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Releasing your music is the only way to get your career started + surrounding yourself by people that will "d*ckride" you, and why + producing music to connect deeply with the listener and how to achieve that + getting to the point where the music is undeniable + an interesting technique to utilize in the studio when vocal producing.

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SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREATNESS - An !llmind Rant

This week we've got Matt aka Money Making Matt. He's an A&R at Dreamville Records (J Cole's label if you've been living under a rock). He manages producer Cardiak (another friend of the show), who managed to score over 20 MAJOR LABEL SONG placements in 2017 alone (dinner on Matt!). We spoke about his time at St. John's University in Queens, NY meeting J Cole for the 1st time, getting into the scene and some major gems for up-coming music producers really trying to break into the industry. Also, RIP Reggie Osse' aka COMBAT JACK. You will be missed.

Episode 58 With Matt (Manager/A&R Dreamville)

Illmind went on a rant and dropped some major gems on how to get more placements. It's something we all want as music producers. Here's a quick and dirty stream of consciousness on some things you can do NOW to increase your odds of getting closer to that first song placement.

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Strategies To Get More Major Label Placements - An Illmind Rant

There's no formula to reaching success in the music industry, but there are certain common denominators that contribute to people who are successful. They know why they're doing it. They are in tune with themselves. They are in tune with their craft. Oh, and we also debate on if smoking too much weed can be a positive or a negative, and why. This was a special conversation. Illmind + Atlas The Plug + Perfection + GLAM talking their sh*t.

Episode 67 - The Key To Success Is Knowing Why

Music producers need managers. Some don't need them early in their careers when they're first starting out. But eventually, you'll need an extra hand when things get too overwhelming. The real question is: When is it time to find a good manager? Also, where do I find a manager and how do I know if they're good or not? Will a manager help get me major label "placements"? We had an inspiring conversation about all of this. Illmind's friend (who works with Akon) surprised us with a phone call too. Many gems were dropped. This episode is a must listen.

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Episode 72 - How To Find A Good Manager

In this episode we each tell our own unique stories on several moments where we set a goal and went out to achieve that goal. Whether it was trying to land a placement on a major album, or wanting to meet someone we admire. Going out of your way to try new things can alter the pathway to your future. We also chose our current favorite VST or PLUG-IN and why we love using it. Of course the hilarity ensues throughout. This episode was lit!

Episode 74 - Set Goals Don't Be Lazy

As music producers, we strive to eventually get to that point where we feel like we have our own "signature sound". Like, The Neptunes. Like, Timbaland, Like, Dr. Dre. Like, Metro Boomin'. The list goes on. So what does one have to do to achieve a signature sound as a music creator? We also discuss the current landscape of music and how important of a role music producers play.

Episode 75 - How To Find Your Signature Sound

The world of music production requires skills similar to any entrepreneur of today. The successful ones usually become their own boss. No one to report to (except the IRS lol). You get what you put in. We spoke about some basic philosophies to keep in mind during your journey as an aspiring musician. Whether you're a music producer, artist, engineer or all of the above, these are some of the fundamentals that will help guide you along the way. Oh, and BLAP OR CRAP is back of course!

Episode 79 - Becoming Your Own Boss

What's the difference between working with a rapper and a singer? If I'm a music producer or an audio engineer, do I know the difference between the two? Chances are, you don't. Both worlds are completely different in their own way. If you've only worked with rappers in the studio, you've got a lot to learn when it comes to working with singers/songwriters. Some say working with rappers is easy because it's just verses and adlibs. With singers, you're stacking harmonies, coming up with melodies and lyrics, concepts, etc. How different or how similar are the two? What are some things we should keep in mind to play our roles in the studio as music producers and engineers? We brought in our good friend, singer/songwriter/producer FATHER DUDE to talk about the dynamics amongst singer, songwriter and producer. Also, our "BLAP OR CRAP" segment is back. You don't want to miss this one!

Episode 81 - Working With Songwriters (with Father Dude)

Here's what we did. I went on IG Live and asked the viewers to drop their phone numbers in the comments. Atlas and I called them to answer their questions and give advice on so many different topics. The beginning of your journey has to start with believing in yourself. That creates the confidence to go out and network, find up and coming artists to collaborate with, not waiting for the perfect time to release music. There is no such thing as the perfect time and everything, especially in the music business, is RANDOM. Some people can handle that uncertainty while others simply can't and give up. It all starts with believing.

Episode 86 - Key To Success - Believe In Yourself

On this episode, Illmind and Glam talk about how to balance a 9-5 job vs. pursuing a passion (17:30), IG Live Q&A (38:30), how to keep yourself motivated everyday (49:40), selling beats online(59:30) and a Blap or Crap/ beat critique segment (1:05:30). Plus a recap of our BlapChat Live episode with Just Blaze (03:00), Pass the Aux 2019 announcement(10:55) and Glam's experience on tour with Duckwrth (14:37). A lot of great advice in here for all up and coming creatives looking to make the big jump from turning their art into a career.

