The Crazy Ass Week That Was My Life 5.24.2013

So as I sit here trying to write two blog postings in one day (a miracle in my world) I am reflecting on the crazy ass week that was my life.

Monday May 20, 2013: Video editing sessions for the latest round of videos for MUBUTV | Music Business Television that we did from MUSEXPO in Hollywood the week before. Very excited about these as we got some great videos with top music industry professionals. Here is a shot with manager Tom Callahan and my Partner Ritch Esra and I after his interview. 

 

Then it was off to a meeting with my partner Ritch to continue working on MUBU. We have been working very hard on the MUBUTV venture and project and it has been coming along very nicely. We hope to have some big announcements and news real soon. In the meantime you can check out more on MUBU at http://www.mubutv.com

 moving right along...

Tuesday May 21, 2013: Stared with a meeting for a friend that I am helping on a project, then raced to get to a session in the studio with a new artist that I am working with Katie Scarlett. I've been consulting with her to help get her first release out. We recorded and produced her vocals in the studio with my partner in crime Rochella Brown who did an amazing job with me in not only get a great performance out of her but we cut some really cool vocal parts and harmonies.

I also had the pleasure to work with the team that produced the track, Omer and Adam from Riotvan Productions. They did an incredible job and are super talented guys. Here are some pics from the sessions.

 

Me & artist Katie Scarlett

Rochella Brown, Katie Scarlett

Omer Avni, Rochella Brown, Katie Scarlett, Adam Peri

Then it was off to the Latin ReMIXX event at Infusion Lounge at Universal Studios with my boy Ignacio Val hosted by BMI. This was a pretty cool networking mixer. There was a cool panel on the state of the industry from the Latin perspective. The event was mainly focused towards DJ's but did have a general focus on the Latin music industry on a whole. Here is a pic with me and Ignacio Val. We've come a long way and the journey still continues.

Ignacio Val & Eric Knight | Latin ReMIXX event @ Infusion Lounge Universal Studios
photo credit: Fredwill Hernandez | Hollywood Today

Ignacio Val | Latin ReMIXX event @ Infusion Lounge Universal Studios photo credit: Fredwill Hernandez | Hollywood Today

Ignacio Val & Eric Knight

Wednesday May 22, 2013: Was another day of meetings for MUBUTV which were very intense. We are getting closer and closer to the ultimate goal of what MUBUTV will become and are very excited for what the future holds


Thursday May 23, 2013: Spent the day listening to the "Startup School" blogs with Seth Godin on them. I'm a huge Godin fan. If you've haven't listened to any of his thought leadership stuff you should. He's brilliant! He also has authored several books as well. So he is my new Rock Star as of late. Check out his blog here. Seth Godin Blog.

Then had a meeting for MUBUTV with our SCORE Counselor in Glendale about where we are at with the project. Randy Lash has been our mentor now on the project since late last year and it has been amazing to work with him. Anyone thinking of going to start their own business or enter into a new venture with someone should visit the official SCORE site here:
SCORE | Official Site  Best of all it's all FREE!

Later that evening I trucked it on down the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood to watch singer, songwriter Sarah D. bring down the house there. Sarah is a great singer out of Australia that's making a big splash here in the states. She's been out promoting her new EP and it's pretty great! 

My guitarist Ramon Blanco for my new band project Disciples Of Babylon, performs with Sarah D. as well so I came down to support both of them. It was a great night. Also met up with our bass player for the band Mr. Gui Bodi and also ran into producer/drummer extraordinaire Andres Torres which turned out to be an incredibly fun filled evening. Here are some pics from that night: 

Gui Bodi, Eric Knight, Ramon Blanco, Disciples Of Babylon

Eric Knight & Sarah D.

The whole gang after the show: Rochella, Eric, Andres, Gui, Sarah, Ramon & Daniel

speaking of the new band...

We are super stoked about this band. I'm excited to finally be part of a band again after so long. It was a dream of mines to get back into a band situation but I didn't want to be in a hired gun situation. I had this idea for putting the band together for Disciples a few years back but then walked away from it cause it didn't feel right. 

