Book Review - “Hitmaker: The Man and His Music” Tommy Mottola

Vinyl records, CD’s, “Napster,” and digital downloads, “Hitmaker” by Tommy Mottola is a book you should definitely read if you love music and/or memoirs. I found out about this book when I was watching Jimmy Fallon late one night. In actuality, I feel asleep and I awoke to Fallon’s high praise for this book as his guest, Mottola recounted his days at Sony Music. Like any book that someone endorses, I put it on my long list of books to read.

I’m not sure why I instinctively put this book at the top of my list. I am so grateful that I did. From the first page until the last, I was entertained and even laughed out loud as I voraciously read. The memoir is honest, raw and poignant. Believe it or not, many books that I’ve read as of late, I find minor mistakes but this book was skillfully written. Hence, I couldn’t put it down.

I have told everyone about this book personally; plus I’ve tweeted about it for days. I can’t say more than how engrossed I was in Mottola’s life. He gave personal details about his marriages; how he discovered Mariah Carey and countless others; and how hard he worked to get to where he wanted to be – the music business.

As a guitar player, he knew early in life that he wanted to play music. Mottola describes how obsessed he became – “I got a Telecaster, a Stratocaster, and then a Jazzmaster. Fender guitars were geared toward mass production, and I’d known how to take them apart and put them back together.” He goes on to say that a $300 Fender guitar are worth $50,000 today. He never kept them, however. He regrets it now.

As a 14-year-old teenager, he played for the “Exotics” band. It was an entirely different mentality than he was accustomed to, “The guys in the Exotics had no curfew. Their parents let them do whatever they wanted . . .” Mottola loved hanging out with these guys when they played music or not. His parents were slowly becoming disenchanted with their teenage son’s band activities so they took matters into their own hands. They eventually enrolled Tommy into military boarding school in New Jersey. Tommy grew up in the Bronx.

Raw details such as these are interwoven into “Hitmaker.” I kept reading because I wanted to learn more. Before Mottola’s big break, he tried to work at his father’s 9 to 5 mundane job after he dropped out of college and couldn’t “make it” as a musician. I admire Mottola because he stuck to his passions and gut instincts – working in the music industry without looking back. He kept his options open and met the right people who guided him into becoming the success he became.

What Tommy had was a knack for understanding what good music was. When Hall & Oats, young unknown musicians, walked into his office, he knew they were going to be huge just by listening to one of their songs. What Mottola did unlike everyone else – he believed in his artists and let them be true to their artistic abilities.  In my estimation, Mottola’s success was attributed to his risk-averse mentality, of course, he was a true visionary. I would put him in the same company with Steve Jobs (Apple), Jack Dorsey (twitter and his new company, Square); Mark Zuckerberg (facebook) among other talented CEO’s. 

Historically, I also enjoyed reading about Sony’s forward-thinking management style. The company was run by an accomplished Opera singer, who was very passionate about music. Understanding new trends in music, they ultimately developed and sold the “Sony Walkman.” Now music lovers can enjoy music “on the run” without being chained to their radio or home stereo. This was an important transformation in how audiences began listening to music – it’s portable and you can pick any music you want.

I am dating myself, but I remember using my “Sony Walkman” to distract me from those mundane cycles around the Cleveland State University’s track between classes. It helped me continue my workout when I didn’t feel like it. Now we have iTunes and social media that has helped musical artists get noticed and develop their craft globally.

The “Hitmaker” was a musical education for me who doesn’t normally pay attention to the musical pop craze. I admire Tommy Mottola for taking his passion for music and develop Sony Music as the metropolis that it once was. He looked beyond what was currently happening and managed for the future; if you sit and wait, your organization will die if you don’t find the next “big thing.” A creative, genius in my book.

An enthusiastic thumbs up.

“Hitmaker: The Man and His Music” by Tommy Mottola with Cal Fussman (2013).

Antonia, Are You There?

