Jason Davis, President and CEO of Fahrenheit Media Group has been involved with the careers of Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and R Kelly to name just a few of his mega-star associations.

His company just launched a new Website FahrenheitMediaGroup.com and I’ve been given the rare opportunity to interview this elusive behind the scenes hit music manager!

I was very curious to hear the details of working on such a high level in the music industry, what he thinks of the “new” music industry and what his message is for others in the business.

What struck me most is Jason’s passion for music and commitment to helping artists which shows in his hard work. Here is what he has to say…

Even though certain segments of the music industry are in a revenue decline, what gives Fahrenheit Media Group it’s unique advantage in the new music business?

Fahrenheit Media Group is not a major corporation. We have a small, dedicated team that never takes on too much work. We have the ability to incubate talent, focus on details and test songs. We work with artists on a much closer level than a major label would. We’re not just looking for an artist that is established to throw out to the public like a major label would be. We are looking at artists of all levels, trying to find a seed of possibility in somebody and we are able to spend years with that artist nurturing them.

I understand that your company specializes in “sidelining”, can you explain what that means and give a few examples of your day to day business?

The term sidelining is the outsourcing of services that a few years ago would have been done in house at a major record label. Basically as record labels are merging and the staff is getting smaller inside the actual buildings they are relying more and more on outside help to promote, push and market their up and coming records and songs. So in a nutshell “sidelining” is a term for outsourcing.

What are your insights into how the music business can recover from all the disruptive influences of technology. How is better artist development a solution?

I think that artist development is the only solution. There are so many ingredients that caused the destruction of music and caused technology to take shape as it has. The key ingredient that forced the music industry into its current position is simply that the music of today is not as good as the music of yesterday. There is no band today that can touch what The Beatles did from a song-writing perspective or as an artist. There is no Pop artist today that can touch what Michael Jackson did. The only hope is that there is a heavy focus put into artist development. Artist development is what allows you to develop someone into a great songwriter or musician. It’s the only hope there is.

How have you helped Kelly Clarkson’s hit songwriter Jimmy Messer and can you give the readers a glimpse of the relationships that form behind the scenes of developing such a megastar?

Just being in the music industry I meet all kinds of talent; from talent that is just starting out, to talent that is already on top of the mountain doing well. Jimmy Messer is a guy that used to work with Enrique Iglesias and a group called The Veronicas. My work with Jimmy is to focus on trying to make sure he is busy with projects and listening to his songs. Guidance, management and encouragement.

As far as making a star like Kelly Clarkson? It is all due to the fact that deep down she is such a megastar. She’s a great actress and an incredible singer. Kelly has worked really hard on her voice, much harder than most. As to how a relationship like the Kelly Clarkson / Jimmy Messer is formed. It’s all just a matter of pairing an incredible singer that possesses amazing talent, work ethic and is a very focused individual with an equally talented, focused songwriter / producer that has an equal work ethic and that is as great at writing and producing songs as Kelly Clarkson is at singing them. It’s the marriage of a hardworking, incredible singer and a hard working, incredible songwriter / producer.

What are some other experiences you have had with breaking songwriters like Jimmy Harry’s work on Sober by Pink! and Roy Hamilton’s “Number One” released by R Kelly? What is Fahrenheit’s role in these deals?

Fahrenheit Media Group is the gatekeeper to these songwriters and producers and we help manage their career. Really what we do is support them, making sure that they feel supported, loved and appreciated. We take songs that they write and send them to record labels and campaign for them. There is not a lot of work to do though because as everyone knows it is very easy to sell a great product. When you have a songwriter like a Jimmy Harry, Chris Fudurich or Roy Hamilton the music that they create really sells itself. From a management perspective it is about having the connections and the relationships where we can take what these guys are creating in a studio and bring it to the right people.

I see that you are accepting new music for consideration at your Website. How do you handle establishing relationships with new talent - not only artists, but songwriters and producers as well?

That’s a great question. Anybody in the world who is looking for music or talent, whether it is a major record company, a brand new company starting out, or a company like Fahrenheit Media Group that is already established in the music industry is looking for something inspiring. Something where the artist, producer or songwriter has already done enough work on their own that they really have developed their craft and there is something exciting there that can be worked on, developed and grown. It really boils down to how good the music on show is. How good is that singer, how good is that song, or how good is that recording? How much promise is there? If there is someone that can write good songs out there that’s obviously something we would be very interested in.

