by True Soundz

(the True Soundz boys are infatuated with this lady…)

Everyday we wake up we must become winners. Even when one is part of a family, community or team one must play their individual roles “to death”, and not depend on others to help for they also have their own roles and responsibilities to attend to for the greater good. For example, look at all sports team, they all work together but all play their own positions. This is the key to success for a team or group. This is how True Sounds operates and the reason why we continuously overcome obstacles.

Consistency is also a major factor in any aspect of ones life. We quote Anthony Robbins, “In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” That being said, we hope that everyone reading this takes the time out to really focus and let the quote sink in… Other then that we don’t really know what to say but to just keep it moving and stop getting in your own way. Try things, learn from them…REGRET is apart of life in Business or personal matters. The sun will shine again tomorrow…
That reminds me of this poem, “Four Poems”, by Vera Pavlova (pictured above):

“If there is something to desire
There will be something to regret.
If there is something to regret,
There will be something to recall.

If there is something to recall,
There was nothing to regret.
If there was nothing to regret,
There was nothing to desire.”

Things will always go wrong in this industry. What makes one stand out and achieve excellence is how one handles and adapts to the situation. Remember no one can get in your way but urself. Keep god 1st!!! Stay Focused, Dedicated & Determined (F.D.D) and watch your life excel…

Wow, is this really our 3rd blog? Time flies when we you’re on the move. So let me see what we have to report to ya….

Ok, strangely enough this thing we call music seems to have found its identity again, exec’s, producers, artists and even radio are starting to actually make & play “Music”. We have been keeping a close ear on radio play, something we almost never do, and to our surprise we have not been totally disgusted by what’s playing. Good job to our fellow Music Community. But, most of ya’ll are already thinking, “but yea what does that have to do with True Sounds Inc”? It has everything to do with us. “Why”, You ask? Well, because now these Label Heads are understanding and putting into play what we & every other true musician have been trying to tell them for 3 years.

Now we are tapping more into the industry life and educating ourselves on how to survive and move up the latter in this crazy, yet fascinating business. Switching from “Boardroom” and “Creative” mode is the most difficult thing we deal with because remember what we told ya in the first blog, we are in the music business but we are also in the business of making music. So right now we continue to play our cards and ghost produce for certain individuals whom we cannot mention due to confidentiality clauses but we are doing our damn thing!!! Remember that… But on to something we can mention to ya is we are working on a big record with a very talented singer, Zuleika. It will be a monster hit, if god allows it so look out for it. It should be released sometime before the summer, we will keep ya posted.

Other then that we have been taking ourselves more seriously and have been acting more like business men and less like men who just have a business. We are extremely proud of the progress we have made within the last few weeks. Nothing else to really report on from our end other then we can’t wait for spring to get here….

Remember, no one can get in your way but yourself. Keep God 1st!!! Stay Focused, Dedicated & Determined (F.D.D) and watch your life excel….

Sincerely,
True Soundz

(The infamous monitor that gave our guys a tough time…)

Now where did we leave off? Well its the start of a New Year and once again we are granted with the opportunity to start over and make things right.

Well first things first True Sounds is gonna be all over ya airwaves by third quarter this year or we Suge Knight’n everybody in the industry, just kidden…or are we?..But seriously we are working hard in the studio to try and deliver ya some good music this year, it’s these corporate heads that won’t budge, like Kanye said “they old and mad cause they can’t Rock no mo”….We will leave the politics out of this blog but trust me the topic will appear in future writings.

Sooo yeaaa I mean as you know from the last time you visited we are currently looking for artists, musicians, and writers to collaborate with and are in the first stages of beginning the compilation that we will try to get out to you guys by the summer. Other then that we have gained weight and partied too damn much for the holidays, but we are in the process of joining the gym and getting ourselves in shape for those photo shoots… We are tired of people stating that all producers are fat, shit we breaking that stereotype, cuz let’s all face it all the hot clothes are fitted that baggy stuff no longer rocks, so people come on get it together and drop it all ready, IT DOES NOT ROCK!!!

Oh before I forget we are also looking for a media person who knows how to work a camcorder/camera and will come in once or twice a month to videotape and photograph certain sessions or events which we will be featured in throughout the next few months.

