Legal & Affordable Sampling?

“The biggest problem for sampling today is the money that it costs to clear ’em, and finding the songwriters and publishers, and to have them all agree,” claims legendary Hip-Hop producer Hank Shocklee. Find out how potentially game-changing service Tracklib aims to solve this, in this article...

Strategies for effective #Hashtagging

Two articles this time. One focussing on how to choose your hashtags, and one dealing with the most effective times of day to post. These articles focus on Instagram, but the basic principles can be applied to any social network. Content is still king, but effective hashtagging, especially on IG, can greatly increase views/likes with minimal effort. Take this seriously, but don't lose yourself down the hashtag rabbit hole!

Maintaining Perspective, Avoiding mid-project Burnout  

"Is this even good? I can't even tell anymore..." We've all found ourselves in this particularly bleak place while waist-deep in a project that began with clear purpose and direction but ended up veering off into uncertainty. The strategies suggested in this article are not music-specific, but may help you get back on track when you've become lost in the creative woods...

Spotlight: Kawlme Nnamdi

One of the most unique artists to grace us here at 709 Frederick Road, Nnamdi has recently released his latest opus, the Kawlme Nnamdi EP! I've had the opportunity to work with many talented, unique artists in my short time here at SongBuilders so far, but Nnamdi's indefatigable charisma, singular personality and knack for unconventional, stream-of-consciousness subject matter (alligator-beasts, deceased train passengers, edibles...) made this project a shoe-in to be featured in the 1st edition of this newsletter. "Say Father", "Begging You", and "Alligator Walls" were recorded/mixed here at SongBuilders (with some finishing touches by Nnamdi himself!). You can get your digital hands on your very own copy here , for a price of your own determination (we recommend generosity, a lot of blood, sweat, tears, anxiety, demons, ghosts and alligator monsters went into this)!

RIYL: Kool Keith, Dan Deacon, words that rhyme, drugs(just say no, kids!), Frank Zappa, weird time signatures sometimes, and being a human!

*Want to see your work in this space? Hit me up @ stephenseibel@songbuilderstudios.com or 443-288-6390 and book some time!