Demand Magazine

[john]

I must have missed it, but it is worth repeating, nonetheless.

It was this interview with AllHipHop: http://allhiphop.com/2012/07/02/haley-re...-exposure/

Good outlet -- different audience. I wonder if placement there has anything to do with an upcoming release of OM as a single? The hip-hop sites were full of that song early on.

The interviewer, Clayton Perry, writes a lot about R&B, hip hop, and related topics.

http://claytonperry.com/

Who is Clayton Perry?

As a child, I would awaken every Saturday morning to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan as my mother washed clothes, spot-cleaned the kitchen and cooked a hearty breakfast. But as I grew older, the music that provided the soundtrack to my youth has slowly faded from public consciousness, as well as mainstream media outlets. And to my dismay, the record and history of the R&B genre have been largely ignored and poorly kept.

Having always been a rather opinionated person, for many years, I’ve expressed my frustrations on the looming “death” of R&B to friends and colleagues over coffee and lunch. But after taking the advice of my mentor, Edward Garnes, I decided to commit my thoughts to print. The first product stemmed from a [late-night phone] conversation: a critical analysis of international pop star Beyonce Knowles.

After forwarding my article to music editors across the nation, I quickly discovered the massive power (and reach) of the Internet. Within a week, I was approached by Eric Olsen of Blogcritics Magazine in 2006 to become a cultural features writer for the burgeoning news outlet, which now receives over 150,000 daily visitors. Three years later, I would begin contributing features to AllHipHop.com – the world’s largest (and most-trusted) source for hip-hop news. During my tenure with these two sites, I have written various social commentaries, historical music reviews and concert reviews regarding countless R&B, country, and hip-hop acts. (A few of my favorites: “Kelis Explores the Outer Limits of R&B,” “…the Slow, Unfortunate Death of R&B,” and ”Jay-Z & Eminem’s Letterman Show: Behind the Scenes.”)

Over the past four years, my written work has also established connections within the music industry that have afforded me the opportunity to secure interviews with traditional and contemporary pioneers of popular music — from Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash) to Lady GaGa. To date, I have conducted over 200 interviews. In time, I believe my conversations will serve as documents of oral history.

I must note that many people have supported me along this short, explosive journey. And thank God, for a slew of phenomenal publicists, like Nathalie Levey, who have introduced me to a world of music that extends well behind the confines of “soul music.” Lord knows what the future has in store!

Want to learn more (or invite me to an event)?

A blog piece with A&R executives - http://passionandmemory.com/2012/06/19/r...inar-2012/

[john]

[LovinDaHaley]

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It's great publicity for Haley Reinhart being grouped with the top sellers again, now both in "Music Now Magazine" and "Demand Magazine". Obviously the music industry believes in her.

And thank you Dr. J also for the link to that recap of the “The A&R Movement - New Music Seminar". I got very exited reading what the top executives in the music industry had to say about what it takes for an artist to make it big in today's music world. So much of what they said is totally in Haley's favor:

Steve Greenberg looks for a unique sound – something that “hits them where they ain’t.” In a crowded field, Greenberg seeks an artist and sound that people might like but haven’t had the chance to hear.

Peter Edge agreed – adding the value and importance of the drive and ambition expressed behind that uniqueness.

Darius Van Arman thinks the experience to be a bit of a crapshoot. He simply enjoys the exploration. Key questions he considers: Are they compelling? Do they have a presence? Is he inspired?

Josh Deutsch desires an emotional connection. Although success can be defined in a variety of ways, Deutsch highlights the power of a moving record – no matter the genre.

Craig Kallman appreciates unique tone, sound and texture. Songwriting is also a crucial element in his decision-making. He considers early signs of being able to write a great song “added value.”

Monte Lipman could not pinpoint any exact traits that he desires. In addition to listening to the universe, he insists – quite firmly – that he knows it when he sees it. Lipman agreed with Edge and Kallman about the necessity of an artist to have a sense of urgency for success.

Darius Van Arman: “I don’t know if anyone [on the panel] is looking for the next [Justin] Bieber.”

Peter Edge: “Just because you have millions of views on Youtube doesn’t mean that you can sell records.”

Josh Deutsch: “Is 100 million views [on YouTube] a barometer of success?”

With the rise of social and digital media platforms, Darius Van Arman foresees the bulk of artists being “crowd-sourced.” In fact, as a record person, he exclaimed that record people are OK with the fans discovering talent first.

Avery Lipman was pretty adamant in stating that artists need to “stop trying to get a record deal.” The people are the gate-keepers. Just be passionate.

Josh Deutsch suggested that there are a lot of pollutants that get in the way of the curation experience. It’s our obligation to seek out great music.

Monte Lipman: “You don’t have to get out of your bed or your [pajamas] in order to cut a record.” He added: “Adele is proof that good music can and will sell.” Do not be “too preoccupied with genre.” Lipman cited jazz as a sad circumstance. “Amy Winehouse was considered a jazz artist initially.”

Avery Lipman: “What’s old is new. But we have a small safety net. If you take a big swing and miss, you miss big.”

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