D. Cal

As those who are on my email list are aware, I have removed “certain” social media apps from my phones. It's a beautiful break yet frustrating because majority of the people I connect with are still on it. That's fine, not gonna sell the idea of moving over to bsky.social but IT IS A DIFFERENT feel over there.

But the purpose of this blog isn't to speak on that, it's to speak on something different…but related. 

I watched a video today from songwriter Theron Thomas and the basis of this particular video was all the things in the music business the avg person doesn't know/understand or want to accept. And in this conversation, he was making the point about why certain people get mad at success….or why some are mad at the success of others.

In a nutshell, we tend to get mad NOT AT THE PERSON(S) DIRECTLY, but at the lack of understanding why we aren't successful.

Now, full transparency, “success” is a subjective phrase and each of us have different ways of defining it…and sometimes, those definitions may change depending on the tasks and/or day. Yet, there was one line in this video Mr. Thomas said “winners in this world aren't mad…” - This line stuck w/ me

When some of us see someone else enjoying the benefits of their hard work that we believe we've also put in, we get a lil sour at the thought of “them” and not “me”. We start questioning what did they do that I haven't done or they must have _______________ in order to get there. A lot of us tend to ignore the fact that THEY STRUGGLED on their path to success, also. It might NOT have been the exact same struggle as you or me - but they had their own variation of hardship.

Another line he said in the same topic was “people just want to be mad…” As hilarious as this might sound, it is a valid point. SOME folks just want to be mad because it allows them to justify how they feel, what choices they make and/or to use their circumstances as validated excuses of why things aren't working.

I GET IT, THOUGH! Sometimes, the emotions get the best of our thinking and we just stew and dwell. The problem with that routine is - while your movement isn't continuing…LIFE STILL IS! And because of that, you can't get back the time you lost focusing on what didn't happen. This tends to keep most of us stuck. And, also, it can cause progression paralysis and makes you afraid to try to get out the situation because “you're just waiting for the other shoe to drop”. 

Hence, the frustration sets in because they must have skipped that part of the struggle…or maybe, JUST MAYBE, you weren't around to see it

Now, when progress is being made and you look around you, the “mad” version of you isn't a resident in your mind and you keep moving. And how quickly we call someone else a “hater” when they “get mad” at our progress… kinda funny, ain't it?

So, I lean towards the way of thinking instead of getting mad at someone else for advancing to a place where you WANT to be, focus that energy on changing your course to get you there. You don't know their path nor their connections nor their environment that held them or pushed them…but you do know yours. And THAT is something we need to aim at daily. Another reason why I have made it a thing to focus on: “Compete but never compare” - this little game allows you to obtain YOUR goal for the time you dedicate to it. It's the little steps that climbs the biggest mountains…and too many people are skipping leg day

So, the next time you get mad at someone, ask yourself are they the real reason you're not where you want to be OR are you trying to find a landing pad for your deflection? 

My piece of advice, is take that “mad” energy and allow it to fuel you to push up that hill or through that wall or out of that pit. 

If you're sick and tired of being “sick and tired” then get mad at the things that are KEEPING you there…not those who have done what you haven't figured out yet to make it for themselves

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

Man, there are SEVERAL different types of “diets” out on the market and everyone has their struggles with their preferred results. ONE of the biggest difficulties in dieting is: which one works best for…YOU!

I've learned that regardless of the diet I pick, ONE thing is for certain - a 72 hr fast IS A MUST!!!!

I'll make this quick.

Pick 3 days you don't have anything planned that would either distract you or (heavily) tempt you go get off this plan. Eat something nice & filling your day before and from THAT point of completing that meal to 3 days later, have NOTHING BUT, water or…

Bone Broth. Yup. THAT'S IT! The broth will act as your “meal” whenever you're having the cravings/urges to eat. Pour into a cup, heat it in the microwave for about 3 - 4 mins and sip! I add hot sauce to mine just for some extra flavor

I get it. By now, you've already made all types of comments and retorts about the idea - but I bet you haven't even tried it yet (funny how people who have NOT tried something “knows everything about” that thing, ain't it?). 

