Fresh Ears

Changes

2009-04-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers

Once again, I apologize for the lack of content/updates on my blog. I've already stated a couple times, my lack of inspiration. I like to write and elaborate on topics and ideas, not just post videos and info that other blogs post. It was turning into that, and I didn't like it. If you go back and read my older posts, you will see that I went into things in depth. I've been moving around a lot making career-related decisions, so it's been difficult to keep up and stay on one track. I'm going to think up some new ideas for this site. I want to redesign it and really tailor the focus, and I hope to do that in the very near future. (I can't just keep writing about Drake and how REFRESHING his music is...over and over.)

With that said - I'll do my best to tweet when I do make those changes to the site.
I don't want to keep writing every month "Sorry...but...I'm not inspired.." But that's what it comes down to when you're a passionately creative individual.

Claudia

Quote of The Week

2009-03-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

~*Angels are love in motion. They never rest, they struggle to grow, and they are beyond good and evil. Love that consumes all, that destroys all, that forgives all. Angels are made of that love, and are at the same time its messengers.*~

"The Valkyries" by Paulo Coelho

This book;s themes parallel my life in so many ways right now. Paulo is a life changing author, and you should visit his blog -->> http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

TiRon - "Ketchup"

2009-02-26T03:39:00.000-08:00

Download:: "Ketchup"- TiRon

On The FlipSide: All Star Weekend '09 - PHX

2009-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

http://ontheflipsidetv.com/

Drake -"So Far Gone"

2009-02-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

Do u know how many people refreshed their browser for like 2 days waiting on this tape? (check his blog comments)

One of the best projects I've listened to in a very very long time.

Download "So Far Gone" Here
Get Comeback Season too, while you're here!
And.. Click here to download "Congratulations"

provided by the effortlessly fly:: octobersveryown.blogspot.com

I love this commercial ~

2009-02-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Quote of The Week

2009-02-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

"Don't Cut What You Can Untie"
~ Joseph Joubert ~

I read a quote similar to this in a fortune cookie about a year ago after I had learned that lesson. Here's a friendly reminder to lengthen the fuse...

LA:: Buddhist Lectures, Saturday Feb. 14th

2009-02-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

One of the world's best known Western Buddhist teachers, Lama Ole Nydahl will be stopping in Los Angeles during his World tour to give two public lectures, "Buddhanature" at 3 pm and "Death and Rebirth" at 8 pm.

Location: Area 101 / stage B ~ 1051 N. Cole Ave, Hollywood CA
Cost: $20 for one lecture, $35 for both

I think this is how I will be spending my valentine's day this year!

Here's a video I found on Love & Relationships

Catch Ya On The FlipSide

2009-02-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

My girl Aubrey has been working diligently the last few months creating her own sports & entertainment show "On the Flipside" and the first episode is finally up for viewing! This episode includes Superbowl in Tampa, Dwyane Wade & Alonzo Mourning Wii Bowling (hilarious), Rick Ross's Crib, and the latest on one of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. Theme music is by The Stereotypes!

On The Flipside

Photo: US Airways Plane Lands In Hudson River

2009-01-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is a photo taken from a man on a ferry on the way to pickup the passengers who were on the US Airways plan that landed in the Hudson River today. I really wanted to document this for all of you who aren't on twitter.

photo taken by twitterer @jkrums (Janis Krums)

Quote of The Week

2009-01-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

The secret of life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly, terribly deceived."

- Oscar Wilde

I don't agree with deceit ever giving pleasure, but I agree in a sense that if you can change your outlook on someone deceiving you, you will get through life a bit easier. I'm not saying to expect everyone to deceive you, but rather, view it as something that cannot always be helped, and may have actually been your own fault to begin with in your choice of interaction with certain people. Shake your head and laugh with an "oh.. u got me, haha" attitude and move on. I understand this is nearly impossible for most people to do, but remember happiness has more to do with how you react to situations, than what actually happened. So, keep some salt around...

