D. Cal

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

Many of us are hesitant to take a chance on something new or to continue on w/ something that isn't yet yielding the results we expected in the beginning. Stay the course. Many will also "judge" their efforts or success by those around them. Exit THAT path.

If we continue to judge our outcome by the level of progress from others vs the quality we put into our own art, you will never be satisfied. Therefore, you will never be complete. 

We can't change the starting point of something we do - but we can change the starting point in which you continue from. Remember, it ain't how you start, but, how you finish!

D. Cal

GNSEntertainmnt.com 

Anything worth having won't be easy. So, what makes so many people belive that things that come easyare worth it?

It's the struggles, battles & wars we endure that teaches us the meaning, the value, the understanding of worth. It teaches us the patience to endure & the discipline of when to cease. It gives perspective of when somethings need more attention or when it's time to let things be. There is no “perfect” combination; each battle is fought one obstacle at a time. But in doing so, we inch that much closer to advancing in our own personal war 

👑

D. Cal

GNSEntertainmnt.com

some folks are so willing to do something different - as long as they can continue to do the same.

Think about it! A lot of us "talk" about changing until that change feels different then we go back to our muscle memory of routine. I even catch myself doing this & have to snap out of it.

And if you don't have any in house support, it can make this shit feel worse! Here is a WONDERFUL WAY to adjust your pattern; find an accountability partner - or few.

Just know your choices will either land you w/ those who share a common past OR those who share a common future. One option will help you journey towards where you WANT TO GO where as the other will help you stay where u currently are...

D. Cal

Years ago, I head a story of a farmer teaching his son the value of patience. In a nutshell, the son was watering seeds & frustrated that some of them weren't growing at the rate of some of the other plants. The father explained to him using the example of The Chinese Bamboo Tree. This type of tree requires to be watered, EVERY DAY, for 5 yrs without fail or it wouldn't grow. So, that's what the son did, daily, even on days of doubt & disbelief. Then, like clock work, after 5 yrs, the tree SPRANG UP FROM THE GROUND!

See, generally speaking, society has trained us that success is on the surface & is something we must see in order to believe. What The Chinese Bamboo Tree teaches us is, in order to grow & be ready for the surface, one must 1st develop strong, deep roots before we can rise.

All the things on our surfaces, ladies & gentlemen, are due to the watering we give ourselves! Some of us have skipped those days of "watering" & are expecting our foundation to be steady enough so that our talents & skills are able to breakthrough & be seen. The tragedy, that is possibly being avoided is, we might be seen but our beauty wouldn't be acknowledged.

I am also speaking to myself as I'm typing this - for everyday we don't properly water our seed, the longer it will take for us to properly breakthrough & be acknowledged.

So I say to ALL of us, stay grounded my friends & don't forget that our roots must be just as appreciated as our leafs.

D. Cal

I had a chat w/ World Renowned DJ LoLo Knows out of Ohio the other day about "Depth" vs “Surface” & afterwards my brain went on a "mild spiral"

Do we judge more on quality or trend? Again, her point about depth was about how sometimes she might now remember a person's name in a conversation that's in passing and how folks may get upset about it. To be remembered isn't so much about the introduction as it is about the impression - which is where the depth comes from. Having something meaningful and something that a person can take w/ them will nearly guarantee you won't be forgotten. And THAT is a great foundation on how to build a relationship w ppl

My spiral took me on a thought process of - you have someone who actually has substance, someone who actually has “depth”, someone who when you actually pay attention, you find yourself either craving for more and/or wanting to engage to learn what you might be lacking. There was a young artist I saw on TikTok, @Cqueli, who is a writer/artist & took a look at some of her art work she has pinned on her page. The art, in my honest opinion, was pretty dope! It's from a perspective that only those who have walked in those shoes can understand AND for those who haven't, her break down of the art makes it as if she is putting the shoes on you so your feet can hurt just the same. But then I noticed something…not something that “I pay attention to” but it was something I intentionally paid attention to in this situation

Why doesn't she have “THOUSANDS” of followers? I don't get it. Why aren't more ppl noticing this? This woman should have a Shopify where her inbox and orders are overloading the system - I know, a bit hyperbolic, but the sharp ppl will know what I mean. Then, it clicked, as it usually does while I'm questioning something. Besides the fact she even mentioned that she needs to put more of her art out and focus on her talent, most ppl are focusing on a different piece of art. Her physical beauty -  which is there, as well. But, it also repeated something that is obvious - so many ppl are focusing on the surface vs learning about the depth. If ppl just took time to go past the surface, you would see there's more beneath what the eyes can see. There are so many other artist, like her for example, that nobody wants to research and explore. Sometimes, it's those below the radar that can be the biggest surprises. And there's nothing like discovering something/someone before all the attention gets to them 1st!

Samething could be said for other artists, musicians, producers or any type of creator, right? Some probably, in fairness, need to create some type of a attention grabber to be noticed - again, it is something most ppl have do e over the years. I think the differenc is, however, the access is more significan now vs in years past when you had the newspaper or sat to watch your weekly talent show. But, still, a lot of ppl are getting desensitize becaus everything seems redundan & nothing really stands out. Hopefully, ppl will begin to distinguish"depth" vs “surface” with a little more consideratio & care in the comi g days for their entertainmen..

Maybe it's just the case of w/ the pace the world is spinning in, digging and asking and learning and discovering isn't the “trend” nowadays and if it isn't something that I can grab attention to within the 1st 5 seconds = lost focus. But, in my honest opinion, it is definitely a sign to why so many of these same ppl complain that they “can't find anything different”. It's almost as if our senses have been reprogrammed to ignore how to look for something “original” or “authentic”

So, next time you come across a piece of content & that content is something that you like, don't judge it by it's popularity - or lack there of - but judge it on the impression it leaves… and give them a follow while you're at it! ;-)

D. Cal 
GNSEntertainmnt.com

I'm gonna make this blog post as quick & simple as possible…

“If you want to be wealthy, stop trying to be rich!”

I know, right? Sounds like an oxymoron - but, truly, give it some thought. Generally, majority of some people will walk around buying certain items or portraying a certain image to give the impression that they're “rich”. While, if you really look, most of the ppl who have obtained the level of wealth many ppl emulate, do EVERYTHING OPPOSITE to give off that appearance. To paraphrase the great Texas rapper, Bun B who once said, “the more money Jay-Z makes, the less jewelry he wears.” Kind of deep, right? I remember a few years ago, there was a photo of I believe Bill Gates & Mark Zukerburg having a talk. The caption at the top of the meme was something like “$140 Billion between the two & not one Gucci belt in sight”

I guess the point is so many of us “wear our success” vs live in it. Mogul Dr. Dre once said it in a song back in 2001 “I ain't got it on my neck, check my walls” - meaning, he doesn't wear flashy jewelry or anything “platinum” (around his neck), but he does have (M-U-L-T-I-P-L-E) platinum plaques on his walls from record sells.

Also, “wealth” could be a subjective definition, right? There are some ppl who believe the monetary aspect devalues what is important because it causes us to lose track of what truly is “valuable”. Things like health, family, peace of mind or simply the enjoyment of going to work & knowing your bills are paid w/ a roof over your head. These things are more important to ppl in much simpler places in the world & I personally am a little jealous of that. Life doesn't seem to be a "competition" and more like “cooperation” to get along & engineer the next generation to continue to grow & improve

If being “rich” is your goal, more power to you - I truly mean that. But, in my observation, it just seems those of us who have a understanding of “wealth” means to us, realizes that you can't put a true price on it - because it's invaluable and absolutely is NOT for sale…

D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com