Big Shouts to Levar Burton, Shirley and the Rob's Place Staff.

You still read right? Hope so. The written word is dope. For musicians everywhere there are a few books that should be scattered among your shelves amidst the What's Happenin!' DVD box set and the incense holder. Some are industry standard, and some remind us of why we do what we do, how to do it and how to maintain our sanity while we get it done:

Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod
Creativity comes from all angles and seems to have a few guidelines.

Ziglar on Selling by Zig Ziglar
Now that you have your sound down. Learn how to peddle that ish.

On the Record by Guy Oseary
Ahmet Ertegun (RIP), Rick Rubin and a gang of other names you should know have pretty interesting things to say on the biz and how they learned to rape it.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman
Bible

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Stop waiting for the inspiration to hit. Get up off that thing and work.

The Bedford Handbook for Writers by Diana Hacker
You can't freestyle everything. At least learn the rules before you blatantly violate them.

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel Levitin
Art and science for real. Freaky.

Get your library card out or sit on the floor at Barnes and Nobles and get to knowing!!!

-Kendal

Brand New Me and You

"I don't say 'I love you' 'cause the way I feel is greater."
-Black Thought

A few weeks ago, Def, director Terrance Wilmore and I were discussing music, shooting a video and watching little Aidan revel in the wonder that is a matchbox car lightning loop track. The subject came up of music and the love for it all...
Here's the bottom line: Music is work. Even if it's the type you don't mind, it's still not as easy as making an impression on the couch. Video shoots are tedious, song writing and producing can be frustrating, promo is a constant, nervous balance between career advancement and integrity preservation, and rehearsals and recording take much time and patience. None of it is easy, but we press on not because we love it. We passed love years ago. We press on because we couldn't imagine NOT pressing on. It's not a choice. We're shackled to it for life. Talking about success or failure is a waste of time. It simply must be done.

Bless Up,
-Kendal

"Brand New Me" Video by Pardon the Stranger from kendal good on Vimeo.