ESP #LostInMusic Goes Back to '95!

When I was trying to decide on focal points for features, doing something based around the launch date of EricaSharlette's Purview seemed inevitable.

Since LostInMusic is all about getting lost within a musical moment (see the definition above), the more I considered various albums, the more nostalgic I got, and so the idea dawned on me - why not go back to 1995? Slap bang in the middle of my personal favourite musical decade, I could only see an endless list of musical options. How was I going to do this? How was I going to shape this into a piece? Then inspiration struck...

'9 Singles and 5 Albums that Impacted the Music World in 1995'

That was it. That was my angle! I finally figured it out, and instantly began combing the net for the best of what came out that year. Here goes...

_______________________________________

Singles

9. Wonderwall - Oasis

I was never the biggest Oasis fan. Okay; they were talented and had some good songs, but their music was completely overshadowed for me by their hideous, arrogant, childish, lout-like behaviour. Despite all of that, even I couldn't ignore the might of the monster that was this song. The simplicity of the monochrome video in the empty warehouse space. The haunting guitar riff on repeat. Everything about it stripped away the crap, and made it about the music; something that I personally felt they rarely did. It was powerful, and it was moving - it was a solid moment in music history...Until all the clown weirdness started with the showgirl and the saws. But even despite that; the lyrics win out. They are desperate and resounding, and cut you to the core. The pain of a broken heart versus the pride of man are juxtaposed, and you almost feel like that's what all the clown nonsense is there to do - detract from the seriousness of the matter by acting a fool in front of 'the lads'. But hey, that's just my interpretation of it...what do you think?

8. This Is How We Do It - Montell Jordan

One of the original party anthems of the nineties, that can still raise a roof today; this monster debut put Montell Jordan on the map. The South Central native was the second artist to sign to Def Jam's newly established label (a baby-faced, 17-year-old LL Cool J was the first). A new jack swing artist, Jordan carried the torch first lit by the likes of Teddy Riley, Jodeci, and Guy, from the early part into the middle of the decade. Developing a reputation as a bad boy for his extra-marital antics, after 10 albums, he went on to become a born again Christian, and has become a Church Pastor. Flashback now then, to when he was the life of the party, when this was how he did it...

7. Freak Like Me - Adina Howard

I found Adina Howard groundbreaking. To my knowledge, not since Millie Jackson in the 1970's, had music had such an outspoken, raw individual, so willing to go to the heart of sexual topics with the same gusto as a man. Never had a woman come out and said that it's ok for a woman to be sexual and say what she wants loud and clear like a man. Young as I was at the time (a chubby teen), I still thought it was an amazing thing to see. Women were allowed to flirt and hint in music, but they were not to be upfront - it wasn't considered ladylike. In my case however; for her bravery if nothing else, I wanted to be Adina Howard when I grew up!

6. Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

This was a global moment when popular culture stopped to salute Hip Hop in collective awe. Gangsta's Paradise was the lead single from the Dangerous Minds movie soundtrack. Capturing the essence and mentality of black youths in America's inner cities at the time, the song talks of not expecting to have a future outside of the streets, so not striving for one, and the uptight ivory teacher who comes out of nowhere, having no concept of what they have to go through to stay alive. Played by Michelle Phieffer, the film topped box offices around world, as did the soundtrack and single, both going to the top of the charts for several weeks and in some cases, months, at a time.

5. I Wish - Skee-Lo

This song always meant summertime to me. I used to have a red and black double cassette deck (exposing my age takes some bravery). Until I got a proper mixtape with Skee-Lo on the playlist, I used to use the cassette deck to record songs off of the radio, and make my own mixtapes. This definitely appeared on a few of them! It was also the first time that I realised Hip Hop could be lighthearted and funny; it didn't all have to be angry and aggressive. For me, I Wish was a pivotal moment.

4. Fu-Gee-La - The Fugees

The Fugees were the moment when Hip Hop broke through the glass ceiling and joined the respected mainstream. They not only joined the official charts, they ruled it - it was a beautiful time. In addition, the visual, storytelling manner that the Pras, Wyclef and Lauryn had, made them engaging and understood. They painted visual pictures like Picasso. What they said, you could see; and I believe that could very well be the reason that they were so accepted. No matter how good the artist was before them, unless you could get your audience to stop, listen and imagine your picture, then you're not going to communicate with them. The Fugees had the power and the talent to do that - something about them made you sit up and pay attention. The Fugees are interwoven Hip Hop and mainstream - a feat not performed by any other artist until that time.

