The Unstoppable Clayton Bryant

There are only a few voices out there that deliver the depth and poignancy of a song...the pain, the emotion and the guts of the words in time with the rhythm and melody.

Meet Clayton Bryant, vocalist extraordinaire. He has sung with some of the Best in the business. Currently he is lead backing vocalist for Ashford and Simpson, while working on a solo project. I am also proud to call him friend.

I sat down with Clayton to discuss how he does it, what made him want to pursue music and how YOU out there can do it too.

Be inspired!

An Interview with The Unstoppable Clayton Bryant:

JWritesiT: Thank you Clayton for agreeing to this interview.

Clayton: No Problem!

JWritesiT: Tell us what you do for a living.

Clayton: I Sing back-up for a number of well known artists, I also sing professionally as a solo artist.

JWritesiT: What is the Best and Worst aspects of your job?

Clayton: Best- Travel, meeting new people and performing all over the world. Worst - It's not a regular 9-5, so work is spread out sometimes...

JWritesiT: Who have you performed with?

Clayton: Ummm, Elton John, Darlene Love (recent Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee) Ashford and Simpson, Freddie Jackson and Bruce Springsteen.

JWritesiT: Wow! What was your best gig and why?

Clayton: The best was when I did the British Rock Symphony Tour, Because it was my first tour, that I sang with a rock band.

JWritesiT: Who was the Band?

Clayton: I sang with Roger Daltrey of The Who.

JWritesiT: What does it take to make it as a Professional Singer?

Clayton: I don't know....(laughing) Defiantly I'd say, Determination, Passion and Talent.

JWritesiT: What advice can you give to someone out there trying to do the same?

Clayton: Don't take NO for an answer. Don't let other peoples opinions make you stop. If you know you have what it takes GO WITH IT.

JWritesiT: What keeps you grounded?

Clayton: God.

JWritesiT: On average what can a professional singer earn?

Clayton: It depends on what your doing. You can make anywhere from 100 to 1 million bucks...it depends.

JWritesiT: Whats next on the horizon for Clayton Bryant?

Clayton: Finishing my solo project and going on tour. My record should be done in May.

You can do it, pursue it. Clayton is an example of a man focused and determined to let the World hear his voice.

For the Clayton Bryant experience here are a few links, Enjoy!: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/ClaytonBryantOnline

http://www.facebook.com/ClaytonBryant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwiu4uX_G-Q 

If you have any questions or would like to know more please e-mail me: j.writesit@yahoo.com

Peace!

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Who IS Blue Meadow? An Interview with the Latest Group to hit the Music Scene

The spirit and heart of music is alive in the hearts and minds of Blue Meadow; an all African - American rock band, new to hit the music scene.


Two of the members are high-school friends, one of which traveled the globe with a successful band before forming Blue Meadow. 


Blue Meadow's music is smooth as silk and intoxicating, the vocals are melodic and sultry the right ingredients for the rock elements.


The following is an Interview with Jamal Reed (Vocalist / Guitar) of Blue Meadow:


JWritesiT: How did Blue Meadow get together?


Jamal: Blue Meadow got together last year in NYC, when I wanted to take the group thing (which all of us had done before) and take it to another level. Putting the qualities of a group and a band together and creating a whole different monster.


JWritesiT: Who are the members of Blue Meadow and what instruments do they play?


Jamal: The members are Densen Curwen-lead guitar/vocalist, Dexter Lendor-Drummer/vocalist, Joedy Imbert-rythym guitar/vocalist, and Jamal Reed-bass guitar/vocalist


JWritesiT: How does Blue Meadow differ from other bands?


Jamal: We consider ourselves different from other bands in several different ways. First of all were an all african american rock band, which is somewhat rare. We've been highly influenced by rock and roll and we would like to express ourselves using the tool of rock and roll. Secondly we ALL sing. Everyone is capable of singing lead and we all do. Often times people get surprised when our drummer takes the lead. Most rock bands the lead is usually one person and usually the rythym guitar. This band is different we all do and I (Jamal/bass guitarist) gets as many leads as does the drummer)
Third difference is we incorporate intricate harmony. I'm a big lover of harmony and sang acapella for a large portion of my life love it and we implement it. We all sang acapella at one point in our lives. Joedy and I even sang acapella together prior to blue meadow. Fourth and just as important as the other three. We want to string together influential, powerful, and positive music. We would like to debunk the stereotype that the things that sell are the negative influences. We can support art, love, responsibility, learning, and still be popular.


JWritesiT: What are the Best and Worst aspects of being part of a group?


Jamal: The Best aspect of being in a group is support.  Our main goal is to support each other and moving as a team full steam ahead. 4 eyes and ears are always better than 2 and our listeners get more diversity.
Probably the Worst aspect is sometimes getting on the same page. Being in a group we have to get on the same page and push ahead. Its like a body with different parts acting individually. The body would have a hard time moving forward if the feet wanted to walk backward and the chest wanted to move forward.


JWritesiT: How did you come up with the name Blue Meadow?


