It's Social Media Day today

The event will be a little over an hour from now so I'm in a rush. But I have to post this.

So today, Sunday, June 30, 2013, Third Team Media, the people responsible in setting up this gig, gave me the topic "Love for Country and Music". I'll be talking about the benefits of music and the business of it to social change for Cebu and the country. And of course the importance of social media as a tool in this medium. I'll also be sharing the podium with these great and wonderful people.

The place is at Diamond Suites & Residences. The event will run from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

See you :)

Insoy speaks in the 2nd Cebu Creative Industries Summit

Our very own Insoy Niñal of Missing Filemon fame will speak in the 2nd Cebu Creative Industries Summit this coming June 14, 2013, 8:00 am at SM City Cebu Cinema One to represent the music sector for this year's Cebu Business Month.

With the increasing awareness of creativity as a major boost in the city’s economic growth, Insoy will share with us his thoughts on the importance of writing songs and the value it brings if written in the mother tongue.

Watch and learn from the Master Rockstar as he talks about preserving our local culture for the global audience through music. He will be sharing the stage with Architect Buck Sia on defining design, Reese Fernandez-Ruiz for micro-entrepreneurship, Filmmaker Joel Cruz‘s take on film making and creative ideas for small business by Joe Adam Fry of Google UK.

Regular ticket rate is at Php 350.00 and student rate is at Php 250.00. Tickets are available at the Artist KO Office, 8-1-D, Orchid St. Capitol Site (near STK ta Bai and Yayoy’s Grill). Or you may call 0917 531 3738 for reservations.

Update from Cebu's Music Sector

Nov. 12, 2012 marks a milestone for Cebu's music industry moving forward as FILSCAP constituted ARTIST KO as its exclusive music licensing agent for Metro Cebu on public performance of musical works.

On the same day, the first FILSCAP MOA for public performance of musical works was signed by PRA-Cebu Chapter in Laguna Express, Oakridge Business Center, Mandaue City at 2PM. The signing was attended by Mr. Jun Yap (President, PRA-C), Mr. Noel Cabangon (President, FILSCAP), Ms. Cristina Soqueno (Licensing Manager, FILSCAP), PRA-C officers Jonathan Ho (Mandaue Foam), Maricar Sacro (Ng Khai), Robert Go (Prince Warehouse), Jay Aldeguer (Islands Souvenirs), and yours truly.

L-R : Robert Go (PRA-C Member), Ian Zafra (Artist Ko, FILSCAP Licensing Agent),, Mr. Noel Cabangon (President, FILSCAP), Mr. Jun Yap (President, PRA-C), Jonathan Ho (PRA-C), Maricar Sacro (PRA-C), Cristina Soqueno (Licensing Manager, FILSCAP)

The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) represents the rights of songwriters and publishers covering an extensive worldwide repertoire of copyrighted local and foreign musical works. FILSCAP’s role is to grant permission to music users and provide compensation or royalties to composers, authors and publishers for the use of their works.

Moving forward.

An invitation to talk about Artist Ko in Singapore

On Oct 6, early morning, I received a message from my mother via mobile phone.  She said ,"Everyday I thank God for giving my children wonderful blessings. But today I ask God one that's specially for you... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON! ;)".

Yes she winked with a smile.

I know my mother.  She feels alienated from modern technology more so with digital.  But she sent me a wink and she smiled.  It must've been an effort for her.  I replied ,"Thank you, ma. I love you."

Later that same day, I received a package from the ASEAN-Japan Centre via Overseas Courier Service (OCS).  It was an invitation to participate in the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Forum on the Development of Content Industry : "Creation, Commercialization, and Protection of Digital Contents". I am to speak and represent my country, The Philippines, among neighbors in Asia - Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar (excerpt of that letter below).

What can I say? My mother's a wonder woman.

RSVP : Songwriter's forum and fun night

If you received this invitation notice from Artist Ko in your Facebook or email, it means we're expecting you to be there at The Outpost on Friday, Oct 28, 2011.

FILSCAP comes to Cebu for "Music In Your Business" forum

Finally here it is.

The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu Provincial Office, will be holding a forum  dubbed as "Music In Your Business" happening this Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 starting 8AM until 12noon at the Marriott Hotel.

FILSCAP President Noel Cabangon
(photo taken from Facebook)

Topics include:

Music Copyright
Speaker : ACCRA Lawyer / Ateneo Law Professor Atty. Antonio Ray Ortiguera
A discussion on the rights of music copyright owners over the use of their works and the licenses that should be secured by business owners who intend to use copyrighted music in their business or events.

