Early Bird Gets It

The Early Bird gets the worm.

This is something we all used to hear growing up. Its something that i go through phases with, and i've found its directly correlated to your mind state, goals, etc. For instance, in a slouching, lazy or insecure state, we are likely to want to sleep in, waking up with no rush and excitement whatsoever. On the other hand, when we have tuned into our self, and set goals, feel great, we wake up in a snap. It's these times that we look forward to starting another brand new day as opposed to dreading another one.

It really is the way we perceive things that makes this difference, and that being said, everything in this life is tied together. When we are unhappy, we are unhappy with our family, our friends, ourselves. Maybe our financial/work situation is not stable. Maybe its something in our personal life. Often its the way we feel, which with most of us is another direct correlation to the way we look, the way we eat, how often we exercise and how much natural energy we feel.

On the other hand, and speaking from personal experience, when we feel our best is when we are healthiest. Eating right, working out, feeling excited about tackling everyday, because we are alive. Because everyday is another opportunity to LIVE, to grow, to challenge and to achieve new goals.

Anyway, i feel great today, and it didn't come easily. I struggled for a long time to snap out of my mornings of waking up unhappy, without excitement. I was overweight, drank too much, smoked too much, and had crazy sleeping patterns. As i've mentioned before, it usually takes from 30-45 days to make a new routine into habit, and for that reason it is crucial to set those goals to keep on track.

SO, if you're waking up every morning and lacking energy and excitement to tackle your day, try mixing up your routine. It wont be easy, but it also shouldn't be drastic! Be patient. Don't do a diet that isn't realistic or will get you short term results, those are the ones that will get you right back to where you don't wanna be the fastest. Set goals, and have the courage to follow through with them knowing that you'll feel better later because of them.

If you're unhappy with your job, look into something else! Remember to love what you do and do what you love, if you truly want to be happy. It sounds cliche, but if you truly love it, you will succeed at it if you do your very best and never work a day in your life.

Also

Anyhow that's my 2 cents.

Songwriting, Singing and Beats, Oh My

=========================

http://thehawtmovement.blogspot.com

=========================

Writer's block. Not "feeling it". Lack of Inspiration.

These are all symptoms that many of you writers out there most definitely feel me on. Writing is re-writing, that's true, but every great song, poem, story, novel begins with a great concept. But even sometimes a concept can't do much more than build your title.

Anyways, I haven't felt inspired to write much as of late, but somewhere in the past few weeks that has changed, and i am now transformed back into an inspired mind with constant pen in hand. It's funny how it works, when you have writer's block it's virtually impossible to write, you feel as if you're forcing creativity. But when it rains, it really does POUR out of your soul. Anways, i'm just glad its back and i hope it never goes away!

As i said beofre, i want to expand this blog even moreso, but now even take it a step further and talk about new projects that we have, not only house music but music in general. Of course the podcast is an integral part of it as well. I got the idea from my brother GABY, who started his blog this year, challenging himself to compose a brand new song once a week! It's not easy, but he feels great knowing he already had a bunch of new material he may not have had without setting those goals. Now its clockwork, and he no longer needs to remind himself as its become a habit. Check out his blog here:

http://www.gabyvmusic.com/

http://www.myspace.com/gabyvmusic

My brother has always been a huge influence on me and my musical dreams. Years ago, he dropped everything to pursue his dream in music. He never sat around to wait and hear what anybody thought of it, and didn't ask for feedback. Instead, he knew this was his calling and he "went for it". Now he lives in the Bay area and is happier than ever following his dream and growing more everyday. I don't know if i would be on this path had it not been for his passion and leadership, a true inspiration.

We all need inspiration. Problem is, it doesn't always fall in your lap, something i am realizing. You have to open yourself up to it, to the world, go get it. Of course its easier said than done, but the harder it is to find that courage, the better it will feel when that music returns to your soul.

PHISH - "Free"

Sun is Shining, Weather is Sweet

Wow this weekend was fun!

I am amazed how great of a time i had, and sober at that! Our Dotbleep party went of Saturday night, and I stuck to my test, not drinking at all and it was great! I danced harder and for much longer than i had in ages! Acid Circus really set the tone and played a great set, I was very glad to have finally caught them, realizing that i should check them out more often now. Then Justin Long came on, and WOW. I gotta say, every time i feel uninspired by music, i end up seeing Justin play again, and i'm completely recharged. He is constantly pushing the envelope and the sound, and whether you dig the style he plays or not, you can't help but appreciate his energy and way that he attacks the dancers with musical bombs. Check this clip of him at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival this year:



=======================================================

I must admit, i caved in and had a beer on Sunday at the Aquagroove pool party, but i rewarded myself in the sun when Justin Long and Sneak both played last minute daytime sets. Can you blame me? Anyway, although i did drink, all it did was remind me how unnecessary it was right now. So, back on track i am this Monday morning!