Best of CES 09: Palm Pre

2009-01-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

It seems that the Palm Pre is the most talked about device from this years Consumer Electronics Convention in Las Vegas. Touch Screen. Full QUERTY keyboard. 3.0 mpx Camera. Alerts Pop Up w/o Interfering what you are doing. Sprint Device. Check the Video for more.

Hey Hey Bobby Ray!! I like You're New Video

2009-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

B.O.B is one of those artists you either love or you don't, because he is different. I love him though cus he's rediculously talented not only as an artist, but as a producer, and he is a humble and good humored individual.

Here is the new video: I'll Be In The Sky

Train Your Mind & Control Your Emotions

2009-01-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

2008 was a year of great change for me. I spent a lot of time reading and working on living in the present moment and controlling/dealing with my emotions better. I talk to so many of my friends and wish that I could teach them everything I have absorbed from the following three books. You can make a world of a difference in your life by changing your outlook and how you react to situations. PLEASE PLEASE do yourself a favor!!!

* The Art of Happiness - The Dalai Lama & Howard C. Cutler

* Emotional Awareness - The Dalai Lama & Paul Eckman, PH.d

* The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

Steve Wynn- You Did It Again!

2009-01-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Vegas for my best friend's Birthday and ran into DJ IRIE and co. at the lavish and sexy XS nightclub at the Encore! Let me tell you, I cannot describe how sexy this place is, you just need to see for yourself! I can tell you it was REDICULOUSLY packed on Monday!! It's similar to Tryst, but much larger (40,000 sq. feet) and has a pool outside instead of the waterfall that Tryst has. I do recommend the table below the stairs in front of the DJ booth. It provides lots of space for friends, groupies, and dance contests. lol....

Quote of the Week

2009-01-02T06:25:00.001-08:00

"The Whole World is a Series of Balanced Antagonisms."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Really think about this. For every good thing, there is bad...
What goes up must come down...
Love/Hate
Opposites Attract

I mean the list goes on forever. Take some time to think about the world and "WHAT IS." You may come to an understanding, and thus become a little less frustrated and more patient in your daily lives.

xo

SWAGGER

2009-01-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

So according to my little survey last month, the word "swagger" and its shortened version "swag" seem to be the most overused terms rappers use these days. Frankly, we are sick of it, and as part of our 2009 resolutions, we are phasing the word out and eventually eliminating it from people's vocabulary. So from now on, please pledge to not use the "S" word, because we sure won't be.

The term shall now be replaced by "demeanor" or simply "that thing."
Feel free to leave some suggestions in the comment section!

xO

Universal Mind Control

2009-01-01T11:54:00.001-08:00

Check out my friend Aubrey Aquino in Miami as she interviews Common about his new album. *Had to put this on here, she says "FreshEars" - haha.

Check out more great segments and interviews at www.AubreyAquino.com

I've caught the Miley bug!

2009-01-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I worked at the Miley's Secret Surprise NYE special for MTV, and I officially caught the Miley bug! She's an amazing performer! No, really.. she's a ROCKSTAR! I know my little cousins are obsessed, but after watching her perform and really listening to her songs, she has some great records. Her videos could be a little bit better, but here are a couple for songs I like. Maybe she just brings out the angry little girl in me, because I never listen to this kind of music. I'm branching out this year, what more can I say?

*Fly On The Wall*

*7 Things*

Best Album of 2008

2008-12-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

.....yeeaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Kanye and TI are of course runners up, but Jeezy stole the show. Well, atleast for me.
I don't know about you......

MTVs "The City" x Frequency Revolution = Top Of The World

2008-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of my blog readers are actual fans of "THE HILLS," but MTV's new spin-off of the popular teen drama, "THE CITY" premiered last night. I could go on about my likes and dislikes about the characters and what-not, but I'm more interested in the music. One song in particular, the show's theme song, "Top of the World" by the Pussycat Dolls.

