At first when deciding to come to R3, I began doing a little background research. I learned as much as I could about Mr. Martin Atkins. Checking the website for R3 gave me little hope that this was going to be an experience of a lifetime. Finding out about this program through Break then through Mademen made me think even more that maybe this school really isn’t what I should be getting myself into. After a few phone tags with Joanna then finally a conversation my mind started to change. I was excited to be working with music again. Even after so much built up hate and angst towards musicians whether rappers or rockers or reggaeton artists. I was anxious to get back to some type of music industry shit. Knowing that I was so inexperienced with my previous projects, I was given some hope that I could learn very useful information that I could start anew, with a fresh slate.

First meeting – one word – interesting.  Everyone seemed so freakin smart and was really interested in this program. Now if I had a degree of some sorts I would probably be found at my local sears in hobart indiana managing womens shoes or something. But no, these people went through school and still felt like they don’t want to be a part of the drones of everyday society. They had very realistic aspirations within an ever so hard entertainment industry that they all have some sense of belief that each and every one sitting around that table could learn and take from this class something they could use in the everyday world. Well as soon as I sat down before introductions I knew that I was going to be a part of this program. I knew that these people have different thoughts than i do but have some what of the same mind. The same brain waves that the music business or something dealing with entertainment was going to be a part of their lives some way or some how.

The first week was a little frustrating with scheduling and 4th or july weekend and all. But the second week was feeling like this was a right choice for me. We started learning about market strategies, started to learn copyright law, started to put together an art showcase, and even help a band that was half way across America with touring. Martin Atkins basically wrote the modern day bible on touring. We were coming up with some decent ideas. If any band or artist could just pick up this book, why isn’t there a shit load of artists everywhere doing what he preaches in the book. Ok, there are a few hundred bands, maybe thousands, that probably live Martin’s words. But if you’re making a living off of music and/or want to make a living this book is essential. Honestly, Ii have yet to read the entire book, I don’t even own a copy. Yet the parts that I did read were phenomenal. Max, our personal “video/marketing the internet guy”, knows the book by page number.

We also went to Reggie’s Rock Club, I’ve been there before with a band that I know. I’ve been backstage in the back alley and in the green room. I have seen the t shirt area and the record store. But you know, going back to visit with the class was pretty darn cool. Reggies is a club with something to offer for everyone. The time I went before I saw a jazz band playing in the dining area part of the club. But directly on the other side there were a mix of rock and rap like artists getting down in the same freaking venue. The food was good the service all around the whole experience with the group was awesome.

Third week: we started the week with screen printing. Everyone learned the in’s and out’s of how to make personal t-shirts for our benefit. I really would like to make a smaller set up at home. Start making some shirts to start selling out of my trunk or the back of my van. We also went to Trick Drums the owner gave us a nose deep look of his company how he maintains it also how he got started. He gave a bunch of business tips like swallow your pride and always hire people who are smarter than you are. He also told us to get niche find something that people need and offer it to them. Later on in the day we were visited with Jamaal a beat broker and Depaul radio DJ. He is doing similar things that I would like to get into. But the fact of the matter I think rap and hip hop is a dying art form I really liked all the information that he was giving. Like Trick he told us that we need a niche if we are going to be a part of this industry we must be able to bring something to the table that no one has. He gave me some personal pointers especially with ghost writing, ghost producing and split sheets.

Today I’ve been informed that a creditor is going to try and sue me – I’m offering more than he’s going to get. So now I need a lawyer… But today I was considering dropping out of R3. Why to drop out? #1 money – I could use the money for lawyer fees or I could make these payments that he wants me to make and not have to deal with going to court. # 2  – well there is no number 2 besides the drive, which I mildy enjoy because I get to pass by my favorite sports team’s stadium every time I come to school. I’d rather pay for this school then let those blood sucking creditors stop me from enjoying a huge part of my life that may guide me in the right direction. I’m tired of procrastinating or having to stop doing something because I can’t deal with the pressure.

Fuck it – bring all the pressure world, I’m ready. I realized that I’d rather be doing something that I truly enjoy like music than get stuck in some bullshit sears or behind a desk of some multimillion dollar corporation that really does not give a shit about me. I enjoy what they are trying to do here Fuck Academia Long Live Education. I hope to learn more as the weeks progress. I hope I’ll be able to pay for this as weeks progress. R3 has given me the opportunity to reignite my interest in the industry. This place is awesome. Yeah given the fact this is the first time Joanna, Katie, and Martin have ever done this. Its really great to be quite honest. Some things need a bit tuning up but hey I’m going to be here for the next session. And I do wish to drop by in the future. The music industry needs this school. Even more than this school needs the music industry. This has been my first ever blog post, and it will not be my last. But with everything that I do I need to be inspired to something  – so may my next inspiration be something magnificent.

Abel

-7/16/09

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