Late last year I was watching videos on YouTube and I came across a video for who would become our guitarist Ramon and was blown away by what I saw. He was amazing very melodic player with great taste in music. So I immediately thought this would be the guy to start the band with and begin writing with together. So we set up a meeting and the rest was history. 

We have been holed up writing songs together and early this year Ramon's close friend Gui Bodi and fellow band mate on some other projects decided to join the band as well and began to write with us as well. All I can say is the ideas are pouring in and we are very excited to share this music with the world. I can't say what it is like cause it's still being formulated but I know it has a unique sound and is getting more refined as we progress.

Now if we can only find a great Rock drummer. We have been on the hunt for a drummer now for the past couple of months now. We held some auditions about a month ago but came up empty so far. So if any of you out there reading this that knows of a kick ass drummer along the lines of Bonham, Hawkins, Grohl and are based in Los Angeles then send them our way. Here is the audition notice: Disciples Of Babylon | Drummer Auditions.


Friday May 24, 2013: To wrap up the crazy week that was, the day began with an early morning mix session for the Katie Scarlett single "Forever And A Day" that we did earlier in the week. Here I am contemplating the sound of the mix as I am sure a million other thoughts.

Omer Avni mixing with me listening intently

Once we were done with the final mix and new it was good, I shuttled it off to Hollywood for a songwriting session with the guys for the Disciples project. We meet every Friday to write songs or picked up where we left off with a previous song that we may have been working on. This week we worked on an idea that came from Gui our bassist and it's sounding pretty cool. It's taken a little bit to realize but it is finally starting to take shape.

After that I went on to my next meeting which was again with my partner Ritch for the MUBUTV project. We are trying to get finished with what we need to so that we may move on to the next phase in the project. Lots of work but incredibly gratifying. 

After that I went straight home and just crashed onto my bed to try and rest, and of course I couldn't cause I've been so wired with everything prior. So there you have it one week in my crazy ass life. Tune in next week when I attempt to squeeze even into more things while being sleep deprived. Fun for the whole family. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Blessings 
EK

Got High on Maui Wowie!

Well not exactly! LOL! I just had one of the most enlighten experiences of my life. I just recently traveled last week to the beautiful island of Maui last week for the fourth time. I must say that it never, nor will it ever get old. 

It is one of the most serene and tranquil places I've ever visited in my travels. Just an amazing

Kamaole Beach Park

place to tune into the real beauty of nature. And the food is just incredible. I've pretty much have done all that there is to do while in Maui, but this time around I got to visit a couple of places that I had never been too before. One was the beach at Kamaole Beach Park. The water was a bit cold but once you finally went in completely it was wonderful. I was there with family and I must say it was a beautiful experience. (Here is a picture on the right that I shot before leaving)


The next day we traveled to another glorious place called the Sacred Garden. Now I must say just arriving into the entrance of this glorious place looked like something out of a movie. You could just feel the energy from this place running through your body. From the front before entering the building it looks like it's going to be like a small quaint little place maybe selling some touristy trinkets. But once inside, it has a completely different feel and vibe. 

Entrance into the Sacred Garden

Yes there are lots of things to buy but there more on the spiritual side of things which I really loved and enjoyed, but the real treasure was out in the back in the open gardens and nursery. There was a beautiful Buddah Garden in the nursery that truly made you feel at peace and relax no matter what your religious faith or background may be. Originally from Bali, this 500-600 pound Buddha is carved from a single piece of Balinese Monkeypod wood..I was truly grateful for being there. Take a look at the front entrance into the Sacred Garden then Buddha and Buddah and I. 

Sacred Garden Buddah Garden

Eric and Buddah

Finally I went out into the gardens themselves and found a labyrinth in the back. The first one that I have ever seen before in my life. Here is the official description from their website http://www.sacredgardensmaui.com of what the labyrinth means and stands for.

11-Circuit Labyrinth

Modeled after the pattern of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France, this is an 11-circuit medieval labyrinth design with the alteration of an open heart in the center.

