Rock Star (Air Style)........

Just got through cranking some killer tunes on my old speakers, POLK AUDIOS, simply the best!!!

Oh, yes! I rocked the neighbors tonight! I was a star, a ROCK STAR in my own living room!! Cranked it as loud as I could!!

I perform just about every air instrument there is, from vocals to guitar to bass to the kick ass drums!!! I felt the blood rushing through my veins, the sweat running down my back, and my thirst for another tune as I exercised my way back to my starting point!

That's right, chop sticks were used on my air drums, a brush was used as a microphone, the broom as my bass!!!

Ahhhh, the feeling of being a ROCK STAR, even a wanna be rock star was... well, still is awesome!

I could hear the crowds roaring my name! Chanting my wannabe songs and I almost imagined the flames flickering in the crowd for ME!!

I've come to the realization that it will never happen but my imagination has gone wild more then a few times, as I know yours has!! I have a few favorite artists and songs, and to be quite honest, it's a whole lotta fun!

When was the last time you whooped out the old broom and cranked out the tunes? Maybe it's time!

Well, gotta run... once again, gonna download some newbies on the iPod for the next round of "ROCK STAR!".

Lates-

Sandra

In with the Old, Out with the New!

Last week during breakfast with Rob, I was asked if I had ever considered being a "Blogger", and to my surprise I had never actually given the idea a single thought much less considered being one. I mean putting my random thoughts on public display?

It's kinda funny how things turned out, because here I sit, after days of pondering, on whether I should blog or not, writing what appears to be my first blog. So, the pressure is on, with something new, "BLOG" and something old,"GOOD OLD, ME!".

As we had our first of many cups coffee, we discussed what music is today. Rob, feels that music isn't what it should be, nor will it ever be what it use to be. I agree, and thank goodness music is not what it use to be, I mean... who wants to be stuck in the past? I don't want to be listening to "The Beatles" or "The Beach Boys" clones day after day, minute after minute!! Do you?

I actually enjoy listening to today's music, there's a good sound right now, it's just a matter of finding it and giving it a chance.

Some of you may think it's watered down or too electric, and maybe it is, but that's what makes OUR GENERATION. When Elvis and Buddy Holly first came on the scene, people freaked out on that "NEW SOUND!", The Beatles also caused stir with their "Hair Don't" and that 'NEW SOUND!", most old farts hated the music, but the youngster went berserk!!

Don't get me wrong, I love the oldies but, I also love the newbies!!

There's a time and place for every song, remember every artist put his heart and soul into that song that you may like or not care much about, so let's not discriminate. Ah, the choices, so many choices.

I encourage you to let us know what you think, send us your thoughts, whether it be newbie or an oldie. It's what makes playing musical chairs soooooooo fun!


Well, gotta run... gonna put some good new tunes on my iPod, any suggestions?

Lates-

Sandra

Music and Relationships

I made a quick out of town trip this weekend which means conversation and of course lots of music on the road. Did I hear any new music that caught my attention? Not really but the drive was rewarded with a few good throw backs that had me reminiscing. Now I know the one thing we all have in common is that we all have a song that takes you back to a certain time, place and more importantly, a person.

It was 5th grade in Chula Vista, CA when my girlfriend asked me what MY favorite song was. She cornered me in the walkway since we spent absolutely no time together and other the walking around the field at lunch time, just passed a note hear and there. None the less she was my girlfriend and approached me with this extremely serious question. My answer will remain a mystery here but I know it, remember it and hopefully she still does as well. I asked her the same question and her answer became one of my all time favorite tracks to this day.

Share your story in the comment section and you'll probably smile while you're writing the way I am now thinking about the past. MUSIC is one of the few things that can take you right back to the lunch dance, family party, friends piled in your car on a weekend night, date, break up and or a persons face. Thanks to the song you can still remember what they were wearing on a certain day, what his/her smile was like and have you thinking about other things (ha ha) as well.

I don't believe song writers to this day understand the magnitude of the songs they write and how much it effects our lives forever. If you could thank one song writer for a certain song they wrote, who would it be? What was the song? If you're a shower performer like me (only place I sound good) you definitely sing that one song more than all others. Share it with us. What is it?

Maybe if you could, without upsetting your significant other or theirs, call that person and tell them what song reminds you of them. Ok, I'll even put it out there. What song reminds you of me? I already know this answer since people always tell me. Even better, post a youtube of the song on facebook and see of they get it. If they don't, they don't, but if they do, instant music conversation. If this does work in your favor and the discussion turns to music, we have done our job. Keep the music conversations alive and we keep the artists, song and era alive as well.

Take a chance and turn it up.

-Rob

Up and coming talent - Who's on the rise?

So my quest continues for awesome new talent across the globe while chasing down underground and worth while non corporate events. This journey starts in San Diego where I discover a band that has taken over the city. They're called So Long Davey and managed by Ryan Fulps. I had a chance to look at the video and quickly had it posted on our site. Earlier this week I added the song into rotation on our podcast that aired on November 23rd. This could be a band that eventually ends up on the VANS Warped tour. We'll see.