Jamal: It wasn't as complex is it can sound. The color blue is the color of change, peace, and tranquility, and meadow is an open place where all are invited. We like to consider the band as a place where people can come and they can feel apart and feel peace, feel like no one is going to harm them, almost like another world different from the potentially not nice one we live in.


JWritesiT: Who are your influences? 
 


Jamal: Blue Meadows influences range from the Beatles, Take 6, Boys II Men, Coldplay, Phil Collins, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antebellum, people who paved the way into pop culture who wouldn't normally get into because of their genre or make up.


JWritesiT: What keeps you grounded?


Jamal: Were kept humble knowing that in the music business or any other business; there are always going to be people that are more talented than you are. Its your spirit and your hard work that get you to the next level.


JWritesiT: Are you pursuing music Full time?


Jamal: Were pursuing doing music full-time if the opportunity presents itself. We will not turn down the opportunity to present our music to the world. Were definitely chasing it to an extent


JWritesiT: What is next on the Horizon for Blue Meadow?


Jamal: Next for blue meadow is trying to find a medium or mediums to take our music/message/likeness to more people. Whether it be in the form of performing live or whether it be via radio. Both options w are looking into. On top of making Blue Meadow a name recognized in NYC.


JWritesiT: How can we find more information on Blue Meadow?


Jamal: We have a splash page that takes people to everything we have. www.bluemeadowmusic.com
It has our myspace, FaceBook, iTunes, Reverbnation, and our Youtube so a person can check us out everywhere!


Thank you Jamal I love Blue Meadow's sound and I cannot wait to see your up coming performance.


If YOU would like to learn more about Blue Meadow or catch one of thier live performances please check: www.bluemeadowmusic.com for updates or contact me: j.writesit@yahoo.com

 
Thanks for reading! Come back again!

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Learn what it's like to work on a cruise line - destination Hawaii! An interview with Michelle Junior Waiter NCL

 

 I have always romanticized notions of working on a cruise line, traveling to exotic locations, meeting many new people sampling the cuisine of a tiny village in the south pacific. Going to sleep under the stars, far away from it all the gentle rocking of the ship on calm waters. 

But what is it really like to work and live on a cruise line? Is it as romantic as my thoughts lead me to believe? 

The following is an Interview with Michelle, Junior Waiter for Norwegian Cruise Line

JWritesiT: Thank you Michelle for allowing me to profile you!

Michelle: No problem I'm excited!

JWritesiT: Ok, What do you do for a living?

Michelle:  I'm a junior waiter on a cruise ship named the "The Pride of America(POA)." It's based out of Hawaii and is the only American flagged ship in the U.S.

JWritesiT: How did you get a job with Norwegian Cruise Line?

Michelle:  NCL had a job fair

JWritesiT:  Where are some of the places you've traveled to?

Michelle: I've only worked in Hawaii

JWritesiT: Do you get to enjoy it? Or is it all work and no play?

Michelle: I work 7 days a week, but I do have down time.

JWritesiT: What is the Best and Worst aspect of your job?

Michelle:  Best: I would have to say that the best part of working here is the people I have met. This includes guest but most importantly my co-workers. I have gained beautiful friendships.

Worst: I stay in a small little cabin with no widows & twin sized beds. I have to share a room with 2 to 3 other females. I can carry on all day about just the roommate issues. LOL!! The crew cafeteria prepares meals for us(breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night that's 1130-1am). Sometimes the food can be things I may not want or like and that's when I begin to miss home.

JWritesiT: How can someone who is interested in working for a cruise line get started?

Michelle:  Apply online ncl.com

JWritesiT:  On average (by no means do you need to provide actual dollars) what is the salary? How are the Benefits?

Michelle: Well, I'm a junior waiter so I'm paid bi-weekly + tips. The ship takes care of the employees room & board, as well as our meals. If you don't have any responsibilities back home, you can save a lot of money. Crew also get discounts on cruises. The company takes care of my flight travel returning & leaving for vacation.

JWritesiT: How often do you set sail a year?

Michelle: My rotation is 5 months on and 5 weeks off for vacation. We do have the option of extending our rotations longer.

JWritesiT: Besides some of the obvious perks - like travel, are there any other perks to working a cruise we may not have guessed.

Michelle: We have what the ship calls "public access" list. Employees are allowed to enjoy the amenities same as the guest. For example, eating in the many restaurants, attend shows & go on the excursions. 

JWritesiT: Is there anything else you can tell us about working for a cruise line?

Michelle: **** Misconceptions about working on a cruise sips: A lot of new hires come on board thinking they're gonna party & do this & that. People who work on a cruise ship typically work long hours and don't usually have a lot of free time except maybe a day in a port every few weeks. You also have to obey very strict ship rules.

***Accomplishment: I had to undergo coast guard certified training. I have earned my STCW, TWIC and Merchant Mariner's Credential. I also won a NCL S.T.Y.L.E. Award for "Handing Hands." I was nominated by the officers that I use to serve when I worked in the Officer's Mess Hall.

