My year(s) in Review{ It has been Good }

        With 2010 wrapping up, we are seeing the end of a decade, (depending on how you're counting). Regardless we are at the beginning of a new decade. There's a lot to process, learn from, and appreciate.
         On my 11,506th day on this planet (31.5 years) I see cycle upon cycle upon cycle. I am definitely in the prime of my life. I've spent time in emotions, mindsets, and actions that run the gamut.
         This year alone had me moving into a 2 bedroom(900 sq.ft) affordable apartment in Venice that's less than a 10 minute WALK from the ocean on New Year's Eve. I began playing tablas in April. I also wrapped up my 15 month almost exclusively bike method of transportation attempt at simplicity and manageability. I bought a NICE V6 Car in December! I started my own record label and joined ASCAP along with doing other music business. I produced and released a new AL-bum http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/villageorchestraplayazin for sale in November. I celebrated my mother's milestone 75th birthday.
I came to a point in my life that I could see myself entering a four year university. Not having been able to commit to this 13 years ago kept me from attending on scholarship USC, UCLA, and the Manhattan School of Music at 18 years old. I raised my previous GPA by about .6 points from February to December. I lost the first 100 pounds of the 147 pounds I had regained in 2006 . I've maintained that weight loss since March.
        All these statement of facts are not to say it's been simple or to show off. I feel like most of it has been done for me, sometimes feeling as if despite myself. I've learned so much from my daily encounters with all people. I've also had so much support and encouragement from many. I am truly blessed and am learning to embrace my recently given nickname "BUENAVIDA" given to me by my tabla teacher. That means GOOD LIFE in Spanish.
        I am continuing to look for balance in many aspects of my life. Everything I need is within me. I look forward to my journey with the rest of you in 2011 and so on.
BuenaVida (Blocks from the Beach on a day with Sun:)

Cosmic Sound Artist's Blog: Being a New Record Label Owner

Cosmic Sound Artist's Blog: Being a New Record Label Owner: " It's been a busy day here at the Santa Monica Library. I got here just after 10am. I decided not to ride 70+miles on my bike on this ..."

Being a New Record Label Owner

       It's been a busy day here at the Santa Monica Library. I got here just after 10am. I decided not to ride 70+miles on my bike on this nice sunny California Autumn day.
       As soon as I got here I spent over half an hour trying to configure my Powerbook G4 to get on the library's wireless internet.  I then called Scott Harrigan, the graphic designer for my album, to see that I hadn't left this project on his desk for too long. He was really cool and said to take as long as I needed (he has been paid by the way).

        The next people I want to get paid are the ones who will license two jazz songs I want on this album. I've gone as far as finding one Publisher for Caravan by Duke Ellington, but Beau-Jack by Jackie Mclean I'm not having any luck with.

         I'd become pretty frustruated with The Harry A. Fox Agency(HFA) not returning my call. I knew I should email them, but I'm still old-school and like getting someone on the phone, especially since they're website on my iphone was not letting me register for their SongFile service.
          As of today, I have;
1)Opened a DBA with LA COUNTY as OUTCLASS INC.
2)Had DBA listed for a month in the Santa Monica Daily Press. 3)Become a member of Ascap as a writer and a publisher.
4)Payed Graphic Designer for Album Design.
5)Cleared permissions for photographs of musicians to be used in CD
6)Registered online with HFA and sent them a thorough email regarding my 1,000 CD release and Digital Downloads to be available worldwide.

       I will be sending an MP3 of my recording of Caravan to EMI Music Publishing. I also have to register the copyrights to all the my originals. All that is left to do
after all is cleared is placing the order with Discmakers.
        This process of releasing a self-produced album is not rocket science, but it has been stressful for me and is definitely showing me alot about where I am. I have blown through the majority of the funds at one point, then again spent it at massage parlors:), overeaten, considered taking long trips, and more! Yet I am standing my ground. I know this is a high quality product and I want to see it to completion. It's a labor of love and I look forward to sharing it with the world ASAP.

                   Yours Truly,
                   Cosmic Sound Artist