Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Funny clip - Amber's 1st time in the booth (EnKore)


In her audition interview, Amber expressed her delight in "being in a real recording studio." Can anyone tell how excited she was when she was allowed in the booth?!  Priceless!!

Funny clip - Conditioning with Grace part 2 (Cre8tiv Spaces)


Same conditioning session with Grace - - but Amber and Justice are now running?!  Really?!

Funny clip - Conditioning with Grace (Cre8tiv Spaces)


During a conditioning session, they were asked to run a gauntlet (working the legs) . . . please listen to Amber's comments as Chad and Olivia do the running - - priceless!!

Funny clip - Wake up call from Grace (Stone Mountain)


Our fitness instructor, Grace, waking up the students as we prepare for our walk trail up Stone Mountain - - they all slept for the 1 hour drive from the house, as well!!!

Video clip - JJ giving instruction (Cre8tiv Spaces)


JJ providing information about performance and connecting with the audience - - technique is key, people!

Video clip - Justice in the booth (EnKore)


Justice in the booth at EnKore, laying down her portion of the chorus of "Play Thing" - - I see you, "Goldie!!!"

Video clip - Amber in the booth (EnKore)


Amber laying down a portion of her vocals for the group track, "Play Thing" at EnKore - - she was right at home in the booth!

Video clip - EnKore Recording Studios


DAP 2011 spent quality time at EnKore Recording Studios - - they were great in accommodating us and our needs.

Video clip - Amber thanking Tommy Ford


Amber thanking Tommy Ford for sharing his time and knowledge with the group - - he was so funny the entire time!

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Video clip - Tommy Ford shares knowledge with DAP 2011


Director/Producer/Actor Tommy Ford explains to the DAP students to seize every opportunity to grow as a performer - - Thanks again Tommy for sharing your energy, time and knowledge!!

A few photos from DAP 2011 . . .


Training with Grace


Olivia working with Jazz pianist John Beal at Orange Room Studios


Olivia & Justice with I.S. keyboardist Karey Davis at Barley's


The gang with JJ and MOA (I.S. Band, ATL) at Barley's


Amber, Chad & Olivia at the MLK Historic Site

Saturday, 23 July 2011

Video clip - Movement & Choreography with Jared Times


Instructor Jared Times with the DAP students, working on movement, stage presence and choreography at Cre8tiv Spaces.

Video clip - JJ sharing knowledge (Cre8tiv Spaces)


JJ instructing our DAP students at Cre8tiv Spaces - #1 Artist development company in Atlanta!

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Much Thanks . . .

PlayList Management, LLC would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the DAP 2011 program:

Bermuda Arts Council

International Plastic Surgery Associates





The Foot & Ankle Clinic




Flanagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant



and all of our individual donors!  You all helped to make the DAP 2011 program successful!  Thank you once again!

DAP 2011 Day #6 - Reach the Mountaintop

Last full day of activity!

The day began extremely early with conditioning at a historic site in Georgia - Stone Mountain.  Grace laid down the challenge of hiking up to the top of the mountain.  With great effort and struggle, the group was able to reach the top - individual triumphs may have been accomplished; however, the team aspect needed a bit of work.  Grace provided gift bags for their week long efforts and then it was off to the studio to record.

The students worked a full day in the studio to record their week long masterpiece.  This track will hopefully be played on local radio stations as soon as possible.  It blends Chad's dancehall vibe with Amber's soulful riffs.  It also includes playful melodies from Justice with an improvisational piano solo from Olivia.  It is a wonderful testament to their hard work and dedication this week!  Not everyone can create, write, and record a song in 3 days!!

At about 4pm, their time in the studio was completed and they returned to the house for a bit of rest and relaxation.  Soon after, they had to begin their preparation for the evening's event - I.S. Band, ATL performance at Barley's Sports Bar & Grill.

The evening ended with amazing performances from I.S. and a quick debriefing with Jason outside of Barley's.  The group returned to the house at about 1:45am to quickly get some sleep before leaving for the airport to return to Bermuda.

Below is a little video from the Stone Mountain Hike

Thursday, 14 July 2011

DAP 2011 - Day #5 - Dig Deeper and Go HAM!

Day 5 started a bit late as we needed to prepare for our conditioning with Grace. We weren't eating right for the beginning of each day, thus we were a tad bit off schedule. Grace made them pay with some extra motivation in the physical effort department.

The morning session with Jason involved the continued development of the whole artist. Using the group musical project that the team is working on, he was able to highlight different song structures and melodies that songwriters can utilize to create. He emphasized the ability of the individual to create, while encouraging teamwork within the structure of a band.

After walking into the Historic West End for lunch, we were back to Cre8tiv Spaces for movement with choreographer, Jared Times. He put the students through their paces, all the while emphasizing their need to broaden their horizons when it comes to dance.

Olivia was provided the opportunity to visit Orange Room Studios to gain knowledge from John Beal, Jazz pianist who has performed with Stevie Wonder, amongst others. He was in awe of her sheer talent and encouraged her to continue on her path to greatness. He gave her techniques and pointers on how she can improve her craft - invaluable information, indeed.