3. Waterfalls - TLC

Like Hip Hop, R&B had a glass ceiling of its own, that the likes of TLC did more than their fair share in breaking. The universal message shared in the lyrics resonated worldwide, and made history with it's lasting impact. Reaching the top five of the charts and staying there for several weeks. Dealing with the effects of illegal drugs, promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS awareness, the video was praised for its bravery in tackling such difficult subjects, and doing so without causing offence by 'preaching'. Here's why it had such a monumental effect:

2. Scream - Janet and Michael Jackson

Let's forget for a second that this was, and as far as I am aware, still is, the most expensive music video of all time. Let's forget for a moment, all the silly controversy that surrounded the video at the time, that people wouldn't bat an eye about today; 'Ooooh, Janet grabbed her breasts, Ooooh, she used her middle finger'...Can we just recognise the greatest male and female entertainers of all time, coming together for four minutes and forty-seven seconds of sheer musical and cinematic delight? For the first time, Michael and Janet join forces the way I had always wanted them to do, since the day I was born, and they just serve. Anyway you like it, they gave it to you, and they left nobody hungry. Enjoy one of my personal favourite moments in musical history, beyond the year that we're here to celebrate, for yourself...

1. You're Makin Me High - Toni Braxton

My obsession with this song is now 19 years old. It's a massive tune that I remember playing absolutely everywhere. Even my poor Mother knows the lyrics off by heart - that's how often it got spun in my household at the time (...and since). It was a marked turn for Braxton herself. Coming back from her bankruptcy and legal woes with her former record label, Arista; Toni had a brand new attitude. She was sassy, she was sexy, and she was grown, with something to say, finally. Prior to that, with her first album, she didn't speak much, and thus we, as an audience, didn't really get much of a feel for who Toni, the person, actually was. We sure knew by the end of that Secrets album though! Take it away Ms. B!

_______________________________________

Yours Truly in my debating days, circa 1995

_______________________________________

Albums

Looking back at the albums that came out that year, whittling my selection down to only five was by far - no easy task. I even debated slipping a few in there as joint picks, but figured I would end up with at least ten, and so in the end, by sheer mental force, here are my top five albums of 1995 - let's see if you agree with me...

5. HIStory - Past, Present And Future - Book I - Michael Jackson

'HIStory: Past, Present And Future - Book I' - Michael 

Any promotional tour that requires Tower Bridge to be raised, so that a giant, life-size statue of you can be floated down the River Thames, drawing in such a huge crowd that it makes the 6 and 10pm news, is epic enough (see what I did there music afficionados - Epic Records, MJ's former label?) to earn a place on this list. When you add the new music additions to it, mammoth tracks like Scream (see above), Stranger in Moscow, Earth Song and You Are Not Alone; it's a nobrainer that this should top any list of albums of the year. The only reason I've kept it low this time around, is that we also got a medley of older songs re-released with it. Nevertheless, this album was not only a great compilation, but another huge entry in musical history.

4. R. Kelly - R. Kelly

'R. Kelly' - R. Kelly

Somewhere around the time of his teenage marriage (I'm kidding...it was after that), Kelz found inspiration in his muse, and came out with my favourite album of his. Also around the time that he was writing for Michael Jackson, amongst a few other big names, he was penning tracks like Hump Bounce, Not Gonna Hold On, You Remind Me Of Something, and the incomparable Down Low (Nobody Has To Know) for himself. An unchallenged classic in my humble opinion.





3. Daydream - Mariah Carey

If you were a loyal follower of this blog from 'the early days', then you will know that I consider this lady to be the greatest female vocalist of my generation, since LaDonna Summer herself, in fact. This is not my personal favourite album from her, hence my middle of the road placement, but I include it for two reasons. A) for the obvious - were it not for her secret 'bait and switch' shanannigans with ignorant record bosses when it came to the album's lead single Fantasy, not only would we not have gotten that amazing ODB verse that gave us that iconic line - come on, don't pretend you don't know it, all together now: 

'Daydream' - Mariah Carey

"Me and Mariaaaah, go back like babies and pacifiiiiiahs!" 

But B) popular music as a whole would have suffered a blow - because we wouldn't have the now standard format of singers and rappers blending talents on a track. For me, neither of those is really why this album is important though. What made this album instrumental in my music history, is that this was the moment when Mariah started to find her own voice and speak to her audiences in the way that she wanted to. The RnB influence was there since her eponymous album, but she was finding her voice like a fledgling bird, learning to stand on her own two feet.

