back-words... info update

*** my feb. 1st entry stated i had parted company with a label. stumbleupon was the only place where i apparently blogged a follow up update.

February 2, 2008
info update...
both myspace pages have been corrected,
my soundclick store is up to date,
and i will be loading more mixes to lowercase sounds.

have a good weekend...

back-words... life derailed and blueprinting a backup plan...

Saturday, April 19, 2008
life derailed and blueprinting a backup plan...

I have been putting off any posts til I had something more concrete to post, but there is only one thing I can offer in case anyone has been wondering: my external hard drive has died.

Because of this hardware failure, I have been unable to mix, produce, or host weekly broadcasts as I normally would. Because my external hard drive is 2tb (read 2000gb), the cheapest repair quote I can possibly get is $6,000.00. I will also have to replace the unit that died and buy and additional back up unit so this doesn't happen again.
Needless to say, I don't have this kind of money to spend all at once. It will take me time to save up for this repair. If I am lucky, maybe I can afford the repair in a year, but I anticipate it taking about ten years instead.
Either way, it will be quite some time before release any new work or mixes. I am currently working on a way to get broadcasts done using different equipment and a different medium.
If anyone knows of a cheaper way to get my repair done, I would appreciate some feedback. If anyone would like to help out financially I could set up a donations link via Paypal, however I would rather be hired to spin or have my albums be bought online.
I would be thrilled to get my life back on track again. I'm sorry this has happened. Thank you for your support.
plur...

*********************************

That was a post I made early in April, over a month after my drive had failed. By that point, I already felt obliged to say something in regards as to why I had ceased to broadcast on a weekly basis, why I was not creating new mixes and remixes, why I was not releasing new albums, and why my work had not been distributed to more online stores for sale as I had promised. I didn't have a lot of information to offer as most of the people I had been in contact with had given me very little information to go on. I like to know as much as I can and compare services before I settle on one. After all, $6000 is a lot of money to cough up and I am not about to give it to the first person I find. I need to know if I can find cheaper, the processes involved, if it's possible for me to cut costs based on options and preferences... I want to feel comfortable and confident knowing the services to be performed will be successfully done by a reliable source.
Because of the paths my life has taken, I do not have $6000 to surrender in one fell swoop. In order to pay such a price all at once, I will need to make and save that money. Unfortunately, the drive died before I could get my music distributed to more online sources. I have only a couple places selling my work now, but they are in obscure locations which do not receive as much internet traffic as where they were going to be located. Most of the work available for sale was available for free for nearly a year so it has not been selling since its availability status changed. I trust at some point the music will start selling. When it was free, it had been down loaded over 15,000 times in less than a year. So I trust it will sell again upon finding a larger audience.
Not only do I not have $6000 to afford to repair my hard drive, my original intent was to make money from my music to afford car repairs so I could have transportation for a job. Most jobs require many things, such as a degree, experience, and reliable transportation. Having tried to work without reliable transportation previously, I know it isn't a viable option when public transportation causes frequent lateness thus threatening job security. I also lack a degree despite my years of college training. Additionally, my work history is patchy, having had to take time off to help my handicapped grandparents and even live with them for a few years. My options are reduced to nothing more than minimum wage jobs or possibly an entry level company position- still requiring reliable transportation at the very least. So i can't get a job without transportation and I can't afford to repair my transportation without a job! Vicious, isn't it? So that brought me to mixing making music and selling it. I figured I would work at home on something I love which I am also capable of doing and make at least enough to afford repairs. I also had dreams of taking my goals to higher levels. I had not planned on hard drive failure thwarting my momentum. I had no backup plan to fall back on.
So suddenly I find myself in the ugly position of wondering what I am going to do. I figure music sales and dj gigs might allow my to make enough money to afford various repairs, but it will take anywhere up to ten years or longer, depending on the strength of the income. I'm not sure I can happily sit around and wait for that kind of money to roll in bit by bit. I like to be productive. I like to feel useful. I tend to measure and assess my progress regularly, so I'm fairly confident I wouldn't like to sit around and wait to have enough money. So what can I do to expedite things?
I have looked into this before; in fact, every time I consider a new job I go through the same train of thought. Most work at home options do not appeal to me. Either I have to put some money into a kit or a phony certification process which turns out to be a scam or the work is for data entry/processing or for collections services. Years ago I was on the other end of the collections services and I can tell you I hate being felt like despicable prey. I would never do that to another person. One might say I should take any job to make money just because it pays. I have never been able to accomplish anything I couldn't put my heart into. I have done data entry/processing and I won't do it again. I have a lousy attention span and when it comes to things I have no interest in, I might as well not be doing it. I also have other limitations. I had back surgery twice. My physical endurance and general comfort level just aren't very good anymore. I find it difficult to sit, stand, lift, kneel and more. I also have developed a sensitivity to light after a scratched cornea; I can assure you migraines don't go as easily as your average headache.
So what the hell can I do??? Well, endurance can be built, but sometimes it takes years to do. It has been three years since my last back surgery. I can do more things now, but I still spend the majority of my time in my bed. I has also been about as long since I scratched my cornea. some days are worse than others, but I can usually manage to be outside in bright sunlight for about an hour before my eyes are exhausted and I start to feel a migraine coming on, both of which are painful experiences. I can withstand normal indoor lighting for even longer, but it's something I generally try to avoid; I even keep my bedroom dimly lit. I figure at the very least I can try to complete a degree or two online while I am still stuck at home. Perhaps I can get into another field that interests me which would afford my repairs. Perhaps there is other work at home, or maybe temporary work (perhaps even abroad) that I can do which will allow me to afford repairs or even more. I have always felt challenged for extra money in the past. Perhaps this is an opportunity to make to make my life even better. To be honest, I have recently been looking into teaching again. The idea of teaching English as a second/foreign language appeals to me. The idea of living abroad also has some appeal and maybe one I might make it a permanent situation, but right now it's merely a consideration as I review my possibilities for completing a degree at home.
I hope this offers some clarity as to whats going on with things in my life right now. When I have more concrete information to offer I will keep you posted. Thank you for your support.
plur...

