Behind The Facade: Miss Nikki Rich

 

Radio is huge field of promotion and Miss Nikki Rich is making her presence known. Interviewing celebrities, actors and Olympic champions, the list goes on and on. The demanding field keeps her busy and sharp on her toes. Blogtalkradio.com is definitely a great start for those who are willing to take their drive and allow it to lead them places. Who's going to be on the show next?

 

 

 

 

 

Why have you chosen to use your show to focus on others to gain exposure?

 

NR: I have chosen to focus on others because it's not about me. I enjoy helping those who have a passion and vision to succeed.

When did you first know that you wanted to be in Radio?

NR: Never really want to do radio. My father is a Preacher. He has a Radio and TV program. He has been in radio for 35 years and 20 on television. He would always wake up my brothers or I to do announcements on early Sunday mornings.

Since the show first began in April 2011, what necessary tools did you use to help make The Nikki Rich Show more successful?

 

NR: Research, outlining, paperwork, planning, execution and to maintain professionalism.

Your motto is “Succeeding As We Help Build Brands." What brands are you hoping to create?

 

NR: That is referring to helping others build their brands by giving them the tools they need to be successful. Proper information given to listeners copywrite and trademarks

As your show grows more popular, what plans do you have for the future?

 

NR:I plan to build a positive empire.

Who are some people you feel would compliment your show well?

NR: Entrepreneurs. Driven and educated individuals who do their RESEARCH!

 

How hectic can it get while being on air?

 

NR: It can get very hectic with controlling the board, texting, answering calls, tweeting and chating with the listeners can be crazy!

Are you hoping to expand to television?

 

NR: Yes! Definitely want to do both! I've been incorporating live Interviews when im booked in different cities preparing for the television world.

Where do you see The Nikki Rich Show in 5 years?

 

NR: I see my self having a well known brand that continues to grow being heard and seen across the globe

Is there anything about you that people may not know what you would like to tell them?

 

NR: Research is the key. Everyone will not have the chance or be driven to stay in the game. Remain educated and up to date on the media , social media, internet and online radio

 

 

www.NIKKIRICHSHOW.com

 

 

Follow on Twitter at:

 

@MsNikkiRich

 

@NikkiRShow

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Free<3

@InkStains_

 

 

Behind The Facade: Introducing AshleYYY

A polished voice and a savvy style to match, young and upcoming singer/songwriter/dancer Ashleyyy has something so say. Born of her Midwest roots but exhibits a southern flare found in her new home of Atlanta, Georgia. As a dancer for the Milwaukee Bucks, a new album and campaign makes a full and heavy plate for her but through determination and resilience, she will prevail. Read all about Ashleyy and what lies ahead for her career.

Why did you choose to become a solo artist? When did you know you possessed great talent?

Ashleyyy: Well I originally started out in a trio, but after the group split, I decided to just keep it moving and become a solo act. I’ve always wanted to be a solo artist since the age of 9! I learned by watching & imitating others on TV. Singing & dancing became natural for me. I knew then I was
talented, but my passion, skills, & determination have grown tremendously since then.

What are you currently working on?

Ashleyyy: I’m currently working on new music! I am in my writing phase and just really pushing myself to make great songs for this next project, and creating new choreography as well. I also have a new campaign, Let’s Wait!, that will be launching soon along with my new website. You can listen to the cover song I did for the campaign online too!

Do you feel more connected to the art of dancing, singing, or songwriting?

Ashleyyy: Aw man, that’s a tough one. But since I can only choose one, I would say dancing. I LOVE the art form and being a choreographer. There are no limits. I dance with everything I do: singing, walking, talking, and even when I eat! I can’t help but move. It’s in my body.


Who influenced you the most as you grew up? Where do you find the most inspiration from?

Ashleyyy: Growing up I was influenced the most by Beyoncé, and I still am today! She is the definition of a true entertainer. She puts all of her talents together and nails it each and every time; I love watching her perform! Overall, I’m just inspired by great music, strong voices, creative lyrics, & personal experiences. Anything can be an inspiration if you let it.

How do you plan to build your fan base even more?