Circuits refer to the number of times the path passes between the center and the outside edge.

The labyrinth is an ancient path of pilgrimage, rich with meaning. Early in the 13th century, when the Crusades made journeying to sacred destinations too dangerous, if not impossible, would-be pilgrims got creative and used this beautiful path of prayer within the safety of the church. Within the labyrinth they could take a metaphorical pilgrimage. Since that time, the uses have expanded to include a path of self-discovery, healing, contemplation and revelation. 

There is definitely an energy source once you reach the center of the labyrinth. I closed my eyes and prayed for healing and health for everyone close to me. As well as heal the people that are struggling and suffering unnecessarily. Here is a shot of me in the middle of the labyrinth.

And on our last day we visited a place that I had been to before Iao Valley. This is a breathtaking national park that is filled with beautiful greenery everywhere. It also has some of the most refreshing rivers running through them. Here is a picture that I shot as we drove into the valley, simply breathtaking.

 

Iao Valley | Maui Hawaii

 

All in all this was an amazing place and amazing trip. We had a short stay this time but somehow still felt rested and energized from it. I'm already planning the next trip as we speak. Special thanks to Nika, Tulei and family for another wonderful experience.

Many blessings

Eric

 

Working With Sony Artist Aleks Syntek

Well since I am in the blogging mood I must continue to post a few other newsworthy items as I'll never know when the hell will be the next time I blog.

Today I was helping out Sony Music Artist Aleks Syntek. He is currently out promoting his new single entitled, "La Tormenta" English translation, "The Storm". Here I am pictured with Alex on the first of two TV morning show appearances. One for Univision and the other for Telemundo.  Aleks is a very sweet and down to earth person. This guy has had some mega hits in his genre and has written for various other stars in the Latin genre. Continued success Aleks.

Eric Knight & Aleks Syntek

Big Showcase for me next Wednesday evening April 3rd in Hollywood

It's been just way too long since my last post here on the blog and all I can say is "way too much going on to keep up with it all" not that it's a bad thing but I need to make a more conscious effort to update here it's embarrassing :(.

Any way I have a huge showcase next Wednesday night April 3rd at King King in Hollywood. It's all part of the Persistent Management Music Industry Showcase 2013. Featuring performances by my dear friends: Satellite Sky, Ignacio Val and Jonny Kaplan. Should be a fun filled evening for the whole family. Did I mention it's absolutely FREE to attend! I'd figure that may get your attention (or not) but either way you can get your tickets below and order up to four a piece, not a bad deal for FREE and a great night of music.

I'll also leave you with a video taken from last years PM Music Showcase 2012 for the song "Empress" which is from my never ending album in the making entitled "Delusions Of Grandeur" and yes delusional I am becoming indeed. Enjoy and if you are in the Southern California area I hope to see you at the show. Blessings EK

Read the official press release on the showcase here: http://pmindustryshowcase2013.eventbrite.com/

Sell Tickets through Eventbrite

MUBUTV is here...

This past Wednesday August 15th was the launch of a new online network called MUBUTV that I am the Co-founder on. The MUBUTV Insider Video Series, features interviews with some of today’s leading music industry professionals in the areas of A&R, music supervision, legal affairs, marketing & branding, publicity and record production among others.  We worked very hard on the creation and development of this first show and I am very proud with how it came out. 

I've attached the official press release below for you to check out. And I also went ahead and included the MUBUTV promo clip for the show as well as the first episode with veteran music supervisor John Houlihan. This was truly a labor of love and one that I hope that you will really enjoy. Much love & blessings...

 MUBUTV: Video Insider Series Promo Clip 2012

MUBUTV Press Release

Music Industry Insider Video Series MUBUTV set to launch August 15th

HOLLYWOOD, CA  (August 15, 2012) – Global music industry partners the Music Business Registry and Symbiotic Nation have joined forces to present the MUBUTV Insider Video Series, featuring interviews with some of today’s leading music industry professionals in the areas of A&R, music supervision, legal affairs, marketing & branding, publicity and record production among others. The series is set to debut on MUBUTV’s official website (MUBUTV.COM) as well as their YouTube channel on Wednesday August 15th.