JWritesiT: I appreciate you Michelle, thanks for sharing your experience with us!

   

Michelle is undergoing the kind of opportunity most of us only fantasize about, she is balancing her hard work with downtime in between! I'm sure that this interview has sparked the interest of someone out there who would like to take the journey and work on a cruise line to create their own adventure. 

Michelle has been very helpful by providing her first hand experience and accomplishments, if YOU have further questions on what it takes to work on a major cruise line please contact j.writesit@yahoo.com.

I hope you enjoyed this profile! Come back again! 

  

 

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How to be a Marketing & Promotions Specialist or "Brand Ambassador" - As told by Ahndraea Allen

I believe everyday at least some of us think of ways in which we can earn some extra income. We think "maybe I will start my own business" or "I think I will work part-time to make ends meet", the point is you want to make the money and you want to make it quickly and sometimes without jumping through too many hoops.

As I was pondering the many different ways to make money outside of a 9-5 desk job, I thought about Ahndraea.

Ahndraea is a college graduate and decorated athlete in Track & Field, she is also a Brand Ambassador, she works when she wants and also picks and chooses which jobs she wants to work while making a great salary.

The following interview will give you an idea of how she does it:

JWritesiT: "What is a Brand Ambassador?"

Ahndraea: "Well...it's someone who promotes a brand, rather someone who is in the field promoting a product".

JWritesiT: "What companies do you typically promote for?"

Ahndraea: "I do Events, Products (food), and Liquor promotions"

JWritesiT: "Great! Can you give me an example of a promotion you've done?"

Ahndraea: "Sure...ok, I did one recently for Kraft, it's really a form of Guerilla Marketing - meaning we (the brand ambassadors) are on the street interacting with the customer, giving out samples of the product and letting them take the product home." (Laughing) "It's the grunt work I think".

JWritesiT: "What is the typical pay scale"?

Ahndraea: "It depends...for most promotions the pay is $15-20 per hr., Liquor promotions have a bigger market so you can make more money...i've made as much as $40 an hour."

JWritesiT: "How can someone who may be interested, become a Brand Ambassador? Can you suggest a couple of sites for sign-up?"

Ahndraea: "Sure I will provide two: Go to Craigslist -> Gigs -> Brand Ambassador or Promotions, companies looking for Brand Ambassadors will post open jobs. You can also e-mail, promohazard@yahoo.com, PromoHazard Street Team Guerilla's. When composing your e-mail, let them know that you are interested in a promotion."

JWritesiT: "What is the Best and Worst aspect of this type of work?"

Ahndraea: "The best aspect is the work is relatively easy with good pay, the worst aspect is that sometimes it can take a long time to be paid, your also working as an independent contractor which means no health benefits and your paying your own taxes at the end of the year."


JWritesiT: "Ok, last question...How much can you make in a year?"


Ahndraea: "Well I can give you an estimation of how much I made from August of last year till this month....


JWritesiT: "Cool....shoot..."


Ahndraea: "I probably made between $24k and 30k"


JWritesiT: "Wow! Ahndraea, thank you for sitting down with me for this interview, it was very enlightening."


Ok guys if you are reading this and feel like being a Brand Ambassador is something you want to try and have more questions or need guidance, please e-mail j.writesit@yahoo.com.

Hey, thanks for reading! Come back again!

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Move your resume to the top of Employer searches NOW!

Here's how...

The recruitment industry has gone almost completely electronic - no secret there...the secret is in HOW a general resume search is conducted and how this search can effect your chances of being viewed and saved in a recruiters "saved search results" and whether you will be contacted for an interview.

The process is so much more than the qualifications and experiences you load into your resume and how much time you devote to your job search.

You have to fully be aware of the position you are applying to, following these simple rules will help your chances of moving to the TOP OF EMPLOYER SEARCHES:

1. Use actual Keywords from the job description in your resume

a) If the title is Account Manager, then no matter what your last title was - keyword Account Manager needs to be in your resume, preferably in the Objective (if your still using one) or in the Very first part of your resume.

2. Pay attention to your Employment Profile, if you are registered on a job board, then the Employment Profile you filled out initially is extremely important and needs to be updated as Needed!

a) If the employer is asking for 5-7 years experience and your updated resume qualifies but the employment profile is the same 2-5 from last year it CAN effect whether you are one of the TOP 10 in the recruiters search.

3. Update your Objective sentence frequently - Pay attention to the Keywords in the job description - in most cases there was a brief byline that attracted you to the posting, it propelled you to open the posting to view the job description. You can use a variation of that byline and incorporate in your objective. Using the recruiters wording and keywords will help give your resume a push.

4. Always update your skills and Keep abreast of the New Lingo - keep yourself current

a) eg: use words like: Optimize, analyze, Navigate, SEO (search engine marketing- if your in the advertising world)

In conclusion, experience is everything in a resume but in this ever changing landscape your experience and skills cannot stay static - change and update them frequently.

Need More Help? For more in-depth resume assistance e-mail: j.writesit@yahoo.com

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