Road Talk - Communication 101 for frequent travelers

If you travel as frequently I do, you've most likely developed your own system for communicating on the run by patching together a unique combo of hardware, software and apps. The more we travel the more interwoven these communicaiton systems become into our lifestyles; connecting us to our personal, social and business networks while we trot around the Globe.

The ideal system is continuously evolving, integrating new services and technology as it becomes available; here a few of the tools that I've used to cut costs while staying accessible on the road.

ULTRABOOK LAPTOPS 

When you travel frequently one of your main objectives is to get "smaller and lighter." One of my best investments was the Asus Zenbook. I'm still a PC guy but I was seriously contemplating a Mac Air until I found the Zen book which I decided on because of several factors including:

• Flash drive memory (one of the most generous in similar devices)
• Design: its ultra-thin design and light weight makes it a great fit for my backpack or messenger bag); oh yeah it also looks really good, with its brushed steel appearance!
• Screen: the impressive screen size 
• Sound: it sounds great with its built-in Harmon Kardon speakers
• Battery life: up to 9 hours of use.

I've had mine for a while, but newer editions include touch-screens, higher capacities etc.

Pros and Cons of Ultrabooks

• Memory
  PRO- ultrabooks typically feature flash drives (non-moving built-in storage that uses less battery and generates less heat.
  CON - ultrabooks have typically less memory than desktops or other laptops.
  WORKAROUND - Cloud computing has reduced the need for huge hard-drives on laptops and is also an effective feature-packed way to store your files. I use Dropbox as I can synchronize my files between all my devices including the desktop in the office, my tablet and my phones. 
• CD or DVD Drives
  CON -  very few ultrabooks include CD or DVD drives
  WORKAROUND - Streaming music and movies have virtually replaced the need for CD and DVD drives and you can now find thumb drives of ginormous capacities to transfer files between devices. There are a few really good low-profile external CD/DVD burners that connect by USB.

TABLETS

I use an iPad Air with a SIM card because:

• Design - I love the weight, size and form of this device. I used to have a mini, but I switched to the Air because the bigger screen is better for reading and movie watching and it is just slightly heavier than the mini
• iTunes - I like that I can sync my iTunes Library and have access to my music, movies, photos etc. 
• Killer apps - the coolest and most versatile apps are made for iOS
• Airdrop - lets you wirelessly transfer photos and videos to other Apple devices (your or someone elses)
• SIM Card - I use T-Mobile which provides international coverage at no additional cost.

Tablets vs. Laptops

Many of my colleagues no longer travel with their laptops carrying only their tablets. It all depends on your usage; I find my laptop is better suited for my word-video-photo-editing and for writing longer emails etc. and my tablet is better for more recreational usages; gaming, listening to music , watching movies, Skyping etc.

SMART PHONES

Typo 2 for iPhone 6

I use a Blackberry and an iPhone 6.People sometimes laugh at me for still using a Blackberry, but the truth is I cant get away from the keyboard on the Blackberry; I do a lot of emailing and messaging when traveling and the physical keyboard still rules for me. I ordered the Typo2 Keyboard for my iPhone 6, but it wont ship until November.

I use a T-Mobile iPhone 6 that I use with their international data plan. I was previously considering switching to a droid because T-Mobile's WIFI calling wasn't available on the iPhone until the iPhone 6 release. I wanted a iPhone 6 + but 1) it was too big and 2) the typo keyboard isn't available for it...yet.

T-Mobile is the Truth!

At the risk of sounding like a T-Mobile spokesperson, this is hands-down the best service for International travelers based in the US.For no additional charge T-Mobile decided to provide international data roaming in approximately 100 countries I'm often using Skype while roaming; Text is also included and making calls to the US (or receiving any calls) is 20 cents a minute while roaming in the countries included in their plan.

For an additional $15 I also use T-Mobile's long distance program which includes calls to most of Europe and many other countries.