back-words... mixes up...

*** since acid grave folded, none of these mixes are no longer available there...

Saturday, May 12, 2007
mixes up...
i loaded 14 mixes to acid grave. a tracklist is posted with each mix. all mixes are recorded at 320 kbps, mp3 (good sound quality). i will keep them seeded as long as i can. please seed at least one full time when youre done downloading. here are the links:

hardcore/gabber:
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1214

house: (reseed)
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1196

trance:
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1209
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1213

ambient:
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1221
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1212
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1211

mixed genre:
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1218
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1219

industrial:
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1220
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1217
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1216
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1215
http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1210

enjoy...

back-words... a few words on broadcasting...

Saturday, May 5, 2007
a few words on broadcasting...
many of you have tuned into my broadcasts in the past and enjoyed them. that means a lot to me and i thank you for your support. it gives me all the more reason to play and make music.

recently many legal incidents have come into play- incidents that affect how and where i perform. in short, i no longer have a home for broadcasting online. this will not stop me from pursuing my dreams. while i may not be able to broadcast online for a smaller station, that doesnt mean i cant play for an organization who can afford it. it also doesnt mean i cant perform live at venues. i dont care how or where i perform; i will always perform.

i want to thank you for your continued support while my path has been deviated from its present course. i am still producing music, recording mixes, and i am still continuing to share all that i do with the world. theres more than one way to get something accomplished and i will always find a way.

i will keep you all updated regularly about my performances, downloads, and releases. thank you all...

back-words... another chapter in music vs law...

Friday, April 13, 2007
another chapter in music vs law...
i get the feeling sometimes that music is going to be outlawed, because rules keep establishing barriers for creativity and promotion. i think if music were illegal for everyone, then those who support music creativity and promotion wouldnt be viewed to be so evil. music has often been a source of rebellion, protest, and a powerful deliverer of various messages. perhaps these walls are made to stop our ability to support such messages. perhaps we have forgotten our ability to rise against powers that limit our freedom of expression- a constitutional freedom. perhaps its merely done against us in the name of money. to those who oppose us, i say: "we are the music makers; we are the dreamers who dream..."



April 13, 2007, 8:53AM
DJ Drama vows to continue making mixtapes despite arrest

By JONATHAN LANDRUM JR.
Associated Press

ATLANTA — With arms folded and a grin that shows much bravado, DJ Drama stands alongside his nine Aphilliate group members for an album cover photo shoot. His friend DJ Don Cannon suddenly starts crooning, the entire clique bursts into laughter.

No worries. No conflict. Just everyone having a good time.

A few months ago, Drama thought such an enjoyable moment wouldn't come anytime soon.

"I wasn't thinking about a photo shoot," he said. "I said to myself, 'God, give me a bail and a bond.'"

Drama, born Tyree Simmons, had become one of the top DJs in hip-hop after working with rappers such as Young Jeezy, T.I. and Lil' Wayne through his popular Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. Mixtapes are promotional CD compilations featuring top rappers and are often sold on street corners and on the Internet.

Drama had just signed a record deal, which is rare for a DJ, and was co-hosting a local and satellite radio show. But as his star rose, he and his partner Cannon were arrested in January for reproducing recorded material for sales, violating Georgia's Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization law.

Both were jailed one night and were released on $100,000 bond.

