“Do you want an official project from me?”
Posted by iAreConscious in Blog on April 20, 2012
I’d love to know. Albums take time and money to create. Especially if you want a great one. At the end of the day if I record an official record it’s not for me to listen to. It’s for you reading or anyone else that’s interested to hear and enjoy. Often artists say I do this for me. To an extent I do as well but ultimately creating music is for me to share with you. That is what’s real.
So the question is, “Do you want a full project from me?” Will you buy an album or a single? Will you purchase a creative box set with more than a plastic cd? Will you attend the shows and events that support said record? Most importantly will you spread the word about my music? My art…
I think about a lot. I love the feedback I get from individuals in private spaces. But I often wonder how powerful my creations are when only a small portion of all this love in secret I receive is shared outside of the personal space. Many thoughts go into all that I do. Sometimes I even over think what I release to the world only for the fact that I am very aware of the power of my words. I care about what I put out and how it is received. My attempt to be a responsible being in the midst of keeping the lowest carbon print I possibly can.
Anyway, I’m asking because at the end of the day, your input is important to me. I’ve considered conversations with a couple of labels. Some people that like my music have suggested I do a Kickstarter. I don’t think that’s for me. Perhaps a pre-order situation. You pay only for what it costs to get a record in your hand. I don’t want to make what I choose to create even if it is for you to be about you having to support the entire process of me getting it to you. That’s not your job. The only responsibility I think you really have as a fan, supporter or whatever label you choose for yourself is to be honest. To share what means something to you. And purchase it when it becomes available. I don’t know about other artists but I do look at stats. I see what’s listened to and what’s downloaded. What is then shared and what spreads.
My random rambling for today. If you made it through this, bless you very much. Be a proactive listener. I don’t beg people to buy any of my work. I ask you to share it. I benefit more from you sharing with others than for the sale of one album or one single. Keep that in mind not only for me but for every single artist, writer, producer, teacher or whomever you find interest in. SHARE SHARE SHARE. THERE’S POWER IN SHARING. I can’t do this alone. No one that is successful in life can. If they say so they’re lying.
Believe In You. I do.
PS. If you do want a record. What kind of record do you want? Do you want a rap album? Do you want me to sing? I’m listening.
Pressure On Your Name (test)
Posted by iAreConscious in Audio Bitz, Blog on April 16, 2012
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, whether sun or rain, pressure on your name
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, no one day’s the same, every day’s the same
a sideways margin, why are we marchin again..
i bought my coffin, with a lil bit help from my friends
no ice cream socials, or dressin up nice tonight
my rites of passage, s’when I’m taking flight
out body, out of sight
out of scrutiny, out of my life
no longer obligated to be
held down by gravity
surpassed these human beasts
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, whether sun or rain, pressure on your name
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, no one day’s the same, every day’s the same
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, whether sun or rain, pressure on your name
when you yell and scream just so you don’t hear the voices in your head no more, it’s time to go
no one day’s the same, no one day’s the same, every day’s the same
A Brief Interview With Director Maggie Hadleigh-West
Posted by iAreConscious in Blog, Interview, Video on April 5, 2012
I went to Medgar Evers Tuesday night to see a screening of a film about a rapper. Turned out to be about Half A Mill. I honestly wasn’t expecting much but the film was pretty good. I enjoyed it. After the screening there was a Q&A. I’m not fond of panels and most discussions that follow films about black folks. We always seem to end up in the same place upset and arguing saying nothing much that could actually affect change.
I couldn’t take it and stood up and addressed the entire audience. In my brief rant I spoke about taking responsibility for one’s self and for those who are around you. Being proactive and making a concerted effort to find something you can do to affect change. Someone kept asking, “but what can we do?” I pointed at the people on the panel and shouted they’re telling you what you can do. Support them! I addressed the fact that if you truly want to do things you simply find a way to do them. I expressed that change is not always tied to a budget and it’s important to understand that there is nothing small about any effort you make toward progress. You all want to have a perfect body but don’t want to watch your diet and exercise. It ain’t finna happen. I shared how one day I thought about how simply being nice to people in the street and smiling, speaking, kind gestures are powerful because there are people walking around everyday that simply do not want to live. All in all you have to actually care about people in order to want to help people. We are far too apathetic about things that happen around us that don’t directly affect us. That has to stop. But we have to stop it. It’s either do something or pretty much shut up.
Anyway… So much more to say but I won’t. What I will say is that I support this film and I’d hope people will support it as well.
It’s very interesting what gets support when it comes to the world of Hiphop and I’m not even discussing on a mainstream level because we all already know what it is.
This film deserves that support.
Quad Cinema: Fri. April 6 – Thurs. April 12
34 West 13th Street, NYC 10011 • 212.255.8800
Indie Screen: Fri. April 13 – Sat. April 14
289 Kent Ave. Williamsburg, BK, NY 11211 • 347.227.8030
http://freehiphopnow.blogspot.com/2012/04/interview-w-playerhating-love-story.html
Not sure when but I’ll be back…
Posted by iAreConscious in Blog on March 27, 2012
I’m going to take a break from the Internets for a bit. Not sure how long. Return to all things non virtual. My energy is zapped. Time to recharge seriously. Much to think about. Much to handle. Big shout to all the folks that show and prove their support for my art daily. I love you for it. I am truly grateful. Be well.
Who Are I?
My life is a living art project.
I hear the people talkin…