It's a VERY GOOD LOOK to get your music placed on a TV show, not just for the artist, but for the producers and songwriters as well. Production credit for this song goes to Calvo Da Gr8 for Frequency Revolution, and writing credit to The Writing Camp.
Calvo's first placement was Ciara's "Like a Boy" and his team has been hard at work securing other placements with other artists, such as Jamie Foxx. Be on the look out for more HEAT from this young, fresh talent in 2009.

As far as The Writing Camp goes, check their Myspace, the list of hits goes on forever! Click HERE for more info on Calvo and his work with MTV's "THE CITY"

*pssst* If u want 2 find out who else doesn't like "Olivia Palermo" just google her!

Heartbreak Drake

2008-12-17T02:32:00.000-08:00

One of my friends recently put me on to Drake, and I have to say I am excited about him! I love the record "Sooner than Later," but all of his records are pretty good! Thumbs up.

Download Mixtape Here!

Rumors of a Interscope deal. I'll find out soon...

Lack of Inspiration

2008-12-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or does the hip hop (or what we have expanded the genre to encompass these days) not inspire and motivate like it used to? I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks because I really haven't felt passionately about anything lately in music other than Kanye's new album. I was pretty occupied with my last project, but now that I have free time and find myself not only exhausted, but with nothing new worth really listening to. I used to live for the "new shit," and did what I needed to have it first. But lately, I just don't have that same feeling. I need someone I value as credible to put me on before I even listen to most new music.

When I used to work for Irie, I would go through hundreds of emails a day of Mp3s from labels and artists to just hear more BS after BS. It gets really discouraging. I don't really know who is to blame. Can't blame people for wanting to be heard, but is anyone out there regulating the quality of these records lately, or are they just putting this shit out there. It's getting to the point where there is so much music out there now, I don't know what to listen to, or even want to take that chance. I would rather sit here and listen to my Biggie albums, and Jay's Reasonable Doubt, and most music produced prior to 2001.

Anytime I'm frustrated or discourage, nothing does my soul better than that "back in the day." I'm young, but I remember being in middle school dubbing tapes off the radio or burning cds and bringing them to my music class and trying to sneak them on the boom box to put people on. I though to myself today, damn I used to make a mix cd every couple days in the Napster era. I had hundreds of mixes filling my cases. I was so THIRSTY for the new stuff, and it was all good. Now I skip through other people's mixes looking for SOMETHING to relate to or catch my ear.

So, I'm asking you as a reader, to PUT ME ON to some REAL legitimate shit!!!
Where is the longevity with today's artists? How long will they really be around? Do labels even care, or is it all about singles and one hit wonders?

Are we in a transition period where the best is yet to come, or is this as good as it gets? Don't let me down....

DJ IRIE & Creative Recreation: Irie Milano Hi's

2008-12-04T01:22:00.000-08:00

Irie Milano Hi's - Release date Dec. 12th

Click HERE to see what's going on with DJ IRIE this month ~

www.myspace.com/djirie
www.twitter.com/djirie

Dear Mr. West

2008-11-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you for reading my mind with every album you release. Maybe its a Gemini thing.
I was disappointed today however when I went to Best Buy in Pasadena, and they did not have any of the Def Jam new releases out. They thought since new music always comes out on Tuesdays, that this was the same thing. So, I made the Best Buy employee go to the back, and bring out Kanye and Luda's albums to the shelves.

Go grab a copy while you're there.

No time to elaborate...sneaking this on my boss's laptop.

xo

2008: The Year of Auto-Tune

2008-11-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

By now, I'm sure you're all familiar with what is referred to as the T-Pain effect, aka Auto-Tune. Indeed it seems like the filter of choice for the year 2008 when it comes to artists like T-Pain, Kanye West, and Lil' Wayne. I never did much research on the topic because when these artists first started using the effect, I asked my engineer friends and they showed me how it worked in the studio, so I always understood it as auto-tune; so when everyone started saying VOCODER, I was like...Ok...which is it? So I did some research. I went back to my engineer friend Steve Obas(who taught me a thing or two about recording back in Miami) and googled some ways to better explain this phenomenon to you.

