Category: Uncategorized

Posted in entertainment, LA, Music, Uncategorized

If You Don’t Believe Me, Believe Him

Posted on by Jaimee T

Most people who follow me, actually let me rephrase that. Most people who know me don’t know I’ve worked on a couple of documentaries and film work. My most recent work was a commercial for CMT Music Awards. So if you enjoy your show Nashville, I’m sure you will see Opie Williams on the commercials.

It’s not that I’m not interested in it, I guess I never got introduced to it until later in life. Strange because most of the time people are introduced through reading the school news or making their own music videos in middle school and high school. I was more interested in being the cool kid and a rock star.

My friend Kyle Olson and I didn’t really become good friends until after college. We went to high school together, but I was in the band, choir, and sports. He was the AV, smart  guy. Our worlds collided, but I guess our paths didn’t cross.

Long story short, he works out in LA on a ton of different shows. He made his break with America’s Next Top Model and his most recent project is The Twins: Happily Ever After. After being beaten up in high school, and breaking all the “typical rules”. Dropping out of college and leaving his hometown for his dream. I finally asked him the question that most people who want to work in entertainment want to know.

I said, “If you were someone that wanted to break into the film industry, what would you tell people and how to prepare for it?” Because let’s be honest, that’s what we are all here for. To make it.

His answer was spot on and I couldn’t agree me:

“Preparation, Patience, Persistence, Perseverance, Practice, and Pro-activity

You have to do the hard things. The things that no one else is doing. The things that scare you. The things that make you wonder how much longer you can hold on.  Those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between living a life of mediocrity or outrageous success.  The hard things are the easiest things to avoid. To excuse away. To pretend like they don’t apply to you.  The simple truth about how ordinary people accomplish outrageous feats of success is that they do the hard things that smarter, wealthier, more qualified people don’t have the courage — or desperation — to do.  Do the hard things. You might be surprised at how amazing you really are.”

And truly, I have to agree with him. I’ve been through some tough times in this industry and he has personally seen that. So if you don’t believe me, believe him.

Follow Kyle Olson to know his adventures in Hollywood:

Twitter: @HollywoodTinman

Instagram: @hollywoodtinman

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7k0a5hYnSI
Posted in Uncategorized

Leaving Bad Reviews

Posted on by Jaimee T

As most of my followers know, I like to write about artists and their shows. I like to write about my personal experiences in the industry. But I’ve also written reviews about music good or bad.

I will be the first to admit, I hate to be that person that leaves a bad review about anything. I feel like a troll. I hate writing them so much, I left two bad reviews in my life. One was for Airbnb when I went to Memphis. My host was just a hot mess. The other one was just now and I feel bad about it, but here’s my point of view.

I called about a medical bill because I was thinking to myself “why am I getting another medical bill, it’s like it never stops.” Long story short, I wanted to know when I had my last appointment. The woman on the phone was talking down to me and made me feel stupid. I went on my health insurance website to see that I was wrong about the bill and I do need to pay.

But what I was upset about is the woman on the phone. As someone who works with artists, bartenders, promotions; I know how important it is when you are working to be nice to people. It’s something I’ve learned way over time.

She was not nice to the point that I won’t be coming back. And I hate the fact that one person can ruin the whole experience really sucks.

I’m writing this article because I want people to know I try to stay super objective when it comes to leaving reviews and writing about my experiences. Because artists can have a bad show, a server can have a bad day. As a customer can I get frustrated, yes absolutely. But people need to be extremely careful when talking to people and how they talk to people.

As someone who blogs, here is some advice about writing reviews about music or anything in general:

  1. Be professional- You look really stupid when you have spelling and grammar errors everywhere.
  2. Write clearly- Explain why you are writing it. Otherwise, refer to number three.
  3. Don’t be stupid- Reviews can ruin a business or a person. Please be sure to do it because you want people to know what your experience was like.

 

Posted in Uncategorized

“Yeah Boy”

Posted on by Jaimee T

I went on my first real trip with a guy I like. I know, this is pretty new to me too.
Because who would want to hang out with me for extended periods of time… well let’s be honest, I can be pretty cool too!

We went to Arizona for warmer weather… the weather wasn’t warmer.But I enjoyed our hikes and our conversations. He’s extremely intelligent like high tech could break into your computer kind of smart.

The thing I liked about him the most, is that he is really open to the idea of me working in music. Most of the time, it scares a lot of guys away. Apparently, it makes me into this party girl.

Here’s what I’m excited about, the more I like guys like him, the better I understand sappy happy love songs. Maybe that means I can start truly writing songs again. And just become a better writer as well. I just hope this streak continues of just meeting awesome guys like him.

 

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

Don’t Give Up

Posted on by Jaimee T

For the first time ever, I really enjoy being home for Christmas. I haven’t done much since I have been here but living in nostalgia… Is that how you use it?

Anyways, I’m really excited because my dad got me a keyboard/synthesizer and I’m bringing back my saxophone to Nashville. Needless to say, I hope I get my musicianship back and hope that things will be great next year.

As I told my parents last night, I want to do it all. I want to be able to say everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I conquered and did well at it.

Music is always one of my biggest obstacles, I’ve always been able to play and read. And I was once really, really good. But life got in the way, so I hope this time it doesn’t.

