July 2008

PIMPIN - THE NEW BUSINESS MODEL - Allen Johnston

pimped, pimp·ing, pimps To serve as a procurer of prostitutes. - The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Pimping.] To procure women for the gratification of others' lusts; to pander. - Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.. 2006.

pimp·ing petty; insignificant; trivial. British Dialect. puny; weak; sickly. - Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006

Katt Williams in his comedy routine and Snoop Dogg in his music have created another definition for the word PIMPING. Their definition is more akin to being on top of your game, having knowledge and making a lot of money, while not doing a lot of work for it. Today's Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Country and Rock markets are now seeing an additional redefinition of the word. Let me explain.

More and more people, businesses and hustlers are taking advantage of hard working entertainment artists, acts and companies by creating "do nothing, feel good" business models. A proliferation of these new models are showing themselves in almost every city, town and hamlet around the civilized world.

1. OPEN MIC NIGHT PIMP - a concept where an artist or act can perform with the express goal of having themselves "discovered" by a major entertainment company. Great theory but hardly a reality. Open Mic night now consists of greedy promoters using FREE talent to build weekly audiences. In some cases the talent must pay an additional fee to perform after having paid to get into the venue. I have been looking for the act that gets signed at one of these events for the past 10 years and have not found any yet.

2. PUBLICISTS PIMP - Here are people that have a vocation to increase awareness about an artist, act, product or service. They are the first line of promotion that should access new fans, clients and users of the people they publicize. Today's new era publicist talk a good game but can not produce results for their clients after they have demanded money for their services. What I am finding is a long list of publicists that have massive email lists, but absolutely no knowledge of local & regional newspapers, local & regional television shows or connections at radio. What they tell you they have is direct email to thousands of individuals, what they don't tell you is that their email opening is at times less than 2% and never over 10%. Recently I have heard of a publicist that took a substantial down payment against hourly work than sent the company they took money from a bill for research on local news outlets. The publicist has yet to write a press release, send an email or make a phone call to assist the company that hired them. Finally when is the last time you have seen a publicist that honestly wrote a press release that was legible and error free?

3. RADIO / CLUB PROMOTION PIMP - Dave Clark, the world's first radio promotion man once said that "EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A STAR" and most entertainers feel that if their music is played on the radio they will have a "HIT", make tons of money and become extremely popular. The reality is that any commercial radio station around the world is no longer playing more than 40 current songs a WEEK! Out of these 40 songs 40 of them are coming from major labels. There is an occasional independent label song either previewed (make it or break it) or played during a restrictive hour (local talent time) on some but not all radio stations. These local or independent songs do not get rotated into the main stream of the station and may only be heard once during an entire month. In comparison there are thousands of local and independent artists that still believe they can get their song onto the commercial radio station within their respective communities or they can go to another community in another country or state and get their music played. This entire perception is erroneous, but millions of dollars are spent every year by these dreamers in hiring RADIO PROMOTION PIMPS.

The best of these PIMPS will get a song added to a few smaller stations or at least to the reporting playlists but never deliver a full rotation on major stations. For this disservice RADIO PROMOTION PIMPS are getting 5 to 6 figure checks from unsuspecting artists. A short time ago I was at an event that a prominent radio promoter was attending and sitting at the same table. During our conversation this promoter said" Every year I get at least 4 suckers that want their music promoted. I charge a first & last month retainer in advance for I know that they are going to come up short when the record doesn't perform as they expect." One of the most frequent methods used by the RADIO PROMOTION PIMP is paying for an introduction to someone that has an established career within the entertainment industry. This past year I spoke with an independent label that paid $30,000 to meet a platinum selling producer. This company did not get a deal, get the producer to work with them or even an autograph, just a $30,000 meeting.

4. CHARTS - The days of music charts making a distinction for individual songs has past. The day of a true chart that really tells the popularity of a song has come & gone. When Billboard was the bible of the industry there were several executives that you could hire that would make sure that your song was listed on at least one of the Billboard charts. This too has changed dramatically. Now the new CHART PIMP is working the singles charts and placing songs on that have no validity or true sales. Once again acts, artists and companies are under the misunderstanding that having a song on the charts will get you fame , fortune and the ultimate major label deal. A recent phone conversation I had was on the legitimacy of a song that had charted in the top 4 of a major magazine's singles chart. This song did not have major or independent distribution, there were no downloads available on any of the major downloadable sites and the record label did not have any company structure that would allow them to sell, market or track a single. When I said that this was a pure "pimp" game the label owner took offense and said I was "hating" on the company. CHART PIMPS are making mid 4 to 5 figure checks for basically lying about songs.