This past fall, I heard about a project titled, “Thirty Minute Fiction” that I heard on NPR where you write a story in 600 words or less. The writing assignment was to think about an American President fictional or not where I submitted my story in late September. This last assignment was a story framed as a voice mail message. The only story that comes to mind is the long winded messages my mother used to leave me. Now that she’s past, I miss those messages more than ever. They would go something like this. (This dialogue is purely fictional, but not too far off what she might say. It would be in Greek though.)

    Antonia, I thought you were coming over. You know I have to go to the store today – Dave’s supermarket has a sale on fruit and vegetables – the leeks in particular I’m most interested in. I have to make “Pita” for the holidays. After we leave Dave’s, I have to stop by Marc’s to get milk and canned tomatoes that you know I need to make chili. I know it’s your favorite.

    Antonia, are you there? I am now looking at all the advertisements I got in my mailbox; I see more deals at K-Mart. So, we need to stop by there on the way home too.

    I don’t want to bother you because I know you’re really busy. We have to go to the stores today because the “specials” are only good until today.

    Did I tell you that I spoke to your Godmother yesterday for almost three-hours? Honestly, that woman sure does know how to talk. We start the conversation talking about her children – enough already about her kids. I’m tired of hearing about them over and over. Your Godmother sometimes forgets what she’s already told me.

    Suddenly, we go back in time to when we were children in Greece. I’ve told you kids many times; we didn’t have anything back then but I had a good childhood. I had so many friends. We used to meet up at the center of town and talk. I do miss those days.

    You Godmother is definitely a broken record. She keeps telling me about the property she has in Greece that her kids are helping her finance. They’re going to remodel her mother’s old house. She wants to leave something for her kids.

    I’m sorry Antonia, I won’t have anything to leave you kids when I’m gone. I’m very upset about that. Your aunt has taken everything. But that’s okay, now that I think about it because I don’t want to go back to Greece and deal with her anymore. I don’t want the headaches. I’ve had a good life here in America with you kids.
   
    Antonia, can you hear me? You are such a good kid. You take me to all the neighborhood stores. Your sister does too but I can always depend on you to remember the important things, right?

    You know what I’ve always told you, be nice to everyone you meet. Smile and shake their hand. Even if you don't feel like it. Just pretend; I always do. I know some of the Greeks at church never understood why I never learned how to drive. I never needed to; I had your father for that. He was a good man, your father. I feel blessed that I had a caring family. I’m sorry I never told you.

    Antonia, I need you to come over – now! I need help. Antonia  . . .
   
    Antonia has played that recording over and over; It gives her comfort that her mother is still with her. “I miss you mom,” she mouths as she presses the “play” button.


    As I think about my mom, I do miss those crazy voice mails she used to leave me. They weren’t quite as long but she would leave details about how she must go to the store or what she learned on “Oprah” that day. It was my mother’s way of letting me into her life no matter how mundane it was.

    I called her every day and visited a few times a week to eat her “out of this world” chili. It is still my favorite comfort food. I learned how to make it according to her recipe; but I’m sorry Mom. I think my version is even better.


Three Minute Fiction

http://www.npr.org/series/105660765/three-minute-fiction

The Art of the Conversation

Going to The Sculpture Center’s art opening was a transformative experience for the brilliant work by two artists, Sarah Hahn and Rondle West then meeting an art enthusiast. Many may disagree with me that I enjoy attending events alone. For one, I don’t have to worry if the person that I came with is bored and wants to leave before I’m ready or I might want to leave when they’re not ready.

I, therefore, see the art opening and/or networking event as a new challenge. By that I mean, when I go alone I have no preconceived notion that I will be entertained and/or be bored out of my mind. Hence, I walk into an event with an open mind; this gives me a chance to meet new people and broaden my horizons. Most times I go into a gallery and find nobody to talk to that is approachable or creating an “in” to develop a conversation out of nothing. If that is the case, I exit quietly and find another gallery. This past Friday was different.

