Let Goo Dress You!

Something significant happened to the fashion world in 2003. Goo Atkins entered the scene as one of the most dynamic forces to ever be called stylist. Specializing in curvy figures, Goo is also a costume designer for stage and television, with clientele that includes the likes of Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, gospel greats Mary Mary, and leading actors Laz Alonso and Morris Chestnut. There's nothing she can't champion having coordinated runway shows, and created looks for major red carpet events like the Grammy's and AMA's, album cover art, and editorial shoots for Jet, Heart &Soul and Sophisticates. Although she is technically a celebrity stylist, Goo is "non-industry" and enjoys working with everyday people as much she likes working with her celebrity clients. Her passion is helping everyone look their very best and reach their optimal style potential! ~Written by Christopher E. McMullen

The Dunlap Digest got the opportunity to interview this woman of fashion! Below are the questions and links to all of her social media outlets.

Questions:

DD: Many people may not know, but you have a huge musical history in singing background vocals for major artists. Can you tell us some you have sung for?

GG: I've sang with Mary Mary, Patti LaBelle, Mario, Kelly Price, Kanye, Common, Mos Def ....

DD: When did your artistic flow begin, in regards to designing and styling?

GG: I can remember drawing sketches of ideas as early as 14 yrs old.

DD: Who has been your favorite client to style and can be versatile with different looks? Who would you like to style?

GG: I don't have a favorite client. But I do have a favorite "type" of client. That's the client that while they know what they want, they allow me to make their visions & ideas come true...As in, they give me their ideas & quietly go away & allow me workspace. I always like to style "new comers" or those who don't have an established "presence" fashionably. So that I'm not riding anyone’s coattail, but rather take full responsibility for creating their fashion presence...in other words, I'm not hype therefore I don't have the least bit of interest in styling "big names" in fashion JUST BECAUSE their big names. I like creating it all from the ground up, day one.

DD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you envision your own clothing line?

GG: In 5 yrs Let Goo Dress You will consist of great stylist all over the world, who are capable of wearing my name...My clothing line will be in major stores everywhere.

DD: What are some “Do’s and Don’ts” in dressing females?

GG: Do's & Don’ts: The average female wants to look taller and/or thinner, ALWAYS. So always shop with this in mind.

DD: What are some “Do’s and Don’ts” in dressing males?

GG: Do's & Don’ts: Male's should always look distinctly different from a female.  Tread lightly around pattern & print mixing. Leave that to the trained pro's.

DD: What styling advice can you give to the “saints” both male and female?

GG: "Churchy" looks always require "one less item" to me. It’s usually over done. Just choose any one item & leave it at home.

DD: What motivation can you give those who are aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

GG: Aspiring stylists should be "good" and not just "into fashion". If I hear that term again I'll scream. They should not be designer label driven aka "hype". They should picture all of their work & shop their best work to agencies. They must know that they work in a "service" industry & that they "work for" divas. Which won't work is stylist is one. They should be nice. They should be diligent.

Random Questions:

What’s your favorite color?

~Blue

Are you a morning bird or a night owl?

~Night owl

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

~Sydney, St. Barths, London, Maui, Miami

Blackberry vs. iPhone?

~Team Blackberry

What is something you do that nobody knows about or notices? (Ex. Count your steps, bite your nails, or have a collection)

~I'm always looking. I'm very observant.

Follow Goo! Facebook, Twitter, & Website!

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ESPN's College Day Video Shoot

Today, Monday, June 6, 2011, ESPN filmed their College Day video shoot for the country band Big & Rich at Full Sail University!

Below are some pictures of the actual event. (I even had a sign, confetti stick, & got filmed in the audience!)

 Follow me on Twitter: @seanlamar919

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Music Industry Insight from Pastor Seon Thompson

Pastor Seon Thompson is a name that has been setting a blaze and creating a buzz on the mic for quite some time now. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, PT (Pastor Thompson) started Refuge Temple of Flint in early 2004. It has now become one of the fastest growing churches in the area. Not only does he teach God's word to a mass congregation, but he also owns and operates Just Wait Records. Just Wait Records is an independent label created to spotlight Christian based ministry. He is the debut artist for the label and his first album entitled, "I'm Out - Live" has had the Billboard charting single "I Want the World to See."

Having many roles including pastor, entrepreneur, and artist, the Dunlap Digest had the pleasure to interview PT and asking him about the many responsibilities and insight into the music industry.

DD:  How important is it for a business owner and artist to use proper negotiation skills?

PT: It is very important! I negotiate on a regular basis. With the record company, I'm looking over contracts making sure certain services are fulfilled and in a timely manner. Also pricing, length of services, and expectations are things that I negotiate. On an artist's stand point, my contract and rider has to be approved by the venue and promotion team. It is equally important to remember that time is money.