There's 3 different flavors I've seen: Chicken, Vegetable & Beef; each one has it's own benefit(s) but each is still a preference. I go w/ either the Chicken or Veggie mainly because they're “lighter” and easier/faster for the body to digest while Beef is more “filling”. There is also a “Spicy” favor for the chicken. Beware tho - it DOES have a kick to it!

I add hot sauce to mine and just mix it up and sip on it.

I would say, day 2 is the MOST CHALLENGING of the 3 days because of what stage the body is in by this time. Simply just Google what are the stages your body goes through when on a 72 hour fast and you will then have a better understanding of what's going on at certain times during the process

I also have the understanding that the cravings you have aren't really cravings…as much as it is the “parasites” that are living in our gut, intestines, colon DYING/CRYING OUT FOR HELP. The lack of food is “starving” THEM and the liquid consumption is forcing them to “evacuate”. Again, just look up what is happening to them during your fast and it might blow your mind.

There's also a “mental clarity” around the 2nd half of Day 2 or by Day 3. It's hard to explain but when you feel it = WONDERFUL! My anxiety was damn near non-existent and I had ABSOLUTELY NO CRAVINGS for anything. It's like the body is going through a full fledge repair/recycle and by Day 3 it's loving you for it

I “want” to do a 72 hour fast weekly but realistically, I am going to do this at least every other week. 

Oh, another good source of fluid to drink during this your fast, or anytime in general, ORGANIC Cocconut water

You can thank me later

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

I once heard that the best time to get out of a bad investment/situation, is the moment you realize you're in one. So, with that said, why do most of us never leave?

Over-simplified answer: Comfort! It's a case of a “known hell ”vs an “unknown heaven”. Myself is included when I say that for most of us, the familiarity of what we know is greater than the benefits of what we don't. Primarily because that would require “change” - and change is "taboo" - and that takes too much effort we lean to believe.

But on the contrary, it's on the other side of change where our freedoms reside! 

So, next time you're in the middle of a decision on whether you should or shouldn't make a change to improve something, keep in mind that you spent more time pondering the options vs taking action in doing it. 

Once you change the way you look at your circumstances, that's when your circumstances will begin to change.

And NOW is as good as time as any

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

We have so many ways on how we process stress, distractions, emotional or simply "how to" process. I have tried SEVERAL different ways and they all work but the one thing I struggled w/ was, and at times, is consistency! I will do something for a day or 3, NOTICE IT WORKS, then old habits pull me back to square one!

ONE of the issues that I realized about myself is, once I notice something works, I tend to slack off on it - because I KNOW IT WORK; and I can just get back to it when I want. Some will say that this is a form of laziness or undisciplined behavior. Though, while that CAN be made as a case, in my personal deep digging, that wasn't it at all.

ADHD, OCD & layered w/ a MILD AF case of D.I.D all played a part in me starting something but then not finishing it completely - especially because I moved on to begin another task. Some current examples are my clothing line and my shoe line and my podcast. All still around but not as prevalent as the music. 

Ok, so what was it? Did I just get bored w/ one and move to the next “hot thing”? Did I not have a passion for the previous projects and walk away from them because they weren't “profitable”? NOPE & NOPE! I've always wanted to do each thing that I started and what I have yet to tackle. ONE of the major obstacles were time, focus & execution. 

I eventually am going to become my own “One Stop Shop” for everything I have going on. But, my focus was skewed because of “self inflicting pressure” I put on myself. Some non-existing expectations I made myself carry because of a band of critiques who didn't exist were going to judge me if I didn't. So, a lot of the issues were me in my own head - sort to speak.

But, the bombshell REALLY hit just a few weeks ago when I happen to see 2 videos; of the same point but not by the same person or time frame, speaking on the importance of sitting in silence. This is a dangerous place to be because then your brain begins to fill the noise w/ “stuff” and then you begin to act. You act because it's an automated “to do” thing or you do it to drown out the noise your mind is turning louder by the second. Either way, sitting in silence for 10 mins can make a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in how the rest of your day/night goes.