MUBUTV™ is the brainchild of Ritch Esra of the Music Business Registry, the premier source of music industry contacts, singer songwriter and entrepreneur Eric Knight of Symbiotic Nation a new entertainment startup, and songwriter, session player Doug Probst. “For a long time, Ritch and I had discussed working on a project together that would embody our passion for educating artists as well as professionals on the future of our industry.” says Knight. Esra and Probst concur, “Over the last decade, we’ve experienced a radical sea change in this business which is why we feel that the time for this is now.  It’s absolutely crucial that artists and industry professionals educate themselves.”

Some of the featured guests in the first season of the Insider Video Series, include top music supervisor John Houlihan (Austin Powers, Charlie’s Angels, Training Day), A&R executive and artist consultant Don Grierson (Celine Dion, Cheap Trick, Heart), leading publicist Versa Manos (Sex Pistols, Whitney Houston, The Police), networking guru and author Dan Kimpel (Networking in the Music Business, It All Begins With the Music) and Kyle Bylin music sociologist and content manager at Live Nation.

Another component of MUBUTV is their “Featured Artist Series” which will showcase and spotlight videos from new and up-and-coming artists in every genre from around the world.

“We want MUBUTV to be the trusted source to help break the next generation of artists”, says Esra.

MUBUTV’s Insider Series will debut a new episode every two weeks. For more information contact John Sanders at media@mubutv.com or 424.245.0416. For more information, videos and news on MUBUTV visit their website www.mubutv.com

ABOUT MUBUTV

MUBUTV™ is a music business video series that examines several areas of today’s music industry, including: A&R, music supervision, legal affairs, marketing & branding, publicity and record production among others. The ultimate goal and objective of MUBUTV is to educate, empower and enlighten the musician and industry professional of the twenty first century.

     ###

MUBUTV: Video Insider Series Part One Music Supervisor John Houlihan

 
 

Performing with Frankie J!

Boy it's been a while since my last post and I feel ashamed of myself. I've kept promising more consistent posting on my blog but have found it harder to do than I thought it would. I guess I'm going to have to really force myself to dig in and write. With that being said, here we go. Well this past Monday August 13th, I had the distinct pleasure to perform with Universal Music Artist Frankie J. I have to say I was quite surprised by what a great and humble person he turned out to be. He definitely has his feet on the ground and has the right idea about everything. He is a HUGE talent and what a great singer, WOW!

We ended up doing three TV show tapings for him. One was for the morning show here in LA for Univision called 'Primera Edicion' then shortly after we did 'Lanzate' and then finally later that evening we were in Burbank for the TV taping of a crazy ass show called 'Estudio 2'. I wish Frankie J. nothing but massive success. He's on tour now with J. Lo and Enrique Iglesias. You should go check him out. Below is a shot with me and Frankie J. before we did the show on the set of 'Primera Edicion'. Yeah I know it's a little blurry.

Eric Knight with Frankie J

Persistent Management Industry Showcase Scrapbook

I just wanted to pop in and drop this little scrapbook off from last weeks Persistent Management | Symbiotic Nation industry showcase. I'm still on a high from this amazing event. This was truly one of the best performances ever by all the bands (Satellite Sky, Ignacio Val) and one of my personal best. Can't wait to get back some of the videos for this show, they should be amazing.

Below is a collection of shots and a document of what a great night it truly was. Hope you enjoy. Until next time have a great weekend. Much love & respect. Eric

Eric Knight | PM Industry Showcase at King King 3.28.2012

HOLY CRAP! What an amazing time we had last Wednesday night at the Persistent Management | Symbiotic Nation Music Industry Showcase at King King in Hollywood. I can safely say this was one of my best performances and overall the bands best performance ever! There was just an AMAZING energy and electricity flowing through the air that evening and it definitely showed.