5. CONFERENCE PIMPS - This is probably the second largest pimp game available in the entertainment industry today. The music conference has become an art form in taking people's money and not giving them any professional return on their dollars. This year alone in the South and Mid West there will be over 50 music conferences representing all types of music. Out of this 50 possibly 6 will be of significant value to an aspiring or professional artist, however the rest will be calculated to separate the artist, act or company from their cash. Several different methods are being used and they all have a ring of authenticity to them. Conference admission fees are typical, plus exhibitors or booth fees and the always present performance or showcase fee tops the list. Other fees are charged for advertising both online and in a conference book or handout and post conference shows at an outside venue. What is interesting to me is that every year there is a certain element of individual that will continuously fall for this type of scam.

If after reading this article you are angry at what I've written then please evaluate which one of the PIMPS you are closest to being or becoming. Please understand that these type PIMPIN games are being played around the world with numerous different styles of music and entertainment. So are you part of the PIMP GAME?

The Music Specialist - Allen Johnston

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Niggerology " - Marrianne S. Stormer, Author

CHICAGO, July 28 -- Niggerology: Deliverance from the Fruits Of Evil is the new historical fiction book written by Marianne S. Stormer, President/CEO, MQ Communications, a public relations, marketing and publishing company, which is located in Cleveland, Ohio. The self published book will be released at the Black Women's Expo which ran August 1st -3rd at McCormick Place, where nearly 50,000 women convene on Chicago. At The Black Women's Expo Stormer hosted a special book discussion titled, "The "N" Word Dialogues," and talked about the book, where we are as African Americans, and how the "N" word still lingers in our culture.

"Niggerology: Deliverance From the Fruits of Evil," is a historical fiction story based on the history of slavery from Africa to America. Three black men, who live in New York City, search for answers about their true African heritage and they find each other. They also discuss the history of slavery, effects of the word nigger and Africa as the motherland.

"The reason I wrote this story is to create more dialogue among Black Americans about the effects slavery still has on us today. Who will deliver the black race, here in America and Africa, as we search for our true identity? We must continue to move forward in order to save our children's future," says Marianne S. Stormer, author of the book and president MW Communications, .

"Contact us today we're your one-stop strategic business partners. We'll help your organization get the exposure it deserves," said Gus Redmond, Vice President of MQ Communications. For further information on MQ Communications and/or any of its products please contact, Gus Redmond, MQ Communications, LLC, 901 McDaniel, Evanston, IL 60202, telephone: (312) 363-7980 or email: grmusicquest@msn.com or please contact Marianne Stormer-Eggleston at (330) 653-9588 or email: musicquest@msn.com.

A little about the author...Marianne Stormer is an Adjunct Professor, writer and publicist with a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) from Seton Hall University. Stormer has over twenty years experience in the entertainment business as a manager of sales, marketing and communications. Her extensive knowledge and business development skills has helped her build a very unique business concept for her own public relations, marketing and promotions company, MQ Communications, LLC.

Bunny Sigler - A True Legend

It would be difficult to reflect on the musical era of the 60's and 70's without a mention of the name Walter "Bunny" Sigler Instant Funk's "I Got My Mind Made Up", Patti Labelle's - "Somebody Love You Baby". The Whispers' "Bingo", Jackie Moore's "Sweet Charlie Babe" and The O'Jays "Sunshine" all came from the pen of Bunny Sigler. An integral part of the Philadelphia Sound and Leon Huff & Kenny Gamble's Philadelphia International Records, "Mr. Emotion", as he was called, positioned himself as one of the day's most significant musical players working with artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Carl Carlton, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and Chaka Khan. Although during his career he amassed more than 35 million units as a producer, artist and songwriter in mainstream music, Bunny Sigler's passion has always been gospel music. That love set the stage for the release of his first full-length inspirational release on Bun-Z Records, LLC, "The Lord's Prayer".

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Sigler has always had a love for music, even as a youth. "Bunny", a name thrust upon him when his mother discovered a full grown front tooth at birth, developed a passion for music at a very young age. It was in the hallowed halls of Roman Emanuel Baptist Church where he honed his gift. Songs such as "How Great Thou Art" and "I'm Working on a Building" were constants for him.

Although his talent for music was obvious, his first love was basketball. When his dream to become a professional basketball player was dashed due to a knee injury, he turned backed to music. During Sigler's teen years, he wound up singing for various doo wop groups including The Opals whose members included Sigler's two brothers and a close friend. They performed at various venues throughout the city in hopes of stardom. He maximized his time at the mic and was soon on the fast track as a solo act. He became known for his passionate performances and was dubbed "Mr. Emotion", Sigler was know for his melodic vocals and his skilled musicianship, playing a range of instruments, such as the piano, guitar, organ and trombone.

