“Conquer” the new single from Puzzle Pieces, produced by Dilemma of Hello World Music … Puzzle Pieces is available on iTunes now.

Mural Arts seeks a motivated photography student to assist in capturing photojournalism shots of events, mural dedications, tours and speaker series. This intern will also be asked to periodically capture landscapes of new murals and shoot portraiture imagery for specific campaigns and will work with the marketing team to create materials that reflect Mural Arts’ brand.

Dates: January 2012 – June 2012 (flexible on start date – 6 month commitment required)
Hours: 20-25 hours per week (occasional weekend hours required)
Responsibilities:
• Shoot photos that tell a story, capture the artistic work of our talented artists, and show the humanity of our work by capturing constituents engaging with our work
• Manage all post production of images captured
• Assist team in event production
• Collaborate with graphic design and marketing interns in production of marketing vehicles
Qualifications:
? Self-starter who is able to work independently and keep to strict deadlines
? Must have a SLR digital camera and be proficient in adobe design programs
? Ideal position for a college newspaper photographer
? Enthusiastic self-starter with academic background and/or experience in photography
? Team player, flexible schedule, and punctual
? Have a passion for the public art
? Seeking an individual looking to build on their current portfolio
To Apply:
• Email cover letter, writing samples, and resume to kevin.slattery@muralarts.org
• Indicate Photography Internship in the subject line
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City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Marketing & Communications Intern
Mural Arts seeks a marketing & communications intern to assist the Marketing Department with the development and execution of the organizational marketing plan. This is an unpaid internship, available for college credit. The marketing intern will support the organization’s communications, editorial, and promotional materials.

Dates: January 2012 – June 2012 (flexible on start date – 6 month commitment required)
Hours: 20-25 hours per week (occasional weekend hours required)

Responsibilities:
• Write blog entries, edit newsletter stories, manage e-blast details, create collateral content
• Manage mailings and distribution
• Assist in all promotional events
• Work closely with graphic design intern to produce collateral materials
• Coordinate research on how marketing campaigns perform
Qualifications:
• Strong writing skills required
• Ideal position for a college newspaper reporter
• Enthusiastic self-starter
• Academic background and/or experience in marketing preferred
• Team player, flexible schedule, and punctual
• Have a passion for the public art
• Seeking an individual looking to build on their current portfolio
To Apply:
• Email cover letter, writing samples, and resume to kevin.slattery@muralarts.org
• Indicate Marketing & Communications Internship in the subject line
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City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Graphic Design Internship

Mural Arts seeks a graphic design intern to assist the marketing department with the development and execution of the marketing plan. This is an unpaid internship, available for college credit and an ideal position for someone who’d like to build on their already impressive design portfolio. The graphic design intern’s time will be focused in developing marketing materials that will be used to promote events, tours, educational programs, and support our mission.

Responsibilities:
• Design print collateral including but not limited to: flyers, postcards, posters, brochures, signage, advertisements, logos, invitations, newsletters, etc.
• A core project is working on Off the Wall, our bi-annual print newsletter
• Delivering printer ready files to vendors
• Manage aspects of mailings and distribution
• Assist in promotional events
Qualifications:
• Strong graphic design skills required
• Enthusiastic self-starter
• Academic background and/or experience in graphic design preferred
• Team player, flexible schedule, and punctual
• Have a passion for the public art
• Seeking an individual looking to build on their current portfolio
To Apply:
• Email cover letter, writing samples, and resume to kevin.slattery@muralarts.org
• Indicate Graphic Design Internship in the subject line

$1 the first official single from Puzzle Pieces, produced by Dilemma of Hello World Music … Puzzle Pieces will be released August 30th.

Story by: Lacey Gilbert
Photos: Bruce “Cincere” Dixon

On July 12, 14-year old, singer and dancer Jacob Latimore performed at the YMCA in North Philadelphia, for a group of camp students and signed autographs for the youngsters. Following the performance he did a series of interviews at TheVilla, on Broad and Thompson streets.

