Posts made in December 2020

Earthgang x Wale “Options”

Leave a reply

The indomitable Atlanta duo EARTHGANG released a brand new song and visualizer titled “Options” featuring Wale. The track’s cover art (created by long-time creative collaborator Fred Lozano) was teased earlier in the week featuring OLU, WowGr8 and Wale as fashion dolls.

Not one for a straight forward visual, EARTHGANG teamed up with Adult Swim’s “Robot Chicken” animator Bona Bones to take the fashion doll motif to another level. The Zack Sekuler directed visualizer is live now and can be watched above or via the link here.

The release of the song comes at the heels of EARTHGANG receiving a Grammy Award nomination for “Collide” — a track with Tiana Major9 for the film “Queen & Slim.” The song is nominated for “Best R&B Song” category and will be the pair’s second Grammy nod after being nominated earlier this year for their work with Dreamville’sRevenge of Dreamers III album.

EARTHGANG have stayed busy since the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Mirrorland (Dreamville/Interscope) and Platinum-certified Revenge of The Dreamers III project both out last year. When touring halted the duo hit the studio to collaborate with music friends like Gorillaz, Tokimonsta, Louis The Child, Tobi Nwigwe and more.

Earlier this year, OLU and WowGr8 banded with their Spillage Village members to work on the long-awaited Spilligion album which was released to acclaim in the Fall. The album made many “Best of 2020” lists including NPR, FADER, Uproxx, Complex and more.

Alongside making music, the pair have also been heavy on the campaign trail in the battleground state of Georgia working closely with Mayor Lance Bottoms and politician Stacey Abrams advocating for voter rights. A bright spot of their hometown, EARTHGANG continue to shine in their purpose to deliver music that aims to entertain and unite.

Keep up with EARTHGANG on their website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

BLACKPINK Postpones ‘The Show’

Leave a reply

BLACKPINK shared today that their highly anticipated global livestream experience THE SHOW will be postponed from December 27 to January 31, 2021 at 12 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. KST, due to safety precautions and current restrictions pertaining to COVID-19 in South Korea.

BLACKPINK said, “We can’t wait to meet our BLINKS as soon as possible, but in order to comply with the South Korean COVID-19 prevention guidelines and to ensure a safe performance, we have unfortunately made the decision to postpone THE SHOW from December 27 to January 31 of next year. Through our concert, we wanted to give you some sort of comfort during these difficult times, but the health and safety of everyone taking part in THE SHOW is our top priority, so, in order to make sure that we prepare for the concert in a safe environment, we have decided to postpone THE SHOW.”

Automatic Refund Details

Everyone who purchased access to BLACKPINK’s THE SHOW via channel memberships will be automatically and fully refunded to their original form of payment starting today and can expect the following:

Fans who already purchased access to THE SHOW will receive emails from YouTube confirming the cancellation and refund. Shortly after these fans receive email notifications from YouTube confirming their refund, the “JOIN” button will reappear on BLACKPINK’s Official YouTube Channel and fans will be able to re-purchase the new channel membership.

How to Buy Access to a NEW Channel Membership

The good news is that Blinks from around the world can NOW buy access to a new channel membership. Fans have two purchase options, both of which include access to the online concert experience on January 31 and additional membership perks. Details on how to purchase and membership options are included below:

Fans can buy access to THE SHOW via the channel membership offer page on desktop and mobile devices, or by visiting BLACKPINK’s Official YouTube Channel and clicking “JOIN” membership on the YouTube website or the YouTube Android app.

Fans can choose from a Standard or Plus channel membership which include the following:

STANDARD: 36,000 KRW / $29.98 USD: THE SHOW livestream, rebroadcast and custom emojis

PLUS: 48,000 KRW / $39.98 USD: THE SHOW livestream, rebroadcast, custom emojis and behind-the-scenes content

Safety is of the utmost importance to BLACKPINK, YG Entertainment and YouTube so we hope fans understand and will join us to celebrate THE SHOW in just a few weeks’ time on January 31, 2021!

Visit BLACKPINK’s BLACKPINK’s Official YouTube Channel for the most up-to-date information on THE SHOW.

Working From Home For The Holidays: Tips To Stay Productive And Employed

Leave a reply

The holiday season brings families together, but it also means added distractions for the many people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can remote workers keep their focus sharp and their productivity high while noise and interruptions surround them? And what can businesses do to ensure their employees aren’t slacking and projects are on track?