I was standing in front of a piece where the artist represented three portrait photographs: First, a woman was smiling; Second, the same woman was frowning; Lastly, the woman was holding a gun. I read the description of the piece and I said, “What a powerful piece that can be discussed for a long time.” There was this guy standing close by and he said the same thing. “I was also disturbed when I read the last caption, woman with gun.” That was the start of a very long, interesting conversation about the piece, which then lead to other art venues in Cleveland. I learned that this individual was originally from  Los Angeles where his job led him to Cleveland.

What can I say, I will talk to anyone and everyone anywhere? I enjoy meeting new people and learning what makes them “tick.” Honestly, I have to be in the mood to allow myself to make these very daring conversation starters. For example, in the photography piece, if the guy wasn’t lingering in exactly the same time I walked up, our conversation probably wouldn’t have happened. Definitely not.

I call this approach the “art of the small talk.” I can usually come up with a conversation starter that might begin with the weather, Cleveland sports, or about the venue where the event is housed – the museum or local eatery. I might boldly ask, “Have you ever been to this event before?” Or, what do you think of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s new atrium. These are very basic easy questions.

When you ask your question, two outcomes will happen; first, the person who I direct the question to will be interested and give a detailed response– they are interested or they will give you a basic, five word response. Hence, I have to fight with myself to find other related questions to ask. My opinion is, this is not a conversation when the person (me) has to find all the words to keep it going. If the latter happens, I gracefully exit the conversation and find someone else to talk to. Life is too short.

Sometimes I instinctively see someone and I begin to talk to them. I am not sure if it’s their body language that initiates the conversation or not. For example, I went to a Cleveland State Alumni event at the West 25th, The Market Garden where I just finished the Brewery tour; I was ready to go home. The room was very crowded and a guy was standing by himself and his eye caught mine. The only thing I thought to say was, “Did you go on the brewery tour?” His response was, “No, but I do want to go on it.” I remarked how informative it was how Market Garden makes the beer that he is currently drinking.

One thing lead to another and we both graduated high school during the same year - I went to Euclid High School and he went to St. Joe’s before they changed their name. I have fond memories of the rivalry between the two schools. “Yes,” he responded; he hung out with the same kids in my class. The coincidence doesn’t end there, Not only did we grow up in the same neighborhood but he works at the same law firm that my parents used. What a small world I thought. If I didn’t approach this guy, we wouldn’t have had this profound, enlightening conversation.

My advice would be; attend a networking event or venue where you don’t know anyone and strike up a conversation. Look for those individuals who might catch your eye or who stand alone looking like they need a friend. Both of these scenarios are the easiest ways in start a conversation. It’s not fool proof, but you never know who you might meet that could enrich your life. The possibilities are what you make it - destiny.

What happened with my new friend at the Sculpture Center? We exchanged cards and we talked further about another installation titled, “MozART” In actuality, I liked the piece more that we “deconstructed” it per-say. Therefore, I had an enjoyable time because of the art discussion that wouldn’t have happened if I was alone. Sometimes it is worth taking a chance and “throwing yourself out there.”

The Sculpture Center has two wonderful art exhibitions
www.sculpturecenter.org

Sarah Hahn, “Of Gods and Demigods, Relics and Souvenirs”

The artist takes mythological, and classical sculptures and reinvents them into our current iconic, pop celebrities such as The Kardashians and Justin Bieber, just to name a few.

Rondle West, “MozArt”

An entire room filled with sculptural interpretation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” The artist used found objects, and put them together in a visual presentation; he painted them one color (bright blue, gray, and pink). My opinion is for viewers to focus on the objects instead of the varying color.

The Market Garden - Brewery & Distillery
http://marketgardenbrewery.com/

My Deer

Photo by Anna Chanakas

As I gaze out my window, millions of snow flakes fall to the ground. If it was January I wouldn’t mind as much but today is March 3rd and I’m ready for spring. I am already thinking about what to plant in my tiny garden. Last year, I grew lettuce, tomatoes, string beans and peas. I almost enjoy the process of planting more than biting into my fresh produce. I can’t even put my joy into words when I see string beans hanging from their fine stalks that I planted from seeds 60 days earlier. Or, the pea plants stretching and hanging onto a trellis that will soon harbor sweet peas. I spent hours digging and mixing my compost pile into my garden so I can create the perfect garden; I don’t use any fertilizers or pesticides. Hence, my vegetables are so delicious that’s worth the wait every year.

