Interview with Mrs. Yvonne Perkins

Interview with Mrs. Yvonne Perkins

Monique Lynelle asks - What does music mean to you?

Yvonne Perkins replied - Music is a tool that can assist you in changing your atmosphere.  As a therapist, music is used as a tool to help people in their personal lives.  For example, if a person is depressed, they don’t need to listen to music that is saying, “since my baby left me” or heartache but rather music about joy, love and peace that will uplift your mood.

Monique Lynelle asks - What part do you play in the music industry?

Yvonne Perkins replied - I see myself as a creator of positive music that I hope will impact lives of the listeners, music that will inspire believers and connect the unbelievers in a way that draws them to Christ so that they would at least speak on the name of Jesus and his mercy towards them.

Monique Lynelle asks - When did you get started with songwriting?

Yvonne Perkins replied – I have been writing poems and lyrics for as long as I can remember.  I published my first book of poems at 21 years of age and had two songs accepted for publishing, money wasn’t available to proceed because I wasn’t sure what to do or how to do it, the first two songs were entitled, Memory and I’ll Help You Forget, these songs were not gospel; but the first gospel song I wrote was entitled Holy.  Holy was written after a church service I attended that was so anointed and it made me think of the holiness of God and wanting to be Holy like Him.

Monique Lynelle asks - If you could do something different in this career, what would it be?

Yvonne Perkins replied – Music therapy. My background is as a therapist, working with children that had been abused and families in need.  Music can impact and has impacted people’s lives.  Working with families through music and meditation, (not chanting, etc.) but teaching people to get in touch with their feelings by listening to relaxing music.

Monique Lynelle asks - If there were three words you would use to describe yourself, what would they be?

Yvonne Perkins replied – 1) Family oriented - because family is very important to me as a wife, a mother, daughter and grandparent, 2) Intercessor – is what I do for others, it’s what I breathe, it’s what I live, interceding for pastors, leaders and the music industry, and 3) Songwriter – which is part of my heart.

Monique Lynelle asks - What are you working on now?

Yvonne Perkins replied – There are several songs I’m working on, although finances limit the process of putting songs out at times, I plan to make the effort and sacrifice to make sure to get out a new project this year. The title of the next project is Stop the Merry Go Round and I have been thinking about writing a book on intercession.

Monique Lynelle asks - I know you are involved with ECMA (Excellence in Christian Music Academy), how has that experience been for you?

Yvonne Perkins replied – That experience has been one of the most rewarding, awesome, gratifying works that I have done.  It is an experience that brings both honor and humility.  To be a part of it and to be considered as a coach, it brings you in contact with people that are already established and great in their own right.  The participants are looking for more education and looking for better ways to expand their gifts.  When I start the classes I get a brief introduction of the participants and hearing some of the participants backgrounds, (jokingly) I feel like I can’t teach them anything, some of them can probably teach a class.  The award show is awesome, you finally get to meet the people you have been talking to throughout the program and put the faces with the names and voices.  Mr. Harris is the best person to work with, no words can explain Mr. Harris, but his energy and vision is wonderful. (Mr. Harris is the founder and producer of ECMA).

Monique Lynelle asks - Is there any advice you would like to leave for singer/songwriter’s or songwriter’s in general that might help propel their career to the next level?

Yvonne Perkins replied – Being a songwriter is an arena that is very crowded, so you have to learn as much as you can by doing research and reading as much as you can about songwriting.  You have to network with other people, don’t burn bridges, and be ready to accept failures, but don’t give up, use the experiences to build you up for the next experience.  Keep trying whether you become a major star or artist; enjoy the experience.  If you are a gospel songwriter, your first task is to honor God.  Some people write positive songs, but if you are a gospel songwriter you should include God in your songs at some point.

Monique Lynelle asks - If someone wanted to buy your music, where should they go and which steps should they take if they want to sing one of your songs?

Yvonne Perkins replied – When you want to record something that you did not write, you will need a mechanical license.  This license gives you permission to record, or do a video of that person’s song.  On my website there is link that will explain mechanical licenses.  There is a statutory rate that has to be paid to the songwriter.

