Articles

Posted on

L Keys Q&A

After releasing “Street Famous” recently I contacted Colorado’s L Keys for an interview. The mixtape earned itself a rating of 4.25/5 in my review and I was intrigued to the man behind the music. He is apart of the hottest music group in Colorado right now and is one of the most versatile artists I have heard flowing fluently between Hip Hop and R&B with conventions of other genres mixed in too. If you haven’t already downloaded “Street Famous” then I strongly advise doing so, for now, here is the interview where you can find out who L Keys dreams of collaborating with, the reasoning for the title of the tape and his response to my criticism of the “Alien” track. 

 

For those reading, who may not have heard of you, give us a brief insight to you and your music…

My name is Lkeys I’m a superstar in the making..[laughs]. Not your average rapper, an entertainer just trying to tell his story through music.

What are your reasons for calling your mix-tape “Street Famous”?

Really, I feel that’s what I am. I’m someone who is street famous making a transition to becoming world famous.

How successful has the mixtape been? or has it been a disappointment?

The project has been successful, It has woke a lot of people up, and that was my goal. Job ain’t done though, I still have to reach more ears.

What is your personal favorite song from the mixtape?

I honestly couldn’t say. I think the one that I felt more passionate about would be “Dreaming”

I criticized the song “Alien” in my review of the tape. Would you like to take this chance to argue against my opinion?

[laughs] No, I wouldn’t argue it. That’s your opinion,  and I respect that. I know some people that would strongly disagree but to each its own you know. My whole aim was to make a project full of songs that I knew everyone would feel. I feel I did that.

The mixtape indicated you have an ability to move from various sub genres of hip hop to even a little R&B. For the next mixtape can we expect a different approach more focused to one style, or a similar variety of styles?

For the next one just expect the unexpected. That what I wanted to show with “Street Famous”; versatility, I wanted people to see it’s no telling what I’m going to do next. But whatever I do, it’s going to be dope!

Do you think the Mood Music cosign for Trev Rich has helped yourself and Squizzy gang as well?

Its helped Trev, and its great to see him involving into what we been known we was from the jump, STARS. We all have our own lanes, and that’s what makes us one of the best! Squizzy…

If you could choose anyone in the world to collaborate with, who would you choose?

Jay Z.

What is your opinion on the current state of Hip Hop in Colorado? Do you feel you might have to move to a state with a more prominent Hip Hop scene in order to elevate further?

To be honest, I’m very impressed to see how far the state of Colorado Hip Hop has came. It’s a lot of dope artist in Colorado that the world is sleeping on. I do feel our market isn’t a easy market to break out  but can be done. Regardless of where you’re at you’re going to  have to leave where you are at to build your fan base.

Any last words to share with the world? Promotions…Jokes…Social Networking details? 

Yeah, If u haven’t heard ‘STREET FAMOUS” please go listen http://t.co/Fx5Ba3igpM Follow me on twitter @Lkeys303, IG: Lkeys303, Facebook/Lkeys303, For bookings contact Lkeys303@gmail.com! SQUIZZY

 

If you haven’t already, download Street Famous(click here) and follow L Keys on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #StreetFamous. Read my review of Street Famous(click here) or my personal blog for reviews of music outside of Colorado(click here).

Posted on

Gabriel Alexander Interview

For my first post in MileHi Imports I have got in touch with the renaissance man known as Brian Birkbeck. As a producer Birkbeck has worked with the likes of Travis Porter for their “Aww Yeah” hit under the pseudonym of Bbeck. Now however, by the alias of Gabriel Alexander, he is turning his focus to singing and rapping for his first ever mixtape; Who Is Gabriel Alexander?. If the mixtape didn’t answer the question its title poses, then hopefully the interview will:

For those who may be reading that do not know you, give a brief insight in to yourself and your music…

Well, I am a 25 year old from Virginia in the United States. I am a Producer, Songwriter & now an Aspiring artist. I enjoy partying, Sports, Working out, spending time with loved ones, and of course Music. I have been a Producer since about Age 15. There is just something about music that sooth’s my soul & gives me inner peace.

When there are millions of independent mixtapes on the internet, what sets you a part from others, why should music fans download your mixtape?

I believe in variety. I like to stand out with not only Producing my own beats but also by Singing & rapping. I LOVE to mix up different Genre’s and ALWAYS try to create a new sound. I try to stand out by using my life as a jukebox. I use my personal experiences as songs and I put out what I feel in my heart.

You are signed to Sony, presumably because of your work in production, how did that come about?

There has been a BIG rumor that I am signed to Sony Record but in fact I am not. I have done work FOR Sony & RCA records but I am not in fact signed with them. I am a independent Artist still.

According to your Twitter account, @BBeckMusic, bio you worked on Travis Porter’s “Aww Yeah” track. Have you worked with any other big names or been asked to?