Throughout his musical history, Bunny Sigler produced and wrote many hit singles, including the O'Jays "Back Stabbers" and "You got Your Hooks On Me". With numerous gold and chart topping songs...made him a legend in urban music.

He always felt the tug of gospel music, having been a Christian since the age of 16. Now he has decided to go back to his roots, where it all began. Even during his secular career, he continued to sing and write gospel songs including inspirational tracks for Stephanie Mills and the song "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, but No One Wants To Die". But it wasn't until Jeff Majors caught him singing at a funeral that his recording career in the inspirational genre began. Majors was so moved by Sigler's performance that he tapped him to sing "Psalm 99" on Sacred 6. During the same time, gospel songs began pouring out of Bunny, which became the tracks for "The Lord's Prayer".

Bunny Sigler's entrance into the gospel music industry is long over due, and yet perfectly timed. songs like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", featuring Jeff Majors, "Near the Cross" and the title tune are part of the history of the psalmist. But he expounds on the traditional with original contemporary cuts like the hand-clapper, "Jesus Got Ya Back", the funky "What Did Moses Do" and the urban styled "Without the Lord". Throughout "The Lord's Prayer", Sigler takes the same amazing gift that made him a legend in mainstream music, and not only inspires through incredibly moving and riveting performances, but he now gives back to the Lord the exceptional gift he's been given.

"The Lord's Prayer" for Sigler, is an outward expression of a relationship with Jesus Christ. "I'm in this for the real" says Sigler. "Although I've sung urban music, I never stopped singing gospel music. For me, it's all about the ministry. It's such a joy for me to sing gospel music and to sing in church. It was God who truly instructed me to do this project now. God chooses the path we take, so no matter where you were before, He knows where you'll end up"

Lee Bailey - EURweb Media Expo & Award Show

This past weekend was the First Annual EURweb Media Expo & Awards Show...and a good time was had by all!! I am already gearing up for next year....In addition to the Expo were Massages, Facials, Free CDs and DVD and various clothes designers. The pre-Red Carpet entertainment showcased younger talents. A very unique twin brother and sister act...called 2Uneek was quite impressive in addition to a 13 year old named Neenah Taylor. The mixing & mingling of comedians MaMa Stokes and Luenell brought much light hearted fun throughout the Award Show. .

As far as the entertainment for the actual Award Show...Shanice made more than a musical statement with her rendition of "Loving You" would make the great, late Minnie Rippleton very proud.

Also in attendance was Alan & Lygia Lott (CoastllCoast Promotions & Marketing)...Lakwanza Dixon (Septerstein Records)...James Marquett (Unyted Records)...and too many more to mention at this time.

Gracing the Red Carpet was Marva King known for her role in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. However, Marva is not an unknown in the music arena singing and performing with notables such as Tupac, Prince, Stevie, Michael J, Lionel and Phil Collins just to name a few. Her soon to be released CD - "Grown & Sexy" will surely be in first place in the music game.

Gracing the Red Carpet was Eloise Laws from the famed Laws family with daughter Alexx and a few friends that were singers, actors and a fashion designer. As usual, Eloise drew immediate celebrity status.

The evening for me was complete when I saw the performance of Mel Buckley/Unyted Records...MAN!!! I got to really know this fellow since we traveled to Los Angeles from Las Vegas for the event...At first, I said.."Now what do we have here?" I had heard his music and was thoroughly impressed...I knew he was 6'8" (now that IS impressive). To see him perform, well that is a whole 'nother story!!! and I might add...cute as a bug in a rug!!!

Be on the look-out for this rising star!

Be sure to check out the QUICK LINKS on sponsors for the EURweb EXPO....you will find them quite interesting!! - Peepin'

I wish to personally THANK Lee Bailey & Eunice Moseley for bending over backward in catering to my needs...Al Edmondson/Edmondson Communications - Andre Montell/Amir Gospel Promotions for providing me with promotional items to give-a-way...James Marquett/Unyted Records...Eloise Laws for her presence...Wayne Henderson/Jazz Crusaders & Liz McComb/Gospel Dive for providing me with DVDs to show their concerts throughout the day...and last by not least...The Movement who offered the services of Zsuzsa Megyery, a college intern, who assisted me in passing out flyers, took pictures and in general...talked about The Movement in whole....THANK YOU!!!

Eloise Laws & Pax Stereo TV

TEACHER:...Clyde, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his??

CLYDE:...No sir. It's the same dog.

Well I'll be doggone - Peepin'