My name is Ricky. That is what it says on my birth certificate. Is your real name Richard or Ricky?

My full name is William Fredrick Grayson. William for one grandfather and Fredrick for the other. My mom loved the name Rick!

What is your first memory of the game?

I remember playing with my mom and dad when I was 6 years old.

Some people call it a sport. Some call it a hobby. I call it a lifestyle. What does the game of golf mean to you?

Golf is the greatest game of all. It teaches us so much of what is important in life… things like honesty, integrity, hard work. That, and the best people on earth are found on a golf course!

You are a U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 kids teacher. How important is junior golf to the growth of this game?

I will sum it up in a quote I use every day: “Junior golf is the future. Without it there is no future!”

The Rick Grayson Golf School is located at the Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Missouri. What sort of technology do you have at the golf school?

We have a Casio high speed camera, Swing View Pro software, Tomi, the PING app, and OptiShot.

Do you ever do playing lessons with your students?

Yes, with players that have a idea of what they are trying to achieve on the range. Once they have that, it is time to put it to the test on the golf course.

I am Tiger’s biggest fan. But you are also a big fan of his. In your honest opinion, do you think he will break Jack’s record? Why or why not?

Yes. It is hard to bet against the guy. I would have never thought this would have happened to him. He is his own worst enemy. Go play and QUIT THINKING ABOUT YOUR SWING.

Rivercut looks like a great golf course. There are also homes on the golf course. Do you live on the course?

Yes, but on Fremont Hills Country Club. The homes at Rivercut were just being built.

How often do you get out there and play?

Only about 10 times a year. I hit balls several times a week.

What is the best round you have ever shot?

I shot a 67 in college and fired a 30, 6 under for 9 when I was in high school.

Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

One time… a broken clock is right twice a day!

I hate to practice. I would rather play. For a guy that can only play on the weekends, how often do you think I should practice?

You know your focus; make sure you practice in short spurts, for you, never more than 15 minutes on one area.

There is a trend in golf right now. A lot of guys are getting out of teaching and moving more toward coaching. Is there a difference? Are you a teacher or a coach?

Both. I really don’t know how you can separate the two.

How important is fitness?

Fitness is huge. It is more important for golfers over the age of 40. The young players need it, but the body really starts to show tightness after 40.

Tell me a little bit more about your book Inspire Junior Golf.

It has been called the “definitive book on junior golf”. There has never been a book to explain how to conduct junior programs and why this will change the face of the game. The book is a must for professionals, high school coaches; PE teachers, parks and recreation people… anyone that works with kids. Let’s get the game on the same level as soccer, where kids start to play at 3 and 4. I am so excited about the book, I know it will change the way people conduct junior programs!

You do weekend golf schools and corporate golf schools. How do those differ from a lesson?

Weekend schools are more of a blend of students that are different handicaps and skills and before the class really don’t know each other, in the corporate school; it is usually people that work for the same company or at least now each other.

There is a list of the top 100 instructors. In your opinion, who is the best instructor in the game of golf?

Wow, talk about putting me on the hot spot! I love the method Butch Harmon teaches and the way he teaches. I love the work of Henry Bruton in Canada, but the best instructor is probably a person we haven’t ever heard of that does incredible work with high handicaps golfers on a local level or someone that has changes a student life.

Do you watch a lot of golf on TV?

Yes, and love it.

Out of the four majors, which one is your favorite?

The Masters.

What is Golf Fore Fun?

The first and only game that teaches golf skills, rules, equitee and fitness to juniors in a fun way. A outdoor game that is a must if you want to improve your junior program. The game can be played by 4 juniors or 100 juniors at the same time. Juniors can really learn all the tools that they use on a golf course in an exciting way.

I see you at all of the big golf shows. From the PGA Merchandise Show to the GBN summits… you are all over the place. How does being a member of GBN help you as an instructor?

If you want to be the best , you should learn from the best and the best are members of GBN.

What does the Connie Morris Golf Learning Center offer that the Rick Grayson Golf School doesn’t?

The Connie Morris Learning Center is the building that I teach out of. It is the home of Rick Grayson Golf Instruction.

Golf is hard. From tee to green, a player can hit a lot of different shots. For the average player, what is the hardest shot in golf?

The driver… keeping the ball in play.