We decided to provide a bit of downtime at Cumberland Mall and finished up the evening at Cre8tiv Spaces working on the group track. They worked until about 10:30, then traveled to Walmart in preparation for conditioning in the morning. The heavens opened up and we were caught in a serious downpour. Thankfully, we arrived at the house safely and settled in for the night. Tomorrow promises to be a very long and exciting day - day starts at 4:45am, recording at Enkore, possible performance at Barleys - we are coming to the home stretch . . . Stay tuned.

PLM

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

DAP 2011 Day #4 - Push the Limits

Our day started with circuit training with Grace - sweating and pushing all the way through. Although they always end up sweaty and in pain, they are making the effort to condition themselves everyday.

Next, they had their daily session with JJ to discuss techniques and tricks for performances.  He got them performing and breaking down each others' performances for critical analysis.  Confidence and connectivity were the lessons learned today.

As food has become the running issue, we sought out a soul food restaurant and there was no fast food today - yay!

Our afternoon session was an exciting treat as we were able to have the students sit down and chat with Mr. Tommy Ford, actor/producer/director/author of "Martin" fame!  He was most gracious with his time and spent over an hour speaking with the students.  He discussed their passions, their goals and gave them insight into the process of success.  We are so very honoured and blessed to have had him give of his time - Blessings to you Tommy! (photo is attached - video is coming!!)

We continued working on the group song/project into the late afternoon until we headed to EnKore Recording Studio to "sit in" on a session.  We were allowed to watch Lloyd Shepard - a Pop Soul duo record their newest track.  Due to Chad's production background, he was allowed to assist the engineer.  Additionally, the ladies returned to the house to continue working on the group song - Chad remained at the studio, working with the staff of Enkore until after 11pm.  Push the limits and see what happens . . .
Stay tuned.

PLM

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

DAP 2011 - Day #3 - Blood, Sweat and Tears

DAP Day #3 - Sweat, Blood and Tears

Day 3 began at 8:30am, leaving the house to get the day started.  We arrived at Crea8tiv Spaces to start our day with conditioning with Grace Page, our fitness instructor.  After the workout, everybody was hurt and tired - we all need "up" our fitness regiment.

Next, JJ had his initial session with the artists, highlighting their goals and aspirations as artists.  He pushed to expose their wants and desires, in order to get them to analyze their talents and what they want to accomplish.

After lunch, we experienced choreography with dance coach Jerod Times, focusing on performance techniques and stage positioning.  At the same time, Olivia had a private session with Jazz pianist, Al Smith.

With everyone together, we attended a rehearsal with I.S. band, ATL.  They provided the students will valuable information about the work it takes to prepare for a performance.  With the assistance of Miguel Gaetan on drums and Kerry Davis on keys, Jason dazzled the student artists with his melodious skills and intensity.

Dinner at Red Lobster and then back to Crea8tiv Spaces to brainstorm and create song ideas and possible tracks.  With a bit of pushing and encouragement, they worked feverishly until we called it a night at 10:00pm. As usual, the work continues at the house, as they want to produce the best . .  Stay tuned.

PLM

Sunday, 10 July 2011

Day #2 - A little Praise, then a little Play . . .

Day #2 of the DAP 2011 program began with worship with the family of Fellowship of Love Church in Fayetteville, GA.  Pastor BaSean Jackson and his church welcomed us with open arms and warm hugs.

After church, the students did a little shopping - in total, about 2 to 3 hours worth.  Throw in a little bite to eat for lunch, they were allowed to get back to the house to rest up for the evening's activities.

At 9 pm, they entered Cafe 290, Atlanta's spot for Jazz.  As guest of well-known Jazz Saxophonist Gary Harris, they were given the VIP treatment and provided table seating for the performance.  Our students were invited to participate in the Open Mic portion of the evening, and as a result, provided two memorial performances - - Congrats to Amber and Chad for providing two excellent performances which people will be talking about for awhile!  Additionally, Justice and Olivia were waiting in the wings for their chance; however, due to time and other factors, we will have to wait just a little more for their Cafe 290 debuts.  They returned to the house at approximately 2:15 am.

Check back in the morning for a little snippet of Amber performing Chaka Khan and Chad performing his original song.  DAP 2011 in full swing!

PLM



Saturday, 9 July 2011

DAP 2011 Day#1 - Just before we leave . . . initial thoughts

Our students provided a little insight into their initial thoughts as the trip began.

"Excited, excited, excited."
"Excited and tired."
"Hungry"
"My momma took my phone."

After a few hiccups, we boarded the plane and were off to Atlanta, GA.  Our arrival was swift and before you knew it, we were out on the highway on our way to our "temporary" home for the week.  Dinner was held at a local Ruby Tuesday and a quiet night in the house ended the first day of the program.  Rest is needed now as the "real" work lies ahead . . . stay tuned.

Friday, 8 July 2011

Tomorrow - THE BIG DAY!

Hello bloggers and friends:

Tomorrow is the big day!  Tomorrow, our 4 artists will have the opportunity to explore their talents and experience the music industry like never before!

They are all very excited and we will provide the sounds, images and their thoughts along the way!

Stay tuned and follow their amazing journey.

PLM