Ashleyyy: Being present! I am in a new city so it’s important for me to perform whenever I can and let people know who I am and show them why I am a triple threat. I love making fun videos at home so people get to see the real me; which is why we started Ashleyyy Diaries! It’s behind the scenes footage of me and being on the go. I also plan on blogging and will continue to stay connected with my fans. I think the new campaign will be great for my younger audience as well, and my music will always speak for itself.

Upon receiving success, what is your ideal first endorsement deal?

Ashleyyy: Omg, I would love to have an endorsement deal with Nike!Whether I’m performing on a stage or just hanging out, I rock colorful high tops! It’s a part of my everyday wardrobe and it’s something that represents me. So having my own sneaker or just being one of the faces of Nike would be cool.

What mainstream artist would you choose to have a duet with?

Ashleyy: I would love to do a duet with Chris Brown because we are both great singers & dancers. So it would be really fun to be able to perform with him; and I’m a big fan!

How do you plan to prepare yourself for the things to come?

Ashleyyy: Everything I do is preparing me for the future. After every performance, I go back and watch it. My management and I evaluate everything so that we know what worked well and what could  be better for next time. Whether it is behind the scenes or my performance itself, there’s always room for improvement. I also read articles, look at other artists, and watch interviews to prepare myself mentally for the future. Making mistakes now and learning from them early on is great preparation too.

How long does it typically take you to write a song? Any songwriter you draw from?

Ashleyyy: Typically, it takes a few hours for me to write one song. Sometimes I’ll go back and change things around later. But for the most part, I like to knock it out in one sitting. There’s
no one songwriter I draw from, I just let the music lead me and the lyrics just come. Sometimes I think about some of my favorite songs by other artists and ask myself, ‘What made that song great?’ and use that as inspiration when I’m creating my own work.

How do you avoid the negatives of being a part of this business?

Ashleyyy: So far I haven’t experienced much negativity, but I do plan to always keep positive people around me who are honest. I’m learning to have a thick skin and remember that not everybody will like me, or my music. And that’s okay! As long as I give 100% every time, stay focused & true to
myself, I’ll be fine. I know that I won’t always be able to avoid negativity, but thinking first, making smart decisions, and preparing myself now will help.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

Ashleyyy: My greatest achievement so far would definitely be my first full length album: Won’t Stop 4 Nuthin’. I had full control of my music: what I wanted to write about & how I wanted it to
sound. I’m proud of myself and just excited about the music to come. The more I study my crafts, the better I become as a triple threat.

CONNECT WITH ASHLEYY

AshleYYY.com

http://Twitter.com/AshleYYYMusic

http://Facebook.com/AshleYYYMusic

http://YouTube.com/AshleYYYMusic

MTV: http://MTV.com/artists/AshleYYY …

 

 

 

 

 

 

---Free<3

@InkStains_

Behind The Facade: Artists & Repertoire

 

 

 

 

Do you know an A&R is or what the profession does? As an aspiring A&R, I felt it appropriate to interview an actual one. If you look up the definition, you find an answer similar to this: the division of a record label or music publishing company that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists and/or songwriters*. How much fun would it be to scout for the dopest new artist on the scene? Well, its not that easy. Like any profession, hard work must be implented. In reality, every artist will not make it big. This is a tough industry so we're looking for the cream of the crop! Alan Pugach Baker tells us all about the life below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*copied online

 

Take me through a typicial day in the life of what you do.

 

APB: It's like an office job. [You get] emails, phone calls, meetings, etc. but it has its perks like all the parties, clubs and so on.

 

How long have you been interested in your profession?

 

APB: Well I didn't even know an A&R position even existed. I just came up with my own ideas and then came to find out there's already positions like that but I suppose I've been interested in that kind of thing for my whole life since that's what it led up to naturally.

 

Are there any downsides to your career?

 

APB: I have so many different ways to make money in my career that there really aren't any downsides.

 

Who would you say inpires or influences you the most?

 

APB: I don't get influenced but my family inspires me and driven individuals.

 

How do you find the best way to overcome your fears?

 

APB: Life's short but make sure that fear of yours is the right one to overcome.

 

Have you worked with any mainstream artists? What was that like?

 

APB: That's who I mostly work with, mainstream or major affiliated. Lola Monroe, D.O.C., Snoop Dogg's artists including his son Spanky Danky, Mac Shawn 100 to T.I's camp, Young Money, etc. I just see it as work and fun. I get overwhelmed a lot so I can't say it's not crazy, it's just what I do. I like it.

