Tsaritsa & Hip-Hop Part 3: Musical future, facing flaws, making time

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"You need some work," my sister told me over the phone when I asked her if she had listened to the songs I had posted.

"I mean, you have some funny lines, you had me laughing, but I think you need to discover your own style."

I completely agree with her.

For part one of the series click here 

for part two of the series click here

check out and download (for free!) my two new songs "Baloney" and "Modern Day Hustla."

I'm still figuring things out for myself. Sure, I've been writing songs ever since I could sing a song, but that doesn't mean what I was doing was any good. My sister has good taste in most things and I respect her opinion. Musically, I influenced her a lot growing up, but in more recent years she has been an influence to me on what I listen to. And because we're sisters, she knows she can be completely honest with me.

There is a lot that I have to learn, and I believe that I will continue to grow as an "artist" as I go. I just have to keep creating, finding out what works and what doesn't simply by making mistakes and learning from them.

I've gotten some positive criticism so far as well as some negative criticism. I'll take all the constructive criticism that you can dish out-- really, I do want it, so please don't hold anything back-- but if you're just going to tell me that you think I suck and be a dick about it, then I can't really take that to heart.

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, some people are just not going to like what you're doing, but you can't let that stop you. If anything, it's motivation to do more, and to do it better.

My style is still undefined, and I plan on developing my style as I continue recording. Hopefully, the tracks I present to you will be increasingly tighter sounding and more refined. I'm documenting my experience here not only so that others can watch my progress, but so

Since I started recording, I have learned a few things. When it comes to the importance of good equipment and patience when it comes to production, I have definitely learned that lesson. My early recordings sound muffled and grainy, and it's because I was covered the microphone with a sock to help filter the vocal tracks. Middle Class Musician gave me the tip of using a stocking instead, and it sounds so much better.

That being said, I want to invest a little bit of money on a decent microphone, and perhaps take Ben's suggestion and try a course in beat-making at San Francisco's community college. Getting some skills from a professional producer and buying some proper equipment for myself can't hurt, as knowledge and quality tools make quality product. The only trouble is finding the time, which brings me to another lesson I've learned.

Since I started this job, I have significantly fewer hours of free time to spend whichever way I choose. I wake up early to go to work and get home around seven, when I'm usually exhausted physically from the walk, and mentally from the job. I do some chores and cook dinner and feed the Sookster and then all I really feel like doing is laying down for a spell to relax and decompress my brain.





Being attacked by laser kitties is a part of my daily routine after work. Laser kitties added by Justin N.

What I need to do is start carving out a schedule for myself. It sounds kind of sad, but I really do need to make time to do the things that I enjoy. I'm going to designate Wednesdays and Thursdays, after work, to music making.

I know that if I put it on my calendar that I'll look forward to it all day, because it'll mean that I have something creative to do after work. It's Monday night as I type this, because I've designated Sunday and Monday evenings to solid blogging time. It's good, because it gives me all week to brew up ideas for posts (I find time in between bathroom breaks and lunch hours).

To conclude this post, I want to thank everyone who has shown support and given me advice on this little journey of mine. Let me make this clear: this is not just a hobby or something I'm doing because I think it's funny, I'm doing this because I have a passion for it and it's something that I need to get out.

Like writing, or blogging, it's something I feel compelled from within to do. I'm driven because I need to release. I hope what comes out (sorry if that sounded gross) isn't completely embarrassing. However, I won't let that thought be a deterrent, I'm still going to try, and even if I fail I will have learned something.

This is pretty exciting for me, an adventure of sorts, and of course I want others to join me as we embark on this journey on the Hip-Hop Enterprise. LEGGGGGOOOO