Hip Hop Gumbo™: End of an Era in Digital Music: SoundCloud May Be No Longer!

Hip Hop Gumbo™: End of an Era in Digital Music: SoundCloud May Be No Longer!

End of an Era in Digital Music: SoundCloud May Be No Longer!

http://www.wordfromwize.com/ 

SoundCloud! One of the last places an Indie Artist/Producer could go and showcase and sell their jams without advertisements being riddled all over the place is probably not gonna make it. Sony, UMG, and what's worse; the RIAA (Recording Industry Associaton of America) are blowing the strong winds of copyright infringement, as a result, SoundCloud may dissipate. For years no one really messed with SoundCloud. They had just announced a few days ago that they were going to launch a subscription based service soon. They didn't reach deals with UMG, and Sony, and now all hell is breaking loose. Ya'll know the deal. Piss off the Gods, and they will piss on you! In the Digital Music Industry, Warner Music, UMG, and Sony are Gods! SoundCloud was able to reach an agreement with Warner Music, however, I don't see that being substantial enough to ensure their survival. You might think I'm prematurely saying goodbye to Soundcloud, but think about it>>> THE RIAA HAS COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT SUITS AGAINST SOUNDCLOUD TOO! THAT MIGHT AS WELL BE THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS >LOL> IF THE COPYRIGHT OFFICE SAYS YOU VIOLATED >GUESS WHAT? YOU IN VIOLATION! I have mixed emotions about this ya'll.  The Indie Recording Artist in me; nostalgic, free, and rebellious, will miss SoundCloud. The Songwriter, Producer, and Record Label Owner in me says, you stole music, didn't pay people for what they created, and for years no one really challenged you on it. You reap what you sow! Ethically speaking, if you dig in the dirt for years, when the rains come, you're up to your neck in mud! The landscape of Digital Music is changing, still, Sista Wize is rooting for SoundCloud. Sounds funny, but its true. I hope they change up how they do shyt, somehow navigate their way through this storm and remain a place for Indie's to showcase music! LOL I am a complexed person obviously. Right or wrong, SoundCloud is in a special place, and millions of us (artists, producers, and fans ) don't want to see them go out like that! It would mark the end of an era that is sacred to us.

angie Wize

Digital Download Decision Delivers!

Wazzup Wize One'z and Gumbo Pot Headz! 

In case you didn't know: BMI Won in New York! 

Even if I wasn't a member, I would be amped!

 For two years BMI battled Pandora in court over licensing fee rates. I'm sayin', if it was compared to a rap battle, it would be like a longer version of Supernatural killin' Juice! 
BMI spit in a NY court and Pandora lost some Juice!

(link provided below for those of you too weeded out to remember that battle) 
Supernatural Bodied Juice;  Click Here to view an Art of Rhyme Clip

They finally settled on 2.5% of revenue last week. 

Attention songwriters: The days of watching your music being given away by companies who profit and pass on next to nothing of those profits to you (the songwriter) are slowly dying! 

Like intestinal parasites inside of road kill! 

At the top of the year the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) announced a settlement between Sirius XM and SoundExchange. 

That settlement was in regards to the royalty rates applied to " New" Subscription Services Packaged with Cable and Satellite Video. For those of you that read Hip Hop Gumbo because you like stuff explained in plain english, it means the music channels that come  in the packages offered by cable and satellite providers have to pay you for using your music too! There is still some battling going on in other areas .

Last I checked, Music Choice still pays an eyebrow-raisingly lower rate than Sirius. 
I thought they offered the same freakin' service. Made no sense to me why they would get to pay less. I did some diggin' and found out it's because they are classified in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) as  a" preexisting subscription service", whereas Sirius is classified as a " new subscription service". If there are other reasons why they are classified differently, 

my delving in to those reasons would probably give us all indigestion! That is one ingredient that will be left out of this pot!
  However, I'm going to take a crack at opening this nut and explaining it in a Shell, and that gas station is located at...just kidding! Sirius pays 15% of revenue and I think they can also pay rates based on a per subscriber fee; whichever is greater. Music Choice tops out in 2017 at 8.5%. Music Choice rates were determined by using the good old "willing buyer, willing seller standard". A Judge sets those rates based on his/her estimate of what the rate may be in a future competitive market. It's an educated, albeit, hypothetical guess.

 A Judges rates are being applied to services offered by Music choice now that didn't exist back when the DMCA went in to effect. They knew they were at the dawn of the digital age. Music Choice obviously existed but they were only on cable radio back then ,and so, they get to use that standard because they were Grandfathered in when the DMCA went in to action back in 1989. Between the Internet Radio Fairness Act, "Music Bus" Legislation, Perform Act, recycling of Songwriter's Equity Act, Senate's review of anti-trust consent decrees reigning over BMI and ASCAP, arguments over RIAA collecting royalties from digital music services (and then dispersing shares between the applicable songwriters and sound recording copyright holders, or the just as scary alternative; Record Labels themselves collecting royalties from digital music services and omg wait! Moment of laughter, followed by a feelin' the gumbo is stickin' to the bottom of the pot-stirring-stirring- please wait. Ok! It did not stick, much like the idea of Record Labels dividing royalties collected from digital music services and disbursing them to songwriters and sound recording performance copyright holders in an ethical and timely matter didn't! 