 

What is the most important thing you have learned over time being a part of this business?

 

APB: Be persistant and plan out your moves before you do them, that goes with anything.

 

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 to 10 years?

 

APB: I'd rather not say, just know my name will always be close to ya'll in some sort've affiliation. I'm everywhere.

 

How do you find time to relax in this time consuming industry?

 

APB: That's why my office is my laptop and my cell. If I sat at an office doing this, I'd drive myself crazy. Relax while you work.

 

What advice could you give an upcoming A&R?

 

APB: Network and know the business.

 

 

 

A man of few words but good words. Relax. Follow your dreams..Thanks Alan!

 

Follow Alan onTWITTER @APBsayin




--Free<3
@InkStains_

Behind The Facade: Everything Happens at Midnight..

Defining publicity at its best is a slogan commonly used by the founder of Midnight PR, Miss Portia Panamera. She specializes in the areas of Corporate/ PR/ Branding , Strategic Publicity Campaigns, Small Business Development, Product Launches, PR Consulting & Promotional Marketing just to name a few. Climbing the coporate ladder, she has made quite a name for herself. Social media has greatly benefited this business as it continually grows by the day. Want to find a great PR firm, ??? find Midnight PR!

Upon what values is Midnight PR built on?

Portia: Midnight PR is built on principles of limitless visions, quality representation, respect, and originality.

What excites you about being a PR Consultant? Would you say your career is completely fulfilling?

Portia: What excites me about being a Publicist is the rewarding factor of hard work. Seeing someone I'm representing climb the ladder of success and live the vision they desire is my greatest hope & to know I became a part of someone's history or that I help contribute to history itself, is the best reward.

What makes you qualified in this business? What knowledge have you gained in the 5 years and counting of this business?
 

Portia: I'm qualified based on my background, my resume (check it) and my determination. I will not stop until I see success in whatever I'm doing. I'm always researching, reading, and gaining more knowledge on what will take my clients and I to the next level of success. What I can do for them that hasn't been tried. The knowledge I've gained is highly respected, but what I've encountered in this business is my greatest knowledge. To hear of the business, and to be in the business is not the same. I've learned to do the impossible, stay focused, and tune out the negativity that becomes associated with success. I've learned that the people who doubt you most are sometimes the closest to you. I've learned to stand on my beliefs, no matter if I'm the only one standing. 

Why is your business successful? How do you plan to keep it that way?

Portia: I believe my business is successful because I'm in it to win it. I have a "cannot fail" attitude. I won't fail! I respect my clients, and their creativity. I'm a visionary, so I see the complete portrait when others just see the big picture. I plan to continue to build my brand, maintain great clients, create new opportunities for my clients & I, and visualize the future of my reality.

What type of people in the entertainment industry do you enjoy working with? How selective is Midnight PR in choosing who exactly to work with?

Portia: I enjoy working with people who have a genius aspect, and great spirits. Someone the people respect, talented, hard workers and business minded. I'm extremely selective in choosing who I work with. All money ain't good money! I'm passionate about my career and business so if I can't sell it, I can't do it. I get calls and pass up money everyday because what I'm being presented isn't a great representation. For me, it's not about the money. It's about having something I can present to the public that I'm proud, eager, and willing to do my best to make successful.

How has your education prepared you for your career?

Portia: My education didn't prepare me for my career, the streets did. I'm from the streets, so I've always been on the move and had a social factor. Much of what the streets prepare you for, prepares you for almost anything. My education on PR came from actually doing it. College provides the basic necessities, living it was the ultimate preparation.

How do you approach adversity in the workplace?

Portia: By maintaining great relationships with my clients and always being truthful.

 

Why not work for another company?

Portia: At this point, I'm looking for partnerships. My company has snowballed into something bigger than most expected, so I'm going to work harder for myself to reach higher success.

How important is it in choosing the right PR firm? What do you suggest people look for?

Portia: The right PR firm can make you or break you. It's that important. It's not about how much a PR charges, it's about the success of their work. Many times, people try to hire the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. It's easy to research a publicist, just by asking around. Publicists who work hard are known, it's not a secret. Check their client resume. Speak with them and see if they have a similar vision for what you need done. Most importantly, hire a PR who has your best interest at hand in all you do. 

