Da insider mag 10 by Da Insider Magazine

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Da Insider 10

Magazine

THE BALANCE

RENZEL RICH FOREVER

Juggling a 9-5 and and your music career???

Model Material

@Bodybyiza007 New Artists Artists New

New Artists

Eddie Blanco E$ BFNE Musiccudi Beats Mr. Intangible Da Don B-Live Ray Bentley

New Information

-DemoDo's & Don'ts APRIL 2017

RICK ROSS

iTunes Link

hypekillsnyc.com

#10

CONTENTS COVER

Rick RO$$ EVEN WITH ALL OF HIS SUCCESS ROZAY IS STILL "HUSTLIN"...

IVAN SPINY

TATTOO SPINY

Artists punching a clock and then off to the studio. Full Story.

ART

B y

DIRTYWORK

FEATURED ARTISTS Eddie Blanco E$ BFNE B-Live Mr. Intangible Da Don Musiccudi Beats Ray Bentley

MODEL <> ALERT

@Bodybyiza007

@Orangutang Photo by: Zachary Jefferson

Coming live and direct from Detroit, Michigan is a dope hip-hop artist whose name itself speaks volumes. With a unique, trendsetting style and sound of his own, he's on a journey straight to the heart of the rap game. We're talking about none other than the artist known as

B-LIVE

The name B-Live, although a reflection of the man himself, actually came from a cousin who wanted the name for himself. But fortunately, the name ended up with the one it was destined for. Creating little freestyle raps at the tender age of seven, B-Live learned how to put rhymes together and create bars early, and has only been sharpening his skills ever since. What started from watching the "We Want Eazy-E" video on "The Box" with his uncle at the age of six, quickly became a deep love for the stage and being the center of attention. At the age of 15, B-Live began recording his music and has been grinding ever since. Growing up in Detroit has fueled his lyrics with stories of his experiences, his ups and downs, as well as those of others around him. It gave him a chance to express his outlook on his environment, and a reason to stay away from the bottom and focus on making it to the top. Drawing inspiration from some of the greats in the game, Cash Money, Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, 2Pac, Ice Cube, Rakim, LiL Wayne, and Stretch Money, just to name a few, B-Live has worked to create his own brand. From his sound to his image and everything in between, he's creating his own trend and distinguishing himself from the rest of the pack. This saavy talent is not just an artist but a businessman as well. His future goals include creating a clothing line, building a nightclub, possibly getting involved in film, maybe even creating a biopic telling his life story, and basically building an empire. Ultimately B-Live's goal is simply to be successful and provide security for himself and his family. And it's not hard to tell that this skilled MC is definitely a success story in the making.

B-Live YouTube TAP TO WATCH

E$ BFNE

BEAST FROM THE NORTH EAST Allow us to introduce you to E$ (E-Money), otherwise known as "The Beast From the North East". Hailing all the way from the North East side of El Paso, Texas, this artist is making waves in music that can be felt by listeners everywhere. His unique hip-hop vibe reflects his creativity and his desire to be different from the rest. And that's exactly what he's doing as he makes his own path toward a successful career in the music business.

reating and writing music since the age of 13, E$ has music in his blood. Having a musician as a father, he learned to play numerous instruments at a very young age, including the guitar, piano, and saxophone. But after being told by one of his friends during a freestyle session "I don't like rapping

with you, I can't keep up", E$ realized that rap was yet another facet of music that he was good at. It wasn't until dealing with the brutal death of his best friend in 2012 that he began to take music more seriously, realizing that he needed to do this now because tomorrow is not promised.

n addition to fueling E$'s ﬁre, the tragic passing of his friend also gave birth to "The Beast From the North East", E$'s darker, more sinister persona. His selfproclaimed "darker" type of hip-hop also includes boom bap, grime, trap, and other forms of hip-hop. In the words of E$ himself, "I would describe my sound as diﬀerent, and to some people might even be a little strange, but dope nonetheless." When making music, E$ focuses on staying true to himself and not conforming to the current rap trends which cause most rappers to sound the same. Being able to use lyrics to paint his own picture for the listeners to visualize has always been his favorite part of the creative process.

