Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mavi Gastown Store - Launch Event
Yours truly Universal Music Canada partnered up with Mavi for the Gastown Store Launch Event, check out the contest in Loulou magazine. Better yet if you in the area May 1st 6-9pm, 355 Water Street, Vancouver.
Yours truly Universal Music Canada partnered up with Mavi for the Gastown Store Launch Event, check out the contest in Loulou magazine. Better yet if you in the area May 1st 6-9pm, 355 Water Street, Vancouver.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
WMC - MIAMI 2008 the Partying
There were just too many parties going on.
All I know is night always started with predrinking RED BULL and VODKA. BIG UP TO RED BULL !!! LMAO
There were all kinds of parties in Miami, house parties, soulful house parties, WMC parties, pool parties. For me to sit here and say I remember all the parties we went to would be a lie.
But I will say this- most clubs close at 5 am or 6 am in Miami. So in one night we probably went to 4 different parties minimum. Ended the night with a slice of pizza cause everything else was closed. Some of the highlights that week were: Martini Bar, The Retro Kids and Cool Kids, Stonesthrow party (pool party), Jazzanova, Flavor. So much for Red Bull gives you instant memory !!!! LOL
What I really loved about the week, it seemed that everywhere we went we were surrounded by good peeps. Shout out to all the TDOT massive that were reppin' with us out there. We were always well connected- well protected and well entertained !!!!!
Also the best part had to be catching a Eric Roberson show by the beach, without even having a clue that he was in Miami.
Winter Music Conference In Miami -THE BIZ
So here goes my update- or at least what I can remember from that overwhelming week.
I will have to put it into sections so I don't hurt your eyes.
First let me say this IT WAS AWESOME ! If you have never been to Miami you need to go at least once. (after that once you will be going once a year!)
Nevermind the clubs in Miami, nevermind all that you have heard ! What made Miami a blast was my homegirl that I went down with, my T.O. friends that we hooked up with out there and the friendly people we met. Oh yeah and the brownbagging, minus the brownbag.
K so let me get to the real update.
Earlier this year I was speaking with one of my girls and we talked about WMC, although its an electronic music festival, it takes place in Miami.and when you live in Toronto, Miami in March sounds hella nice.
If you know me you know I always like to push the envelop so I thought to myself "wouldn't it be cool if I was on a panel in Miami". I played around with the idea for a bit- then my girl SAM convinced me to try it out. So I did- I sent in all my info. A month passed, two months passed, three months passed I hadn't heard anything back.
I started to feel sad and thought "how rude they couldnt even get back to me and let me know that I didn't make the panel"
So I send them an email to find out ! Next thing I know I was a panelist representing Universal Music Canada at the 2008- Winter Music Conference on the Marketing Panel.
I am fairly knew to the game- only been at the label for 4 years. Which really isn't that long if you think about it. I hadn't had much experience attending music conferences outside of this city. The opportunity to network and gain new experiences was so overwhelming.
I did a good job acting like I wasn't nervous, I guess I didn't know the magnitude, so before I left I just kept thinking "I got this" !!!
Next thing I know I get to Miami - get to South Beach and see how huge this conference is.
Learn the most effective means of marketing your music- from Myspace to print advertising to PR methods to promotional comps, this panel will explore which methods will work best for your label and artists.
Moderator:
Lainie Copicotto- Aurelia Entertainment
Some of the other panelists on my panel were:
Panelists:
Miguel Alvarado- Brightcove
Jason Bills- Muzak
DJ Pierre- Afro Acid Digital
Jeremy Bliler- Strategic Media Group, Inc.
Steve Repetti- Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.
Marea Stamper- Groovesource
Alena Zyabkina- RMA Music Business School
Daniella Etienne- Universal Music Canada
I gotta give it up to the panelist- they did a great job on the panel. Their titles alone intimidated me (keeping it real) But I did my thing !!! I will be posting the audio later on (couldn't video tape inside. Also mad props to the people that watched the panel. There were about 150 people in attendance.
This was a great experience for me and I would like to thank everyone that played a role. I was nervous until the moment I got behind the mic. You never realize how much you know until you have to teach someone else.
