I finally got some new equipment!! “DaddyMac” is finally home, but now I’m having issues with my Internet connection, argh!!! Anyways, I’m slowly building my plan and laboratory, so more blogging will be in effect sooon, aaand… Lots of exciting announcements!

ps. Now that Drizzletron has an iPhone, he’s inspired me to use mine for blogging again, fun fun fun!

One of the reasons why I work withiLL-Literacy is because they are CREATIVE! They don’t stick to the norms, always pushing through what’s been done, and using their resources to create art and to create the marketing/press materials to be a successful independent artist.

A few years ago I worked through the process of writing a press release to announce that Kiwi and Bambu of Native Gunswould be pursuing solo careers.  Most recently I found myself in the same situation with iLL-Literacy.  Although this time the iLL crew took it upon themselves to break the news:

iLL-Literacy says bye to Ruby & announces new record from ill-literacy on Vimeo.

Now granted, each situation is different, and sending out a formal press release is still relevant today. What’s important to remember here is that you should always consider the audience you’re reaching out to, and what avenue of communication to take when there is an announcement to make that makes sense to that audience, get it?

One thing’s for sure, a video press release is much more entertaining than reading it the old school/formal/standard way… I’m still learning!!

Ruby left for New York today… (yay!)

All this moving to New York preparation with Ruby the past few months, has given me the chance to revisit the process I had went through six years ago I when moved to New York.  A few days ago, I found an essay I wrote shortly after I had moved there, below is an excerpt from that writing:

…Growing up in the Bay Area (Northern California), I have been exposed to many cultures, sounds, and experiences, but I truly believe that my decision to move to New York is the deciding factor in my future.  My passion for retail and the fashion industry has led  me to the fashion capitol of the world - New York, to pursue my education and career.  This will be one of the most significant experiences in my life…  - winter 2003

Six years after I wrote that I find myself back in the Bay Area, right where I started, full circle!  Being able to reflect is a trip…  I guess you can say that’s what I’ve been doing lately - A spring cleaning of the soul, an emotional cleanse, and a detox from the computer! (although I have an iphone, which is technically a computer, right?)

Soooo, I guess it’s time for me to formally say - I’m NOT moving to Los Angeles after all! (siiiike! LOL)

While  in the process of making moves to get to LA, I ended up realizing that I can have everything I want right here, in the Bay - my home area, right where I started!  That’s not to say, Los Angeles isn’t in the cards for the future, but now is not the right time, and I’m glad I was able to recognize that before it was too late.

Lesson to learn - It’s all about timing, and knowing when it’s the right time to make your move, literally and figuratively.  Part of that is navigating yourself through the process of making the right decisions (ie. listen to your instincts), and everything else will fall into place.

The rest of the iLL-Literacy crew  - Adriel, Nico, and Dahlak will also be moving to New York this year!  I’m excited to see what moves are made while they experience the “city that never sleeps”.  I’ll be holding down homebase in the meantime…

SAVE THE DATE  - MONDAY JUNE 1st:  
iLL-LITERACY site relaunch!
www.ill-literacy.com

ps. wouldn’t it be dope if we had a Devil’s Pie NY edition…?! hmmm…

www.devilspiesoul.com

FiRE- Field Recorder = an iPhone application by Audiofile Engineering that turns your iPhone into a professional field recorder!  You can upload your recorded sounds to SoundCloud from your iPhone.  Simply tap the “Upload to My Account” button after you’re done recording, and the sound will be on its way to the cloud.

SoundCloud =  Lets you move music fast & easy. The platform takes the daily hassle out of receiving, sending & distributing music for artists, record labels & other music professionals. (there is no limit on file size!)

FiRe + SoundCloud = emcee cyberbattle?!

Basically what this means for folks with an iphone, is that you can now record yourself, and instantly upload that recording to your SoundCloud profile.  Your SoundCloud profile then serves as an easy way to share and promote that recording via facebook, twitter, and your blog, also allowing other folks to share the recording.