Speaking of Sound Performance Copyright Holders, overall they still get a whole lot more than the Songwriter at this time! It's like that old joke ,which came 1st, the chicken or the egg? In this case who is worth more? No wait! Who has greater value? The songwriter or the singer? I have a young label, but I'm always a songwriter first! Songwriters face getting screwed again if digital music services pay one royalty and then it gets divided between songwriters, and all the other copyright holders. Anyway, sorry for the RUN-ON!)  and the mighty convoy of music industry fueled vessels cruising across legislative waters flying digital download battle ensigns, it should be as obvious as Jay Z's  "Tidal"  music streaming company; a wave of change is imminent! We are in awesome times.  There's a chance that higher rates, as it pertains to digital downloads licensing, may get so costly that overall music sales plummet, and digital music service providers go belly up. Someone is going to suffer a huge loss. We songwriters suffered for far too long!
I wouldn't lose much sleep if digital music services took the hit! Pandora and so many others like them built their company at the expense of songwriters, and producers. Now many services like them have the nerve to exclude smaller labels, and reject Indie artists submissions. Pandora has become much like the story, and has become a box many wish was never opened!
One thing I can say about her is that she belongs in the mix, and I'd hate to see her go because she is one of the few that still accepts Indie artist submissions! Unless you are "Grandfathered in" new Indies can no longer showcase music on Spotify. Many other digital music service providers are dissin' new Indie members until they reach a certain amount of sales prior to review too! What!? How long was I gone please?! Attention songwriters and music producers: they need us more than we need them! Where is the grace? Where is the win for Indie Artists and Producers who at the very least could obtain exposure through these services? What happened? I know I sound judgmental as it is, but nevertheless , I'm going to quote God's word on this note, "To whom much is given, much is required"! Digital Music Services have been given much and should be required to give back! Ok ok ok! I'm putting my soapbox away. Flat footed again.
 I boldy proclaim; the world can live without digital music services! Right? 
Well, maybe not. Like Debarge says, Time Will Reveal! 

I'm sure about one thing however, 2015 the year of the sheep is going to continue being a defining year for all of us that are in the music business flock. Regardless of where our music career is today and regardless of what our future goals may be, we need to keep a watch on all decisions that relate to digital downloads. If you are like me, cd duplication is and will continue to be looked at as a minimum necessity. DropCards are what will be offered at shows featuring Artists who soar exclusively from the Wize Records Nest, myself included. We'll provide a small amount of CD's for Fans that prefer them over digital downloads. 

Wize Records, and MAJK FISH Productions acknowledge their existence and value. Like most young Indie labels who are NOT financed via a stream of drug money,we can't acknowledge their existence to the degree that we're warehousing dusty boxes of CD's. Stacked like inner city towers due to the majority of our fans downloading music  purchases on their cell, tablet, or laptop. Low overhead is crucial for any business, but its especially crucial for Indie labels because it is common for us to have to give away free music. We already eat a loss for the sake of brand recognition, fan retention, and a few other reasons I won't mention. At this point, physical Cd's in my mind are primarily for industry people: Dj's, 3rd Party distributors,Press, etc.
  Otherwise I view them like merchandise you put on a page in your online store that sells t-shirts of your brand! The music world went digital! I can't honestly perceive a significant turning back! 

 There are music industry forecasters and noteworthy guru's who predict the trend could soon be leaning towards people purchasing actual physical CD's after all these rates, royalties, and licensing issues are hammered out. They predict music will be so expensive to consumers (now that the creators of it are getting a better share) that they will stop buying music, music purchases will drop, or they may find other alternatives to accessing it and as a result of those new access venues, overall music sales will plummet.

I don't know about all that, but I do know people will always derive pleasure from music!

  BMI opened Pandora's box!

We came away with 2.5% of revenue! Today it is a victory. Something for your art, is better than nothing! Much is going on that wasn't address here. For instance, the Department of Justice is going to review some of these Acts, and at the time I wrote this, they may have already began to alter some of these Acts. The CRB had hearings on Webcasting Royalty Rates, The Copyright Office started a study on enforcing copyrights on photos and other images that stations use in this digital platform, The FCC is all over iHeart radio's tail and Broadcasters in general, and so much more ish is goin' down! I will try to blog most of the areas that peak in my lil' mind as relevant to Indie's and I am inviting you 

(yea you that's reading this now) to throw in your comments too please! 

Even if you just like to stir the Hip Hop Gumbo Pot and have no seasoning to add to it, I still appreciate your feedback! I'm putting the lid on this pot by saying digital music service providers exist because of songwriters, producers, artists, and publishers. Out of that list, in general, songwriters get the least amount of money. It's high time songwriters got a fair share! 

Sound Odyssey's, On A Seaboard?

Wazzup Gumbo Pot Headz, and Wize Onez!

Are you Hip to the Seaboard? No, it’s not a surfboard, but you can ride waves of sound on it!

Not just any sound either. The Roli Seaboard is effortlessly capable of generating sounds fresher than  Doug E.  If it were a steak, you would say it was rare.

 If it was a Doctor you would say that it cares. If it was a post you would like and share,  by now you think I’m trippin’, but I don’t even care!

I’m a seeker of higher planes of expression.  Always down to share what I deem a blessing. Back to the Seaboard manufactured by Roli,  they wrapped the market up sweet, like cannoli’s. Ok, that was lame. The fact still remains, when you press the surface of the seaboard sound sustains!  No modulation wheel! They replaced the cog, no spinning gear. Do you hear me dog? 

And it sounds so clear!

You can strum, you can slide like guitars or a bass, and yet, chime so sublime you think  Divine is in the case! Ok. I’m sorry, this is leftovers for some of ya’ll, but I just found out about it recently from one of the coolest Music Producers in my network!

Shout Out to Ronald Harris!

Demos of the Roli Seaboard quickly gave way to it being added to our “Get This List”.

The Seaboard Grand Studio (37 Keywave Studio) is only $2,000.  Hmm, that would be like us going a year without Cable T.V.   It's worth it for the versatility of instruments it has!

If we have to, we'll just break out the old DVD's  and visit the Red Box sometimes.

