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PROJECT POPSTAR & My Week in General....

Here's the Project Popstar scoop: I was a judge in the contest, which was hosted by Music World/Sanctuary Management (Urban). Music World is the company led by Beyonce's dad, Mathew Knowles. The contest was filmed for television sydication (naturally), and surprised me in that Mathew & the MW/S people took it VERY seriously. I was honored to be a judge, but was pretty casual about the whole process. Mathew, and Destiny's Child, have been super great to me over the years, so I was honored to be asked to be a part of the show.

When the final judging came about, Mathew announced that in addition to selecting girls to be in a girl pop group, he was going to select three girls for development as solo acts. He asked me, on camera mind you, if I would produce them, along with his in-house production team, for development. I was flattered, a bit excited, and answered yes quickly.

When Mathew announced the winners at the end of the show, he introduced me as a producer and long time associate who would be working with the soloists: Tess Ferguson, Blythe Herring, and Taylor Crowley. Wow!

I am putting together budgets & ideas for the effort, but suffice it to say, I'm pumped. Each of the ladies has a unique look & skill set, and I am looking forward to working with them individually. Once I know exactly what Mathew's vision is for the development, I'm ready to get going. For the moment, the girls are in a holding pattern, (along with me, actually), but I bet it is KILLING them to wait for the word that we are getting started. (Hang in there girls, the ascended masters of the entertainment industry often move slowly). Now I'm waiting for the word. Logan and I have brainstormed some ideas, and if the meeting with Mathew doesn't materialize quickly, I'm going to get started on pre production next week. Gotta rememberr to email the ladies....

As for the rest of my week, I went to Austin to meet clients & attend the monthly NARAS Board of Governors meeting. Going to Austin to stay overnight is always a treat because Sarah Sharp always welcomes me into her home. We're great friends, so hanging at Casa Sharp is great fun.

There were more treats in store. I went up a day early so Sarah and I could go see a taping of Austin City Limits over at the University of Texas where it is produced by Terry Lacona (fellow Board member & ticket hookup, wootwoot!). We saw the band Ozomatli and they were incredible. They started out life as a LA-based latin rock band, but now they are world-beat ambassadors.

Here's Wendy's friend, Kristen, Uli from Ozomatli, Wendy Morgan (NARAS), and Sarah Sharp hanging out after the show:



Here's Sarah and I being audience-persons:



After the taping, we went out with Naras friends & then went to see John Pointer & Carlos Sosa's unreal funk band, Boombox. When we got there, the guys from Ozomatli were onstage with Boombox!!! What a treat! Those guys just tore it up for two sets. Here's the kicker: I got to sit in with the band and members of Ozomatli!!!! I didn't play all that great, (I'm strictly a studio performer these days), but it didn't really matter!!!!! It was SUPER FUN!. Carlos and I are talking about having me mix (some? all?) of their debut record. I'm SUPER pumped about that. More will be revealed!

I met with a new artist, Marlow, who is a young, female, white old-school R&B singer. Very cool lady indeed. Maybe we'll get to work with a real horn section someday,..... hmmm.....

Back to Houston. I met with Kim Hull. Kim is a young singer who is interested in doing a production demo. The cool thing about Kim is that she knows what she's about, and is a talented singer. She was really nervous in our meeting, which was sort of cute, but absolutely the last thing I want to cause in my artists.

On to Friday, (pretty long post, huh?... I'm sick at home today, so this is more fun than crappy TV...) Joyce Pierce. Man, I've already gone on about our last session and how great it was. So lets just skip the hyperbole and supurlatives,.... yesterday's session was transcendent. I had to overcome feeling like poopoo, and Joyce and Production Assistant Josh, help keep me focused. Joyce put in a truly inspired performance, and boom, eight hours had passed and we were left with another world-class, vibe. We still have work to do, we need to add some harmonies and backing vocals, but I am really happy. I am reminded that I need to listen to the roughs,.... I wish my ears weren't so stopped up.

Ok,.... time to get some rest..
Dan