Wow, I haven't been on here in a while and there is a new look to things. Anyways, I am coolin it, as the young folk say, here at this fast food restaurant.

I finished my script!!! Yes, I wrote a whole script for a feature film. I am awaiting feedback from my actors. It is going to feature Infame. You know I love them, right?!!! It will also feature my sis Erica. I'm excited. I am now working on funding. You got any ideas? Hehe.

I have been writing a ton of songs. I am looking to get some artists together. I want to write for others. I'm still looking for articles for the blog so if you have any ideas let me know. In the meantime I am going to promote all my favorite artists and if you think that could be you show me what you go. Gotta get back to selling advertising too. Bills, you know.

So that's the gist of it.

Here is a video or two to tide you over till next time.

Explicit content.

Hugs and booty rubs,

Sara Jo

PS. Be super safe in and out the bed. Love you. 

Interview Questions

Hello there,

This is a short and sweet post. Earlier I stated how I wanted to do interviews for my site.  Well, here are some questions that I would love to have my guests answer. If you think of any more please feel free to add them to the comment section.

Who is in your band?

How do you get along?

Where did you get your name?

How would you describe your sound?

Why did you get into music?

Who is your favorite independent/underground artist besides yourself?

What and who inspire your lyrics?

What are your live performances like? (Example: Laid back, energetic)

Who is the craziest person in the group?

What is a typical studio session like?

What do you love most about the music scene these days?

What do you dislike?

What is your songwriting process like?

Do you do other things besides music?

What kind of artists do you want to work with?

What are your fans like?

Who has the most twitter love?

Who eats the most?

Who is the worst driver?

Share a funny story.

When you become millionaires, what fun things will you do with your money?

What are your favorite websites?

Who are the special fans you want to thank?

What do you want to accomplish with your music?

Any extra footage or comments?

Where can your fans get your music?

Where can music executives contact you?

Add press kit if desired.

Much love,

SJ

Music Licensing

So I found this interesting article on music licensing as I was researching on the internet and thought I would share it with you. Thank you Mr. Jensen for sharing.

So, what do you think of the article? I know I am trying to learn all I can so I can place music for myself and other artists. I believe it is rather important to respect the time of a music supervisor. Also, look for music supervisors from all over. You may get your song on an indie film, or even a local commercial. All could generate review. Get your publishing in order first. Make sure your music sounds great. You know all this. Hehe.

Til next time,

Sara Jo

Support Me and Let Me Support You

Are you interested in doing interviews for my site? Help me build up this entertainment community. Show the audience more than one side of you. We don't have to do the same questions everyone else asks. Let the people see your artistic side, your funny side, whatever side you think will grab their attention. If you are a solo artist or a band and would like to participate, please email me.


Also, if you need help with your band in other ways from production, mixing, songwriting, features (local area- I know a guy, several, and a gal too) please let me know. As you know, I got the distribution and marketing you need. We can handle simple posts on social media websites, to bigger like cable television campaigns. If you have a sponsor, say a car dealership, that is interested in creating a capaign, we can do that too. I am here to advocate for YOU, the artist.

If you haven't already, I suggest you check out my blog for more information about the industry and I will keep you posted.

Thank you.

Sara Jo

Questions Every Indie Artist/Band Should Be Able To Answer

The Homework Portion 

 Every artist wants to think he is doing great. I'm just gonna make music and sell sell sell. Do you have fans? Yeah! How many? Blank stare. If you want to know the health of your band you have to think of it from an manager prospective. These are the same things an A&R and record label are going to want answers to. Knowing the answers can also save you a lot of time and money. If you realize where you need help you can fix your problem. If you are doing great you know you are on the right path and can continue doing what you are doing. Either way, look at it as encouragement. I'm a numbers girl. The numbers don't lie. They are painful sometimes in life, but the truth sets you free so I'm told. Also, knowing this can help when writing your press kit. So get started. Feel free to post your answers as a response or to do them with your band.