MY ESSENTIAL APPS/ PROGRAMS

• Skype - virtually everyone has an account and its a standard in the entertainment industry. Don't just speak to your peeps, see them too. I also use a virtual Skype number that lets people call you using a phone. For a few dollars more you can purchase Skype numbers in different countries. TIP: you can avoid cell roaming charges by forwarding your calls to a Skype number. Skype also works really well on 3G connections; I have it on my iPhone and use it to make and receive calls when traveling internationally. (see the T-Mobile info)
• Netflix - streaming movies and TV from hotel rooms is a sure way to kill time as CNN is the usually one of the only English channels on the hotel TV. Netflix only works in certain countries but you can work around this by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• VUDU - I use the VUDU 2 GO App to download my movies and TV to my laptop, which comes in handy for the long haul international flights or in other areas where there is no or limited WIFI
• Flight Stats - check on flight delays, gate numbers etc.
• Airline APPS - I use these to store my itineraries, boarding passes, check on Frequent flier miles etc for all of the airlines I use frequently.
• Google Maps - essential tool for navigating cities and finding the nearest Starbucks
• Instagram - great way to share your trip and keep a visual journal
• Nook - I used to carry books, but now my entire library is digital; it saves space and now no book is left behind.
• Newstand - I subscribe to a few trade magazines including Billboard; I can save all the issues on my iPad and read them on the go; staying informed, current and entertained
• Games - Ruzzle, Chess, Un-block me are great at not only beating boredom while waiting at the gate or on the flight, but also helps to exercise the brain. My daughter Skyy is introducing me to new games all the time. TIP: start several games on Ruzzle prior to flights that have no WIFI since it depends on the internet. My 
• Dropbox - provides instant access to my files whether on my laptop, iPad or any of my phones.

Reggae on the Billboard Charts. Do You Believe in Magic? A History of Reggae Music on the Billboard Charts

Reggae Music Riding High on the Billboard Charts

"Rude" by Canadian reggae-pop group Magic is the first reggae single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart this decade. Here is a look at some of the other artists and songs to have accomplished this feat.

2006 "Temperature" & 2003 "Get Busy"- Sean Paul

Jamaican-born Sean Paul has been the only artist so far to top the charts with authentic dancehall music; reggae's younger more urban and street smart cousin. Sean Paul's first Top Ten hit "Gimmie the Light" peaked at #7 and paved the way for "Get Busy" his first #1 in 2003 followed by "Temperature" in 2006. He has continued to flirt with the charts often reaching the top 10 with collaborations such as Enrique Iglesias's "Bailando" and his tracks such as "Give It up" and "We Be Burnin" which peaked at #3 and #7 respectively.

2001 "It Wasnt Me" & "Angel" - Shaggy

Mr. Boombastic Shaggy first charted on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Oh Carolina" spending 17 weeks on the chart but peaking at #59. His signature tune "Boombastic" became his first Top Ten entry peaking at #3 while helping Shaggy to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1996. Released in 2003 "Hot Shot" became Shaggy's most successful album to date with two #1 singles. The album also also peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart, spending 84 weeks on the chart. Its been estimated to have sold between 11 - 20 million copies Worldwide making Shaggy the top selling living solo reggae artist.

1994 "Here Comes the Hotstepper"- Ini Kamoze 

In 1994 Ini Kamoze ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with the ubiquitous hit "Here Comes The Hotstepper" it would be his only top 10 hit to date.

1993 "Informer" - Snow & "Cant Help Falling In Love" UB40

Canadian reggae/hip-hop artist Snow became the first Canadian reggae act to land a #1 Billboard Single in 2003. Who would have thought there would be another? Perhaps Magic really does exist!! 2003 was apparently a very good year for international reggae music, with Britain's UB40's cover of "Cant Help Falling in Love" also finding its way to the top of the charts.

