Interview with Richie Johnson

Interview

After searching linkedin.com, I ran across a very interesting person. Once I read through his profile, I just knew that I had to do an interview on him. I must say that this person truly caught my eye. However, I decided to do this interview over the telephone instead of online. I figured that if I did it this way, then I would get the full affect of the interview. The reason why I decided to do this interview is because of fact that this person works in the field of entertainment.  One day I hope to definitely be working in the field of entertainment myself. The person that I decided to interview happens to be Richie Johnson.  Richie also happens to be a former student here at full Sail University.

The purpose of this interview is to give up and coming students like myself, some insight on the field of entertainment.

What type of Entertainment Company do you work for?

I work for a production company call Black Congress Music. I have been employed here for about two years. Here at Black congress, I currently hold the position of CEO and A&R along with my partner Jermaine Fields. As Artist and repertoire, I scout talent for the company. At this time, Black Congress Music is trying to transition into a record company.

What got you interested in this field of work?

My brother introduced me to music at the age of three and I fell in love with it. From then on I had always been interest in entertainment. Since I am a hard worker and go-getter, I decided to start my own company. This is something that I always have been dreaming about doing.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Owning my own and being CEO of my own record label. I will have several artists and producers, like other labels. I also don’t mind being a sub label under a major record label.

How did studying at full sail university help you to transition into your career?

I would have to say that this school gave me more of a business mind set. It also made me more aware of all the connections I could have in this business. For example, I made several connections on linkedin.com

What do you think that you could do in the future to stay successful?

I think the most important thing is to keep networking and stay vocal.

Do you have any advice for me?

Learn to over come the objective of not take no for an answer.  You receive twenty no’s before you get one yes.

 You cam find Richie Johnson at www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=84520206&goback=%2Ermg_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1%2Enpv_85047184_*1_name_DSL5_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

Babies and fresh new faces

Current Event

The current topic that I decided to discuss, happen to be the rumors that has been circulating once again regarding Beyonce Knowles being pregnant. There is a lot of speculation that the rumor isn’t true. The reason why I am so interested in this story is because of the fact that she is one of the singers that I admire. Also because I want to work in entertainment, so I try to stay up on current events. She is also an award winning artist, who sold millions of records. Beyonce is also married to one of the greatest rap artist and successful businessman Jay Z (Shawn Carter). We could fine both of these artists on Forbes magazine’s top list of the highest paid entertainers year to date. There is also another rumor that Shawn Carter had been cheating on Beyonce again this year with R&B sensation Rihanna. So, why would Beyonce want to have a baby to him? I'm sure that's what your asking yourself. However, in my own personal opinion I think and hope that she is pregnant. I am not saying this because I don’t like her. As you can see at the beginning of this blog, I truly do love her as an artist. I just wish that other artist would have chance to shine. It's like playing the same song over and over again. You love the song, but you have to turn it off and listen to something else for a while and then come back to it. So, hearing something fresh and new, from other artist it's such a bad thing. There are so many great pop and R&B artist out there, but sometimes I believe that she over shadows and over powers them and may continue to do so.  However,  other artist need to take the initiative to step their game. A person with money, power, and talent isn't going to give up their position without a fight. Not to day that people with money would have a problem with moving out of the way and helping other to succeed. I believe B would, but I'm sure no babies going to stop her. 

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978132002

http://living.oneindia.in/insync/2010/beyonce-jayz-family-planning-020910.html

interview with Dan Jasman of Black Circle

Interview

I have decided to blog about an interview with Dan Josman of Black Circle. The title of this interview is call, “ Breaking the Mold”. The group Black circle; can be know as an alternative pop rock trio.  A lot of people described this group as a mix between Blink 182 and Queen of the Stone Age. The reason why I have decided to blog about this interview is because I want to one-day work in the music industry. I also know that if I really want to be in this industry, then I will have to be open to all genres of music. So, to keep myself in the loop, I try to stay on top of current events, the different groups, and artist.

During this interview Dan talks about how his British rock band came to be. He also tells how he is the leading guitar and vocalist. Mayumi, the bass players met Dan about a year ago through a friend. A few months later they ran into Simon. Simon is now known as the drummer for the group. Before they released their first single, Dan says that they were performing everywhere (any place u can think of). The name Black circle, came from an unfinished song that had Dan wrote long ago. Dan wants the name of the group to represent a new start. Also during the interview Dan responded to a question by saying; that once you get futher alone in this career u realize that you can’t please everybody. Also during this interview, I learned that all of the members write and produce the music for the group. The group’s first single happens to be called  “little girl”. Black Cirle, plans to do a video for their next single and also they hope to be traveling to the united states to perform.

http://greatunknownsmusicexpose.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-dan-josman-of-black.html

song writer and lyricist "Don Black"

Current Event

     I decided to post a blog about a very special and interesting current event.  The reason why I decided to respond to this article happens to be because it related to my field of interest. This article, talks about a man who came along why in the music industry.  He is one of the greatest and well knows songwriters of all time.  He has written song for movies such as: The Pink Panther strikes again, James bond, and Dances with Wolves. I have been following him for a very long time and I will continue to keep track of his future endeavors. He has encouraged me to peruse a career in songwriting. I believe that his insight and wisdom on music writing, will eventually point me in the right direction of success.

The man that I am speaking about happens to be Don Black, the lyricist (songwriter). He as contributed to several different movies soundtracks. He has work with almost every artist you can name. Next month on October 5^th, he will be awarded as one of the BMI icons in London.  Don will be included among other icons such as the Bee Gees, James Brown, and Van Morrison. All of these icons have made a very huge impact on today’s generation of music. This event happens to be one of the most amazing moments in music history.

Before I end my blog, I want to leave some information about BMI. For those who don’t know about this company, the unabbreviated name for the company is Broadcast Music Inc. It was founded in 1939 as a non-profit performing rights organization. BMI happens to be a company that receives the license fees for songwriters, music publishers, and composers. They allocate the fees as a form of royalties to the subscribers who’s works have been used or preformed.  

Websites:

http://www.songlink.com/news20100902A-don-black-to-be-named-bmi-icon.html

http://www.bmi.com/about/?link=navbar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/7977090/Don-Black Diamonds-are-Forever-songwriter-honoured.html

Ashley's Profile

My name is Ashley Williams and i was born on January 30, 1986 in Harrisburg, PA. I am the second oldest of six children, i was raised in a single parent home, and my mother name is Norma Williams. I graduated from JCSU in 2005 with a BA i music business. I also have a two year old daughter name Juhiya. My interest are music, singing, dancing, event planning, and entertainment. I am currently pursuing a degree in entertainment business at full sail university. I hope to one day work at one of the top five major record labels