Today has real revitalizing and brand new. What I witnessed today gives me hope and also helps with the new blog venture that will start this weekend!

First, got to get into the EARFEAR (607 & Bobby) “Album of the Year” release party/concert. As a fan, I was blown away by the crowd and the energy given off by veterans in the music game here in AR. Its one of the BEST shows Ive seen in a while. Passion is what drives us to make music, paintings, etc. I can’t really elaborate on the music as whole; you have to look at the other blog! ;D

Second, I started a NEW BLOG, lol! The new blog is called “First Wave Media & Entertainment”! The blog is designed to really get into the core of local music mixtapes & albums as well as the local artists, but will expand into other areas like fashion, modeling, etc. The first 3 cover stories are

1. Suga City’s “Black Friday” Mixtape
2. Epiphany’s “Respect part 1-Epiphany”; 1 of 4 mini-mixtapes
3. EARFEAR’s “Album of the Year” Album/Concert

Hard Facts: When starting new ventures, you are really taking a gamble on whether something is going to succeed or fail. Even the best research can’t automatically declare you an instant success; learning from the mistakes helps you grow as an individual to improve on the next venture you may want to partake on. As for me, I have to take this new blog story-by-story and just wait for the results.

Well Im about to pop in this EARFEAR album so until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

Life seems to make full circles at the most unusual times! I looked at myself standing on the corner hustling CDs to Arkansans and fully understood 3 things:

1. Persistence is key
2. Patience is vital
3. People pissing you off with lame excuses comes with the territory

I strongly dislike when people try to give you the run around when all they have to say is “No Thanks”; PLEASE DONT SAY “I dont have any money” then go into the bar that costs $10 knowing you about to spend an extra $5-30 bucks on drinks! But also, Ive only seen certain people on the corner of Downtown Little Rock over the 5 years Ive been in the industry and the main group I have to say is 4×4 Crew!

I really did have to laugh at myself because of a few things:

1. Im currently downtown selling CDs; been here since 11pm & I will leave maybe around 1am if not sooner
2. Its November; better yet WINTER & COLD!
3. I am passing out Sync’s along with selling CDs
4. Downtown solo
5. Day after Thanksgiving

I guess as we get older, holidays really dont mean much to us as it did when we were younger and growing up. I can say I spent $20 dollars on gas driving around selling CDs on THANKSGIVING and today; lets just say I broke even!

Hard Facts: Perseverance in any field is key to success. Most of the best deals that fall through are when people least expect them too; sort of like today lol! You really never know who you will meet or impact so I always try to stay on my game. SO while everybody else taking breaks and enjoying themselves, you can find me working to the extreme probably without any sleep behind me!

Well I need some sleep and I still have an hour on the strip so until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

Today I have to give thanks to the people who really have helped me become the person you see today. I really dont know where I would be without them.

First I have to give all glory to GOD, because without him nothing is possible and I can’t take full credit for something he has given me.

Second I have to give it up to my mother, Michelle Thomas, for constant support and slick motivation talks (you’ll find out later why I said slick, lol); Aunt Pam, Uncles Jason & Mike, Cousins Tiffany, Tristan, & a few others for uplifting me pass my limits when I thought I couldnt go no higher. RIP to my grandparents Adolph & June Payne and Mildred Bufkin for instilling the values and showing me what I could achieve!

Third I have to hit up business partner, Jessica Broner, for being strict with scheduling and keeping me on track; Myreon Coleman for the inspiration and helping me fulfill most of my crazy and funny ideas/ventures. JRut for the friendly competition, the Gemini Love, and the REAL talks about business; Alicia Clark & Breanna Willis for constant help with running ASUE LLC; Jarrod Woodley & Kevan Williams without you, I would never have been PROPERLY introduced to the local music scene so I have the say PHOENIX PHAMILY FOR LIFE!; Epiphany, Goines, Bo, & the rest of Conduit Fam I appreciate the love and chance to work with you all; 4×4 Crew, 607, Carteaire Custom, Kwestion, & all other local artists I affiliate myself with lets get it in 2010!

Fourth I have to thank a few great friends like Brittany James & Sharon Sanders for helping me stay semi-focused about graduating college I love you guys; Brittany Blanton for keeping it strictly 100% at all times; Tasha Moore for being my best friend since 1st grade and for steady loving me for me; Tiffany Calhoune for putting up with all my late night madness and side way words; my older sister Debrisha Thomas and my future niece/nephew I LOVE YOU GUYS thanks for the constant support; my little brother Brandon Patterson for keeping me grounded when the UNIT was all eating and even now that we arent eating like we used to; Tamara Goodwin for being the ghostwriter in some of the ideas/ventures I do.