Golf 2.0 is supposed to revolutionize the golf industry. Have you been paying much attention to Golf 2.0? Do you see value in it?

I see a value and I try to read what is being discussed, but I would love to go and listen to the entire presentation before I can really make a comment.

I hear you like Elvis. My dad is a HUGE Elvis fan. Did you ever get the chance to see him live?

I saw him on March 2, 1974 at 1:00 PM at the Maybe Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

You are using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to help brand your golf school. How important is the use of social media in your everyday marketing efforts?

I will see once the book and the game are available, but I know this is the future.

There are a lot of rules in golf. When I play, I like to play “winter rules”. If we were playing a round, would you let me roll the ball to improve my lie and take those short putts for par?

Sure, if that is how you like to play that way doesn’t mean that I will, but that is the beauty of the game.

What is SNAG?

SNAG stands for “starting new at golf”. Juniors learn with oversized clubs and balls.

You gave lessons to Alice Cooper. Tell me about that lesson. He’s a pretty good golfer, too.

He was in Springfield, Missouri for a concert and his manger called and set it up. He was a great guy. He is nothing like you see on stage. He invited me to come to Phoenix and play some golf with him. He was great; very kind when someone wanted an autograph or a picture.

How far do you hit your driver?

350 in my dreams and about 250 in real life!

Golf is not cheap. How can someone who doesn’t have a big budget still enjoy the game?

I think par 3 courses are going to be huge in the future… with great short game practice areas. This can reduce the costs of a green fee and the short game area lets the person practice at a reduced rate.

You have written several books. Where does that process start? How long does it take to go from a concept to a finished product?

Inspire Junior Golf took only about 2 months to go from thoughts to paper. I think about ideas all the time, in fact I wish I didn’t, that way I could focus on one thing a time. I love writing, even if I am the worst typer and speller in the world.

You work with a lot of juniors. How important of a role do the parents play in the success of a junior golfer?

The role is huge… they are the coach away from the coach. I have the parents listen to every lesson and after the lesson, the parent tell me what the junior needs to improve on. I tell the junior that is the only thing the parent is allowed to instruct on is the topics we covered in the lesson, nothing else.

Tell me more about your Advanced Golf Schools.

It is for student that came to the two day and what to refine the finer points of their game. We cover more course stagey and more mental areas and work with them on a personal practice plan.

I haven’t carried a handicap in a few years. Do you think a weekend golfer should worry about what he or she shoots?

If that is why you play, no handicap is needed. People play for different reasons. Relax, play golf; it doesn’t matter if you have a handicap. Be with friends and family… that is the best part of golf.

Is it hard to give lessons to someone who is left-handed?

When you have taught for 35 years, left handed is not a problem at all. In fact I enjoy it, because it is a change from 10 lessons a day right handed.

What is next for Rick Grayson? Do you have any big plans this summer?

I am teaching for the PGA in July with one of my idols, Gary Wiren and hoping to do speaking engagement about growing the game. I am starting Little League Golf in June and that is exciting.

Rick, I could ask you questions all day. I can’t thank you enough for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Well, golf is in a tough sport, we haven’t been growing golfers for decades and we are paying a price for it. We have lost over 2.3 million juniors since 2006 and the industry can’t keep going unless we change. It is time to make an impact and get golf in the local school, form leagues so kids can play, just like the other sports. It is time for the major companies to start promoting golf instead of paying millions for a player to wear their shirt or play their clubs. Now is the time to get involved. It doesn’t matter what you do… it can be big or small. Just DO SOMETHING !

Rick Grayson Golf

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Tiger hasn’t been playing well since the scandal broke a couple of years ago. He has also dealt with injury, especially with his left knee. Tiger hadn’t won an event in a LONG time, but managed to sneak one in at Bay Hill in the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year. Majors are what matters to him, but a win will help his confidence. He barely made the cut at the Masters this year, and isn’t looking good going into the U.S. Open. But that isn’t the point of this blog post.