2. The Show, The After Party, The Hotel - Jodeci

'The Show, The After Party, The Hotel' - Jodeci

Once upon a time, Jodeci ruled RnB. Debut and sophmore albums, Forever My Lady and Diary of A Mad Band respectively, had set the quartet up as the kings of the genre, and despite being the bad boys that they were, they could do no wrong. So when they came along with The Show, The After Party; the frenzy surrounding them reached boiling point. Freek'n You was stratospheric, reaching No.17 on the UK charts, and remaining in the music scale for six weeks - their most successful single to date. The quality of the collection captured the zeitgeist of popular music at the time, ruling the RnB airways for most of the year. Bring On Da Funk, S-More, Get On Up, Pump It Back and Can We Flo are just some of the reasons that this set will go down in history as one of the greatest RnB albums of ALL time.

1. Faith - Faith Evans

There was no question over my choice for the No.1 spot. A phenomenal breakthrough artist, Faith Evans came out of nowhere with a voice that challenged Mary J. Blige's for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul title, but was content to just settle in her own niche spot. Mesmerising in a way that captured the essence of Soul, with a raspy voice that laid her heart on the line, and put her emotions into everything - this was a debut that had you hooked from the first strains of the Faith intro. No Other Love, You Used To Love Me (with a remix that featured a rap verse from future husband The Notorious B.I.G.), Don't Be Afraid, and of course the exceptional smash Soon As I Get Home, made sure this was an album well worthy of the several award nominations it received. One of my favourite albums of ALL Time - Faith by Faith Evans is my top pick for album of 1995.

'Faith' - Faith Evans

_______________________________________

And there you have it - the first LostInMusic of EricaSharlette's Purview has come to an end! Thank you for getting lost with me, I had a ball, I don't know about you - but I'd sure like to; share your thoughts on my selections below. Have some suggestions of your own? Let me hear them on YOUR stage, down there! There's still more to come today, we have TalkOnCorners, where I discuss Baz Luhrmann's 'The Get Down'; and this week's WaveRunner Sucker For Pain, by Lil Wayne / Wiz Khalifa / Imagine Dragons and more. The Party doesn't stop - it's LAUNCH DAY Everybody! See you back here in two hours!

Until the next...
ES

LOST IN MUSIC THROWBACK: Michael Jackson's 'Off The Wall'

Now I could have gone the obvious route.

When deciding who, and what, the focus of the very first Lost In Music 2014 feature should be, I very easily could have gone for the easy choice that everyone would expect, and it would have been a nobrainer. After all, if you are going to talk about The Greatest Entertainer of ALL Time, then surely his greatest collection of works is only fitting, no? No. Not for this Miss.

Instead of the lazy obvious, I decided to take a look at the works that preceded it. For, as a standing rule, I firmly believe that with any artistic great – no matter whom they are, or what they do, before their Opus, comes an inkling that something great is on the way, because the groundwork is already there. Take the female equivalent of my favourite leading examples, for instance. Before Mariah Carey's Butterfly, there was Daydream, which bore the now infamous line that we all know backwards – think Mariah, and pacifiers – you with me? Good. Let's move on, because Mariah made a trend out of exactly this sort of thing. Before The Emancipation of Mimi, there was Charmbracelet, and before Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, there was E=MC2 – okay, that last one may have only had great moments, but overall, each was grossly underrated, and each was a tell-tale sign of the brilliance that was to come.

Now the problem with Michael Jackson's Off The Wall, serves equally as part of its charm. In 10 songs, lasting 42 minutes and some change, the album is over before you know it, leaving your ears desperately wanting more. Equally, it takes you on a breathless ride that boggles the mind before you realise the rhythmic takeover.

Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough is undoubtedly one of, if not thee best of musical introductions ever recorded. The intro is foreboding and slightly scary, as you listen to 'Little Michael Jackson' talking about a 'force' that appears to be swallowing him whole. Now having seen the video, my jury is still out on whether his force had anything to with the Star Wars force – I mean, how could you really tell, space is space, no? Nevertheless, with a rebirth-like cry, and an electric undercurrent of excitement and anxiety that fit perfectly with his personal life at the time, the choice is yours - whether you hear a musical rebirth, the start of a one of a kind rollercoaster ride, or both. Having just left The Jacksons officially, to break out as an Independent Artist, there were a lot expectant eyes upon him, as well as a misguided father (and sacked Manager) poised to celebrate his failure, if there was even a hint that the public would not accept a completely solo Michael Jackson. Aren't we glad MJ proved him wrong, with quite possibly the most magnificent of bait & switches in musical history? How many of you realised, in this moment tailor-made for John Travolta and some flashing lights, that 'Little Michael Jackson' was actually singing about doing 'The Big Nasty'?

'Get closer to my body now; just love me, 'til you don’t know how'

'Touch me and I feel on fire. Ain’t nothing like a love desire…

I'm melting, like hot candle wax'

If you are anything like me, then suddenly you hear that early yelp in a whole other quick finish context…

If Don't Stop broke Michael Jackson free from The Jacksons' chains, then Rock With You catapulted him to the heights of genuine Vocal Sexpert. Nobody knew that 'Little Michael' had it in him! Well that was because he was 'Little Michael' no more. 

