Featured Experts

Karen Taylor
Jill Scott. Herbie Hancock. Dianne Reeves. Musiq Soulchild. D’Angelo. These are just some of the stars whose careers and public images have been shaped by Karen Taylor-Bass, partner of TaylorMade Media. Currently Karen is a media coach and public relations expert.

Q: What is PR, Public Relations, Publicity?


A: “PR” was the big buzz word for 2005. PR is short for public relations? According to Webster’s Dictionary – Public Relations is relations with the general public as through publicity; specifically those functions of a corporation, organization, etc. concerned with attempting to create a favorable public opinion for itself. In other words: creating a favorable opinion while dealing with the public and garnering exposure. Publicity is any information, promotional material, etc. which brings a person, place, product or cause to the notice of the public…also, the work or business of preparing and disseminating such material. Publicize… is to give publicity to, draw public attention to… As a publicist for recording artists, I made sure that the public knew about what my artists were doing by sending out their bio, press kits, press releases, and media alerts. I was also responsible for getting them interviews on television, in magazines, and as many other media outlets as possible.

Visit www.taylormademediapr.com for additional information on public relations, upcoming workshops, books, and our student mentor program.

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Mister Mann Frisby
Mister Mann Frisby has had an active writing career as author of “Blinking Red Light” and “Wifebeater”, former staff writer at Philadelphia Daily News, and contributor to ESPN Magazine and Upscale. His latest book “Holla Back…But Listen First: A Life Guide for Young Black Men” is in stores now.

Q: What is the 1st step for a high school student interested in writing for a magazine or newspaper?


A: If you are interested in a career in journalism the first thing you should do is research your options. Use the Internet and library to find journalism workshops and programs in the city. For instance, the Philadelphia Daily News has a program called Urban Journalism Workshop (UJW) that runs every summer. Sixteen aspiring journalists and photographers are chosen from local high schools for the rigorous two-week program. Ask your guidance counselor about UJW and other programs that can get your feet wet.

Also, if your high school has a newspaper make sure that you join and become an active staff member. Keep in mind that the most important thing that you can offer a potential employer are your clips. The more you write the better. And PLEASE don’t limit yourself to only writing about hip-hop and R&B. You want to try your hand at writing about sports, politics, and current events as well to show that you have range.|

The process of becoming a journalist began for me as an 11th grader at Overbrook High School. I tell you that so that you will all keep in mind how much of a hustle has to go into writing in order to succeed in the business. All of the work paid off for me, as I was only the second intern in the history of the Daily News to be offered a full time staff writing position.
So to all of you I say, let’s get it!

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Dre & Vidal
Grammy Award winning producers Dre & Vidal’s tracks can be heard on releases for Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Kirk Franklin, Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys, Young Buck, Mary J Blige, Justin Timberlake, and Glenn Lewis. Recently Dre & Vidal have delivered hit singles for Usher (“Caught Up”) and Ciara (“Oh”).

Q: What is the first piece of equipment I should buy if I want to be a producer?


A: We suggest you get a keyboard first. We use a Korg Triton keyboard right now. A drum machine would be next so you can have a way to sequence and make your beats. You can get a MPC 1000 for about $800. To start out you can buy all of your equipment used either online from E-bay or at a pawn shop. Remember, it is important for a producer to learn to write music and play instruments. We started out as musicians and have learned to play every instrument. As producers we don’t just make beats, we are responsible for every aspect of the song from the beginning to the end. The more you know, the better producer you will be.

It seems like a simple question that should have a simple answer. If I want to be a manager, producer, songwriter, or executive in the music business how do I get started? The advice that I hear time and time again from executives at every level in the business is to take the path of Puffy and begin as an intern. As an aspiring music executive you should try to gain some experience in a few major areas of the business: Recording, Marketing & Promotions, Distribution, Retail, and Performance.

