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06/25/2002 The Queen's Scene |
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Higher Learning
Industry giants share valuable lessons learned in the music biz
by Michelle Muhammad
Music makes people come together. It definitely brought together thousands of would-be producers, singers and songwriters for Chicago radio station WGCI�s (107.5) FM recently held 11th Annual Music Seminar. Some 3,000 people who wanted to learn the ins and outs of making it in the music industry attended the annual star-studded event. Some of music�s hottest recording artists, producers and industry leaders served as panelists in the six action packed workshops.
This year�s roster of artists participating in the seminar reads like a list of who�s hot in music with Roy Jones Jr., Twista, Ray Bady, Darius Brooks, Bilal, George Daniels and Kay Gee among the special guests.
The producer�s workshop was filled to capacity. Packed with heavy hitters like Irv Gotti, Steve "Silk" Hurley and Kayne West, the workshop was not one to be missed. Chicagoan Kayne West who produced the hot new single "Guess Who�s Back?" that features Jay-Z off the new soon to be released Scarface album, shared how it took him many years and lots of hard work to get into the business.
The singer�s workshop was very insightful. The panel included Motown President Kedar Massenburg, Dave Hollister and India.Arie. Mr. Massenburg brightened the day of one participant when he asked her to send a demo to a particular producer at Motown and drop his name: "Tell him Kedar said listen to this and give him the feedback." At the end of the workshop attendees got to vote on the first single by one of Motown�s newest recording artists, who accompanied Mr. Massenburg.
Recording artist India.Arie was often barraged with questions, but she made the time to talk about being versatile as an artist. The most poignant moments of the workshop came when a wheelchair-bound participant asked her about the obstacles that she may be faced with due to her disability. India.Arie assured the young lady by recalling a conversation that she had with Stevie Wonder where he commented on being blind, something that has never stopped him. She told the young woman that perhaps she was to be a messenger, and that she was a singer first and foremost, and that was all that mattered.
The rhythm and blues, gospel and how to package yourself for success workshops were well attended but the hip hop workshop was by far the best attended with standing room only. Everyone wanted to see what valuable advice Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, president of Bad Boy records and Sean John clothing, had to impart.
Sharing the platform with Combs was the founder of Source magazine David Mays. Mr. Mays spoke on being diligent in what you desire to be or do. He cited his magazine�s unsigned hype section and how it got many artists discovered and signed, including the Notorious B.I.G. At the end, Combs was mobbed by hundreds of eager participants who desired to get on his label.
As the workshops ended, attendees were ushered into the grand ballroom for what was to be a spectacular evening. Attendees who decided to stay for the luncheon heard MCA recording artist Avant do a rousing rendition of the national anthem. They then were treated to a fashion show sponsored by Bogush Apparel. Prior to this annual event, the No. 1 rated radio station held a contest where listeners were encouraged to send in their demo tapes, and at the luncheon, the winners are presented with $2,000 cash prizes and an opportunity to shine by performing at the event. This year�s winning local acts were: Paul Mabon (Poetry), Reggie Royah & Judah (Gospel), Simbryt Whittington (R&B) and Hall of Fame (Hip Hop).
Another local act that was honored was R&B trio, 3pc., whose independently released album has sold nearly 30,000 copies locally. WGCI Program Director Elroy Smith presented them with the Home Jam Artist of the Year award. Other artists who received awards included Ashanti, Donnie McClurkin, Ja Rule and Steve "Silk" Hurley. Hurley at his peak was the hottest house music DJ in the country. He has gone on to produce many of today�s top artists, including Brandy and Chicago�s own Chante` Savage. One segment of the seminar that surely hyped and inspired all attendees were the performances given by 3 pc., Strong, True Enuff, and Donnell Jones, all native Chicagoans.
This year�s special tribute luncheon highlighted the career and achievements of Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, chairman of the board for Def Jam/Def Soul, and CEO of Phat Farm, along with Kevin Liles, president of Def Jam/Def Soul Records.
Joining the two on stage were Murder Inc., recording artist Ashanti and Murder Inc., President and Producer Irv Gotti.
Each told personal stories of their bouts with adversity and their persistence. Ashanti had two faltering record deals before deciding to join Murder Inc. Liles, one of the fastest rising music executives in history, went from being a Def Jam intern to president, with revenues doubling to $250 million in 2000 alone. Hip hop mogul and humanitarian Russell Simmons encouraged aspiring singers, songwriters and producers to stick with it and never take no for an answer, and most importantly, keep love of the craft as a central focus.
"A lot of people are so focused on their work and they don�t realize that the payoff is the work itself," said Simmons. "The thing about a dream is you have to live up to it and aspire to it despite the criticism and the people who walk away from it. It�s resistance that people accept rather than stand above. You have to stick with your dream." Simmons also urged the audience to learn from their mistakes. "Anything that goes wrong, those are great examples of what not to do again," said Simmons. "They�re not reasons you can�t make it."
"We turned a vision into a $10 billion business," said Liles. However, Liles credits much of Def Jam�s success to empowering talents like Gotti and Damon Dash of Rocafella Records and penning lucrative partnerships with young entrepreneurs. "He wouldn�t take no for an answer," said Simmons of Gotti.
"If you�re competing with your brother, you�re hurting yourself," said Simmons. However, Murder Inc., President Irv Gotti said that he usually didn�t attend seminars like this, arguing his point that they are a waste of time. "Go in the studio and make a hit record," said Irv Gotti, who said a hit will draw the lucrative label deals.
Participants left happy and more enlightened than when they arrived. A good time was had by all. If this year�s program is a barometer for what�s to come, look for a bigger and better turnout next year. You�ve got your lesson for today, let�s get to work and make that dream a reality.
(Michelle may be reached via her e-mail address at: [email protected].)