With an intro that proves who the Pied Piper of Music really was (hint: NOT you, R. Kelly), his new RnB sound was seductive without a doubt. You instantly realise that from that drum solo to those early strings, something radical was happening in this new kind of music. It sounded like nothing else on the radio – and you should thank Quincy Jones’ production, and Rod Temperton's lyrics for that. Just as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis would do with Michael's baby sister less than a decade later, Jones and Temperton took a shy young man, found his inner charm and charisma, and the three lay their findings down on wax. You’d be hard-pressed to find a sexier song before or after it, unless Michael wrote and sang it himself.

'Girl, close your eyes, let the rhythm get into you.
Don't try to fight it; there ain't nothing that you can do.'

As he sings those opening lyrics, you realise that what you are feeling, he is, word for word, depicting in song. Now how can anyone get so far inside a beat that he gets under the skin of women for generations to come, when he would sadly no longer be around, to witness the remarkable reach of his talent? Mr Jones made sure the bass got in on the act, while Michael purred seductively, in a manner we had never heard before, and that was essentially that! Ready-made seduction in 3 minutes and 41 seconds; served up and putting itself in the modern classic history books, alongside Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On'. Many cite this as Michael's greatest release – but they forget, that other big album had not happened yet…

Next is Working Day & Night, which a young ES completely misunderstood the real meaning of, until her early 20s. Contrary to (my) popular belief, Michael was not, in fact, singing about a money-grubbing girlfriend sending him out to work all the hours, so that she could spend all of his money…Nor was she deliberately making him too tired to partner her in ‘Ze Bedroom Danse’ (teen years). As we (I) discovered (what everybody else already knew), MJ is bemoaning his ladylove for making him work too hard, whilst not giving him any ‘love’ at all…

'How can you leave girl, when love like ours was meant to be?

You must be seeing, some other guy instead of me!'

Now in my defence, who knew that one man could make rhythm sound like a conveyor belt and dancefloor rolled into one, yet still be appealing at the same time? Moreover, can we talk about Quincy Jones production on this one for just a second? I dare you to name a tighter horn section than the one that battled the electric guitar, in a bridge that literally sounded like the guy and girl, going back and forth in a lovers quarrel? Answers in the Comment Box below please! The orchestral sound was so fresh and revitalising in a genre that, at the time, was so heavily synthesised and electric. Between them, Jackson and Jones brought a live, big band feel to Disco that was funky enough to have made even Nile Rodgers jealous!

More live instrumentation and vocal percussion lead the way in the fourth track. The first to actually do what it says on the tin; Get On The Floor is all about 'that girl' that he’s spotted in the club, and her mesmerising moves, MJ croons about trying to woo a potential new ladylove with a few gyrations of his own. And let’s be honest, if he couldn't do it, no one could!

Now I always considered the intro to title track Off The Wall, a precursor to Thriller. It’s Halloween spooky for no apparent reason other than Michael just wanted to liven up everybody – including the dead. Ghoulish elements aside, this song was an early ode to acceptance, togetherness, and being brave enough to be YOU, in spite of those who would dissuade you; with a 'feel good vibe, funky enough to rival McFadden & Whitehead at their finest. GLEE eat your heart out.

'Do what you want to do, there ain’t no rules, it’s up to you'

By the Paul McCartney penned Girlfriend, the tempo slows just enough for the pace to change into an audible love note, that makes me think of the school playground. Something about the arrangement that is almost like a teasing chant between a boy and girl in the throes of puppy love. The song is sweet and subtle enough to make you forget that it is essentially, a story about emotional blackmail, ultimatums and a young girl with loose morals. And yet it is. Remember that as you’re singing along. It will not stop you, because the song is too catchy, but at least bear it in mind.

'Girlfriend, I'm gonna tell your boyfriend (yeah),

tell him, exactly what we're doing (yeah);

tell him what you do to me, late at night when the wind is free.'

Every RnB crooner, from Ginuwine to Marc Nelson, to Country & Western's Willie Nelson even, has covered She's Out Of My Life – with no version even coming close to the original. A sad, painful ballad, it almost feels like the next chapter in the story of this girl that he has been chasing for the last few songs. The moment lets those who pressed play, looking for 'Little Michael Jackson' know, that part of him was still here. Part of the strength of this song, is its simplicity. Just as in the video you're about to see, directed by Bruce Gowers; it's purely a grown up Michael, and some keys, living through the storm of a first heartbreak. The fanfare left when the love did.