The Seaboard Grand Stage is $3,000 (61 Keywave Stage). 

I love that, ”Keywave",  and for the Grand Finale?

 (I bet my Hubby Gregory can play a wicked drum roll on a Seaboard, he's an excellent drummer who also plays keys well)!

The Seaboard Grand Limited First Edition retails for $8,888.00. They are only going to make 88 of them! 

They ship in June 2088! Jes Kidding. They hit the water June, 2015.  Sure seems like 2088 technology to me. The company, Roli, is just wave after wave of flava  right?  

They know they've changed the game, so much so, they are going to commemorate  the “traditional keyboard” by engraving each of the 88 Seaboards with a single note!

  Essentially bullying us into feeling old.  Don't you just love it when companies hold a burial ceremony for products they've antiquated? Shall I bury my old keyboards? Yes!

  I got my shovel already! How can I continue to cross my minds over flooded waters of creativity by walking on stilts, after having seen musicians gliding on a PowerSki Jet board?!

Every handmade board will have the name of a single key engraved on it. 

Sista Wize would love to have one with a B# engraved on it.  Because I'm going to "Be" sharp when I play it! Ok. That is not relevant to my purpose for writing this post. 

I’m just sayin', it’s adorable! Yes, I  did say “adorable”! Like it's a baby. 

 This baby, this wave of genius is going to change the way we make music forever.  I’m excited about becoming a “Seaboardist” as soon as possible and I vow to ride those waves all the way to the Ne Plus Ultra of Music Production Euphoria! This is going to be just as paramount as my first skydive.  I can touch and connect with sound like never before. 

Each machine is handcrafted in London. What a paradox! An innovative and futuristic product being manually assembled in such an old fashioned, dare I say, "traditional" way.

I want it even more now!  Just as I had surmised common decency, common courtesy, and common sense are no longer common. Overall I concluded most companies don't  apply the same level of importance to customer retention and satisfaction as they used to. They don't consistently administer the same quality of pride in their products as companies in the olden days did. When products had more than a 30-day guarantee, and you didn't have to buy insurance for every product you purchase! Customer service numbers weren't automated, and they did not call you and ask you to hold while they get a human! You can't even buy a toaster without them trying to sell you a 2 year warranty, and electrical cords weren't accessories you had to purchase separately, Period!

Instruction Booklets were free! They seemed to truly want you to understand and enjoy the product you purchased.

There was no flimsy quickstart /jumpstart guides that were two pages long, and the only reason it's two pages long is because after the first paragraph the rest of the writing is the same pargagraph written in  5 different languages! 

I say all that to say, I appreciate that old -fashioned,  handcrafted, Old World style of product assembly! 

Especially if they aren't doing it because they have no choice due to product specifications or lack of equipment. Roli and I will be great as long as my Seaboard isn't being delivered by a man riding in a horse drawn wagon we'll stay great.  LOL

One moment please, wiping drool away, and I'm about to close the lid on this pot! 

Had to tell you about the Seaboard. Thanks for reading 

the Hip Hop Gumbo Blog ,  Now your almost Hip!

To be completely Hip visit these links below! They offer a more comprehensive, less emotional, evaluation of the Seaboard!

The bottom link is Corey Henry Seaboarding at NAMM 2015.  I enjoyed watchin’ him play!

Roli Seaboard Product Page!

Love At First Site! Saw The Seaboard At TechCrunch!

Corey Henry Plays Seaboard NAMM 2015

If you enjoyed this “Word From Wize",  please send donations.  They will be used to get my  Seaboard. The angie Wize GoFundMe is located at http://wwww. I’m Jes Funnin'... Peace.

                                   Please Do visit 

angieWize.com   < Website

Music coming Soon!

angie Wize Info Trailer

MC Lyte Is Droppin' New Jamz!

First of all most of the people that know me, know that there are very few artists that go into my all-time fav category. MC Lyte, has, is, and always will be my all-time favorite Female MC! My Sister, Sierra Sweet was an Associate Producer at BET for years. Sierra Sweet was a Story Producer for "The Family Crews", Field Story Producer for"College Hill", Story Editor for "DMX: Soul of a Man, "BET Live":Seasons 1 and 2, "OH Drama", and that's just a snapshot of some of the projects she worked on at BET! My big Sis worked on projects at VH1, NBC, and a few other networks over the years, but I digress, lol, that's because we all we got, and I love her! My point is she met many famous artists over the years. In case you didn't know, what you see is what you get with angie Wize. Truly. I've never been starstruck over anyone. I've never been the type of person to swoon or ogle. My hubby played drums on albums with Thara Memory, and his niece is Macy Gray. I have personal access to many people that could turn my music career around with one phone call. I am truly Independent and choose to do things at my pace, and in my way. I've always known my music career can go anywhere I want it to, and at any time I choose. I am very funny, but I typically have a serious demeanor, even when i'm joking. I am a simple person with complexed emotions, lol, but when Sierra told me she met MC Lyte today, I turned into a 13-year-old> aka a complexed person with simple emotions! LOL, it's true! Even she was like, is this Wize? She knows I love Lyte so its cool, but I was sooooo~ excited! I literally jumped up and down! I had tons of questions! Sierra answered them all. She told me MC Lyte was one of the realest Sistas she met in L.A.! Wish I could tell you all the wonderful things I learned about Lyte. I fear beginning because, trust me, there will be no end! Anyway, Lyte is releasing a new album entitled,"LEGEND", and it will only be available on vinyl, and you can buy "LEGEND"  one day only. Release date TBA. Gotta Luv Lyte for this! I don't know yet if this one day only and only on vinyl release is a marketing tactic, personal decision, or if its symbolic, but what I do know is that I am so~ getting this Album! Many are buzzing about it, and many are saying she's back. I get what they mean, however, she never left my list of jams. Keeps me some MC Lyte in heavy rotation!
 Go check out the video"Check" >MC Lyte "Check"!  Aight. I'm proud of myself. Kept it somewhat brief! MC Lyte!!! AAHHH! Now that's an MC! Word From Wize>Be ready to get that Album! If you don't have a record playa go get one! LOL! Here is a link to her site http://www.mclytenow.com/

UPDATE@6:36PM CALI TIME: I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE IT AT THIS LINK!> http://myhiphopstore-com.myshopify.com/

Photo of MC Lyte by Michael Wong. Link via VH1 Photo collection.

