Fort Pierce – Jessica N. Abraham | Designer. Writer. Publicist.

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Florida businesses promote ‘independent’ through annual Pittsburgh cause

December 11, 2014 No Comments

Orlando and Pittsburgh business join hands for a Toys-for-Tots Charity Event

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

SweetNote Entertainment, a Production Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presents an annual Rock’N’Soul Christmas Show that brings regional musicians, fans and area businesses together to raise toys and donations on behalf of the Toys for Tots Foundation to give to children during the holiday season. Each year, SweetNote collaborates with local businesses and corporations to make sure that everyone involved goes home “just a little bit happier.”

Products and services are donated to the company and given away during raffles and to bands, who perform during this charitable event. According to B. Michael Smith, owner of SweetNote Entertainment and Coordinator for this event, set for December 14, 2014, “The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Our organization is dedicated to the process of making that happen, but we need your help (speaking to artists and businesses all over the United States).”

This year, two Florida-based companies are getting involved in SweetNotes Rock’N’Soul cause — Playas Mob Radio and Shorty Produkshins.

Playas Mob Radio, a weekly radio show that is based in Fort Pierce, broadcasts out of 6 FM stations around the State of Florida and to an International fan-base of Online listeners. Playas Mob Radio, dedicated to breaking Independent Artists, Businesses and Causes, will be presenting one winning band or business with a promotional radio spot during a high profile show to talk about their brand’s history and any upcoming releases.

If it is a band that wins this promo spot, they will also have their latest radio-edited release placed into regular rotation during The Playas Mob Radio Show on WJFP FM. The show will be live on-air and will also be archived for promotional usage for the brand in both Online and Offline arenas.

Shorty Produkshins, an Orlando-based Online Promotions Company specializing in Social Branding and Event Marketing and also affiliated with Playas Mob Radio, will be giving away a few items to encourage entrepreneurship, musicianship and, of course, giving during the holiday season and into the new year.

A spokesperson for Shorty Produkshins states that “It is our way of giving back, while helping artists and brands find awareness in the new year. We initially were giving away one graphic art in the form of a digital flyer to one winner to help boost their visibility, professionally and with intrigue, and we still are. However, we realized the need brands have in establishing credibility and awareness that lasts the lifetime of their career. So, we decided that we could write articles, as well, for five brands or bands who really deserve it — which would be more beneficial to them than a graphic design that serves the purpose of one project or announcement. These services will also really benefit their Internet Marketing and SEO efforts.”

They have donated one graphic design and five written articles to promote independent progress in the Pittsburgh Area.

With December 14, just two days away, we can only imagine the magic that the night will behold. Artists, businesses and audiences at Pittsburgh’s Sing Sing venue at the Waterfront can expect a night of entertainment, holiday spirit and motivation to usher them into 2015. Performing at this event, SweetNotes own Lyndsey Smith and Soul Distribution will take the spotlight alongside acts such as Kinetic, Sun Hound, Hakim Rasheed, Mike Why, Ine, Gene Stovall, Devan Rue and Brian Woods. With a roster like this, this is definitely a night to remember!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Playas Mob Radio: Breaking independents via Online and traditional platforms

November 12, 2014 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED TO EXAMINER

Today, November 12, 2014, Examiner sat down with Playas Mob Radio of WJFP-FM and discussed how they are combining traditional, Online and modernized marketing efforts in “breaking independent artists, brands and causes, Worldwide.” And, while there are many Online radio stations and shows saturating the World of Streaming Radio Broadcasting, Playas Mob Radio is doing “it” a bit differently.

Playas Mob Radio is a radio show dedicated to independent artists, brands and causes looking to expand audiences, create awareness and be heard by those who matter — often times that A&R, who is scouting out new talents. Other times, it is the potentially shareable fanbase of the featured guests to the show that week.

Guests in the past have included Industry Professionals, both behind the scenes and in the forefront of the industry, such as Kevin Shine of the F.I.R.M., Willie “Bum Bum” Baker, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, Sanchez Holmes, OMG Girls, Rico Wade and Sleepy Brown of Organized Noize, Big Boi of Outkast and many more!