Copyright Societies
Speaker : CISAC Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Mr. KT Ang
This topic covers the collective management of copyright by copyright societies.

Licensing Operations of FILSCAP
Speaker : FILSCAP General Manager Debra Ann P. Gaite
FILSCAP shall talk about how they license, collect and distribute royalties from public performances of copyrighted musical works.

Social Value of Music
Speaker : FILSCAP Trustee/Socio-Cultural Committee Member/Composer Gary Granada
A topic that defines the socio-cultural value of playing music to the public in events or establishments.

"Music In Your Business" is in partnership with the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Artists and Musicians Marketing Cooperative (ARTIST KO), and the Creative Cebu Council, Inc.

In the evening will be a solidarity meetup for the local songwriters at The Outpost. It's going to be fun.

Dear songwriters

For years I dream of a "music industry" for Cebu. To dream is easy. To embark on the mission is another grand story to partake.

There are limitations to this grand plan.  But the potential is also considerably strong.

I'm writing this blog to invite the songwriters in Cebu to a get-together on October 28, 2011 at 7PM. The event is sponsored by FILSCAP.  It's one of the initial steps.  We're moving forward in setting up the infrastructure for Cebu's music scene to flourish.  But we cannot do this alone.  We need you.  Yes, you, musical storytellers, to make this happen.

The venue shall be announced soon.  When we do, I wish to see you there.

A 'Kismet' wedding (for Grae and Bayet)

Grae is one of my Aikido senseis.  I haven't attended the sessions for a time now with the daunting and gruesome tasks abound my current job.  He is also one of those dependable people I can talk sense to - a fellow board member of Artist Ko as well.

He rang some time in July (or was it June) for a couple of very momentous favor.

First he invited me to his wedding slated in September.  Then he asked if I could sing 'Kismet' on that day for him and his bride.  Oh really?

Amidst my very hectic schedule, I admittedly got so flattered that I couldn't say no... more so to a very good friend.

If you haven't heard this song yet, turned out to be very appropriate I realized.  I'm a wedding singer now (hahaha and I must admit it was fun).


Kismet by Zafra

So here I am, staring at the "stars" feeling like I'm falling in love too :) too bad I don't have the video.

Spending that time again / With the mem'ries from June to September
Downtime, your heart is breaking / Like glass it shattered
Then one day he came along / He started painting colors
But he doesn't know that you cared

A Creative Industries Summit in Cebu

I just got a number of photo document summary from the 1st Creative Industries Summit captioned by DTI-Cebu Provincial Office Hope Melgar.  The event was held in Cebu City Sports Complex in Cebu Business Park on June 21, 2011.

Photos courtesy of DTI Cebu.

Creative Cebu Council VP and ARTIST KO Chairman Ian Zafra delivering the Invocation (a Cebuano poem prayer written by Maam Linda Alburo) with guitar accompaniment by Gumer Entero Jr. of the ARTIST KO Cebu - Artists & Musicians Marketing Cooperative

Council President Zen Pastoriza speaking on the topic: Creative Cebu and the Creative Cebu Council

Council President Zen Pastoriza, Council Treasurer Buck Sia, DTI-Cebu Provincial Director Nelia Navarro, and Trustee Bien Fernandez., Jr. lounge on the centerstage sofa as they watch the video on Creative Cebu.  Shown on-screen is Maam Linda Alburo being interviewed on her thoughts about the Literary Arts sector in Cebu

Council President Pastoriza expounding on the value of creativity as the economic spark for Cebu, and introducing the Creative Cebu video put together by Campaigns Cebu

President Zen Pastoriza and Treasurer Buck Sia raffle off limited edition Creative Cebu T-shirts for the lucky members in the audience.

Left to Right:  Buck Sia (Treasurer, Creative Cebu Council), Lorenzo Templonuevo (Master of Ceremonies & Moderator of the Summit, and Knowledge Management Specialist, GIZ-SMEDSEP), Marivic Aguilar (DTI-Cebu), Miriam Bacalso (Senior Regional Coordinator for Central Visayas, GIZ), DTI-Cebu PD Nelia Navarro, CBM 2011 Chairman Nonoy Espeleta, Arkeofilms co-founder and resident producer/director Joel Ruiz (Summit speaker), Hope Melgar (DTI-Cebu), Zen Pastoriza (President, Creative Cebu Council)

Council Trustee Bien Fernandez Jr. poses with CCCI President Consul Sammy Chioson, former CCCI President Joe Ng, CBM Promo & Publicity Chairperson Lilu Alino, and some Summit participants

Joel Ruiz and the CAMP-Cebu team

Tapping music in the IT industry

Since the conception of Artist Ko, I already had the intention of tapping into the IT industry for digital music distribution.  In the process of doing, I had developed an idea on how it should happen and vividly it unfolded itself as months passed.