Link to We Luv Pete Miser Facebook Fan Page

We Luv Pete Miser Fan Page Facebook

If you Luv Pete Miser go like this page please! I luv Pete miser too, he is one of the most overlooked rappers! I am truly a fan , he got my support with this song>  Radio Free Brooklyn Pete Miser

We Luv Pete Miser Fan Page Facebook

Here is his website>http://www.petemiser.com/

Download the Free Little Altarboy Plug-in. It's only available as a free dl until April 1st!

Attention Producers, DJ's , and Artists!!!! Soundtoys is giving away the Little AltarBoy plugin away only until April 1st, you can visit this link>https://www.soundtoys.com/sxsw2015/&rc=254-2892-045 and use my access/sharing code 254-2892-045 > This plug-in opens in Ableton or Pro Tools, its a handy vocal effect vst> good for makin that high nasal alvin and the chipmunk sound...You've got to create a Soundtoys account, but its free and fast> this is a cool lil' plug-in...

Exposing The Expensive DAW Myth: Open forums discussing the best low cost or free resources out there for DAW builders typically have at least 1 "Myth Promoter"!

Myth: Expensive gear is better. Everything from audio interfaces to plug-ins are searched for on the internet. The truly savvy young engineer or producer building a DAW ends up in forums that discuss the equipment they are looking for. One of my personal fav's is Gear Slutz, but there are thousands of places online where audio equipment is being discussed. Invariably you will find someone saying it is better to buy equipment that is typically out of the price range of a young, or I should say new, DAW builder. It's discouraging, or at the very least disheartening when we tell people about to build a DAW that it will costs them $10,000.

This is a cruel myth. Truth is I've heard some professional work that hailed from a DAW that took a little under 3 grand to build. It truly is a myth. They will tell you that you get what you pay for, but thats not always true. You could pay $400.00 for a Vst audio Eq plug-in that doesn't sound better than a free Slick Eq plug-in from Tokyo Dawn Records(TDR)!

 I saw a post like that at Quora Music Production Software and Apps: What are the best free VST plugins?



In case you didn't click that Quora link and explore the answers. Someone simply asked, "Music Production Software and Apps: What are the best free VST plugins?"

That was the question on the post. The comments, and answers to that question were all positive, except for one. The one that I want you to know will typically be there naysaying. I call them Myth Promoters. LOL He , an Electronic Music Producer/DJ wrote this comment,
"From my personal experience, free stuff just isn't good enough if you want to produce stuff that stands up to commercial releases. Nothing comes close to Sylenth or Massive in the free category. Similarly, none of the free mastering stuff is as good as Ozone or the Waves bundle. Same goes for compressors. And while I am at it, I would like to clarify- by not good enough, I mean it just takes a lot more effort to get them to work the way you want them too."

It annoyed me. I mean really annoyed me, I'm so tired of this Myth Promoting spirit. I could understand if you worked for one of those manufacturers or something, but Producers and Engineers who are independent are promoting this Myth.

As a result, I wrote this comment> I strongly disagree. To me thats not true. I study Grammy award winning engineer Dave Pensado.
This man has a multi-million dollar studio, and even he is wise enough to use free audio plug-ins from KVR, and Tokyo Dawn. If you develop your ear, truly, you will see that just because something costs more doesn't mean it is more functional, or better quality. It does not take more work to use Slick Eq and its an awesome Eq that happens to be free! In Ableton, you just select a plug-in, and click to open it, then use it, same way as any expensive plug-in you installed. Not understanding how this is more difficult. As producers we gotta know what the purpose each type of audio plug-in serves, after we understand what a compressor does, then and only then will we be able to effectively apply it in a mix. I got several compressors , and they all lend a different flavor.
If you don't develop that ear, know what your hearing, and possess knowledge of what does what, then you will be a producer in a box limiting yourself to believing what the manufacturers of audio production tools want/need you to believe and thats that you can't be professional, and creative unless you pay us for it.


I always believed it is better to be resourceful, do your homework before you blow a lot of money on equipment, but people are always judging you, always need a source to back that up.

 >Here is a video of  Grammy Award winning Engineer  Dave Pensado discussing the free plug-ins he likes! 
<

As Indie Audio Engineers, Audio Techs, and Producers, we have to be resourceful! Its important to be be hip to what's new. There will always be people that tell you a more expensive DAW is better in every place that DAW's are discussed.


