Felicia Alima

I would like to give some free advice to anyone who is considering working in the music industry.

Whether you’re an artist, manager, producer, promoter, DJ, or whatever title you may want to carry…. you will NOT, I repeat, NOT be successful if you are unprofessional. Point blank. You might be able to swindle your way through several dealings with your behavior, but eventually people will catch on, and realize that you are not worth their time.

Here are a couple tips:
If you are an artist, and you want to work with others, whether it is a collaboration, or an event, be diligent and make it happen. Too much talk becomes tiresome, and your credibility will be questioned. Work with them and complete the project in a decent time-frame, otherwise it looks like you’re sleeping on the job. If something hinders you from completing your portion of the project, let them know what time-frame they can expect it in. This shows that you are still interested, and serious about the project.

If you’re a promoter, make sure you do a good job of promoting the artists and event you are promoting! This means create an impressive promotional campaign, starting with some attractive flyers - (no bootleg, “I have Photoshop, but I’m not a graphic designer” type stuff)… make sure it looks professional, otherwise no one will take it seriously, and you may attract the wrong crowd. This also means, do more than just send out some facebook invites. Anyone can do that. Even if you have 5000 friends, who cares? Do some real work and get some radio ads out, send out press releases to the media, and post flyers/posters in predominate target areas etc.

REALLY IMPORTANT: If you say you will pay an artist for a show, PAY THEM! This is why I make people sign contracts BEFORE committing to a show. A verbal agreement or email exchange isn’t enough anymore. Do not work with anyone who refuses to sign a contract. A contract should be beneficial to all parties. It ensures that the performers receives compensation for their services, and ensures the promoter that they have an act for their event.

These are just a couple of tips to take into account. Of course there are the obvious tips: be diplomatic, be respectful and polite with everyone you meet. You never know who they are, and what connections they may have, and you don’t want to burn bridges before you even know who they are. At the end of the day, treat each other with respect. Music is an art, but there is also the business aspect to it, and if you don’t take care of that portion in a professional manner, then you might as well consider what you are doing a hobby.

Not to be negative today, but let’s discuss something real quick… I am running another “Know Me - The Remixes” comp for my song “Check The Ringtone” ft. Dieera. By doing that, it means that I am releasing my copy-written material to the world-wide web for people to do what ever they please with it… right? Wrong! You might be able to do something with it for personal use, but if you’re thinking about uploading your remix online, then think again…

This comp is for budding and seasoned producers and DJs wanting to enter my remix comp, to gain placement on my up-coming album. If you’re using my a cappella for the purpose of this remix comp, please come correct!!! You are entering an official competition, so make sure you read the rules of the comp before you decide to enter it. If you read it correctly, it states that a remix may be submitted, but cannot be shared/uploaded online WITHOUT explicit consent from Chantik Soul Entertainment… this means, do not put your version of the remix on your myspace, do not upload it to a torrent web site, or any other web site for that matter… just follow the simple instructions and email it to remix(at)feliciaalima.com. If you’re bringing the fire, then you may possibly win, but then only after the song gets published, will it be released online. I’m letting you know now, if you’ve uploaded a submitted remix of my track online, you will be DISQUALIFIED! I’m not playing this time.

There is something that I have to protect as an artist, and that is my artistic integrity. Think about it… if everyone were to use my a cappella to make remixes and then upload them online, chances are that there will be a quote-on-quote “whack” version floating around. Chantik Soul doesn’t do whack! LOL! But for real, you are entering a contract when you download my a cappella, and click the submit button on the competition form, so don’t play yourself…

What’s up people?!!!

I’m working on a new album called “Know Me - The Remixes“, and as a gift from me to you, I’m giving you a free song to download!

CLICK HERE to download “Felicia Alima ft. Michael Ramirez - Turn It Up (Reggaeton Remix)“!

Let me know what you think… this is only a taste of what’s to come in 2009!!!

ALSO…

If you’re a producer, DJ or remixer, you may be able to get placement on this up-coming album!!!

I’m running a remix competition, where I’m looking for the best submission of my title track “Know Me“, remixed!!!

Visit www.feliciaalima.com/remix to download the a cappella and submit an application form.

The competition ends May 31st, so you have 3 full months to get your game on!!!

Can’t wait to hear what you got!!!

For any queries, please email me at remix(AT)feliciaalima.com .

Peace, love and all that jazz,

- Felicia Alima.