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.

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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