Hold on before we proceed we have to share this one story with you all, its crazy…How one day after a session with PDL (Pasao de Liga), shout out to Dominican rap by the way, the song is on our my space and its crazy check it out. Anyways, one day after their session our mixing board starts throwing out flames and smoking, we are all there like “what the F*¤K” so we pack the damn board up and take it to get repaired. But hold up that’s not all; As soon as we get back from taking the board to get fixed we discovered that our Apple 23 inch HD monitor is also messed up, the whole monitor had to get repaired cuz of one damn connector. Can you believe this, cuz we sure couldn’t, I swear this type of shit only happens to us. Anyway so now we are in the studio and we can not hear nor see anything we are doing, long story short we were out of production for 3 weeks. I swear it was the longest 3 weeks of our lives!!!

So that’s about it on our end. Just celebrating a new year and continuing to support the arts. We will continue to display our appreciation on the opportunity to talk our talk on this amazing site dedicated to our culture. Bueno, that’s all for now, remember the only person that can stand in your way is yourself so keep living and loving life, as long as god is in your life everything will fall into place. Practice F.D.D. (Focus, Dedicated & Determined) and watch your life excel…

Peace,
True Soundz

(I kinda, sorta work for him! except, not really…)

I’m currently working part time for this theater company and it’s absolutely one of my favorites. Its called the Labyrinth Theater Company co-founded by John Ortiz and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

I saw 2 readings at the Public Theater.
I also saw “A View of 151st”. The good thing is as a volunteer my main perk is tix to the show. I loved it! I love this company!!!

I saw a film called Ladron Que Roba Ladron! If anyone can see it please do. Make it a Netflix, or Blockbuster night. We should support each other’s work. I like how the actors in that film took a risk. They ventured out of their comfort zone. All of those actors are soap opera actors, kinda like novelas. I know when I hear the word novela I think of my grandmother and how she loves those damn shows. Same crap, just different people: Good poor girl and mean rich girl fight for the ideal man.
Anyways, back to the film: I loved it…. I don’t want to spoil it but…it was like an Ocean’s 11 for Latinos. Very dope!!

So I was talking to a director (who shall remain nameless) he’s definitely a “go getter” and an amazing man!! I want to work with him. I know he would get so much out of me as an actor. Some people can just do that. Anyways, he gave me some great advice he told me go to L.A. and work for the LA International Latino Film Festival there. He kept mentioning to be “fearless”, this visionary was so right!! So I’m being gutsier. He was refreshing and gave me great advice, when I needed it the most. He left an impression on me, that to this day even if we don’t talk ever again, he made me open up on the phone. I let a wall down; I realized the direction my life was going. Not just me but many people either getting comfortable with your life, or in my case taking care of other people before myself. I give so much of myself I actually drain myself. I’m cutting back on that!!! So back to L.A: it was cold for October…so stunned. Saw this awesome documentary titled “Father G and the Homeboys” A must see!!!

My favorite film was Maldeamores (Lovesickness) by the way Luis Guzman acts his ass off in this film. It’s entirely in Spanish. Produced by the brilliant Benecio Del Toro…I can’t wait to buy this movie!!!

Who was @ the festival? Many big names: Javier Bardem (another talent) please watch “No Country For Old Men”, if you haven’t done so already. So good!!! He is so humble and that opening scene is just insane. He really went all out. His girl Penelope Cruz, Oliver Martinez, Itati Cantoral, Franc Reyes, Judy Reyes, and many more. I had a great time meeting new people but I did notice the difference. I left there with a better understanding of Hollywood. I always knew it would be fake and it being about who you know and who your friends are. It’s a change of pace and lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think I would hate it there, but you definitely have to be part of a mold. You have to go out, you make sure wherever you go you must look good. You don’t know who you’ll bump into, but you’ll see everyone. Make sure you have your business cards @ all times. I would recommend that!

My goals for 2008: Muse Productions’ Last House On The Left and of course be fearless!!!