Though the case is still not resolved, Drama is looking to clear his name as a criminal and show people that mixtapes are an asset for the music industry.

"They're the bloodline," he said. "They're the vein. So many people have capitalized off mixtapes. 50 Cent, one of music's top moguls, wouldn't even be where he is at, if it wasn't for them.

"I hope people learn more about mixtapes after our situation."

Mixtapes are a compilation of songs that includes teasers for upcoming albums, freestyle rhymes and remixes of popular hits. Artists often use them to gain extra exposure. Even though record labels often support mixtapes for their marketing strength, they also have been wary because bootleggers often sell the music for profit.

Isaac Hayes III, son of soul singer Isaac Hayes and a music producer, said mixtapes have benefited unknown artists in the urban market and record labels as well.

"It's a way to create a buzz in the streets," he said. "Rappers can easily go on mixtapes and say whatever they want about an issue at that moment, without having to wait for their album to drop. They help a lot."

In efforts to crackdown on pirated music, special task forces focus on copyright infringement in the recording industry. Drama and Cannon were investigated after a Georgia task force officer said he found mixtapes supplied by Drama that were for sale without the consent of record labels at a kiosk inside a south Atlanta mall.

The officer then contacted the Recording Industry Association of America, which represents the recording industry. An investigation was launched and about a month later, local police raided the Aphilliate Music Group office in downtown Atlanta.

The company's assets were frozen, more than 81,000 mixtape CDs were destroyed, recording equipment, computers and cars were taken by officers. Even files for Drama's first mixtape album release under a major label — T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, under Atlantic Records — were seized by police. (The RIAA declined The Associated Press' request for comment).

As Drama described the entire scene, a small frown appeared, then his head dropped in disappointment. He said it was disturbing when officers repeatedly asked them if they had "guns and drugs" in their office.

"Cops jumped out, M-16s were drawn," he explained. "They threw us to the ground and arrested me and Cannon. Drug-sniffing dogs went inside and they confiscated everything we worked so hard to achieve."

Cannon, born Donald Cannon, said he thought the police made a mistake at the time.

"I've never been to jail," he said. "I saying, 'Wow. What did I do wrong?'"

Cannon, who also is also a hip-hop producer, insists that they don't make money off mixtapes, but it does provide exposure from them. He said DJs try to gain recognition and get the major bucks through separate deals, like their own radio show, party performances or going on tour with an artist.

The Aphilliates host an evening radio show in Atlanta and a program on Sirius Satellite Radio. Drama is also the official DJ for the best-selling rapper T.I.

Drama and Co. have huge support. Many wrote uplifting messages on their MySpace page, they were embraced at events and "Free Drama & Cannon" T-shirts were made.

After the album he had been working on for a year was taken in the raid, Drama recreated a whole new mixtape album in three weeks. OutKast, Busta Rhymes and Beenie Sigel were some artists who took part in the album, which is set for release in June.

Drama's first single, Takin' Pictures, speaks specifically on the raid and the importance of mixtapes. The track features Young Jeezy, his artist Willie The Kid, Jim Jones, Rick Ross, Young Buck and T.I.

"I didn't have nothing, but everyone came to my aid," said Drama. "My engineer thought I was crazy about putting out an album in such short time. But I had no choice. This album represents the game and the obstacles that comes with it. It's a testament to all the grindin' that was put in over the years."

The 28-year-old Philadelphia native built a strong clientele while attending Clark Atlanta University here; he graduated in 2000. His hyperactive voice over thumping but synthesizing beats made him popular on his first southern-based mixtape, Jim Crow Laws. Drama decided to rename the series Gangsta Grillz, producing over 40 mixtape albums. Grand Hustle co-CEO Jason Geter recognized his skills and later signed him onto the label in 2005.

"He had hustle just like me," Geter said. "I'm glad he is with us now. He is the best in the world."

With the case still pending, Drama is hopeful that the charges against him and Cannon will be dropped soon.

"It's another chapter in my book," said Drama, father of two daughters. "I realize it's another challenge to overcome. I'm here to prove that I can put the game on my back and the Aphilliates can't be stopped. We are here to stay."

back-words... new mix available for download...

*** acid grave folded a couple years ago so this mix is no longer available there. it was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this remix project and cristian paduraru has left me an open invitation to collaborate with him any time since then. i definitely have ideas for future works...

Wednesday, April 11, 2007
new mix available for download...
i have contributed to the cristian paduraru remix project.
you can download the mix here:

http://www.acidgrave.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?p=2005#2005

please read below for more details as you download my mix.
thank you...


what happens when a house producer gives free reign to a dj?
possibly one of the most creative experiments ever...

