Unity Radio Review

Last night I was on Unity Radio talking about my forthcoming EP release "8:00 AM". The show was great, everyone at the station was welcoming and couldn't have made it any easier for me. This was the first time I'd done anything like this so it was a new experience for me. I had quite a lot of information to fit in so I tried to talk about the main aspects of the EP. 
I was doing this show because I wanted people to hear my music and also promote myself commercially live on air, it was a great experience and I hope the release benefits from getting this little bit of exposure. I have also been asked to go back on the show after the EP has been released to do another feature. This will be another good opportunity to try and get some more exposure and promote the EP again.

EP Artwork First Draft Development

Email from Ayem Beats:

"I'm really happy you like it man, that's great news.
Nice eye with the 8am section, I knew something was a bit off, but couldn't really put my eye on it (and I dare call myself a graphic designer). I've uploaded some different versions of the artwork, let me know what you think. Being the indecisive person that I am, I couldn't really settle on one so I thought I'd let you pick one from the bunch. Hopefully there's one in there that you like, if not back to the drawing board.

Regards
Ayem"

Ayem sent me some different versions of the artwork and there were three designs that really stood out for me.

EP Artwork First Draft Development

Email to Ayem Beats:

"What you've done is great, I'm really impressed with what you've managed to achieve.
Everything looks great, I don't really need to change anything really, although could the '8:00 AM' bit be a different colour? Maybe a blue/green?

Thanks again, I appreciate the hard work you've done for me

- Mazzie"

EP Artwork First Draft

Today I got the first draft of my EP artwork back from Ayem Beats. The artwork looks great and I'm really pleased with what he's come up with. He's managed to take everything into account that I told him, and designed a piece of work that was close to vision I wanted him to achieve.

Email from Ayem Beats:

"Alright man
I've attached the cover I've come up with. I Was going to send it to you yesterday but it totally slipped my mind, sorry about that!
Let me know your thoughts on it. Like it, hate it, need some changes etc.

Regards
Ayem"

Here's the first draft of the EP cover

Recording With Dr Syntax

Today I had a recording session in the SSL with Dr Syntax. I was really excited about working with him as I've always listened to his music since I was a teenager. It was an honor to be in the same studio as him. The session was great it had a real professional feel about it, we both shared ideas on how we could develop the track and what techniques could we use to improve the recording of the vocals. I'm really happy that I've managed to work with someone who's established themselves in the industry and cemented a renowned reputation in the UK Hip Hop scene. The material we managed to gather from the session sounds superb and once its been mixed with the rest of the track I'm hopeful that the overall finished product will sound on point and to my satisfaction.

Dr Syntax

Second Filming Session With The Film Crew

Today I had my second filming session with the film crew from Chester University. The material we've managed to gather from the studio sessions so far looks superb, I'm highly anticipating the final outcome of the project. Having the film crew available to shoot the documentary has been lifesaver, its given me more time to concentrate on the production of the EP and tie up any lose ends with the rest of the project. Today I was discussing on camera what I wanted to achieve from bringing out the EP and how working in a studio gives you more freedom and creativity supposed to making music in your own studio at home.

Chosen Alarm Clock Design

I have chosen a digital clock design that I want to base my idea around for the EP artwork. Ayem will take the look and shape of the clock and try to re-create my vision and construct a design that fits the criteria for my EP.

This is the digital alarm clock that we will be basing our design on

Email to Ayem Beats:

"I'm glad the concept and idea is something you can work with. The images I've sent you are decent, but small and the quality of the images aren't great! I really like some of the ones you've sent me, especially the 6th jpg. Is it possible to base our design around the shape and look of that clock? I'm not too sure about the circular shape on the side tho, can that be removed if possible?

As this is a University project I have to have the project wrapped up by the 14th of April! would the artwork be finished by then?

I'm in all night on my computer so if you have any question don't hesitate to contact me.

- Mazzie"