    

I want real answers too.  

1.    On average, how many fans come to a show specifically to see you?

2.    How many views do you get to your youtube channel each month?

3.    When someone comments, how long does it take you to respond with thank you or answering a question?

4.    How many people at your shows sign up for your email list?

5.    How many emails do you send out a month?

6.    How many cds/albums do you give away at every show?

7.    How many cds/albums do you sell a month?

8.    How many likes does your Facebook page get a month?

9.    Do you post regularly to your website/blog?

10. How many fans do you think you have that do not know you personally?

11.  What are your favorite venues locally? Nationally?

12.  What are your goals for the next six months?

13. How often do ppl request you to book a show with them?

14. Do you have plans for reaching these goals.

15. Do you have a manager?

16. Do you listen to your manager’s advice?

17. What steps do you take to learn about the music industry?

18.  Do you feel you would benefit from bringing someone on to work (paid) for you?

19.  How do your friends/loved ones help you?

20. How do you promote yourself?

21. What websites/magazines are you on/in?

22. Do you submit your music for press purposes?

23. Are you happy with these numbers? 

Identify the areas you need to improve in and do so. Before you can go on tour and sell out shows you have to have people purchase your music. Before you can have people purchase your music you must have fans. Before you have fans you must do your part to get them. Once you get them you have to hold on to them. It’s a loving relationship that will have it’s ups and downs, but you must be committed for it to work.  If you have someone to work for you you have to listen. Don’t pay and them ignore his/her advice. Get someone you trust, someone who has your best interest at heart.  Even then, learn all you can. That way when you receive advice you will understand it and be more inclined to follow through. Or, you can ask the right questions, or reject it with understanding. If you are performer of music looking to be a seller of music you must be a student of the music business. No way around it.

If you have any questions or you want some paid help hit me up. Make sure to follow me on twitter for more tips.

Hope this helps,

Sara Jo

Music Submission for Review

Making money as an artist is all about selling to the fans. But, first you have to get fans!!! How do you build your fanbase? There are many ways but one of the most obvious is getting press coverage. If you can get a feature on a blog or a magazine this will help. Everyone wants to be in popular magazines and famous websites. However, even mentions on small sites help. You never know who is looking. Getting listed on these sites also gives you a place to direct your fans. Those who love to explore will appreciate the links. Search engines will go to the big sites first, but having your media on various sites helps you out. The more links the better. So go approach any music writer you know or find interesting and ask him/her/them to review your music. Great reviews are best, but even those that are not still count as links. I wouldn't add them to my press kit though. 

To help you out these are some places I’ve found where you can submit your music. Most should accept hip-hop. I know the first does. Some others are popular publications. You may find tips or be able to email for a request. Those are listed toward the end.

http://wwsmag.com/updates/submissions/

wwsmagfeatures@gmail.com

http://www.allindiemagazine.net

http://www.yoraps.com/submission.php

http://www.wordofsouth.com/

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/

Writers@vandalaconcepts.com

http://www.nine5four.com/mag/music-reviews.html

http://www.musicindustrynewswire.com

http://indiemusicuniverse.com/

http://www.myspace.com/all4magazine

colin@indielaunchpad.com

http://www.theChickenFishSpeaks.com

http://www.DamMagazine.com

http://www.exmogul.com

http://www.rhinosilver.com

http://www.world-newspapers.com/rap.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/muc/2541012269.html

If you are a writer and would like to add yourself to my list, please don't hesitate to let me know. Email is best.

Thanks and love,

Sara Jo

We Are Going On Tour

I have DECIDED my friends the musicians are going on a state-to-state tour in 6 months. I have to find sponsors. I have given us all this responsibility for several reasons. One, touring is one way to make money and gain exposure. Two, it requires me to do research and learn more about the music industry. Three, it will show labels, music supervisors, A&R, whomever in the industry, that my babies work hard and know what they are doing on stage. And four, it will make for great television which we can then pitch to a network. You see, I'm always scheming. Of course, they have homework too. But I just wanted to get this in writing so they know mama means business. Someone's gotta push em, right? Might as well be me.

