I met quite a few cool people while in Austin, and I also established some connections that have already proven to be valuable for both Phoebe & myself.  The mission is never complete–which is why I hadn’t had the opportunity to post the SXSW blog & pics–as there is still lots more to be done.  I never imagined being on this side of the business–mentoring an up & coming artist, flexing my songwriting muscles, shaping an image, heavy networking–but I’m learning so much.  I also hope this current project solidifies my place as a REAL writer–songwriting, journalism, and beyond.

In addition to that, I’ve been cracking into a “new” career as video girl (insert laugh here).  It’s not what you think!  Local Hip-Hop artist, Big Ced will soon be releasing his latest offering–The Wrap Up.  This project features several tracks with my artist, Phoebe Phalyn.  Since I was so instrumental in that work relationship, he offered me the lead role in his video for the single, “Back Around” featuring Tony Mac of the Coughee Brothers.

The next thing I’m currently setting up for Phoebe Phalyn is her 1st Official Live Performance/Video Shoot.  Things are still in the beginning stages, but it’s going to be an unforgettable experience once everything is ironed out and put together.  It’s a totally exclusive event and will be invitation only.  It may not even take place in Houston…so make sure to keep checking my blog (here on http://shonjay.wordpress.com), Phoebe Phalyn’s blog on www.JusFlippin.com and also follow her on Twitter (@PhoebePhalyn) and FaceBook (www.facebook.com/phoebe.phalyn) to get the latest information on how to be in attendance.

ShonJay

The video for this tune, which is currently available for viewing on both Sha’s YouTube channel (TheShaMan122) and the videographer’s YouTube channel (ThirdVisionMedia), has gotten a myriad of excellent reviews.  I had the pleasure of viewing it myself, and I must say that it definitely puts Sha in another class.  He has truly elevated his game at this point.  He has officially left the ranks of outstanding amateurs and has joined an elite class of indie artists who carve their own niche` and make you love its groove.  He’s basically shouting from the tops of his lungs, “I’m a professional!  Recognize!”  Sha has taken great pride and put in vast efforts to deliver the best product possible–from the professional mixing and mastering of the record, to the perfectly executed video shoot for the single.  It’s no amateur video by any means.  The masterful skill of the video production team (everyone from the camera man to the editor) is apparent and is comparable, if not better, than music videos that are currently in rotation on music television.

David Sha and his team have planned a series of events to celebrate the release of this record for the weekend of April 22-24, 2011.  The flyer for the “Spring Fresh Saturday” event on Saturday, April 23, 2011 is below.  For the most up-to-date information on the other festivities, check out his Facebook page.  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1467475789

ShonJay

At first listen, one would assume Sha is crooning about an imperfect woman with whom he is hopelessly in love.  However, this soulful outcry is actually an ode to his neighborhood–Carverdale (as the title suggests)–the place he grew up and is responsible for making him the man he is today.  He delivers the lyrics with such conviction and passion that by the song’s end, you too, love Carverdale, appreciate its street wisdom, agonize over its deficits, but understand its influence.  Sha leads you on a journey through its streets…you picture abandoned homes, children playing in middle of the road, young misguided men hustling on its corners…Nevertheless, you still see the beauty in this ‘hood and say along with him that “it’s alright with me.”

Stay tuned for more info on the release of the single and related events.  Hopefully, I can get an actual interview with this rising star!!

ShonJay

I currently mentor Raynard Entertainment recording artist Phoebe Phalyn and I also write most of her material. She and I are truly on the same page. We have shared some of the same experiences in life and especially relationships. We’re both outspoken and consider ourselves “an open book” for the most part. With me, I have to maintain some sort of mystery no matter how comfortable I am sharing certain things about myself. PhoebePhalyn is more outright–although, she has mystery as well.

Musically, she says the things I could never get away with saying, but am always thinking. I created her as my antithesis, some sort of an alter ego, except she’s a real person and not someone I just created in my head. She exists in real time and space. She looks up to me, and I impart into her. The words I write for her express my innermost thoughts. She conveys the words with such eloquence because she, herself has lived them as well. She understands and tells the story as if it’s her own…because it really is her story as well. We share the same journey and we walk the path hand in hand. It’s as if I’m the author and she’s the illustrator. We tell the story together–I just choose to remain behind the scenes.

I don’t purposely seek to make her an edgy artist. I just want her individuality to shine forth just being who she is. She has a lot to say, and I truly hope the world is ready to listen. Some things may indeed shock you. Sometimes you’ll scratch your head and say “Did she REALLY just say that?”

I hope you’ll enjoy the journey with us. Follow her on Twitter @PhoebePhalyn & also check her out on www.facebook.com/phoebe.phalyn ! She currently has her own blog on www.jusflippin.com .

~ShonJay~
(Follow me on Twitter @ShonJay)