On that post at Quora which asks  "Music Production Software and Apps: What are the best free VST plugins?" I wrote this comment:
Only a fool would assume because something is free it is low end! I have learned soooo much from Dave Pensado. He is a Grammy Award-winning mix engineer and even he uses free Tokyo Dawn, and KVR plug-ins >>>>anyway, I have found loads of solid plug-ins that helped shape a unique sound, and I have spent hundreds on compressors that don't sound as well as a free plug-in that I found from a German company called Klanghelm!
Being professional doesn't mean spending thousands, it means knowing what each thing is for , knowing how to works, and how your supposed to apply it! If you know what a compressor is for, than you will soon realize you can have 8 different compressors and they all generate a different effect. Some compressors I use only fr vocals, or guitars. How can you limit yourself to a few tools in your DAW? Dont let those SuperGeek, Snobby, Holier than thou audio producers sell you the concept that more expensive is better. You don't always get what you pay for, and sometimes there are beautiful surprises in the audio production world, and life. Hell, I collected royalties off a free download that used music loops that I made in Acid Dj, and the vocals were recorded in Acid too! I'm talkin' bout the Acid b4 Sony! lol It was rough. So let no one deter you from exploring all the tools out there for audio production, Grow! Find your own unique formula. it can easily be a mix of paid and free. I know a very successful mastering engineer that is still using an old Teletronix. Bottom line if you are serious about audio, you got to think out of the box, and be creative. Anyway, I got pissed off by some of the hateful , and narrow comments I saw on this post! Back to plug-ins, lol, I could post 50 links here but I won't! LOL , Here are some places you should be hip to that have some solid Limiters, Eq's, Compressors, instruments. and such . Downloads< Thats Vladg/Sound These 2 are must have's! >IVGI Saturation and Distortion, and , DC1A , Compression>they got some stock must have Melda Plug-ins there too> Free VST PLugins, Free Synth Plugins, Free PC Music Plugins, Mac, at Pluginboutique.com Audio Engineering Tools Here via RS-Met> RS-MET IF YOU ARE A MUSIC PRODUCER, AND YOU MAKE LOOPS, CHECK THIS BAD BOY OUT! ITS A WORKSTATION FOR LOOP BASED MUSIC CREATION>Download Audio Loops, Samples & Sound FX Audio Mastering Audio Mastering Suite Voxengo has to be in this list!>Free VST Plugins and Free AU Plugins Downloads Blue Cat Audio!!> Blast from the past, they are no longer, but their products still are avalable and still rumble with the best, they are all free >Blue Cat's Freeware Plug-ins Pack II Got to be hip to the Bedroom Producers Blog>Free Mastering Software For Windows & Mac! Loads of tools at>Page on studiotoolz.netBETABUGS! Interesting plug-ins for sound altering >they are 1 of a kind!>BetabugsAudio :::plug-in development turned inside out::: also loads of gems at KVR>Developer Challenge 2009 , and if you don't explore Synthopia, you aren't serious about finding the best for nothing or less!!! they have loads and loads of top notch freebies> HERE IS THE CURRENT PAGE >LOOK AT THE VERY BOTTOM LEFT SIDE /INSIDE CORNER OF THE PAGE AND SELECT OLDER POSTS>BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO SIT FOR HOURS! free plug-ins 2014 " Synthtopia Found some plug-ins at Synthopia that I have come to love>Spark Dubstep, Duck Eq by Heel Audio, Fracture by Glitch machines, AudioSpillage Free drum synth>Page on audiospillage.com < and more, all pages I listed have plug-ins that work great in Ableton. HAPPY HUNTING! 


End of my comment/rant over at Quora... ........


Be on the look out for those Myth Promoters! Be sure you don't let their negative  energy deter you from building your DAW on a budget. Ultimately, we as Audio Engineers, Audio Techs, and Producers must decide for ourselves what works best for us. Don't let no one sell you the MYTH that more expensive equipment equates better quality, and please please post the facts whenever you see that "Expensive DAW Myth". If for no other reason, do it for the young, and/or new up and coming Indie Producers, and engineers that are searching for the tools they need to build their own DAW.- Wize


Here is the very extensive list of artists Dave Pensado has engineered tracks for, everyone from Mary J. Blige to Jay Z. If free audio plug-ins aren't beneath  him, then how can you not explore them.

I used to Visit Rap Genius Years Ago, and Forgot About Them. I stumbled on their site on St. Patty's Day!

I am sooooo stoked! Ya'll know I love to write. This site "Genius" formerly known as "Rap Genius" is so perfect. I Created an account there on St. Patty's Day, and had to resist the urge to post something on every Genre. They have evolved so beautifully. Now there is not only a Rap Genius, there is an R&B Genius, Rock Genius, Literary Genius, History Genius, Law Genius, and the list goes on.  Here is a link to the Genius main page! I am used to having the freedom to write what I want , and for as long winded as I desire to be. Unless its a Lyric, this site, is so awesome for me, because I have to write minimally. I would give my self a 5 on the scale of 1-10 thus far, because I didn't get it at 1st, so I just wrote. I annotated on a poem called " A Blessing, by James Wright" , it was my 1st crack at it, in hindsight, its waaaaay tooo  wordy, but its not like the site has its requirements, goals, and goals clearly outlined. Wondering if they have the grace to leave it up there since i'm a newbie, or if they are goin' to slam my shyt. Lol, after a few a annotation on the James Write poem, I created my 1st page. James Wright's  poem "A Blessing", was the cause of horses as an expository vehicle being on my mind. I instantly thought of "Alice Walkers, Am I Blue?" essay. I did a better job at being concise, but again too wordy. I love it! I'm gonna pull my writing reins like a horse, and nail this. Love this site, and i'm delighted about stumbling on it again. Back in the day, I didn't utilize the opportunity to explore it. I'm on it now. You might think this post has absolutely nothing to do with Hip Hop, however Rap Genius is a pioneer! I urge you to read all about them. Below is a link to their page, below that is a link to angie Wize Genius page, please click on pages, for now there is only 1. Please go read Alice Walker's Am I Blue , if you haven't already, and you on here just chillin' and readin', and finally, there is a link to Wikipedia which has much info about Genius, formerly known as Rap Genius, and their controversial history. -Wize

Links
 Genius! (Formerly Rap Genius) Current Landing Page: Kendrick Lamar Pimp a butterfly
Genius angie Wize!
Genius Website Info at Wikipedia