Michael Jackson’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s I Can’t Help It brought the sexy back way before Justin, with an intro that is at once hypnotic, and movement inducing. The tempo ramps back up slightly, and gives you, the listener, the opportunity to compare and contrast the application of his softer voice in two completely different scenarios. The change is ever so slight, and yet both make you want to hand the man a tissue – in one song, for his tears and snot, in the other, with your phone number. And possibly your address, dependent upon your moral latitude (Hey, no judgement here).

It's The Falling In Love, the only duet on the album called upon the one and only Patti Austin to take on the gargantuan task; talks of the juxtaposition of falling, and actually being in love, now that they've gone and unwillingly fallen all over again. 

'No matter how it starts it ends the same, someone's always doing someone wrong.'

Quincy Jones' Goddaughter, aka Ms Patti Austin, provides a beautiful wall of sound from the outset with the background vocals, and her tone blends so seamlessly with his, that it is often difficult to differentiate between the two. Like the eight preceding it, 'Falling' is another track that gets under your skin, and makes it impossible not to sing along to; with a subtly sped up tempo, that acts as a blindsiding segue to the closing dancefloor anthem. 

Burn This Disco Out is full of pomp and glory, in the sense that it is a marvellous way to demonstrate going out with a literal BANG. Again, the live orchestral feel, gives the track a sense of closing fanfare. It’s big, it’s braggadocious, and it dares you not to dance.

'Got a hot foot, better freak across the floor,

Join the party; and we came to move, and that’s for sure.'

No soft vocals on this one, it’s Michael’s sharp, fight voice, leading a disco revolt, to party euphoria in an RnB, Jazz and Funk fusion – narcotics not necessary.

Rod Temperton, of Heatwave fame, partnered with Michael for the writing credits on this legendary album that has not only been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as it's own entity, but been cited as one of the greatest albums of ALL TIME. The vast experience in his influence cannot be overlooked. If he were the blueprint, then Jones’ wizardry of live instruments throughout most definitely provided the literal bricks and mortar for the powerhouse, and Michael? Well he was just the electricity that illuminates up the project! Between Temperton, Jones, and Jackson, here was not only a formidable team, but also one of literal organic magic; what else could come from a creative team so powerful? And they were just getting started…

Michael Jackson, for Off The Wall, We Salute Your Memory for getting us Lost In Music.

Until the next,

ES ;)

The Grand Finale: 'Lost In Music' Special, March Music in the ESPspotlight

Today marks the end of the month-long dedication to all things Musical here on the ESP blog. Exploring all facets of my personal favourite form of expression, the past 31 days have been an introspective snapshot into Understanding, Creating, Performing and Promoting Music - four aspects that go into helping those with an interest in gaining a new perspective, as well as Artists creating a fully interactive journey through their package. 

Now whilst a slight interruption put a bump in the road with this week's competitions, I decided it was only right to round up the month in style, by offering up one last 'Food For Musical Thought' to set you up nicely.

Don't drop a bomb on your own career...
(Photo courtesy of sayskakodkar)

There's a particular mode of thinking that I will go to my wooden box swearing that all Artists need to adapt to - Pronto. Gone are the days of thinking about Music promotions as just standalone singles and album projects. If you caught my '2 Justins & A Beyoncé' post last weekend, then you will recall my talking about the evolution from the 4Ps of Marketing to the 4Es. People, ie. Artists are the new 'Product'. In today's social culture, Artists have to realise that their message and ideal is what audiences are buying. Every tweet, every facebook status, every single message in the public domain, weighs your brand scale on a specific side, adding or killing a potential sale.

The time to enjoy the process in making your music is before and after the Promotional phase. To shine your own spotlight in the right direction, then momentarily at least, stop thinking like a Creator - the promotional period is when you Think Like A Brand...

How many times do you post status messages in a fit of rage or just a plain old bad mood? Have you thought about who might be reading them? The label representative who likes your work, but is keeping a silent eye on you to see what cons come with your pros? The Music Promoter looking to book the lineup for their night, with the Police's Risk Assessment form 696 first and foremost in their mind? Or how about the established Artist who's heard great things about you, likes your work, but has no intention of bringing a whiff of scandal to their name? Each one of those options carry infinite, life-changing opportunities if your public persona is managed correctly. Many will want to argue that basic freedom of speech means that Artists can do and say what they want and, the fact that they are Artists makes them twice as right. Wrong.

Compare the losses of controlling your online appearance with the potential losses of a single one of the above opportunities...which is easier to let go of?

Think about it now!

For the very last 'Lost In Music' offering, I'm leaving you with something Inspirational from one of the most talented lyricists that Music has to offer. You are the key to your own career paths people - tread wisely...

