Lenny Hamilton
10th Annual R&B Album Nominee
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Record Label: LtrainStudio Recordings
www.ltrain.com
Home Base: Nashville, TN, USA
Genre: Urban — [multi-genre interests]
Category Entered: R&B Album
Work Submitted: WAYOUT: Portfolio, Vol. 1
Label: LtrainStudio Recordings / LtrainStudio Music, LLC
URLs:
www.Ltrain.com
www.twitter.com/LtrainStudio
www.facebook.com/LtrainStudio (music profile)
www.facebook.com/lennyhamiltonjr (personal profile)
Influences: Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Prince, Sade, Luther Vandross, Daryl Coley, Bryan Loren, Chuckii Booker, Seal, Sting, Nile Rodgers, and several more.
What’s the meaning of your band name? I’m technically Lenny Hamilton, Jr. But, the ‘Jr.’ didn’t fit into the album cover design the way I wanted. 
Describe your nominated work: WAYOUT: Portfolio, Vol. 1 resulted from my interest to create a vehicle for my music to be heard. As a producer and writer, sometimes making progress can be a challenge after years of pursuing opportunities in the music business. I didn’t have anything circulating back in 2006.. so I figured why not just record my own album and sing it myself. I eventually fell in love with the process of making the album and decided that I wanted it to reflect a more upbeat, uplifting, positive tone.. and I really put my heart into it. Ultimately, recording the album was an opportunity to use my voice as an artist. In many ways the title track sums up the main reason I wanted to make the album: “…I’ve been asleep with the world at my feet for way too long… letting others speak for me.. handing over the microphone and let them sing my song…” – from track #16 – “WAYOUT”
Why did you choose to submit this work to The 10th IMA’s? I learned about it during the 2nd Annual IMAs – Always wanted to do it. Many years later I felt like I had something worth submitting.
Did you use any unusual effects or instruments in this recording? Nah, just the basics.. cheap mic, cheap preamp, decent computer,… nothing fancy or unusual.
Were there any happy accidents while in the studio, or did everything go as planned? Ha! Nothing ever ‘always’ goes as planned.. at times overwhelming, intimidating, etc. BUT, for the most part everything on the album worked out as I wanted after 4 years.
Did fans help you fund this project? self-funded
Who’s sitting in your audience? Hopefully everybody – anyone who enjoys simple, uncomplicated, easy urban music.. but I’ve heard often the album has a way of making a good 1st impression.. yet, also keeps growing on you with repeated listens. That is a great compliment to hear.
What makes your fans unique? They have been willing to give the entire album a chance.. even the songs (or recordings) that might not generally be their cup of tea.
Are there any songs you wish you wrote? Several. Mostly love anything that makes people feel better about themselves.
What artists are you listening to that would surprise your fans? I have THREE (3) iPods – lots of music – various genres – maybe the most surprising would be the last few Nine Inch Nails albums as well as The Social Network Soundtrack by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross (fan of Trent Reznor’s approach to music production), I have a Charlie Pride greatest hits compilation, every album released by Death Cab for Cutie (amazing band), and even tho’ having some Prince is not a surprise.. it might surprise people to know I have every Prince release from 1978 to 2010.. on EACH of the 3 iPods
What is your dream show lineup? Hmm.. Bobby McFerrin, Me’Shell NdegéOcello, Prince, and me somewhere near the front of the audience watching!
What is your guilty pleasure on the road? Have yet to hit the road.. will let you know!
Should music be free? On some level.. all music is already free (just google any album and you’ll probably see it as a free download somewhere). The issue of whether or not music should be free depends on the artist and all parties involved. I love the idea of occasionally making music available at a $0 cost.. then if people love it.. they will hopefully shout about it to 1 MILLION of their closest friends.. and the artist (me) ends up with MORE sales as a result. As a relatively unknown artist looking to build more visibility… exposure and circulation are key things. Perhaps the usual business model for sales and marketing work best for established, well-known major label artists.. but I love the freedom most indie artists have these days to make their music available in a variety of options. Currently you can download a full version of my album WAYOUT via my bandcamp page (thru my site) at $0 amount.. OR a deluxe version for $12 or MORE. Even if that changes in the future, I’ve encouraged people to feel free to make a few copies and share the album. So often new fans will send out messages to their followers and friends on twitter, facebook, etc. So you haven’t just given the album away to a few people.. but, you have effectively helped a listener to spread the word to 100’s or 1000’s of potential NEW fans.. and that will usually result in higher sales!
How has digital affected your career? Digital is genius! It’s all about making music available to people in whatever ways THEY prefer. As a music fan, I appreciate it. Also, working on projects with others no matter where they are in the world (made possible via the internet / broadband connections) has totally revolutionized how people collaborate thru the use of online data transfers, video conferencing, skype, etc. It’s only going to get better and better.
Are digital singles vs. full albums the future of music? There are always going to be many options: singles, 3-song EPs, 5 and 7 song EPs, albums and double albums, complete anthologies for sale, downloads and e-tickets for concerts, entertainment bundles, satellite and internet radio, smart phone streaming,.. it will be all of those things competing. It’s hard to predict what people are going to want in the future. It’s pretty exciting to think about.
Finish this sentence: The music industry is… a business with various target audiences. Some audiences are proving to have deeper pockets than others.. so it may appear that certain artists are valued MORE than others by labels, radio, media, press, etc. But, that shouldn’t discourage people. You can’t wait around for some label to sign you or tell you when to jump, etc. If you have a passion for it and great talent.. JUST DO IT. Be your own boss.. be resourceful.. and be a part of the music industry independently.. perhaps even aligning yourself with people that will help you achieve your creative goals and interests. Maybe a label deal and/or other great music business opportunities will come knocking at your door at some point.. which is all good! But, in the meantime.. understand that the music industry is not a exclusive club with a velvet rope.. that is an illusion. Just D.I.Y. — and you are in the music industry just like that! That’s how I see it.