Bringin' It All Together

I feel obligated to tell my readers , I'm Very Truly Sorry, for abandoning my Hip Hop gumbo blog. I've lived a whole lot of life since my last post, and i've been away soooooo long that I have to learn the internet all over again! Tying my Site to all the other sites, and creating new places to reach me, sheesh, its a wonder I have any fans at all! It is 3/16/15, and I don't even have a twitter account , yet, lol. I will be updating all my ish this week. Website, new free music for you true Wize fans, and supporters, and man, what else, oh yeah, you know I must share with you my journey these past years. I kept making music. Kept reading what's goin' on in the industry, some stuff made me smile, some stuff made me cry, and other things just made me say, hmmmm? A whole lot of BS goin' on in Hip hop today, please check back for a synopsis of my thoughts these past 3 years, and again, Thanks for visiting, supporting, waiting, writing, loving, hating, and all the wonderful actions that compel me to return. With Love Always- Wize

Model For Independent Excellence: Interview >>Independence day with Jah Model!

Jah Model with Sizzla!

Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2012 20:19:58 -0400
It's The 4th of July! You Know at hip Hop Gumbo that means>Interview! This year i found a hot reggae artist based out of London that i have known for years. Love his work! He is also the producer of a show called Self Reliance T.V., a show filled with awesome reggae artists, poets, and Praises To The Most High! Jah Model was gracious enough to take time out of his day for this interview, and on behalf of all readers of hip hop gumbo, lemme say >We apprecitae u!

Wize: First of all i want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to interview you on the 4th of

July.

Jah Model: ii, its a blessing and i have tosay thank you.

Wize: What's New wit you? How ya doing? What projects are ya workin' on?

Jah Model: My long and awaitied album title” i an i “now available on itunes. Now im more focusing on the business side, plus other artists that im working with.

Wize: I have to ask you about the song entitled "Love Of A Lifetime",I love It!!!!!  What inspired you to write it please?

Jah Model: that song was written specially for my empress, expressing my love for her the way i know to. so its my empress love who inspired me to write. Also, its the last ever project me and my producer worked on a week before he died...R I P Tony Express of Unseen Masters London.

Wize: I am very sorry to hear about your producer passing...on a lighter note lemme say to all the would be home wreckers>>she"aka his empress"  is a beautiful woman>and sent from Jah>so don't hate ! and when u see him at a show>don't even try to approach him sidewayz>he got him 1!!!!>>lol

Wize: I am diggin' on Self  Reliance T.V., what's up with this? How did you get involved with it? Or did you create it?

Jah Model: Self Reliance was a dream i had one nite and i woke up the next morning saying self reliance, but  the reason i started my own show, is mainly that im doing something to give the real side of reggae to the world along with artists whose trying same as i myself

Wize: What is the ultimate goal of Self Reliance T.V.?

Jah Model: to get  it in the homes on your sky channel, also, im looking into our own sky channel. even though i know its a lot of licenses and money, but as i said to a friend of mine that the persons who owns the channels never one before then=but they they went for it and have it....

Wize: You are about to get married! Congratulations! What are your thoughts? lol>i know that is a bit abstract! lol Not asking what is your thoughts about this or that>jes what are your thoughts?

Jah Model: my thoughts ....well its all about i prayers! without God it will fail, but im loving every moment of it. and so happy i found my queen..i guess its the love bug..lol

Wize: lol…again>Congratulations! You know i'm thorough, so i have to ask>what is the most negative experience that you've encountered as an artist?

Jah Model: the fact that it takes your closest to get you down and being grudged by fellow artist.

Wize: What is the most positive thing that you have experienced as an artist?

Jah Model: me leading a roots trip to Ghana Africa as i was the youngest one in the group,

Wize: You have people listening to your music, and watchin' Self Reliance T.V. all the way on the west coast of America! Is there any advice that you would like to give new upcoming Indie artists?

Jah Model: 1 ; love what u do, 2; hard work, and more hard work, good songs come from good writer plus good beats / riddim came from good producers,3; be yourself and nothing less ,  4: self dependent, 5;  prepare to be rejected and most of all critism. there be days when u feel like give up, so as i say u have to love it..if u think only about money and vanity before product then your waisting your time....

Wize:  If you only think about money and vanity before product, then your waisting your time!>>That’s  whats up!

Wize: Is there anything else that you would like to add to this interview, or any topic that you would like to discuss?

Jah Model: i have to also say that i also made most of my videos plus other artist as well, i also produce,write a script for a movie plus book should be coming soon. and the focus is on everything i do and stands for the love of music.. look out for lots of singles  from Jah Model and Government Empire...

Wize: Trust me I will be doin’ jes that!!!

Wize: Well Hip Hop Gumbo>That's Whatz Up>u heard it hear at hip hop gumbo 1st!  I thank you Jah Model for taking the time to share with us, and i look forward to hearing more of your music, and i also look forward to seeing new episodes of Self-Reliance T.V.!!
Wize : Here is a link to an episode of Self Reliance T.V.! Self Reliance TV with host Jah Model!

Jah Model: thanks for having me and all i can say is look out for Jah Model and please tell a friend im am here and let’s give love a chance and support SR TV....

Wize: Will Do Man Of God>will do!
Wize One'z Thnx For visiting Hip Hop Gumbo>and plz hit that link below>love of a lifetime>gr8 music!

.

Love Of A Lifetime by Jah Model <<

Gettin' Jacked On Tha Road!