$ has opened up for a bunch of artists including Kirko Bangz, Montana of 300, Chi Bully from Team BackPack, King Los, Cappa Donna and Intel from Wu Tang Killa Beez. He's been on two Southwest tours, hitting places such as New Mexico, Dallas, Colorado, Atlanta, and L.A. He won Hip-Hop Society's "Get Your Bars Up" contest and was crowned GYBU champion, winning the opportunity to be in a cypher with Jarren Benton and on a song with SwizZz, both ex-members of Funk Volume. Currently, E$'s album "Beast in the Making" is available on all online streaming services (Spotify, iTunes, Google Play), along with his latest single "Came Here To Party" oﬀ of his upcoming album "State of Emergency" scheduled to be released in May by his label Contagion.

etting the listeners get to know him through his music, creating something new and refreshing while reflecting on past experiences, is a skill that E$ has perfected. Growing up in El Paso where some say the culture is very old school, has allowed him to gain an appreciation for the lyrics, concepts and song structure of true hiphop. Inspired by Busta Ryhmes, A Tribe Called Quest, Biggie, Tupac, Twista, Eminem and then some, it's E$'s goal to follow in their footsteps and make a living doing what he loves to do by creating a label, building a team, and becoming an independent powerhouse in the music industry. The mindset and spitfire that E$ has under him puts him in position to secure his bag while setting fire to every track in the process.

E$ LINKS: Twitter Instagram

Facebook Website ITunes YouTube

LodaFrench Beats

http://www.dirtywork.fr/

http://ismaeldesign.com/

@Davidcustomkicks

Krate Kollective

ROZAY

When we talk about mainstream artists, only a handful really stand out as extra special, and William Leonard Roberts II, better known as Rick Ross has blazed a trail in music comparable to only a couple of artists in music today. As an artist and owner of the very popular label Maybach Music Group, Rick Ross has successfully dropped nine studio albums. Rick Ross aka The Black Bottle Boy has also signed big names to the MMG brand, such as Meek Mill and Wale to name a couple, and has achieved major success in the music industry.

A poverty stricken neighborhood north of Miami known as Carol City is where the Biggest Boss, Rick Ross was skilled on how to move like a chess piece through the toughest back blocks. The "Deeper Than Rap" singer dropped out of college with aspirations of becoming a megalithic rap star, and the plan went without a hitch. Needless to say, there were plenty of obstacles laid out to deter the "Master Mind" along the way, but nothing seemed too insurmountable for the Boss. Given his surroundings, it was no surprise that Rozay resorted to dealing drugs to survive, all the while keeping his eyes on the ultimate prize. In his early efforts to make big things happen, Ross landed a situation with Suave House Records and initially made his debut under the pseudonym, Teflon Da Don. His recording debut was on a song called "Ain't Shhh to Discuss" on Erick Sermon's album "Def Squad Prensents Erick Onasis". It was in the mid 2000s when he decided it was time to change his name to who we know him as today, Rick Ross. The name was inspired by the once drug kingpin "Freeway Rick Ross", however there is no affiliation.

After signing to Suave House Records, the former home of known legendary artists like 8Ball & MJG, Ross took his talents and signed to Slip-n-Slide Records. As a Slip-n-Slide artist, Ross toured alongside another legendary artist better known as Trick Daddy, and was able to make guest appearances on other Slip-n-Slide albums as well. The first commercially released single from Ross was titled "Hustlin", and because it had such an impact on the streets, it went certified gold. As a result of the success of "Hustlin", Ross was the hottest rapper out and creating a bidding war between labels. Needless to say, he went on to sign a major recording deal with the big homie Jay Z at Def Jam Records.

Ross is clearly one of the hardest working artists in the industry and has collaborated with a slew of fellow rappers and R&B artists throughout his music career including Diddy, Jay Z, Lil Wayne and John Legend, just to name a few. In 2006 Ross' dropped his debut album titled "Port of Miami" and it hit the top spot on the US Billboard 200. The album earned a gold certification and featured songs like "Holla At Me" and "Push It". It was two years later (2008) when Rozay released his 2nd album "Trilla", commemorating the all-time great Michael Jackson's album "Thriller", and that album also went on to take the top position on the Billboard Charts. With the success and acclaim of these two albums, Ross begin traveling and touring around the world and really embracing his place as a solidified artist in the music industry. "Deeper Than Rap" was his 3rd studio album released in 2009, but this time it was on his own label, Maybach Music Group or MMG with Def Jam Records still handling the distribution. In the very first week Ross managed to sell over 158,000 copies, and that's just in the US. The very next year Ross Dropped his 4th studio album "Teflon Don" that included hits like "Super High" "Live Fast, Die Young" and featured artists like Yeezy and Ne-Yo, and it reached number two on the Billboard charts. Rozay, in a true hustlers fashion, never took his foot off the gas and in 2012 he gave us "God Forgives, I Don't" the album and landed the number two spot on the UK R&B Album Charts and another No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The following year (2013), Ross released his 6th album "Master Mind", and it was received overwhelmingly well by critics and fans alike. It featured songs such as "Devil Is A Lie" and "War Ready", which quenched his fans thirst leaving no room for disappointment.