What are the three most important things you want others in the music industry to know about Fahrenheit Media Group?

a. Fahrenheit Media Group deeply cares about music, people and what music can do for people. I as the head of Fahrenheit Media Group understand that music is very powerful and can save, or change a life. Even if it’s just one life that’s a very powerful force.

b. Fahrenheit Media Group works very, very hard and everybody we work with works very, very hard. Fahrenheit Media Group is a company that cares and we are a company that works much harder than most

c. Fahrenheit Media Group is really looking for the next big thing. We are really aggressive, much more aggressive than most companies in trying to find great talent. We have a lot of relationships and resources that help us find that talent.

What new Fahrenheit Media Group projects do you want music fans to know about - what is hot and coming soon?

Something we are very excited about is that we are forming a publishing company in Nashville. We are in the process of signing very big and very successful hit country songwriters.

Also, there is an artist that I am a personal fan of that we are working with right now. She is 13 years old and she has one of the best personalities I have ever seen for a young artist. She has an extremely original voice, is focused and hard working. It is something we have not seen before in pop music. She has already recorded songs and has a bit of a Youtube following going on, her name is Alexandra Demattia.

New Single Release

Pop music artist Wendy Starland has a new single release coming out called “Love Will Come To You” on dPulse/Universal records - with 4 remixes!

She is a super multi-talented pop singer and you can check out more about her at www.wendystarland.com and www.myspace.com/wendystarland.

Hot New Music

She has a hot new music sound called “world pop” that subtly combines a bunch of international styles with great songs and a stunning voice.

Wendy’s huge previous single “Dancing With The Sea” on Universal Records went to #8 on the Billboard Charts, and the video is played on MTV and VH1, so watch out for this new track which is sure to hit the charts!

She is also a fashion diva sponsored by Donna Karan and Deesh. She has been a model in mags like Teen Vogue, Teen People and Cosmo Girl.

More About Pop Music Artist Wendy Starland

You can learn allot more about Wendy on her Website, but here are a few really cool highlights of her work on the charts and on TV…

Moby’s CD “Last Night”, which was #1 on the Billboard Charts, featured Wendy as the lead singer on the song “I’m In Love.” Wendy was was also recently a singer on Donald Trump’s show The Apprentice where she did an introduction with the song “Amazing Grace”.

VH1 says that Wendy is the Best Emerging Artist - she won their big national Step Up And Rock Contest! She also was the Independent Music Award for “Best Song” for a track that was also played MTV’s series, “The Hills.” Her song Garden Of Temptation was aired on ABC’s Regis & Kelly and 2 NBC’s shows Las Vegas & Hawaii.

Artist Interview

I was lucky enough to connect with Wendy and she agreed to take time out of her very busy schedule to tell us more about herself. I love her answers to these questions, so I hope you take the time to check this interview out!…

How did you first start developing your musical skill, were you influenced by your environment growing up and did you start on an instrument or as a singer?

I grew up learning how to sing from my babysitter, Rosetta Attkins, who is like a second mother to me. She literally took me home from the hospital and had me singing as soon as I could speak. She’s a gospel singer from down south and taught me everything I know. She would teach me vocal techniques that helped me develop my voice into what it is today.

I began playing the piano at an early age and started writing songs at age 7. My father has always been a classical music buff and I was inundated with it. Many of those melodies have greatly influenced my music.

Then what made you first realize that you are an artist and when was that? What made you commit to it?

Since I was always singing as a child, people commented early on that I had a natural talent and recommended to my parents that I turn it into a profession.

It was in my blood from the start and I’ve always used it to channel my emotions and experiences. Committing to it has always felt like a necessity in order to be happy.

Who do you look up to as a role model that is not in the arts and why? More than one person would be great to know about.

