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Does Today's Music Represent Today's Youth...

Here at Two Piece And A Biscuit, we make it a point to remain unbiased on all the topics we cover. However, because music is our "beat", if you will here and we have such a great passion for it, it is becomes very hard to remain unbiased at times when talking about the current state of music.

We had a great opportunity to speak with two young ladies, Tiffany age 25 and Jessica, age 24. We wanted to know how they felt about today's music and if it represents them. We were able to gain great insight into what type of music fits them as individuals and where they would like to see music transition, if at all.



What do you think? Are you fed-up with today's music? What things need to change in order for it to best represent you? Please leave your comments below. Also, be sure to re-post the video and have this discussion with your audience.

A Review of Baltimore's Music Scene...

Earlier this month, Two Piece And A Biscuit had a wonderful opportunity to speak with concert promoter and DJ, 2Tru. On the heels of a successful concert in Baltimore, The Friday Night Jazz Club Host spoke with us about his method of preparing for his radio program, his overall view on Baltimore's music scene and his hope for the city of Baltimore.

Be sure to tune in to the Friday Night Jazz Club every Friday night 8p-12a on WEAA 88.9FM or on the web.



Interview with 2Tru of the Friday Night Jazz Club

Be sure to comment below and let us know what you think.

Conversation Preview...

Next week on Two Piece And A Biscuit, we bring you a discussion we had with radio show host and concert promoter, 2Tru. In our conversation we talk about the Baltimore music scene, the struggles of a promoter and 2Tru's hope for Baltimore music.

Here's a preview of our conversation.



Be sure to join us next week on Two Piece And A Biscuit.

How To Create The Next BIG Thing: A Pop Star Tutorial...

Teen sensation Rebecca Black seemingly became an overnight pop star with her single about her favorite day of the week, "Friday". Currently, this song has garnered nearly 164 MILLION hits on YouTube.

It's been spoofed, attacked, loved by some and hated by others. Whether you can relate to this song or not, it is a hit and has pushed Rebecca Black into the spotlight.

What does it take to create the next Rebecca Black? Is it a simple process? Here at Two Piece And A Biscuit, we thought we'd take a poke at what it would take to create the next pop star.

What do you think? Were we accurate with our steps? Do you think it's that easy? Did we over simplify the process? Let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to post this and see what your friends think.

Learning the Keys Of A Successful Production...

courtesy of 20th Century Fox

The Summertime seems to be the biggest money maker for many major film studios. Big budget films consisting of high action and big hollywood names tend to dominate the box office.

Movies like X-Men: First Class and Kung Fu Panda 2 do not just come together haphazardly. There is an ingenious process involved when it comes to making these and many other top selling Hollywood movies.

courtesy of Dreamworks

With the help of Twelve Gates To The City Entertainment founder and CEO Tameka J. Harris, we've put together this presentation to give you a basic idea of what it take to make your favorite movies come to life.

We'd like to know what you think. Add more keys or suggestions in the comment box below. 

Independent Artists Find Advantages To Not Being Signed...

Over the past few years, the term "Indie Artist" has gained much attention in the world of music. JMD Distributions, the largest online music distributor, defines "Indie Artist" as a "colloquial term for artists not signed under a record label." However, the attention gained has now always translated into signed record deals for many artist.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines Music as "vocal or instrumental sounds (or both)to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion" Over the past few hundred years, this harmonious form of expression has boomed into one of the most lucrative businesses worldwide. With such a general definition of music, why aren't more independent artists signed to major deals? Do independent artists see more benefits in remaining independent?




Recently, Two Piece And A Biscuit had to the opportunity to speak with PJ Morton. Morton is an independent artist who's musical talents have gained him much acclaim. During our interview with PJ, we asked him some of the benefits and challenges that come with being an independent artist.

"The benefits are definitely the freedom Says Morton". Not only creatively but schedule wise. You can release an album when YOU want to. You can do a tour when YOU want to. 


"The biggest challenge is no question the financial position. Yes it is true that you get your money DIRECT instead of percentages that a major label will give you. But at the same time being independent is all about RE-investing. You make it and have to spend it to remain competitive and relevant.
"


Morton says he is not anti- major label and believes that major deals work only when there is a "fair deal". His decision to remain independent stems from not wanting to "repress his art".

This sentiment of repression is not only felt by independent artists. It's also felt by those artists who've had major deals. In the 2007 documentary, "Before The Music Dies", musician Doyle Bramhall, II discussed his time with a major label and the decisions that lead to his departure from his label. In his discussion, Bramhall says his decision to leave his label came from the fact that the people in charge of the decisions "knew more about Wall Street than they did music."


Doyle says he spent much of his time with his label not appreciating his own music because the label deemed his albums flops. It wasn't until a chance meeting with Rock and Roll legend, Eric Clapton that Bramhall started to appreciate his music.

In fact, the opportunity for independent artists to be validated by major label artists is more and more common with the advent of social media. Sites such as Twitter, Bandcamp and Facebook give independent artist the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain a wider audience, including artists that are signed.

King, as one fan tweeted, "In a span of three months went from Twitter love to opening up for Prince..." In March of 2011, King released a three song EP called "The Story". Social media buzz has lead to opportunities like opening for Prince, being featured on BBC DJ's Giles Peterson's show and a fan-base that consist of music greats such as Questlove and Lalah Hathaway. How could an EP consisting of only 3 songs and selling for less than $3 gain so much attention in so little time?

"Radio the way it's supposed to be"

Gerard Bonner is owner and operator of an Internet based radio station, Bonnerfide Radio. In a conversation TP&AB recently had with Gerard, he sheds light on how artists like King can be so successful:

"I believe that the public is craving for good music. The average consumer doesn’t know the difference between major and independent labels. In fact, they really don’t care. LOL. All they want to know is if the music is appealing and if it’s available for purchase. I’ve never had a listener ask 'What label is that artist signed to?' However, they DO ask if the album is available in stores. 

"I believe that technology has really made it much easier for all artists to reach their consumers directly. I believe that it has leveled the playing field for artists. After all, iTunes is the #1 music retailer in the world. If artists will keep themselves at the forefront of the technological move and educate themselves on their options, the independent artist will really have the opportunity to benefit. Technology is the great equalizer. As long as the independent artist keeps their work ethic high and continues to create great music, there will always be a hungry audience that will continue to propel the independent artist into greater national platforms."