The Finale

This was my first time creating my own blog and I could say I learned a lot from it. There are many things I would improve or change. I would create my pages with more color or designs to make it stand out. Being more on track with posting and collecting my content better is another improvement that I would like. With my current Music Blog, I would only promote it through Twitter. For the following blogs I would like to promote somewhere other than twitter. Maybe I could post the link on an Instagram story with a photo or even on Snapchat. To better promote my content I would use more of my social media.

My best experience during this semester-long project was seeing what I am capable of. I learned to love writing and will, for sure, start creating blogs of other topics. Meeting new people and hearing what they have to say about a topic (music) we both enjoy was an amazing experience, as well. Having a blog benefits me in many ways including using what I have created as part of my portfolio, since I’m planing a career in the same field. Not to mention, I learned many useful things throughout the project. Wanting a career in media and journalism, the experience I had in this course this semester I know will be very helpful and has led me to start and create new things for myself.

As I view my site stats I look for my highest viewing week which turns out to be February 24, 2020 through March 1, 2020. This week I received 21 views and 14 visitors. My most popular post this semester was from Artist xRAE, which received 20 views. Something I did find surprising while going through the stats was that I had 2 viewers from Canada. It makes me wonder how it got to that person. This made me wonder how my analytics page looked for Twitter but since I don’t post much nothing was really interesting. I did find it funny how most of the things that were more popular were school related or an assignment for this class.

Jvcxbo

One day while I was scrolling through Twitter, where I came across a local Soundcloud rapper. His name is Jvcxbo, but is pronounced as Jacobo. He is actually one of Young Waters friends, which I talked about in my previous blog.

Jvcxbo was introduced to music at a very early age and enjoys many genres. When he first started making music he was listening to rappers like Drake and Lil Wayne. In middle school he played the trombone. Now, he is currently learning how to play the drums, guitar, and piano. Throughout his music making journey, music theory that he has learned has been very helpful.

Like many artists, Jvcxbo was inspired by friends who also enjoy making music. He first started and was introduced to it by a friend who was in the same town as him, during the time. He, then, realized the impact and power of music in a person. Finding comfort in music helped him express himself. “I remember making my first song with 2 of my friends in my backyard,” shares Jvcxbo on his exciting first time having his own verse.

The Soundcloud rapper even shared his personally favorite song that he has made. “sad face” is the title of the song in which he created the beat for. He explained how this song, specifically, inspired him to be a better producer and to learn more instruments that can be incorporated into his own music.

Jvcxbo added that he feel like he was meant to be part of the music industry, maybe not right now but some day and he believes it could eventually lead to something big. If you’re interested in listening to his music, check out his Soundcloud, where he posts his latest music.

“Since making music, I have learned that I can manifest anything I want as long as I set my mind to it.”

-Jvcxbo.

Young Water.

Another local rapper/musician who was born in McAllen, Texas was inspired to create his own music. Young Water, was first introduced to his favorite type of music when he was a 13 year old in middle school. Artists like, Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were his favorite.

As more of his inspiration came from Wiz Khalifa he continued to make music. He first started making music when he was introduced to it by two of his friends. All three decided to make a song together and was Young Waters first song. He described his first song experience as “exciting but nerve wrecking.” After hearing himself in the song and having the support of his friends he gained confidence and pursued his music career even more. A major contribution to him starting music was knowing the guitar, which he learned in 9th grade. He explained how he incorporates things he learned while playing the guitar and music theory.

“For me, being a rapper has been eye-opening and challenging. It has helped me expand my vocabulary, express my feeling, and go through many problems.”

-Young Water.

After a couple of years, his two friends, who which he started making music with, drifted apart due to school. He decided being alone was not going to stop him so he continued making his own type of music. He made several songs by himself and would release them on his Soundcloud. He met many people and received many opportunities to make music with others.

Young Water also discussed his favorite song, which he titled “Cross My Mind.” He goes on to explain the meaning of the song. “At the barber school I attend I fell in love with a girl but got my heartbroken but still continues to cross my mind a lot, hence the title of the song.” This song also made him feel like he could express his feelings better.

Complex Music

As I have been sharing my love for music and artist with you all, I also wanted to share one of my personally favorite websites that includes latest trends, sports updates, but, most importantly, music updates. This website started as a magazine and was established in 2002 by Marc Ecko, who is a fashion designer and founder of the Ecko brand. 