Ok, I know none of us like to think about this, but I've heard so many horror stories over the past week , that I have to address this one! You just got through rippin' it up on stage! You and your crew decide to stop, and get a bite to eat, come out your van is gone! All your sound equipment, instruments, your favorite mic>>Gone! This could happen to you in your town. That sucks, but it sucks even more when your out of town! Most Indie artists can't afford security, and unless you always go on tours and out of state gigs with a couple pit bulls in the van, it is highly likely that this someday could happen to you! I know , I know , I know,  you think it could never happen to me! Before you arrogantly insist on clingin' to this false sense of security, please allow me to point out a few facts. Most indie artists announce gigs online prior to attending the show. Do you realize that this means hundreds, and for some indie artists thousands of people know exactly where you are going to be! They know when, where, and it's quite easy to guess how long you will be on stage! It is also quite easy to see what vehicle you came in! I have talked to a professional drummer who was loading up, after a gig, and he came out to put more gear in a van that had been stolen! One of these artists came with 4 other people riding in the car with him! If you use facebook, twitter, myspace, reverbnation, soundclick, your own artist website, blogs, fan mailings, or any other kind of internet accessible means to promote upcoming gigs. Please don't wait until you've been robbed, or jacked to take security measures seriously! Just because you are licensed to carry a gun, doesn't mean you will be in the parking lot at the right time! One of the rappers i spoke to left his gun in the car! So now he has lost that too! Here are a few words  from Wize for you to consider. Rather you are performing in the city you live in or are out of state! Always leave valuables at home! Decide which jewelry your going to wear! Don't be a Male/Female indecisive diva and carry alot of expensive items that you may or may not wear! You know what i mean? Plan what you are going to wear before you even go on tour, or to a gig! Bring only that! If your going to change clothes, they should be in an area in the building just offstage, being guarded by someone you trust! Don't depend on Club Managers, Security, and Club Bouncers to protect your gear! When it all comes down to it, protection of your valuables are on you. Always load and unload gear quickly! Even if your tired, don't be even remotely lackadaisical! Do this task, quickly, directly, and with a no nonsense, non-approachable attitude. Don't let fans distract you! It can also be a good idea to use one of the front men/women in your group to exclusively deal with the afterglow of fans that hang around and want to talk, while the rest load up , and literally ignore the whistles, catcalls, and screams!  Keep a person on your team who is willing to stay with your vehicle during the whole show! It would be better to park your vehicle in a secure garage and taxi to the club or venue! Find out ahead of time where to park off-site of where you are performing! All indie artists can't afford a limo ride to every show, but if you can hire a a limo, or a  driver for your vehicle, then by all means, do it! Don't rely on local law enforcement to be able to quickly , and seriously search for your stolen vehicle, gig van , tour bus, or truck. One of the rappers i spoke to, told me that clearly the police did not like his rap image, or presence in the city, and were very hateful towards him! Another tip i would like to pass on, if you are part of a group, or you roll with a crew of people with you, when your out of town, rotate watches! All of you shouldn't be asleep in the hotel! Someone has to guard the vehicle, and valuables at all times. Take turns! One of the rappers i spoke to, said, "they took the laptop that has all of our business information in it!" They lost their list of fans that they send mail to monthly, list of club manager phone numbers, irreplaceable photos, demos,  articles that they had downloaded, and more! Despite the fact that they party with their fans, , allowed strangers to ride with them, they still didn't even see the value of investing in a car alarm! He said that he knows there were times that he trusted people he doesn't know that well to go get stuff out his car for him, and get this, he admitted that he din't always lock up the vehicle! This came out when he said ," I never had to worry about stuff like that, I've been places that I didn't even have to lock up my shyt, becuase people don't phuck with me!">>>Don't think because you are an indie artist, that noone would want to rob, or jack you! You are in the public eye, and it's wise to remember that we live in an unpredictable world! Sounds like common sense right? Probably won't ever happen to you right? If you said , "right", then you are vulnerable, because this is touring and gigging 101. You've been lucky so far, hope your "right" though, and it never happens to you. #WordFromWize
(Image found at imageshack.com)

Back In Tha Music Saddle!

Wazzup Wize One'z! Been a long time since i have posted in the hip hop gumbo blog! MJ went on to glory>missed alot of oportunities to write about alot of significant things that happened in and out of the world of hip hop and music! But I am back! Glad to be back>and i appreciate tha love u showin' >and have always shown me>new music comin' soon>and my own personal style of blah blah blah will be here! lol luv ya'll stay blessed!

I'm still standin' world!

After many setbacks, Wize on tha Rize! Whew~ Had comps blowin' up, relationship dramas, a surgery, ouch! Yo, I neva been cut on b4, they took my gall bladder, but still, I'm standin' world! Got a Cd being mastered, and I'm back in the ring , wizer, stronger, and still real. Thanks for all the emails! I have the coolest internet homies and fans on the planet...Stay tuned wize ones, and keep checkin' the wize records website, its been dormant for a long time, but I was makin' music, I wasn't dormant! U gotta be tough in this life even when the rains come. So much has happened in the hip hop world since, i last posted my lil' opinion, i wouldn't know where to begin, but most recently on my mind is the passing of guru, rest in peace homie, GURU! U WILL BE MISSED.

A Poppin' 4th of July Interview with Northern Persuasion/ Presuesión Norteña of Cat Room Records!

Wize: Hola! Como estas?

NP: Estoy Bien.....Chillin at work...since they made me work July 4th and all...hehehe..

Wize: Yea, today is the 4th isn't it. Well in the spirit of Independence, let's do something other than pop fireworks..lol..Happy 4th though! Gracias por taking the time to participate in this interview!! I know your a hardworkin' hombre. Okay- First of all, I admit I know the answer to this question, but someone who isn't hip to you yet may not know, So I need to ask, Where are you from?

