Major vs Independent

In the past it was an artist’s dream to be on a major label, become famous, and make a lot of money. As time as gone by and the industry is more transparent we all have learned that is not an easy task. Artist would focus on the big advance they would receive to start their project but never realized the long-term obligations that came with it. Artist could not just rely on their record sales to earn income, they had to tour and sell merchandise since the money from record sales were going to paying back record label royalties.

Artists in the past few years have not went the way of the major label but have done a lot of independent work. With the help of the Internet and social media an artist can build their fan base in multiple cities and countries without even going to perform there. They can now sell their music online to their fan base instead of out of the truck of their car.

In the video below Owen Husney talks about artist development at major labels. That recently they are looking for a packaged deal instead of trying to help an artist build their brand. I think if an artist has already gained a fan base on their own and is looking to expand then eventually going the major routine would be beneficial to them. On the other side of that there are artists who are now finding their voices. They are not sure exactly what direction they want to take their music or even who exactly is their fan base. Those types of artists need a helping hand where they will probably find at an independent label. Working with them closely to build their brand and fan base whether it’s by touring or through social media.

At the end of the day each artist has to weigh out the pros and cons of their own particular situation. Do some research before making any deal and get a full understanding of what they are getting themselves into. There is no right or wrong ways of going into the industry, but you also don’t want to go in blindly. 

ON DECK Review - Fressh & Lauri G.

Join us on Monday July 16th at 10pm for another installment of ON DECK. This week we will be presenting  Fressh and Lauri G. two very inspirational gospel artists. Make sure you  tune in to hear DJ Shan and Black Cesar interview these artists and we encourage all listeners to call in and give their opinions. See the artist reviews, bios and contact information below.

Links for AllNite Radio:

ON DECK! 07/16 by AllNiteRadio | Blog Talk Radio

Homepage: http://www.allniteradio.com/
Station App: http://tunein.com/station/?stationId=142389

AllNite Radio Social Media Links:
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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/allniteradio
On Deck Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/youareondeck

Fressh

Review:
Fressh ministers through his music letting his listeners know that there are still lessons to learn no matter what stage in life you are in. The two songs I reviewed were "Teach Me" and "New", songs that provide a message of never giving up. You can tell that these songs are coming from his heart and personal experiences. You know that even when you have failed or you think you have fell short of a goal, you need to pick your self back up learn from the experience and keep trying. Fressh is definitely an artist to look out for in the future.


Bio:
A professionally trained artist with an all natural charm that is ready to host and/or perform at your next special event using music, comedy, and words of encouragement. With over 15yrs of experience, Doug Tindle aka Fressh strives to provide classy entertainment to every venue he's invited to. Fressh has performed and ministered all over the world using his strong baritone voice and heart for the people. If you need a weddings singer or encouraging songs delivered to your church congregation , an emcee for your special event, or even an actor for your independent film, Fressh can cover it all. As a war veteran and college graduate, Fressh knows the value of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship has allowed him to be able use his talents within church as well as the community without compromising character or morals. 


Contact Info:
thatboyfressh.com 

Facebook - f.r.e.s.s.h 

Twitter - @fresshman84

Lauri G.
Review:
Lauri G. is very inspirational artist and her songs are uplifting. While listening to her songs I couldn't help but have a good feeling, it was just music but from the words and message of her songs. The three songs that I reviewed were "Open My Heart", "Whatever", and "Nobody Loves Me Like Jesus". If you are going through  tough time and you need words of encouragement I would definitely recommend adding these songs to your playlist. They let you know that everything will be ok if you just trust and have faith. Lauri G. has a beautiful voice, your hard work is surely paying off and I can see your songs added into the Sunday Morning Inspirational on Allnite Radio.


Bio:

Lauri G. was born and raised in Detroit, MI where as a pre-teen she was trained as a classical vocalist. As a teen she began singing with local bands and performing on the Detroit club circuit. Soon she discovered her talent to write songs and along with her friend (whom she later married), wrote catchy R&B songs some of which gained air-play by the local radio stations. Later they would be asked to produce for radio; jingles, intro's for on-air personalities, teasers, drops, and PSA's. 

Lauri G. became a member of The Alvin Waddles Delegation, a local gospel group that sang at events in several US cities including Chicago, Detroit, and Tuskegee. She has opened for several national artists like Karen Clark-Sheard, Yolanda Adams, and Beverly Crawford.

In 2000, Lauri G. formed Water, an eight‐person ensemble that ministered the Gospel to local churches, coffee houses, and other Christian‐based venues. Upon founding Water,

Lauri G. and her husband Ronald began writing and  producing original Gospel music for the group which was extremely well‐received in the local churches and the community.  

After relocating to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Lauri G. was asked to sing with the Grammy‐nominated performer/ composer/director, James Mitchell’s Heart Psalms Choir. Once a member of a local church she assumed responsibilities of the Choir Director, and Worship Leader. She and her husband also produced a weekly radio show. They continue to write and produce uplifting spiritual Contemporary Gospel music that moves your spirit. Somebody say AMEN!

Contact Info:
www.laurigmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/laurig
Facebook - Lauri G. 
Twitter - @laurigmusic

ON DECK Review - RAIIN & Chappa Jan

Monday July 9th at 10pm AllNite Radio is proud to present two artists RAIIN and Chappa Jan on our new show ON DECK. DJ Shan and Black Cesar will be talking to them about their music and giving their own reviews. Listeners are definitely in for a treat with this show so don’t hesitate to call in and voice your opinion. You can see my review of the artist below as well as links for their music.


