Living Single at 30

Single at 30

Let's face it. There are plenty of women like myself who are 30 or over and  have yet to find true love. It's not that we haven't tried or had a few that made us feel like we may be close but somehow it has failed to materialize into a meaningful and fully commited relationship. Sometimes the realization that our friends and loved ones have been fortunate to find love and we have not triggers momentary envy or sadness. Instead of focusing on what we don't have I find that relishing on the positives of single life is much more exciting and fulfilling.

Not every woman dreams of the perfect wedding or even being married. This misconception is still embedded in society's ideals about women particularly in our older generations who view older single women as less attractive somehow. Single ladies like myself debunk those archaic notions by living life to the fullest and embracing the freedom that being uncommitted allows.


This is the perfect time to date and really analyze what it is you want out of a significant other. The better we know ourselves and what we bring to a relationship, it becomes  more likely that when do enter a committed relationship it will be more successful. Trial and error in dating is natural even if it is also tiring to keep coming up short (no pun intended).

Being single is the opportunity to mingle with different types of men (or women if that's your thing), flirt to your hearts desire, or just party like every day is New Years Eve. Being single over 30 is no longer a mark of shame that it once was. Women are currently more progressive than any other time in history so it is past time that we look at pursuing relationships the same way.

Finally! Marissa Alexander Receives a New Trial.

Marissa Alexander before her arrest. 

A Miscarriage of Justice

While many were enthralled with the Travyon Martin and George Zimmerman fiasco, there was another injustice taking place in Florida at about the same time. Marissa Alexander, a black woman from Jacksonville, FL was sentenced to 20 years in prison for just discharging a gun to scare off her husband who she felt had threatened her. Alexander had never been arrested before and was a documented victim of domestic violence. Nor did she even strike him or anyone for that matter, nevertheless she was charged and sentenced to what most rational people considered an excessive and overtly cruel amount of time.


Despite not receiving much media attention, many people around the world became aware of this travesty of injustice with thousands of them signing petitions for Alexander to receive a new trial. Thankfully the will of the people prevailed and she will be receiving a new trial after the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that a judge did not properly instruct the jury handling the case of Marissa Alexander, which is a minor technicality.


Though this is great news; it is hardly cause for celebration yet. What the Alexander case did bring attention to was the need to address mandatory sentencing and how such sentences are often inequitable in who is often on the receiving end. The United

States judicial and prison systems are in serious need of revamping due to many laws being too broad with vast disparities that affect the poor and people of color at staggering rates. It is a shame that Marissa Alexander's life had to be an example of what is wrong with the American judicial system.

Tips For Independent Artists to Get Your Music Heard!

It is currently easier than ever before for unsigned and independent artists to get their music or other projects in to the hands of those who will appreciate it thanks mainly to the greatest invention ever, the internet!  Working professionally in college radio over the past few years, I have garnered a new appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears of artists who desparately wanted their music listened to. 

Sadly many of them saw their dreams shattered due to an industry that has become severely over saturated. At our station we get hundreds of submission per week and honestly most of them are not all that great. Despite all of the terrible stuff we have to sift through, we have been fortunate enough to discover and foster some talented individuals that have gone on to make careers out of music. 

Many of the most talented aspiring artists won't be successful commercially but there are ways to get you music to those who want it. Below are some tips I give to artist who ask for advice on getting their foot in the door aside from having good material of course. 

1. Create a One Sheet

A One Sheet is exactly what it sounds like. It is one sheet of paper that is sent out to all stations, labels, or management agencies that provides the artist's name, title and genre of the project, and a description of the  artist's credentials. It is also good to add photos and track listings that announce material not edited for radio. Think of the one sheet as your minute to impress Program Directors into giving your music a chance so you will want to jazz it up a little. Hardly any Program Directors will read anything over one page so make it count!

FYI: diymusic.cdbaby.com gives great tips on creating effective one sheets. 

2. Build Your Contact List

Seek out radio stations and Disc Jockeys that are into the format of music that you play. It will be a huge waste of energy, time, and money to send your music to people who will just discard it. Talking to contacts to get an idea of what they are looking for first will be beneficial as you build your marketing plan. 

3. Perform as much as possible

Street festivals, open mics, and showcases are all prime locations to get your music heard. If you live in or near a city or area that supports arts and music get your butt in every venue  possible and let them know who you are and what you do. If you are truly serious about performing you must not be shy when it comes to getting your name out there. Not only will you get your music heard but you will build lasting relationships with owners and managers whose support you want behind you. 

4. Go Digital

Music is quickly transitioning to mostly digital formats due to it being more economical and much easier to upload and edit. Join free digital music sites such as Soundcloud, Reverbnation, Facebook and MySpace for easy access to the music you want heard. It is also a good idea to follow and listen to artists that are similar. This will give you a feel for what works and what doesn't as well as many artists tend to follow and listen to artists that already follow them. 

5. Social Media, Social Media, Social Media

As if it wasn't self explanatory enough, you must build upon your social media networks. Twitter and Facebook has made it easier than ever to get listeners with the masses of people that surf the internet daily looking for the next best thing. Many artists create pages but fail to update them regularly which is off putting to fans who want to feel connected at all times. Enlist the help of computer savvy friends to help with the updating if possible. There are also programs that link social media sites together which makes updating much easier. 

These are just a few things that may help you get started in the right direction to accomplishing your dreams. Stay tuned for more updates and tips. Be sure to comment if you have anything to add!

Meet OxyxMoron: A Hip Hop Trio with Soul

On my quest to bring you the best up and coming urban acts, I was fortunate enough to stumble across a trio of brothers that are off the cuff and pretty dope in my humble opinion. More accurately, I was befriended by one third of the Hip Hop group OXYxMORON's Ment Nelson, after hearing and falling in love with one of his singles.  

Hailing from South Carolina, the trio that consists of Ment Nelson, Pedro English, and Tony London, met while attending Francis Marion University where they bonded over their love of music. Dropping out to pursue their passion for it full time, they have steadily began to build a following that has lead them to booking shows with their most recent being at the music lover's paradise of the Hopskotch Musical Festival in Raleigh, NC. 

The vibe of their music is reminiscent of Outkast before they were known to the world as Outkast. Their flows rooted in rural, southern culture but relatable to everyone regardless of geographic location. Their latest compilation, titled The Woods, is basically just good hip hop at its finest. It has the hunger of new artists, great lyrical content, and production that does not reek of the trends of current bounce and shake that ass rap.  

Don't believe me? Take a listen to The Woods by OXYxMORON for yourself and be sure to let us know what you think!

The Woods by OXYxMORON

Getting to Know: Valerie June

Singer/Songwriter Valerie June

Just when you thought that blues had passed on to the other side, there comes along an imperfectly perfect voice belonging to Memphis' native songtress Valerie June. This singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist debut release, Pushin' Against A Stone, is a mixture of blues, soul, gospel, along with a hint of bluegrass and folk. Her totally off the cuff style is a refreshing difference in a music world filled with women who usually perform only pop sounding material that lacks real instrumentation or any lyrical depth. 

From her musical styles and influences one would assume that June is much older soul than she actually is. Through her album, you get a feel for a woman who has convictions and who aims to stick out like a sore thumb amongst her peers. The single, Workin' Woman Blues, gives an honest look at her personality and happens to be one my personal favorites. In it she sings about working hard and financial hardships with a sense of humor that doesn't make her plight seem so bad. 

Check out Valerie June and let us know what you think.