Indie is the New Major!

Hello! Every last Thursday of the month..I am hosting a new showcase and open mic called "Indie is the New Major"

The August 26th Showcase will be HOT! Performances by Syl Johnson, Melody (from Australia), J.Hollins (Chicagos' Very Own), Adina Nyree, Pop Singer Christine, R&B Artist Ricardo...and many more! Hosted by Dr.Syleecia Thompson (DYG Management Group, Author of Rhythm Without Blues) and Gavin Gregory (Broadway Actor (The Lion King & The Color Purple)...NO COVER. Great food! Great Drinks! and most of all GREAT TALENT!
Co-hosting tha...t night Charisa "The Violin Diva"....she is performing as well! It will be super hot.....the theme for August "Artistry & How Artists Should Perfect Their Craft"....

Artist Development & Rhythm and Blues 2010

Hello All,
What happened to Artist Development? I get so tired of watching artists on t.v giving terrible interviews, or poor imaging, inappropriate outfits and boring music. It's due to the lack of Artist Development! I want to put an end to it but I can't do it alone. The major artist won't do it because they are caught up in the major label machine. However, Independent Artists can change the way music is delivered through effectively grooming themselves, developing their craft and creating a vision. Artist Development was a major theme in my book, Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre. This is what's lacking in R&B today. I have developed an Artist Development Program that I think will effectively help new artists in 2010. Here are some techniques to use:

Artist Development YOUR Plan
1. Who are you?
2. Developing a Vision
3. The Recording Process
4. How to write a song/creating music
5. Demo Creation (4 song demo)
6. Artistry/Branding
7. Styling
8. Image development

These 8 areas are the beginning stages to developing your craft. Your career starts with determining "Who are you?" this helps you define your musical focus. Develop your vision, then complete the recording process and learn the true meaning of "songwriting". I suggest creating a demo of 4 to 5 songs that is created around artistry and self-branding through social networking and the viral world. Next, focus on your styling and image development. For all Genres, Artist Development is crucial to building fans and keeping them.

Reasons to Buy New Book!!!!

Greetings Friends,
I woke up this morning with music on my mind. I thought about all those great artists of the past and how their music and legacy still thrives today. However, what I have realized is that for most R&B, the legacy of past greats does not live today in current music. What do I mean by this? Well, if you look at Country, Pop and Rock, most of their past artists legends are celebrated in the music of today. You can see a little bit of Dolly Parton in Carrie Underwood or a little bit of Madonna in Lady Gaga....my point is that the artists of today in R&B do not reflect, for the most part, a piece of their history. The music of R&B today is watered down and not inspiring. Their are artists who try to provide feeling, soul and blues in their music but they are not of the mainstream. So, buying my book which is an investigative look into why we have "Rhythm Without Blues" today sends a powerful message to the industry...it says "We want real, meaningful music and that we do respect the artists of the past who paved the way for many of the R&B artists today"...send a clear message to the industry by buying my book!!!!

So, that is the reason to buy my book. Spread the word! Tell your friends, family and co-workers that supporting my book is supporting the arts, preserving our culture and pushing a better agenda in R&B!

DYG Management Group

Greetings!

I am pleased to announce my full service management company. DYG Management group stands for Define Your Greatness. Our goal is to assist artists and labels in the pursuit of their greatness. We will specialize in Artist Management, Artist Development, Record Label Consultation and Workshops/Education.

I pray that God guides me in the right direction! I welcome the added responsibilities. For more information, go to www.defineyourgreatness.com

Also, check out the "contest" section of my webpage for details about my Spring Book Club contest....Win prizes, a book club chat session and much more!

Book Festivals in 2010!!!!!

Greetings!

First, I would like to thank God for blessing me my entire life. Releasing this book has been an awesome journey. This year I will attend many book festivals and I just wanted to update all of my fans, friends and family. Thank you to all who have supported me. You may always keep up with me on Facebook (Fan Page), Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, & www.defineyourgreatness.com! Below are the festivals that I will be attending:

The National Black Book Festival--May 21st
New York Book Festival--June 12th
Harlem Book Festival--July 17th

I will also participate in many book signings. Stay tuned! Thank You!

What in the HELL happened to Artist Development?

Artist Development is dead at the record label. The quality of music has suffered because of this. Check out this video by Owen Husney: http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/the+reality+of+artist+development+deals+at+major+labels

Watch the video and give me your thoughts on the lack of quality music today and the demise of the Artist Development structure.

John Mayer..REVOKE HIS SO-CALLED HOOD PASS!

In recent news, John Mayer was reported to have said some disturbing things about African Americans and women. At first I said, "This can't be true because I love John Mayer and his music." Then, as I began to research his statements were true. In a Playboy Magazine interview Mayer took it upon himself to use the "N" word, make racist statements and degrade the entire black community. However, there is NO outrage from the music industry or entertainment world. So, I began to think back to the infamous Kanye West incident and all of the calls to BAN Kanye. This double standard is classic and blatant. John Mayer not only insults his ex-women on a daily basis but this last interview is a clear and inconsiderate attack on African Americans. I really don't know what to think at this point because the music industry has made little attempt to rectify the situation. Mayer decided to give a tearful plea and apology but that is NOT enough. I call on all rappers and artists to call him out, STOP collaborating with him and not support his music. Again, as stated in his interview...his HOOD pass should be revoked!

Amazon.com: Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre (9781606930212): Dr. Syleecia Thompson: Books

Amazon.com: Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre (9781606930212): Dr. Syleecia Thompson: Books

My goal for the month of February 2010 (Black History Month) is to sell 10,000 books! I believe so strongly in this book because I feel it is going to save "black music" and start the dialogue for change! This book is not only educational but it is entertaining and a page turner!

Teddy's Soul

This month we lost a legend in soul music, Teddy Pendergrass! Teddy Pendergrass was one of those singers that had such a unique voice and presence. He was a leader during his time in the music scene. He sang with conviction, he loved his music and the reason I can state that with vigor is that every song he sang was full of passion. His stage show was amazing! He was probably one of the first crooners of the late 70's, early 80's, I mean the ladies loved him. He will truly be remembered as a legend. I feel that Teddy's soul is missing from today's R&B. There aren't many male crooners that thrive today. The state of Rhythm and Blues is in a dismal state and sometimes it takes a legend such as Teddy to pass away for us to remember what real music is all about. To me, that is sad but the reality. I remember when Levert died. People were devastated and at that time we reflected on what music was missing. My fear is that as the months go by we will continue to accept the nonsense we hear on today's radio. When will we, as music lovers, stand up and step up! Writing Rhythm Without Blues was somewhat therapeutic for me. I was able to not only vent but offer solutions. So, I ask, what will you do to restore, maintain and remember, Teddy's Soul?