Anyone interested in singing one of Mrs. Perkins songs can go to her website and email her and she can explain in detail the financial aspect of the agreement you decide upon.   Mrs. Perkins website is as follows: http://www.forhisgloryyp.com also Mrs. Perkins Music Page is available at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yvonne-Perkins-MUSIC-page/85444472655

Thank you for your time!

Monique Lynelle Gray

Interview with Darnell Richardson

Interview with Darnell Richardson

By Monique Lynelle Gray

1    If you had to choose 5 words to describe yourself, what would they be?

Young, Talented/Creative, Inspirational, Role Model, and Entrepreneur

2    How has music influenced your life and your career? 
      Darnell uses music as an inspiration to create while in his “creative zone” even though Darnell doesn’t sing or play an instrument; he enjoys music and uses it in his projects.

3    What project are you working on now?

Currently Darnell is hosting a television show called “I AM A Philly Artist TV” Where Darnell Richardson is the Creator, Executive Producer and Host; the show airs on Comcast cable in Philadelphia PA.  The station is called Philly Cam. Darnell is also a Playwright and has a performing arts school.

4    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Darnell can definitely see himself touring with the shows and the plays he has written and produced.  He can see himself being involved with the performing arts school in Philadelphia, PA expanding to different cities across the country and world possibly.

5    How will you incorporate music into your future plans?

Music is an outlet for Darnell and he intends to utilize music to keep the creative vibes flowing in the Arts.

6    How will your education help you in your plans? And which college do you attend or will you attend?  

Darnell currently attends Full Sail University as an Entertainment Business student for his Bachelor’s in Science.  Darnell is scheduled to graduate in March 2015 and plans to attend Full Sail University for his master’s in Public Relations.  He plans on using his education to expand his entrepreneurial endeavors in the future and now. 

We both attend Full Sail University right now, so GO FULL SAIL!  We are the future and the now in the entertainment business.  A special acknowledgment to the class of Sept/Oct 2014 M.S. Entertainment Business from Full Sail University! We Rock!

7    Since this interview is for a blog, is there anything you would like the public to know about you? Or your projects?

The plays Darnell writes are based on social issues that affect the community and they often offer solutions for the issues people face and how they could better manage their problems.  The shows have messages and Darnell calls it “edutainment.”

How long have you been writing plays?

Darnell was a young child when he started writing.  He was still in elementary school, but he would write plays and him and his little sister would act out the shows for his grandmother. 

As we spoke, he said he was at his grandmother’s house and that was a great reminder of how far he came from that little boy he was to the man he became.  Darnell is doing some good things for the community in Philadelphia, PA, also where I grew up.  Now he is making some of his dreams come true, so I wanted to show him some support and give him some recognition. Much Respect.

http://darnellrichardson96.wix.com/darnellrichardson
https://www.facebook.com/d.productions

Business Storytelling Inspiration

I chose the Kid President’s video called Pep Talk that was chosen as one of TED.com-best of the web videos, because it inspires me to hear other people encourage people that they do not even know or people that they do know.  Having the tools to achieve one’s goals are great, but getting encouragement to achieve those goals are rare and sometimes few and far between.  The young man in the video did not claim to know everything about everything, but he did realize that all of us are alive that are watching the video and we should do something with our lives.  No matter what a person is chooses to do with their lives, it starts with a thought, with a moment, with a spark of some kind that gets them motivated enough to go after the goals they have set for his or herself. 

In today’s busy world, so many people choose to do the wrong things, but it is still a choice.  I like this video and its message because it is saying, do something; but I want to take it a step further; I am inspired to be great and do great things with my life and I want others to do great things with their lives.  Everyone is not the same and is not supposed to be the same, but if we make good choices for one day, we can make better choices for another day.  I want to be the first domino to fall to affect positive change and helps other domino's reach others where they are.  I think TED made a great point when talking about videos and how they reach so many people at once and all over the globe.  We the people, can be influencers, we can get attention for the great things we have to offer the world, right now, from where we are.

