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Unsigned and Making It

Hey Soul Mates,
midweek check-in. It's been busy times in the City of Light. Last night, I made my first visit to the Grammy offices on Pico. I attended a panel discussion called Unsigned and Making It. As soon as I got the invitation to the event and saw the title, I knew attendance was compulsory. The evening focused on how unsigned artists can benefit from licensing songs, even without a record deal. Recent Island Def Jam signees the 88 (whos songs have been featured in the O.C., Grey's, TV commercials, etc) were on the panel along with several prominent music supervisors. The sups had lots of good info about what they are looking for and what goes on in clearing licenses for film, TV and video games. The video game info blew my mind, in terms of demographics, sales and music opportunities. Got to do the 15 second pitch and hand off CDs to the sups (Bryan and I have also been sending out CDs to the music sups we know). Here's to hearing Rush Hour Soul in the next blockbuster or as the theme song for a top 10 TV show. I also had a chance to chat with the lovely and talented
Ms. Tia Carrere (of Wayne's World fame) who's just released an LP of trad Hawaiian music. Excellent!

Monday night, I was at the Ice House in Pasadena to check out my friend,
Micah McCain's stand up routine. Hysterical as ever. Here we are outside the venue. I hadn't been to the Ice House in years. The decor features lots of vintage pics and head shots of famous comedians performing there including Carlin, Dangerfield, Letterman. Anyway, it was good to laugh. And yes, that is my real hair. I haven't had it this short in a decade, but when the temperature's rising, you have to do something! Kind of a Clooney thing, don't you think?


Monday afternoon, I also saw Steven Spielberg at work. He's been filming a top secret movie about a guy with a whip in the soundstages next to mine. Shia LeBeouf looking like a greaser was also hanging around. Never did see
Dr. Jones, but several of my co-workers did. I actually see Mr. Spielberg a lot, but it's still kind of freaky.

Sunday, I spent the afternoon with the good folks at the Huntington. I began rereading a favorite Mark Twain novel Pudd'nhead Wilson. Had a nice time chilling out in the Japanese garden. Although it's been scorching here in L.A. this Summer, if you look hard enough there are some cool, shady spots around town.


Gotta 'nother busy day of RHS work around the office. More discs to send out. Planning our October shows. Laundry. Tonight: a writing session. Ooooh, aaahh.

Love, Power, Peace

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