I look up to Oprah Winfrey. She has beat all of the odds and come out on top. She grew up with many disadvantages: poor, abused, African- American, a woman, and never relied on anything but her business savvy and creativity to become the giant she is today. Most female figures use their sexuality to get ahead or posses a masculine attitude in order to become powerful in society - but not Oprah. She’s not pretentious, yet her opinions literally effect the economy. She provides therapy and good ethics on a mass scale. She is an example of what it means to be great leader.

What performer are you awestruck by? Not influenced by, the definition of awestruck is “having or showing a feeling of mixed reverence and respect and wonder and dread”?

I am usually influenced by the people I’m awestruck by, so I would have to say Sting. He makes original music and does it with elegance and finesse. It is technically difficult and complex, yet the compositions seem effortless. His voice and feel are mind blowing.

From reading your biography I can tell that you have an outstanding work ethic that goes far beyond a love for music - what experiences in your life formed that in you? So now what is your secret to success?

I was born and raised in New York City. It is the city of ambition. I was exposed to powerful people and experiences that were exciting and allowed me to believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I think keeping that mindset is crucial and necessary to become successful in any industry.

What was the last book or film that made you really made you think. What did it make you think about?

Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. What an amazing book! Genius. It made me think about a million things, particularly what it means to be original. To be truly unique and original one will always face many more obstacles and have to fight for what they believe in. Its a battle worth fighting.

Many of the artists today are so cookie cutter. There are so few musical heroes to look up to. And the few that do exist get overshadowed by the inundation of this very inauthentic, saccharine music that has no longevity. I believe that the cream rises to the top. I’m looking forward to seeing the new wave of talent that emerges in the next few years.

Is creating music really important in the big picture or is it simply entertainment? Why?

Creating music is essential for me. Its my diary set to music. It gives me a safe place to put all of my thoughts, feelings and opinions. It cleanses me and I’m eternally grateful for it. I love having a soundtrack to my life that brings me back to each experience and reminds me of what I’ve learned along the way.

Through which venue is the expression of music most complete for you? Performing, recording, singing alone on the beach, etc.? Why do you think that is?

Its all extremely important to me, but I’d have to say that songwriting is the most important to me. You can have the best singer in the world, but if he or she isn’t singing a great song, it won’t be a hit. However, a great song with a mediocre singer will be a hit. There are a million examples of this. Its all about the power of the song.

Do you have a primary instrument that you write songs on initially? In addition to that what instruments do you perform on your tracks, which do you hire players for and do you use loops and samples for drums or other elements or your recordings?

My primary instrument to compose on is the piano. However, I really enjoy producing and use my studio setup to put down my ideas in a broader way. I usually hear the finished product in my head as soon as the song is written, so I always try to put down those main elements.

I use several different players to help execute my vision for all of the parts. They are some of the best musicians in the world: Sean Harkness, Vivek Maddala, Freddie Simpson, Rich Mercurio, Jack Livesey, Pete Romano, Oz Noy, Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin, Arturo O’Farrill, Premik Tubbs, etc. I am so blessed to be able to work with the best of the best and have a mutually fulfilling, creative exchange. Its what I live for!

If you think about what you have been expressing in your lyrics, songs and compositions all these years, could you sum up the most important thing you really want to say to the world?

Believe in yourself. Stay true to who you are. Remember your strength.

Today I’m listening to JD Wood’s new pop rock songs. His music came to me through musicsubmit.com and I immediately loved the tunes.

JD has that rare combination of truly great songs, an amazing voice, superior skills on multiple instruments all brought together with killer production.

He is really is an outstanding talent and I highly recommend checking out the CD:

Album: In My Dreams Listen to CD: http://cdbaby.com/cd/jdwood

I got to ask JD Wood some questions about his approach to writing, recording and performing. It turns out that he came to his current place with music mostly through trial, error and experience.

Your tracks are really well produced, and I see you have lots of experience as a producer. How did you learn all the technical and audio engineering skills that you need to create great recordings?

To be honest, I am mostly self taught. At the age of 16 I started schooling in electronics, but this had nothing to do with music at all. Later I decided that making music should be my way. For sure, I’ve had several idols and opportunities to look over the shoulder of well known recording and mixing engineers but most things were learned by doing.

Who else was involved with recording “In My Dreams”, where was it done and how did you go about putting together the project with everyone?