“Working from home creates a different psychological vibe from the all-business environment of a brick-and-mortar office setting, and that feeling is magnified during the holidays,” says Cynthia Spraggs (www.virtira.com), a veteran of working remotely, author of How To Work From Home And Actually Get SH*T Done, and CEO of Virtira, a completely virtual company that helps other businesses work virtually.

“The holidays bring new challenges to getting work done efficiently at home, and at the same time, employers have concerns about how the holidays can affect workers’ productivity in a home setting. It can cause tension between managers and employees.”

Spraggs offers tips to employees and employers about working from home productively during the holidays:

How WFH employees can overcome holiday distractions

Create a mental commute and brain warm-up. A morning routine can help clear the mind and prepare for the working mindset. “The drive to the office used to create a mental separation between home life and work life and give the worker space and time to prepare for the day,” Spraggs says. “A similar separation time is vital at home, especially in a holiday atmosphere, in order to focus on the work tasks ahead. Develop a routine, such as reading or exercise, that warms up your brain.”
Create must-do lists. The holidays are filled with gift lists, parties, family obligations, baking plans, and other tasks that aren’t usually on the everyday agenda. “When these distractions make it difficult to focus,” Spraggs says, “it helps to start the day with a list of work tasks that must be completed that day. Prioritizing them makes it more likely they’ll get done, even if your mind does veer off into visions of sugar plums.”
Keep your office space a quiet place, and show everyone the door.

“Establishing a clear boundary is a must,” Spraggs says. “I strongly advise you to put a door between you and the rest of the household, and keep it shut. Otherwise, the home holiday cheer will break your concentration as people and pets stream in.”

How Employers Can Keep WFH Workers From Slacking During Holidays

Trust, don’t micromanage. Some businesses go so far as screen- or mouse-tracking software on company-provided devices to check in on their workforce. But Spraggs says that type of micromanaging can be counterproductive as employees feel distrusted and overly pressured. “Such a management practice during the holidays comes across worse,” she says. “Managers can find less intrusive ways to help employees stay on track. Set targets and measure results, preferably using online dashboards with status reports. This makes it easy for employees to earn your trust. The more you trust those who have earned it, and don’t hound them, the more they will produce.”
Have daily check-ins. Remote managers should establish either a daily one-on-one call or team call with their employees. In the holiday season, Spraggs says, extra efforts should be made in communication to compensate for people taking time off and getting projects completed. “A regular routine of calls provides a forum for the employees to consult with the manager and each other,” Spraggs says, “and the manager can track performance in real time.”
Set holiday goals and rewards. “Your quarterly goals can be augmented by special holiday goals and rewards for meeting them,” Spraggs says. “These dangled carrots incentivize working diligently at home during the holidays and give them a bonus. Making it fun and competitive, the productivity goes up.”

“It’s all about discipline and knowing how to protect the work side of your home from the fun side during the holidays,” Spraggs says.

About Cynthia Spraggs

Cynthia Spraggs (www.virtira.com) is the author of How To Work From Home And Actually Get SH*T Done: 50 Tips for Leaders and Professionals to Work Remotely and Outperform the Office. She is CEO of Virtira, a completely virtual company that focuses on remote team performance. Before taking leadership of the company in 2011, Spraggs worked with large consulting and tech companies while completing her MBA and research into telecommuting.

Asian-American LGBTQ+ Actor Slays Stereotypes in Monsters of Man

Leave a reply

Mark Toia’s Monster’s of Man has been crushing the online streaming service game, sitting on AppleTV’s Top Movies, Top Rentals, Highlights, and currently ranking in the top 200 movies on IMDb having just debuted on December 8th, 2020.

Hawaiian/Korean-American actor Conrad K. Pratt from Kāne’ohe, Hawai’i (Hawai’i Five-O, The Wolverine, GLEE, The Real O’Neals) was approached by production initially to play Bao, one of the medical students the film centers around. After learning that he had an extensive background in dance, motion capture and stunts, Toia quickly offered him the roles of the four killer robots as well. Pratt’s physicality was highlighted several times throughout the film, mostly in his cat and mouse chase through the Cambodian jungle and several of the robot-on-robot fight sequences.

