Delayed For An Overdue Return

not that I forgot about my blog, but my life took a full 360.
I have much to tell without getting to deep into my life, alot
of what I have to say will come soon but for now MY BLOG IS STILL
UNDER CONSTRUCTION until further notice. I many many interviews
to post.

Phresh Unsigned Artist "Ulises"

BOPA's Phresh Artist comes from Dallas, Texas. Reader's let me tell you something-diversity in today's music world is essential. When your type casted your career is pretty much over; thus, "one hit" wonder ratios are high which makes it a lot harder to get noticed by record companies. This brings me to my whole point. Ulises style has many stages and that's rare; of course when you see the photos you think, "Oh another pop artist," but you couldn't be wronger (new word deal with it). Ulises is a true example of a diverse artist indulging in R&B, Hip-Hop & Pop. When I first heard Ulises music I was like "Whoa, he sounds amazing." I think he sent over Fever and that song alone had me hooked; I would always be on his myspace and website reading and following where his career is heading and I can see nothing but the best in his future. Ulises isn't like the alot of the artist out now, many of the artist out now probably couldn't tell you how to mix master engineer or any of the technical work that goes into music, they can't tell you how any of its done. Ulises is not a dummy to music; he attended McNally Smith College of Music one of the most prestigious music schools. There he graduated with an Associates Degree in Music Production. He not only learned how to work with programs like Pro tools, Reason, and Logic, but also managed to learn how to run studio gear like; SSL consoles (4000 & 6000), Digi boards, and Radar. Ulises is truly amazing. I caught up with Ulises he agreed to do an mini interview with me to help expose his musical craft and let the world know who Ulises is.

BOPA- Ulises first let me say thank you for taking time to let me interview you I appreciate it.

Ulises- Definitely, no prob.

BOPA- When did you know that music was something you wanted to do?

Ulises- I always knew from a very early age that music was my passion. I pretty much grew up in a music filled environment; my mom’s side of the family was always heavily involved in music especially at church, so she kind of helped create that musical platform.

BOPA- And how did you get your start?

Ulises- I was always pretty musically active. Whether I was in band or participating in a school show, I was always on the get go. It wasn’t until I was in High School that I knew I really wanted to do something within the musical field. I began working with producers, recording at studios, and writing my own songs just to try to start building that professional foundation. I decided to pursue a degree in Music Production and soon after graduating high school, decided to fly off to Minnesota to attend McNally Smith College of Music.

BOPA-If music wasn't an option, what would Ulises be doing?

Ulises- I would have liked to do something with in the science field; I’ve always been interested in the cosmos and the galactic life. So much mystery, so much space. I feel like there is so much to learn and uncover that many of us might not yet know. History and Math were always interesting to me as well. Honestly, I just like to learn. I’d probably be involved in a career that wasn’t monotonous and had some kind of challenging excitement to it. I feel like we are capable of so much, yet sometimes don’t really embrace our power.

BOPA-What do you wanna achieve in the long run with your music?

Ulises- Well, I’d like to be able to connect with people on a different level; to be able to use my power for something good and positive. I’d like to motivate, engage, and inspire people. Money comes and goes, but the long-lasting connection you could establish with a person via a song, or even just talking or what not, can change or trigger something within them that could help change there world and maybe even ours.

BOPA-How do you feel about the mass spread of illegal downloads?

Ulises- I’m not opposed to it. On the contrary, I’m completely honored to hear and know that people are downloading my music. My goal while creating music is to help inspire or change someone’s life in a positive way. I just want them to enjoy music as much as I do, so I’m definitely all for it. In short- I approve! Ha.

BOPA- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Ulises- I see myself being peaceful and content with everything going on within my life. I picture myself happy, full of life, and energy.

BOPA-If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

Ulises- Music, Family, & a Survival book

BOPA- Alright so your Sophomore album "Musically Promiscuous" is available on itunes as well as your first album "Projection Beautiful". Tell me what inspired "Musically Promiscuous”?

Ulises- I like ALL types of music. Therefore, I felt the need to do an album where I included a little bit of everything- kind of like a buffet of songs. I wanted to showcase what it is that I can do and how I can play around with my voice, production, and lyrics to create a variety of interesting proposals to the listener.

BOPA-Do you have any shows coming up?

Ulises- Definitely. There is one coming up soon here in December in Downtown Dallas and one closer to New Years.

BOPA-What separates you from the male artist out now?

Ulises- The fact that I know what I’m doing and am heavily involved in EVERY aspect of my music from the conception to the completion. Even after a CD is completed, I like to be a part of the artistic team where we come up with ideas and decide what songs to perform at shows, what we’re gonna wear, and what choreography we’ll end up doin’. I really just like to be heavily involved with everything that I’m doing.

BOPA-Is Ulises single?

Ulises- Definitely; I am very busy and haven’t had enough time to really commit and give 100% of myself in a relationship. It’s difficult to remain focused and goal-oriented, but you can’t always have your cake and eat it too. Haha. A few sacrifices here and there, but I’m sure in the long run it’ll all be worth it.

