It’s been far too long since my last blog but as far as excuses go though,
I think mine is pretty good!
to take abroad and then the last two weeks in
did it open my eyes!
It was more a business trip than a holiday and so I got to find out first hand,
just how dedicated people are when it comes to making it in the music
industry. Or perhaps any industry, but for me my trip was all about the music!
I had other blogs in mind, but I feel while it’s still fresh, I shall share my experience....
Los Angeles: March 31st 2009
Arrived and LAX airport and so the madness began!
I spent my two weeks with a music lawyer and a freelance A & R
representative. Both are very excited about my music and believe
they can get me a deal, arather scary thought but equally exciting.
The first day of the trip I dressed down wearing shorts, a t-shirt
(yes it was that warm)and flat shoes. I was told in no uncertain
terms that as you never know who you are going to bump into,
I must begin to dress and think like a celeb from then onward.
Basically no dress down days, in public you must always be at
the ready. Something I can say I was not doing back home,
but then who are you likely to meet while strolling through
the Bullring in
of tea.
While stuffing pizza in a small diner on the corner of Hollywood
boulevard I saw Bobby Brown strolling (on his own), down the
street! I absent-mindedly declared ‘Oh isn’t that Bobby Brown’
and my friends simply replied, ‘Yeah probably’. About 5 minutes l
ater he drove past in a large Range Rover and waved. Now I
know you are probably saying ‘Big deal, Bobby Brown’ and of
course the fact that he did not have a huge entourage shows
how his popularity has gone down. A few years ago he would
not have been able to walk alone without being rushed by a
mob of screaming fans! Pre-Whitney days I think! And I am
pretty sure you guys will not be impressed that as I shopped
in Downtown L.A. Jermaine Jackson stood talking on his phone,
Police sunglasses shining in the gorgeous midday sunlight! But
the point I am getting at here, is in The States, you never know
who you will bump in to. And while I could recognise the odd
face, I had no idea what the Head of any record label looked
like so I had to be on my guard at all times!.... Bizarre but a reality
in the
I also learnt pretty quickly that you have to be prepared to break
into song at any time. My music lawyer apologised in advance but
said it had to be done. It paid off pretty quickly too! I have been
booked for 3 gigs in June and July off the back of a stranger asking
me to prove I could sing!
RnB Live Hollywood: April 7th 2009
My friends and business associates were able to get me a slot
on the RnB Live show in
to get me an audition. I had to do a cover and had to be able
to hold it down with the fantastic band sat behind me.
Thankfully nerves didn’t take away my voice and my rendition
of Whitney Houston’s ‘Saving all my love (inspired by Bobby)
secured me a slot that same evening.
By the time the place was filled with the audience paying a
minimum of $25 per table the nerves did kick in though. I
was introduced by a familiar comedian and made the
mistake of looking a few audience members in the eye!
By the time I had finished my song my mouth was so dry
and my body so hot, I barely heard the applause as I
left the stage… greatly relieved! My only indication that I
had done well was the well-wishers who greeted me as I
left the venue later on.
and after me, was unbelievable. Again an eye-opener.
There are so many people trying to break into the industry
and it is so true, it’s often only 20% talent and the rest is
down to luck – who you know and where you go!
I spent the remainder of the trip listening to industry
gossip and was surprised by what really happens behind
the scenes. Surprised by the amount of bravado that is
built up about artists. The amount that have poor record
sales or who are being dropped from their deals is scary!
Here’s me thinking I just need to get a deal and then it
should be less of a burden, but no! The work only just starts
from there!
Stay tuned to find out more about my antics in
little tips I learnt for those of you who are trying break-through!
Signing off, Flutter
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