Talent Only Movement in full effect.

If you have any tips on planning a tour, or are interested in helping out with information, sponsorship, or booking, please send me a message.


Thanks,

Sara Jo

More to Come

Hello,


Been spending time with my entertainment family and I am excited about all the things to come. Recorded some stuff with my sis Ms. Safiyyah. She is absolutely hilarious, y'all. Below is some of the stuff we've done. Of course, we are doing more. A film is in the works (I'm still writing it). I am so excited, well, my version of excited, that I have some more roles cast. Oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun and hard work. I am ready. Just gotta get that pocket book right. Hehe. Working on that too.

I am enjoying the music thing. I think what is pushing me is that one, I need the money, and two, this is my dream field. Who doesn't want to work in entertainment?

I have to put aside time to make some great songs too. Oh, the writing of the song. Sometimes that comes fast, other times slow. But, we will get it done.

Love you guys,

SJ

How to Break Up

If you ever have a hard time saying goodbye to someone, probably because you actually care about someone's feelings, here you go. This will help you out.

What are your break up techniques?

Love ya,
SJ

Nine Seconds of Your Time

Hi,

This is my sis running through the park.

She gotta go. You've been there!

Okay,


Love y'all.

Finding Music Distribution

Hello fellow artists, are you interested in distributing your music and making a profit? Check out http://www.rhinosilver.com/. Make $1 giving away music, $5 for music download and physical cd, and $8 for musical download. Video distribution also available. Please feel free to message me with any questions you might have or if you would like to sign up.



Thanks.


Sara Jo

Advertising

Hey,

I'm working on this new thing called advertising. Well, I'm selling advertising. I think I am going to enjoy it. Now I am coming up with lists for possible clients. If any of YOU are interested let me know. If you are a musician looking to distribute your music let me know that as well because that's the kind of company I'm working for. If any of you have tips on selling advertising let me know also.

Also, I'm working on my screenplay and getting my actors to be in the same space. I think we are going to start out with some improv techniques.


Okay,
love you all.

SJ

Tag: About Me

Figured I'd do one cuz...

1. Is it cute when guys kiss you on your forehead? Sure
2. A big poofy dress or a short party dress? Big dress. Don't like short dresses much.
3. Are diamonds a girl's best friend? No. I don't see the point.
4. Is your hair up or down today? up, in a bun thing.
5. Do you straighten your hair? Yes.
6. Favorite mascara? Idk. They pretty much look the same on me. Lancome I guess.
7. Do you get your nails done? Nope.
8. Small or large purses? Large.
9. Jeans or sweats? Jeans. I hate sweats.
10. Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that's uncomfortable? All shoes are uncomfortable. I hate shoes.
11. Do you text message a lot? Not really.
12. Whats your favorite color? Black. I love purple too.
13. Heels or flats? Flats. Heels are evil. Not really, but I have bad balance and heels are extra uncomfortable and I look just as sexy in flats.
14. Would you ever leave the house without makeup on? Yep.
15. Walmart or Target? Walmart. Target is a higher priced wanna be.
16. Do you think lip gloss is the best!? It's okay.
17. Do you own any big sunglasses? Nope. I don't wear sunglasses because I can't see with them and then I get a headache.
18. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Depends on where I'm going, what my hair is already doing, and how I feel. Might be 15. Might be 1 hour.
19. Do you like to wear dresses? Yes. I love dresses. I need more.
20. In the last 48 hours have you hung out with a guy? Nope. Been all alone :(
21. Do you like to hold hands? N.O. I really don't see the point.
22. What do you notice when you first meet a guy? Arms and lips. MUSCLES awe. Love toned arms. And lips. Not crusty or too thin.
23. Do you like making eye contact? Yes.
24. Would you kill for chocolate? Uh, no.
25. On a scale from 1-10 how fun is shopping? Depends. Not really interested in shopping though. Especially for clothes. I hate shopping for clothes cuz nothing fits.
26. Do you yell a lot? No.
27. Do you wear sweatpants/pajamas to school/work? No. Who does that?
28. Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? Again who does that? No. Men are attracted to me because I'm me. My smile and intelligence does all the work.
29. What makeup could you not live without? I could live without it all if I had to. I do love some lip balm though. Can't do crusty lips.
30. Do you fall in love easily? No. I never fall in love. I wish I did.
31. Do you have cramps? All the time.
32. Do you think you have the bestest friend ever? She's alright. JK. Yes I do.