I have visions of this technology allowing emcees to battle each other from across cities, states, and oceans! That would be kinda fresh, i’m jus sayin…

Things to keep in mind:
- SoundCloud is a free service but gives you limited options unless you upgrade to a PRO account.
- SoundCloud is a company based in Berlin, Germany, so you’re paying in euros. 
- The FiRe Field Recorder app costs $5.99

Here’s a lil sample of what the widget looks like:

If anyone actually decides to test this out let me know!!

www.soundcloud.com

I wrote a while back how Fashion and Music are a perfect marriage (see here for part 1 - http://papalodown.com/?p=207) and I’m going to follow that up with some information for aspiring artists who are not in the music business. 

I originally started my career and education in the Fashion and Retail industry, and have since been applying my knowledge and experience from that world into the Music and Entertainment business.  Cause really, bottom line, it’s about selling a product, and making a profit… so the transition made sense to me, (although I don’t base my work around money, we can’t deny that piece of the puzzle). 

Soooo… for all you fresh artists, designers, and craft folk check out ETSY.COM as a place to start selling and promoting your work.  For my music people, Etsy is the equivalent of Cdbaby, an online market place for independent artists.   

Check the site for more info and FAQ’s - www.etsy.com/about.php

One of my favorite Esty shops is Rosetung - Jennifer’s designs are truly original, and her passion inspires me!  Someone I’m keeping my eye on in the fashion world as a diamond in the rough… www.rosetung.etsy.com

custom made scarf for me!!

ps. I’ll be incorporating more fashion and retail into my career going forward, so look out for more info on the Papa Lo Down!

Hello World,

Ok, gonna keep this short and sweet… I’ve been keeping a low profile lately, which has allowed me to get some personal things in order, and also reflect on what I’m doing with Papa Lo Down, and my career in general.

Basically, I’ll be keeping a low profile until I get a new laptop!!! HA!  I’m also doing research on the history of Public Relations (ya’ll ain’t even knowin the fucked up shit PR was founded on!), and brainstorming what the PR/Marketing workshops I’m putting together will look like.   Who wants to sign up for my workshop?!!!

In other news, I’ve realized that this blog has veered off course and I have not been staying true to the goals I set.  Soooo… you can expect LESS promotional content and MORE learning tools and lessons, as I had originally planned to use this space for.  I will however continue to support and promote dope music, events, and general info on twitter, yay! -

www.twitter.com/papalodown

ps. for all the folks who want to send me info to promote, please do so and keep me in the loop! BUT, unless I see a reason for using the info as a learning tool for other folks, I’ll be posting it on the Papa Lo Down twitter account.

pps. Thank you to everyone that has mentored, and supported me through these past few months, and helped me decide that I won’t be moving to LA (at this time…) The Bay wins again!

Sunny day in SF - Cliff House

I would multiply myself so I can make it out to all the events tonight!! WTF!? There’s HELLLLLA stuff goin down in SF tonight: 

The homies Power Struggle, Denizen Kane, and more at Pier 23 / Hellz Bellz party at 330 Ritch / Stash Mag event at Elbo Room with the homie Bar None on stage, I know I’ m missing a lot more, but you get the picture…

AND a special shout to the following events:

Friday April 24th

Illafonte Productions brings you

LIBRE
San Francisco’s End-of-the-Month Getdown for the Grown and Sexy

featuring the finest in Soul, Hip Hop, and Dancehall Classics

Music selection by:

HERB DIGS

WONWAY

…AND SPECIAL GUESTS…

along with your host

KIWI!!!!

NEW LOCATION!!!
Mercury Lounge
1582 Folsom at 12th Street
San Francisco

$10pm-2am | 21+| FREE

——————————————————————-

(aight aight Mono, I see you… )

Another episode of We Eating with the homies Gus and Big Jon, featured on URB.com

www.WeEating.com
www.youtube.com/mono415

I’m not sure how I feel about this song/video, but thought I would share…

The Trackrunners “Pound For Pound” Manny Pacquiao Song from Jon Santos on Vimeo.

All I gotta say is, May 2  - Bring out the BBQ, lumpia, Chicharron and Red Horse! yee!

New logo in effect!  much props to our DP graphic designer Stacey Padiernos.

Come through Thursday 4/23 at Namu! We’ll be servin more “…soul by the slice…”, and celebrating the homie - Weyland Southon’s (Hard Knock Radio) Birthday! This time, I’ll be bringing the infamous Chocolate Chip Banana Cake!

FOR MORE DEVIL’S PIE INFO - www.djphatrick.com/events/devils-pie