“My dance and theatre background really helped me in creating these characters. I was incredibly honored that Mark has trusted me with the movements of our antagonists, as any sort of robot movement can go cheesy unbelievably quick. Working on Monsters of Man, we actually shot in the Cambodian jungle so I was lucky to have the surroundings right there for me. On a normal Mo-Cap shoot, you’re on a blue screen stage and it’s up to you to create that masterpiece around you. A project like Avatar would be such a wild experience and challenge, one that I would love to take on one day.”

The stigma surrounding masculinity in both the Asian-American and LGBTQ+ communities seem to not deter Pratt from forging on in his career. Given that he’s competing in Caucasian and heterosexually dominant avenues of Hollywood, it actually seems to be doing the exact opposite.

“I think the words ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ are so unbelievably dated. Who gives a flying ‘you know what.’ It’s an opinion, there’s no right answer. I do, however, believe that both the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities are being better represented and more visible across the entertainment spectrum. To represent both of my communities on a project of this scale was an absolute privilege and I look forward to crushing these ‘masculine/feminine’ stereotypes by just being unapologetically me.”

Monsters of Man is now available world-wide on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Vimeo On Demand, YouTube, Google Play, and XBOX with more streaming services being added in the future.

Big Sean × McDonald’s Partner to Surprise a Young Rapper with Mentorship

Leave a reply

McDonald’s has partnered with award-winning rapper, singer and songwriter Big Sean to serve as the second mentor in the newly-launched McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors program. This virtual content series is a continuation of the company’s increased focus on serving up bright futures by providing opportunities for education and skills in the communities it serves. Starting today, people can tune in to @wearegolden on IGTV to watch Big Sean share tips and wisdom with Michigan-native Nyla Lewis during an exclusive mentoring session.

Mentorship is near and dear to Detroit-native Big Sean who partnered with McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement through his Sean Anderson Foundation. His foundation is dedicated to the education, health, safety and well-being of youth in underserved communities across the country, which aligns with McDonald’s commitment to feeding and fostering community.

“Mentorship can be key to success,” said Big Sean, who attributes mentorship as having a role in his success. “I definitely benefitted from guidance as a young adult and aspiring artist, so it’s an honor to partner with McDonald’s to pay it forward as a Black & Positively Golden mentor who is helping another artist navigate her music career.”

During Big Sean and 19-year-old Nyla’s mentoring session, the two discuss their commonalities as Michigan natives, their musical inspirations, and the Grammy-nominated rapper shares advice on navigating the music industry. During the session, Nyla was also surprised with a computer decked out with professional music editing software, and gifted another mentor session with Roc Nation digital, marketing and artist management representatives, courtesy of Big Sean, McDonald’s and its franchisees.

“Big Sean is a huge inspiration, and I appreciate him taking the time to mentor me,” said Nyla. “I began my music career in elementary school and always dreamed of connecting with a major artist like him. This is the surprise and gift of a lifetime that has put me closer to living my dream. I appreciate McDonald’s for making it happen.”

McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors is an extension of the company’s focus on elevating the next generation of leaders. Over the summer, McDonald’s and its franchisees announced a $500,000 scholarship fund for HBCU students in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Since then, 34 HBCU students have received $15,000 scholarships, and two students have received $10,000 each in seed capital to help fund their businesses through the McDonald’s and Essence Girls United “Making Moves Now” Virtual pitch competition.

“Understanding that mentorship can lead to leadership, McDonald’s and our franchisees are proud to give young people access to industry resources and insights through the Black & Positively Golden Mentors program,” said Margaret “Marty” Gillis, a New Jersey McDonald’s franchisee and national diversity marketing committee lead. “We are excited to connect these talented changemakers to people they admire and, in the process, create masterclasses from which others can benefit.”

The McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors program will continue in 2021. Gospel music vocalist and entrepreneur Kierra Sheard, journalist and activist Jamilah Lemieux, and professional race car driver Bubba Wallace are among the mentors who will be featured next year.

Visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com to learn more, and follow @wearegolden on Instagram to watch mentor sessions and receive program updates.

About McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden

Launched in 2019, McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement is designed to uplift communities and shine a brilliant light on Black excellence through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. It highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride. The campaign movement is a natural extension of the brand’s longstanding commitment to the African American consumer.