When it comes to business storytelling, every business should have a story behind its brand.  Overcoming adversity, a book, a product or a song that helps people understand where a company or personal brand has derived from and where it is going in the future.  The Kid President inspired me to do my part in encouraging others, and to tell more of my story through my songs, books and my future projects, in plays or in movies.  I have overcome a lot, but I have not had a lot of encouragement along the way; however my hard times have not defined my future, rather, they have given me something to look forward to.  When one is down, there is no place to go but up.  This video was confirmation for me that it is better to do something, than to sit and do nothing. I choose to pass on this message and pay it forward.

Music Moving to the Stage

Look where music is headed.  One of Atlanta’s most successful singer/songwriters in the music business has found her way to producing plays.  “A Mother’s Love” is Kandi Burruss’s first stage play.  Here is a link to check out some of the celebs that showed up to the premiere of the play.  Celebs at "A Mother's Love Play" She might not know, but she is one of my silent mentors, because I am interested in the very same thing, plays/musicals and singing/songwriting.  It is fantastic to see Kandi continue to evolve in this ever-changing music business.  There are other great playwrights and lots of them have been males, but it always good to see women making moves in the right directions.  Others out there that love music and are singer/songwriters might want to audition for a play like this in the future.  It is a great way to get your name out there and a great way to use your gift.  Music is still alive, but people have to be creative with how they present it now, if they want to make money in the music industry.  Here is more information about Kandi’s play/musical.  Kandi's Play

After Kandi was a success as a singer/songwriter in the group Xscape, and then moving on to do great things even while enduring hardships in front of the world; she is an inspiration to many aspiring producers, singer/songwriters and business women.  As a songwriter Kandi has worked with some of the best in the business and made them hit songs.  Music is a great thing, but things have changed, but looking at Kandi, she has not missed a beat.  Even if people do not agree with some of her entrepreneurial endeavors, they must admit this young woman is making success look easy during a challenged economy.  The world is watching and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Kandi will do next.  

Her career is really a testament for what hard work and support can do for someone.  I hope the people in her life start appreciating her talents, and I personally would love to work with her in the future, if she’s not too busy of course.  Keep up the good work Kandi.  kandionline

Advice for Independent Artist

This blog is for independent artist and anyone interested in finding new talent or getting some exposure in the entertainment business.  In this world today, independent artist have to think fast and be determined to make good music; be patient, but wise about their decisions.  It is not easy to get all the exposure or attention you might think you deserve just because you can sing or because you recorded some music.  However, it is not impossible to be a great artist and represent yourself well and have fun doing what you love to do.  Be encouraged, I’m on your side.  Be open to new opportunities and keep your eyes open for those opportunities.  Rome was not built in a day so neither will your career.  Hard work and great effort can take lots of people further than they expected.

As an independent artist, you are going to have to deal with other people in the entertainment industry.  It might seem difficult to get your foot in the door or get the heavy hitters to pay attention to you.  Well here is a link to an article with nine pieces of advice about “Facing the Music Industry as an Independent Artist” Music think tank article The subjects of the nine words of advice are “1. Do not cold call, 2. See things their way, 3. Make them come to you, 4. Come on easy, 5. Be confident, 6. Learn how to truly network, 7. Be patient, 8. Proofread your email, 9. Never burn bridges.”   

There is so much music and videos to watch and listen to these days, but there are ways to stay relevant while you are working on new music.  This article might help with some advice on how to stay relevant as an independent artist.  “How Does An Independent Artist Stay Relevant While Creating New Music.”

Music clout article

I hope these articles encourage you to continue making music and I hope they give you some insight into the music industry as an independent artist.

Monique Lynelle

Check out "Remember" by Monique Lynelle
https://soundcloud.com/monique-lynelle/remember
http://moniquelynelle.com

Hello everyone,
I am Monique Lynelle Gray and this blog is going to be about Independent Artist, Singer/Songwriter's and industry information about performances, online radio opportunities, new songs and artist that should get recognized in the entertainment industry.  To find out more information about me, please visit the about me page of this blog, which is mlmusicinfo.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html, and you can visit my website for information on my music, books, etc. at http://moniquelynelle.com.  Thank you for your time and stay tuned for more info in the future.  Have a great week.