5.5 hours @ 320 kbps
some people may ask why such a long mix. i mix on a live 5 hour broadcast every week. so it is second nature for me to look for messages within epic length mixes. i enjoyed making it and i hope you will enjoy listening...

i had access to over 12 hours of delicious, soul-soothing sounds to work with and complete creative freedom over what i did with it. i chose to omit any extraneous samples and tracks. with that in mind, this is the result of simple digital mixing and on-the-fly effects and looping.

this ultimix was made for the cristian paduraru remix project featuring house, deep house, tech house, progressive house, electro, and breaks tracks and remixes by cristian paduraru. great to listen to while at work, home, or on the road. also great when youre staying home for the night or entertaining...

"what is important" (the name of this mix) is both the question and the answer. as you listen, this may help bring clarity to such a question as the answer is found in the track listing...


TRACK LIST:
01 Develop Opening - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
02 Dancefloor Sharing - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
03 Love's The Only Drug - Ultra Nate & Cristian Paduraru - House
04 Follow You - Black Fras & Cristian Paduraru - House
05 Watch My Mouth - Cazwell & Cristian Paduraru - House
06 Universal Interpretation - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
07 Equipping Education - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
08 Developing Wishes - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
09 Sharing Pozitivity - Cristian Paduraru - House
10 Unconditional Giving - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
11 Borderline - Jody Watley & Cristian Paduraru - House
12 Walk In The Light - Cristian Paduraru - House
13 Coming Soon - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
14 Team Build - Cristian Paduraru - House
15 Warm Up Your Mind - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
16 Love Commandments (Cristian Paduraru Mix) - Phil T Project & D Layna - House
17 Christian In The World - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
18 Developing Creativity - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
19 Sharing Transparently - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
20 The Wind Of Change - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
21 The Grateful Seeker - Cristian Paduraru - House
22 Good News - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
23 Renewal Chance - Cristian Paduraru - House
24 Desire (Cristian Paduraru Mix) - Jordan Rivera & Shereetha Campbell - House
25 Light Or Darkness - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
26 Accepting The Differences - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
27 The Power Of Revival - Cristian Paduraru - House
28 Born Again - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
29 The Touch You Trust - Cristian Paduraru - House
30 Emotion Comes From Motion - Cristian Paduraru - House
31 My Freedom - Chris Willis & Cristian Paduraru - House
32 You Can't Change Me (Cristian Paduraru Mix) - Roger Sanchez & N'Dea Davenport - House
33 Where Do I Fit? - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
34 Candyflip (Cristian_Paduraru Mix) - Marc Deon - House
35 Shall We Dance? - Cristian Paduraru - House
36 Sharing The Dancefloor - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
37 Confidance On The Dancefloor - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
38 Releasing The Pressure - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
39 Unleash The Comfort - Cristian Paduraru - Breaks
40 Keep Growing Healthy - Cristian Paduraru - Electro
41 Free To Choose - Cristian Paduraru - Breaks
42 Bold To Sacrifice - Cristian Paduraru - Breaks
43 Recognized Trustworthy - Cristian Paduraru - House
44 Recognizing Hardwork - Cristian Paduraru - House
45 Pozitive Education - Cristian Paduraru - Progressive House
46 Walk In The Truth - Cristian Paduraru - Tech House
47 Open Your Eyes - Cristian Paduraru - Deep House
48 What's Your Vision? - Cristian Paduraru - Progressive House
49 Reaction Expected - Cristian Paduraru - Progressive House
50 Step Forward - Cristian Paduraru - House
51 How Does It Feel? - John Ender Rios & Cristian Paduraru - House
52 Spring Refresh - Cristian Paduraru - House
53 Reality - Cristian Paduraru - Progressive House
54 Life - Opencloud & Cristian Paduraru - House


also you may find what other djs and producers did with this opportunity here, on cristian paduraru's myspace blog:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=39193649&blogID=196535756

thank you for listening...

back-words... more new mixes...

*** i figured i should keep trying until i felt convinced one way or the other about how effective this method of self promotion truly was, at least for me...

Tuesday, November 29, 2005
more new mixes...
ok another ambient mix down as well as hard acid trance, and a breaks/dnb mix....

once again, im offering free mp3 copies that im burning and mailing.

interested? message me with your name, addy, and what all you would like.

its pretty unbelievable, but yes its all free. i would just like to get in some new listeners, so dont be shy!

back-words... new mixes!

*** amazingly, this tactic works well for some and not for others. it didn't work out very well for me. i tried this tactic a few times before resorting to sharing free mixes online exclusively.

Friday, September 15, 2005
new mixes!
available for your listening pleasure!



i have made 3 mixes, each is well over 2 hours.

ambient

hard trance

acid



the first 20 to contact me get a free copy!

hurry now and dont delay a second further! :)