DD: How do you juggle the many roles being a Pastor, Record Label CEO, and also an Artist?

PT: It is definitely demanding. I believe it takes teamwork to make the dream work. If I didn't have people to help administrate those demands, the juggle would be virtually impossible. Another way to juggle the roles is by being selective, without prejudice, in what we participate in. Many requests come, but not all are fruitful.

DD: Let's say you run into a negotiation and some problems arise. How do you separate the person from the problem?

PT: Rule # 1 is to remove the emotion out of the situation. As in most negotiations, each party is batting for their own deal. I always go to the table with a reasonable range. At the time of deal making, it's not about the person it's about putting bread in the mouth of my family.

Pastor Seon Thompson is currently working on his 2^nd recording. For more information on booking, events, and news updates check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

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From the Writer's Thoughts...

To Be or Not To Be…

I can remember the days where children had dreams of becoming an astronaut, firefighter, or a school teacher. But seems like now-a-days, you can find kids mimicking their favorite rapper, singer, or basketball player. Of coarse, as a parent you want to support your child in any dreams they have, but do you allow them to see reality at a young age or do you enable them to follow their dreams?

Personally, I have always seen myself working within the music or entertainment field. But at an early age, my parents talked to me about pursuing my dreams as well as having an education to support them. Being from a family of musically inclined people, I always dreamed of having a recording deal. But becoming more familiar with the “real world” my stance has changed to step more backstage and handle the business aspects. I believe that many overlook the amount of detail and leadership skills that are required to operate and manage an act.

Below is an infographic that I created to show you how the music industry has changed between the Major Record Labels/Artists and the Independent Record Labels/Artists. Take a moment to see if you can understand the meaning:

The picture explains how time and technology has shifted the growth and decline of major and independent labels/artists. As you can see, the majors were very suave and strong, and many “outsiders” wanted to become a part of that world. Indie labels/artists were around but not as apparent and seemed weak. They did not get a lot of support for distribution or radio play. Allowing technology to shift the market, social media sites and online streaming has open the flood gates of new artists and record companies. The majors are still pulling their weight, but it seems that indie labels/artists are reaping more from the changes.

What do you think? Are major labels/artists becoming the “outsiders’’?

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Welcome to My World

What’s on the Menu?

Have you noticed the same artist getting all the shine? It seems like some of the major artists get put into rotation automatically. Well I dare you to order something new from the musical menu and explore the different flavors and sounds of the one and only, Camper…. Aaron Camper (I’ve always wanted to use the James Bond intro #random). 

Dig in…

Appetizer:

Most high school seniors have plans to either find jobs or prepare for their upcoming college experience. Aaron Camper had other plans; right after high school he started his professional musical career touring with the world re-known gospel artist Tye Tribbett. At such a young age, his voice became one of the outstanding vocals in the group.

From there Aaron's writing and vocal abilities led him to working and writing with some of the industry’s best such as Mike Posner, Rob Thomas, Jessica Simpson, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, The Clark Sisters, Bo Bice, Eric Roberson and Fantasia.  Garnering his first RIAA certified gold album in 2008 with Marvin Sapp's Grammy Nominated album "Thirsty". ~Via Biography

Entrée:

Welcome to My World is the debut solo MixTape from Aaron Camper. This album includes the writing genius and sounds from Swiz Beats, Kanye West, Eric Roberson and PJ Morton. Camper’s vocal agility coupled with the lyrical storylines will take you on a different journey on each track. “Second Thought” tells the story of a couple deciding if they want to continue their relationship. Oh, & did I mention that this track features BRANDY! By far, this is one of the best duets that I’ve heard featuring Ms. B.Rocka (Had to throw in the nickname LOL).

Aaron Camper can be respectfully compared vocally to Omarion, R. Kelly, and a male version of Brandy. In so many words, what I’m trying to say is that his vocals are out of this world. Hence the title of the MixTape which introduces the listeners to his world of musicality. The song structures are uniquely formulated to hit you with a catchy chorus but also has a storyline that plays out within the verses.

Dessert:

Not only is this MixTape $FREE.99 but The Dunlap Digest was granted the opportunity to ask Aaron Camper some questions (See below). Click here to download the MixTape from his website, his twitter, and Facebook.

DD: What a blazin’ Mixtape! Were you always interested in going solo?

AC: Thank you, I'm definitely not new to the game been in it for a while now writing and singing but the Mixtape was something I wanted to do and make a statement with. Never really was a goal of mine to go solo but things happen, plans change.

DD: Are there any challenges?

AC: Always. With anything you love there's gonna be a lot of challenges and difficulties that try your persistence but the music helps you get through.

DD: You have some BIG NAMED artists featured on your music (Brandy in particular, “Second Thought” is one of my favorite songs), how was it to work with
them?

AC: I'm just honored and humbled to have my name placed next to there's. I'm just a big a fan as I am a supporter of all the artists on my Mixtape.