The Biggest Boss went on to drop two more albums, not including his latest 2017 album release "Rather You Than Me", which is hot off the press and critically acclaimed. The Miami Rap dealer has A-list features from a few big names, ranging from Nas and Gucci Mane to Young Thug and Future, not to mention classic skits from comedian and actor Chris Rock. Ross went on record to say that his "Rather You Than Me" album is one of the most important releases of his career. “This album is more than just another project for me. It’s a product of strength, perseverance, and determination,” Rozay wrote in an open letter. “Rather You Than Me is a testimony. My testimony, and if you a real nigga, no matter where you from, you can relate to this.” The Bawse’s approach to music could be a blueprint for any young artist coming from little to nothing but has enough belief, drive, hustle, desire and talent to go all the way. We salute Ricky Rozay for being impenetrable and for consistently being consistent, and that's trill talk.

http://www.dirtywork.fr/

THE B A L A NCE

JUGGLING A 9 TO 5 WITH YOUR MUSIC HUSTLE The well-known term "starving artist" didn't just appear out of thin air. Many aspiring musicians do not make money from their budding music careers. In fact, during the come-up you're guaranteed to spend more money than you make. The early years are more of an investment period than anything else, and many artists have no choice but to work a regular job to make ends meet. Balancing a 9 to 5 with a music career can be tough, especially when you're serious about making music your primary focus. You want to dedicate 100 percent of your time and effort to your music, but holding down your money-maker takes precedence. Although juggling the two will probably never be the easiest thing to do, these helpful tips should make managing the two a little bit easier.

Finance Finance your dream. The most practical reason to make this balancing act work is the ďŹ nancial aspect. In addition to using your paycheck to live, it should also be used to pay for any music-related costs you may encounter. Put aside some of the money you make at your job to invest in your dream. That should help motivate you to continue holding down the 9 to 5 while on your music grind.

Lemonade Turn your lemons into lemonade. Bored with the monotony of your regular job? Tired of dealing with crap from your boss? Let all of the things that you don't like about your job motivate you to keep pursuing your dream. Let the day-to-day drama remind you to keep grinding toward your ultimate goal. The more you turn the negatives into postives, the easier it will be to tolerate the juggling act.

Preparation Preparation is key. As an aspiring artist on the come-up, it's highly likely that a lot of the gigs you book will happen on a weekday. Which probably means leaving work as fast as possible to start preparing for your performance. (Same goes for weekday studio sessions.) Make the transition as smooth as possible by anticipating a swift departure. Finish up your work and tie up any loose ends in enough time to leave on time. Be prepared to have a late night and an early morning. Prepare everything in advance for the next morning and keep the drinking to a minimum to avoid a morning hangover. You don't want your nighttime performance to aďŹ&#x20AC;ect your daytime performance, or vice versa.

Don't slack Don't be a slacker. Yes, you have a lot on your plate and you're hustling harder than the average Joe. But don't allow the grind to cause you to become the workplace slacker. These days, with the use of our smartphones, it's easier than ever to stay linked to our E-mail and social media. It's probably not the best idea to spend your work day making new connections by trolling social media or searching the Web for your next performance opportunity. However, jotting down notes during lunch or recording song ideas on your lunch break is a great way to strike a balance between the two. Keeping a good work ethic is pivotal to holding down a 9 to 5, which is pivotal to ďŹ nancing your music career.

Security and stability should not come at the cost of pursuing your dreams. Even if your day job isn't related to music, they are still somewhat intertwined. Finances, motivation, and even sometimes networking, are all factors that make having a job worthwhile while trying to achieve something bigger. Remember, balance is key. Don't post oďŹ&#x20AC;ensive material on the internet when there's a chance your employer can see it. Make useful connections if possible, and take the things that you learn and apply it to your career pursuit. And if all goes well the need to hold down a 9 to 5 will be a thing of the past. For now, keep in mind that each one is a separate entity and should be treated with the respect it deserves.