Links for Monday’s show:
ON DECK: http://tobtr.com/s/3402879 #BlogTalkRadio
Homepage: http://www.allniteradio.com/
Station App: http://tunein.com/station/?stationId=142389

AllNite Radio Social Media Links:
FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/AllNiteRadio/
FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AllNite-Radio/343236852357506
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/allniteradio
On Deck Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/youareondeck







RAIIN

On Deck Review:
RAIIN has a very powerful voice there is no denying that. Her sound takes you back to the 70’s to the days of skating rings and strobe lights with her two songs Human Tsunami and Come to Me. RAIIN”S song Gayl has more of a house feel to it with lyrics that had me laughing as I listened. Gayl refers to men that gossip more than women, we all know one or two men like that. RAIIN really speaks her mind on this track. The fourth track Be Wise had a very great message to it; it was more of a gospel song. My opinion that message got lost with RAIIN rapping the lyrics. She has a strong singing voice and powerful lyrics she should stay in that direction and leave the rapping to Nicki Minaj. Overall RAIIN has a great voice and good lyrics with a message, she just need to polish up her songs a little more and stick to singing and she can go far.

Bio:
RAIIN got that new school swag, with that old school Donna Summers flow, Aretha Franklin power house like vocals making love to your soul. Inspirational lyrics that can give you that uhmpf to keep going on. If motivation is what you want then RAIIN”S TSUNAMI will give you all the motivation you need. After the RAIIN comes the sunshine…

Contact Info:
RAIIN music can be purchased at Cdbaby.com/raiin Facebook.com/Dyvineent3
RAIIN’s profile and free streaming: www.Reverbnation.com/raiin For retail Super D (949) 225 1170





Chappa Jan

On Deck Review:
Listening to Chappa Jan took me back to basement party days in Brooklyn. I couldn’t help but sway as I was listening to his music. Just from his bio you can see he has doing music for a long time, but when you listen to his songs you can tell music is running through his veins. Each song is well polished and I can definitely see DJ’s playing his songs on the radio and at parties; I know I will definitely add his songs to my playlist for my Friday night dancehall sessions. Hopefully Chappa Jan’s music will get him the same recognition in the United States has it has in Jamaica.


Bio:
Chappa Jan was born in a small rural community in Claremont, Saint Ann, Jamaica. Saint Ann is the birth place of many famous artist including Justin Hinds, Shabba Ranks, Burning Spear and Bob Marley.


This is where you will find the Majestic Dunn River, the twist and turning Fern gully and the birthplace of the great thinker Marcus Garvey. Chappa Jan practically grew up around local sound systems. This enhanced his talent and love for music. He entered and won many local talent shows. It was the Roof talent show that was owned and managed by producer Courney Cole on James Ave. home of the legendary Jack Ruby that lifted the bar for Chappa Jan. Being a winner of the Roof talent show provided him the opportunity to begin his early recordings with producer Paul Vernon, Calvin Reid and Barry O'Hare.


It was the Safe House Label with the chart topping song "Yardie" that blazed the air waves and boosted him to the hearts of main stream audiences and inspired patriotic Jamaicans to take pride in their country. Another hit "Work is the order of the day” is a song that speaks about the youths dreaming of a luxurious life ....without working to achieve it. Chappa performed in some of Jamaica's most prominent and stand-out shows such as: Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, GT. Taylor Christmas Extravaganza show, Culture shock and Campfire. He has Shared the stage with Beres Hammond , Buju Banton, Damian Marley, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Gentleman, Joseph Hill and Culture to name a few. His universal mind set allowed him to work with Phaffar Nesser from Denmark to produce the song " REAL LOVE" collaborated with the late Nastasja,"SOME OF US" with Chezidek.For all the females who know "yoh pretty when yoh wake up, yoh nah fi use no make up “the latest song title "NAME A CALL" on the FOOD PALACE MUSIC/ARCHER GULLY MUSIC label speak for you. .The single “JOURNEY & YES I KNOW" on the Good Look Label highlights his strength on the mission. Chappa believes in human improvement and always strives to use his music to lift up the human spirit in a positive way...Blessing to everyone, ONE LOVE.


Contact Info:
http://www.reverbnation.com/chappajan
http://www.youtube.com/424chappajan

D'Angelo Making A Comeback!

Recently D'angelo made his first live U.S. appearance in twelve year at Bonnaroo with Questlove. During his appearance he performed covers of Led Zeppelin and Beatles songs. D'angelo fans have anxiously waiting for him to back a comeback after his first album.

When D'angelo first came on the scene he blew everyone away with his good looks and of course his smooth melodic flow. Every woman felt his lyrics were written just for her, like a personal love letter. D'angelo's songs are what R&B is all about; taking you on a journey making you feel various emotions and remember memories of special moments when you heard that song. With such a powerful reaction to his first album Brown Sugar in 1995 no one expected for him to stay away so long.

D'angelo came back in 2000 with the album Voodoo that had songs like Devil's Pie that was featured in the movie Belly and the song attached to the video that no woman can ever forget Untitled (How Does It Feel).

After his second album he took long break, even though he did collaborations with various artists on their albums his fans still waited for his third album. There were rumors throughout the years that he has been working on one and some leaks of songs, but nothing official has been announced yet. Recently D'angelo has started making appearances performing at various events such as Bonnaroo, BET Awards tonight July 1st, and at the Essence Music Festival. D'angelo fans will be in for a treat to see him back on the scene.

Questlove recently has talked about D'angelo coming back with his third album and how dramatically different it would be from his previous work. Speaking as a D’angelo fan I know that his fans her anxious and can't wait to hear the new music he brings out. Coming from a musical genius, which has passion for his music we are sure to be amazed with the outcome. So D'angelo not to rush your great work but your fans are definitely looking forward to it.