I could write a lot about the event, I suppose, but I think I’d prefer to let the photos tell the tale:

Coney Island’s Famous Hand-Painted Signs

Coney Island’s Boardwalk featuring The Cyclone (and Mermaids)

Lovely Mermaids

A “Floating” Mermaid

After spending a few hours at the parade, I went to Coney Island Beach to get some sun.

Beach Fun – NYC style

As hot as the day was, you’d never believe how cold this water was on the 1st Saturday of Summer!!!

Me and a thousand of my closest friends on Coney Island!

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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If you are reading this in real time, I should be sleeping now, dreaming of mermaids and tomorrow’s Mermaid Parade.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,
Carla

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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“(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” is a song I’ve never recorded for a CD, but happily performed live over the years. In this particular performance, I sang a capella while the audience sang backup. The audience was filled with friends, and because it was right before a holiday weekend, people were feeling festive. In other words, it was a total hoot!!! I wish all performances could be as fun as this one was!

(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman
Originally performed by Aretha Franklin
Performed a capella by Carla Lynne Hall, Christian Cassan & audience
Recorded at The Cutting Room, NYC, 2005

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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This song was written for my best girlfriend, Anna, as it reflects ups, downs, and adventures of any friendship that has lasted as long as ours.

She’s Lucy. I’m definitely Ethel. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lucy & Ethel
Written by Carla Lynne Hall
Performed by Carla Lynne Hall and Christian Cassan
Recorded at The Cutting Room, NYC, 2005

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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As I’m not playing by the official rules, I’ve chosen to pre-post, but even so, this is still quite the endeavor.

For one thing, I totally forgot that the June 20th Blog Off was right around the corner, and I didn’t start banking posts like I had intended. In fact, I started writing my first Blog Off post at midnight, just like everyone else. I started programming my posts at that point so I could get some sleep, and I started up again this morning when I got up.

I’m happy to say that I’ve almost earned the right to a nap. Two more posts, and I will have completed 24 blog posts in 24 hours. In real time, it is now June 20th at 1:43pm. By the time you read this, it will be posted on June 20th at 10pm. With any luck, I’ll be either hanging with friends, or maybe even sleeping. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s Mermaid Parade, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to Coney Island with a writing hangover! But I’m kinda proud that I got this far!

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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In Anthony Robbins groundbreaking book Unlimited Power, he writes, “Success leaves clues. It means that if I see anyone in this world producing a result I desire, I can produce the same results if I’m willing to pay the price of time and effort. If you want to achieve success, all you need to do is find a way to model those who have already succeeded.” This is a brilliant concept. Even if you tried, there is no way that you could really be a clone of anyone else. However, you can still learn skills from the best if you’re willing to put in the time. Be original, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

We live in a wonderful time where information is as close as our fingertips, thanks to the Internet. A visit to the Google search engine can lead you to new ideas to take you closer to your dreams of success. Reality shows such as American Idol and Making the Band give you a private (although biased) peek into the world of the platinum-plated music industry. If you’ve decided that you want to reach the top, then you have to do your research before you get there.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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Identification comes into the picture when your audience decides, usually pretty quickly, if they feel the way you do. If Whitney Houston sings a love song about loving someone always, there are many people who identify with her. Not only do they know what it’s like to feel that way about someone, they also believe that she has as well. Fans identify with the artists whose image that they believe. When you decide on your image, choose one that feels authentic, not artificial. This is a great way to attract loyal fans.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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A manager’s job is to keep your career on track, and you focused on your music. He or she should be organized, and it helps greatly if he/she is well-connected. Sometimes, a manager will come from your fan base, a person who wants to help you make it happen. Other times, an industry veteran will add you to the roster. There are pros and cons to each, but the most important requirements are that he/she is professional, and a fan of your music.

An accountant or business manager will keep your money and your taxes straight. An entertainment attorney will translate legal documents for you, and protect you from arrangements that are harmful to your career. It is important, however, that the attorney specializes in entertainment law. Music business documents have certain clauses that are particular to this industry, so other types of lawyers will not be effective in negotiations.

The best teams work like a well-oiled machine. With the artist or the manager at its center, everyone involved should be knowledgeable of what each member is doing. This way, the artist can be prepared for the opportunities arise.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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Listen to what’s on the radio now. Successful songs come in different flavors. Some are written using a “formula”, while others seem to defy convention. To be considered “radio-friendly”, songs also need to be three and a half minutes long or less.

To improve your songwriting ability, write often. Classes and workshops are another option, and are also offered by music industry organizations and performing rights societies. These are good places to meet potential collaborators.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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We live in a media driven society, which creates a demand for artists and bands to have some kind of “look”: grunge, bad girl, glam rocker, etc. However, it’s important to note that your image is an extension of who you are, and should be believable. If you’re an earthy singer/songwriter, bright makeup, cleavage, and stiletto heels will only make you uncomfortable. If you’re not used to wearing those items, it will be noticed in photos and in person.

Let your outside reflect your inside.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 – August 6, 2008 in NYC

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