#LifeofaCEO

Behind the scenes of my music life

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The power isn't just in having the dream, but in believing in Him who gave it. Ecclesiastes 5:7

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Had the privilege of hearing from and sharing with these brothers on everything from music to authenticity to serving people. We just had... ...a different conversation.

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"Each one, teach one...or a few..." Last weekend, I had the privilege of starting the first of three free music business workshops that I'll be leading for the "I AM Music" series. The series, created, by myself and my team here at The Inaxxs Group, focuses on educating and empowering current and aspiring musicians and music professionals. The first workshop began with the complex discussion and defining of music publishing. Given my close to a decade of music publishing experience, even I knew that the discussion was going to be filled with questions, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations. In the end, it was the start of a great beginning to demystifying publishing.

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“Start From Where You Are”

This is past weekend I’ve had the amazing privilege of leading a phenomenal team in our second annual installment of The Inaxxs Music Business Conference. This year we had some amazing panelists and speakers who gave of themselves via their past experiences and their areas of expertise. The best and the brightest of the Christian music industry was in attendance. It was exciting, refreshing, and honestly a joy to see people connecting, reuniting, and building in ways that I always felt needed to happen in our music sector.

My team and my family did some amazing work that has truly left me overwhelmed. And just to think, this all came from a powerful word from my pastor two years ago: “Start where you are.”

I promise you one thing: I’m not stopping.

**For more info on The Inaxxs Music Business Conference, check out www.imbc.nyc and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - imbcnyc.

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#NowPlaying Sessions - EP by Jonathan McReynolds

Ever since I had the privilege of listening to his music, attending his album listening session here in New York, and speaking with him, I have been a supporter of Jonathan McReynolds. When I heard that he had released this EP, Sessions, I knew that I had to get it. While every song isn't stripped down to just vocals and guitar, there is something that occurs when he's in his element. It's simply "pure oil". Make sure you you get this.

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I've always enjoyed and admired the vocal power, dynamics, energy, and presence of Jazmine Sullivan. However this performance has got to be one of the most thrilling yet. Check it out.

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“Rich Dauphin Is Bringing Revolution Music!”

I’ve been waiting for quite some time now - waiting for an upfront approach that draws from the essence of what hip-hop is and infused with The Truth of God’s Word. I finally got it with Revolution Music, the strong single from NY’s own Richard Dauphin. Packed with live instrumentation that will sure to bring out your inner “Nat Turner”, the track showcases classic East coast flow at its finest. Rich has always been known for his lyrical ability and on this song, his passionate delivery sits right in with the strength of the track. The stunning visual (see above), directed by vet MC Eshon Burgundy, further drives the message home with depictions of the civil rights movement and Dauphin’s hometown, Harlem.   

If you thought that NYC Christian hip-hop was gone, welcome it back with Richard Dauphin.

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Ajanee - Titanium x Ready Aim Feat. Alectric Mayhem Band

Tribal Pop MashUp... Enjoy

I like good music just like everyone else. I had the opportunity to see this young lady perform at my good friend Odane Whilby’s monthly event here in NY called The_Ology and she performed this song live (check out the video here) - a true mash-up of two phenomenal songs - Titanium (David Guetta & Sia) and Ready, Aim, Fire (Mali Music). Part of the dynamic group Livre, Hambrick indeed represents that she is a force all her own. Check out the record for yourself.

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The Key to Your Future

God ultimately wants us all to embrace the future that He has promised us from the beginning. The key to that future is Jesus. By accepting what He did on the cross, we accept the key to everlasting life as a citizen of The Kingdom of God. The reason why many people can’t unlock their futureis because they’re juggling their own keys instead of accepting what The One True Key did, does, and grants them. S/O to @risenapparel​ for this. (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 1:3-4; John 3:16-17)

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“The Art of Being a Christian in the Arts”

Last night I had the opportunity to attend “Christians in the Arts”, a panel discussion sponsored by Columbia Faith and Action, a Christian leadership ministry of Columbia University. On the panel was Reach Records’ recording artist Andy Mineo, visual artists Ben Cowan and Elias Popa, and Suleky Roman, event coordinator for Suleky Roman Events. The panel represented the triumphs, the fall forwards, and the constant tedious balance of their faith with their passion to create art and events that are compelling while still maintaining their convictions. 

In this video, Andy sums up the struggle best. In short, he points out how we as believers either make music for the church or from the church and oftentimes realize that both cannot operate in each other’s space. Perhaps that is why it is so important for us to embrace that each one of us is in our process and while we may have God on the inside of us, we have yet to come into full maturation of who He is.

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Highs - Stef Silva

I’ve know this young lady for quite a while and knew of her ability to transform a song into a picture that speaks volumes. Now, she’s embarking on a journey as an artist with a level of authenticity and transparency that rivals many.  

If you haven’t heard this song, you’re doing yourself a disservice. 

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So, if you’re not familiar with my good friend Kadeem Nichols, it’s okay, just make sure you get to know him. Besides putting out a great first (and FREE) project called, The Unusual, he comes out with this amazing Christmas EP entitled, The Thought That Counts. My only issue with this is that it’s too short and you’ll feel the same because the brother is really talented. He gives two all time faves - This Christmas and Christmas Time - and throws an original in there to round it out - Found in You. Get in the Christmas cheer and definitely take a listen here.

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“Possible” - Cree

I’m always excited when I come across new music - especially music that is the presents the principle of The Word in a unique way, wrapped around a unique track. This is what you’ll experience when you listen to Possible by Cree.

While I’ve personally seen her at a few listening parties I’ve attended, I’ve never knew that this petite sister actually sang, nevertheless had such a rich vocal texture and tone. I came across the song after hearing about it’s debut on her Instagram page and the song is a strong debut indeed. 

Check out the song and keep an eye out for this sister. She definitely will make you a believer that all things are possible.

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Friday afternoon vibe out music: Catching @thesealbreakers ode to one of the most famous (and my favorite - no shade, promise) and memorable of #NYC boros, #Brooklyn. BIG UP to BROOKLYN MASSIVE! #lifemusic #LifeofaCEO #stillgettingthatworkin

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Leuca, an up and coming artist from Long Island, drops a video of a song that brings back the essence of hip-hop. He’s a believer and he got bars. Check him out on Off the Chest.

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Excited to be working with @TapInfluence so I can work with other brands as an influencer https://goo.gl/B1O6V2 #influencermarketing #ad

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Jeff Staple Talks with Steve Harrington

So last night I went to see Jeff Staple chop it up with Steve Harrington at Urban Outfitters Herald Square store. With a packed crowd, the two talk about the humble and unique rise of Street Dreams Magazine and creating compelling content. It was great to hear from two guys who are seriously passionate about content compare notes on everything from Snapchat to their fanboy experiences.