I have ADD or Better known as : Attention Deficit Disorder
SO if you work in a fast paced environment, you have had to master the art of multitasking. Especially moving out of the analog world into the digital world. There aren't enough hours, enough phones, enough email addresses, enough passwords and may I mention enough hands to do things in one day. ADD used to have a bad stigma around it, I mean I am sure in elementary school there was a kid in your class that was always set aside cause he had "ADD". Why does it seem now like - I don't know how I could live without it. I would like to clarify that no one diagnosed me with such. I just found that it is a common amongst people I work with. Here is the definition, you be the judge: a development disorder that impairs one's ability to sustain focus. GUILTY !!! I had to share that to explain this. One day I leaving my place and my phone rang, so I pick it up. I also had to lock my door as I was leaving my house, so hear I was trying to juggle my keys and hold up my phone. (Needless to say the person on the phone was having a pretty serious convo with me). Then I remembered I left something inside, so I had to run in- remember what I was looking for, respond to the person I was talking to- THEN MY OTHER LINE BEEPS.... ETC ETC ETC. All I gotta say is YOGA that seems to be the only thing to help me ease my mind. So many times at work- I am reading emails, one comes in and I reply- then my phone rings, my msn is going off, my cell phone rings, the text messages come in. GEEZE - ADD GIRL in a DIGITAL WORLD... LMAO Just wanted to laugh a bit
SO if you work in a fast paced environment, you have had to master the art of multitasking. Especially moving out of the analog world into the digital world. There aren't enough hours, enough phones, enough email addresses, enough passwords and may I mention enough hands to do things in one day. ADD used to have a bad stigma around it, I mean I am sure in elementary school there was a kid in your class that was always set aside cause he had "ADD". Why does it seem now like - I don't know how I could live without it. I would like to clarify that no one diagnosed me with such. I just found that it is a common amongst people I work with. Here is the definition, you be the judge: a development disorder that impairs one's ability to sustain focus. GUILTY !!! I had to share that to explain this. One day I leaving my place and my phone rang, so I pick it up. I also had to lock my door as I was leaving my house, so hear I was trying to juggle my keys and hold up my phone. (Needless to say the person on the phone was having a pretty serious convo with me). Then I remembered I left something inside, so I had to run in- remember what I was looking for, respond to the person I was talking to- THEN MY OTHER LINE BEEPS.... ETC ETC ETC. All I gotta say is YOGA that seems to be the only thing to help me ease my mind. So many times at work- I am reading emails, one comes in and I reply- then my phone rings, my msn is going off, my cell phone rings, the text messages come in. GEEZE - ADD GIRL in a DIGITAL WORLD... LMAO Just wanted to laugh a bit
New Kids On The Block are back !!!!
Yes I said it ! It is now official. I was a huge fan. Now I have no idea how good or bad this comeback is gonna be. Just thought I would let all of you NKOTB fans know. Here is the official press release: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK RETURN TO THE WORLD STAGE Worldwide Phenomenon Plans New Album On Interscope And World Tour New Single Set For Release GROUP WILL PERFORM LIVE FOR FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS ON NBC’s ‘TODAY’ SHOW IN A SPECIAL SUMMER CONCERT ON MAY 16 NEW YORK – April 4, 2008 - - In their first public appearance together in 15 years, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK announced their reunion live on NBC’s ‘TODAY’ Show today. All five members of the famed 90s group that sold millions of albums and sparked a worldwide phenomenon, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jordan and Jonathan Knight were welcomed back to the world stage by a mass of screaming fans. The band also announced they will join ‘Today’s’ summer concert line-up, performing together for the first time in 15 years on Friday, May 16, live on the Plaza performing a new single that will be released in the coming weeks. The group split in 1994, but has recently reunited in the recording studio to create new music, working in partnership with a new record label, Interscope Records, and a cadre of world class music producers. The guys have been hard at work writing and recording for an expected new album in Fall 2008 with a hot new single planned ready for release in the coming weeks. The album will be followed by a hotly anticipated worldwide tour in select cities beginning in the Fall. A phenomenal fan base has always been one of the cornerstones of the group’s success. Fans are encouraged to sign up for more information and ticket on-sale dates at www.nkotb.com. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK sold more than 80 million albums worldwide -- including back-to-back international #1 songs, 1988’s Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step By Step -- and a series of crossover smash R&B, pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You,” “Step By Step” and “Tonight.” The group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold out stadiums throughout the world. They still hold many of these records to date. They were Forbes highest paid entertainers of 1990, beating out Michael Jackson and Madonna. The band boasted an extensive and highly profitable merchandise line which included everything from lunch boxes and sleeping bags to comic books, marbles and dolls. More Information at www.nkotb.com