I tried it…AND IT WORKED! So, naturally, I stopped for a week because I know it works and I can just get back to it. But, then I realized that I went back into that toxic behavior and made it my goal to SIT MY AZZ DOWN for 10 mins and do NOTHING! 

Its going to be difficult for you newbies, because you're going to have the itch to move. Fight it! You're going to want to reach for your phone and occupy your eyes. FIGHT IT! Best time to do this is 1st thing in the morning! Reach for your phone to ONLY turn off the alarm and then set it back down - SCREEN DOWN - and just sit there. 

Your brain is going to flow a cascade of images and thoughts and sounds and all kinds of cool tricks that is going to make you want to walk TF away. FIGHT IT! It's part of this “process”. After about, what seems 3 yrs but actually just 2 - 3 minutes, you will notice things start to quiet down and move slower. I see it as your brain is behaving like a hyper kid charged on sugar and has all this energy to burn. By sitting down and letting your imagination run around, you're letting it burn off all that “extra energy”. So, after about 10 minutes, you might feel a unusual difference in peace and calm. Do this for a week and it's almost like Day 3 you “feel” like a whole different person. You might even notice your thought process may seem less chaotic and you have more energy to do things that you normally would have been “too tired” to do.

Now, with this new toy I have, my days are different. My approach is different. When I feel that I need to take a break, I no longer “push through” because I'm being lazy. I now know I just need to take a step away and allow my brain to quiet itself down. Maybe go outside and breathe some fresh air, take a walk around the block or just go and “touch grass”. 

This new accepted discovery has allowed me to understand that overwhelming yourself isn't a sign of strength or leadership. It's a sign of self-neglect and lack of a boundary - to yourself!

I hope this post gave someone some insight on reflecting on how they approach certain things; work related, home related or mental awareness. And I hope that anything that I suggested sparked something for you to look into and possible experiment for yourself. Change won't take real change overnight. It might take a few days to a few weeks for noticeable change to occur. 

Three weeks to make a habit - Three weeks to break one. Just trust that if you want to create something different, you need to put in the work to learn what works for and/or against you. Then, trust that you can learn why it did or didn't. 

You got to trust yourself to be able to improve yourself. But, before all of that, you got to trust you are doing the right thing.

you got to just, trust the process - regardless of the time it takes YOU

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

The more the world spins, the more the (Entertainment) Industry changes its rules to assure its supremacy over artists. From the lack of compensation for artist to the limited options breaking free from the grips of this vile, drooling creature we so desperately want approval from.

The key to Independence isn't to be dependent on the machine, but to create a system to where the system needs to be dependent on you! And, where most people today weren't around to see, it was this way at a time. We just need to get back to THAT timeline. Well, here is ONE pathway to do so

STOP UPLOADING YOUR WORK TO THESE PLATFORMS and begin creating your own "platform". NOT your social media page, NOT a DSP, but YOUR OWN page, YOUR OWN site, YOUR OWN app! Now, by doing this, YOU own your artistic land! YOU own your pipeline to your fanbase! YOU are your own middle(wo)man!

Sure, your reach, especially in the beginning, won't be as large as it would be on the platforms that you probably are currently utilizing. But, at least YOU have more of a control of the “rotation” you music has when YOU are your own DJ!

2nd option - COLLAB! I have seen SO MANY POSTS/VIDS of Artists complaining about how nobody wants to support or how so many people are out here doing artists dirty and taking advantage of them. DESPITE THAT BEING VALID & TRUE, it can't be the “excuse” why things don't get done. So, instead of trying to find “promotors” who are questionable (but known in your area), reach out to other artists; in particular the ones within your range or a step or two behind/ahead of where you currently are. Listen, since you're artists trying to achieve the same goal and head in the same direction, you both would be enthused to be a part of each other's growth. And, to piggyback on this point, extend that to artists in different cities, counties, states - other markets. You never know where that might lead. Hell, you might connect w/ an artist who has an idea that isn't working in their market but could be the missing piece for you in yours.