I have not worked with any other big names as of yet but I am still getting interest from other labels to submit for major artist’s & labels.I have gotten E-mail’s from MTV, ESPN & other big name networks to Submit Production for their TV shows and also E-Mails to Submit music for Artist’s such as Big Sean, Kid Ink, Kelly Rowland & others…

What has made you decide to turn your attention to vocals and being the artist rather than the producer?

I have ALWAYS enjoyed singing and writing songs but I NEVER had the time to work on my own project. I finally had the time to do so and said to myself, why not? The process has been long and very stressful but well worth it in the long run.

Is “Who Is Gabriel Alexander” being promoted by Sony too, or is it completely independent?

This is a 100% Original project that I have started and promoted by myself. It has been very hard but also enjoyable as well. Without the help of Friends & Fans & those who have supported me, I would be nothing without them.

Why have you used a new pseudonym as an artist to your producer alias BBeck?

In the past I would Feature on Hooks for other Artist’s but people would not know that it would be me on the hook, all they would say is “nice beat!”. I feel that with “Gabriel Alexander”, people KNOW there is a difference. B-Beck is my producer name & Gabriel is when I sing & rap.

How have you felt about the support you have been getting and hype surrounding the mixtape?

HUMBLED. The support I have been getting is just amazing. Lost for words on this one. Again, without the support I would be nothing. It has been such a Emotional moment for me. To go from nothing in life to have something to live for is absolutely amazing.

Have you a number of downloads you aspire to achieve?

I was just talking about this to my close friends yesterday when I said I just hope I get ONE download lol. In all honesty, I don’t mind if I have a low number or High number, the overall process has just been amazing for me in general and I am just happy to be making music. 100 in a week would be very cool tho! lol

If you weren’t involved in the music industry, what would you be doing as a career?

I would look into psychology. I love helping people with their problems. It really makes me happy to see me people overcome just as I have with my life.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world right now, who would it be? and why?

I would LOVE to collab with Calvin Harris or the likes of Big sean and so on….I feel I could work with any Artist honestly.

MTV recently announced their “Hottest MC’s In The Game” list, who do you think is the hottest artist in Hip Hop?

I feel their list is 100% TERRIBLE lol I would have to say currently right now “Drake”. It can be a toss up easily with the likes of Big Sean, Kendrick & Jay-Z & Nas but some of those names just DO NOT belong up there in my honest opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Brian Birkbeck on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #WhoIsGabrielAlexander. I have reviewed the mixtape on my personal review blog, TheRootMusic(click here)

 

Posted on

Trev Rich Interview

Following a co-sign with Joe Budden and being featured on the “A Loose Quarter” mixtape, Trev Rich blew up. Then he dropped his own mixtape and “Heights” cemented his place in the music industry as “one to watch”. This week Trev released “Word” and has been mentioning a remix of Eminem’s “Seduction” and “Heights 2” on Twitter. So I thought I’d grab the Denver, Colorado rapper for an interview for Colorado’s best music website, www.milehimusic.com, and gain some insight on his upcoming projects, his dream collaboration and who he thinks is the hottest emcee in the game right now. 

 

For those reading, who may not know about you and your music, would you like to give us a brief overview?

My real name is my rap name. I’m from Denver,Co and Ill let my music speak for itself. Check it out if you haven’t.

You dropped Heights around new year, in hindsight how do you feel about the mixtape now? Do you regret anything or are you overwhelmed with how much positive reception you got?

Very proud of Heights. It set a personal bar that I’m gonna take even higher with Heights 2. Very overwhelmed with the perception I love the love, and the hate too.

I don’t think it is unfair to say that a lot of your fans, including myself, became so due to the Joe Budden co-sign, how did that come about? 

Twitter. Simply Twitter. I explain the full story on Heights 2. I don’t wanna spoil it right now.

Do you feel any remorse at the fact it took a feature on someone else’s mixtape for you to blow up or are you just happy it actually happened?

Not at all. I don’t care how it happens as long as it does. Joe helped the politics away in my favor. You can tell my the support of blogs after dreams was released. I’m forever thankful.

 

I have a lot of respect for the Squizzy Gang you’re apart of, and trying to listen to as much music from the camp as I can..But I’m confused as to what Squizzy Gang actually is? A label? A music group? or just a group of friends? Care to clarify?

A Group of musicians. A lot of teams call themselves labels not knowing what the hell a label actually does. We won’t make that mistake. A group of dope artists.

L Keys is the next Squizzy Gang member to drop a mixtape with “Street Famous”. Presuming you’ve listened to the tape. What can we expect from it and what is your favourite track?

I’ve only heard on track and that’s the one I’m on. Keys has been real secretive about this project. I wanna hear it just like everyone else. I know it’s gonna be dope though.

 

You’ve been dropping a couple songs recently, and tweeted regarding a Heights 2. When can we expect that to drop?

May 28th.

