Friday June 1st
Today marks the start of my internship process. At 9:30 am I arrived at Universal Music Group, with time to spare before my orientation started. Luckily, my friend Fairley offered to give me a ride early that morning on her way up to the office. When we arrived she showed me around to my new bosses in the I.G.A. (Interscope, Geffen, A&M) Rap Department. For breakfast, I was introduced to the NOSH PIT!!!!! The secret behind all great success is great food! There were so many choices on what to eat, I almost couldn’t refuse to try it all! But, because pockets were tight, I settled for the ultimate bacon egg and cheese croissant sandwich, with a side of tater tots, and fresh squeezed orange juice, to drink. The food was the BIZNAZZ!!!! Lol…and on an even brighter note it only cost me $3.95! Oh yeah, we’re in here!
After eating, I proceeded to orientation, where I met Trina the intern coordinator. I was happy to find that she was even nicer in person as she had previously sounded on the phone. I was grouped together with a swarm of other interns in a small conference room, where being punctual got me a seat!!! Many interns were late, so as a result, they STOOD! It wasn’t so bad for them, though. The orientation basically briefed everyone on the terms of our internship process, aided by a seven minute movie that informed us of the hundreds of artists Universal Music Group had under its powerful label. Even more impressive, we were ensured that if we ever had questions with ANYTHING, including resume help, job opportunities, and getting away from the office to enjoy our summers, all we had to do was ask. It was during that time, that I had realized that Interscope Records (a subdivision of Universal) was EXACTLY where I was meant to be! After orientation we went over our paperwork, to solidify our start dates, (THANK YOU MS. DEBBIE SANDRIDGE FOR TAKING CARE OF BUISNESS!!!) and then we were off to security where we received our photo magnetic badges, which allowed us to freely roam the “Universe”, officially!
I returned to the Rap department, where I was introduced to other interns, and put straight to work. One of my bosses, gave me the low down on the company, and of how everything worked, mainly in his department. He then informed me of the IGA World Wide DJ’s Association that would begin meeting starting this month. Shortly after, I was allowed to make phone calls to record pools all across the country to inform them of a special event that would be taking place next Tuesday on an international scale. I loved every moment of it!
By the end of the day, I retired to my home, with a newly respected knowledge the industry, and my favorite, a crap load of free cds!!! I’ve learned this to
be one of the perks of working for a label, and boy do I love it!!
Saturday June 2nd
Today marks the start of my internship process. At 9:30 am I arrived at Universal Music Group, with time to spare before my orientation started. Luckily, my friend Fairley offered to give me a ride early that morning on her way up to the office. When we arrived she showed me around to my new bosses in the I.G.A. (Interscope, Geffen, A&M) Rap Department. For breakfast, I was introduced to the NOSH PIT!!!!! The secret behind all great success is great food! There were so many choices on what to eat, I almost couldn’t refuse to try it all! But, because pockets were tight, I settled for the ultimate bacon egg and cheese croissant sandwich, with a side of tater tots, and fresh squeezed orange juice, to drink. The food was the BIZNAZZ!!!! Lol…and on an even brighter note it only cost me $3.95! Oh yeah, we’re in here!
After eating, I proceeded to orientation, where I met Trina the intern coordinator. I was happy to find that she was even nicer in person as she had previously sounded on the phone. I was grouped together with a swarm of other interns in a small conference room, where being punctual got me a seat!!! Many interns were late, so as a result, they STOOD! It wasn’t so bad for them, though. The orientation basically briefed everyone on the terms of our internship process, aided by a seven minute movie that informed us of the hundreds of artists Universal Music Group had under its powerful label. Even more impressive, we were ensured that if we ever had questions with ANYTHING, including resume help, job opportunities, and getting away from the office to enjoy our summers, all we had to do was ask. It was during that time, that I had realized that Interscope Records (a subdivision of Universal) was EXACTLY where I was meant to be! After orientation we went over our paperwork, to solidify our start dates, (THANK YOU MS. DEBBIE SANDRIDGE FOR TAKING CARE OF BUISNESS!!!) and then we were off to security where we received our photo magnetic badges, which allowed us to freely roam the “Universe”, officially!
I returned to the Rap department, where I was introduced to other interns, and put straight to work. One of my bosses, gave me the low down on the company, and of how everything worked, mainly in his department. He then informed me of the IGA World Wide DJ’s Association that would begin meeting starting this month. Shortly after, I was allowed to make phone calls to record pools all across the country to inform them of a special event that would be taking place next Tuesday on an international scale. I loved every moment of it!
By the end of the day, I retired to my home, with a newly respected knowledge the industry, and my favorite, a crap load of free cds!!! I’ve learned this to
be one of the perks of working for a label, and boy do I love it!!
Saturday June 2nd
Today I did the ultimate…I TRIED OUT FOR THE PUSSY CAT DOLLS!!!!! LOLOkay, so really it wasn’t that bad, but it was definitely that long!!!! I actually wasn’t planning on going, but literally at the last minute, I decided to suck it up and try out!!! The auditions started at 12:00pm. I, on the other hand, wound up leaving the house at about 12:15pm!!! Talk about punctuality right?!!? Not smart on my part considering the auditions were being held at the Universal City Hilton all the way in the VALLEY!!!!!! Well, it took me a bus and a train to get there, but I made it! On the way I met two girls who told me to turn around. I actually considered but then I thought, “What do I have to lose?” If I made it, I would have come that much closer to getting a record deal, if not, then it didn’t really matter because I was never a Pussycat Doll anyway!!!