As a high school or college student in New York or Los Angeles that might be easy, but what if you live in Philadelphia or St. Louis. How do you find out about internships in the music business? Your first call should be to the area radio stations. Every major city has a radio station and they are always looking for interns to work in the office or as a part of the promotions team. Don’t just contact the major radio stations, but also call the community and college radio stations about opportunities. Your objective is to get your foot in the door and learn as much as possible.

Obtaining an internship at a local studio might be a little more difficult. Try working at a store that sells production equipment. This will help to get you up to speed on the latest technology, and ultimately make you an asset to any producer or engineer.

Working at a record store can give you some insight on how music distribution and retail sales works. As a future recording artist or executive it is important to know how to get your music to consumers. As music sales begin to shift with legal downloading and online record stores, it is important to study the trends and new developments in technology.

Another opportunity that is overlooked is volunteering at your local theater. Think about the last concert that you went to… someone sold you the ticket, someone escorted you to your seat, someone was behind the scenes working the lights, someone was controlling the sound, and there were volunteers assisting with these behind the scenes tasks. Jill Scott has often mentioned that she learned a lot by being a stagehand in the theater.

Now once you secure your internship there are 4 key things to remember:

BE PROFESSIONAL – This is your opportunity to learn and to make an impression. As an intern you are often asked to do small and seemingly unimportant tasks. Make sure that you do whatever task you are given 110% so that when more important tasks are provided you will be asked.

YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING – Don’t expect to meet celebrities, get free tickets to concerts, or even to be hired after your internship. Although those can be some of the perks of hard work, it is not promised. Always be appreciative if you receive gifts, but don’t expect them.

STAY FOCUSED – Your goal is to learn and make a good impression. You want people to remember you as a dependable, hard-working, and self-motivated intern.

ASK FOR FEEDBACK – At the end of your internship request a brief meeting with your supervisor. Begin the meeting by saying thank you for the opportunity. Ask for specific feedback on what you did well and what you can improve. Don’t take any feedback personal, but use it to your advantage.

For more information on internship opportunities visit  www.yestojobs.org, www.sonymusic.com/about/jobs.html, and www.mtvncareers.com. Also check out the books “From Intern To President: Make It Happen” by Kevin Lyles and “Best 109 Internships” by Princeton Review

Note: I got my start in the music business as an intern at the Sony Music Entertainment Minority Summer Internship Program.

Recording his up and coming album, tentatively titled “Traveling Light”, Aquil is in the process of gaining digital distribution and releasing his work independently. Talented producers Aashir Nuri, Y?Arcka and Writtenhouse’s producers Kush Shalimar and Chris Conway are collaborative forces on this project, which will give people a vibe that is reminiscent of classic Hip Hop, as well as a sound unheard before. Scheduled for a release in 2010, internet radio stations, blogs, and websites have expressed their excitement in promoting this album. Aquil is scheduled to go on an East Coast tour along with a College Tour to promote the album.

Releasing one mixtape, Blues People (September 2008), which sonically sounded more like an album, Aquil set the mark very high; exuding purpose and style while maintaining substance. As a graduate of Temple University, Aquil chose music over graduate studies because he wants to help return the feeling of inspiration, hope and creativity to music. Many have alluded to similarities in his style with Rakim, Nas, Tupac, Black Thought, KRS-ONE, Common, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. With lines that are unapologetic, such as “I entered into a drought of musical doubts but open my mouth and eloquent notes just flow out” and “This platform for the stories that’s untold I’m like Dubois with a flow kick the Souls of Black Folk”, Aquil gets his points across with passion and technical grace. He gives you his thoughts and feelings along with a historical analysis and social-political commentary.

Aquil has performed at the following venues and universities, The Sputnik, The Trocadero, The Clef Club, World Café Live, Syracuse University and Temple University, and has also performed in several other cities including New York City, Camden NJ, Baltimore MD, Washington D.C. and Miami FL. With the support of organizations such as Jr. Music Executive and The Enterprise Center’s Russell Hicks, who has described Aquil as “seriously contending for the title of next greatest Emcee”, Aquil has the tools necessary to leave an impact on music forever.