ChiQ Diva Remembered

ChiQ Diva originally from New Orleans had moved her operation after Hurricane Katrina and had been a staple in the Atlanta Music Scene ever since. On Dec. 25, 2010 she was called home and made her transitioned. She will be missed, but not forgotten by those who had an opportunity to know her professionally and personally.

She was instrumental in helping a number of recording artist get exposure on BET. Additionally, ChiQ Diva held a conference that educated the industry on the business of music and the inner workings of pr (public relations).

ChiQ Diva's networking skills allowed her to navigate from the bottom to the top and all parts in-between of business in general and the music industry in particular. She also had her hands in pr work for her clients who were writers, authors, actors and actresses and a number of other high profile public personalities.

ChiQ Diva had no, problem expressing herself whenever there was a need. She leaves a legacy of intelligence and hard work in adding value to the community at large and the entertainment industry in particular.

For more on Chiq Diva:
www.divadendentertainment.com
www.twitter.com/goddessofpr
www.myspace.com/chiq
www.linkedin.com/in/chiqdivaprgoddess
Character Corner

Atlanta Underground Music Award Show

The 2011 Music Awards were created to acknowledge and honor the achievements and contributions of unsigned and independent artists within the music scene. The show honored those artists and producers who have made a significant impact over the past year and have contributed specifically to the development of the Independent Underground Music Arena.

We chose this type of event because there are several hundred Atlanta Hip-Hop Artists in the surrounding Georgia area that don’t get the respect that they deserve. The Underground Music Awards will combine the elements of an Awards Show and an entertainment showcase into one lively event.

The nominee does not reflect on sales or mainstream success of these artists. Artists will be evaluated on a 25-point scale based on: originality, longevity, lyricism, social impact, flavor, battle skills, consistency, charisma, poetic value, substance, versatility, vocal presence, live performance, flow and delivery, among other factors.

For details on this event visit The Atlanta Underground Music Award Show.

Remember to download your Atlanta Music Industry Connection Ebook today.

Atlanta Music Community Gives Back

Celebrities took on the Hot 107.9 Hot Shots December 15, at Adamsville Recreational Center for a worthy cause. Through freezing rain and slick streets, nearly 200 supporters attended the 2^ndAnnual Hoops4Food Celebrity Basketball Game to benefit the Pamela Mitchell Jones Foundation and the Blessings in the Sky Foundation.

The celebrity team consisted of singers Sammie, RL (Next), Daron (112), The Group 3D; producers Jazze Pha, Drumma Boy; rappers Princess (Crime Mob), Shawty Boy and several others. In addition to the game, the crowd of families enjoyed giveaways to include Hawks inflatables, candy, mini basketballs from Converse and t-shirts from Positive American Youth and Get Buckets Brand. There was also a spirited exhibition by the gymnastics troupe, Flip City South along with a dance and two vocal performances.

The gym walls were lined with representatives from the game's sneaker sponsor Converse, 790 The Zone, Hot 107.9 and the DJ's for the evening, Da Dre from Crunk for Christ Radio and Young Legendz.

Special thanks to the following people and organizations for making this second annual event a success by donating time and/or resources:

Converse, CrunkForChristRadio.com, Hot 107.9, Glue Inc., M320 Consulting, Jayda Cabbell, Dretam Inc., Get Buckets Brand, Kenya Copeland, Jennifer Robinson, Saptosa Foster, Tracie King, Quinita Morrow, Tamiko Hope, Liz Yancey, Kaira Akita, Verse Simmonds, City Councilman Kwanza Hall, RL, Lena Chenier, Positive American Youth, Bang Catering, RRG Grill Masters, Divva Dishes, HAH Enterprises, Quick Tattoos, Young Legendz, Flip City South, ATLClubs.com, DJ Redd Dredd (Hot 107.9), Focus Atlanta (CW), BE Entertained Magazine, Greg Cole/Nancy's Pizza, Club Savoy, 790 The Zone, Hot 107.9 Hot Shots and all the celebrities who gave of their time and basketball talents.

Hoops4Food Host Organizations

PMJF Mission – The PMJF is dedicated to providing families and individuals who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, etc…) with resources and opportunities via food, financial assistance and other social services for a better quality of life. (www.pmjf.org)

BITS Mission – To restore core Family values through the development of Family activities that promote trust, bonding, and unity; to empower the youth through motivation, education, and mentorship; and to uplift the homeless and hungry by providing essential resources that no person should be forced to live without. (www.thebitsonline.org)

View more Hoops4Food and game photos: http://tinyurl.com/Hoops4Food

Music Business- Business

Being a business owner you have to provide your own security and financial safety net. Unfortunately, many in the music business still view their activity as a hobby or gamble much like playing the lottery. Because you don't view your involvement in the industry as being in the music business you miss a number of opportunities to save and invest what money you make on your path to riches and fame.