The Antares Auto-Tune's main function is to adjust the pitch of someone's voice when someone is off key. This works great for artists who can't hold a note. There was this big issue of whether it was Auto-Tune or the Vocoder that made Cher's "Believe" a hit back in 1998, but the consensus is that they stumbled upon that sound using Auto-Tune and lots of filtering. It works for Britney (very transparently. Imagine if they would have used this on Ma$e's "Jealous Guys,"...lol..but then again I guess that song wouldn't be so hilarious to listen to.

The Vocoder (derived from Vocal Encoder) however, is best known for synthesizing vocals to make a "robot-like" sound. It doesn't adjust the actual note. One of the best examples is Daft Punk's "One More Time." Teddy Riley was known to use this effect in Blackstreet's "I'll Go Crazy." It is also what you hear in 2Pac's "California Love."

Honestly, it gets confusing when you are trying to decifer each effect in many songs at once, when in fact both effects can be used in one song. There is also something known as a Talkbox which gets thrown around a lot with VOCODER because it produces a similar sound except the Talkbox has a tube that goes in your mouth, and the VOCODER is more of an electronic input type filter. Both the Vocoder and Auto-Tune come as a piece of equipment or as a plug-in.

Click HEREto see Stevie Wonder on the Talkbox.

If you haven't already seen this, here is the funny video T-pain made making-fun of his use of the effect and all the success it has brough him.

This video will confuse you though, because the effect is really Auto-Tune and a Vocoder doesn't look anything like the machine in the video. It's still pretty funny though.

I'm sure you are probably very sick of hearing all these effects in music these days, but like every fad, it will go away eventually. Be patient, or make your own sh*t!

I want to thank Steve Obas, Google, I-meem, You-Tube, and various articles I found for un-confusing me, to un-confuse you.

;) xo

Waiting on The World to Change

2008-11-11T23:38:00.000-08:00

The fact of the matter is, change is constant and needs to be accepted. Positive change is more of what this world needs and I am confident that President-Elect Obama will facilitate that. But it's not just up to him. As Gandhi put it: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

Visit www.change.gov, and watch CHANGE happen!

ps. John Mayer's 2006 Album "Continuum" is one of my all time favs! Click to Listen!

Kanye and Ludacris' Albums: Nov 24th!

2008-11-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Today, Island Def Jam announced that both Kanye's "808s & Heartbreak" and Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" will be released a day earlier than planned, on Nov. 24th. They hope to capitalize on Thanksgiving weekend shopping.

Confused about Keri

2008-11-11T00:27:00.000-08:00

Keri Hilson is an established, VERY talented and BEAUTIFUL song-writer (a member of The Clutch) who's been working hard with her team to pave her own way as an Artist.

She has the Mosley Music Group/Zone 4/Interscope stamps, with producers like Timbaland, Danjahandz, and Polow Da Don at her disposal. She has respectable cameos in numerous videos from Usher, to Ne-Yo, Nas, and Chris Brown, and made her breakthrough entrance as an artist featured on Timbaland's smash, "The Way I Are."

So why am I confused?

The first single they worked was "Energy," - a great song, which also portrayed Keri with a edgy, sexy, and strong image. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to keep up the momentum that "Energy" built.

My intention is never to hate or criticize. I am trying to figure out what''s going on.

I've heard "Return the Favor" featuring Timbo; another record with Lil Wayne called "Turning me Off;" and a record with R. Kelly called "Shake it Like a Dog." They are all good records set to some pretty hott tracks, but nothing that really does enough to set her apart in the way she needs to STAND OUT!