There were two other incredible acts on the bill that evening. Indie rockers Satellite Sky from Australia and Latin Pop-Rock star Ignacio Val. Satellite Sky is one of my favorite new bands to come on to the scene. They just released an EP late last year that I cannot stop playing. Infectious tunes and just great sound. They have something extremely special going on and I'm very excited to be working with them. I can't wait to see what's around the corner for them.

Ignacio Val's set was simply great! He has all the makings of a major superstar and this evening's performance was no exception. Every song in his set is a potential radio single and just the energy and charisma that he exudes is just unstoppable. I'm very proud of how far he has come.

I also wanted to thank the crew that we had that evening. Nick Gallagher, Tomas Wolfe, Moshe Yosef. You guys were FRICKEN AMAZING and I am so grateful for your acts of kindness and help it was truly beautiful to watch.

Also to our production crew documenting the evening: Gerson Segura, Mario Amadeau & Daniel Hodge what beautiful images you captured. I'm truly blown away and can't wait to show the material to everyone.

To our AMAZING host Erin Darling who was very gracious to lend us her talents, Erin thank you!

And to my asst and right hand girl Brooke Griffin. Without you it simply would not have got done. Your time and energy towards this show was simply breathtaking and I have a deep debt of gratitude for everything that you have done. :)

And to our special guest musicians that evening: Rochella Brown & Ken Hikaro thank you so much for lending us your talents on "Happy Together" it was amazing. And to my sweety Rochella it was awesome to finally share the stage with you even if it was for only one song. :)

And of course my band: To Greg, Forrest & Daniele. What can I say. I am blessed, honored and privileged that you would even consider performing with me. You certainly make me look great and I am eternally grateful and love you guys tremendously!

With that I will leave you with a bunch of pictures from the other night and there is more to come. Hope you enjoy. Blessings. Eric

Eric Knight | PM Music Industry Showcase | King King 3.28.2012

PM Industry Showcase Promo Clip feat. Eric Knight

Here is a brand new promo clip from Persistent Management for the upcoming PM industry showcase next week in Hollywood at King King. This features myself Satellite Sky & Ignacio Val in action. So here is a little sneak preview of what you'll see on March 28th. I'd love to see all my LA folks down there. We've got a great night planned. Don't forget to RSVP for your FREE tickets at: http://pmindustryshowcase.eventbrite.com/

 

 

Gearing up for the PM Industry Showcase next Wednesday March 28th in Hollywood

(Los Angeles) Eric Knight returns to the stage for the first show in over a year for the upcoming music industry showcase for Persistent Management his management company. "I am incredibly excited to be involved yet again and to get back onstage." says the singer. "It's been a long time for me to get back to this point, I have been working very hard on trying to get this next record in the can." referring to his upcoming release Delusions Of Grandeur. "It's been a long battle to get to the point where I'm at now, and I did not really want to start performing again until I had something new out there." Eric will be joined by two other acts: Satellite Sky and Ignacio Val for the event. "The beautiful thing about all of this and getting to perform again is that I get to play with other people that are near and dear to my heart and that are amazing artists in their own right." exclaims the singer.

Persistent Management and Symbiotic Nation is excited to announce a music industry showcase set for Wednesday evening March 28, 2012 at King King in Hollywood. Featuring performances from Eric Knight, Ignacio Val & Satellite Sky. The event is FREE and open to the public. King King is located at 6555 Hollywood Blvd. Industry professionals wishing to RSVP for the guest list for this showcase are encouraged to email: media@persistentmanagement.com or call 424.245.0416

Online Ticketing for PM | Music Industry Showcase featuring Eric Knight | Ignacio Val | Satellite Sky (FREE EVENT) powered by Eventbrite

Holy CRAP! The Year In Review Pt. 1

Hello one and all. Holy CRAP! I can't believe it's been since February since my last posting on here. Wow, I'm totally embarrassed. I vowed to be on this shite like nobody's business but of course in this new day and age in technology there are just too many distractions between tweeting, facebooking, emailing there is just too much to keep up with and frankly it has taken it's toll.

