Direction to Momentum

It’s almost the end of the week and a miracle I made it without burning completely out (I may almost be there, however). Bill Hampton came by our office to facilitate discussions on how the real estate team could grow and how each person individually could challenge oneself to conquer the market.

The major points I collected were:

Be passionate about the story I tell with my life.
Learn how to be proactive (have a plan for each day) rather than reactive.
What habits can I do consistently to improve as a person and achieve my goal(s)?
We live in the age of human attention being a valuable product to sell. How can I capture people’s attention for things that matter? How can I express authenticity to my sphere of influence?
How am I a value-add to the lives around me and for the betterment of the environment in which I live?

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.  Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.  For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 - 2 Peter 1:3-11

I am looking forward the day I can say I have mastered the art of confidence and enjoyment of my work and expressing the value it has to myself & others. For now, my phone seems to grab my attention and drag me down. I have come to procrastinate on activities that require phone usage because the phone seems to wear me out. I have to use my phone for work and connect with loved ones, but I tend to feel less productive because I do not have a plan on how I am going to block my time and focus on the tasks I have to do in a certain order of priority. I end up responding to various tasks or distractions until, low & behold, I forgot the very reason I opened my phone in the first place. Do you relate? It can make a person feel crazy, because it is crazy, and it is not good stewardship.

The questions that Bill Hampton asked are ones I am using to determine where I am, where I want to go, and how I want to get there. Working diligently with good habits may feel like a chore in the moment, but, in the future, I desire any moment I start to feel weary of the mundane to be an exception to my norm. I want to have energy, strategy, and momentum for whatever the task is before me, and I want to learn how to rest well so that I do not burnout. I want to express to others how much I believe what I am doing is worth sharing, to God’s glory and to the benefit of those around me.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:9-10

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
- Matthew 11:28-30

Numb-ered Days

We count the stars, money, friends, possessions, followers and accomplishments. But of greater value is to number our days (Psalm 90:12). One must use her time to seek God and His will, and God will provide for all her needs (Matthew 6:34). God rewards those who are good stewards of the little they have, and He builds us up for what is in His blueprints, His plan for our lives (Psalm 127:1; Proverbs 19:21; Luke 16:10). Therefore, one must ask herself, or himself, if what they are seeking and treasuring is of God and beneficial to honor Him (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Treasures in Heaven
 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

As the saying goes, time is money. Following that same assertion, time is also the most fleeting and valuable commodity, as you can invest it all you want, and you may not ever see a return on your investment…this side of eternity. You cannot go back in time, only forward. Therefore, a risky investment is an opportunity to which one spends his time. Furthermore, one can assume she has 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week (so on and so forth), however, no one truly knows how much time they have left (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32; James 4:13-17)! Yet, we all have time at our disposal, and dispose of it we do.

Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. - Ephesians 5:15-17

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12

I want to number my days and not presume upon the future. I have lost much time by either acting in mindless ignorance or blatant disobedience; either position is wrong as I did not treasure time God has given and was not living wisely. Guarding and maximizing on the treasure of time which God has given me takes concerted effort:

Start the day seeking God with a mindset to please God and help others; remember the eternal impact of the work I do.
Seek the Lord to provide for the day, to take my worries away, and lead me away from the temptations that rob my time (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Peter 5:7).
Be prayerful about where the Lord wants me to invest my time and make best use of it. Ask for His hand and provision in those efforts. I want to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant” one day (Matthew 25:23).
Learn how to discern God’s voice and obey what He has taught; be a doer of the word, and I will then be a good steward of my time (James 1:22).

Time Flies by Gianna Elyse

As I get older, and count days gone by, they seem to move quicker and blur together more, similar to how I feel playing T-Rex Runner in Google Chrome when there is no internet connection. Without a reverence for God, I can so easily waste what He has afforded to me.

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Hear how it hums, carries a drum
Louder each moment, dying with distance
The farthest you've come, the shortest you'll run
Body and spirit, growing resistant

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Feel how it jumps, it's never enough
Ends in the silence, you'll never miss it
Then fixing the wrong, God brings you home
Goodbye unrented, careful to kiss it

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Ⓒ Copyright 2022 by Gianna Elyse Carrasco

Women in Commercial Music: Jackie Patillo

This is the promo image I use when performing in public. I created it with Canva.

On November 12, 2021, a gorgeous charcuterie board was set out for me and other ladies studying commercial music at the university I attend. The occasion was a Q&A presentation from Jackie Patillo regarding Women in the Commercial Music Industry. Jackie Patillo is the President and Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) which includes directing the Dove Awards. She shared personal testimony of her journey interacting with new artists, going through life's ups and downs, and lessons she has learned along the way. What a precious and intimate time we ladies had to discuss the inevitable qualms and rewarding joys as aspiring professionals in the commercial music industry!

What is important for women in Commercial Music to consider?