I love reading about golf. I subscribe to both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, a Sports Illustrated publication, and obsess over these issues month to month. I like GOLF Magazine because I often see tips from PGA pros that I know and have interviewed right here on the blog. But I also like their LETTERS section. This section of the magazine allows readers to send in comments and concerns to be expressed on several pages of the magazine each month. This month, Jim Hancock really got me going. He sent in a comment via email that said, “The picture of Tiger throwing his club (“Teeing Off,” April 2012) should not have been made prominent unless it was accompanied by text condemning his behavior. This is not something we should be showing our kids as an example of acceptable behavior. Tiger, and the golf media, have an obligation to be role models for our youth.”

First off, why do these people have an obligation? Does Kobe? Does Michael Vick here? Does Metta World Peace here? If they don’t, why does Tiger? The golf media has a job because of Tiger. Chances are you are watching golf because of Tiger. I don’t approve of his actions, but I understand why he behaves likes that.

When I was playing high school and college golf, I used to get mad. I would slam my driver and throw a club every now and then. I don’t do that now, but I am also not playing competitive golf. They are. He is. They are playing at the highest level in the biggest events vying for the biggest titles and for a record that if Tiger doesn’t break may never be broken. If he hits a bad shot, and throws a club… by all means. He’s the best player to ever play the game of golf. Who is going to stop him?

I will admit, junior golf is the future of the game. It is like that with all sports. Just because Tiger throws his club doesn’t mean that your kid will. If he or she does, that might need to fall on the parent, not Tiger. This is a similar argument to violence in movies and video games. Just because I can play Grand Theft Auto doesn’t mean I am going to go around stealing cars and killing people when I set the controller down.

Tiger also doesn’t care what you or your kids think about him. He is at work… he is in the office when he is on the golf course. He isn’t coming to your office criticizing you for getting upset at a client or a co-worker. Just because he is on TV doesn’t mean he has an obligation to censor himself and his actions. He spits on the course because it’s hot outside, not because he is trying to piss off folks at home.

I don’t approve of the way he acts. But I understand why he acts the way he does. Until you have played at this level, you will never truly understand. I only played high school and college golf and I understand. Tiger Woods is a professional athlete, and should be treated as such. You don’t have to respect him to appreciate and acknowledge what he has done for the game of golf. You’re not perfect. I’m not perfect. Tiger is not perfect. Stop trying to paint him as a model athlete and focus on what he does on the golf course.

• Three Floyds: Zombie Dust American Pale Ale
• Three Floyds De Struise: Shark Pants/Live a Rich Life Belgian IPA
• Three Floyds: Behemoth Blonde Barleywine American Barleywine
• Three Floyds: Blackheart English India Pale Ale
• Rogue: Chatoe Rogue First Growth OREgasmic Ale American Pale Ale
• Great Divide: Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout
• Great Divide: 18th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA Imperial IPA
• Founders: Double Trouble Imperial IPA
• Founders: Breakfast Stout Imperial Stout
• Founders: Old Curmudgeon Old Ale
• Brooklyn: Sorachi Ace Saison/ Farmhouse Ale
• Bell’s: Smoked Vienna Lager
• Sam Adams: Norse Legend Sahti
• New Belgium: Biere De Mars Biere de Garde
• New Holland: Dragons Milk Oak Barrel Ale American Stout
• Stone: Imperial Russian Stout Russian Imperial Stout
• Sierra Nevada: Hoptimum Imperial IPA
• North Coast: Scrimshaw Pilsner German Pilsener
• Goose Island: Pere Jacques Dubbel
• Dark Horse: Scotty Kararte Scotch Ale

You can’t beat this list of craft beer. I am not sure which one I am going to try first. They don’t have flights at the Beer Sellar, so I have to order these one at a time. I will make Sheryl order something different so I can try several of these. I have had a few of these like the Three Floyds Zombie Dust (I have a case of that in the kitchen right now), the Three Floyds Behemoth, the Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti, the Double Trouble from Founders… several of these. I just bought a bottle of the Sorachi Ace the other night. I am on a farmhouse ale kick right now.

Anyway, this Friday night make sure you swing by the Beer Sellar and grab a pint or two of your favorite craft beers. Oh, and I almost forgot… I have to thank my good friend Tyler McCord for taking the photo I used in this blog post. He was at the Beer Sellar, and I didn’t have an image to use. He was able to deliver. Nice work Tyler. Bottoms up, buddy!