NP: My Mom and whole family is from Santiago,Chile... I'm born here in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and lived in Chile off and on in my life....but im Etown Raised....I rep these Etown streets and I go back and forth to Denver, Co as well...

Wize: For those who aint knowin', Is there a Hip Hop or Rap culture in Chile?

NP: There sure is...there is a lot of artists puttin it down and speakin truths about Government corruption, police corruption, cartels, then love, life, food....a good balance cuz in Chile food and love is the most important.... a lot of Rock/Hip Hop mixture there as well. but there is a lot of Hip Hop that is just all about havin fun cuz Partyin in Chile is "super importante" like said there....

Wize: Same question as above for Canada.

NP: Well in Canada the Hip Hop Scene is exploding....and always has been...a lot of misconceptions about Canada exist....Its just like any other country...got your big cities and small towns and in the big cities the scenes is poppin.
A lot of great artists come out of Canada...Maestro Fresh Wes.....ACON.....Nelley Furtado.....Devon....The Dream Warriors....There is more to name.... Lots of talent here in Canada.

Wize: You Sing, and Rap in Spanish. I love that about you! I know Spanish speaking artists who never sing in their native language. What if any thing would you say , lol, I know I am drawing you out forgive me, but what would you say , if anything, to those artists? (smiles)

NP: I say keep it real....integrate both worlds...can't forget what u r or where u come from so since we live in a place which is different its good to mix it yet not forget it... and combine the best of both worlds....Frost once said " It aint where you from it's where your at." True enough but can't forget where you from......so its good to rep both worlds.

Wize: (Your answer made me smile, that's what's up.)
Wize: I know every track is different, but what image do you want your music to convey overall?

NP: Diversity. Real life situations...heart and soul.....sadness....happiness....joy....tears....everything.

Wize: Who are your major musical influences?

NP: ZAPP and Roger for sure... SPM.....Snoop Dogg and the Dogg pound...The mexakins.....Kid Frost....FunkDoobiest... The Doors.....The Gypsy Kings.....Diana Ross.....Victor Jara.....Warren G....Nate DOgg.....The Platters.....Smokey Robinson....Marvin Gaye..... I could go on forever...

Wize: How do you define success, and what is the main character trait that makes a person successful in your opinion?

NP: Success...I think it is more spiritual than Material...at least in my opinion...so success is doing what helps humanity and makes you feel you are doing what you are meant to do in this world....following God's plan in so many words..Not money...not bling.,....not lots of woman....not lots of blunts.......these things are not what is real cuz what is temporary is not real and this world, this body, this life is not forever so its not real in so many ways..what is real is the everlasting with God...so yeah..hope that makes sense to y'all.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful ~Albert Schweitzer

Wize: The Song You and Terry "Zapp" Troutman did is smokin', what is he like, and do you plan on doing more songs with him?

NP: He is a cool cat..He is down to earth and easy to talk to and he is a hard working person, always on the grind, I think that is why we get a long....Oh yeah there are many more to come....Next track comin is a track featuring my main man Str8 Gutta...he is real...he reps the streets... and Holy Ghost....Holy Ghost is one of the most energetic rappers I have seen...his energy has been compared to that of Tupac...
and there are another 2 - 4 tracks comin out soon...with myself and Terry. If anyone would like to collab with Terry hit me up and we can see whats up... as long as the track is tight we can do that up....

Wize: What other kinds of music- if any- do you listen to?

NP: I listen to spanish oldies...English Oldies from the 60's cuz my mom is a cool hippie lady from Chile...I like arabic music very much as well as reggae in spanish and english....and flamenco so so much.

Wize: I know you have a very special lady in your life. I know a lot of single artists , so forgive me, I don't get to ask this question , lol, and I am not going to let this opportunity pass by- smiles-What is the key, in your opinion, to making a long-term relationship work?

NP: Willingness to change..Of course not change who you are as an individual, but maybe change those negative aspects in your life, and the willingness to compromise and plenty, plenty, plenty of open communication and a whole lot of love and plenty of hard work.

Wize: Is there anything else you'd like to say, or that you want people to know?

NP: I want people to know that God is everywhere...maybe he is hard to recognize at times but just open your ears and eyes in a different way and you will see him....
He could be the homeless person begging on the corner that was turned away or he could be the lil baby takin a walk with his mom smilin at u passin by...take time to enjoy everything out of life, especially the lil things cuz those things are what makes being human so beautifull..
Help your brothers cuz we are all brothers and sisters and every lil good thing done creates some positive energy in this world and if we all do this we can overpower the negative...
IT takes all of us to work as one unit...all humanity....

ON ANOTHER NOTE.... to all u hustlaz.....get ur cash but remember in the game noone lasts forever....find a legit hustle...use the brain which is the most powerfull muscle in our bodies.... it is much harder to use the mind and accomplish goals than it is to grind on street corners and crack houses....It is much more satisfying too....cuz this legit hustle would be blessed by God and this fruit tastes so much sweeter....Also it's much nicer to live on the outside and not in the inside....AND THESE ARE WORDS OF EXPERIENCE, NO BS!

One last very special thing I would like to say.....
Thank you to you Wize one for being so real and for doing so much with music....I want your fans(including myself who always will support u) to keep supporting you because you are a force of light and we all love u and ur music....You keep it real and don't pretend to be anything your not...you are U and we all love and respect that....Never change and keep doin what u do...

Wize: Right Backatcha!!! So That's What's Up Ya'll!

On behalf of the Hip Hop Gumbo Blog Visitors, Gracias por taking time to share with us. ¡El Dios Le bendice! Keep puttin' it down, and Gracias por being verdadero, as alway! (smiles) -Wize

You can listen to and Purchase NP's Music at
http://www.myspace.com/Northernpersuasion