Update: Working with Ms. Safiyyah

Been spending time with my entertainment family and I am excited about all the things to come. Recorded some stuff with my sis Ms. Safiyyah. She is absolutely hilarious, y'all. Below is some of the stuff we've done. Of course, we are doing more. A film is in the works (I'm still writing it). I am so excited, well, my version of excited, that I have some more roles cast. Oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun and hard work. I am ready. Just gotta get that pocket book right. Hehe. Working on that too.

Below is a video of outtakes. 

The film that I am working on is going well. I've come up with an interesting group of characters and the cast is an interesting group of characters. Part of the reason I'm doing it the way I am is not only to create an entertaining film but to strengthen everyone's skills, as actors, writers, directors, producers, everything. The characters are composites of my friends and me. FUN right? I think so. I never want my characters to be exactly like one friend. But combining bits and pieces makes for a better story. Some fiction is thrown in there of course, but a good deal is based off of real life.

Well, enough of me writing here. I have to get back to my script.

Love and hugs,

SJ

Love Songs

What is your favorite love or "friendly mood" song? Mine is "Can I Stay With You" (Some call it stay the night... less typing I suppose) by Karyn White. This song is about a man who has skills. But, it's beyond the physical. I think to have it that good it has to be an emotional connection or something comforting with that person.

Here are the lyrics and see if what I mean when I say you can't sing this one to any ole lover.


Never felt so good before
Never dreamed I would explore
Makin’ love in the positions that you got me doin’
I never thought I’d beg for more
Never thought I’d find a man who can do it again and again
And then even do it like once again

I’ve never trembled in my life
Heard about it once or twice
But now I’m shakin’
And I swear the shakin’ feel so nice

Well, I don’t know what I’m gonna do
‘Cause I don’t wanna be away from you
You shouldn’t have felt so good
Love knows I’ve never felt so good
It’s wonderful
Well, there’s only one thing I need to know

Can I stay with you, babe
For the rest of the night
Can I stay with you, babe
For the rest of my life

Can I stay with you, babe
Through the end of all time
Oh, baby, please
Let me stay through the night

Never felt so weak before
Never met a man so sure
Of how and when and where to touch, and just how much
I’ve never been to ecstasy
But now I’m feelin’ it
Over and over and over and over and over and over and over

Whatever I can do for your love
You just ask, consider it down
And I’ll do anything
Whatever you want, whenever you need it

I just wanna give it all to you
More than you could ever expect me to
I swear whatever you do
I’ll do it three times, baby, back to you
I’m good to go
Well, there’s only one thing I need to know

Can I stay with you, babe
For the rest of the night (Yeah)
Can I stay with you, babe
For the rest of my life

Can I stay with you, babe
Through the end of all time (Stay, stay, stay, baby)
Oh, baby, please
Let me stay through the night

One night of love
It turned me around, it turned me around
One night of love
Things’ll never, never, never, never, never be the same
One night of love (Ooh)
Baby, I’m deep in love
Blew my heart away






Yep, I think most women want someone like that.  Haven't found mine yet, but, I'm sure I will. He is out there somewhere. 