Hard Facts: FRIENDS & FAMILY will really make or break anybody! True friends are hard to come by and if you have some “real” friends, dont let dumb things break up the friendship. Celebrate people here and those who are not.

Well Im going to go grab me another plate for the 4th time today so until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

Ive been really into my groove today and have really taste a glimpse of success, but even with the accomplishment I still have a long way to go!

Today my company, A-State Universal Enterprises LLC, recieved its first media coverage and was featured in a weekly newspaper called Sync Weekly which is a subdivision of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The article featured “Welcome To Arkansas” Mixtape Vol. 1. With established artists like Rah Howard, 607, 4×4 Crew, and Rockst*r from Arkansas on the mixtape along with up-and-coming acts like Mad Ark Click and Young Cobris whom I am both now managing will be the future of the music scene in Arkansas. Check out the article here: http://sync.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/24/spreading-arkansas-hip-hop/

Also I am going to a event called “The O.D.” which houses various of acts from Arkansas under one roof which explains the title. Im actually late for the show in which I wont forgive myself, but business before pleasure right!? LOL!

Hard Facts: When I did my interview for the Sync, I was nervous! I really stuttered over some of my words, didnt really answer some of the questions how I would have liked to, and I didnt feel like I got my point acrossed clearly. My point of this is when you do interviews, BE PREPARED. Make a list of all the things you want the writer/reporter to know about their doing the story on and make it stick. Maybe practicing with a friend so you can speak clearer and more precise. This was definately a learning situation, but I dont want you all to think I dont like the article because I do; actually I LOVE IT! BIG SHOUT OUT TO SYNC FAM & ARK DEM GAZ FAM; SPECIAL THANKS TO SHEA STEWART & SHANNON STURGIS!

Well I need my prescription of GOOD MUSIC so I going to get out of here and hit THE O.D. so until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

Today has been a great day. My little brother came up with a great marketing plan & capital fundraiser. We are getting together a small street team to test the local market and see if we can be effective.

Currently, I am venturing into other avenues to where I am incorporating other individuals in money-making opportunities. With our Urban Items Division still under research & development, we are doing trials on the items we will be offering in the 2010 year. For the individuals interested in becoming independent contractors of this division, contact Darryl Thomas at astateuniversal007@gmail.com with the subject line “Independent Contractor!”

I had a meeting with local group Mad Ark Click and things went very well. Negotiations are still taking place, but as of tonight’s discussion I will be their manager in the 2010 year. We discussed about radio play, mixtapes, shows, & viral campaigns. Everything will be revealed later as the terms are set-up in a contractual agreement.

Hard Facts: When dealing with becoming a prospective artists manager/agent, the first thing you have to answer is WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE FOR THEM!? WHAT CAN YOU OFFER THAT THEY DONT ALREADY HAVE!? Being a music manager is hard work no doubt especially for an unknown artists because you have to wear multiple hats; booking agent, publicist, promotions, business deals, recording contacts, etc. Just make sure if you are serious with managing artists, get plugged in with conferences and read, Read, READ! Check out http://www.artistmanagementresource.com/ for further information.

I am still hustling at the moment so until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

Today I had my interview with Sync Magazine about the Welcome To Arkansas Mixtape Series. We discussed about how it came into existence, what were the goals, and future plans of the company.

Also, I joined E-Junkie,  , which will help my company sell its products via the internet. This will also help with keeping records of all items sold via the internet from both E-Junkie and PayPal. Also I am creating a Affiliates Program for friends/family/artists/etc to earn money while promoting our products; especially the ones they are involved in! More on that later this week!

Im currently also in process of placing buttons from E-Junkie on MySpace, Facebook, Blogs, etc. Im also expanding on some information I learned from Saturday at Sway Calloway’s “All The Right Elements Symposium”

Hard Facts: Trying to tap all the markets on the internet can be over whelming. Try to focus on 2-3 major sites that you use frequently and capitalize on it. Also many sites have Affiliate Programs where you can set up percentages for items sold by whomever.  It’s also a great marketing tool to utilize.

That concludes tonight’s thoughts…until the fingers bless the keys again!

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

It’s the day after the Music Conference “All The Right Elements Symposium” and after reading the handout they provided, I really took some of the information to heart and started applying it to my company’s structure.

Goals:

1. Create/Improve my online platform.
2. Get the artist(s) that I manage on the BDS system.
3. Setup Publishing Company at either BMI or ASCAP for songwriters and/or artists.
4. Connect with a few individuals and start a local music union.
5. Network like crazy; never take an opportunity for granted.

Visions:

1. Forecast company’s position over a 3-5 year period; or as a great man said “WE must have an End Game…to reach success!” -Rich Nice
2. Be creative about ALL approaches in branding ASUE LLC; what can really set us aside from others.
3. How is each Division of ASUE really making its mark in the industry as well as in the community.