Not just for kids - aspirations exist in all of us, use the lessons from the past month to turn them into a reality. I know YOU can!

Enjoy your Bank Holiday everyone (save me some chocolate)!
ES ;)

Artist GPS: Can Your Audience Find You? + 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlight

Yesterday I was interviewed for an upcoming white paper on Marketing. One of the questions touched on a topic I've been itching to bring you for awhile now. In working on another project this weekend, I came up against what is probably one of my Top 3 Pet Peeves in this Industry! Whatever your talent, if you are a Creative of any kind, WHY do people need heat-seeking missiles to find you?

This weekend, I met an Artist. When asked where I could find some of his work, he gave me a web address and forewarned: "I need to add some stuff, though...". Fair enough, when you're a one person band, it's not always possible to update everything you need to, as often as you need to do it - I can attest to that! Venturing onto the site yesterday though, I discovered that not only does he need to "add some stuff", but the only thing on it was his profile name!

Music Releases are NOT Covert Ops - they should only be a secret if you're BOWIE!

A similar occurrence happened recently, when another Performer said that I wouldn't find him or his work online, because he doesn't "like to be too 'out there', y'see...I don't like to be that accessible..." I (don't) see. Just last month, whilst scouting artists to fill some open slots in the next #FindOutFriday cycle (Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!) I eventually stopped finding it amusing and incredulous, and instead began finding it increasingly ANNOYING that so many of you have websites and profiles with NO music on them! There was contact information for bookings though... In my best McEnroe impression, I gotta say: "C'mon! You CanNOT be SERIOUS!"

Would you hire a Photographer having seen no prior examples of their work? How about a Make Up Artist, Hairdresser or Barber with no portfolio examples? I thought not. So why in the name of all that is Holy, would you expect anyone to hire you to perform, with no proof that you have the skills to justify a hire fee?

In your defence Artists, I will say, it's not just you. The whole idea for my #ESPshowcase packages, which create foundation starter  packs for businesses who have yet to venture into the online world, emanated from my not being able to find a hairdressers in the town I upped sticks and moved to at the end of last year. The huge difference is, that as Musicians, you are not bricks and mortar shops! Their main customer base already exists for one thing - they have walk-in clientèle! For another, they are restricted by locale. There is not a market in the world that if packaged correctly, you could not sell to; so there shouldn't be a corner of it that your product is not available in.

Let me dispel your confusion once and for all: Whether you are a Musician, a Designer, or an Artist of ANY kind - when you have a product to sell (which all of you do), then there is no such thing as 'remaining mysterious', by being difficult to find online; only recurring incidents of recklessly squandered sales and missed opportunities. STOP the non-sense! 

There are several easy to use, free platforms for Musicians out there, that allow you to showcase your abilities. If you're not comfortable with the ReverbNations, Soundclouds or even Facebooks of the world, online forums have evolved enough now, that you can Create Your Own à la LekLane!

'LekLane' is the home of Producer, Artist, Musician and Songwriter, Lekhem

When it came to setting up Lekhem's shop, we wanted to cover every medium in a way that best reflected his personality, talents and interests. Forging his own path and following none, Lekhem is a firm believer in 'Making your Own Lane'; thus when it came time to build his online HQ, there was no question as to the title...

If you're not the most technologically savvy, that's still no excuse. That 'Practice makes Perfect' saying didn't come into existence by chance; keep trying until you get comfortable or, if it's really not for you, then ask someone for a helping hand or, better still - hire a *ahem* professional! This is the point where you run out of excuses, because I'm giving you the opportunity to resolve that problem from now until Sunday. Read on for details...

Win the biggest giveaway this blog has ever had, by answering ONE easy question! Up for grabs is a complete ESP Artist Development Starter's Package (priced at £90), consisting of the following:

• ONE full #ESPshowcase package (Lights, Camera, Action! All inclusive, £40) - Rebranding your Social Media Catalogue to bring your public platforms in-line with your current message.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Press Release like this one for Lekhem and Korshun's 'ViRGO' (£9.99) - Immediately ready for  release to press, present your new project in the best packaging possible, with an introduction by Me!
• ONE #ESPspotlight Review* like this one of Singer-Songwriter Alex Mills EP and Launch Party - whether for your Music (£15) or Event (£25), I'll breakdown why my audience should be listening to, or watching what you do live.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Interview like this one with BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Ace - introducing you and your talents to a brand new audience, mine!

AND, as if all that's not enough; quote #MarchMusic at the time of ordering and get ALL of the above for £45! I don't want to say that you'd be mad to pass up this opportunity, but you wouldn't exactly be sane, now would you?!

So now you know what you get, it's time to explain how you get it:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.

