Slideshow

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Double Dipping: When The Going Gets Good, Should Music Artists Explore Acting Roles?

Musical artists such as Tyrese, Eve, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, Don Omar and Ludacris, just to name a few, have had their share of roles and publicity on the big screen as well as on television. The temptation to do more than a musical act is there and Up-incoming artists, who have witnessed their predecessors’ crossover into film, are more than ever curious and are following in their footsteps. Sources recently reported that Hip Hop diva and songstress Nicki Minaj is said to be contemplating whether she will continue her musical career to pursue her life-long dream of being an actress. So, should she and others like her dive into film? 


For the artists that have made the crossover successfully onto film and television, their on-camera roles, have taken these artists and their musical careers to the next level. In other cases, the artists that make the crossover and are not so fortunate, end up losing some if not all of their star power. So why take this risk in the first place? Artists, who started out with a bang in their musical careers and are now facing a decline in their stats, would prefer to drop their not-so thriving musical careers, to save their current hype and popularity. When faced in this crisis artists are more likely to explore other career options, which they should specially, when an opportunity such as an acting gig presents itself.  If the acting gig turns out to be a success, the artist will save not only their popularity but also this will also increase the chances of the artist having a career opportunity in film or in television. Lastly, there are those few musical artists, those rare gems, who astonishingly continue to further grow their stardom and manage to be successful in their multifaceted careers regardless of whether they switch from an acting role to their musical role at any given time.




When should an artist set aside their musical career to pursue other out of music industry career endeavors? Is it wise for artists to put their musical careers on hold to pursue an acting career? If so, when is the right time and should the artist sacrifice one role over the other or manage both roles? Regardless of the genre, we've seen many artists during pivotal points in their careers take that step and more so when they are losing their momentum in the music industry, seeking exposure or using other talents to maintain or increase their celebrity buzz. The artist turned actor/actress trend has been happening for quite some time and as the music industry becomes more competitive, it is highly likely that artists will have multiple roles in years to come. 


Most recently jumping in on the artist turned actor trend wagon is R&B and contemporary urban music artist Trey Songz, who recently reported to media sources that he will playing the lead male role in the remake of Tobe Hopper's 1984 horror classic, 'Chainsaw Massacre.' Sources say the artist will play one of the leads as the boyfriend to Alexandra Daddario from the previous cast. The Millennium/Nu Image picture will be released, in theaters, in 3D on October 5, 2012. Sources say the horror flick will be the Emmy-nominated artist's first debut on the big screen, which will capture the artist, performing in physical, romantic and in heroic scenes. Throwing the acting gig aside, Trey Songz has had great stats in the music industry since his early beginnings and his stardom is not only growing but is also flourishing. He has had numerous awards and other successes including being named as the Best Male R&B Artist at the 2010 BET Awards, having a series of top ten singles, touring as a headliner on the famous BP3 Tour 2010, has done numerous television appearances, has participated in Roc A Wear Clothing and Kodak advertisements, has attended several star recording events, has participated in charity benefit concerts and a also completed a docu-series. 

It is evident that there are sacrifices that are made when an artist steps into a new role outside of the music industry. To that effect if an artist decides to take advantage of an opportunity such as a role in a movie, the artist must take not only precaution, but he or she must also consider and understand the commitment and hard work that is involved in the new role as well as realize that, there may be multiple losses regardless of the pluses when undertaking a new role. Artists who land acting gigs have a tendency to place their musical careers on hold, leave their musical endeavors completely, and or juggle multiple roles, which often leads to many sacrifices. On the other hand an artist whose musical career isn't doing very well and gets an offer to star in the next blockbuster hit, the artist should certainly take advantage of that opportunity because it just may allow the artist to attain stardom in another industry. Artists, crossing over to film and television will continue to rise and whether or not these artists will have successful careers in the roles they undertake and in the industries they pursue, this will be entirely up to the artists. 



Sources:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUAORS8FvR8


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/singer-trey-songz-joins-cast-213001


http://www.treysongz.com/bio/


http://kysdc.com/national/mmartin/5-music-stars-who-should-try-acting-the-wednesday-5/


http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/61282433.html?page=2


http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/19/trey-songz-to-make-big-screen-debut-in-texas-chainsaw-massacre-3d/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg2Z15IfBXM

Sunday, July 10, 2011

LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' Makes No. 1 On Billboard's Hot 100!

The LA based dynamic duo LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, was recently named number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 list on July 7, 2011 via the billboard.biz website. Sources say, that the “Party Rock Anthem" is rocking comfortably at the top, knocking Pitbull's "Give Me Everything," featuring Ne-Yo, AfroJack and Nayer from its number one spot down to number two. From disc jockeying, to producing music, to clothing designing, Redfoo and Sky Blu of LMFAO have been involved in the club and music scene years before their major-label debut in 2008. 



Think that's the end of the buzz, well the song's buzz doesn't stop there! According to sources the duo has topped not only ITunes charts in seven countries but has also made it to the top on English pop charts for the months of May and April 2011. Music sources underline that the mega hit by the duo is definitely one of the greatest gainers and digital honors, with 22% in digital sales, 258,000 downloads sold and with a 115 million in all-format audience.