I also stopped by the NYC Horror Film Festival. It is a festival co-founded by one of my best friends’ boyfriend, Anthony Pepe (an amazing make up artist) he does all the FX makeup in town. He’s being featured in Fangoria Magazine, the number 1 horror magazine. I help them out each year. This year was pretty quiet. Last year was bananas!!! No Tony Todd in sight (of Candy Man fame) lol, that’s for Cammie

2008 is destined to be an amazing year. As I get older and wiser ; -) I realize that we tend to hold ourselves back. I want that fearless life. I’m not trying to be careless or reckless, I just want to stop holding back. I have so much to give…. who’s ready for it?

Back to L.A.I.L.F Festival: Antonio Banderas, a very talented person in his own right, directed the Closing Night film. Anyways, in this film Los Caminos de Los Ingleses (Summer Rain) there was soooooo much sexual content, I felt bad for my boy Victor he was sitting next to his mom the whole time. Good times! Lol

(That’s my boy, Mr. Sanford Meisner)

I’m on the phone with this awesome coach from California his name is Kirk Baltz. He’s an ex New Yorker. He teaches Meisner/Method acting technique. A mixture of both. He’s very cool and funny. In L.A. everyone has a coach, I guess it sounds more exclusive. Anyways, he recommended a few teachers/classes here: Susan Batson and Black Nexus. I’ve heard of her. I’m not sure if she still teaches, I think she only has a few students but I’ve heard of B.N. Gonna check it out online. Also Kirk told me about this guy named Tony Grecko who has this amazing intensive program for a month, 5 days a week. I’ll take off work to do that class. He teaches method acting. I’m not a method-trained actor though I’ve studied Meisner. I’m familiar with the whole sensory thing. You remember times or people in your life that make you react or feel a certain way. I personally believe it won’t hurt to learn a new method. It can only make you stronger. And in the long run the only way you’ll get better is actually working and “acting” with others. You learn so much by just doing…So I am stoked…

Till Next Time,

C.E.

Making Soundz Come True…

Hello everyone, most of you readers must be thinking what is True Sounds Inc all about?
True Sounds Inc is all about bringing back the feel of music to ones soul. At some point in time, music just lost its edge and its ability to deliver feelings and imagination. There are many talented producers who are still trying to deliver that essence that’s long gone, but are still falling short to the movement music had in prior generations. We are not the only answer to this issue but are amongst an elite few whom are dedicated to correcting the situation while providing new and exciting trends and sounds while remaining committed to capturing the kinetic energy once used to make endless music.

Another question you guys might have is, “what’s so special about True Sounds Inc.”?
-We are special because we believe in well-composed music and we are trendsetters. While everyone is running around mimicking each other, we are creating new waves of sounds and music for the future. The reason so many people gather samples and recreate a classic record is because the people ask for it. They want to re-feel that feeling they once felt at a certain time in their life because they don’t feel the passion in current music anymore. This is the goal of True Sounds Inc. We want to create music that will last life times and not just a couple of weeks in the billboard charts top 200. We want people to reflect back and appreciate that moment in time when that certain song was playing that gave them that certain feeling that got them through what ever was going right or wrong in their life. Memories are one of the greatest gifts in life, and this is the main objective of True Sounds Inc, we want our music to live on in memories across generations forever.

In our case we are in the business of making music, but we are also in the music business, which is not always the fairest industry. We specialize in various genres of music but have adapted a reputation in Hip-Hop, R&B, and Reggaetton. With so many artists from different nationalities crossing over to work with one another, we had to be knowledgeable in all forms of music because OMG you guys will be surprised with the ideas some of these artists come out with, seriously! So as our skills increased and our reputation started to build we decided to construct our own recording studio and further enhance our knowledge as established music producers. Our mentor, billboard chart topper David Anthony, has taken us under his wing to educate and incorporate us as up and coming industry moguls in the music industry. With support reflecting from all angles there’s really noting that can hold us back. We have had the pleasure to work with Bad Boy, Universal, Koch, and various other companies with opportunities to produce, mix, and even consult on future projects.

Today while in a meeting with a possible client, their manager asked us, “what makes True Sounds Inc music unique?”
- We answered, our music is unique because of who we are. We are 3 different souls with 3 different minds, who manage to co-exist in one heart with one rhythm. We create everything with passion, patience, and love. Not saying others do not put in 100% but, this is what we love doing and the satisfaction of going into the studio to compose a track that millions will sing to makes us the happiest not to mention luckiest men alive because we are part of a society that only a few will ever join. Ya understand? LOL.

