GTSH - Internship
Hear RVA- Internship
The role I played during my summer internship for Hear RVA in Richmond, Virginia, involved doing musical research, creating digital graphics for Hear RVA's social media, attending and working at tabling events at various local gatherings, working as a music contact coordinator, as well as planning, conducting and hosting my own radio show called Open Window.
During this exciting and educational internship, I have; attended three tabling events, created 13 digital graphics for Hear RVA, one original logo, seven digital art graphics/themed playlists/scripts for my radio show Open Window which aired weekly, 10 video graphics promoting my radio show, over 50+ hours of general music research, 10 in person interviews with varying Virginia musicians, as well as private visits to two production studios and was a part of JCat's podcast, JChats, though RVA Mag. Another facet of this internship is that it gave me the opportunity to become more effective and proficient in my communication skills, hone and finesse my digital graphic skills, and gain an immeasurable amount of fantastic contacts for my future career, and wonderful friends along the way.
The Internship -
Working as an intern for/with the Founder, CEO, and co-owners of Hear RVA, Elijah Hedrick and Rian Moses-Hedrick, has "opened the window" into the music world for me. I was able to attend and work at two safe space market venues, and one festival called DAYDREAM Fest. At each of the events, I tabled at the Hear RVA booth, and spent the day talking to all different kinds of people about the local Richmond and Virginia music scene that is going on throughout the state. Encouraging people to take Hear RVA 'Mixtaste Playlist Quiz' so people can have an easy way to access Richmond/Virginia music, and also be connected to Hear RVA's news letter. I also helped sell Hear RVA merch such as stickers, hats, postcards, and vinyl's. The busiest and most prominent event of the three, was DAYDREAM Fest. Throughout a 12 hour work day, on top of tabling, I interviewed 10 of the 12 acts preforming at the event such as; Abby Huston, Dj Harrison, Butcher Brown, and Weekend Plans. I asked these talented artists about the DAYDREAM Fest in general, and also dove into other info about each performer and their music. I Captured videography of the acts preforming and general b-roll of the venue and the crowd. ​
(Photos from DAYDREAM Fest)
Hear RVA Graphics
Hear RVA gave me the incredible opportunity to create digital graphics for posts on their social media. In total this summer, I have made 13 digital graphics (but all of them have not been posted yet). ​For the main two categories of graphics, I made Virginia music artist history graphics, and music holiday graphics.
For the history graphics I had to first start by looking up the Virginia music artist, photo edit the music artist from the chosen photo. Then create a corresponding background that mirrors one of the artist's album covers. Once that was done, I incorporated font and the Hear RVA logo, and then I deep dive into researching such artist's historical background and significance, then provided a write up of the research.
For the holiday graphics, I compiled a list of music holidays from research online, and from there I made graphics corresponding to each holiday for each date. For each holiday, I researched local Richmond/Virginia music artists or stores that correspond to that holiday.
Open Window was originally created because of my intense love of music, and wanting to share it. The radio show started at Longwood University's WMLU 91.3 radio station, and fortunately expanded over to the STATIONHEAD app (which is an online live stream radio app) giving me the opportunity to do my radio shows over the summer. Over the course of the internship, I have created and conducted seven digital graphic covers for all seven curated playlists incorporating different themes. Then of course hosting my hour long radio shows every Friday from 9-10 p.m. (EST) from my own home.
Episode 1.
The theme for the first show was mix of a little bit of everything.
Episode 4.
The fourth show takes the listener on a journey with nothing but good times and summer vibes.
Episode 2.
The theme for the second show is a showcase of local Richmond VA music.
Episode 5.
Episode 3.
The third show is mix, containing blends of different emotional tones and unique instrumentation.
Episode 6.
The fifth show's is for anyone who may be in a funk or doesn't want to shower, because the theme is all funk.
The sixth show's theme is the beauty and complexity that's surrounded by chaos.
Episode 7.
The seventh show puts a focus on lyricism in the genre of Rap and Hip-Hop.
Radio Scripts:
Radio Scripts:
Studio Visit's
Elephant Ear Studios
My first studio visit was to Elephant Ear Studios, located in downtown Richmond VA. The owner of this amazing studio and album oasis is Jeremy D. Simmons who was kind enough to invite me to visit his studio after meeting him for the first time at DAYDREAM Fest. While there, Simmons showed me the basics of what it takes to be a music producer, shedding light on to something I know very little about. The massive amount of knowledge and and skill that Simmons has gathered over 25+ years of experience producing, and 45+ years of collecting music, is hard to put into words. After showing me the ropes, we talked music, shared thoughts and opinions different songs, music artists, albums, story's around the music, and an over all appreciation for the world of music. A timeless experience that could last forever, and a new found friendship that will be cherished forever.
In Your Ear
My second amazing studio visit was by invitation, to In Your Ear (IYE) studio, I've heard of the studio previously but I have never been till now. Located in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond VA, it houses a multi-studio recording and post-production within the 18,000 square foot facility. I was invited by Elijah Hedrick and Rian Moses-Hedrick to attend a IYE in studio production live stream show 'Shockoe Live Sessions' for DJ Harrisons first ever live performance of his newest album Tales from the Old Dominion. The opportunity to have been able to attend this live show was one of the greatest experiences I could have ever wished for. To be able to personally see how the production is done, what it takes to put the show together, how it is all operated, meet/chat with the crew of IYE, experience the superb live performance by one of my favorite local artists, and to be able meet the artist and the band on top of it. Truly a special opportunity and moment in my life.
One of the members of the Hear RVA team, and Sales Director for RVA Mag., JCat commissioned me to create her official logo for 'JCat'. That is used for all of her branding of her podcast JChat and other events. I also made a poster for her upcoming event 'Saturday Shaker' live stream on August 6th showcasing Jay?Duhh and Ty Sorrell's musical talent.
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Although it not yet released, JCat invited me on to her JChat podcast as a Q&A about me. Asking questions on who I am, what I do, perspective on music, what my radio show is and what I aspire to do in the future.
"Sometimes you gotta close a door to open the window"
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- Tyler The Creator
Tyler, The Creator