You have also been mentioning “Seduction”, a remix of the Eminem track off of Recovery. It is very dangerous to be remixing arguably the most popular rappers songs, what made you do so?

I’m a firm believer in stirring the pot. I don’t give a shit who gets mad someone will appreciate it. This is what hip-hop is about. Fuck politics fuck rules fuck feelings. Just. Make. Good. Music. Timeless music.

 

If you could get a collaboration with any artist in the world right now, who would it be?

H.O.V.. No doubt. I hadn’t been much of a Jay fan coming up because my intellect wasn’t polished enough. Now I see clearly. (Laughs) Honestly not even a feature, I just wanna pick his brain. NH

MTV are currently naming their top 10 for hottest emcees in the game, who do you think is number 1?

I don’t know I could careless though to be honest. Ill care when I’m up there.

 

As a last word, is there anything in particular you want to say to the world? 

Heights 2. Coming Soon. MME/ Squizzy shit.

If you haven’t already, download Heights (click here) and follow Trev Rich on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #TrevInterview.

Posted on

How To EQ Vocals Correctly

One big difference we notice between home studio recordings and professional recordings is the quality and clarity of the vocals. Not only does the quality of the microphone you’re using matter, but what also matters is cutting out the sound that the human ear can’t hear as well as adding presence to your vocals. These two videos will show you how to do just that(given that you have the basic software). Enjoy!

 

 

Posted on

Multiple Rights Deals in the Music Industry

By Jay Rosenthal
Edited by Julian Bentley, 2009
Published by the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers                                                                                                                                                                                                            

360 Deals and Music Publishing

 

By Jay Rosenthal, Esq.*

New concerns continue to arise as record labels try to expand the scope of the “360” deal to include what otherwise would be sacrosanct income streams of the artist.  Regarding music publishing, record labels have always focused on limiting their financial obligations to the artist/songwriter via the controlled composition clause.  However, as economic pressure pushes labels toward actually acquiring a financial or even equity share of the singer/songwriter’s overall publishing income, new issues emerge and unintended consequences will ultimately result.

The overall “360” concept seems to be a financial winner for the record labels, and ultimately a loser for artists and managers.  In fact, the Copyright Royalty Board in the United States has recently noticed this phenomenon in their recent Mechanical and Digital Phonorecord Delivery Rate Determination Proceeding (“The CRB Ruling”).  The CRB refused to accede to the RIAA’s request to decrease the mechanical penny rate or switch to a percentage of revenue formula, for a number of reasons, including the Publisher’s contention that the record labels improved their financial condition by adopting the “360” model.

One can understand why a record label would try to secure a publishing share from their singer/songwriter.  While mechanicals are down, public performance and third party licensing income is holding steady.  Publishing is one income stream that has a chance of actually realizing a sizeable return, even in this age of piracy.

As a preliminary matter, publishers would almost always protest or reject any attempt by a signed songwriter/artist to enter into a “360” deal assigning a significant songwriter publishing equity share to their record label.  But the dynamic changes if the artist has not signed a publishing agreement.  Without the protection of a publisher, a songwriter/artist faces a tough choice – give into what essentially is a contract of adhesion without excising the publishing grab or pass on perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity.

So without a publisher involved, the artist attorney must address some fairly serious issues:

Cross-Collateralization:  Generally, if asked, a major label would not cross-collateralize mechanical royalties against other artist expenses in a traditional
Artist/label agreement.  In a “360” deal, however, the label will try to cross-collateralize the entire label share, as well as the full artist/songwriter mechanical share, if possible.  Artist attorneys should try to minimize the record label’s natural tendency to cross-collateralize everything.

• Controlled Composition Clauses:  Labels already force many singer/songwriters to accept the draconian limitations on the statutory royalty rate and the number of compositions paid on each album.  If the label will now control or own a significant portion of the composition, the impact of the reduced rates and other limitations seem particularly inappropriate.  Perhaps seeking a full repudiation of the controlled composition clause is a proper goal for the singer/songwriter forced into a “360” arrangement.

• Approval Rights:  If a label controls and/or owns a significant share of the musical composition, approval rights issues will ultimately arise.  For example, will a label have the right to enter into non-exclusive third party licensing arrangement without the authority of the co-owner, i.e., the singer/songwriter or their publisher?

• Late Fees:  The CRB Ruling established, for the first time, a 1.5% monthly late fee to be paid by the record labels if mechanical royalties are not paid to the publishers within the statutory time requirements, i.e., 20 days after the end of the month of distribution of the phonorecord.  Ironically, the record labels may now have more incentive to pay before the late fee accrues, since they now co-own or control the composition.  What should not happen is that the record labels somehow waive or attempt to waive the late fee.

These are just some of the problems and issues needing attention from the singer/songwriter attorney when faced with a grab of publishing rights in the ever expanding “360” deal world.  I am sure many more will arise as the “360” deal becomes the norm, instead of the exception.