Back to why I'm confused. I feel like in each of those songs, she sounds almost like a different artist. Today I was listening to the radio and heard the Kardinal Offishall record "Numba 1 (Tide is High) with her as a feature, but there is another version of the song with Nicole Sherzinger that I actually heard first, so when I heard the Keri version, I had to call someone to confirm it was her. I didn't remember I had seen Keri in the video. (I don't watch much TV though, so maybe that's my fault).

I vocalized my confusion to a valued ear, Pep Almighty, and he theorized that because she is primarily a writer who is used to making her voice sound as close as possible to whatever artist a record is being made for, she may just be caught in that process. I had never thought about it like that before, but it makes some sense. At the end of the day, it's about hits, and an image and sound that sets you apart. I'm not sure they've got it quite right yet.

I think Keri has the entire package and the perfect team, and I'm praying they find the right records so we can hear "In a Perfect World" some time in the near future!

I want to know your thoughts on her records and any other CONSTRUCTIVE feedback! No hating and gossipy trash shall grace this blog!

American vs. European ears

2008-11-08T13:04:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! This is MyTwoCents adding a little flavor to the launch of Fresh Ears. Warning: I tend to be gossipy and a bit whimsical with my thoughts, but ultimately I share the same passion behind music and love to discuss.

So back to the lecture at hand: American vs. European ears

As you may or may not know, MTV's Europe Music Awards popped off in Liverpool, UK a coupla days ago. To be honest, I never paid attention to those awards but this year there were some cool performances so I thought I'd check it out. Estelle, Kanye and Beyonce were of course some of the "American" acts. Visit MTV.CO.UK to read up on all the shinanigans.

The list of winners are below:

Most Addictive Track: P!nk ‘So What’

Video Star: 30 Seconds To Mars ‘A Beautiful Lie'

Headliner: Tokio Hotel

Urban: Kanye West

Rock Out: 30 Seconds To Mars

Artists Choice: Lil Wayne

Act of 2008: Britney Spears

Ultimate Legend: Sir Paul McCartney

Album of the Year: Britney Spears Blackout

Europe’s Favourite Act: Emre Aydin (Turkey)

New Act: Katy Perry

Best Act Ever: Rick Astley

Ok, so I took a look at this list and I'm not gonna lie...I was a bit confused. How the heck did Britney Spears win not 1 but 2 awards?? Blackout eventually sold in the U.S but I didn't think it was award-worthy. Or is it? I have always wondered why some artist do better overseas, as opposed to their home country (oh, Hi Amerie. Heyy Kelly Rowland). What do they hear over there that is contrasting to what we hear?? I mean, Kelly Rowland seriously chunked the deuces to the US and has set up shop in London for the past year because they clearly spin her ish more than over here. Interesting. So here's the question I pose to you music heads: What's the difference between American and European ears??

Remember this Face: Candice Pillay

2008-11-07T18:01:00.001-08:00

I dont know how you could even forget her face. She's South African which automatically = GORGEOUS! I came across this girl last year when one of my friends on facebook was posing as her twin sister. I figured it out though and that's how I linked up with her manager RetOne.

A former model, Candice is out here in LA doing her thing, bubbling as a singer/songwriter. She's got an edgy style, and a beautiful voice. Somebody needs to get her in the studio with JR or something and get her poppin!

This is the flyer for her show this Saturday at Club Mood in Hollywood. Click on it to check out her myspace!!

Producer Spotlight: Jim Jonsin

2008-11-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

"Ay Jim...u know them old sugar daddies...they be trickin' when they tell them girls;" in case you didn't know, T.I. was referring to super producer Jim Jonsin. I remember the day I met Jim when I was interning at Slip-N-Slide in Miami. He was bubbling with Trick Daddy's "Let's Go," and working with Big D as the "Unusual Suspects."

Like many people not in the industry, I had no idea who he was. His image is definitely the rocker type, so it came to no surprise when he blew up and signed a label deal with Atlantic, he named it Rebel Rock. "Whatever you like" and "Let's Go" are only two of a long list of HIT records this fellow gemini has produced. I was around to see him blow up Miami's "Pretty Ricky" with the hit "Grind on Me." That whole Bluestars album was a smash, and it just so happened Jim held most of the production credits.