2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.

3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

Tell me that it could be easier than that?! Ok, now have yourselves a practice run to get warmed up. In the last competition I asked you to:

Name the clothing label that Justin Timberlake co-founded?

The answer was William Rast. See? Easy!

Today's question isn't any harder, all you have to do is take yourself over to LekLane, have a goosey gander around if you haven't done so before, then come back and tell me:

What is the name of Lekhem's MUSIC Page?

What's your take on today's topic? Are you an Artist who believes restricting your content and accessibility will help your career? Why? In what way? Tell me in the Comments Box below...

Have a good short week humpday!

ES ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

• Only one entry per person, per day.
• Review Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
• Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
• Press Release will be written and provided for Winner's use. Submissions to press contacts are NOT included.
• Promotions Week runs from 22nd-31st March.
• Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
• Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
• Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
• All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
• The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
• Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.

2 Justins & a Beyonce - The Good, The Bad, and The Can Do No Wrongs: 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlgiht

This is where things change direction. We've established my deep-rooted love of all things musical, and its life-long impact on me and my career choices as a whole over the last few weeks. But it would be remiss of me to have an entire month devoted to the subject and not talk music promotion. So this week, I'll be looking at the different avenues and aspects of how to get your music product out there, with a few choice examples along the way. Stay with me - there are so many more interesting avenues to music, than what we listen to! There are the daily competitions to help you get going for starters, as well as some serious food for thought. Starting with...

Product, Pricing, Placement and Promotion. I first discovered 'The 4 P's of Marketing' created by Jerome McCarthy in 1960, in  the book 'Confessions Of An Advertising Man', by the late Advertising legend, David Ogilvy. It seemed liked kismet then, that when I was factfinding for this piece, I would come across a brilliant article by Brian Fetherstonhaugh on ogilvy.com, completely rewriting the concepts, and instead replacing them with 'The 4 E's':

• from Product to Experience - going beyond your standalone product; instead considering how its overall experience will draw in your (buying) audience.
• from Place to Everyplace - no longer just about 'store bought access', consider 'intercepting' your target audience in the places most likely to match, recreate and repeat the above Experience.
• from Pricing to Exchange - today's buyers are bought and sold with more than just financial currency; consider the other, equally valuable forms of sale that you can profit from.
• from Promotion to Evangelism - not quite a Religious turn,  this facet is about creating the mission to brand experience; inspiring engagement through a call to action, eventually leading to consumer uptake.

For the first Music Promotions highlight, three particular stories dominating the entertainment wires over the past month made me want to touch on that old, misused and misinterpreted adage: 'There's no such thing as Bad Publicity' to ask - is it really true?

The not so simple answer is Yes...And No. And that is because today's culture feeds on controversy - of the right kind. Depending on who you are and what you're doing, the right kind of controversy - even disguised as 'wrong', will do the very thing that every brand covets; it will get people talking. If there's one thing that any PR or Marketing Rep will tell you, it's that 'Word of Mouth' is the most powerful sales tool there is. If people are talking, then people are watching. If people are watching, then you have their attention; if you have their attention, then you have a platform to promote your product. Sales and Marketing 101...Right?

The idea for this feature first started forming when Justin Bieber toured the UK recently. I think we all know by now that Usher Raymond's YouTube sensation is a marketing dream of the non-dry variety. There is nothing that will not sell, so long as his name is attached, so strong and all-encompassing is 'The Justin Experience'. Once a wholesome innocent, the 'bad' publicity from his antics caused controversy and got people talking - Everyplace on Earth. Everyone had an opinion on his turning up ridiculously late for stage times, questionable 'health issues' and brawling with paparazzi... 

The day after arriving 2 hours late for one of his London shows, the press were outside of his hotel, coaxing responses from anyone they could find, including his Manager. The footage of a teenage girl verbally attacking an ITN News reporter, before said Manager could respond to the reasonable request for a comment on the incident was TV gold. The little madam was a perfect example of fan mania (and bad parenting - it was a school day for one thing, no way was she old enough to be out of the classroom; couple that with her rude behaviour and you had a screeching advert for Supernanny Jo Frost...or a good West Indian matriarch). Add the drama surrounding his hospital stay, that had his teen legion frantic with worry, and the paparazzi scuffle for a touch of badboy icing to the mix and what you have is a gourmet blend. You cannot buy the marketing Exchange that those few days and less than 4 total minutes of video provided. 

The 'Belieber' Army waged war through social media and online sales thus Evangelising his 'Greatness' and Bieber's brand management team smiled, a lot. The entire world knew which leg of the Believe tour Justin was on - but did you notice that he personally didn't bother to apologise for any adverse effects, and barely any of the press reported on his actual performance? Justin covered all 4 E's described above, and some may think that the negative press questioning whether or not he's gone off the rails has harmed him. Yet the world is still talking and more importantly still buying - so has it?