Yes I said it ! It is now official. I was a huge fan. Now I have no idea how good or bad this comeback is gonna be. Just thought I would let all of you NKOTB fans know. Here is the official press release: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK RETURN TO THE WORLD STAGE Worldwide Phenomenon Plans New Album On Interscope And World Tour New Single Set For Release GROUP WILL PERFORM LIVE FOR FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS ON NBC’s ‘TODAY’ SHOW IN A SPECIAL SUMMER CONCERT ON MAY 16 NEW YORK – April 4, 2008 - - In their first public appearance together in 15 years, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK announced their reunion live on NBC’s ‘TODAY’ Show today. All five members of the famed 90s group that sold millions of albums and sparked a worldwide phenomenon, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jordan and Jonathan Knight were welcomed back to the world stage by a mass of screaming fans. The band also announced they will join ‘Today’s’ summer concert line-up, performing together for the first time in 15 years on Friday, May 16, live on the Plaza performing a new single that will be released in the coming weeks. The group split in 1994, but has recently reunited in the recording studio to create new music, working in partnership with a new record label, Interscope Records, and a cadre of world class music producers. The guys have been hard at work writing and recording for an expected new album in Fall 2008 with a hot new single planned ready for release in the coming weeks. The album will be followed by a hotly anticipated worldwide tour in select cities beginning in the Fall. A phenomenal fan base has always been one of the cornerstones of the group’s success. Fans are encouraged to sign up for more information and ticket on-sale dates at www.nkotb.com. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK sold more than 80 million albums worldwide -- including back-to-back international #1 songs, 1988’s Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step By Step -- and a series of crossover smash R&B, pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You,” “Step By Step” and “Tonight.” The group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold out stadiums throughout the world. They still hold many of these records to date. They were Forbes highest paid entertainers of 1990, beating out Michael Jackson and Madonna. The band boasted an extensive and highly profitable merchandise line which included everything from lunch boxes and sleeping bags to comic books, marbles and dolls. More Information at www.nkotb.com
Friday, April 4, 2008
Universal Urban - Bridging The Gap - Alumnight
These pictures look a bit crazy but that's how it gets when family gets together. Universal Urban crew out for a night on the town- bridging the gap between the many generations. Our man Sean Lalla from Vancouver was in the HOUSE ! So we showed him how the family gets down.
Although a lot of core Universal Urbanites were missing in action they were all there in spirit.
I dare you to find a team out there that is as tight as ours. I haven't in my whole life worked with a bunch of guys who have turned out to be my friends, teachers, brothers and coworkers.
When we all get together it's trouble but the good kind of trouble. The kind you wish you could get into more often.
I LOVE THESE GUYS !!!!! ALL OF YOU :-) It's such a privilege to be the lady amongst all of you reppin' ALUMNIGHT !!!!!!!!!
"Oh what a feelin' I'm feelin' RIGHT !"
P.S. The best part of it all is partying with your boss and waking up hungover on his couch ! Gotta love the family !
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Let's Cruise - D'Angelo
Don't know which rock this guy is hiding under but please make sure when you come back you bring that heat like you did with this joint.
Don't know which rock this guy is hiding under but please make sure when you come back you bring that heat like you did with this joint.
Little Brother - Slow it Down
To the previous post. When he saw I was going too fast, he replied "TAKE IT SLOW"
To the previous post. When he saw I was going too fast, he replied "TAKE IT SLOW"
Heart of the City Tour?
I know I still owe you guys a WMC update. ;-) It's coming !!!
Last night was the Jay-Z and a Mary J. "Heart Of The City Tour" in Toronto and I think I may be one of few to not be impressed. Maybe I am just a tough critic but I felt as though the whole show was rushed. It wasn't the same Mary I had seen in concert before, it wasn't the same Jay-Z I had seen in the past. It just seemed like they were on some "Hurry up and get this over with" vibe.
Now I love them both and they are phenomenal artists to me. I am not denying that.
However I wasn't sure where the show was going the whole time.
Mary killed it as usual but I felt like she rushed through songs that she could have take an extra moment with, not to mention she gave us snippets of songs !!! Still loved the fact that she sang her heart out and sweated out her hair from singing so hard. YOU GO MARY !!!! There were still songs that I wanted to hear that I didn't hear and not to mention the vibe was at its ultimate low when she was performing certain songs.
She had me cracking up though when she brought out the dancers !!!! HAHAHAHAHA
Calling out all the wrong baby fathers out there !!! HAHAHAHA
As for Jay- I mean Jay is Jay, of course I like the songs but again there were so many songs that he could have performed and he had the nerves to come at me with some "BIG PIMPIN'" Don't even !!!!!!!!!
Big up on doing the Movado track although my girl Soph and I swear we saw you do the Beyonce booty shake. lol Trying to sound Jamaican.
How can I forget ending the show with "You're Welcome" I called it, but what a weak way to end the show.