Still out west I had the privilege of seeing work from Genesis Canal. She's a young model who is extremely talented and working a lot. Genesis has a gift and you'll agree when you find her on our media page as well. She's part of Model Mayhem network and is experienced in runway and print. Guaranteed super model? We say yes.

Off to the east coast in Bushwick Brooklyn, NY is what has to be the hottest band in New York right now. Fresh off a show at Webster Hall, the WHITE HOUSE BAND is refreshing and exciting. Watching their video totally made me want to see them live. I love the rock/rap trick over heavy guitar riffs, awesome! If their 20011 schedule sends them your way, you need to witness the sound for yourself. Our prediction: Future Platinum Artists.

Now, I know we're not spinning our wheels because we're getting more and more content submitted to our site everyday. But where do you go to find new talent? Do you just listen to radio and support an artist, band, painter, model, actor or business after it is known and loved by the masses? Do you actually seek out the inordinate places and sound that later will be huge or diminished? I ask everyone to support self expression when it's closest to its origin. When a baby is born, its when we give it the most support and attention because how fragile it is. There is no difference when it comes to a persons work and passion. It needs to be supported in the beginning and help with its growth.

If you love music and film, let the people who are doing it know it. These are the people who we will see in the future hopefully birthing the next generation of artists for the world to enjoy.

We believe in you and will help you get "From Here To Fame"

-rob

What happened to the music?

I was having dinner with a new friend last week and the discussion eventually turned to music. Sounds like a good conversation for dinner and a good way to get to know someone right?. I always seem to read into what people say about music, who they consider to be great, what certain songs mean what to them and unfortunately tend to judge them by who they listen to now and who they listen to from the past.

I believe I have this magical power to tell you exactly who they are by their music selection. Guaranteed most of the time I'm way off. So this young lady's comment demands my attention when she brings up soul groups from the 70's. Strange because that's about the time she was born.

In between fighting with her over certain sushi pieces, I get to thinking. How is it she would be into this age of music? I'm sure this genre of music doesn't define her but, is it her or is it the music choice that I appreciate? It's not everyday someone who's 31 knows Ray, Goodman, and Brown. She's either a real music lover or her parents are almost as cool as mine when it comes to music and played it throughout the house on Sundays. Do we rely on music from the past to fill the gaps when today's music fails to produce? Is what we hear in the mainstream so watered down that we need to visit the past for substance? Ok there are many new groups that recently came about who are extremely talented, but they seem to be few and far between nowadays.

With any luck you'll respond to this blog and let us know who it is that needs to be heard. Its been a long time since I've had the opportunity to listen to a new group and be blown away by their creativity, delivery and performance. If these groups exist, please tell us who they are. In this digital age of easy to produce cookie cutter groups with Media monsters behind them, its no wonder that the music from yesterday is still selling.

If being vocal about a song, group or genre can help define you or help someone understand who you are and how you feel, more power to you. I'm all over the board and off the radar most of the time when being asked any question about music. It can quickly become a heated topic or a great understanding, and sometimes both in the same conversation. As far as my new friend is concerned, her choices and opinions about music did define her. I'll admit it, I liked what I heard.



-Rob
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Every day is a win!

It's summer time once again and lots going on lately that creates a new headline almost everyday. If its not BP destroying the coast, its the environment, the economy, the nuclear programs in effect around the globe, the war, the natural disasters, the government scandals, the immigration law, the national deficit............ok enough of that, but I find myself torn between fighting for some of these issues versus just going to the bar with a few friends and laughing my buzz away. Most of the time the bar wins, probably because intercontinental issues and their outcomes are more and more predictable and my friends after a few beers always leave me guessing at what will happen next. Hence the weekend and I hate to say it but all things out of my control are are controlled by being stashed away in the basement of my Einstein like brain.

On to the party. I see and hear through text message and many forms of social networking along with the now prehistoric phone call that people are extremely anxious to make it to the weekend as if each one were the beginning of spring break. What does this mean? Does it mean that our week is that bad or that our weekends are that good? "Why Rob, what ever do you mean"? I'll tell you why I ask the question...........for some time now I have chosen not to follow the schedule that society has laid out, but take each day for what it is regardless of what the calendar says. Basically everyday should be a party, everyday should be an adventure, everyday should be a win. So call a friend, pet a dog, speed a little, j walk, have one for the road, think about our government and slowly but precisely put one of those fingers on each hand up! Oh, and before I forget, say hi to your mom for me. Word.

-Rob
Plus Ultra/TOPTHS

Reality Tv, not so real !!!

I hate to use this abbreviation but OMG, when is enough going to be enough. Are we that uncreative as writers and producers that we have resorted to the copy cat syndrome of unscripted television and law enforcement programs? Here we go, this is going to be very opinionated.