While the show is made available, Online, through Tune-in Radio’s Web & Mobile App Platforms and WJFP.com, “the coolest radio show in the World” is actually available live on the FM dial! Playas Mob Radio is broadcasted on six FM-station buffers reaching out to Central and South Floridians within the broadcast area.

Playas Mob Radio was commenced in 2010 after Ron “Good” Hogan, James “Bootmayne” Minus and Jarvis “Money J” Anthony decided it would be an excellent means of showcasing music created by Playas Mob Entertainment, an entertainment company founded by Mr. Hogan and Mr. Minus in 1999. Since then, they have been “…dedicated to breaking Independent Artists, Businesses and Labels, while providing a platform of PR to those who have already established themselves within the entertainment industry and veterans who may provide entertainment to listeners, Worldwide.

Playas Mob Radio is currently in the works of creating and releasing an Online presence similar to Facebook and Linkedin that “encourages cross-promotion, collaboration, artist development and unity within its pages,” according to their Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Jessica N. Abraham, who has only been with the show since this past summer.

She continues, “We are also working on releasing a physical magazine at the beginning of the year that introduces new artists, businesses and movements to a minimum of 10,000 new audience members a month, as well as through Online and Mobile editions of our future editorial, which is aimed at being interactive in order for important persons of interest to connect directly with acts and brands within our articles.”

In addition to a magazine, the Playas Mob version of a social network will also include discussions on business, economy, sponsorships, the entertainment business and more. There will be a chat room, “tons of videos,” music, archives of past shows and even a live broadcast link to listeners outside the FM reach. Here, fans may also connect directly with their favorite On-Air Personalities, including “Mr. Good,” “Bootmayne,” “Money J,” Tracy “East Coast T-Mac” Morgan, “Mz Shorty P” and the new personality, Jesse “Boss J” Anthony.

Fans within the physical listening areas are able to go to the site for more information on Playas Mob events in nearby cities, including weekly events in Orlando, FL, and to be redirected to purchase “beats,” or Hip Hop instrumentals, by Bootmayne, who is also a Producer for Playas Mob Entertainment.

Connecting with direct audiences in both Online and Offline realms, Playas Mob Radio has created a culture within their own niche. Listeners are “always connected” through mobile, portable and desktop devices, and taking advantage of Online Promotion ensures that they will become part of that culture.

Active on Social Media, Playas Mob Radio draws in and interacts with listeners on official accounts, as well as on those of individual personalities. With additional platforms preparing to launch, there is much potential in connecting audiences with unsigned, upcoming talents, their favorite celebrities and legends, new ideas and products and, of course, the inspiration to follow their own dreams while educating themselves on strategies to do so.

Brands, both corporate and local, have much to gain through advertising on these channels. Advertising has not died yet, and Playas Mob Radio has implemented ways to not only advertise trusted brands to their audiences but how to allow them to experience these brands first-hand in encouraging Brand Awareness and Loyalty.

Because Playas Mob has set up this “Conspiracy 2015,” it has led to many listeners to adopting advertised brands, as trendsetters and early adopters, as well as in spreading the word on these products and Playas Mob Radio, itself!

This year alone, Playas Mob Radio has expanded its listening bases greatly! Where it was once listened to by audiences around the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, audiences in Australia began tuning in at great numbers. More recently Ghana, Germany and Morocco have been, as well!

While listeners are tuned in multiple countries all over the map, these particular countries have been gaining numbers very rapidly, which only goes to show that Playas Mob Radio IS “the coolest radio show in the World!” That’s not that bad for a radio show started by three young men in Fort Pierce, Florida, who sought to have their music heard, now is it?

Check out Playas Mob Radio on Saturdays from 8:00 PM Est until 9:00 PM Est on WJFP-FM. You can listen in LIVE via WJFP.com, or through TuneIn Radio’s Web & Mobile App platforms.

If you are in Florida, try one of these six FM stations below, and don’t forget to call in:

91.1 FM Fort Pierce
88.5 FM Clewiston
93.9 FM Cocoa Beach
94.3 FM Melbourne
107.1 FM West Palm Beach
90.7 FM Vero Beach

*For coverage maps, please see http://wjfp.com/site/page.php?pid=about

Archives of previous shows can be found on SoundCloud.

