Hard Rock Memorabilia Showcase

My classmate Tristan and I pictured here in Hard Rock's Memorabilia tour bus. The event was held at Full Sail University.

Interview with the Gasman

I recently interviewed one of my personal friends Jovontae Speights, a producer who goes by the name of “Gasman”. We both attended Full Sail simultaneously doing the Recording Arts program. He then moved back to his hometown Milledgeville, Georgia, where he engineered for a bit, and is now producing local artists full time. Negotiations take place on a daily basis, in and out of the studio. Most of these involve prices for beats, studio time, and rights to the beats produced. With regards to separating the people from the problem, Atlanta has proven to be full of potential clients, yet they tend to be cheap. This may be due to the limited facilities available. By separating the people’s personal issues from the problem of the lack of expensive equipment, Jovontae is more willing to settle for charging less than a more established studio. He uses his technical expertise derived from his education at Full Sail to give him leverage and power. Seeing that he is actually qualified, and Pro Tools certified, he is more likely to have consistent and increasing clientele. His uncle, Alvin Speights, also has a significant reputation in the music industry. This affiliation has furthered Jovontae’s credibility in the eyes of his current and future clients. The mutual benefit is derived from the experienced gained from work, and negotiating. In this industry, experience is key (not only in your specific craft, but selling it as well). His independence demands experience, and a sense of knowledge and expertise on his part. His heavy involvement with music serves as his way of dealing with negative emotions. For many, myself included, music is an outlet for many different emotions, especially negative ones. Some of the greatest songs expressing pain, regret, tragedy, etc. have been created in times of sadness, grief, stress, and painful experiences. His status in the music business is constantly changing; through constant hard work and quality production, success is in the near future.