Kevin Jack

August 2006

So as time races and my time within this great program comes closer to ending, it seems that each day I get a little more excited, but at the same time a little more fearful of what is to come in the future. I am half way done with the record, and I am thinking �Damn this is a tough process�.

July 2006

Well, I have half of the record under my belt, and WOW does that feel liberating.

After months of writing, waiting, and writing more I have finally got the opportunity I had been waiting my whole life for.  It almost seemed like the time to be creative and really enjoy my craft really would never come, but finally! So my first true time in the studio was an amazing experience. I must say I was I bit nervous about everything coming together, but to get in that booth and really let out everything that has been creatively building in me was crazy! I think people are going to really be surprised and shocked at the material. I just feel like what I laid down really shows my true talent and will let people know that I am a talented artist who is going to be around for awhile.

My goal at this point is just to keep making beautiful music and to keep bettering myself as an artist. I do not just want to be another rapper saturating the airwaves, but rather an artist who makes meaningful tunes. I think this record will definitely be a special treat for all those waiting. I really just get excited thinking about people getting an opportunity to hear this record. I still have half of the record to go, but in all honesty if the first half is any indication of how the record will sound I think mouths are going to drop when they hear the song. At any rate I am still hard at work trying to put together a masterpiece the will really touch people, so I am keeping my fingers crossed to make sure my album turns out perfect. Until next month I must sign off!

May 2006

This month has been crazy and a bit hectic with me trying to get all of my ideas put on down for my final track listing. I believe my songs are coming together well, and I believe the record will be very special - but getting the record to be all I envision can be all consuming and at times stressful. However, with all the stress, deadlines, and other task list items I have to meet I am still having a great time putting this piece of art together. I am learning everyday and it�s so overwhelming. There is no book that can thoroughly coach you through all the obstacles that you meet when taking on this type of project, but you just have to learn to roll with whatever may come your way. Each day I wake up I am thinking, �What can I do to make this record crazy?,� and when I go to sleep it is the same thing�It�s almost like giving birth (well I am not sure what giving birth is like, but I think it may be similar). I am putting all my thoughts, pain, fears, and dreams on wax to let the world hear, and wow is it a big task! More than anything, I just want to put out art that people will listen to and say, �Wow, that�s great.�  Until next month I must bid you adieu!-Kevin Jack
 

April 2006

So, I write to you still in the process of making the record. Everything has been going pretty great, but at the moment I am not in creative mode, I actually am just focusing on some of the more important business aspects of recording a record. Wow�.I know it must be obvious, but a lot of work really does go into a record. As the AMF team would say �the devil is in the details.� Making sure every single thing you can think of is in place. I mean you would think�just go into the studio�knock out your material�have a great record?! Ha! I have a growing appreciation for those who think in the business frame of mind because it�s not easy. Now, on the creative side I�m thinking the record will defiantly be called �Campaign for Change� and so I am looking to really make a record people will remember. I just want to make sure everything is as good as it possibly can be�because you only really get one chance to make a first impression. I still have a lot more I want to add creatively, but I think I have a great start. It�s defiantly hard work, but I am really having a good time in the whole process. I guess my biggest challenges is learn to think creatively and in a business frame of mind. I think I have made major steps since my beginning in this program, but I have a ways to go. At times it�s frustrating, but nonetheless it�s something that I really am enjoying learning.

March 2006

Well, here we are, yet another month has flown by, and my days within this great program grow shorter and shorter�.Wow.

So first things first�the record�.it�s simply crazy how everything is coming together, but it really is. I am thinking that this is probably this best material I have ever written in my life so I am very excited to show people that I have skills. I think the biggest factor in my elevation is really that I am so driven to prove that this is what I was born to do.

Every track I get I am rapping as hard as I can, almost as if I have a mission or an agenda, which I do. I am trying to make an underground classic that people will enjoy, and relate to. To be honest, I am really not satisfied just being a good artist�I want to be great �so every chance that I get that is what I am doing, trying to improve myself so that one day my name is mentioned amongst those who are legends.

 I go to sleep, eat, drink and do almost everything with this on my mind. I am motivated by the people who have doubt, people who have mocked me like I am not a serious act, and all the people who believe in me including my family and the AMF team.