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Marketing for Change: Only 1-in-3 parents read to their children, 8 and under

June 21, 2013 No Comments

dr suess, one fish two fish red fish blue fish, dr seuss, childhood education, marketing research, market research, macys, via, childhood development, learn to read, english, orlando, pittsburgh, punxsutawney, fort pierce, pittsburgh, new kensington

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

In a world where technology is so evolved that everything is possible, why are our children becoming more corrupted, lacking morals, becoming more spoiled, lacking conscious, etc.? Does it have to do with how we are raising them? Does it have to do with the minimum bonding time we are spending with them and in being the first teachers in their life? A new survey reports that “only one-in-three parents read bedtime stories at night…Children are more likely to spend time with TV or Video Games than books.”

And, here lies the problem.

Lack of bonding and discipline can lead to an increase in independence, but this increase can be harmful to a child if no direction is given. How are we showing our children we love them? How are we influencing their decisions?

We get mad that they emulate what is seen on television, but we are not filling idle minds with wholesome data or swaying their mindsets in the way that we should. If we aren’t that positive role model in their life, we can’t be upset when “the entertainment” keeps them fulfilled and becomes their new “favorite person.” We can’t be upset when our child comes home with dissatisfactory results on their report cards.

When we read, children look at pictures (if snuggled next to you). Chances are, they will follow the words along with you… whether they know what the words spell out or not.

When they see words in repetition, they eventually learn the word “on sight,” and this readies them to learn more complex words. This is a science that programs like “My Baby Can Read” have proven to us time and time again. This is also something that can’t be done one-on-one in the classroom, especially where large classes exist.

As a matter of fact, the age group of “8-years-old and under” are at the highest risk. “Children who don’t read well by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers,” according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

This is a science that programs like “My Baby Can Read” have proven to us time and time again. This is something that can’t be done one-on-one in the classroom, especially where large classes exist. As a matter of fact, the age group of “8-years-old and under” are at the highest risk. “Children who don’t read well by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers,” according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Have we become too dependent on the programming our television networks have created to “educate” kids? Let us not forget that subliminal messaging is also often times placed in program messaging.

Innocent realities may also place “thoughts” into the mind of children. For example, an educational program called “IQ Kids” when heard without visuals, or when watched at “half span” attention sounds like it is clearly saying “I kill kids.” If your child can’t read, what message do they perceive? Do you think they will want to learn from these people, no matter how many awards they have won?

In the Online survey conducted by Macy’s, Reading is Fundamental and Harris Interactive, 33% of 1000 parents report nightly reading to their children. Through ten years of partnership, Macy’s and RIF find it even more important to deliver their 10 millionth book to children across the country. “Bedtime stories build the foundation for future achievement.

For a decade, Macy’s and RIF have worked together to get books and literacy resources to children in need, giving children and parents tools they need to dream big,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental. “While much news in this survey is encouraging, there is more work to be done – work that Be Book Smart and our partnership with Macy’s will help make possible.”

We must remember that this age group is that of our future society, our future decision-makers. If we aren’t teaching them correctly, who will? The television that has the sole purpose of selling advertising and merchandising?

Macy’s understands this and, since 2004, have donated over $25.8 million to RIF through customer-supported fundraising campaigns, in-store events and volunteer activities. They continue this mission with a campaign that runs Today (June 21) throughout until July 21, 2013, in the goal of donating the 10 millionth book to a child in need.

The campaign takes place Online and in stores across the country. The correlating Online campaign includes a Facebook Sweepstakes, and have included this statement in a recent Press Release:

“As part of the Be Book Smart campaign, Macy’s and RIF will host a sweepstakes on Facebook to encourage supporters to share information about the campaign and post images of quotes from favorite authors to their personal timelines via a Facebook app. Each week, one winner will be awarded a $500 Macy’s gift card. For official rules and to enter the sweepstakes, visit facebook.com/macys or rif.org/sweeps. No purchase necessary to enter or win a prize.”

What are you doing to ensure a bright and positive future for our children? Start reading to them, today!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Will “Beamz by Flo Rida” be music to our ears?