Commercial music is a male-dominated industry, but you should not use your femininity as an excuse (it is not an option underperform the men or play the victim). On the contrary, be ready to deliver. As hard as it may be, as cruel as it may sound, if you are a mother who wants to succeed in Commercial Music, you shouldn’t expect others to accommodate you or excuse you on the basis of your children. For example, be at each meeting and have your childcare in place. Maybe a softer way to put it is: you must be adaptable! However, women should also use their gift of nurture, letting their femininity also be an advantage.

***Perform EVERYWHERE! & record everything***

Look into pitching your song-ideas for tv & movies through sync licensing!

☆What it takes to be an artist:

•Leadership

•Vision

•Drive

•Something to say (blog, podcast, etc…) and that ‘something’ should serve people (something beneficial or that matters to them)

•Ask the question:

“Are people receiving what I have to say?”

The way record labels gage interest in your music, blog etc, is by analyzing you social media following.

The it-factor

There is an it-factor, which includes making sure one looks good as an artist. However, Jackie made some cautions against going over-the-top with one’s style. I won’t mention any names in particular, as what constitutes over-the-top can be subjective, but an example was extracted from the 52nd annual Dove Awards. The point is, people will recognize an artist with the it factor as soon as they walk into the room, even if they have never heard of them. It is not just the artist’s clothing, but attire/style certainly will contribute to overall…it-ness.

During the session, a young lady asked if singers are expected to play an instrument in the commercial music industry, to which Jackie Patillo advised it is generally a factor that a singer who can play at least one instrument and write songs has a head in the competition for sure. In fact, I gathered that it is almost essential to play an instrument in the commercial music industry nowadays.

She used the artist Doe as an example, as she can sing her song “Brighter” with guitar.

How to market oneself:

Getting on a playlist (apple music spotify etc.) is important

There are packages to help one get marketed as an artist

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17

Be On Guard

As Christians in the industry, there are spiritual things to consider. For example:

•Record labels do not cultivate ministries

•Artists should make time with God just as Jesus was intentional about stealing away to pray

•Nothing tests like success (don’t let it get to your head)

•God decides to use whoever he chooses (he is no respecter of persons: 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 10:34)

•We all sin & fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

Jackie Patillo has witnessed Christians in the commercial music industry fail to cultivate a strong walk with God. She warned the ladies about the aforementioned, recounting what she has witnessed and experienced personally.

I pray that you who are reading take heed and remember, in whichever field God places you, that you would only grow closer to Him and be a good steward in each season He grants to you.

I hope these notes were helpful!

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-21

God bless you,

Gianna Elyse

#womenshistorymonth

Intro to Gianna Elyse

I have been entrusted with a voice, to say something of my Creator, the gospel, to exhort, encourage, and ultimately to leave each place better than I found it. This blog seeks to better represent my artistry and connect with my supporters.

Whether you are a fellow musician, friend, promoter, or manager, this blog is present to update you on my music, ministry, and personal life.

Discussions will reference music as a form of worship, in the context of ministry, and in the commercial realm. You will also be able to read about developments with my music, people in my network, and activities in which I am involved. Stylistically, I tend to sing and create either folk, worship, gospel, or funk music content. This because I grew up in a diverse musical situation; my dad was a worship leader, my Hispanic grandmother writes songs, my uncle is in a reggae band, my aunt and I share a love for Motown, and I am a classically trained flutist, amongst other instruments I ventured to learn. Folk music is more of a recent admiration for me, as my dad introduced me to bluegrass after we moved to a rural town in Florida. Coming from a city in New Jersey, I was not immediately accepting of folk music, but grew to be inspired by it.

In short, I hope to make it easier for people to follow my artistic journey by my sharing original music more effectively and consistently documenting my personal growth.

Spiritual Topics

If you are like me, you take Biblical matters seriously and seek truth whenever theological matters are addressed. I have asked a pastor of mine to review drafts of certain posts for his insight and constructive feedback, as I am no exegetical expert!

Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22 (New International Version)

Goals

My goals for the blog are to feature new music, including monthly collaborations with other artists, and to release two new songs/compositions within the next year.

My plan is to also formulate a giveaway within the next year as a way to bless someone else during this journey. I do have personal goals in terms of followers and activity on posts, however, I will keep those private for now and release the results at the end of ‘22.

Contact

My desire is to connect and grow within the reach of my surrounding community. This means you who are reading are some of the most accessible people to me. Perhaps you know of a business or family who would like a “backyard concert” or you yourself have an event coming up. I would love to discuss playing for your business or event.

As I gain support, I could employ personal equipment. At this time, however, please keep in mind I will only be able to perform if you are satisfied with an acoustic setup [simply my instrument(s) and I] or where equipment and tech accommodations are already provided within the venue.

To be transparent, you are witnessing me grow artistically and brand myself better. Thank you for your support of Gianna Elyse!

For collaboration inquiries, or to book a “backyard” concert, please use the contact form at the end of this post.

This world is a broken place, and the pieces are too many to be put together by one. Yet, Jesus did the impossible. He transcended cultural and spiritual boundaries to connect us back with God, and challenged us to do the same with other people, by the power of the Holy Spirit. His love is so powerful it freed me from the power of darkness! I can’t help but share how good is my God through the music He has put on my heart.