LMFAO’s "Party Rock Anthem" has definitely made its mark and has kept other well-known artists and heavy hitters such as Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown from reaching the number one spot on the famous Billboard Hot 100 list. Aside from gaining popularity through their “what’s not to love,” funky-fresh dance/pop/hip-hop music party tracks the Los Angeles based duo are getting their "shuffle on,” not only for their Hot 100 coronation but also for their duo status bragging rights. Media sources confirm that LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” is the first number one to land the Hot 100 list, made by a duo since 2004. Prior to LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” only two other duos have reigned at number one on Billboard's Hot 100 list. OutKast's "Ms. Jackson" reigning at the number one spot on February 17, 2001, and K-CI and JoJo's "All My Life" spending three weeks at number one in April of 1998, were the only duo groups with a song landing the number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100.

Whether these “music designers,” will hold the number one spot for weeks to come is unknown. The fact is that audiences are hooked to LMFAO's tracks, such as "I'm in Miami B" and "Party Rock Anthem" and they can't wait until the next catchy club hitter is officially released.

Sources:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/lmfao-s-party-rick-anthem-tops-hot-100-first-1005266822.story


http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/bio/lmfao/4893077 

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Negotiation Process Part 2: Javier Cavazos Talks With Itzel Yagual About His Career, Business Relationships And Effective Negotiations

Previously in part 1 of the negotiation process, I gave you an inside look at Jenny Fly's career, her thoughts on negotiations and why they are vital in the entertainment industry. In conclusion, research supported that  building relationships, placing value to the party's needs and concerns and working toward a mutual benefit are the key factors to successful negotiations. But how do negotiations impact the medical field?



In part 2, of the negotiation process I sat down with CEO of RGV Foot care, Javier Cavazos to talk about his career and how negotiations play a role in the medical field. Javier is known not only for designing his own "foot and ankle procedure to alleviate chronic foot pain through cryogenic technology," but also for publishing "peer-reviewed articles on the topic." Javier says he is proud of his work and says, he "will soon lecture on his findings."  In addition to being the CEO of a multiple-faceted podiatric medical practice, he also is a venture capitalist, a real estate developer and a martial artist. When he is not wearing one of his professional caps, Javier is a dedicated father who enjoys spending time with his family. Javier  defines himself as "an ambitious, driven entrepreneur," and even though keeping a balance between the professional and personal life is his "ultimate challenge," he stays grounded with a little "self reflection and meditation." He enjoys his work because he gets to be his "own boss" and because he "dictates the terms of his success." Javier is making a lasting impression not only for his dedication to foot care but for his ability to manage several professions, his expertise and his ability to achieve whatever he puts his mind to.



   
Working in the medical field and in the business field has its benefits and its negatives. Javier says, that if you "work with your heart, take care of those you have entrusted with, and if your honest with yourself the financial rewards will take care of themselves." One of the perks is that he gets to be his "own boss" and deal with a variety of issues. Javier's biggest gripe is that he often pushes himself which is part of his personality, that is being a perfectionist. Having many hats, Javier deals with a variety of clients.  Javier addresses employment contracts, rental agreements, association agreements, independent contracts. 

In dealing with different contracts and clients, he assures that personal emotions or issues do not interfere with any negotiations. He focuses on presenting the benefits and always makes an attempt to sell an idea in reference to the needs of the other party. In any case, when dealing with difficult people, Javier says that knowing "what you want to achieve, what you are willing to sacrifice and compromise" will make the negotiation process more successful. Also, if the status of the other party and dirty tricks come into play, his suggestion is to "be prepared, have knowledge of the situation," use factual data to back up your statements and use "effective communication," to solve the issues regardless of who may have "the upper hand."  In some cases, one will have to choose what is left, specially if the other party is not "willing to budge" upon your best card. There will also be occasions where a party will be unsatisfied and that is inevitable. "You win some, you lose some," says Javier. In the end, one should remember that in negotiations and in all work environments, it is in the best interest of all parties to work toward a solution that satisfies all parties. To Javier "my benefit and what's acceptable to the other side is my goal" and that if the negotiation goes south, then only then is "mutual benefit is not a bad option." He urges that business owners should focus on developing relationships whether its online through social networks or on a face to face basis. "People need to be open minded and willing to communicate how an agreement between two parties is beneficial for all" he says, in reference to working relationships. "Communication is critical" and the more knowledge you have about a situation or what is involved in a negotiation, the more passion one will be able to display on a topic which will underline how much one cares and what one is willing to accommodate for the respective party.


Think the medical field is his last stop, well think again. Aside from his successes in the medical field, Javier has other goals gearing towards the entertainment industry. In the future, Javier sees himself having ownership to a professional sports team. He plans on accomplishing this dream by "incorporating all avenues of productivity, use social media to market his brand and by becoming more involved in sports business and in the entertainment industry." Javier is certainly making his mark in the medical and business sectors and he's sure to have a lot in store for us in the future. 


What are you willing to compromise and negotiate to achieve your heart's desires? Only you can decipher and determine the outcome of your fate, specially if you have prepared sufficiently. Negotiations are part of our every day lives. Successful negotiators must have patience, have knowledge of all issues, must be able to communicate effectively, must always address all parties concerns and work toward a mutual benefit regardless of the parties' positions that underlines the needs of all the parties involved.


If you'd like to connect or learn more about Javier Cavazos please visit the profile listed below.


Twitter.com
@rgvfootdoc