UNSIGNED ONLY

Music Competition

Extended Deadline!! APRIL 28, 2017

Enter Now!! www.unsignedonly.com

Exclusive SUPER MODEL

@Bodybyiza007

TBOE Blanco

Ladies & gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to a dope artist who goes by the name of TBOE Blanco. Not only is he a talented rapper, but he's also a humanitarian and a philanthropist. From music to film and fashion, TBOE has set goals for himself in multiple areas of the arts. We admire his entrepreneurial spirit and got to know a little more about the artist and the man himself in this issue's Q & A. Take a look.

So we know you go by the name TBOE Blanco and your producer persona is TrunX. How'd you come up with those names? TBOE stands for The Beginnings Over Everything. It’s about never forgetting your beginnings because it’s what made you. TrunX came from a texting typo when I was trying to attend my boy, Lestipher Wallace’s performance and it just stuck. Ever since then it has been my pseudonym. TBOE what area are you from? I am from the Bronx, New York, not too far from where two sources of my inspiration, Swizz Beats and Big Pun, grew up. How long have you been creating and recording music? I have been creating music since I was eight years old. I remember being in middle school and finishing my work as soon as possible so I would be able to write my thoughts in my Mead notepad. At that age, I was heavily influenced by the likes of Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Big L, Big Pun, Nas and Jay-Z. I wanted to find a way to get my message across but also still have a way of getting my audience involved. I started recording around the age of twelve, majority of which were freestyles over instrumentals of popular songs. I started recording on my uncle's iMac using garage band and at the time I knew nothing about editing, mixing and mastering, or anything of the sort. I didn’t even have a microphone. I was using the built in microphone, leaning in as much as possible so that the microphone could pick up my voice.

What made you start and when did you realize you were good at it? I began making music because I loved the way it made me feel when I connected to a song, it's message, or a project, and I wanted to give others that same feeling. What made me start making music was the fact that I couldn’t see myself living my life doing anything else, and ever since then I have been working to make my dreams come true. I realized I was getting good at making music when I performed at my first talent show around the age of thirteen and the crowd was loving it. What type or genre of music do you create? How would you describe your sound? I feel as if my type of music consists of the genres of rap, hip-hop, and urban music. I classify my music this way because there are a lot of influences that go into making my music. I would describe my sound as a refreshing mixture of the old school due to the lyric heavy raps, with a touch of new school because of the beats being used. So how does where you grew up or where you're from affect your music? The environment in which I grew up was never a good area and it made me want to succeed and excel so I can live my dreams and give back to my community. The crime and drug infested area that my family tried to shelter me from soon became part of the way I saw the world and it influenced my music. Who inspires TBOE musically? I connected with the J. Cole song 03’ Adolescences because I lived through some of the things he raps about. I’ve had the best friend who turned into a drug dealer, while I stayed in school. We had that same conversation about our lives, asking, “who am I?” and in the end realized the inspiration and motivation that life isn’t as bad as it seems and you must prosper by any means necessary. I still draw inspiration from the greats, Biggie, Pac, Nas, Hov, Eminem, Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Joe Budden, Andre 3000, J. Cole, A Tribe Called Quest and many, many more. TBOE what are some of the things you have accomplished in your career so far? In my career I’ve completed two projects, which did fairly well, keeping in mind that they were both dropped spontaneously. I have performed in Ireland at a ASFL Leadership Conference. I have also performed in various talent shows and at the Flux Factory with Urban Culture, as well as at The NYC Grind at their Art Bash.

What goals do you have for the future? In the future, I see myself moving my family to a utopia of my own making and bettering my community by getting kids off the streets and into open mics as well as keeping them in school (similar to what Chance The Rapper is doing in Chicago). I just want to help change the dynamic of New York City and establish a healthier environment for the next generation, as opposed to the one I grew up in. I can also focus on the global issues such as homelessness and world hunger. I also see myself delving into movie production, fashion and philanthropy. These are all things that I hold dear to me, especially philanthropy because I feel like there are many people with the ability to help the world but they don’t and that’s wack.

Are there any upcoming events or releases that you would like to mention, and where can listeners find your music? "Reverse"dropped in February and “The Beginnings” ( my project ) dropped on 3/16 aka my 21st birthday. They are available on all major platforms (apple music, tidal, Spotify etc). I will be performing in Toronto on 4/22 and PA on 4/29.