About McDonald’s USA

McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

PR-Social Media Ad Spending to Jump 15% YoY & Hit $105B in 2021

Leave a reply

After a sharp fall in March, digital ad spending has witnessed a strong growth worldwide, as millions of consumers shifted from brick-and-mortar stores to webshops amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to data presented by Finaria.it, social media ads, as one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital advertising industry, are expected to continue booming and hit $105bn in spending in 2021, a 15% jump year-over-year.

Global Social Media Ad Spending Surged by 68% in Three Years

In 2017, brands and media buyers spent $54.4bn on social media advertising worldwide, revealed Statista Global Consumer Survey. Over the next two years, this figure jumped by 57% to $85.7bn.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a sharp fall in the global digital advertising industry between January and March 2020, the market recovered in the second and third quarter of the year. As a result, global social media ad spending is expected to hit $91.3bn this year, a 6.5% increase compared to 2019 figures.

The Statista data also revealed the social media advertising segment is set to witness the second-largest increase in spending in 2021, growing by $13.7bn in a year. Only the search advertising segment is expected to see a more considerable boost in spending and grow by 16% YoY to $172.2bn in 2021.

Statistics show the increasing trend is set to continue in the following years, with social media ad spending rising to $124.6bn by 2025.

Mobile Ads to Hit 80% Market Share

The average ad spending per social media user is expected to amount to $31.90 in 2020, slightly more than a year ago. In the next five years, this figure is forecast to rise to $36.67.

Statista data also showed that in 2017, 71% of the total social media ad spending was generated through mobile devices. Mobile advertising continued growing in the last three years and hit a 79% market share in 2020. Statistics indicate this figure is set to jump to 80% next year, and by the end of 2025, mobile ads will account for 83% of total social media ad spending.

Analyzed by geography, the United States represents the world’s leading market in social media advertising, expected to hit $37.8bn in spending in 2020, a 4.5% increase in a year. This figure is forecast to jump by 16% and reach $44.1bn in 2021.

As the second-largest market globally, social media ad spending in China is expected to grow by 11.3% YoY to $24.9bn in 2020. United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia follow with $5.7bn, $2.4bn, and $2bn, respectively.

10 Supersmart Superfoods Your Kids Will Love

Leave a reply

Having trouble getting your kids to eat healthy? When you package these superfood hits into a child’s menu you can be sure it’s a surefire way of giving them the nutrients they need and show them great nutrition is just around the corner!

Basil

This superfood packs in vitamins A, C and K, iron, potassium and calcium kids can grow their own basil at home. toss it on pasta sauces or pizza! It’s rich in plant chemicals, chlorophyll and other happy mood plant compounds.

Cocoa

Add cocoa powder and honey to kefir for a healthy quick breakfast for kids who won’t sit still to eat a meal. Or a cup of hot cocoa (at least 70 percent pure cocoa) promotes oral health and helps to protect delicate skin from sun damage over time. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder on fruit, snacks and desserts for a healthy punch of flavor. Plant chemicals and antioxidants increase concentration and decrease inflammation!

Black Beans

Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer from high cholesterol, they just get checked more often than kids. Black beans help kids keep cholesterol levels down and provide plenty of calcium and protein to boot. Make a tasty black bean dip with some fresh veggies for a fun snack.

Cinnamon

This superfood is great sprinkled on breakfast foods. it regulates blood sugar, which will keep energy from crashing after breakfast in the middle of a school day, tastes great and is so easy to use. Its natural sweetness is a plus and goes with so many foods and beverages!

Avocado

Avocados are full of good fat. Kids need a daily diet of 30% monosaturated fat and a little avocado a day provides more than enough. Use it like ordinary mayo for a great mix-in to creamy dips and sauces or sliced fresh for an afternoon snack. Guacamole is a no brainer for kids!

Tomato

Here’s a switch, a tomato a day can keep cancer away. That’s right, the plant version of vitamin A can best fight off all kinds of stressors and the potassium they contain helps to boost energy and stabilize hydration. In-season tomatoes are amazing with basil and olive oil or lightly sautee for a very tasty sauce for pasta, fish or veggies!