June 18, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED TO EXAMINER

Beamz Interactive has just announced a “Milestone Endorsement” and Licensing Deal with Rapper, Flo Rida, and this could be music to our ears and a very cool new experience for event goers and music enthusiasts everywhere — not just in Hip Hop and Rap Music!

Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an emerging, yet state-of-the-art company with something unique to offer those who love new ways of creating and presenting music to audiences on a regular basis. Beamz, specialized laser-controlled music technology, works in the fashion of traditional MIDI… only more advanced!

This machine is used by triggering specific commands with actual laser beams. As a matter of fact, technology by Beamz may very well replace modern DJ equipment and even instruments used by bands, especially during performance periods. The cool thing is that music can simply be played for enjoyment purposes, although the device is configured to allow for Advanced and Interactive Music Creation techniques.

Separate from “old school” MIDI technology, Beamz is Interactive. More on the product capabilities will be demonstrated through product release and performance of the new consumer product line, “Beamz by Flo Rida.” Beamz is known for prosumer editions of previous technologies, similar but unlike this new product line.

In a recent press release by Beamz and D3M Licensing Group, a Global Licensing Agent for Flo Rida, Flo Rida made a statement on the new product line: “With Beamz, everyone will be able to create and play music, not just listen to it. It’s hard to describe the feeling of making music on-the-fly with Beamz for the first time. It’s easy enough for anyone to play within minutes, yet sophisticated enough for artists and DJs to use on stage. I’ve been a follower of the Beamz product ever since I first got my hands on it, and I’m looking forward to working with Beamz to develop the ‘Beamz by Flo Rida’ product line.”

It’s easy enough for anyone to play within minutes, yet sophisticated enough for artists and DJs to use on stage. I’ve been a follower of the Beamz product ever since I first got my hands on it, and I’m looking forward to working with Beamz to develop the ‘Beamz by Flo Rida’ product line.”

In the meantime, Beamz is preparing for a massive takeover through this deal and ready to take force, especially through Digital Marketing means! To reach and encourage a “new generation of music enthusiasts and Flo Rida fans,” everything must be customized to fit their needs.

Beamz will work closely with Flo Rida to develop the new product line. From there, a series of commercials will be filmed and distributed via television and Social Media outlets. It is expected that viral distribution of these commercials would attract the attention of much of his fanbase and those interested in the product’s capabilities.

In the matters of Mobile Distribution, Flo Rida is set to be featured in the software application of Beamz technology for iPhone, iPad and Windows 8 devices. This software will include a library of Flo Rida’s very own music catalog and be converted into an Interactive format. Through Word of Mouth means and sharing capabilities, THIS is expected to attract users based on the usage of specific mobile devices and viral measures. Flo Rida fans may be further attracted to the signatured “Special Limited Edition Chrome” version of this product.

Due for furthered announcement in the second half of the 2013-year, in-depth details on the product will be released prior to final launch dates for the Beamz by Flo Rida devices and software.

Teasers are expected to hint to users via Social Media on the upcoming product in planting suspense and anticipation for the product’s commencement into markets all over! Currently, commercials are being slated to begin airing as of the third quarter in 2013 on select Television and Internet Distribution Channels.

On a personal note: I am excited about this new product and release. I can only imagine how live shows and performances will begin to evolve with the addition of this product into markets on a Global level. Aside from the Emulator, a see-through touchscreen “DJ Glass,” I would think this would bring a difference to the World of Electronic Music and anyone that uses a DJ that no longer has a traditional turntable setup.

It will bring art and performance back into the craft of DJing. I recently attended an event that a well-known-rapper-turned-DJ performed at and was very disappointed by witnessing two guys simply sitting on stage, at a desk, playing music for us. The crowd of many became a crowd of almost no one, quickly!

If Beamz were to have Flo Rida implement usage of their new product into his shows and live events prior to any media presentation, wonders could be worked for the brand. The element of curiosity will take over, and the “ohhhhhhh” factor will become even more sufficient upon media release.

Additionally, the feeling of personalization and privilege will lead to Brand Loyalty and Word of Mouth Marketing successes through allowing potential consumers to tell the Brand Story to their immediate friends and family via cell phone photo and video contributions to Social Media and Networks.