At first it was just a vision... then this opportunity came.

Recently I attended 2 meetups on Tech Talk and there I met Glenda Arreza, the managing director of UP Cebu-DOST TBI Program.  I was 15 minutes early, sat beside her (I didn't know who she was until we started talking), and after awhile, I realized that she's the political support I was looking for.

TBI stands for Technology Business Incubator.  And the program aims to nurture technology-based start-ups by giving them the knowledge and skills to succeed.  I mentioned that I have one.  Divine intervention perhaps?

So the day after, my business partner and I went to her office and discussed more about this project idea. She gave us the application requirements. We exchanged emails. The TBI steering committee requested additional information and asked for clarifications.  Three days later, our business proposal got approved.

Today is our kick-off date.  My partner and I will be attending free seminars to make this business idea work.  We'll also enjoy a one-on-one consultation with experienced entrepreneurs.

My vision is slowly shaping up. This will be an exciting time for the music scene.

Midweek Music Plus Guidelines

Many are asking.  So here it is.

General
1. Call time is always an hour before the show.  Usually it's 8:30PM.

Who gets to play first?
1. First band to complete gets to choose preferred slot.  Always be on time.
2. Mint performers usually play 2nd or 3rd.

Qualifications:
1. Online presence is a must.
2. At least 3 complete mp3 recordings uploaded online (more is always better).
3. A good band photo is a must.
4. Must be successively active in the local music scene for at least a year.

What could've been Artist Ko

In the early days of Cebu's music scene, particularly the post-Local Ground era, a group of artists and musicians attempted to put together an organization.  I remember several meetings held for this purpose.  We did a couple of bayanihan-based concert projects held in Zapatera elementary school, Sikatuna st.

The org was initially called Indie Culture but sadly didn't flourish.  Yet the name and the idea inspired me to set up a small record label.

Right click the image doc below, select 'copy image location' and view it in another window or tab to read the content.    I was part of this group (my name's on the doc below).  Looking back, this is an Artist Ko prototype.

Thanks to good friend Julius Uy for this saving this piece of history.

On music retail : free or fee?

It's been a long debate between big labels and indie artists since Napster days.  There should be a smart way to get this through.  I thought I'd pass this on to you.

Let me know what you think.

If music downloads were priced ridiculously cheap, would you opt to pay for it in support of the musicians/artists or would you still insist on free music download?

If you say you'd pay for the music, do you mean:

• supporting your favorite band? (yes or no)
• or supporting the musicians and artists in general? (yes or no)

If you say you'd pay for the music, how much would you pay for it?

If you say you'd still go for free music downloads, why do you prefer it this way?

I need your valuable honest opinion. Copy paste the questions and post it in the comment boxes with your replies. Or PM me. There are no right or wrong answers.

Go and make your music stand out

In November last year, I was invited to speak about music production, music publishing, and online music distribution.  The event was Ad Camp 11.0 : Social Media Marketing held in Davao City organized by the University of the Philippines Visayas, College of Management.

Photo taken at Eden Nature Park, Davao City by Sham Leonora

At the end of my presentation was the usual open forum where students are encouraged to throw in questions.  Many questions were raised and I had to muster every inch I know to throw the right answers back at them.  Because they asked the right questions.  I didn't expect them to be that accurate.  But they are intellectuals.

I recall one question was thrown in, "How do you make your music stand out?"

A very curious yet common theme in fact.  So common that for a moment I caught myself unable to dissect for the right ticket.

There are a thousand and one ways to skin a cat.

If one is patient enough to count the ways maybe success can just be right under one's nose. Unfortunately, cats according to some only have 9 lives, reducing the option from 1001 to 992 (okay I'm just trying to be funny).

Observing around, many bands almost sound the same. For a time, most of them scream in the middle of a song. This I can't seem to digest what they're trying to convey here.  And it didn't have anything to do with my age.

Many start with slow intros and builds up to heavy riffs and "powerful" drum beats. I can deal with this.  Then some vocalists sing on "forced voice quality" trying to sound like Vedder, Stapp, or Weiland - at least by how it sounded to me.

Nothing wrong with this. It's just that if you have a band and you hope to get people to listen to your music, consider these as symptoms to becoming like them.  You're not really making a difference and you're not telling a new story.  Ergo, you don't stand out.