Do I need a bit of practice, sure, I’ll admit it! But at one point in time, everyone did.

I hope that everything falls into place.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

It’s Christmas Time!

Posted on by Jaimee T

For the first time in forever, I actually got into the holiday spirit.

I wore ugly sweaters, I went to Christmas parties, I went caroling… not by my choice by any means.

But I have to admit, it was a fun month for Christmas stuff! But am I still a big fan of Christmas music… absolutely not.

I still think it’s pretty annoying and I won’t listen to it free willingly.

But I do think that some of the newer artists are coming out with some great remixes on Christmas music. Again, won’t listen to it free willingly, but you get my point.

But I hope everyone had a good 2016 and may 2017 be better! I hope my year gets better!

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

Getting Back in the Game

Posted on by Jaimee T

As I get back into writing and playing music again, I always forget about how hard it is to get into the music. I guess it’s just trying to be in the moment kind of thing and I lose that moment so quickly.

That’s always been my issue growing up when I had a hard time sitting at the piano. I would get bored so easily playing scales and chords. And then I would get frustrated when I couldn’t play a song right away.

Needless to say, I wasn’t the best musician growing up because I would get bored and frustrated very, very easily.

As I get older, I realize how happy I am that I played music growing up. Because now, I’m looking for more gigs, and playing piano might be one of them.

Yes, I need a lot of work. But I think I can get my motivation and inspiration back. Hopefully,it works out, stay tuned!

 

 

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

Festivals on Festivals on Festivals

Posted on by Jaimee T

For people that think that throwing on an event is easy, you are so wrong.
I know people who have a hard time planning their own birthday party, imagine throwing a birthday party for 10,000 people. Then think about food, parking, sponsors, the artists and most importantly budget. Just think about that and plus more for 10,000-50,000 of your closest friends. Do you think you could pull it off?

I’m not saying my job is rocket science, but it’s definitely not a cake walk either. I hope people appreciate the amount of work, sweat and tears it takes to put on a good show. And if it’s a damn good show, you the know the price is right.

This will be my second year working Rock the Green. To say the least I’m really excited about it. I’m excited to see everyone I worked with again, I’m excited about working another festival but more importantly, I’m excited to be home.

If you are in Milwaukee, come on by and say hi!

http://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/09/14/rock-green-makes-unlikely-return/90298078/

 

 

Posted in Life, Music, Uncategorized

“But I Can’t Go With Me Like This”

Posted on by Jaimee T

When life gets tough, sometimes it is OK to cry. Because let’s face it, we’ve all been through some roughness in our life, you don’t know if you’ll be able to face the real world again.

I wish there were more sad songs on the radio. I mean losing something or missing something so special to you. I think people would be able to relate to more songs because losing something (not in a heartbreak way) is such a strong feeling. Because sometimes, I can’t listen to music when I’m sad, because Pandora plays love songs… Not their fault, it’s just what is on the radio.

I’m in the process of losing my dog to cancer and it’s going to be a really tough process for me. She’s been so good to me as I’ve been traveling, moving and on my own adventures. She’s always there for me when I return. And because of everything I’ve been through since I moved down to Nashville, I’m going to start songwriting and playing piano again.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

#RIPChristina

Posted on by Jaimee T

I’ve been working in the industry for about four to five years now. I’ve seen the good and the bad. The great and the worst. But this, I will never understand.

At the end of the day, if you make in the industry. You’ve earned because it is not easy to get into the industry.

Christina Grimmie was a very talented artist. I don’t recall her being on The Voice (because I really don’t watch the show) But I remember and still watch her YouTube videos. She was an incredibly gifted person and her life ended way too soon.

Why someone would do something like this? It is not just awful, it’s  despicable. I don’t care what happened, in the end, no one should die over it.

And because of recent events, now I’m on high alert with my artist. She too likes to sign after her performances… what if something were to happen… I can’t think about it.

We need to stop doing this to each other. We need to come together and be one. Because at the end of the day, we are all here for the same reason. To live our dreams.

And to Christina’s family and friends, I’m so sorry for your loss. It is not fair and I hope you get the respect and privacy you deserve.

 

This is one of my favorite videos of her. RIP Christina.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

#HeartOut

Posted on by Jaimee T

 

The thing I love about Music City, is discovering new music. But sometimes I don’t even find new music here in the city. Sometimes, music just pops up out of nowhere or someplace else.

…Also known as getting the hell out of bed and exploring this beautiful world.

In 2014, I was promised a full time job from a company. Long story short, that company went back on their word and I didn’t get it. So instead of getting even, I just went on to work on my own life.

2014 I went down to SXSW, and given the chance, I would do it all again! I love Austin and I love SXSW!

There were two big bands that everyone wanted to see… well I wanted to see. Echosmith and The 1975. Since then, both bands have become some of the biggest pnenomeons when it comes to music and what we listen to today.

I recently went home for a couple of days and I went to see The 1975. Finally! I was so pumped to see them! And they didn’t disappoint, that was probably one of the best lighting shows I’ve seen a while!

With that being said,  as much as I like the band, their music and overall vibe. I don’t understand their audience. It’s a bunch of #Tweeniebopers. It’s like zombies who came out of the wood word, where the hell did they come from?

I guess I can’t complain, because they knew the words to every song, but I mean… Really?

 

 

#heartout