2012: Most of the Year In Review

This is the time of year where everyone takes time to reflect on the past calendar year. What was good? What wasn't so good? How many epic fails did I commit? How many Facebook pictures did I like/share because if I "ignored" them it showed that I didn't care? (That one's for you, Thai.)

I figured I'd take the time to give my opinion on some of the things Sunspot has been a part of in the last year. I should have time to bang this out before this week's show.

February 21 - July 31
The Photo Shoot and Making of "Check The Recipe 2" This is actually could've been two different sections. "The Making of" started in February while "The Photo Shoot" started in the last week of July... but they're intertwined. So there you go.

If you've Liked my Facebook page (and if you haven't, you're really missing out on some (high?) quality quips), you noticed a series of photographs featuring the Sunspot crew and other musicians that promoted my second mixtape. The photo shoot was a lot of fun. It's one thing to put in work to promote your work, but when you're surrounded by friends and family, it really doesn't seem like work at the end of the day. It was also a bonus that I knew the photographer from my previous job and the graphic designer from high school. I can't thank them enough for all their hard work, especially when they had to race against the clock!
If you need photography or videography, hit up KKS Photography.
For graphic design of any kind, Wendy Carmona-Florencio - Illustration & Design.

As far as the making of the actual mixtape, I couldn't possibly fit every detail in one entry, which is why I started this. However, I will say that Check The Recipe 2 was more successful than I ever thought. To everyone who was involved in the making of it: artists, producers, writers, loved ones, fans, affiliates, associates and anyone else that doesn't fit into one of those categories, I say THANK YOU.

August 22
KAYA Lynn Out Loud Talent Show (or as I call it, The LAWL Show) Sunspot staples G. Jonz and The Right Hook assisted KAYA behind the scenes in putting together this 2nd annual showcase. Runna also helped in making the show a huge success as ITM's Step Squad and Dance Team both performed that night. The entire process was something I wouldn't trade. The youth involved were so inspiring and incredibly gifted. During practices, they supported each other and gave helpful tips. The other advisers, Lynda and Lyna, offered great insights to the performers. The pressure was on for many reasons, but once the music hit and the lights were on bright, it was showtime and positive energy overpowered everyone in attendance. New friendships were definitely made that night. KAYA Crew, if you're reading this, thank you for the opportunity. I can not WAIT to do it again!

The good people at LynnHappens.com has the entire show on video. Here's the link: http://lynnhappens.com/?p=5932

I looked at my list at what I wanted to write about. I realized that, while I didn't plan to make this a mini-series of blogs, that's ultimately what this will become. All 3 parts will be done before the new year. And possibly before Sunspot's show this Friday.

Highlights of CTR2, Part 1: Walnut & Mara Bettencourt

Check The Recipe 2 is my latest mixtape which features 18 musical talents from the 781 area and beyond. I'll be giving some background info on two of the people involved in CTR2 in this entry. Sit back and take in some insight on the Recipe.

From left to right: Walnut, G. Jonz and Blak C admiring the beauty of Mara Bettencourt.

Walnut is a veteran in hip-hop culture. For over 20 years, Da Lyrical Geni has solidified in his name in the Boston area as one of the most diverse and conscious lyricists to ever hold a mic. CTR2 isn't the first time that Walnut and Sunspot have crossed paths. Walnut made an appearance in C.Luk's Extradimensional album as well as the critcally-acclaimed short film, "Captain Asian America." G. Jonz and C.Luk also lent a hand in producing two songs ("Next On the Mic" and "You Need to Stop") from Walnut's 2011 release - "Love Is In Your Face." C.Luk performs on "Next On the Mic" along with Big Brotha Sadi and Zullo Crew.

During the calendar year, Walnut hosts a series of Community Building parties where artists of all genres come together and promote positivity, have jam sessions, and generally have a good time. This is how G. Jonz met the vocalist/musican/songwriter Mara Bettencourt.

The Chef brought up the idea of making a second mixtape and explained that he wanted to expand his skills as a producer and delve into pop. Bettencourt agreed to help with this and stated that she wanted a sound that would be reminiscent of a "celestial" dance pop sound. About a week later, the beat was brought to Mara and the aural artist of Azores went to work on creating the lyrics. Soon, Love At First Sight was created and was instrumental (ha.) in leading the pop sound on CTR2. Mara's newest CD is scheduled for release sometime in January 2013.

You can listen to Walnut and Mara and get free downloads right now! Keep checking for updates as I highlight the remaining 16 voices of Check The Recipe 2!

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, this happened:

July 16, 2011 - A Night Out With Sunspot:

Since then, we released The Morning After and now, we're getting ready for the next evolution in G. Jonz production. A new mixtape compilation: Check The Recipe 2.

We're bringing hip-hop. We're bringing R&B. We're bringing pop. We're bringing new material from artists like The Right Hook, Runna, P.O.E.S. and The In$idaz. We're bringing artists that are working with Sunspot for the first time such as Balán Braxton and Mara Bettencourt.
Also, we got surprises... PLENTY OF SURPRISES!!

Tuesday, July 31st is the date - GET READY FOR A HOTTER SUMMER!!

When No One's Looking, I Be Doin Some Thangs...

...like this. GoAnimate.com: CTR2+promo1 by GJonz


Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

For more singles from Check The Recipe 2, click below or click this link and press play! Free downloads too! Tell the WORLD!

Some Music Insight and Reflection

As I prep the finishing touches to Check The Recipe 2, I was listening to songs from the Morning After album. It's always a fun challenge producing songs. This is especially the case with R&B and pop. The artists, writers and producers must pay attention to differing cadences, levels for all singers, finding the right keys for harmonies and layers... It's a lot to juggle.

Let me be clear, this is NOT me complaining about the song-creation process. As challenging as it is to make all the elements work in a song, it's also one of the best parts. When deciding what to add/not to add to a song, certain thoughts float around:

"Will the audience understand the point I'm making when they hear this line?"

"Ooh! I can't wait until they get to THIS point of the song! They're gonna be ROCKIN to that!"

"When [insert a specific person in your audience] hears this, she's never gonna think about Oreos the same way! Ha!"

Creative juices are pumping from the moment the first kick drum is inserted into a project file to make a beat, to the writing, to the recording, all the way to the final listen of the song. It's an adrenaline rush!

Check The Recipe 2 is going to be amazing. I promise you that! A promo vid will be up shortly, but for now, listen to the song that inspired me to write this blog: "Milky Way" from 2011's The Morning After by Runna & Right Hook.