Fruit

A sweet spot you don’t want to ignore, kids have a natural liking for fruit and its energy-boosting plus. Encouraging eating fruit curbs drinking sugary beverages and snacks. Go for seasonal fun and plan a harvesting trip to a local orchard or bring your kiddies to the local green grocers to pick out what they want. A variety of colors provides kids with essential vitamins and minerals they need to grow and fiber to keep their bodies healthy. Introduce your kids to a daily fruit plate at a young age and they will probably continue the habit into adulthood.

Sweet Potatoes

These orange tubers are high in Vitamin A which helps kids develop healthy vision and eyes. And they’re delicious roasted, mashed or baked. For an amazing marshmallow flavor, use vanilla extract and honey for a not to be missed sweet treat.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is bursting with Omega-3 fatty acids that little guys need to grow their brains to their full potential. Buy it ground and sprinkle it over their cereal or add 1/4 cup to their favorite baked-good recipe. They’ll get better nutrition without even knowing it.

Oatmeal

Kids who start their day with oatmeal concentrate better in school all day. oatmeal breaks down slowly to give continual bursts of energy over a long period of time. Add honey, nuts or chocolate chips to make it more kid-friendly, for a great way to use oatmeal be sure to check out the recipe section for a granola recipe the whole family will love.

About Nicolette M. Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC,CDN, CFCS ,FAND

Nicolette founded NutriSource Inc. ( www.nutrisource.org ) in 2002 to provide high quality education, counseling and nutrition services for a diverse community population. Prior to founding NutriSource Inc, she served as Director of Clinical Nutrition at the NYHQ/Silvercrest Center where she provided both administrative and direct care for sub-acute and chronically ill patients. Nicolette was a key member of performance improvement projects and as Chair of the Nutrition Committee; significant positive changes were made in the standard of care.

Nicolette has been featured in CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, the New York Times, Seventeen, Fitness, Men’s Journal, More, Dr. Oz, Everyday Health, AOL, IVillage, Health, Shape and other magazines. She is also a contributing writer for Minerva Place, as well as an adjunct professor of Nutrition at CUNY and Touro Colleges. She believes in emphasizing a holistic approach toward food, nutrition and preventative healthcare.

Nicolette Pace Demo Reel watch HERE.

NBTV Holiday Offering x December Programming

Leave a reply

The Ultimate Spirits Lovers Holiday Gift

Blow the mind of the spirits lover in your life with Spirits Network’s Holiday Gift Pack for under $300.

This festive collection includes three exquisite, expertly curated 750 mL bottles delivered monthly, plus one free bonus bottle.

It also comes with unlimited access to the Spirits Network library of engaging spirits related programming – like a Netflix for spirits! – and numerous other spirits related goodies.

It’s a great way to fill the bar and the hearts of people you love. Learn more about this offering and Spirits Network here.

Spirits of the Holidays Gift Pack

Spirits Network is a shoppable streaming entertainment channel dedicated to the world of premium spirits. Watch hours of entertainment, buy directly from any device with on-demand home delivery and experience monthly bottle memberships, hand-picked by Spirits Network curators.

store.spiritsnetwork.com

Spirits Network December Programming

Elevate your at-home bar this holiday season with these expert cocktail tips, recipes and stories from Spirits Network.

Spirits Network, the digital streaming platform where spirits enthusiasts can learn directly from industry experts while purchasing premium product, is launching four new programs this December. These episodes will give you the perfect shoppable guide to holiday spirits, must-haves for your intimate gatherings, informative instruction for your home cocktail creations, and stories – and spirits – from the masters to share with family and friends.

The month commences with a Special Edition of ‘#WhiskyWednesdays’ on December 9. Spirits Network’s Chief Curator Flavien Desoblin is back to lead a tasting of Diageo’s 2020 Special Releases Collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Comprised of eight cask strength Single Malts from some of Scotland’s most beloved distilleries, these bottles are extremely rare, so be sure to stock up while you can. The tasting will feature Lagavulin 12 Year Old, Talisker 8 Year Old and The Singleton of Dufftown 17 Year Old.

Also launching on December 9 is the premiere episode of ‘Take Out’ hosted by culinary influencer Corey Marshall. Get your PJs and plates ready for this one, as Corey orders in some of the best takeout you can find and pairs it with a Cutwater Spirits canned cocktail for the easiest, most delicious night spent at home.