This Friday night we have the return of John Larner to HAWT. He has always been one of the favorites at our parties, and this Friday is no different! He is super excited to get back to LA, as are we, so if you wanna get your house music fix, come out this Friday night!



Anyways, have a great week and remember to enjoy the summer while you can! It's already mid-July and will be gone before we know it, so hit up the beach first chance you get, get outdoors and soak up the sun!

Originality in Music

Gelly turned me onto this interview by Zach Katz, who is one of the top managers for producers in the hip hop industry. Although it specifies hip hop, the main jist is in there.

Basically what Zach says is that you should be original with music. Sampling can only get you so far no matter what style you make, and instead of following trends, you should find your own sound and strive to BE that new thing, lead instead of follow. Not to mention, the difference between sampling and original music can mean making or breaking a million dollars, straight up.

Anyhow, i thought it was very interesting, so check it out.

My Dirty 30: A Test

MTV's "My Sweet Sixteen" ain't got shit on this!

So, I am turning the "Dirty 30" next month, and that got me thinking about some things....

I have always been one that loves to get my party on at any possible moment, I try to have fun as much as possible all the time, so on and so forth. By the same token, I am turning 30 on August 3rd, and that's pretty nuts(especially since i act like 19).

Anyhow, I am going to take a little pre-30 test. It's kinda crazy, but i think it will be fun and it will also push my limits and test my toughness. So, i decided to see how long i can go completely SOBER.

Now, when i say sober, that doesn't only include the obvious being alcohol, that includes everything. No more anything, no smoking, no coffee, no nada.

I figure that it will be tough, but i love a good challenge. I am even considering doing the Master Cleanse at some point this summer, so that should be interesting!

SO, if any of you wanna join in this test, lemme know. Start counting how many days you can go without intoxicating your body with any stimulants, alcohol, etc. Hey, what's the worst that can happen, right?

Let the games begin......

======================================================

Change of Scenery

This past weekend i went up north to see some friends and fam in the bay area, and boy was it fun. It was great to get away, and of course to see everyone up there, celebrating the 4th of July with them, BBQ-ing, listening to really good music by some stellar DJ's. It was a bit chilly up there for my taste, but the best part was the change of scenery.

It sometimes helps to change your scenery a bit. Whether only a day, a weekend, or even something more permanent, getting out of town really helps cleanse your thought processes, really understand where you are at in any given moment. It doesn't even have to be so far. Here in L.A. for instance, when i lived in Los Feliz, i would go for hikes alot. Not only is it great exercise, but it gets your mind thinking, your blood pumping. My former boss used to change the routes he would take to work every morning. Sure, some were longer than others, but everytime i tried it i saw something new, and felt more excited to get to work instead of getting there in the same routine. In other words, try changing your scenery a bit when you get a chance, it will work wonders for the soul.

Here is a nice lil jammy, "Balmes (A Better Life)" by Ian Pooley ft Esthero. This woman has one of the sweetest voices you will ever hear, so hope ya dig.



Giving Back

We are going to begin getting a group together for our 3rd annual Jackfrost Toy Drive here in LA. It doesn't start take place until Decemeber, but what i've learned is that its never too early to start planning for these. Last year by far exceeded our drive from the previous year, and this year we intend to shatter that number, all for a great cause. Anyhow, if you want to get involved and give back, or know someone who does, please let them know it's almost time for our first pre-production meeting next month.

Have a great day!

i read this somewhere...

"Patience:

patience is beyond a virtue. It's the weight of letting go of control, surrendering to the inevitable and allowing destiny to shape your path. Patience is the key to everything. It's patience that turns judgement into understanding, a plan into a purpose and allows your life to have meaning.

We force our feeling onto people-unwilling, unready.
In time...do not rush your destiny. You must not fight patience for control.
In time...you will have love, understanding, happiness...they will find you.
Shrug your shoulders
let life run free..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently i have been considering some drastic changes in my daily. Honestly, it scares the shit out of me, diving into something fresh that you have never experienced, that territory uncharted. It hurts, stings, and excites me all at the same time.

It isn't easy to let destiny shape your path. It isn't easy to get out of your comfort zone, accept life's challenges, or change the world.

But, if it was easy, would it be worth it? Course not. It's all about high risk, high reward, right? The best things in life are the ones that inspire greatness and positive change.

And at the same time, you don't know what you got til it's gone, so having the patience to let something run free is crucial, as much as it may sting.



love!