Every morning, I walk around to see what needs done - watering and picking. I gazing onto what nature gave me - edible produce.

One day, however, my garden was destroyed by four legged pests that everyone I know has been complaining about for years - deer. I would never have believe it until I saw them by my own eyes walking nonchalantly through my yard looking for food. I yelled and screamed and darted towards them so they would get away from my string beans that I worked so hard to get. I cried in anguish when I looked at the leaves that were gone - only stalks remained. My neighbor said to me, “They will grow back?” Yea, I thought but I want my string beans now not in a few weeks. I treat my garden as others treat their children - enduring love.

My mind was searching for a solution. How am I going to get rid of these creatures of habit? I did the easiest thing I could think of - I went to Home Depot and bought “deer and rabbit repellant.” What can I say, it worked like a charm? That repellant, however, was the foulest smelling stuff I have ever experienced. It was so repugnant that I couldn’t sit out side. Moreover, I held my breath whenever I spray it around the perimeter of my yard.

Problem solved, so I thought. I followed the directions to the letter. Spray it every week for a month then you can decrease the application to once a month. My garden was thriving again so I ceased to spray one day. News travels fast in the “deer community” because more deer attacked my garden yet again. What I realized is, deer are creatures of habit so I got rid of one set of deer but another set was soon taking their place.

The problem is rampant. They love my yard because I adore plants and beautifying my landscape with day lilies, hydrangeas, lilacs and daisies. They have attacked all my flowers except the ugly purple floral hosta plant that I can care less about. My yard fuels their hunger. I appreciate the kindness that my deer has given me but “get out!”

Yes, the deer repellant works and I can continually use it but that solution is expensive. I bought two sprayer bottles that cost me over $16.00 and after the scent is gone - it’s worthless. I am looking into organic solutions that entails egg and hot pepper flakes.

You think winter will deter a deer’s behavior. Absolutely, not! During one of our large January snow falls, I happen to notice many “hoof” prints darting back and forth across my backyard. I couldn’t believe it. Yes, they’re back. My friends - the spring and summer companions. Not only have they attacked my barren backyard but distributed their fecal matter (little brown pellets) all over. My neighbor, oblivious about what these brown pellets are; I told her our deer friends are back and I can tell by these brown pellets. “Oh, she said, Is that what that is.”

Not only do I have a summer planting problem with these pests but it’s year round. In one respect I understand their pain that there isn’t much food to eat. For example, the park system decimated the trees and plants. It was necessary to contain the evasive plant species by destroy them. One morning as I was running through Euclid Beach and Wildwood Park, a deer was gazing out into a desolate field - I know exactly what they were thinking. What am I going to eat today?

This is a huge problem that I don’t think anyone is addressing. Our ecosystem has changed around my neighborhood and other municipalities as well. For example, The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District needs to create a storm water tunnel (a holding tank for storm water) and this has destroyed grasses, wild flowers and other food for predators in the vicinity. All this change has effected the natural order, and how will wild life adapt?

How do we fix the problem so it doesn’t impede my need and desire to eat from my garden? Why is it up to me to fix this problem and/or for me to adapt?

I never asked for this? I do what I’m supposed to do. I have installed rain barrels; and I compost to help our environment thrive and preserve nature. Then you have developers destroying natural resources that doesn’t make sense in my opinion when our population is dwindling.

As upset as I am, these deer have no where to go for food. When changes are made in our environment it effects our ecosystem. Why isn’t the ecosystem taken into account when drastic changes are needed in our cities? Moreover, there needs to be room for every species - rodent or pest, domestic animals and humans.