Share each other's content. Post video of you guys collaborating on an idea - whether its brainstorming or putting in work, it can lead to a bond to help solidify your foundation. And don't limit yourself to just "YOUR genre". Working with someone in a different genre COULD inspire you to create some work that you didn't know you would fall in love with but also it exposes you to a different audience who might be interested in what you currently have.

You're welcome

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

Today was another reminder of how we all tend to take things that are minor and turn them into something MAJOR! 

I'm going to make this blog quick!

In the grand scheme of things, everything that we put as a priority, truly may not be what we make it out to be. Then, later on in life, we realize it and it's too late to cherish all the things that should've have mattered. 

Health, Peace & Memories…

Don't sweat the small stuff

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

I just wanted to give some encouragement to any and everyone out there is who is trying to find his/her way through this journey of life and “feels” as if “WHAT'S THE FUCKING POINT?!”

I get it. Lord, knows, I GET IT! But what most of us don't understand is how the things that “we don't see” are actually being created, existing and operating! See, we tend to have this “expectation” of how we define our success. And most of the time, our definition isn't the same definition that is used universally with others

Most people see success in levels of monetary advancement. Others might see it as in a large growth or following. Each one is similar yet completely different. Personally, I saw both of these as two separate yet equivalent parameters. Since the more money you have the more successful you are viewed, that one is a no brainer. In today's world, the more followers you have the more validated you tend to be. But, I have also noticed that, in several cases, those who have either or, possibly both, still are searching for something else. They are now searching for…. “success”

What I mean is, MORE of what they already have obtained. Which, by observation, tells me, success isn't truly either of the two things that I mentioned above. I lean towards it being something that most of us overlook. Success is “HAPPINESS”

What is happiness to you? Well, it might be the very opposite of what we universally accept as being happy. When you take the time to explore that and define it to custom fit YOU, then it might become signifigantly easier for YOU to achieve YOUR happiness. ONE thing that could help speed up that process is - STOP COMPARING YOUR LIFE/GOAL/JOURNEY to another persons. YOU don't know what (s)he had to witness, endure nor overcome to get to, what you see as, “man, they're so lucky”. 

Stop whatever it is you're doing, unless you're reading this, and give yourself 5 - 10 mins on COMPLETE disconnect and ask yourself “what is success”. If you need to say it out loud for your ears to hear, do so. IF you need to write it down so you can process the thoughts and see it in writing, do so. We all have different goals we want to achieve and it doesn't make sense for YOU to put yourself in competition with someone when your lives aren't giving you the same type of training.

Success is however YOU define it for you. So, as you process that, remember this race is at YOUR pace, YOUR speed, YOUR lane. YOU are in control of YOUR vehicle. And, as long as you never give up on the race, baby - THAT, IN ITSELF, SUCCESS!!!!

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

I was watching a clip online w/ Ray Daniels and he was breaking down how, what once was such a rare treat, is now becoming an expected norm. And in this clip, he was speaking on how everything is about “Entertaining” people; how everything is a “spectacle”. Initially, I thought I knew what he meant, until I realized I didn't

He used the examples of the late Michael Jackson & Prince. See, when we think of the term “spectacle”, Im sure we relate it to big flashing lights, megaphones & large crowds. Though this can be true in the entertainment world, it can also mean something else. Being on the radio, music videos or radio (station) tours. “Spectacles” were also going to the (night) club and making appearances to get the crowd hyped and/or exclusive details about a release in the near future. Those were also “spectacles”. Those were things that generated a stir of excitement and created an anticipation for that/those particular artist(s).

See, singing and dancing musicians were something that has happened all throughout time, so in order to stand out, you had to differentiate yourself from the crowd…you had to create a “spectacle”. 

See, according to Mr Daniels clip, Michael Jackson understood that his footwork on stage/while performing was something that people LOVED to watch and admire. So, what did Michael do? Simple…He wore shiny/sparkly socks! In regards to Prince, his fanbase was LONG before this example, but, during his super bowl halftime performance…the "Purple Rain" - NOW, the color is synonymous with him, aka “The Purple One”. Those were little, minor, insignificant things to some, but it also gave the crowd something to connect to and remember them by - creating an ever lasting relationship w/ them AND us. Now, when we see shiny socks or a red leather jacket or a metallic/shiny glove, we think of MJ. Whenever we see the color purple or hear a certain style of guitar or synth, we think Prince.

