Message from Gee

      The 1980 musical/comedy “The Idolmaker” told the story of an entertainment manager, Vincent Vacari played by the late Ray Sharkey. He believed he could make anyone a star. He picks a pretty boy with moderate talent, puts a lot of time, energy and promotion into him only to watch the pretty boy’s ego destroy all his hard work. Next he picks a shy, uncoordinated busboy Guido played by Peter Gallagher and works to make him a star. He changes Guido into a huge pop idol, Caesare. Buildings and light posts were plastered with posters claiming “Caesare Is Coming”. OK so the kid couldn’t sing, dance or walk a straight line, but the promotion made you believe he was the second coming... A believable legend was created and a teen idol was born sight unseen, talent unknown without the use of social media or cell phones.  It was a great “Push/Pull” promotional strategy. Push the artist/product directly to the consumer. After you’ve got them excited, pull or motivate them to learn more – seek your brand – buy your music.  In today's market, an internet presence is important. Create an Electronic Press Kit EPK with photos, press clippings, include personal testimonies.  Get on Facebook, Linkedin, snapchat, twitter, pintrest and more. I would suggest you do some give-a-ways, i.e. T-shirts, hats – singles or eps of your music etc. Offer your music on cdbaby.com. amazon.com, join the grammy organization, grammy.com and list with allmusic.com.   Create a buzz – become an idol. If you don’t have a manager/promotional team – it isn't hard to do it yourself – Check out electronic magazines like Soultracks.com, eurweb.com,  and keyofgee.com  to see what’s trending. They have great advertising rates. It’s all about you!

Have A Very Musical Day - In The Key of Gee

Listening to music is an active process. I first listen to hear how the music and lyric complement each other. Then I listen to hear how the musicians relate to the singer. Do they accompany the singer or do the support the singer? The two projects presented today feature two very different vocal stylings. The music and musicians accompany the artist – meaning they don’t crowd or overshadow the singer. With jazz and AOR (adult oriented radio) going the way of the cassette tape, I am proud to support the independent artist. Both artist have websites and their music is available for purchase. 

Meet Siloam Pool and Habaka Kay Foster Jackson