While I know many musicians who were willing to help me with this project, there were only guitarists on this particular album. Every other instrument is played or programmed by me. So the arrangement, producing process and mixing, so as the mastering are done in my own little studio in Aschaffenburg, Germany without any help.

As a producer do you stick with certain song writing principals that apply to your clients as well as yourself?

Oh, I find inspiration in different ways. I don’t always come up with a line first and put music around it. Sometimes, I write the music and put the lyrics to it. Sometimes sounds (even by mistake) can inspire me for a song, so I don’t have a fixed strategy for writing a song.

Are you a naturally good singer or have you taken voice lessons and do you practice and warm up as a vocalist?

I never had lessons but for sure I have friends that are singers who sometimes gave me a little help. I was playing trumpet for a long time and so I had the right breathing technique already. Yes, I warm up but I do this by choosing the right listing of the songs. I start with something that I can sing very easily and then I increase the difficulty.

What advice would you offer to other musicians in terms of writing, recording and producing the best album possible?

This is a difficult one. First it was just important to know for myself what I liked about my own music. Eventually, it becomes important to reach out to others. Perhaps the most important thing: Put all your heart into it and if you think your abilities might not be enough, don’t be too proud to ask others for help and opinions (no close friends or relatives, they might only tell you what you want to hear, what not always what is the best for the product) …. At least you don’t want to be the only one to listen to your music. Having feedback from others becomes part of the process of growing as an artist, I think.

Again, I really think you should take a listen to his album. Then sign up to get more reviews and interviews from the best artists I find!

Peace,

Dan-O

Hi, right now I’m listening to DJ Dazed’s DREAMDAZE project and digging the exploratory electronic sounds. He digs deep into a wide range of styles and pulls out dreamlike productions.

I’m into looping myself and so I asked the DJ a few questions because I was curious about his approach to pc-based electronic experimental music creation and how to make a live performance of it.

Artist: DREAMDAZE by DJ Dazed

Website: http://www.dreamdaze.org

Buy CD: The Harvest Of Exact Calculations

What specific software do you use to create your music? What kinds of sources do you use for loops? Do you record any of your own loops?

I use various software packages to create my music: Ableton Live (mainly) but also Sound Forge, Traktor DJ and Acid. For sounds, I usually tweak Sony loops, but I also generate some myself from the VSTs included with Ableton and from scratch using my Novation X Station. All the loops (even the ones I generate myself), I end up cutting up endlessly, running through filters and plug-ins.

Do you ever perform your music live and what challenges have you run into performing electronic music?

Besides the audio component of my show, I focus on a strong visual and performance element as well. It’s kinda boring to watch a guy and his laptop sit around on stage.

On the audio side, depending on the show, I use either Ableton Live or Traktor DJ. With Live, I actually compose live onstage - either new versions of my existing songs or entirely new compositions. I find Ableton Live works really well for my IDM, drum-n-bass and down-tempo sets. When performing live with Traktor, I use the four turntable set-up to blend loops together (not songs); this gives a more ambient and/or ambient-techno feel…kind of like The Orb in style.

On the visual side, I use Arkaos to do live video mixing through a couple of projectors. I tend to use a lot of video clips from stag movies, furries, freaks, cartoons, cult movies, odd geometric animations, German experimental video from the 60s, etc. If you’ve seen any old Dada art video, you’ll get the idea (floating eyes, close-up’s of faces, swirling geometric patterns, people behaving badly in costume).

On the performance side, I incorporate costumes, lighting, lasers, smoke machines, etc. I perform dressed in a white robe in white face paint behind a white monolith - while on stilts. So on stage I’m 8′ tall and the video projects over me.

Basically my challenges performing electronic music live tend to be that I’m too busy (music mixing, video mixing, smoke machine triggering…and try to keep moving and engaging the audience).

How would you recommend a person get started with creating electronic music?

To get started creating electronic music, I suggest downloading the free version of Acid then downloading ALL the sample loops from their web site. Then check back weekly for their free 8-packs. This will keep you busy for a LONG time. I also suggest reading up (online or in books) on song structure. And then just play play play with the software, samples and structures - and have some fun!

What artists have you listened to lately that have given you new ideas you want to try out?