I had the television on last night and saw this tall handsome model like cat driving a Maybach Excelero 2 ($450,000 car) with a light color suit, an open silky Banana Republic looking shirt, sunglasses by Dolce Eyewear and get this..........bangin', awesome hip-rock music in the background with the wind blowing and everything is rolling in slow motion raising this dudes swagger stock to unimaginable heights. Come to find out throughout the show that not only is this guy a detective with which what appears to be unlimited jurisdiction, he also knows how to utilize every piece of forensic technology known to man, has at least two different work affairs going with the hottest latina and black chick ever. I end this paragraph by stating: It would be an honor to be arrested by this detective. I could only be so luck to get hemmed up by a cop that resembles the Dos Equis most interesting man in the world.

Now, touching the food shows like Cake Wars, Chopped, The Next Food Network Star, Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, Man vs. Food ( I actually like this one), and the obscene amount of 1/2 hour cooking shows. Why are chef's running around town trying to get recipes from different locations and have it all cooked up for some out of work celebrity judges? I would like to think that chefs have everything they need in the kitchen to make what I ordered. I know for a fact that I will never order a life size cake of a motorcycle and will most likely not order seared pigeon in a white creme sauce with a white wine reduction, a side of mango chipotle battered squash and lamb tar tar. Steak and Cheese hero, a pint of Blue Moon and call it a day, add a side of atomic wings and that's a wrap.

Jersey/New York house wives, I'm not even going to go there! This is the most stupid show to follow and the entire network is dedicated to it. Why are people watching these people act a fool when they themselves could be out acting a fool? Are we living our lives through these other people? Its not like I haven't had friends that act like "The Situation", Pauly D, Ronny, Snooky and whatever the other whores names are from the Jersey Shore. We just never got paid for it. Am I a hater, ABSOLUTELY! Without question.

I grew up young watching The Electric Company, Bob Ross, A little league baseball program that helped enhance skills on the field, the Bionic Man then graduated to the Dukes of Hazard, Chips, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Soul Train, American Bandstand until we went state of the art and got a BETA tape player. At that point we could watch Rocky as many times as we wanted.

Today its 12 different cop shows, cooking, reality living and teenage shows that survive off sexual content. XBox live, texting, twitter, facebook and flicker. So much for experiencing life when you can just google it and get yourself some perceived experience.

This topic can easily go on and on forever so I'll end it like this: Wife Swap, what son of a bitch thought it would be a good idea to take away some kids mother and give him another one? Lord help us.

-Rob
Plus Ultra

The ups and downs of you and Chris Brown

After watching Chris brown fall apart after his tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, and immediately watch a report from a CNN news reporter this morning blast Brown for last years actions against singer Riahna, I got to thinking.

Things in our past both good and bad will always remain a part of who we are perceived to be. For Brown, even during what people now are calling an incredible tribute performance, quickly resurfaced was his part and conviction that some tried to use to overshadow his dynamic performance.

Entertainment and personal legal matters all rolled up into one report seems a little ridiculous. Why bring up the past to belittle the present? I in now way support Brown for his actions in the past, but his tribute to MJ should be talked about and celebrated without his personal troubles brought into play.

Are we holding on to too many personal grudges that resurface from time to time? Do we act like its no big deal but really have a fire that turns inferno with the strike of any single match? Life's too short they say, true it is but if somebody offended me years ago and I haven't gotten over it yet then that's my own damn fault. Squash the beefs quickly from this point forward so when you're ready for to perform your own Michael Jackson tribute in life, nobody can disrespect your efforts or drop negativity in your world. Your dance moves will be done with a clear mind and afterwards be celebrated rather than ridiculed. Do it people and "Live it off the wall".

-Rob
Plus Ultra

You do the math

It's 2010, summer and it seems the positive and negative energies are at war challenging each other for our attention more than ever. Not sure why but I'm more in tune with the big picture at this point in my life. With the powerful movement of social media and social networking, more people young and old are most likely feeling the same way now that more information is not obtainable, but down right pushed upon us and probably for the better.

Makes me wonder, is there a point where to much info comes into play> Must we know everything that everyone is doing 24?7? Probably not. Let me manually refresh my stream. Must I know what flight ?uestlove is on or what Alyssa Milano had for lunch, or how about my friends letting me know what jam they're rocking to on the way to work via car radio?

I'm a true believer that print ads will soon be a thing of the past. Not all together abolished, but will become far from the principle outlet in ones marketing budget. Hell the milked our business pockets long enough and had us needing to drive more revenue just to cover the print budget.

Lets move on. Very interesting how some companies are taking full advantage of technologies available to help drive new business and others are ill prepared and reluctant to leave the culture the comfortably have been part of. So it goes for our families and friends as well. Some are quick adapters, some never touch a qwerty or mouse.

Never the less, the future is here and daily it will come faster and quicker, so my thoughts: "Dive in head first, the waters not that bad after a little while".

-Rob
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