Episode 89 - Using Social Media To Your Advantage

On this episode, we discuss the topic of fear and how it's the one thing that stops us from what we truly want to do (00:04:00), Perfection's insight on fear of failure and success (00:06:09), Atlas' moments of fear and how he overcame it and learned from the process (00:08:25), Illmind's perspective on how we should view failure (00:13:00), the importance of work ethic and not looking for shortcuts (00:35:52), keeping true to yourself and providing value of something different (00:40:51), create something for yourself to the point where people will want to work with you (01:09:42), first Blap Or Crap of 2019 (01:14:43) and so much more gems in between.

Episode 91 - Overcoming Your Fear To Reach Success

On this episode, we welcome back Perfection and get to know our listeners with an Instagram live Q & A.  IG and FB 24 hr blackout 😬(00:5:12) Instagram live Q & A of all things production(00:10:48), "How can I get a licensing opportunity?"(00:18:33),"In terms of networking, how do I approach a high caliber producer?"(00:27:36)"How do I find people to work with?"(00:36:42)" Im more of a creator; how do I improve my mixes?"(00:45:32), Blap or Crap segment (01:03:00) + so much more with Illmind and Perfection.

Episode 96 - Things Every Music Creator Should Do

On this episode the Blap crew goes over the importance of initiative  and a "problem solving" approach to the industry and your career. 
Illmind is back in the studio with Perfection, Atlas, and GLAM  1..2..3.... BLAPCHAT!!!🔥(:2:25)"Are there any projects this year you guys liked?"(00:05:41)Quick shout out to all the creatives coming out to Illminds "Pass the Aux World Tour"!!!(00:07:09)"Having a rich mentality vs. a Poor Mentality"(00:15:18)"There are two different types of people in this world; People who wait to be told what to do, and people that just do shit"(00:19:00)"The keyword is initiative"(00:27:50)IG Live Q&A (00:40:10)"How would you have found your Skyzoo in 2019?"(00:52:33) Blap or Crap segment (00:59:06) + so much more with Illmind, Atlas, Perfection and GLAM!!

Episode 97 - Rich Mentality Vs Poor Mentality

On this episode Illmind, Perfection and Atlas discuss the importance of relationships, positive energy output, meaningful collaborations and other tools that get you that ring!!!🔥llmind is back in the studio with Perfection and Atlas 1..2..3.... BLAPCHAT!!!🔥(00:00:56)Illmind gives a shout out to the "Pass the Aux" world tour(00:03:24)"G.O.A.T. Loops Sample Pack Contest is officially a wrap" (00:06:32)RIP Nipsey Hussle 🙏🏽"There's no words to describe how deeply impactful Nipsey Hussle's recent death has been for everyone"(00:08:00)Illmind talks about The Green Room AKA The BLAP Room. This will be a 10 minute interactive live stream after every Blap Chat!!! Membership info and platform announcement coming soon!!! (00:10:33) "Influence should be born in real life and exposed on the internet" (00:23:08)
"Bad Attitude, Bad Music, Bad Business...the TripleB"(00:29:43)"Who is at that 100% who wants to win?"(00:35:03)Atlas speaks on positive reinforcement and how to get optimal performances out of staff and artists(00:36:53)The BLAP crew speaks on the importance of constantly networking (00:48:08) + so much more with Illmind, Atlas and Perfection!!!

Episode 98 - How To Shoot Your Shot And WIN

What does "success" mean to you? For some it's money. For others it's happiness and the freedom to do what you want, when you want. For most, it's a combination of all the above. How does one answer this question in the MUSIC INDUSTRY? What does a successful music producer with Grammys and platinum plaques look like? And how do you get there? In this episode, Illmind + his co-hosts Atlas and Perfection go into a deep dive of some of the psychological, spiritual and routine habits of the successful. So many gems in this one.

Episode 103 - The True Pathway To Success

Most aspiring music creators have a 9 to 5 job, or some sort of "side gig" to generate income to live. The age old million dollar question is always "when and how should I quit my job to pursue my passion full time?". There is no right or wrong answer because every human being is dealt a different set of circumstances at any point in his/her life. I do think there are some important things to think about, so Perfection and Myself did a deep dive. Lots of "end of year" gems here. What a perfect way to go into 2020!

Episode 113 - When To Quit Your 9 To 5 Job

The music industry is the wild wild west. If you're a music producer or an artist, it's easy to fall victim to industry scams. Not all of them are bad, but a lot of them are. How do you recognize what opportunities to take and which ones to ignore? Do they even work? Are there true shortcuts and "pay to play" services that are legit? Let's dive in!

Episode 114 - How To Avoid Being Scammed

What happens when you get your first major label placement as a music producer with a big artist? How do you handle the contract? Where can you find a lawyer? Do you need a manager? If a big artist asks for STEMS on a beat, do you send them and give up your only leverage? Or do you prioritize the opportunity and hope for the best? Is it ok for labels to take advantage of artists/producers by presenting unfair contracts? Or is business just business? We brought in special guest Karl Fowlkes, an entertainment lawyer who has experience playing both sides. Let's clear the air on this once and for all!

Episode 116 - Producer Contracts & Getting Paid (w guest Karl Fowlkes [Entertainment Law])

Finally caught up with my boy Murda for a conversation about his come up. This is the first BLAPCHAT episode since the "quarantine". Raw, 1 on 1 chat about Murda's up bringing, grinding on type beats, believing in yourself, getting your brand out there, being consistent and so many more PURE GEMS. Load this episode up and take notes!

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Daniel Larson