TBOE, we thank you for a great Q & A and for allowing us to get "Da Inside" on TBOE Blanco. It's been our pleasure getting to know not only a great MC but a humanitarian as well. We love what you're doing and wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.

TBOE Blanco on iTunes

Mr. Intangible

Da Don Representing Ohio to the fullest is a multifaceted talent who has a hand in almost every creative outlet possible. From music to fashion and so much more, this individual is on his way to building an empire and he goes by the name of Mr. Intangible Da Don.

Although he's on the road to success these days, Mr. Intangible's life hasn't been without obstacles. Born in Lima, Ohio but raised in Dayton, he found himself becoming a product of the negative environment around him. As a teenage high school drop out he became a full-time hustler, and throughout the years he overcame

many hardships and stumbling blocks including jail and even homelessness. However, Mr. Intangible did not allow any of these diďŹ&#x192;culties to hinder him from what he felt was his destiny. So through the power of God and hard work he rose from the negativity and began his journey toward advancement.

At the age of 17, Mr. Intangible decided to pursue a career as a rapper and screenwriter. In early 2007 he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he met an audio engineer from Chicago, with whom he recorded 18 mixtapes. Also while living in ATL, Mr. Intangible was discovered by Queens, NY's own (and friend to Da Insider Magazine) Conrad Dimanche, Diddy's right-hand man for many years. Mr. Dimanche played a pivotal role in taking Mr. Intangible's career to the next level. Proving that he's not just your typical rapper, Mr. Intangible's talent spreads across other areas of art as well. As a screenwriter he also writes film, television and stage plays of the gospel and secular genre. Mr. Intangible Da Don is also making a name for himself in the realm of fashion and design as well. Through the creation of his newest business venture "The Justin Lamar Collection", he designs women and men's clothing, shoes and accessories.

These days Mr. Intangible is a featured artist on Bread Radio in Philly and his music is currently in rotation there every hour on the hour on dagr8fm.com in Miami. In addition to having been featured on 10 diďŹ&#x20AC;erent radio stations, he's also licensed to have his music placed in film, tv, video games and commercials along with digital distribution in 100 countries. Mr. Intangible Da Don is no slacker when it comes to his grind, and there's no doubt that he's gonna make Ohio very proud.

Links: Mr. Intangible's DatPiff YouTube Facebook Soundcloud

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DA INSIDER MAGAZINE

Music Review

"Scenes Behind

MADNESS" by

Music Cudi Beats "Scenes Behind Madness" - the name says it all. Producer Musiccudi Beats' latest project takes you on a musical descent into the depths of creative insanity. He has dug deep into the abyss of his imagination and pulled out what can only be referred to as an enigmatic masterpiece. Dark and mind-bending, this instrumental project consists of 13 tracks, five of which are bonus tracks. Each track consistently follows the album's overall theme of madness, and yet each track approaches the theme in its own unique way. With titles such as "Evil Again" and "Devil's Hand", you pretty much get a fairly accurate idea of what you're in for. But nothing can prepare you for the cryptic journey that songs like "War Time" and "Sunky" take you on. "War Time" has a particularly dark vibe, like something out of a cinematic thriller, while "Sunky" with it's hard, beat-knocking intro, has the potential to inspire any MC to tap into their deepest, most disturbing thoughts. While the majority of the tracks are slow to mid-tempo, "Insane Thoughts" is a bit more up-tempo with alluring piano melodies and drum beats that pull you into a place of no return. "Poetic Terms" is a particularly maddening yet catchy track whose vibe kinda takes you to the hallways of a madhouse that you never want to leave. Bonus track "Sky Fall" is another up-tempo peek into the house of madness, while "Jazz Hands" takes you for a jazzy ride on the insanity train. Musiccudi has definitely tapped into his creative juices with this latest musical gem. Having the ingenuity to transport listeners through music is a treasure within itself, and Musiccudi has mastered that feat without a doubt. "Scenes Behind Madness" takes you to the edge, each track giving you a different peek into a scene behind the madness. These picturesque illusions of darkness were created using just the right combination of rhythms and melodies, a true sign of a talented music producer. And after listening to this tale from the dark side, there's no doubt about the talent and creativity that Musiccudi Beats possesses.

Scenes Behind Madness by Music Cudi Beats

EXTENDED DEADLINE!!

