Friday, December 28, 2007

BDAY SHOUTOUT PART 1

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SO MY BIRTHDAY WAS IN SEPTEMBER, BUT I WAS GIVEN THE GREATEST GIFT BY MY ERF FAMILY. SWEETLOCKS FROM MY FORUM COMPILED VIDEO SHOUTOUT SECRETLY RECORDED BEHIND MY BACK. THERES A TON OF FOOTAGE BUT IT HAD TO BE BROKEN UP. HERE IS PART ONE. WE RARELY SHOW THE EXTREMELY PERSONAL PART OF MY LIFE, BUT I AM HAPPY TO GIVE EVERYONE A GLISPE OF SOME VERY VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE TO ME.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

AS ONE YEAR ENDS

The year is coming to an end fast. It has been a great year for me. I’ve watch my fifth album come out and my company continue to grow. I’ve seen my friend, co-workers, former and current band members all grow. I experienced award nominations, and several high publicized tv appearances. I enjoyed an even more expanded world tour than the years before. Lived half of the year on stages all around the world. We did over 120 concerts this year. Maybe more. Each one being either a beautiful or learning experience. I marched in Jena with Michael Baisden, Al Sharpton and thousands of other inspiring energies. I said goodbye to one of my most important teachers. I stayed healthy, which I’ve learned isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I’ve been able to enjoy time at home with my family, my friends and most of all my woman. So much has happened I honestly could fill up a page for every single day of this year. In short, I am thankful for what I was able to experience and learn, and I look forward to another year. A year of challenges, lessons, rewards, memories, music, and opportunities.
I have been recording lately. Who knows when I will have another record ready, but I can say it feels good to be creating again. I hope to write a lot this year, while maintaining the same touring pace we’ve had over the last few years. I just ask for your prayers, and I will continue to pray for you. Okay its 4:30 am. Im gonna jot down some lyrics and then go to bed. Just wanted to drop some thoughts on you.
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P.S. You know what, I do have more to say. By no means is this a new years resolution. I don’t do well with those. But I am rededicating myself to a higher level of focus. I don’t need to be perfect, because I will never be, but I want this to be a work year. Sure I want to have another album out and a couple of hits on other artists. Sure I want to build my staff larger, and expand my tour. And yes I definitely want to make more money than I did this year. But more importantly I want to work on myself. If I work on myself I feel the rest will fall in place. I want to put aside judging and assuming so much. I want to focus on the now more than the past and the future. I want to be a better man all across the board. To challenge my self, and by example challenge others to step up. Its time in so many ways. Im probably speaking it, so that its documented and I hold myself accountable.
P.P.S. Each week I am going to tell of an experience in the studio or stage that has helped me in my career. Don’t know what day it will be but my goal is to share some insight on situations upcoming producers, songwriters, artists, and music lovers can benefit from. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

LENNY KRAVITZ AND ERIC ROBERSON

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Look at me. Today i learned how to post videos on my blog, thanks to my friends on my forum. And now im just post happy. Hahahaha.. Well this is something that some have missed.
Last year me and the guys had the pleasure of doing a project with Lenny Kravitz for Absolut Vodka. Absolut picked 10 producers all around the world to remix a song Lenny wrote. Louie Vega and I were the only two from the US that were picked to participate. Jazzanova, and the Looney Tunes were some of the other producer who worked on the project. This was one of my best experiences while being in the music business, especially at the launch when i had the opportunity to meet and talk with Lenny. He was really cool, and gave me a lot of pointers on vocal health. Above is the video shot for the remix we did.
Vocals - Lenny Kravitz
Drums - Eric Roberson
Keys - Dana Sorey
Guitar - Curt Chambers
Bass - Wayne Moore


BEHIND THE CAMERA

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Hey just wanted to share with you guys a television show called, Behind The Camera. They featured my good friend and great photographer, Anna Keenan as she photographed my concert in Toronto. Very insightful. Anna, did majority of the photos for my album "Left" except for the cover which was shot by Jati Lindsey. Anna also shot the cover for my new UK released entitled, The Collection. Well watch and enjoy...