See?  When Urbandub's music significantly gained massive attention, almost every band I know seemed like they wanted to sound like them. When the E-heads got hype, all of a sudden the rest of the band population sounded like "Pare Ko". When Slapshock was king, bands mimicked screaming at the top of their lungs.

Scary thing is that they probably were not aware of this.  You don't believe me?  Take some time to meet with them, interview them and ask them if they find their music comparable to the above mentioned.  Chances are they'd give you a defensive 'no' backed by a supporting background of how their music transpired.

Because it's easier to take the safer route and play what is deemed "acceptable."

But when you copy and your goal is to stand out, you fail.

Making your music stand out is a bit challenging especially if you're part of a band or musical group yourself. I suppose it's because one has to be "vain" somewhat to make things work - of course not in all instances.

So how do you make your band's music stand out?

If all other bands are doing emo, rehash - do something else.  A derivative perhaps.  If all other bands are doing reggae and you dig "the joint" too, experiment under this blend but mix it with other music types. Death reggae perhaps (trying to be funny again)?

Do not do what other bands are doing. If you can, do not listen to any music in the radio.  Instead listen to anything off your comfort zone.  Play from your heart.  Music is an extension of one's personality - see if you can bring that creative character in you.

This may not be an absolute advise but it's worth considering and trying out.

Midweek Music Plus FAQs

We've updated.  Here it is.

1. What is Midweek Music Plus?
Midweek Music Plus is a derivative project that was originally conceived as Midweek Sessions and launched at the Artist's Dais Music Gallery, Manros Plaza on May 10, 2000.  Its incidental purpose was to sign up local bands in the light of building a community of musicians writing original music.  Its impact inspired and motivated more bands to pursue in the same direction.

2. Who can play at Midweek Music Plus?
Musicians/artists, solo or group, are always welcome at Midweek Music Plus. Just prepare at least 5 original songs.

3. How can my band audition for Midweek Music Plus?
Auditions are not necessary. Artist Ko has a research team to check on bands that are active both offline and online. We watch you gigs and we check your websites.  Simply upload at least 3 original tracks online, post a good band photo, and write a good profile of yourself or your band.  We will contact you.

4. Who to contact?
For now, you may get in touch with us at Facebook.

4. Does Midweek Music Plus have any preferred music genre?
No we don't.

5. Why is Midweek Music Plus advocating more on original music?
We believe that ideas and personal stories are what make things move.  Music being an effective marketing tool in storytelling is a good way to do it because original songs say a lot about you and me.

6. Does my band get paid performing?
Yes we have honorariums for the regular performers. In a bigger picture, Midweek Music Plus is managed by Artist Ko and its members.  Click here for more details about the us.

What to say and what not to say

This is cliche but we all want to start the new year right.  In my self-proclaimed obligation to continuously reset stubborn thinkers, my first blog entry for 2011 are three basic guidelines in communication.

Using the word "problem".
Instead of saying "the problem is..." or "I have a problem with..." and so on, practice using "issue" or "concern".  It gives a better perspective for ease in challenges.  There's a significant impact between saying "the project is problematic and that it's buggy" and "the project still has bug issues."  While the first example gives you that heavy feeling that it cannot be solved, the latter feels like you're getting closer to a solution.

"We are not doing this for the money."
 C'mon.  Get real.  Even charity institutions do things for the money.  Saying this only makes you sound arrogant, funny, and stupid (pardon me for saying this but it's true).  I'd rather believe you when you say, "we're not doing this for profit".  But if you can avoid saying both, better.  Be cautious about what you should say because whether your business is non-profit or not, money is essential for its sustainability.

"I don't expect to get rich with this."
I heard this once and I heard it again so many times.  This is another statement that needs to be corrected.  Getting rich is about getting more than what you need.  Making money is about sustainability.  If you make more than what you need, treat it as a bonus for doing things right.  You deserve it.

Bottomline is don't be defensive about what you do or what you wish to achieve.  Be clear about your goals.  If you need to make money then declare it.  But say it appropriately - this is art too.  Chances are you will get better respect from people around your circle for simply stating clearly what's in your head.

Be honest but don't be angry.

Happy New Year Artist Ko!

Dearest members,

Here's to say farewell to 2010 and a warm welcome to 2011, another promising new year ahead of us.  I'd like to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you who have contributed in making this organization strong and cohesive despite the odds.  I'm sure there will be another set of challenges to embark.

Allow me to recount the blessings and the good works we have set for this year.