Spirits Networks’ newest series, ‘Cellar Sessions’, will premiere on December 18. This program answers the question, “What do the world’s spirits experts take out of their personal cellar when they get together with friends?” For the premiere episode, spirits industry veteran Elayne Duff cracks open three bottles from the Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia portfolio with acclaimed spirits writer Tony Sachs and author Kurt Maitland. Curious drinkers everywhere can enjoy being a fly on the wall during this discussion of agave, aging, and their experiences from careers in this alluring industry.

Closing out the year is liquid chef Rob Floyd, who is back with two new episodes of Home Bar Hero, Holiday Editions airing December 18 and December 23. From a Pinnacle Peppermint Hot Chocolate to a Maker’s Mark Gold Rush, Rob is mixing up some delicious cocktails from TheCocktailProject.com, an online recipe resource for easy at home bartending. You don’t have to be a mixologist to ensure your intimate gatherings this holiday season do not disappoint.

All the content airing this December will be available for Spirit Network members to watch on NBTV channels. Viewers can stream their favorite Spirit Network shows at any time, from any location, at home or on-the-go. Compatible devices include Apple TV, Apple iOS, and Android, as well as Smart TVs.

In case you are not already a Spirits Network member, here is how it works: The Explorer membership, consisting of hundreds of hours of curated premium content, is available free of charge. With Enthusiast and Connoisseur memberships, subscribers receive one bottle per month of spirits, hand selected by a team of specialized in-house curators, and based on a user-submitted custom profile. Other benefits include quarterly gifts, free shipping, and the ability to purchase individual bottles. All memberships are now available in Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

With a mission to watch, buy, and taste from virtually any location, the Spirits Network provides members with an exclusive look behind the bottle at the stories and craftsmanship of this unique spirits community.

For more information on Spirits Network, visit www.spiritsnetwork.com.

ABOUT SPIRITS NETWORK

Spirits Network is a community of engaging spirits experts and enthusiasts, creating meaningful connections through original, shoppable video programming. Through the platform, members can engage with and purchase from the top players defining the spirits business, as well as access exclusive products, gifts, and experiences. Launched in 2019, Spirits Network offers shoppable streaming video programming on any device.

Spirits Network LLC is the newest venture from NBTV Channels. NBTV Channels builds unique content for brands and direct-to-consumer businesses, transforming marketing from a cost to a revenue center by offering in-platform ‘click to buy’ opportunities.

5 Strategies for Success as an Independent Artist

Leave a reply

Being an independent artist is not easy. You have to handle most of the work yourself, and usually, pay for everything out of your own pocket. However, this also means that you can fully express your artistic vision and won’t be forced into engagements.

This is a great option for those who want to be artists for a living without becoming a commodity. This is also a good option for those who feel like they might have an audience already and don’t need to have a machine behind them, allowing them to bypass the middlemen and get better percentages. But to get there, you have to have a clear roadmap and strategy. Let’s take a look at a few strategies independent artists can use to become successful.

Network

This is probably one of the most important skills you’ll need to master as a new independent artist. And, unfortunately, this is an aspect many neglect. The music business is very much about who you know, and the more people you know, the more opportunities you might open yourself up to. Also, you never know who the right connection could be. It could be a shop or restaurant owner that would like you to perform at a certain event or a student friend of yours that wants you to perform at a party. These are all the types of interactions that could allow you to get the little bit of initial traction that you need. If you’re good enough, word will start to spread about you. The rest is about you being consistent with your efforts and cultivating your audience.

Start from the Bottom

If you want to make yourself known, you will have to be ready to work yourself up from the bottom, even if it means busking. You’d be surprised at how many major artists either started or were discovered while busking. Also, there’s the chance that you could end up on YouTube, and people love discovering obscure talent online. If you look on YouTube, there are plenty of videos of buskers getting millions of views, and if your talent is exceptional, you will get some attention. The best outcome here will be organic and inexpensive.

Work with the Right People

You also have to make sure that you have the right people in your corner. You will need to find yourself an accountant, a manager, a lawyer, and a road manager. The road manager will be essential for organizing logistics on the ground while the manager will be finding gigs and other opportunities for you. Working with a booking agency will also help.