Most of you guys might be wondering if we have any artists signed under us. We currently do not have artists under our music group because we have not had the time to sit and develop them. This will all change in the coming months because we are currently scheduling our selves to make time to make this happen and will be conducting interviews through open mic competitions, music show cases, and manager and agent affiliation through various media outlets. So if you are an artist with any type of musical experience keep your ears and eyes open for a chance to work with True Sounds Inc and make history.

Well its been fun, now you all know a little something about True Sounds Inc. If you are located in the Washington Heights area of New York then there’s a good chance you guys will see us either having photo sessions, or seeing our film crew trying to gather scenes for our DVD which will be available spring ’08 and will cover artists and producers from New York, Chicago, Virginia, Atlanta, and Miami. This month not much has been going on in the studio because of all the meetings we have been having with A&R’s, managers and lawyers, yea that’s right lawyers, remember we are in the music business and that means that our money has to be correct. As we connect with you, the reader, through this blog you will tap into our world and understand more of what it is we do. You will start to read about the people we work with and the everyday experiences we go through. This is no longer our personal journey, this is a gateway for you to come in and stimulate your mind with the True Soundz experience. Remember, no one can get in your way but yourself, stay focused, dedicated, and determined (F.D.D.) and let god handle the rest.

True Sounds inc. is a music production company created by three young Latinos from Washington Heights: Kelvis “S.Kay” Fernandez, Johnnelvis “J.L.” Rondon, and Jose “Mouse” Mancebo. True Soundz, is the production group that we are all in that is signed to True Sounds Inc. Follow True Soundz and their beats as they navigate their ways through the waters of the music industry.

Ok…so this is my first time writing a Blog…let’s see how it goes…

I am an actress 18-24. I live in Washington Heights, NYC. Just moved in to new digs. Living sorta on my own. Still got boxes I have to unpack.

I had a little set back at the beginning of this month and also with my move and stuff it’s been kind of quiet for the acting. But I did go to a print audition.

I had emailed the guy from the audition like 3 times at first. I was like “should I make an appointment or is it open callish”? Then I said ok, “between what streets is the audition being held”? He emails me back the location. Then I email him “what train is closest to the audition”? And just my luck, he never emailed me back.

I called him to tell him I’m lost he gave me the wrong address and he just rushed the cross street and almost hung up on me….like ok…I get you hate the phone or something (like most men). I’m lost and just told myself, “whatever asshole”, but its part of the biz…

I should’ve emailed him only once and included any important questions I might’ve wanted to know. (You know, this is what I get for emailing from my sidekick, I tend to rush things)…(it’s like you kinda feel like your texting people and you just write a little at a time).

Don’t go into any audition affected by what has just happened to you. Even if you have to take a deep breath, take a moment before you walk in. The camera will pick up any little thing!

………………………………………o…………………………………….

So I’m trying to read more. I have finished this awesome book by Laura Restrepo titled Leopard in the Sun.

Unfortunately, I feel like my motivation is a little low.

Something is bothering me, I wonder what it is….

You know when you feel like someone or something is holding you back???

I don’t know but maybe I need to go to the movies, it’s such a pick me up. I love going to the movies. I’m not much of a TV person. I don’t watch it. Unless, a friend of mine happens to be on then that’s a different story.

Checking the audition scene

Since I currently don’t have an agent I will just have to find my own agent, like most actors do…

I now find myself having to use casting references such as Backstage, Mandy, Actors Access, and NYCasting. Many people tell me “go to L.A.” So many people want to be actors in L.A. though. But, it’s like NYC has so much to offer because it’s easier to meet people.

I would love to be a part of the 2008 version of the ’72 cult flick “Last House on the Left”… The original was such an awesome film!
Anyone out there know who’s casting????
IMDB pro… Anyone????

I need new headshots, so that I can go see this agent my friend just told me about. And, I’d like to audition for this other film. I might just tape an audition for them.

Though that’s not the industry standard but neither am I

Cassandra Espitia is a young Latina Actor splashing onto the Acting Scene. Follow her acting adventures regularly, here in Latino Confidential.