Then there's that other Justin. 

In the run up to the release of 'The 20/20 Experience' - his first studio album in over 6 years; Justin 'JT' Timberlake engaged in a very quiet and sombre promotional marketing strategy. Or did he?

No longer 'Justin Trousersnake', but a happy, settled down newlywed; the peripheral shenanigans were muted in comparison with previous albums. A week-long Saturday Night Live hosting gig with live performances, provided a full insight into the JT Experience. The week-long free music stream of the full album on everyone's favourite fruity music shop, made sure the product was available Everyplace in the world. The whiff of 'Kanyetroversy' hand delivered the Exchange, by providing a laugh and social talking point at the Rapper's expense, whilst the combination of all, kept the world Evangelising about the release throughout. As I said, Quiet, but effectively done - don't you think?

From JT's guest Mr Carter, to the Mrs...

______________________________

'Beyoncé as Mrs Carter in H&M' (Photo courtesy of beyonce.com)

Back in January, the entertainment press was rife with rumours that Beyoncé was producing a new clothing line with high street chain H&M, after being spotted doing a 'secret' beach shoot in the Bahamas. Within a few weeks came her Superbowl halftime performance which, although partly marred by that little Presidential lipsynching snafu, was solely intended as a launching board for her 'Mrs Carter World Tour' announcement. An Oprah TV documentary and interview later, and UK tour sponsor ads by telecomms company O2 surface, with an unrecognisable theme song - right before the ticket sales caused an online frenzy. A few weeks after that, the theme tune is released online and causes instant global controversy. Within two days, she is announced not only as the new face of the retail chain that she shot with back in January, but as co-designer of the clothing line too, taking her couture label House of Deréon, to the high street consumer. Feeling dizzy after that full-circle ride? And bear in mind - it's only March...

Listen to 'Bow Down / I Been On' (Produced by HitBoy) on HotNewHipHop.com

As angry as the masses are over the song's content, if they took the time to step back and look at the bigger picture here, they would see the most sophisticated marketing strategy for quite some time in play. The purpose of the track 'Bow Down' has nothing to do with an upcoming album - I'll be very much surprised if it even makes the next selection. It's only job was to serve as a cog in 'The Mrs Carter Machine', by engaging the naysayers into propelling the concert promotion - for free, whilst bringing the concert to their own wardrobes! You may not spend silly money on a concert ticket (£85 gold dust); but you can still disparage the woman while secretly looking good (with her help) at retail cost. Beyoncé is the Experience here. In Music, Sports, Television or Clothing - Beyoncé is Everyplace. Her every action over the past two and a half months prompted a wildfire of Exchange that she never had to actually engage in, only fuel. Those unwitting Evangelists are the most affected here, as their cries of offence at being referred to as b*tches more times than I (could be bothered to) count in one song, only serve to grow the focus on 'The Mrs Carter Show' - tour or otherwise...

____________________________________

Now then, it's Competition Time and I'm upping the stakes. Answer ONE easy question and win yourself a complete ESP Artist Development Starter's Package (priced at £90), consisting of the following:

• ONE full #ESPshowcase package (Lights, Camera, Action! All inclusive, worth £40) - Rebranding your Social Media Catalogue to bring your public platforms in-line with your current message.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Press Release like this one for Lekhem and Korshun's 'ViRGO' (£9.99) - Immediately ready for  release to press, present your new project in the best packaging possible, with an introduction by Me!
• ONE #ESPspotlight Review* like this one of 'An Evening with Soneni with The Soul' - whether for your Music (£15) or Event (£25), I'll breakdown why my audience should be listening to, or watching what you do live.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Interview like this one with singer KOF - introducing you and your talents to a brand new audience, mine!

Does it get any better than that? Well Yes, actually - because all you have to do to win, is the following:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.

2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.

3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

Yes. That's really all. Why don't you have a little practice before the real thing? In the last competition I asked you to:

Name the worldwide #1 song from Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, that has a Planet in the title?

The answer was of course: Earth Song!

All clear? Good. Now then, for today's super easy quiz question:

Name the clothing label that Justin Timberlake co-founded?

As always, feedback is welcomed and appreciated, so let me know what you think on the points raised via the Comments Box below!

Enjoy your Saturday night folks, and be safe in the snow...

ES ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

• Only one entry per person, per day.
• Review Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
• Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
• Press Release will be written and provided for Winner's use. Submissions to press contacts are NOT included.
• Promotions Week runs from 22nd-29th March.
• Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
• Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
• Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
• All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
• The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
• Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.