Thus far I think I have somewhere around 15-16 scratch songs, which are complete and finished, but I want to keep working until my pen bleeds and my mind can�t work anymore. On the other hand working so hard on the record has attributed to me not performing at SXSW, but I guess everything is a tradeoff. You see not being involved in SXSW is kind of frustrating because I feel like I have a lot to offer, but as my dad always said �everything will come in due time�.

 This month has been hectic schedule wise, but I am really feeling great about the music I am making and the people I am making that music for. This is my opportunity to share with the world so I cannot wait to take advantage of it. Until next month Peace! 

February 2006

Making the Record� what a wonderful experience! So this month I have been doing lots of writing and laying down tracks for the record. We have some quality material coming together, so the process at this point going pretty well. I think we have finally settled on my producer.
 I guess you would say we have started the pre-production phase of making the record. I must say I am really enjoying the whole experience. Actually being creative is so liberating. I mean before in the program we did a lot of planning and business foundational stuff, which is cool, but I love making music and so finally getting to submerge myself completely in the process is something that is inexplicable.  
I actually posted a track on myspace, and numerous people loved it and say that they are now anticipating the release of more of my material.  Still there is much to be done with the recording process as well as laying down the foundation for the marketing infrastructure. You would never think that so much goes into making a record, but it�s amazing. There are so many avenues to cover; so many tasks to get accomplished it can sometimes be overwhelming! But I think to be a rookie I�m am holding up well and doing what I have to do to be successful, so I�m not to uptight about everything. Well, I guess this is all for this month can�t wait to keep you guys updated on what�s happening next month! Peace

January 2006

This past month I have been staying busy with preparing to release my first record. Basically, it has been a lot of listening to beats and trying to find the right lyrics for each song, which sounds easy, but WOW it is difficult. To be honest I have listened to hundreds of beats, but finding the right type of sound for the record is a tedious task. I guess you would say I have learned patience is indeed a virtue. At this point we have a few potential producers in mind, and so the process is finally starting to come full circle. I have done a few scratch tracks, which have gotten a strong buzz from listeners so I am really excited.
I feel like I am kind of in a bubble and everyone is getting to watch me grow so it is really cool. I cannot believe it has been a year since I mailed my application off for the incubator competition, and it surprises me that the time has flown by so quickly. I actually am about to put out a record�.FINALLY!! It�s seems weird, but I have done so much growing up in terms of my artistry. Of course kudos goes to The AMF team. I am loving the process and I know everyone is excited. I don�t really have much else to say, but I�M READY!  -- 

December 2005

This Journal actually is being written while I am away from the world for awhile. I am currently doing a tremendous amount of writing for my upcoming record, and as always is feels good to be back into creative mode. I decided I needed to get away from everything so I am currently lodged in a small cabin, with no means of technology, (except for my lap top) listening to beats, banging out hooks and adlibs. 
I am enjoying writing and creating my material, but I have so much anticipation building up inside for the public to hear my voice. I am trying to be as patient as possible, but I must say I am ready to release my material for the world to hear. I haven�t been performing much, and thus numerous people are asking �Where is KJAE? Does he still exist?�
  To answer those questions KJAE is still around and does still exist. I understand that people�s attention spans are only so long, and the next big thing is always lurking in the shadows, and thus you can see while an artist who has yet to release his debut record might be just a little anxious. In an industry that is fickle one�s only hope is that they will get their opportunity, and that is all I wish for right now. But as I sign off do know that I am excited to get the ball rolling. 

This month has been filled with tasks centered around goal setting for the future of my career. I knew coming into this program that goal setting would be an essential part of my career development; however thinking about a plan is much simpler than developing it into a working document. I had to go through the process of first setting my career goals for the next 3 years, and then working backwards in 6 month increments until reaching the present. Now it may sound easy, but really enacting a plan and brainstorming minor details for how to achieve that plan is tough work. I hate to say it again, but it makes an artist think realistically in relation to, which goals are reachable and, which ones are long shots.