Complex started as a magazine that later had millions of subscribers and bi-monthly issues. Covers in the issues were very popular because it had celebrities from music, film and sport. Celebrities in the magazine covers included Tony Hawk, Nas, David Bowe, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ludacris and even gave Kim Kardashian her first magazine-shoot and cover. In 2007, Complex launched Complex Media, which got them an even bigger audience. They wanted to digitally reach out to more people and going that route had many benefits for the magazine company. Results to adding Complex Media led them to having a 154% increase in ad sales by 2010. Complex has had partnerships with many including, Toyota, PepsiCo and Adidas.In 2012 and 2013 Complex was growing and had added more sites, YouTube channels, blogs, and other small projects. A major project that was launched in 2012 for the magazine company was Complex TV. Complex TV started as an online broadcaster of original content then, in 2017, Fuse, the U.S. cable network, started airing series from Complex. A couple of series that Complex has created are, Sneaker Shopping, Hot Ones, and Everyday Struggle. By the time Complex TV was doing great, the last print issue Complex Magazine had was the December 2016/January 2017 issue. Complex received much recognition and awards. Complex had ranked #3 in the United States in a survey ComScore had in 2014 and also won “Best Original Non-Scripted Video Series.” The company was also named one of “The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups in New York” but the year after was named “Most Valuable, Private Companies in The World.”

various of Complex Magazine covers.

I first got introduced to Complex Magazine when I was in middle school, around 2012. I noticed it growing and getting bigger when hip-hop/rap had a peak in the YMCMB and Taylor Gang era, of course I was YMCMB all the way! But this website was my source of music updates, reviews and lyrics. It was my type of news and still is. My favorite thing about Complex is that it is always up to date on the latest music and fashion trends. Not to mention their YouTube channels are pretty interesting, funny and full of celebrity interviews. 

xRAE

Born and raised in Rio Grande City, Texas, Justin Rae Reyes was introduced to music at a young age. As a child he would go to church with his family and noticed how interesting he found the band and music to be. He paid most attention to the drums and would feel the beat. 

As Reyes grew up and attended middle school he joined symphonic band and learned how to play percussion. Throughout those three years he was part of competitions, seasonal concerts and was first chair, as well.  

As Reyes grew up and attended high school he decided to not be part of the symphonic band anymore, and bought his own drum set to play at home. In his own practice sessions at home he would always have headphones and listen to metal bands, such as Metallica. While wearing headphones, he would have music playing in the background and would try to play along on his own and learn new songs. “Practice and determination” was his motto throughout his self-taught journey.

During his junior year in high school he had downloaded an app on his phone where he was able to create simple beats by using drum sounds. One of his friends then suggested for him to try and doing it more seriously in a laptop. Reyes thought that was a good and fun idea so he decided to download a beat making software where he could have more advanced options in creating beats using his laptop. Once he had downloaded the software, he started watching tutorial videos where he learned the basics of the software then proceeded to experiment until he was satisfied with the beat.

Senior year in high school came around, and Reyes was now creating different styles of beats. He was having fun and created a Soundcloud page with his new name, xRAE, a play of words with his middle name. He introduced his friends to his beats and convinced them to make songs with them. He would go on to also meet new people from around Texas who would make music as well, and they would make collaborations on beats.

You can check out his music on his Soundcloud and is always open to any other collaborations.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG

Hello everyone! My name is Crystal Martinez, I was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. I have always enjoyed music but growing up in Laredo there wasn’t much of a music scene or concerts with today’s music. 

Going into high school I decided to join a fine arts school where I was part of the journalism class. Throughout those four years I made writing my hobby and realized I had found my passion. Being in the fine arts school made me realize how hard musicians work for their piece to sound perfect. 

Moving to San Marcos after living in Laredo for 18 years of my life was something really different but exciting. I knew going to Texas State University to study what I enjoy the most was going to be great, but I was especially excited for the music scene. Between Austin and San Antonio, there is always something fun going on. Combining both of my passions in one blog will be a great experience for me as well.

Today, I am a 20-year-old student attending Texas State University majoring in Mass Communications. Throughout these two years I have met a lot of people, especially very talented ones that many aren’t aware of. Something I have noticed in many musicians that I have met is that they are self taught and/or work by themselves in creating their music.

I’ve decided to write my blog on musical talents in San Marcos, Texas. All types of music genre are welcome here. I will be showcasing singers, bands, and individual people that make music on their own and play instruments.

I’m excited to share my passion of writing and music with all of you guys and share the journey of discovering new musical talents around the local scene! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, where I will be sharing blog updates.

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