Daille Kettrell

I would have to say there are at least two individuals in the music realm I would like, or would have liked to meet. The late Mary Lou Williams, legendary pianist/composer is one at the top of my list. I am influenced greatly by what she has done. She's one of the giants that has received countless accolades, awards, and tributes, but in my estimation we just don't hear about her often enough. She was a BAAAAAAAD improvising pianist that had a technique that you wouldn't believe. Williams was a woman…

Someone said that if you do the same thing the same way expecting a change in the results, it's insanity. Why do we expect so much, yet give so little energy to change an outcome? It just doesn't work. When we devote more time and energy to the positive means to a positive end, we are more successful. I had a hard lesson to learn about associating myself with people who have a positive attitude, are humble, are ambitious, are intelligent, who perpetually seek knowledge, and who refuse to do the same…

Whoa, this music business is a trip! The more I learn about it, the MORE I NEED TO KNOW! Folks, never underestimate the power of marketing, a solid plan, a strategy. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You can have the best sounding band in the world, but if nobody comes to hear you, it's a total downer, both emotionally and financially. It happens, but we all want to avoid this scenario at all costs. Promotion must be actively done in order to fill the venue you are playing. The more word you…

The loss of a loved one. It's very tough to take for anyone in general under any circumstances. But when that person is your mother--the woman who carried you, bore you, had unconditional love for you, who made sure you had food, clothing, and shelter, who taught you the little things, who made sure your education was paid in full, who was there for you no matter what, who listened, who was there to pick you up when you fell, who cheered you on in your success--grief can be really challenging. I miss my…

Hey...The time is NOW, y'all. Tomorrow is not promised. "Whatever you wanna do," as Isaac Hayes said, "you gotta DO YOUR THING!" Procrastination has been a major problem for me all my life. A boon to my existence. You have to reach a point where you have to say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Get it DONE! I have seen all these legendary musicians and artists pass on, leaving legacies that are phenomenal behind...This past year, 2010 alone, we lost greats like Saxophonist James Moody, Vocalist/Musician Teena…

All I know is that 2011 is going to be a memorable one. I am going to live each day to the fullest. I will be certain that whatever I do, I will do it well, and be comfortable with the person I am now. I want to grow and have enriching learning experiences. Making empty promises just doesn't fly. There is a saying: "When preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable. Well, let's see how that plays out for me!

My, how time has flown! Still spending much quality time with mom, and taking some time out for myself. I am gradually getting myself back in the race as far as the music business is concerned. After all, music is a part of my life! What a snowstorm we had right after Christmas! I had time to regroup with my Winter Vacation, and try to determine what my new game plan would be. First of all, I realize the importance and NECESSITY of integrating and INFUSING technology into everything I do. Starting…

This summer I experienced a sudden turn of events. My mother was in serious pain in her hip at the end of July, and it so happened that she needed to be admitted to the hospital for hip replacement surgery. A proud octogenarian, my mom had quite an ordeal and challenge to her independence. I had to wear yet another hat, that of caregiver. My commute increased, gas consumption and mileage doubled, and as I attempted to return to work after a period of several days to locate a companion for mom to do…

HELP!!!! Why can't I connect my flippin' printer to my computer so it can print out internet pages, word files, flyers, etc? Why is it whenever I encounter a problem or issue with my Mac (yes I am a loud proud Mac user) I freeze and walk away? And God, enough already with that spinning color wheel that makes you "Force Quit" out of anything you are doing! Why do all my friends have to walk me through EVERYTHING I do when it comes to technology? Did I follow everything I was supposed to in the manual…

Wow, I have come a long way, but I still have a ways to go. I love the music business, but sometimes it doesn't love you back. Now one of my biggest challenges is getting press. Press really drives your career, especially when it's positive! It also helps when a prominent music critic has some good things to say about you. How do you get press? How do yo invite these individuals to hear your shows and performances---your latest CD to get a review? Well, it ain't easy. You can't just ask once. You…