April 28th, 2017 Enter Today!! www.unsignedonly.com

Ray Bentley

Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Famous Dex and Travis Scott all inspired this next young artist. At only 21 years of age, he manages to captivate audiences with his feel good, trap-styled lyrics and deep-voiced melodies. From Passaic County, New Jersey, meet rapper Ray Bentley.

Although he's only been recording for about 2 years, Ray Bentley finds it easy to adapt to new trends of music. Primarily a hip-hop artist, he's also open to exploring other genres of music as well. He's an overall crowd pleaser, bringing the audience to their feet with his youthful energy as he jumpes and dances across the stage. In the short period of time that Ray Bentley has been recording, he has teamed up with great producers and engineers to put out top quality music. Platinum selling producer Nick E. Beats and Ray Bentley released the singles "WAR" and "Eyes Closed" in 2016, after releasing his first studio EP "Is What It Is". Bentley's latest two singles of 2017 are titled "Dungeon" and "Buzzer", two songs that are both well-loved throughout the North Jersey area. Being the self-proclaimed only popular artist in town, Bentley considers himself a town celebrity and he performs his hits every week in Patterson, New Jersey clubs. The kids in town have learned and embraced his rap lyrics, and Bentley vows to outshine all "mumble rappers". His music can be found on iTunes, DatPiff, SoundCloud and YouTube. Working under the management of Maurice Goodrich, in association with Grand Fam Entertainment, Ray Bentley is on his way to making major moves in his growing music career.

Ray Bentley YouTube Link

http://www.dirtywork.fr/

Demo Do's &

Don'ts Tips For Shopping Your Music to Labels Even in these days of "do-it-yourself" music career building, lots of artists still find the value of demo-shopping worthwhile. Many aspiring musicians still hold faith in that one "life-changing" major deal signing, but don't have much luck when sending out their demo. Labels receive a bunch of demos daily and even when you do everything right, you still may not get a response. However, we're gonna take you through the do's and don'ts of demo shopping to give you a better chance of having your music heard.

Do follow the rules of demo shopping. Lots of labels have strict rules when it comes to receiving demos. Many will not accept unsolicited demos for fear of later being sued for alleged music theft. Find out a label's specific policies for accepting demos and be sure to follow them completely. Acceptable demo formats, proper mailing or email address, correct A&R rep or other recipient, are all examples of particular policies to be aware of.

Don't over do it. Short, sweet and to the point. That should describe your demo package. You don't need to send ten tracks to the label. Two or three should suffice. You don't need your entire life story in your biography, only the relevant details and time period. Information overload is an easy reason for rejection.

Do present your best work. When it comes to song choice, choose songs that have the strongest intros or beginnings. Labels don't spend a lot of time listening to a song before deciding to skip to the next song or just trash it altogether. So you need to choose songs that are gonna grab the listener from the gate and make them want to hear more. When it comes to your bio, proofread and then proofread again! If possible, get someone else to proofread also. The last thing you want to present to a label is a bunch of spelling and grammatical errors, grounds for automatic rejection.

Don't send your music to the wrong labels. Do your research and know the label you're sending your music to. Don't send your hip-hop music to a primarily pop label, or your R&B songs to a country music label. Not only does it waste your time and money, but it also makes you look bad. If they're not into your type of music, they will have no interest in you, resulting in instant rejection.

Do consider using a manager or lawyer to shop your demos. Having your music join the huge stack at the desk of a lower-level label employee whose job it is to sort through the masses of demos is not the best way to have your music heard. It's one thing if you have a personal and direct connection to an A&R, but if not, you might want to consider using a manager or lawyer who's wellconnected in the industry or to a particular label.

s ' o

Do follow up after submitting your demo. The occasional follow-up email will help you stand out from the rest, but don't harass the label and don't start guilt-tripping if they haven't listened to your demo yet. If the label has a particular follow-up policy then go along those guidelines. If not, an email a month is adequate.

Don't get discouraged. You're bound to encounter a bunch of rejections and non-responsive labels along the way. However, every established musician will tell you that they encountered the same before finally having an opportunity open up for them. So don't allow the rejection to make you give up. If you hear a "no" from a label, ask for any advice or feedback that may help you in future submissions. Use every rejection as a learning experience, and move forward positively. Determination is half of what it takes to make your dreams come true!

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"Scenes Behind Madness"

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IVAN SPINY SPINY IVAN

TATTOO

@IvanSpiny