Q. How did you get discovered?

A. I started singing at 3 years old. Singing was in my family. My father and uncle are in a gospel group called the Latimore Brothers. I got my start with Crown World Entertainment and from there I landed offers from Epic and Jive. The two labels fought for me, and I decided to go with Jive records in the end. But I am still on the road and working to get where I want to be.

Q. How has your daily life changed and do you enjoy all the fame and attention?

A. I do enjoy it but I also stay level headed. I am not just in it for the fame, I like that I’m doing what I love to do. I just mainly want to show my talents. Having the girls chase me is good too. What 14-year old boy would not like that? I do miss my privacy sometimes but it’s going to pay off in the long run.

Q. How’s School?

I get home schooled, through the school year and the summer. I also have good grades, all A’s and B’s. I sometimes wonder if I’m missing out though. But everyone that’s older tells me that I’m really not missing out and that what I’m doing is better. It’s like the whole country is my school.

Q. Who is the most exciting person that you met, so far?

A. The most exciting person that I meet so far was Chris Brown. I went to introduce myself to him and I was surprised that he already knew who I was!

Q. Is there anyone you would like to work with?
I really want to work with my peers. It’s so many people out here my age, that’s really doing their thing. I would also like to work with the icons such as Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Q. What is your advice, for any other kid trying to make it?
Keep God first, listen to your parents and don’t just sit around and wait for things to happen!

Photos: Britney Marcel
Story by: Ashley Coleman

The Biz Exclusives caught up with Will Lewis and Brandon Long, the creators of the Cupcake Collection. Their T-shirt line with bold and bright colors is just in time for the summer. All the shirts are limited editions, so if you see a design you like, definitely grab it fast! Lewis describes the significance of the cupcake as a sign of celebration. Both Lewis and Long believe that concept is what the brand represents.

“The brand is an expression of enjoying life itself,” Lewis explains.

Lewis and Long started out as friends and decided to go into business with one another, stressing the importance of having a business partnership with someone you can trust and be honest with in making decisions. Lewis and long split the responsibilities of marketing and promotion for the brand. Although Lewis often sketches designs, they often find themselves changing roles.

Fashion and music can both directly reflect your mood and emotions according to Lewis and Long. The relationship between music and fashion is age old. One has always influenced the other. Lewis and Long have of course considered using it as a marketing tool with artists such as Monique Baines, an R&B singer from New York that expressed an interest in the brand.

With fashion influences of Pharell Williams, Miles Davis, and Kanye West to name a few … their styles range from Long’s classic jean jackets and sweaters to Lewis’ trendy cut-offs and bright colors.

In the coming months, Lewis and Long hope to continue expanding into designs for men, bolder and brighter colors and even another collection, Presidential Fashion. They are also looking to partner with other upcoming brands including designers that make handbags, sneakers, belts and other accessories.

Also be on the lookout for their documentary “Diary of an Entrepreneur,” where they take you inside their everyday hustle and bustle.

The entrepreneurs are looking to begin selling their shirts at the Piazza sidewalk sales before the end of summer. You can find the shirts through their personal facebook and twitter pages. Follow them @WilliamLprezz and @BrandonJLong for updates on the Cupcake Collection.

On Monday, April 4, 2011, the students of Overbrook High School, who displayed superior attendance, were surprised with unexpected visitors. Students were filled with excitement when Philadelphia native rapper, Freeway walked into the school library. Freeway, performed his smash hit, “Flipside” and he spoke to the students about success, through hard work and determination. The next visitor, Marsha Ambrosius, who is known for her hit single, “Faraway”, blessed the students with her soulful voice. Marsha was in Philadelphia to promote the “Music Matters” tour. She expressed the importance of individuality and not being afraid to go after your wildest dreams. The last artist to surprise the students was songstress, Melanie Fiona, who was full of energy and “down to earth”. The students enjoyed a Q&A session and even a duet with the artist. It was an eventful day with a positive message. “I left with confidence knowing, if they could be successful, then so can I” said Sharnell Barnett, a senior at Overbrook High school.

Story by: Lacey Gilbert
Photos: Danielle Lott

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.