Everytime I listen to Aphex Twin I get a new idea. I don’t remember the song I listened to now, but the next night I cranked out an Aphex-style podcast (180 BPM, cut up drums, noisy pads). It was a lot of fun.

Some ideas I’d like to try out on the performance front would be to incorporate AirFX and a KaosPad (and maybe a theremin) into my show somehow.

How do you go about composing pieces, do you have any basic methods?

My mom was a music teacher until she retired. Even her very simple (early) feedback to me of “do everything in 4s” was helpful. It just makes the song sound “right”. That is unless you’re trying make it sound “not right” or add unexpected results to the song…then, of course, you might substitute some thing on the “3″ or replace the “4″ with an odd sound/loop/effect for a transition, etc - that’s what I love about laptop music…the quick cuts, the unexpected and often amusing surprise samples - I’m a big fan of Wagon Christ/Luke Vibert for this reason.

I also play with Velva (www.velva9000.com) and the music we do there we call “song-based electronica” because we use regular song structures like ABABCABB and all electronic instruments (z-tar, custom made instruments, circuit bent toys, lots of f/x pedals, laptop).

Also, do you have any quotes from the press or buyers about your current cd for sale?

RandomArtist.com said:
“…electronica that continues to surprise and please…”

UnsignedMusicMag.com said:
“DJ Dazed [of DREAMDAZE] served up a great CD with some very expressive tracks.”

Well I learned allot from the DJ and I was particularly interested in live video mixing, now that is cool and something I would like to see. I guess I need to get to some electronic shows.

If your interested in hearing more electronic music I have some on my home page, and you can sign up to get new tracks by email!

Peace,

Dan-O

Hey, this week I had the good fortune to listen to Nila Kay and ask her a few questions about her music. Nila writes and sings genuine, natural pop tunes with an innovative edge and I love her tracks.

What was the last book you read or artistic work you saw (like a movie) that inspired your lyrics and why?

I’m kind of embarrassed to say it, because you’re probably expecting me to say something prophetic but here goes…GOSSIP GIRL! It’s a really good source for drama these days, especially when you don’t have a boyfriend and you’re a single-parent who doesn’t go out as often as they once did. Gossip Girl is GREAT for lyric ideas! Last artistic work that I read or saw that inspired me to live…in general…from the bible “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible for you.” and also this one from a teabag “We do not remember days, we remember moments” - Cesare Pavese

Are you going to release a CD? What are your plans for it?

Sooner or later I would like to release a cd, but I want all the songs to be great so it might take a while…I don’t like to rush the recording process. It seems like that’s when mistakes happen…I like to let my songs live for a while on stage and in the real world.

With who and where did you record the tracks on your Website?

The tracks I have were recorded at Chung King Studios in NYC, NY with Patrick Brown of Brown Bottle Records, also at Different Fur in SF with Patrick. I think four of the songs I have on music submit were recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield VA with JLaine http://www.myspace.com/jlainemusic as music director, producer, and percussionist! I also recorded a couple of the tracks at home on my four trackin either my kitchen or bathroom.

What area are you in now and where you play live? Do you play solo or with a band?

Right now I live in Arlington, VA about 5 minutes from DC- I play here in VA, in DC, MD, NY, Bryn Mawr, PA (at milkboy acoustic cafe!), and once this year in Austin TX during SXSW for RedGorilla music festival. and I play at my friends’ parties! I play solo, or with a cajon, or with my drummer, or with bass and drums.

What is your approach to writing songs as of the moment and how did you come to that place?

I used just write whatever popped into my head and rhymed (actually I still do, but I try not to as much). But I wasn’t happy with the way that works, and thought I could do better. so now I’m taking online classes with berkleemusic.com. It’s SO GREAT! There’s so much to learn…I feel myself improving, and being able to put a lot more into my writing. I LOVE IT! but in general i get ideas from many different places…conversations that I hear via eavesdropping…conversations that I have… people that I see…and past experiences…

You can check out Nila’s new pop songs at http://www.nilakaymusic.com and have a listen for yourself! For more information about what this site is all about go to my home page or sign up for my mailing list to get more articles on great new artists like Nila!

Peace,

Dan-O