I'm Always Thinking

Does thinking promote creativity or is it the reverse? I believe it is both. I never thought I was creative nor did I believe that reading would help me become a critical thinker. It seems that, “Critical thinking” has become the new “buzz word.” All I know is I have always enjoyed reading and been observant because of my mother. She would help me remember the stories she told – how she came to the United States. Or, she would remind me who the people in church where by what they wore and/or how they looked. Moreover, she made sure we looked our best no matter where we were going; I can honestly say that I still do that to this day. Presentation is everything.

Being Creative Early On

My mother had to work when I was only nine years old so I had to become creative to play. I fondly remember making “Barbie” doll clothes out of my mother’s fabric scraps and even created a “Barbie” car out of my mother’s discarded cake mix box. I cut out a rounded shape out of the rectangle side of the cake box, and folded it up - this served as the car seat. I slipped “Barbie” into the opening and pushed her around along the carpeting. To create some color on the cardboard box, I took out my crayons and drew tires on the narrow side. This worked for me. My parents never saw the need to buy us kids many games that we’d discard after we were done.

In creating “Barbie’s” clothes, I cut out some holes for the arms to go through and tied a belt. I didn’t know how to sew then so I used my school art box - scissors and glue. They weren’t perfect but it served its purpose, which was giving my dolls a couple of extra new outfits.

Observation

Being observant is the first step in being creative - and/or thinking about the world in a different light. The best project I ever worked on was writing a daily journal for my sculpture class. At first I thought it was stupid along with every other student. Then I began to really look at nature - how one thing related to another. How each trees’ branches looked different; some were thick and some were thin. Some had a thick bark and some were smooth. I wrote and wrote. I might have been the only one who wrote consistently. Once I got started, it was easy to see how nature was sculptural. I instantly began to see how nature inspired other things around me. In fact, this morning as I ran towards Lake Erie, I saw these gigantic waves that were frozen in time - a rigid, rough piece of sculpture nature created. Amazing what you can see if you just take the time to observe.

Now every time I watch a movie or read a book, my mind goes in a million directions. What did the author intend? Did I like the characters as they were written or could I create a better character? Did the scenery and/or the costumes add to the story or did it detract from it? Was there too many characters where I became lost and the plot took too long to get to the point.
There are so many variables in writing a book and/or producing a film. Sometimes a movie is just beautiful to watch without much plot or characterizations. That is fine too as long as it keeps my interest and there is a point.

One film from last year’s Cleveland International Film Festival, it was so simple that there wasn’t too much dialogue. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it because of the beautiful cinematography. Moreover, it was filmed in the farmlands of a quiet, European town. Therefore, the scenery was one of the characters.

School Art Projects

I have to applaud my elementary and junior high school for giving me some cool art projects to work on. One project I still remember doing; I’m upset that I cannot find this poem that I wrote so many years ago. It was titled, “The Cool Drink.” I described quite elegantly, how thirsty I was as I walked home from school during a very hot day. I recall mentioning a “Coke,” and how happy my throat was when I finally got to drink it. It was short but to the point. Interestingly, now I don’t drink soft drinks any longer, and the only thing that quenches my thirst is plain tap water. Maybe one day, I will find it.

My junior high school art classes involved using the potter’s wheel; painting with acrylics, water colors; enameling (I still have on display) and batik that I describe in great detail in another post. I remember painting an album cover for the rock group, “Queen.” Yes, back then the art world created many album covers (Check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for what they have on display). Moreover, in preparation for a water color painting, our class had to “wet down” water color paper, then stretch it onto a drawing board. We either taped the paper down with masking tape or staples - I can’t recall now. Either way, I did so many different mediums of art back then that I hope kids still do this today.

The ability to express your self is the most important step in being creative. Next, communicating what you did. Most important your thinking process in creating your art, and what you learned in the process. I guess I can be critical on art because I have sat through so many critiques; after a while, you can pick out things that others may not have noticed.

Everyone has an opinion so just throw it out there. After all, there isn’t a wrong answer. Create an art piece, write in a journal or watch a film. Then, have a discussion with someone. My favorite discussion are the ones when no one agrees - the most important observations are being addressed if you like it or not.