As an example you'll want to have a business license, tax id and business checking account. In doing this you're able to separate your business money from your personal money allowing you to be a more legitimate business in  the eyes of the corporate structure.

Additionally, by being a music business you're able to write off certain business expenses. Yes, paying to perform in a music or talent showcase and registering for a music conference may qualify as a business expense. Of course, you would be wise to consult with your certified public accountant (c.p.a) or other tax professional.

You're never to young to consider retirement. For sake of time and space let's say agree that retirement is as follows:

1. Your money is earning money, essentially working harder than you work for it.
2. You're able to live off the interest not the principal of your money.
3. You're generating so much revenue you're just now spending money you earned 10 years ago.
4. You have enough money being earned from royalties and rental income, you don't have to work.
5. You're able to live the life you've always envisioned for yourself without concern of paying bills. 
6. You're able to give back ie do charitable and philanthropic work to help others get what they desire.

With all that being said read books, blogs and magazines that speak about setting yourself up for retirement and learn one phrase so that you know it like second nature- COMPOUNDING INTEREST!

Atlanta Showcase-SESAC SWITCH

Writer's, music producers and recording artists need each other to create great music. If you're in Atlanta or need another reason to come to Atlanta you'll want to attend SESAC'S S.W.I.T.C.H.

Writer's bring your pens; producers bring your tracks on November 17, 7pm-9pm at Georgia State University, Aderhold Learning Center, Room 430, 60 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30303. RSVP at atlantainfo@sesac.com

Remember to post this information on your Facebook Page, Music Blog and Tweet the details as well.

For details about the Atlanta music scene read the Atlanta Music Industry Connection.

What is a copyright?

"A copyright is the natural protection of some intellectual property such as lyrics, music, songs, books, articles, essays and so forth. While not necessary in providing copyright protection for your work, you may still want to include either the word "copyright" or the c with a circle around it along with the copyright holders name in your body of work." On the back of How to Self-Publish for Profit you'll see the copyright year JAWAR. Pg 20 -How to Self Publish for Profit

Southeast Urban Music Conference -SUMC

ATLANTA, GA (September 16, 2010) -- The stage is set for the 8th Annual Southeast Urban Music Conference (SUMC) Major Music Showcase Thursday, September 23 at Park Tavern in Atlanta. The showcase will feature performances by up and coming and established artists.

SUMC Conference Chairman Tony Baraka said the event will also be the setting for the official announcement of the new date for the upcoming SUMC Conference and outline many of the new features that the conference has in store. Says Baraka, “When we announced the 8^th Annual SUMC, we immediately received tons of feedback from people requesting that certain features be added to the conference. So, in an effort to respond to those requests, we have decided to move the date of the conference and incorporate some new and exciting features that will be both entertaining and informative. We will announce the new dates at the SUMC Major Music Showcase & Marketing/Distribution Seminar on Thursday September 23^rd.”

One of the highlights of the event will be a performance by Living Proof Records recording artist Ebone. Baltimore-based Living Proof is one of the sponsoring labels for the showcase. “At SUMC we always try to find that next hot artist. Ebone is definitely that next hot artist. Her debut single, ‘Miss Your Love,’ is already getting spins at urban radio and we are looking forward to her performance on the 23^rd.”

Also performing will be Disturbing Tha Peace’s (Ludacris Label) BXC as well as 1803 Records’ Mr. Bigg Time who’s single “Maserati” is heating up the airwaves. Mr. Bigg Time has had prior success with his release “Check My Footwork” which was featured in the movie “ATL.”

The Sept. 23 event will also feature a marketing and distribution panel. Says Baraka, “We will cover a wide range of issues pertaining to marketing and distribution. I’m sure everyone who attends will leave with a great deal of valuable information and ideas.” Panelists include Ricardo Spicer, Artist Development Rep, Universal Music & Video; Corey Webb, Webb Consulting Group; Mr. Bigg Time, Artist; Tom Davis, CEO Love Radio; Kelby Cannick, Publisher, Makin’ It Magazine; and Willie Fleming, Living Proof Records LLC

The SUMC Major Music Showcase will take place on Thursday, September 23 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. The event is sponsored by Living Proof Records LLC, A Universal Record Pool, Webb Consulting Group, Rolling Out, REL Connections, Power Entertainment, Makin’it Magazine and Kontrol Magazine .

To RSVP for the event please email Walter Jones at relinfo.jones09@gmail.com.
or tbaraka@clear.net

Park Tavern is located at 500 10^th Street, NE Atlanta GA 30309 (Corner of 10^th Street & Monroe overlooking Piedmont Park)