When I arrived I met about 300 other girls who reminded me a lot of myself. Each of them had very bubbly personalities, beautiful faces, and lots of ambition! Through the 8 hour wait, I made many friends. The funniest thing I noticed about myself throughout the auditioning process is that I wasn’t afraid of my results. I didn’t dwell on a possible negative outcome, nor did I sweat the possibility of having a poor audition. In fact, I acted as the positive force that helped to guide many of my new found friends to a more stable piece of mind. I assured them that the fact that we had made it so far as to audition in the first place meant that we were all capable of making it in this industry as long as we didn’t let the auditioning process set us back.
By 8 o’clock I was finally able to audition. The procedure was as follows…about 40 girls were grouped into a small room where we were ordered to stand along the back of a wall. One by one we introduced ourselves, our stats, and our songs. I was surprised to find that the ladies whose voices shined during our waiting process completely bombed their audition. It was quit disappointing. Out of our shining 40, only three girls were chosen. Not one of which was me. My audition was incomparably in the top 2, of the girls who auditioned with me. Many of the girls came up to me after the audition and told me that there were sure that I had gotten it, but I was neither upset, nor did I think twice of the results. I have a feeling that God has something better in store for me! : )
Monday June 4th
Today was a tough day at work. But it had its perks. I was needed in many areas, of minor expertise. I continued to make calls and send out emails to club djs who were being invited to be apart of the I.G.A. World Wide Dj’s Association. Later on, I was asked to do some typing…NOT MY SPECIALTY!!!...But, I sucked it up, and got it done anyway. I started at three o’clock, but it took me until about six o’clock to finish the write up. This may have partly been because I was distracted by all of the commotion coming from the room next to me. WILL.I. AM. was officially in the building! I was able to meet him and listen to his artists perform for one of my bosses. They were amazing! It was a group of girls who sang their rendition of the intro piece to “Hold On” by En Vogue. I am a huge fan of that song, as well as their voices. They were definitely on point.
Later on, I met another one of Interscope’s producers Polow Da Don. Polow has produced such artists as Ciara, Rich Boy, Pussy Cat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Fergie, Ludacris, Jamie Foxx and many more. I am just waiting for that special moment when Timbaland walks through the doors and says "Ashley, 'Are You That Somebody?' " Trust me, it's going to happen in a matter of days…you'll see!
Tuesday June 5th
Today I sat in and listened to the first IGA World Wide Djs conference call. It was exciting. I listened to djs all over the world, meet up and get the latest information on what’s new with Interscope. We told them about contests we would be holding, and prizes we would be rewarding. We also had special guest callers on the line! I got to listen as Akon and Brick&Lace (new artists signed with Interscope) gave feedback about the support of club djs world wide, and talk about there albums. The experience was surreal. It reminded of me of having three way calls back in grade school, only with A LOT more people!!!!
Thursday June 7th
Thursday June 7th
Okay so this is kinda cool to me...the other interns and I made posterboards for Robin Thicke's new single "Can U Believe" off of his album "The Evolution of Robin Thicke" ...but you'll never guess where they went...GOOD MORNING AMERICA!!!! LOL Yep that's right! Robin Thicke is going to appear on GOOD MORNING AMERICA and so are some happy fans holding up MY POSTERS!!!! I take pride in the little things... : )
(For footage click here http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3258351 )
Sunday June 10th
I finally met up with my girl Amanda (AP). We decided to go check out Venice Beach to view the drum circle they have every Saturday and Sunday. It started right before sun down and lasted until about 9:00-9:30ish. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!!! It was crazy because there were about one hundred or so people gathered around this huge cluttered circle dancing and playing the drums. I mostly saw a lot of jimbes, some bongos, and maracas. Anyone who knows me is well aware that when I hear live music, I really get into it!!! So…since Amanda and I came unprepared for the drum circle (instrument less) 
I decided to concoct my own instrument out of an emptied water bottle half filled with sand! OH YEAH I DONE IT!!! LOL…Amanda kept laughing at me because my makeshift instrument didn’t have half the impact on the circle as the real instruments did…but nonetheless I faithfully shook my lil’ bottle for the rest of the nights events.
At first we sat relatively on the outside of the circle, but by the end of the night we had made it into the middle of the circle where we danced by candlelight to the beat of the drums. It was a truly amazing experience. Between watching the sunset and feeling the rhythm of the June summer’s night, Amanda and I decided we would definitely make this the official Sunday ritual for the rest of our LA Summer!!!! …AND WE TOOK SOME COOL PICTURES!!! (not the ones seen here)
Thursday June 14th
I decided to concoct my own instrument out of an emptied water bottle half filled with sand! OH YEAH I DONE IT!!! LOL…Amanda kept laughing at me because my makeshift instrument didn’t have half the impact on the circle as the real instruments did…but nonetheless I faithfully shook my lil’ bottle for the rest of the nights events.At first we sat relatively on the outside of the circle, but by the end of the night we had made it into the middle of the circle where we danced by candlelight to the beat of the drums. It was a truly amazing experience. Between watching the sunset and feeling the rhythm of the June summer’s night, Amanda and I decided we would definitely make this the official Sunday ritual for the rest of our LA Summer!!!! …AND WE TOOK SOME COOL PICTURES!!! (not the ones seen here)
Thursday June 14th
We almost finally cracked down on our carnival for the BET Awards after party “Amusement Park”. I had been on the phone all day trying to look for the carnival with the most to offer, and I think I can officially say we found the best fit! I am so excited. I chose all of the rides, game booths, concessions…just imagining the outcome of the event is so surreal to me. I think I am most excited about the 40 ft ferris wheel that will be the main attraction of our star studded event!!