How much do you plan on expanding Midnight PR in the next 10 years?

Portia: They say sky's the limit, I'm moon walking. Wherever the opportunities take me, I'm going! I hope to be a PR guru in 10 years, doing all the biggest things in history. I just want to work hard doing what I love, and see the results of greatness.

How important is branding to you? What would you like the world to know about your business?

Portia: Branding is the "IT" factor. It represents who you are. It's everything about you. My brand started from a vision, years later it's become a reality. My business is built on passion and integrity. I'm gifted in many areas, and always challenging myself to learn more. Midnight PR's motto is "Everything happens at Midnight" - and I mean it. If I'm involved, it's happening.. period!

Be sure to find all the info on Midnight PR by following on Twitter @MidnightPR

Network on LinkedIn here:
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/MidnightPR1

 

 

Thanks Portia!!

 

 

 

 

--Free<3

@InkStains_

Behind The Facade: Turning Tables

 ...with DJ GRADY

DJ Grady perfecting his craft

Mixing records and keeping the crowd hype is only the basic outline of what a DJ does.  DJ Grady has paved the way as a talented and influential individual, leaving a legacy behind him. Hosting mixtapes with mainstream artists is only the beginning of displaying his work ethic. Learn more about DJ Grady in the inerview here.

 

 

 

 

How important is your role as a DJ? How much control do you have over the crowd?

 

DJG: It's very important especially since majority of the special occasions that happen in people life consists of having a party or celebration of some sort or the fact that DJS are the ones who make this music biz spin. We're in the clubs, on the radio, serving mixtapes in the streets, etc. I have complete control over the crowd. I can walk into a event and automatically get a vibe on what to play and what not. I'll take a few risks to see my boundaries on my selection but all in all I get a vibe on what to play.

 

 

How long have you been a DJ? Could you see yourself doing it 10 years from now?

 

DJG: I've been a DJ for about 2 years seriously, and yes I can see myself DJing 10 years from now but in a better situation with it.

 

 

Who or what is your motivation to succeed in this field?

 

DJG: Honestly my motivation is my one year daughter and seeing my folks struggle growing up.

 

Who do you look up to in this industry and why?

 

DJG: I don't look up to anyone in this industry to tell you the truth, I give everyone the respect they deserve off get go but I haven't met anyone or followed anyone as close to look up to them.

 

 

There are a lot of DJs out here, how do you compare or stand out?

 

DJG: I really don't think about how many DJs there are, I just remind myself that I have a strong team and to keep grinding. My team keeps each other sane when we get out of wack and off track. We remind each other to stay focused on the goals that are set and close to accomplishing, if not already accomplished. I think what makes me stand out is my lack of the "set standard" these other DJs have set. I like to step outside the boundaries with new records and unsigned records that I feel should be thrown into rotation and just be heard. I think a lot of DJs are scared to get they hands dirty with HOT Indy records. They'd rather push the already established artists over the kid that has built his own buzz continuously doing shows and out in the streets promoting their tapes or trying get their records to DJs. They should get a shot as well.

 

 

Which project have you done that you could say is your favorite?

 

DJG: Haha, that's difficult to choose from but I would definitely have to say my Oh So 90's mixtape series with my brother DJ Flatline. The 90s jams will bring anyone back in time.

 

 

Do you have many repeat clients? Why is it important to retain those people?

 

DJG: Oh most definitely, its important for the ones who want to build with you. You're always going to need a DJ around so building relationships with people through good business can only bring more business.

 

What has been your toughest battle being a DJ?

 

DJG: It would have to be dealing with the egotistical people, janky promoters, and making people realize this is my job. I don't work for free or for the "home boy" deals, lol.

 

 

What areas are you planning to expand your DJ capabilities into?

 

DJG: I'm Co-Ceo of The Cinematix DJS & I'm a part of Mixtape Monopoly brand what we want to do is expand the brand into radio, satellite radio, clothing lines, and maybe an independent record label.
 

How do you plan to sustain your reputation?

 

DJG: By continuing to work hard, stay humble and conduct good business. 

 

 

 

 

Find DJ Grady on Twitter @DJGRADY

 

 

 

 

 

--Free<3

@InkStains_