By doing this it enables you to decide which areas you should focus your attention and assets to best achieve your success. It was a great learning process, and provided me with more guidance as far as my future goals are concerned. Also, this month I received mentorship from Amy Corbin. She provides me with some new artistic ideas regarding my live show, and gave some insight to some alternate routes I might try in regards to developing a loyal following. Some of the ideas she shared really opened my eyes and allowed me to see where I need to improve in relation to my networking skills, and live show plan. This month has been an educational month and, thus my artistic output has been limited, but has given me a bit more knowledge to carry along with me.

October 2005

Well this has been one of the toughest months in the incubator program. Not because of anything musically just because at the beginning of this month I lost my father, and so the whole situation just came as a real shock and made everything else (including my music) seem less important. Although, I have suffered this lost it must be said that having family away from family is great. The AMF team and the Advisory Board have really been there every step of the way, and made my period of grieving that much easier. At first it was hard to focus on anything other than my family, but now I think I am getting back into the speed of things.

That being said I have been really inspired writing wise to articulate my vision on my upcoming record. We are currently in search of producers for my project and so that is very excited. The only issue that really has me nervous is that for the first point in my career I am being given the opportunity to develop my live stage show. Within the hip-hop genre there is not very much emphasis put on the live show, but for me the live show could be the attribute, which differentiates me from the other artists in my genre. I never really thought that the live show would be that crucial to my career, but after the ACL Performance I realized how important it truly is to constantly craft your onstage performance. Working to do that has been frustrating since I have no previous experience, but I guess you would say it is a work in progress. Also, we have gone back to the basics to revaluate my plan of action in respect to my career. This also has been tough because you have to really be specific about each and every goal, and evaluate its attainability and work backwards to actually construct the best route to reach goal. I have to say making this plan into an actual working document will be a daunting task, but I as always I am ready for the challenge.

August 2005

Wow how the months fly by. Well, just as an update I�m currently writing for my record intensely as well as gearing up for my ACL performance. I must say being in this creative place is definitely great, and words cannot explain the level of anxiousness and excitement I am experiencing. So, up to this point I must say the program is flying by. I mean it�s crazy to realize that in such a short time so much has been accomplished, but yet there is still so much more to come.

I must say I never thought the day would come where I was actually deep in the creative part of writing for the record, but it seems that time is now and it�s so amazing. These last couple weeks haven�t really been deep in the business aspect, but really has been a true test as this last month has really allowed me to get as creative as possible and truly articulate my vision. I feel like I�m finding my voice as an artist and its really liberating. Also, I must say that much of that is attributed to The Austin Music Foundation, and of course the advisory board , but at any rate its just great to be apart of all of this.

At this point we are actually in the hands on phase of the program, and to be honest I am a bit nervous about everything that lies in the future. I�m getting lessons in everything from booking & marketing to having a great live show so it�s a lot of things being thrown in our direction all at once. However, it fascinates me to be able to be at this point already and I am definitely ready for any challenges that may lie in the future.

July 2005

It had occurred to me that there was a great deal of opportunity within the college market, but never before had I realized how to capitalize upon that given market. After attending this month�s Boot Camp (Cashing in on Campus), on Monday night, I almost felt like I could take over the world. Of course, as always Boot Camp makes the impossible seem very possible so being educated about those organizations relieved a lot of anxiety I had been having concerning the touring aspect of my career. What would I say the most important lesson learned for me was? Well, to put it simply�.it can be done!! 

So I thought I had heard of every marketing device on the street! Well, APPARENTLY NOT. Its crazy how many ways there are to market yourself to potential fans, but I am starting to learn how necessary it is in order to maximize you�re exposure and capitalize on potential opportunities. So from now on I have made it my goal to take advantage of every possible outlet or opportunity that presents itself!!

It seems that I have become a writing machine, and that my material is getting better and better the more I work to perfect my craft and write from my heart. It�s very exciting to really to be able to have the creative juices flowing and to have that sense of freedom that comes with putting new art into the world. I can say that I have never been able to write like this before and I think I am getting closer each day to tapping my full potential as an artist.

This month has been a lot more on the creative side for me with some occasional periods of education. I guess you would say this is part of the process which I am enjoying most just because I finally get the opportunity to get those creative juices flowing. Although I have a reasonable amount of material, I am pouring out new more creative thoughts every couple of days, which out does my efforts before. I can not explain how very excited I am about getting to focus on new quality material, and I am anxiously anticipating the next step in this program.