All in all- yeah I guess it was cool they were there and they performed but I expect a lot for $150 ticket. Shit for $100 I saw Stevie Wonder stand up on his damn piano chair !!!!
I still got love for them but I think it could have been a better show ! STRAIGHT UP.
Don't get it twisted though I still had my DIAMOND up in the SKY !!
Anywho after all that, came the many afterparties that he was "supposedly" going to be at. I love when every promoter and their mother claims "Jay-Z is coming tonight"
YEAH FUCKING RIGHT !!! NO ONE KNOWS WHERE THESE ARTISTS DECIDE TO GO.
Lone behold, who thought he would be at LOBBY of all places. People trying to name drop at the door to get it. SHIT IS HILLARIOUS.
I leave you with this pic that was floating today from Lobby and my ROC symbol in the AIR. ROC A FELLA FO LIFE !!!!!
P.S. What the fuck was up with Jay bringing out Memphis Bleek like who the heck is excited to see him? I mean when was his last album? The only reason why he is here is cause he ain't got shit else to do. SHIIIIIIIT ! At least I am glad to see that Jay-Z remained loyal to him.
I know I still owe you guys a WMC update. ;-) It's coming !!!
Last night was the Jay-Z and a Mary J. "Heart Of The City Tour" in Toronto and I think I may be one of few to not be impressed. Maybe I am just a tough critic but I felt as though the whole show was rushed. It wasn't the same Mary I had seen in concert before, it wasn't the same Jay-Z I had seen in the past. It just seemed like they were on some "Hurry up and get this over with" vibe.
Now I love them both and they are phenomenal artists to me. I am not denying that.
However I wasn't sure where the show was going the whole time.
Mary killed it as usual but I felt like she rushed through songs that she could have take an extra moment with, not to mention she gave us snippets of songs !!! Still loved the fact that she sang her heart out and sweated out her hair from singing so hard. YOU GO MARY !!!! There were still songs that I wanted to hear that I didn't hear and not to mention the vibe was at its ultimate low when she was performing certain songs.
She had me cracking up though when she brought out the dancers !!!! HAHAHAHAHA
Calling out all the wrong baby fathers out there !!! HAHAHAHA
As for Jay- I mean Jay is Jay, of course I like the songs but again there were so many songs that he could have performed and he had the nerves to come at me with some "BIG PIMPIN'" Don't even !!!!!!!!!
Big up on doing the Movado track although my girl Soph and I swear we saw you do the Beyonce booty shake. lol Trying to sound Jamaican.
How can I forget ending the show with "You're Welcome" I called it, but what a weak way to end the show.
All in all- yeah I guess it was cool they were there and they performed but I expect a lot for $150 ticket. Shit for $100 I saw Stevie Wonder stand up on his damn piano chair !!!!
I still got love for them but I think it could have been a better show ! STRAIGHT UP.
Don't get it twisted though I still had my DIAMOND up in the SKY !!
Anywho after all that, came the many afterparties that he was "supposedly" going to be at. I love when every promoter and their mother claims "Jay-Z is coming tonight"
YEAH FUCKING RIGHT !!! NO ONE KNOWS WHERE THESE ARTISTS DECIDE TO GO.
Lone behold, who thought he would be at LOBBY of all places. People trying to name drop at the door to get it. SHIT IS HILLARIOUS.
I leave you with this pic that was floating today from Lobby and my ROC symbol in the AIR. ROC A FELLA FO LIFE !!!!!
P.S. What the fuck was up with Jay bringing out Memphis Bleek like who the heck is excited to see him? I mean when was his last album? The only reason why he is here is cause he ain't got shit else to do. SHIIIIIIIT ! At least I am glad to see that Jay-Z remained loyal to him. Tuesday, April 1, 2008
PEEP THIS
In the meantime also check this out !!! I like the vibe in this song, makes me so anxious for the summer time :-)
In the meantime also check this out !!! I like the vibe in this song, makes me so anxious for the summer time :-)
Homecoming
I know I been MIA for a minute, that's cause I was in MIAMI. LOL I stumbled on this video today and thought it was fitting since I was back HOME !!! Really and truly though this song reminds me of my hometown MONTREAL !!!! Peep this video- and I will work on the updates from my trip in Miami !!!!
HOMECOMING from kwest on Vimeo.
I know I been MIA for a minute, that's cause I was in MIAMI. LOL I stumbled on this video today and thought it was fitting since I was back HOME !!! Really and truly though this song reminds me of my hometown MONTREAL !!!! Peep this video- and I will work on the updates from my trip in Miami !!!!
HOMECOMING from kwest on Vimeo.