Subsequently, you need to have good staff with you in the studio. Some artists will regularly rotate their sound engineers, but it’s also good to have a relationship with someone who understands your vision and wants to work with you. You want them to like your music too. This way they’ll be more involved in the project and will make more inspired recommendations.

It would also be a good time to start looking at studios. If you want something that will be easy to book and will have everything you need to start recording, we suggest you explore Pirate.com. They have studios in some of the world’s greatest cities, like their Hamburg recording studio or those in New York and Los Angeles. They offer affordable rates and give you a lot of free space to work. This is a great place for any indie act or group.

Hire Someone for Promotion

It would also be a good idea if you hired someone instead of trying to handle all the promotion yourself. Yes, you can interact with your fans on social media, but it would be better if you concentrated on the musical side and let a professional team work on the rest. You can hire someone to manage your social media for you; however, make sure that they sound in-character so that the voice can stay on brand. And, while much of the marketing is done online nowadays, you can’t neglect other traditional options. A professional could help you purchase media space, for instance, or help you gauge if the price would be worth it in terms of exposure.

Give and You Shall Receive

Giving material for free is also one of the best ways to get an audience. Even if it’s a free EP, know that it could pay back in the end. Just because the project was free, doesn’t mean that you can’t make money with it on the back end with performances or licensing, for instance.

These are all strategies that you can use to market yourself as an independent act and thrive in the industry without the backing of a major label. Understand that it’s still a business at the end of the day, and you’ll have to treat it as such if you want to be able to make a living from your art.

Planet Fitness Southeast 100th Club Opening

Leave a reply

Sunshine Fitness is Planet Fitness’ first franchise group and it continues to experience steady growth across the Southeast amid pandemic with plans to open nearly 15 more clubs in 2021

Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings, LLC (“Sunshine Fitness”), a leading owner and operator of Planet Fitness clubs in the Southeast United States backed by TSG Consumer Partners (“TSG”), today announced its 100th Planet Fitness club opening with new locations simultaneously opening in South Carolina and North Carolina.

“Opening our 100th club during this challenging year is not only a testament to our franchise group, but also the desire of the communities to prioritize physical and mental wellness as an essential part of their lives,” said Shane McGuiness, co-owner and CEO of Planet Fitness Southeast. “In 2021 we will continue bringing jobs to local economies, while prioritizing the health and safety of our members and employees.”

Since March, Sunshine Fitness has focused on adapting to the current pandemic while maintaining plans for expansion. Additionally, Planet Fitness has taken several steps to strengthen existing cleanliness policies, introduced touchless check-ins and “Social Fitnessing,” created its Clean Thumb Club™ policy, and implemented a “crowd meter” available on the Planet Fitness app for customers to see capacity levels in real time. Throughout the year Planet Fitness has taken several steps to strengthen existing cleanliness policies, introduced touchless check-ins and “Social Fitnessing,” created its Clean Thumb Club™ policy, and implemented a “crowd meter” available on the Planet Fitness app for customers to see capacity levels in real time.

Sunshine Fitness has been one of the fastest growing Planet Fitness franchisees in the U.S. and has opened multiple locations since the start of 2020 with strong plans to open 13 additional clubs in communities across the Southeast in 2021. The momentum is driven by the more than 113 million check-ins to Planet Fitness since May 2020, when gyms were cleared to reopen by local officials after the pandemic forced their doors to close.

For more information, or to join online, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2020, Planet Fitness had more than 14.1 million members and 2,086 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

About Planet Fitness Southeast

Opening its first location in 2003 in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Planet Fitness Southeast is the very first franchisee and one of the largest within the Planet Fitness brand. Started by longtime best friends, Shane McGuiness and Eric Dore, Planet Fitness Southeast now operates 100 locations and still holds true to the original mission of enhancing people’s lives by providing a high-quality experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone®.

About TSG Consumer Partners
TSG Consumer Partners, LLC is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Since its founding in 1987, TSG has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, beauty, personal care, fitness, health & wellness, household, apparel & accessories, and e-commerce sectors. Representative past and present partner companies include Duckhorn Wine Company, Planet Fitness, IT Cosmetics, REVOLVE, HUDA Beauty, BrewDog, Canyon Bicycles, Pabst, Backcountry, vitaminwater, thinkThin, popchips, Stumptown, Smashbox Cosmetics and e.l.f. Cosmetics. For more information, please visit www.tsgconsumer.com.