So again I will attempt in short burst of prose to update you or whoever is reading to update you on what has been going on in my world since my last transmission. So as I sit here at MIA airport waiting to see my family in North Carolina, I will update you once I land and get settled in on new happenings and just general nuttiness in my life. Until then: peace, love & happiness...

Blessings
Eric

Eric Knight | MI Success Story Video Shoot REDUX 2.11.2011

Hello everyone in the blogosphere. It's been a while and I'm actually very behind in my blog postings (bad boy). I still owe everyone a Happy New Year and it's February 16th LOL! Anyway a lot has been happening and I promise to have a full recap from the new year till present. But for now I just wanted to pop in and post up some new pictures of the video shoot I just did with MI for the second time for their "Success Series" of videos. The first one seemed to have had some technical difficulties and wasn't able to be salvaged. The good news is that I think they got everything they needed the second time around so I hope to have that video up for you guys at some point very soon. Lots and lots of exciting things happening in the coming weeks and months, and as I mentioned will have a full recap of events highlights and just plain ole fun that I've been having. So knock yourselves out to some Justin Bieber and I'll be back soon to wine you and dine you.

Much love & respect
Eric

 

Eric Knight | Video Shoot 

Patricia Wayne MI producer & me

 

Cameraman POV

 

 Interview Segment

 

More Interviews

Eric with the video crew...

It's been a very crazy couple of weeks...

Holy crap! It's been an insane couple of weeks for me. It's all been good things. I've felt very productive "which is a rare thing for me to feel". Last week was an absolute whirlwind. I started out the morning heading out to my old alma mater Musicians Institute in Hollywood. I shot a video for their "Success Story" video series which was pretty cool. I was honored that they would ask me to come out and do that.

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Eric Knight - MI Success Story Shoot

Then it was off to have lunch with at my bassist Daniele Decario's place. We had a great time. Got to listen to some incredible music that Daniele has created for film & TV projects. His wife Ingrid prepared Rochella and myself an incredible brunch that was absolutely delicious. We stayed and talked about Italy and all the non-Italian dishes that America has created which are unheard of in Italy. It was hilarious to hear that. And all this time I thought Alfredo Fettuchini  was a classic Italian dish, WRONG!

Interviews @ West LA Music

After that it was off to the Musicians Union Local 47 in Hollywood. I met up with VP of the union John Acosta. Just recently met him over at a recent industry event. I went to meet up to talk to him about joining the union and what were the advantages of doing so. I was pleasantly surprised by all the cool services they offer their membership and was convinced that I would be doing this in 2011! We also talked about going to Cuba of all things since he had just been down there. I had expressed an interest that I wanted to go visit the homeland myself in the new year. He told me what to do and what to avoid while I was there. All in all a great meeting. He had another phone meeting to tend to so I had to high tail it out of there to my next mission if I so decided.

The next stop in my journey was to West LA Music in where else, West LA. I met up with long time supporter and equipment guru Randy Fuchs from Artist Relations. Randy has been responsible for getting most if not all my product endorsements since I've been performing for years now. I did some quick testimonial videos for my endorsees MXL & Brace Audio. Also met up with the VP of MXL Mics while we were there. Great guy he had just informed me that he saw my name on there performers list for NAMM 2011 in which I will be representing MXL during the convention. MXL just ROCKS! And so does Brace Audio wireless. Here's a pic of me below during the interviews... Whew and that was just Friday.

Saturday a little less hectic. I had a performance with my drummer Forrest for a great cause "Empty Bowls". It was the second year I was doing it. I was super psyched and glad that Forrest and his wife Paige invited me to perform there again. Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort and movement to end hunger everywhere. I don't understand how in this day and age of abundance we still have people going hungry. Here are some pics from the event below...

Empty Bowls event 11.13.2010

Empty Bowls event 11.13.2010

 Empty Bowls event 11.13.2010

 Empty Bowls event 11.13.2010

Empty Bowls event 11.13.2010

All in all it has been a great few weeks leading into the end of the year. I'm very excited this week to head over to see my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. May all of your families and friends have a great holiday. I'll be back with an update very soon... Happy Thanksgiving. Eric