“Spectacles” aren't always something big or gigantically moving. It can be something subtle. Something rememberable. Something consistent. So, when you're in the field of trying to establish your name/brand in the ocean full of competitors, do something that will get folks to acknowledge who YOU are. Something that will allow people to gravitate towards YOU when something flashes across their eyes or across their minds. 

Give them a reason to remember you.

Give them a “spectacle”

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

Honestly, I've never truly been the type of person who wants attention. Well, let me clarify - the “CENTER OF” attention. Majority of the creators you see, rightfully so, want the attention cause it's something they can monetize. AND I APPLAUD THAT! But, me, I rather be behind the scenes - especially when it comes to the public setting.

Why am I blogging about this? Well, in a nutshell, I am beginning to write and HEAVILY have contemplated on performing to the production I create. Singing was something I did in my VERY early youth and I never pursued it after Jr high school. But, after seeing all the “talent” that is being released and produced and honestly, I can't be that mad - they're at least doing what I was hesitant to.

So, I've picked out AT MINIMUM 30 tracks I have created and in the studio writing to them. Who knows, MAYBE you will see a collab w/ me and a name you recognize

Stay tuned…

 

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com

In a time where trends are the thing - more so than growing up - I am still to stubborn to comply! Here's what I mean…

In the world of being an Independent, finding a “trend” is how you gain some exposure & get eyes on your & your workings. And while I tend to go against that grain, it has possibly hurt me in gaining some traction & possibly additional momentum in having a larger reach. I possibly have missed out on the chance of having some content not viewed or even engaging with people who still have no idea I exist. A whole new audience is unaware of my talent - because I am too stubborn to do one little thing.

Hope on a trend! That's it. That's the big secret. “Which trend?”, you ask? Hell…PICK ONE! There's the dancing trends or the filter trends or how about the “Mom what were u like in the 90s” trend? Well, damn sure can't do the “Mom” thing, but I was a fancy looking chap in my day! lol 

But, seriously, what is my issue? Why am I bucking so hard against that system? Well, in my mind, the reason is really simple. It will never end - especially on your terms. See, in the realm of being entertained, everyone is looking to be, well, “entertained”. The attention spans are quicker than a blink & the favor you may be in with the public can switch sides faster than the weather on any given Fall day in the midwest! Because once you gain the attention of that particular audience, here comes the expectation of having to meet or EXCEED your previous hype on a regular basis; and by “regular”, I do mean DAILY!

Sure, there are some people who can create content and have a set time frame of a certain day/time - so, I guess having an expectation isn't so much of a bad thing if it's presented and controlled properly. But, from my observation, people don't have the understanding of patience anymore. So, you run the chance of ppl losing interest in the “waiting” and move on to the next who can occupy that space to fill. 

For me, I still hold on to the time where the Artist held a certain space with their audience and it had a certain “meaning” to get to see them or hear from them - like seeing your favorite relative once ever so often. So, because of that, I remain stubborn - because I REMEMBER how much of a treat it was to get glimpses and access rarely vs having to give it daily because “the world says so”. 

I'm not a big “video content” type of person, so being in front of the camera isn't a trend I am going to follow either! However, I am becoming more consistent with posting and having SOME kind of content on a almost daily basis. I get that people in order to follow you, they have to get to know you. And in order for them to get to know you, they have to trust you. And in order for them to trust you, you have to give them something to be interested in. So, in that sense, I am, I guess, carving my own lane with my own rules by my own standards

Damn, it seems as an Independent Artist, this is what has always had to be done. So, despite it all, in my own way, I guess I'm not as stubborn as I thought against following trends. It just had to be a trend that suits my build.

And I guess, for you who is reading this, if there is a trend that the world is telling you that you need to follow to be successful, and you're not truly feeling it - especially after giving it some reasonable time and effort - then try something different and implement your own method…by your own rules! And if it works out for you, don't be afraid to share your knowledge. 

Who knows, you might… start a trend. ;-)

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com