This is the same blog that I posted in my other 2 profiles. So if you've read that, then you've read this.

I realize it's been a pretty long time between new stuff. It has been the most hectic 2 years I've had in a long time. It's also been 2 of the most productive years I've had in a long time.

I got to really get my technology together a couple of years ago. I was up on the knowledge part. It's my hardware that was way behind. It was also keeping me from any inspiration. I was coming out of a really horrible time-in-my-life type thing and would go down into my studio and try to channel it out. I was so blocked and working with the same sounds just kept me in this hole. I had just had a couple of great assistants join the team and we were really moving on the backlog of crap that I had. As soon as I saw light at the end of the tunnel, I sprung an old project on the guys I started in 2002. I bought a new PC and opened the vault on a bunch of software synths I had sitting around. FINALLY! New sounds ... new inspirations.

I got a bunch of songs to roll out but didn't have any time to get them arranged or recorded.

Running a publishing company and entertainment company takes up a lot of time. Also, being a songwriter is not conducive to an environment filled with BS (this is a job for a farmer). It also really doesn't help that every time I get a good crew in here, they get head-hunted by my "friends" in LA and NY. So I had to think small again and get back to the beginnings of this company. I was spread too thin. The company was also coming through a major transition. We were really gaining ground in new areas and getting the attention of some big players. But I was being pulled in so many different directions that every bit of free time that I had went to decompressing and recharging.

I knew if I just leaned my shoulder to the wind for a little while I would get through this storm. Well, it took almost a year, but it was worth it. The company is running stronger than ever. And in the time I spent organizing things, I got to meet some really talented people from around the east coast. I'm going to be working more with people who are (or aspire to be) Artists, than I was with aspiring local people. The hunger and commitment just wasn't there. But a few did pan out!

Funny thing in this biz. There's 3 main things people hope to accomplish in a career in this (or any other) industry: Money, Recognition, and Fame. OK, so fame is #1 in this biz. But what I have seen is that you can only hold Money and Recognition together for an extended time. You CAN ONLY have Fame for an extended time. Sure, you can have all 3 or Fame + 1, but while trying to keep Fame, the others WILL BE TAKEN FROM YOU!

OK, so your thinking: what the f*ck is this old Buddha tryin to say? Well, I'm saying that sometimes it's better to take a quiet road alone, instead of pounding your chest down Main Street in the parade, to get to where you need to go. Still lost? Duuuuude!!! OK LOOK! I spent most of the past year working my butt off on projects that I would normally never take. Low profile - better pay - most not involving any one/thing famous. I took on projects that didn't pay as well (or at all) but I got in with other circles that benefited me later. I took trades for software on gigs to ensure that when I ran out of inspiration or into a writers hole that I had new tools to help me out.

I mostly looked out for myself and in the end, I came out even or slightly ahead. BUT I did not go backwards or come out worse-off. I didn't go hook-'n-crook or look to step over anyone. I just looked for opportunities that benefited me or was mutually benefiting to everyone involved (the later is tricky to find but can be done). So it's ok to take a step back to go 2 steps forward. Just always keep moving forward. Lose the crap that's holding you back. I have been very successful and very unsuccessful in this biz. When I've been unsuccessful it was because I wasn't doing anything. When I've been successful it was because I was doing something.

Look for ways to advance instead of looking for excuses as to why you failed or refuse to try. Know your limitations and pick your own battles. Basically: quit sitting on your ass talkin about sh*t and go DO it! Set a realistic goal, make a plan and execute. Follow through to the end! You'll come out ahead. No matter what it is ... I guarantee it!

I can't wait to roll out this new stuff. I got everything ... rock ... rap ... hip-hop ... rnb. God is smiling on me again and it's going to be a sick future. I'm so amp'ed-up about what I got in the can so far, as well as what I'm going to be cuttin. I can't wait to share it soon. No, no, no, this time I mean it!

:P