1990 "Close to You" - Maxi Priest

In 1990 "Close to You" by Maxi Priest a British-born singer of Jamaican heritage spent 30 weeks on the chart peaking at #1. While this has been his only #1 single to date on this chart, Maxi has frequented the hot 100 charts with "Set the Night to Music" his duet with Roberta Flack peaking at #6 and "That Girl" featuring Shaggy peaking at #20.

Other Reggae and Caribbean Music to Chart

In 1974 Eric Clapton's cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" peaked at #1. "I Can See Clearly Now" was covered by Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and peaked at #18 in 1993, while the original version by Johnny Nash also peaked at #1 in 1972.

Desmond Dekker's "Israelites" was one of the first reggae songs to break the Top 10 peaking at No.9 in 1969. Ska, reggae music's predecessor first appeared in the Top 10 with Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop" peaking at #2 in 1964. Soca artist Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Its worth mentioning that there have been many Caribbean-born pop stars including Trinidadian born Billy Ocean who has had three #1 singles including "Caribbean Queen", "Get Out of My Dreams" and "There'll be Sad Songs", Nikki Minaj also from Trinidad and Rihanna from Barbados.

10 TIPS FOR ASPIRING SINGERS/ RAPPERS/ BANDS ETC.

I get sent stuff everyday by aspiring artists; I'm NOT an artist manager, so I cant really help anyone who is developing their career. I AM a booking agent and promoters will usually book talent only when there is a potential to 'draw' a crowd (and sell tickets). Here are some tips I can give you if you are an aspiring artist though:

1. When you email me mp3s I go immediately to YouTube instead of listening to your mp3 If you have no hits, I will probably pass on it. The more hits you have is the more likely I am to listen to it. (Get your YouTube hits up before trying to push your career to industry peeps)
   
2. If the production sucks I wont listen no matter how well you may sing. Get with a good producer(s). Don't release substandard material it will do you more damage than good. Your song should sound just as good as any hit song on the radio.
   
3. Crawl before you walk and take a good realistic look at your career before you try and take a shot at the big time. Everyone has to start somewhere, but very rarely will an overnight success actually be an overnight success. If you step to the right person at the wrong stage in your career you may have just squandered that one opportunity. Have you ever seen anyone eating a banana before its ripe? Wait till your product has developed before trying to feed it to others.
   
4. Image is everything. If you don't look like a star, ain't nobody gonna think you are one!! Get a stylist, if you cant afford one...look at the latest magazines, Instagram to get ideas from the stars.
   
5. Social we media? Get networking (After you got your stuff in check).
   
6. I'M DIFFERENT - find your niche!! If you are sounding exactly like something we heard before, why would anyone pay attention? If your sound isn't different, then make your look or lifestyle stand out from the pack.
   
7. Stay in your lane. Not every singer is a great songwriter; if you don't write all that well, work with songwriters. If you are singing a bunch of nonsense I wont listen to it and other people probably wont either. (unless your Soulja Boy).
   
8. Your friend is not your manager, unless your manager is a friend. Confused? If your friend has no experience in managing artists and no contacts in the industry, then find another role for them if you want to take them for the ride...road manager, assistant etc. Your gonna need people you can trust in your circle, but don't put them in a position they are not qualified for such as manager or booking agent. Find a good, experienced manager when you got your stuff in check.
   
9. Find a mentor, learn all you can from anyone willing to teach you. Be observant and also be sincerely willing to to help them in any which way possible without getting in their way. If your a rapper, be willing to be a hype man for another rapper...or even a gopher. If your a singer, humble yourself and be willing to sing background for someone else. If you got writing skills, submit your songs to more establish acts...so many artists started as writers for others including NeYo, Joe, Shontelle Layne...
   
10. Learn all you can about the music industry if you are serious about making it. There are some really good books; start with the industry 'bible' "This Business of Music".

Well thats my 2 cents...I'm no Berry Gordy or P-Diddy, but I hope this helps. It is possible if you believe in yourself, I've personally witnessed a few people go from struggling artist to the big time (I played no role in it). Good Luck!!