Also, Ive really been doing a lot more reading geared towards music specifics instead of music overview. I know one of my weak points is Music Publishing no doubt so that is where I need to focus time and energy.

Hard Facts: Writing down where you are now and where you want to be in the future really helps you get things into gear. It was recommended to me to make mini-goals that are reachable on a month-to-month basis so when you look back, you can really notice accomplishments made.

Thats it for tonight, until the fingers meet the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

This Saturday had to be one of my favorites, if not my favorite of 2009. I was able to attend a music conference here in Little Rock, AR called “All The Right Elements Symposium”; http://www.alltherightelementssymposium.com; There I was introduced to a lot of new and old friends whom will most likely shape my future drastically.

The Panal Included:

1. Sway Calloway-MTV Executive Producer
2. Rahman Dukes-Director of Urban Media at MTV
3. Rich Nice-A&R and Marketing Executive; Founder of Production Team “The TrackMasters”
4. Angela Yee-Radio Personality at Sirius XM Internet Radio on Shade 45; http://www.teamyee.tv
5. Kelly Jackson-President of Golden Shepard Alliance

There I learned a lot about publicity, new media, radio, creating your own niche, becoming a better artist/executive, along with so much more. I really look forward to putting all the information and advice given into motion. Personal note…if you get a chance to attend, you most definitely should.

I met a lot of up-and-coming talent at the event and I have to say that Im really happy with the way Arkansas is starting to shape up. All the panelist were very honest and straight to the point when telling artists about their music during the demo listening session.

furthermore, the 1st Annual Urban Fashion Show was that night too. Even thought I was able to attend even though I had bought my ticket, it seemed to be a big success. I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Lastly, Philander Smith College’s homecoming concert was tonight which featured national acts such as Young Dro, Huey, Tierra Marie, and a few others. I have to say that the performances were great.

Hard Facts: ALWAYS BE PREPARED! You never know who you are going to meet and always having a business card, CD, and/or being able to perform on the spot may get you. Going back to what Rich Nice said “You ONLY get an opportunity like that ONCE!”

It’s a wrap, until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

 This has been one really crazy day. I started the new creative writing geared towards Urban Fiction or Street Literature. Currently looking for a literary agent to help me shop the ideas, but I have a clear vision of where I want to proceed from here.

Im currently working on a short-story anthology which I hope will be available by May 2010 under the Dazzle Publishing division of ASUE. Im also helping a few friends get their ideas into print either through my company or leading them in the right direction with the proper resources.

Earlier, I did my research on more publishers who publishes Urban Fiction and I was very surprised that in Barnes & Noble I found over 10! I know theyre more out there, but it comes down to weeding out all the “vanity presses & scammers”.

Im thinking of starting a new online platform for my publishing company, but will think more on the matter for future references.

Im going to consult with my mentor, Dee Stewart-http://www.deestewart.com/, about how to move forward in this process. I really cherish her wisdom and love what she does for up-and-coming authors as well as establish authors; gives them a platform to get the knowledge and test their products among readers who really appreciate literature.

Hard Facts: Mentors are an excellent way to excel in any particular field. They can give you a do’s and dont’s roadmap to increase your chances of not making the same costly mistakes they have endured in the past. They also may have certain connections that can put you in a position to excel beyond your wildest dreams. Mentors can be found everywhere; even a person thats been an expert in a certain field for 1-2 years can help you tremendously in avoiding the start-up pitfalls, so always stay aware and dont be afraid to ask for help.

Thats it for me…until my fingers bless the keys again!

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC

First, I want to apologize to the fans of Dazzle Publishing Poetry Series! The chapbook has been available for some time, but we are re-negotiating terms as far as ebooks so you dont have to endure the shipping costs and you can download the ebook for the same price.

As far as Dazzle Publishing, we are really getting the ball moving in the publishing world. We are currently in negotiations with a few authors to have their creations featured in both digital and print editions ranging from poetry, fiction, action-adventure, and even children literature. Hopefully everything will come into agreements by the beginning of 2010.

“A Glimpse Into Our Souls” Poetry Series is inspiring poets and readers to really put yourself in the author’s shoes. We try to capture whats going on in the world today and package it into a literary classic so to speak. The ultimate goal for the series is to turn it into a full-fledge anthology combining all the mini-series and have it available for retail in stores and hopefully in book clubs.

Hard Facts: Ive learned that the BEST STORIES come from at the most unusual moments: dreams, real-life situations, expansion on an already existing story with a twist, etc. Always have a notepad with you to write ideas, plots, characters, etc. when they come to you at a moments notice; they hardly come when you want them too. And make sure you write everyday for at least an hour just to improve your writing skills.

Thats about it, until the fingers bless the keys again…

Darryl Thomas-CEO of ASUE LLC