince Vaughn, and currently has a recurring role in USA Network's Burn Notice.

But J.'s true love and calling is his music. Which is evidenced in his new release, Illusion, an eclectic mix of up- tempo, radio friendly tracks that will make you get up and dance, as well as several soulful ballads that are sure to capture the hearts of young girls around the world.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, hold onto your hats and prepare to be a part of history, as you experience the explosive energy of J. Randall, America's next pop idol.

RATING *****

The 2nd Annual BEMA Awards


Record Industry Icons, their family and friends came from near and far to attend the 2007 "Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony held November 9, 2007 at the Liacouras Center, Temple University - Philadelphia...

BEMA is a continuation of B.M.A. (Black Music Association) founded 20 years ago. the focus is on supporting existing trade associations, schools and networking with companies, organization and professionals that deliver results to music industry associates.

Bob Lott, President and Gary Shepard , Master of Ceremonies planning an outstanding turnout honoring the "Unsung Heroes" in all positions of the Record Industry.

Alan Lott - Co-owner of "Coast II Coast Marketing" with 37 years experience at Atlantic, Buddah and WMOT Records...

Armand McKissick - former Columbia and P.I.R Excutive...Ronnie Jones - Music Business Veteran - Reggie Barns - Music Business Veteran and Snookie & Waymon Jones - Co-owners of P2K/Music Business Veterans. Amos "Dazz" Keaton - owner of the first Drive Thru Record Store - Dee Wellmond - VP Marketing/BEMA - Kal Rudman - Founder and Publisher of the Friday Morning Quarterback - with Kenny Gamble presenting the award. Joe "Butterball" Tamburro/WDAS - 44 years - Dexter Wansel, Jean Carne, Joe Tarsia, John "Stan" Watson, and The Three Degrees were among the honorees.

Philadelphia Local Figures - Joan Myers Brown, Founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company (Phildanco) - Rhonda A. Blount - Jazz Dir. at the Africa-American Museum and the Honorable Marian B. Tasco, City Councilwoman.

At the conclusion of the Awards and Entertainment a reception was held at the Philadelphia International Recording Studio. This gala affair was handsomely attended by such notables as Bobby Eli/Producer - Briana & Bianca Lott (twin daughters of Alan Lott) - Bruce Webb/Retailer - Buddy Dee/Legend & Promotion Professional - Chuck Gamble/VP P.I.R. - Damon Lott - Mid-Atlantic Regional/J Records - Danielle Lott - Mid-Atlantic Regional - Universal/Motown - Donny Sellers - Harry Coombs - Jonathan Black - Entertainment Attorney - Leland Lott - Former Record Executive - Mimi Brown - Former WDAS DJ/Legend - Robin White & Ron Allen - Promotion & Record Industry Professionals - Terry Price - Writer/Producer - Troy Dudley - Nat'l Dir. Universal/Motown and Vernell Johnson - Legend & Promotion Professional.

Pictures will denot Waymon & Snookie Jones and the ever so beautiful Mimi Brown

Black Entertainment Music Association

MERRY CHRISTMAS - FROM PEEPIN'

Lets not forget the true meaning of the Yuletide Season.

We wish YOU the best of the HOLIDAY SEASON

Now this puppy is going to go for a walk and do some window shopping!!!! Notice I said WINDOW SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!

.WE ROLL LIKE THIS!!!

Gayle Corn - Publisher (a MUST go-to site- Peepin')
Public Emeny

Earth, Wind & fire
Out-World Ministries - "Brainwashed"

California College of Music
Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs - Air Personality

Prentiss B. Woods

email: awhspr2scrm@aol.com
web: http://www.peepinthescene.com