Some other song recommendations I have for you are:

Brand New- Keyshia Cole
The Love Scene- Joe
Late Nights and Early Mornings- Marsha Ambrosius
Discipline- Janet Jackson
When- Tank
Only One Me- R. Kelly
Red Light Special- TLC
Backstroke- Teedra Moses
Maybe- Toni Braxton
In the Middle- Trey Songz
Buttnaked- Adina Howard



Have safe "grown up fun."

This post is making me laugh. Or is that my silly mind. Nevermind.


Appreciate ya,
SJ

Jac Frizza on iTunes.

Hi,
My friend's album is on itunes.

Click here to download it. Songs are  $0.99 each. Album is $9.99. If you purchase it come back and tell me what you think.


Love ya,
SJ

Becoming Famous: Band Marketing

So today I am up trying to figure out how to make some folk famous. My friends have great talent and deserve to be in the spotlight. I'm going to do what I can to help. I've been looking up sites about sharing media, networking, and radio play.

Here are my ideas as a business plan for artists.

1. Meet and greets
2. Merchandise
3. Email lists and mobile numbers
4. Send demos to college radio stations
5. Get articles written about your music
6. Get band bios
7. Band blog
8. Spend time with your potential fans
9. Get press kits
10. Touring
11. Live broadcasts like blog tv
12. Open for an act bigger than you
13. Find another band to swap fans with
13. Do it regionally- city to city
14. Create band widgets
15. Have giveaways
16. Use rss feeds, digg, others
17. Album release party
18. Live performance broadcasting
19. Create own social network
20. Licensing
21. Join trade organizations


Hope these ideas help.


Love ya, SJ

Atlanta Favorites in Entertainment

 Hello,

I had to start the blog over. It was getting stale for me and I wanted to start from scratch. In that transitional phase of my life. This year was the worst experiences in my life. Lost those I love, one to death, one to betrayal. But, I had brighter moments as well. I graduated grad school with a 3.62 gpa. I've come a long way and I wanted to shake off the hurt, let it melt right off me. I'm going to be writing from the heart as I always do.  To anyone who left comments from the old posts, thanks. Sorry if I didn't get them. The blogger account was always messing up so I could rarely log in. I should be okay now.

In true Sara Jo fashion here is my list of songs I'm loving:

Telekinesis- NeYo

Vixen- Miguel

Motivation- Kelly Rowland

Fugitive of Love- Mya

Casualty of Love- Jessie J

Weightless- Natashia Bedingfield

Save Me- Nikki Minaj

Monster- Paramore

Fire Lovin- Pleasure P

Skin- Rihanna

When I Get You Alone- Robin Thicke

Homies of mine and local Atlanta artists:

Chaise Twitter @CTheRockStar  Youtube: Officialchaise 

Song of notice: Tattoo 

News: She's always at the studio.

Infame Ent. Twitter @Jaebnextup @SuperCoolRight Youtube: SwaggBolton

Song of notice: Work It Out 

News: Mixtapes coming soon.

Prettidope Ent. Twitter yayflow Youtube: CatchContak

Song of notice: Georgia Rain 

News: Listen to mixtape

And me Sara Jo Twitter @caramelsarajo FB Fan Page 

And Florida artist and fellow graduate:

JAC Frizza Twitter: @jacfrizza  Youtube: Jacfrizza

Song of note: Pour It Up
News: Mixtape coming soon. 

Scroll down for videos from the artists.

Now for my two favorite actresses: 

Erica Couben EricaCouben.com FB

News: She was on Teen Wolf!!! Movies and more to come.

Angel Jackson FB Fan Page

News: She was on Single Ladies. Movies and more to come.

And now for some videos to get to know the artists:

Chaise Behind the Scenes

Infame Ent. in Miami

Yay Talking

So proud of my friends old and new. Watch out for them.

Love you all,

SJ