1. January - Matahum nga Cebu Sinulog Concert
2. March - Cattski Ten
3. June - MOVE! A Marketing & Financial Education Seminar
4. July - Shoot Up : A Video Production Workshop;  Artist Ko's CDA Registration approved
5. October - Artist Ko's BIR Registration approved
6. November - Artist Ko's BIR Tax Exemption approved
7. December - RCTV Anniversary featuring 'Matahum Nga Cebu'

And today marks the date of Artist Ko's domain name approval www.artistko.com.

You are the driving force in setting achievements for Cebu's arts and music community.  With that said, I'm proud to have you in this group.  May we have more good things to achieve next year.  See you on the 2nd of January, 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and God bless :)


Sincerely,

Ian Zafra
Chairman, Artist Ko

Standing up for what we believe in

It's been a while since my last blog.  And while everybody's having fun, I was in my state of earnestness (I still am) - planning things out on what I'm supposed to do next.  Part of this was an email I sent to all the members of Artist Ko.  I'm publishing it here.



Dear members,

Word has it that some members are bothered by criticisms about the name Artist Ko.  That it is not appropriate.  That artists should not brag about being an artist and so on.

I'm not a bit surprised that criticisms happen.  Critics exist.

Whatever name was put out, we'd still get criticized.  We should not be concerned about this negative light.

Let us be open to criticisms, listen to them.  But let us be reminded also not to be concerned about what people think.  We all stood up for what we love doing - film, music, photography, or what have we.  We say we are film makers, musicians, photographers... even when we have not gone to school for it.  How is that any different from saying that what we do is art.  How is that any different from saying "artist ko".

Critics exist.  Let them.

Because the more they criticize, the more illuminated we become.  Then without them knowing it, they put us in a better position to be visible.

Criticizing our name is like criticizing your parents for the names they gave you.  So let us not be bothered by this trivial matter.  The name Sheila and the Insects used to get unfavorable comments from my friends back then but we believed in our music and stood up for it.  We believed that the name could work and it did work.  At the end it was the band's music that defined the name.

Critics exist.  Let them critics talk about us.  In fact, we need them.

While they do that (maybe it's their art too), let us focus our minds and efforts on the good and positive output we can achieve.  Let our works define what Artist Ko's name is about.  We are still in our baby steps so I seek everyone to be strong with our stand as we are definitely growing.  Critics cannot argue with that.

So dear members... let us remain proud of this and keep saying "Artist Ko".

 
Respectfully,

Ian Zafra
Chairman
Artist Ko

The professional and the amateur

A professional is patient.  He knows when to listen and when to speak.  He doesn't get angry.  He doesn't burst out in public if he does get angry.  He doesn't humiliate or embarass people in public.  He says and choose the right words when he opens his mouth.

An amateur is the exact opposite.

A professional believes in the skills of an accountant, a project manager, and researchers.  He hires them because he knows they can be an asset to his organization.  He could admit that he's afraid of this risk but takes it anyway because the results are more valuable.

An amateur is afraid and is always afraid.  He ends up doing everything by himself.  He ends up trying to be everything to everyone.

The professional reads contracts, understands it and asks questions, even the seemingly stupid ones, if there are things that needs clarification.  He believes in contracts because the agreement is clearly documented and sincerely binding.  Nevermind that it's legal - it's a given.

An amateur, if there is ever a contract issued, would probably just read it (lazily).  He could pretend he understands it.  More often he is skeptical for stipulations that confuse him, gets angry at open discussions all for the wrong reasons.  He may sign a contract but with trust issues.

A professional believes in the benefits of proper documentation and strong internal control.  He would always demand for copies of it to ensure transparency of the agreement between parties.

An amateur care less about the leverage paperworks can bring him.  He often has an aversion to procedures, guidelines, and policies.  He hates it.

An amateur hates information overload.  The pros love them.  No wait.  The pros do not think there is such a thing.

But good things have to start somewhere somehow.  Perhaps one of the good things amateurs offer is that they don't do the things they're good at and the things they love doing for the money.  They love their art so much that they do it for themselves and yes for art's sake.  This holds true as long as reality doesn't bite yet.

This attitude allows them to explore their craft at their own pace, style, and imagination... without having to worry about appreciation.  Good things happen from small passionate beginnings.

Artist KO is finally legal... really

Ok I must admit that this had been overhyped too much too often.  But after a very long stretch of publicities, Artist KO has finally come to its fruition earning its mark from and by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as a certified cooperative.

Whew!

Patience can be utterly frustrating but then again, anything that is difficult to achieve they say will always pay off.  So ladies and gentlemen... here it is.  The Artist KO certificate.  So yes now we are absolutely legal.