BOPA- What do you do on your spare time?

Ulises- I like to spend time with family and friends which is very important; they help keep me grounded and remind me of who I am and where I come from. They help me grow spiritually and make me appreciate what I have.

BOPA- What is your favorite genre to record?

Ulises-I honestly like to record all types; the more challenging, the better. With Pop tracks, I like to experiment with my voice and create sounds and effects that’ll add an extra edge to it. R&B and Ballads can have so much emotion within them and that’s always a plus. Hip-Hop tracks can be full of energy and just wild. Ha. But I think that Ballads/ R&B ones are definitely my favorite because of the fact that so much emotion goes into them and that these can remain classics.

BOPA- Ulises I want to thank you for taking time to do this interview with me. I truly do appreciate it.

Ulises- Definitely. No problem. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

BOPA- Is there anything you want to tell my reader's

Ulises- Just want to say thanks for taking the time to read this interview. Be sure to check out my music atwww.ulisesworld.com Something I like to reiterate to anyone and everyone: knowledge is power. Be true to yourself; don’t let other people’s actions define who you are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or demand answers. Individuality is something that makes us unique. Love yourself- flaws and all. On another note, I hope you enjoy my music and are able to identify with it at some level. Haha. Thanks once again. Uli is out!

ULISES

FODUT 6 RECORDS

PO BOX 532118

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75053-2118

PH: 972-809-4087

WWW.ULISESWORLD.COM

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MYSPACE: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ULISESPB

TWITTER: WWW.TWITTER.COM/ULISESMUSIC

YOUTUBE: WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ULI6MP

SONICBIDS: WWW.SONICBIDS.COM/ULISES

Monica "Still Standing" Premiere

In the fast-moving world of R&B, three years feels like 20 – kind of like dog years. Monica, the Atlanta-base singer whose star shined brightest in the late 1990s, has stayed under the radar the past four years raising her two kids. So what better way to get back on the scene than a reality show?

“Monica: Still Standing” debuts Oct. 27th on BET at 10 p.m. after the BET Hip Hop Awards.

“I think it gives people an in-depth look how hard it is to stay relevant in the music business and balancing family life,” she said in a phone interview last week. “A lot of people aren’t comfortable baring their souls. I am. I’m a work in progress. I’m going through things every day just like everybody else.”’

Monica has ridden a roller coaster of a life, packed with highs and lows. Highs include breaking it big with a quintuple platinum debut album at the age of 15 and taking home a Grammy three years later.

But life took a left turn in 2000 when she saw her boyfriend commit suicide in front of her. She followed that with a rocky relationship with rapper C-Murder. And she didn’t meet eye to eye with her label over her last album in 2006, her least successful to date.

“I’ve learned to rely on faith,” she said, “how to depend on things within and stop looking at worldly possessions as real success and find out who Monica really is. That’s what the show reflects. “Still Standing” is executive produced by James DuBose, who has also done a string of other Atlanta-based BET shows, including “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is,” the spinoff “Frankie & Neffe” and “Tiny & Toya. Monica, in fact, is friends with Cole and said her experience with DuBose through Cole’s show convinced her to do her own. Unlike many other reality shows, she said nothing was staged. There is no manufactured drama, as often is the case on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta. I respect ‘Housewives,’ “ she said. “But my show is the complete opposite. It really is. It’s about love and God.” She said she may have a chance to talk to 100 kids at a group home. A TV show allows her to reach hundreds of thousands.

Keeping Up With Ca'Mari

Hey there soooo i'm at little Italy last night first time ii didn't pictures but at the same time it was the first time waiters has ever just stood by my table until ii finished a drink...finished a meal anything of that sort I'm not use to that kind of shit... personally ii didn't like it ii like my space and when ii need you ii will flag you down LOL....

Anywho ii hit the gym this morning so my arms are pretty sore ii managed to take before pictures so ii will see how much of a change is going on think ii may do this every month moving on umm yeah catch me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/_EONFLUX ii changed my name LOL alright ttyal

-Ca'Mari

Phresh Unsigned Artist India Shawn

This month’s Phresh artist comes alllllll the way from Atlanta. I got word about this artist about a year ago from my friend Assante he would always tell me and everyone check out this artist named India Shawn she's this she’s that (talking in a good manner LOL) and like before I even thought about starting this blog she popped in my head, automatically I thought, she had to have been signed to a major label already. I contacted my friend Assante asking him if she had been signed the answer was no. I was surprised because she’s very talented and down to earth artist, an image that of a star. India Shawn writes her own material my favorite song by her is “My Journal”, that song really really makes me smile because her voice is beautiful. The songstress is not camera shy as many of you probably all know from her youtube page where she sings acapella or does cover songs and some talking check her out; http://www.youtube.com/indiashawn if you haven’t already you will be pleased. India to me is (pauses looks for words) she’s a star no doubt but her presences to music is needed and I can’t understand why she’s not signed I will say that about every artist that hits my page because I’m so in tuned with music that I can spot instant talent and when ii first heard India ii wanted to thank Assante for putting me on to India’s music. I caught up with India for an interview about this Atlanta Southern Bird.

