Music

How Karen Civil leveled up in the Digital Marketing World?

Posted on by jonildaf

Karen Civil is one of today’s successful entrepreneurs. The weezythanxyou blog she helped create for American Rapper Lil Wayne, to connect with his fans while he was in jail back in 2009, caught much attention that boosted her career. 

The Haitian-American trailblazer is the owner of KarenCivil.com and LiveCivil.com, a Digital Marketer, PR (Public Relations), Social Networker, Author, and Philanthropist that takes waves on any creative and influential ways in business, entertainment, and in politics. 

Entrepreneur Karen Civil and Jonilda Francois at the Woman Up and Man Up’s Talk Civil Conference on April 8, 2018; Credited by: Jonilda Francois

In the start of her career, Civil started in Hot 97 as an intern for DJ Funkmaster in 2002. Throughout her years in the digital marketing industry, she has helped artists like Nicki Minaj, Drake, the late Nipsey Hussle and Mac Miller, and few others.

Civil was a Digital Marketing Manager for Beats by Dre. She paved the way to brand the cool wireless headphones and targeted customers with the help of influencers like artists Big Sean, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. And athletes like Lebron James and Serena Williams.  

According to Essence, Civil stated, “… I left my hometown of Elizabeth, NJ to become the Social Media Manager for Beats by Dre in Los Angeles. I continued to grow my site, which had a male-dominated audience. I decided I was ready to launch my lifestyle and beauty site, LiveCivil.com. I wanted to create content that women could enjoy, too. With LiveCivil.com, we did a ground-breaking in Haiti for a playground, launched a women’s empowerment tour and partnered with Carol’s Daughter and CoverGirl.”

As a philanthropist, Civil has her Live Civil Computer Lab, a playground, and gave 500 children books in Haiti. She also has done several other community projects for her hometown. 

“Even as a child, my parents have instilled the importance of giving back, especially to the community that has given to you. Haiti gave me my family and heritage, so this playground is only my first way of giving back to Haiti,” said Civil on Forbes.

In 2016, Civil was part of Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign. She helped the former presidential candidate to reach young people to vote. This was Civil way of getting millennials to become active voters. 

Civil has done tremendous things to uplift the social media world. With her terrific work, why wouldn’t anyone want to follow Civil on her next adventure of success?

You can follow Karen Civil on Instagram and Twitter

What is 2010’s Music Era?

Posted on by jonildaf

Local Musician Jeremy Carter thinking about a musical project; Credited by Jeremy Carter

As the year 2019 (and the era of 2010) is coming to an end, music has captured the most iconic moments and unforgettable collaborations (so far) in this decade. From the time Beyoncé dropped her most surprised and successful self-titled album to Lil Nas’ breakout new hit single “Old Time Road” with country artist Billy Ray Cyrus. “The genre of music of 2010 has really captivated the audience in a different way. It was mostly focused on the pop and r&b, and somewhat of hip-hop,” said Jeremy Carter, a local Tampa Bay Musician.

Jeremy Carter, a local musician from the Tampa Bay Area, interviewed at Starbucks in Riverview, FL on June 9, 2019 Photo By: Jonilda Francois

The 2010’s music is a decade that mostly focuses on pop, indie pop and rock, r&b, techno, and hip-hop. Several genres have been memorizing and inspiring during this era of music. A lot has changed since the 2000s. Also, it follows back how the music industry changes from the 90’s until now.

Picture of Ariana Grande’s Album Sweetener Billboard Award at Full Sail University; Photo by Jonilda Francois

Additionally, there were more collaborations than ever before. Justin Bieber collaborated with Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi, a song called “Despacito.” The viral song that top charted in the 2017 Latin and Hot 100 Billboard for ten weeks, brought the Latin and pop roots together to get a broader, and diverse audience of new listeners. 

Picture of Migos’ Culture II Billboard Award at Full Sail University; Photo by Jonilda Francois

According to Billboard.com, the Latin America market was the highest growth of streaming revenue by 49% continuing from the previous years. As for the North America market, it increased by 50% in streaming revenue last year. 

Local Musician Jeremy Carter preparing to start his musical stunt; Credited by Jeremy Carter

How has the Music Industry changes from the 90’s until Now?

Posted on by jonildaf

The 90’s kids and 90’s babies can remember a time when they were crazy about their favorite artists whether it’s Brittany Spears, Lauren Hill, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, or Destiny Child’s. Now everything changes, but CDs and tape cassettes are antics relics of the past. 

“Electronic streaming is currently the best way to reach the most people around the world at one time. All kinds of songs and genres became available through online platforms,” said Khalil Garcia, a USF undergrad student, Class of 2019, via email.

Garcia is a current undergrad student from USF, who is knowledgeable about the music industry and understands how technology is helping today’s artist to make music and promoting their brand. 

“The biggest change that’s occurred within the industry is the emergence of the digital revolution. CD’s along with boom boxes and mp3 players are a thing of the past,” said Garcia. 

During the 90’s, it was the era of teen-pop, R&B, rap, reggae, and dance-pop music that transition a blend of a spinal of popular music. That time, CDs were a high demand for sales which caused many consumers to purchase their favorite musicians and artists’ albums, according to RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Also, the new phase of digital devices, like the MP3, that was released in the late 90’s, helped with the advance of technology in the music industry.

Before today’s artists were searched and found through social media, A&Rs (Artist and Repertoire) in the 90’s, found artists from demo tapes and CDs, and local musical events. With Instagram as one of the powerful platforms to find artists like today’s Grammy-Award Winner  rapper Cardi B, has helped paved the way for her and other artists’ successful career(s).

Picture of Kanye West’s late registration Album Award Plaques at Full Sail University;
Photo by J. Francois

“The more likes and the more views… It’s just the way it is. It’s saturated… But you still got to go out and put your name out there,” said Rawtraxx, a local musical producer from Tampa. 

As a music producer, Rawtraxx has seen the transition of the music industry for over 20 years, and notice that social media has taken over for new musical artists to make a name for themselves to showcase their work, by linking their projects on different social media platforms. 

Picture of Beyoncé’s  dangerously in love Album Award Plaques at Full Sail University; Photo by J. Francois

“It changes now… It’s a lot of artists that you don’t know, that take it real serious. If the A&R can see a new artist with 47,000 viewers and likes, now half of their work is already done,” said Rawtraxx.

According to Nielsen, the demand for streaming music and videos are on the rise by 43% from last year. That shows consumers today, compared to 20 years ago are downloading music instead of purchasing CDs or albums. Also, it was the year of female empowerment in the music industry, to dominate the Billboard Hot 100, like artists Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande. 

Contact Jonilda Francois at JFrancois2@student.fullsail.edu or Follow on Twitter: @jonilda_f