You didn't think he was chillin in Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop" video for no reason, right? More recently, he placed the 3 records "Radio, " "Sweet Dreams," and "Save the Hero," on Beyonce's new album!!

His feature artist on Rebel Rock, B.O.B, is bubbling as well with an LRG endorsement that you can't miss in Time's Square, and a feature with Ludacris on T.I's "Paper Trail." It has indeed been a great year for Jim Jonsin and his team.

Well the point of all this is to let you know, that eventhough I've known how talented Jim was, I'm always surprised to learn about other songs he has produced. So, I jacked this graphic from his myspace just to show you all what else he has produced, so you too can say, "Damn, I didn't know he did THAT!!"

(You may have to squint to read this..lol..sorry!)

Click on the graphic to visit his myspace page!

Ok, so I'm late on this

2008-11-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

I know Puff's Birthday was on Election Day...and I've seen pictures from what was his amazing Birthday Party in New York. But I had to post this... just for kicks. I Looooove the Diddy Blog!!

Follow me...

2008-11-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

(clickclick)

Under the Microscope: Asher Roth

2008-11-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

myspace.com/asherrothmusic ~ check him out!!!

Our Belief is Stronger Than Your Doubt

2008-11-07T01:07:00.000-08:00

Converse Wade 4's
(Good thing the logo isn't behind the mesh, because then someone would owe me a check..lol)

Sidenote: Have you noticed the emergence of amazing talent that comes out of Chicago? Barack, Kanye, Cool Kids, Dwyane Wade...
Gotta give it up 4 the Windy City!!

Allow me to introduce myself...

2008-11-07T00:26:00.000-08:00

... my name is Claudia! Some might know me as Dubb, Dizzle, CiCi, Slim, Clauds, Caponi, Capo , or any variation of all of the above.

Music is my life.

I thank God every day for blessing me with ears, and the ability to use them efficiently. My friends would say I am a great listener, and anyone that really knows me in the Music Biz would say I've got an ear for Music or how things should sound. It's always tough for someone to establish themselves for having an intangible skill, thus - this blog was born, so you can come to understand WHO I am, and WHAT I like, and What I THINK you would like, too!

In one of my many moments of confusion, a Cool Kid I know told me, "Claudia...when you've got Fresh Ears like yours, you can't let that go to waste," and almost a year later i'm finally doing something about it!!!

With that said, download the new track by The Cool Kids- "2K Pennies"
and check them out on tour with Q-tip in a city near YOU.

-C

Fresh Ears

Changes

Quote of The Week

TiRon - "Ketchup"

On The FlipSide: All Star Weekend '09 - PHX

Drake -"So Far Gone"

I love this commercial ~

Quote of The Week

LA:: Buddhist Lectures, Saturday Feb. 14th

Catch Ya On The FlipSide

Photo: US Airways Plane Lands In Hudson River

Quote of The Week

Best of CES 09: Palm Pre

Hey Hey Bobby Ray!! I like You're New Video

Train Your Mind & Control Your Emotions

Steve Wynn- You Did It Again!

*Quote of the Week*

SWAGGER

Universal Mind Control

I've caught the Miley bug!

Best Album of 2008

MTVs "The City" x Frequency Revolution = Top Of The World

Heartbreak Drake

Lack of Inspiration

DJ IRIE & Creative Recreation: Irie Milano Hi's

Dear Mr. West

2008: The Year of Auto-Tune

Waiting on The World to Change

Kanye and Ludacris' Albums: Nov 24th!

Confused about Keri

American vs. European ears

Remember this Face: Candice Pillay

Producer Spotlight: Jim Jonsin

Ok, so I'm late on this

Follow me...

Under the Microscope: Asher Roth

Our Belief is Stronger Than Your Doubt

Allow me to introduce myself...

Quote of the Week