BOPA: India Shawn thank you sooooo much for doing the interview with me ii appreciate it so much. Its safe for me to say that ii am a huge fan of yours. I love your music I love your video’s. My question is why aren’t you signed?

India Shawn: Getting signed isn't as easy as the outsiders/consumers think. There's a whooole lot that goes into creating a product. That's what labels are looking for these days, a finished product that's already been developed.. with radio spins, millions of youtube hits and thousands of twitter followers lol. They're not looking to invest anymore. If you don't have any of those things they'll settle for a nursery rhyme -like "radio hit" lol. I've been offered deals and negotiated deals.. None of them were worth signing. The idea of a record deal isn't as appealing as it once was. I'd prefer freedom. Plus it's 2009.. The age of the world wide web.. Labels aren't necessary anymore

BOPA: how did you get started with music?

India Shawn: Like many others, I started singing in church. Music has been in my family for generations. I didn't really start to pursue music until 2004, after I moved to Atlanta. I was singing in the parking lot of a Best Buy and met the person who is now representing me.

BOPA: who influenced you?

India Shawn: Haha.. That question took me back to the days when I had Lauryn Hill, Destiny's Child, and Brandy magazine cut outs taped on my walls. They were all some of my biggest influences as far as vocals are concerned, but I'm just influenced by good music. The list is too long. --- it's too wide, it won't fit. LoL

BOPA: were you born and raised in Atlanta?

India Shawn: Nope. I was actually born and raised in Southern California. Moved to Atlanta in 2003

BOPA: I want you to know that I’m responsible for 600 of the plays of your song “My Journal” on your Myspace lol. I kid you not I know the words backwards and forward.

India Shawn: LoL! Thanks. I love that song.. It's old to me, but nevertheless a classic India record. My boy Timothy Bloom who is also an incredible singer/songwriter wrote and produced it. Google him. :)

BOPA: What do you want to get across in your music?

India Shawn: I want to represent everything that's GOOD. I'm not perfect, but I'm constantly trying to be better, and at the end of the day I wanna be able to say that I taught, inspired, and saved lives.. Or that I just simply made someones day better.

BOPA: what separates you from female singers out now?

India Shawn: All of the components that make me who I am. I feel like there are combinations of factors that make people who they are and make them successful/ or unsuccessful. I'm a real singer, songwriter, i wanna talk about real stuff, and I'm hot! :-P LoL haven't seen that in awhile, have you? :D

BOPA: Not at all and some of the female artist out now I'm pretty upset with but thats a whole nother conversation. But if you had the chance to sign to a label of your choice who would it be? And why?

India Shawn: I'm not record label crazy. Record deals aren't the end all be all. But if I had to choose one I'd say Columbia Records.. Only cuz of the roster which includes: Beyonce, Adele, and my future husband (john mayer).

BOPA: where would you not be willing to relocate for a year or two if it would help your career?

India Shawn: I wouldn't mind moving back to LA or even NY. I'm an open person though.. If it meant progess, I'd move anywhere.

BOPA: What do you want to achieve with your music within 5 years?

India Shawn: In 5 yrs I'd like to have a grammy or 2.. Or 3 or 4. :)

BOPA: at some point you were considering not doing music anymore. Why?

India Shawn: The music business can be very frustrating. It's more about the business and less about the music these days. There's a constant conflict of trying to maintain authenticity and just selling out.. Selling out seems so easy sometimes, but the payoff isn't long lasting.. Not worth it. It hurts to see people who don't work hard.. Or just suck.. In the position I wanna be in. That's what got me to that point.

BOPA: me as a fan of yours ii was not feeling the idea of you not doing music, because I know your talented and I found comfort in your music. Where do you stand now?

India Shawn: I know music is for me. I know I don't really have a choice in the matter anyways. God gave me a voice, and He's gonna make sure I use it. There's no running away from it. I also have other passions and hobbies.. Music isn't the only thing, but it's definitely here to stay.

BOPA: Well I'm relieved lol. okay let’s say ur in the process of doing your first album and you can have 5 artist on your album who would they be?

India Shawn: Kanye West, Lily Allen, John Mayer, Kenna, Lauryn Hill

BOPA: Nice selection. Well India ii personally wanna thank you for doing this interview with me. If you ever need anything someone to shout your name out across the world I'm willing to do so. Is there anything you wanna tell your fans, as far as shows any events that you may be attending, music something lol?

India Shawn: Awwww... Thank you my dear! :D I'm working on a 5 song ep right now that'll be available for the FREESKI at my shows :) ! Hit me on facebook www.myspace.com/indiasb or www.mybravenewblog.blogspot.com to stay updated.

BOPA: Well again India thank you, It means alot to me and your fans. You will keep in touch right?

India Shawn: Anytime, and of course! Muchos gracias mi amor. Take care.