DD: Do you write/play your own material?

AC: Of course. Its my outlet, something I enjoy doing more than anything in the world.

DD: Do you miss being in a group setting?

AC: I'm always working with a group, my team works extremely hard helping push this brand to the forefront. I understand the importance of a team.

DD: Who do you look up to in the music industry?

AC: Everyone who's becoming everything they dreamed. Everyone who'll push the envelope and stand alone to be the best.

DD: What advice you would give to another upcoming artist trying to "make it"?

AC: Stay persistent, stay passionate and let God take care of the rest.

DD: What are your next steps?

AC: Getting to EVERY city, town, college and anywhere that supports my music. I wanna see my supporters.

DD: 5 years ago, could you have imagined the place that God has allowed you today?

AC: Never. I’m always on my toes and I try to stay prepared for anything. I’m truly blessed.

Random Questions:
What is your favorite place to visit?
- The Bathroom. It centers me. Lol

Blackberry vs. iPhone?
- Are you serious? iPhone

What do you think about these gas prices? LOL
- I’m thinking about getting a brand new Huffy "Mountain X-Treme" Series. It's so ridiculous out here.

What’s your favorite restaurant?
- A quick one.

What is something you do that nobody knows or notices? (Ex. Count your steps, bite your nails, or have a collection of items)
- If I told you then people would know, now wouldn't they?

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Grammy University

Being a part of Full Sail University, the school encourages students to dive into the creative arts. The past 2011 Grammy Awards spotlighted several Full Sail University Alumni that had been nominated on their works within the music industry. At the Grammy party, Grammy University had a table that included information about their association.

Grammy University is a offspring of the annual awards show that encompasses networking, educational programming, and performance opportunities for full-time college students. Any one who meets the scholarly requirements and are between the ages of 17-25 can join. Grammy University has twelve chapters across America. Cities and regions include:

·     Atlanta

·     Chicago

·     Florida

·     Los Angeles

·     Memphis

·     Nashville

·     New York

·     Pacific Northwest

·     Philadelphia

·     San Francisco

·     Texas

·     Washington D.C.

These chapters are involved with their perspective local music industries including artists, record labels, and recording studios. This network helps the students to prepare for the real world and a career in today’s music industry.

With the business plan that I am preparing for my Master’s Degree from Full Sail University, it would be wise to connect and engage in the different functions that the Grammy University offers. Becoming an independent artist and record label manager, partnering with Grammy University would allow me to network with individuals trying to break into the industry. Also, if my company created an event such as an open mic or concert is in a certain area, volunteers could be pulled from the network.

The objective of this association is to help enhance individuals who have a strong interest in working in the music industry. There are three different membership lengths and charges:

·     1 Year Extended Student Membership ~ $25

·     3 Year Until Graduation Membership ~ $50

·     4 Year Until Graduation Membership ~ $50

Although I have never been to a function of theirs, I look forward to involving myself with them in the future. On April 6, 2011, the Florida Chapter will be having a GRAMMY SHOWCASE. Over 300 members auditioned for the contest and six (6) finalist were chosen and will be showcased. The finalist will be competing for a valuable artist development package and granted the opportunity to perform in front of music industry leaders. This event will be held at The Social in Orlando, Florida.

For more information about joining click here.

A Call To Men...

Pass the Plate!

This is a new section of The Dunlap Digest. Envision a family dinner with about 25 family members talking, eating, and enjoying each other’s company. But in the midst of the entire buzz you want more of macaroni & cheese (Yes, I am internally FAT), so you have to scream to the person at the end of the table, “PASS THE PLATE!”

March is the National Women’s Month. Growing up with 3 sisters, The Dunlap Digest had to make mention of the importance of women to our society. The Dunlap Digest is now giving you a taste of a plate of motivation and inspiration for both Men & Women. 

Dig In…

I ran across a motivational speech from TED. The speaker Tony Porter sheds light on how placing expectations on young boys growth and development can limit both men and women in adulthood. I have never thought of the expectations in this way. Tony gives examples of how he allows his daughter to cry when there is a problem, but expects his son to act like a man and put his tears away. By not allowing his son to cope and express his feelings, the young boy now has to act within a “man box”. Another example is the roles that women are placed into such as cooking, cleaning, and being weak. With these expectations, Tony explains that women are in turn limited and become objects with less value. His views point to men abusing and mistreating women mentally or physically.

This speech is very inspirational. It has allowed me to see how children are shaped into adults. The different ways we grow up makes us distinct in our adulthood. I want to invoke you to look back on different expectations that have been placed on you since childhood and how those expectations formed your adult views.

I’d like to hear from the Women, Men, Parents, and Children:

What did you think of the speech?

What are some expectations you have from childhood?

What are your thoughts on the “man box”?

Do you see this speech as inspirational?

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