Checking Back In

It's been a while since I've updated this blog (I have 3 others). But this experiment has definitely paid off. I'm pursuing my music career, and I've already put out a mixtape, Last Quarter: Notes from a Recessionista, and I have shows lined up at local pride festivals this summer.

In regards to school, I've decided to transfer to the online baccalaureate program at CUNY. This way my schedule is open so I can continue to do non-profit work full time and work on my music full time.

I'm also looking into Full Sail University and just being a career student in general. Holla back Lifetime Learning Credit.

more info on EQ Records and Renny Sanz here.

Wheels in Motion

A little over a week ago I bought an M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB Mobile Pre-amp and a condenser mic. I'm on my way.

I may have mentioned this before, but in case I didn't, I've come up with some ideas on how I will fund my record label. Basically I'm going to be my label's first artist. Half of my revenue will go directly to the label.

I plan on pressing an EP and booking some shows at local and out-of-state pride festivals this summer.

I am definitely on my way. Up up away.

From the Ground Up EP

I've decided to release an EP of my own songs tentatively titled From the Ground Up. I will use those CD sales to get the label off the ground. Renny Sanz (aka yours truly) is going to be the first artist on the label.

The New Label

It's settled. I am going to be the CEO and founder of my own record label. I've been working on the business plan here and there, and I've made a couple of contacts in regards to this endeavor. Grad school might be placed on hold for a little while.

As for the MBA, I'm not sure. I know that I could use some additional coursework in business management. So I will continue on with my Econ minor. Intermediate Macro this semester. How fitting given the current state of domestic and global economic affairs.

I might be able to Audit some courses locally or in the city once I graduate. I will also look closely at NJCU course offerings this summer and the fall. I need to take electives anyway.

Upon graduation, I will plunge into working for the label full time while I work at whatever Program Coordinator position at whichever non-profit tickles my fancy. Yeah. My resume is that nice.

That's that.

In the back of my mind though is being an English professor. We shall see. More to come on that a little later.

Business School and Me Pt. 2

Ok. What if I start my own record label AND be one of my label's artists? Yes, I could do that. But in the meantime I need something that I love to do but also pays well while I climb to the top.

Get an MBA to start my own record label???

I planned on starting a label, but do I need an MBA for that? Is there anything else I can do with an MBA that will make me happy? The non-profit management thing is cool, but I want my own non-profit.

And what's the deal with that? My own non-profit. My own record label. My own book. My own music career.

Hmm. I want to plan everything and execute things. I just know I'd be great at all of these endeavors. It's just a matter of choice now.

Or maybe I should go for the MFA after all and teach writing at the University level and start my own label during that process. That's sounding pretty good right now. That'll be my next entry.

Business School and Me Pt. 1

Years ago, when I first looked into a career in entertainment/media, I came across this dividing line. Careers fall under two categories: the business side and the creative side. I felt like I'd reached a fork in the road and had no clue which way to go. For some people this may seem like a simple choice, but it's been difficult for me.

I have always been good at math and communication. I'm great at computer applications, crunching numbers, and thinking ahead. But I'm also really great on stage in just about any capacity. But what am I to do?

Pursue a career as a recording artist or become CEO of a record label?

To me it's not even about the money. I would be happy in both situations, but I know that if I become CEO of a record label and give up on performing, a piece of me will always long for that. However, if I make it as a recording artist, I could care less about being CEO.

But what should I do now? What are the odds of me being successful at either of these careers? What can I do to increase those odds? What should I do?

To B-school or not to B-school? That is the question.

MFA in Creative Writing?

After some careful thought and research I've decided against the MFA in Creative Writing, at least for now. An MFA in Creative Writing is really just an accessory as opposed to a tool. It's expensive and does little to get me closer to my goals. While I would love to have the luxury of writing full time, an MFA is just that--a luxury. Getting one doesn't bring me any closer to getting published. There are many people who publish books without an MFA. So yeah. That's settled.