Dash Berlin is the creator of the “Dash Berlin Sound” – an ambitious and unprecedented new sound of trance that is futuristic and scintillating, moving and emotive. It caught the ear of none other than Armin van Buuren in 2007, who featured Dash Berlin’s debut track Till The Sky Falls Down on his legendary “Universal Religion” album. In 2009, Dash Berlin released his critically acclaimed debut album, “The New Daylight”, which features instant classics such as Till The Sky Falls Down, Man On The Run, Waiting and Never Cry Again. And last month saw the release of his second artist album, “#musicislife”, featuring Better Half of Me (featuring Jonathan Mendelsohn), which earned a 2012 International Dance Music Award nomination for “Best Trance Trac”. From the hottest nightclubs to the biggest festivals, this “Flying Dutchman” connects with his audiences in a magical way that has spawned a worldwide following and earned him the #8 spot in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll. Now he comes to Governors Island to keep revelers dancing all day in the summer sun. After all, the message of Dash Berlin is simple… “It’s all about having a good time again,” he says. “The art of celebrating life resonates inside of everyone.”

The event will take place at Governors Beach Club, which  encompasses a 4-story tent with open walls, an open air beach, VIP areas, a state of the art sound and light system, over 100 feet of bar space, and spectacular views of New York City.

Tickets are available at www.madeevent.com. Round-trip ferry transport included.

Click here to “like” Dash Berlin on Facebook.

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Click here to watch Dash Berlin on YouTube.

Maor Levi, the maestro behind the first disc, burst onto the scene as a precocious 16-year old with “Lital” in 2006, and has since matured into a key part of the Anjunabeats family, as well as producing techno and house for Mark Knight’s Toolroom as 123XYZ. 2012 sees Maor at the very top of his game following a run of releases and remixes that have graced the sets of DJs like Above & Beyond, Mark Knight, Tiesto and Fatboy Slim.

Given his very real grasp of cross genre dance music, Maor’s mix is an exciting hybrid of multiple influences. It includes Mat Zo’s It’s Yours (an homage to the house classic by Jon Cutler and E-Man), as well as unreleased material from current Anjunabeats stars Norin & Rad and Genix. Also featured is an exclusive 2012 Maor Levi remix of Super8 & Tab’s Anjunabeats classic Alba.

The second disc is mixed by Nitrous Oxide, aka Krzysztof Pretkiewicz, who is responsible for countless Anjunabeats classics such as North Pole, Downforce, and the recent iPeople. Krzysztof represents forward-thinking, energized dance music at its best, and the mix has many of his personal productions, including the forthcoming single Tiburon and his collaboration with Space RockerZ Energize. The mix also contains tracks and remixes from the likes of Super8 & Tab, Andrew Bayer, Boom Jinx and Daniel Kandi and Ost & Meyer. Like the first CD, many of these are exclusive to this compilation.

Anjunabeats Worldwide 04 tracks include:

Disc 1 mixed by Maor Levi

1. Breakfast presents Keyworth – Splitting
2. Maor Levi – Won’t Say No
3. Tate & Diamond featuring Nicolai – Electrified (Mat Zo Remix)
4. Mat Zo – It’s Yours
5. Inpetto – No More Serious Faces
6. Boom Jinx featuring Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
7. 3rd Planet – Sevas
8. Norin & Rad – Pistol Whip
9. Super8 – Alba (Maor Levi Remix)
10. Bluestone – Namaste
11. Genix – Aura
12. Ost & Meyer – Safari (Maor Levi Remix)
13. Kyau & Albert – This Love
14. Parker & Hanson – Afterthought (Heatbeat Remix)
15. Breakfast pres. Keyworth – Median (Keyworth Remix)

Disc 2 mixed by Nitrous Oxide

1. Andrew Bayer and Matt Lange featuring Kerry Leva – In And Out Of Phase (Norin & Rad Remix)
2. Mike Koglin vs. Genix – Helion (Norin & Rad Remix)
3. Nitrous Oxide & Dan Stone – Nautica
4. Adam Kancerski – Orion
5. Edu & Cramp – Human Turbines (Beat Service Remix)
6. Ost & Meyer – Antalya
7. Craig Connelly – Manchester AM (2012 Club Mix)
8. Sunny Lax – Contrast (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
9. Nitrous Oxide – Gr8!
10. Ost & Meyer – Scarlet Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
11. Nitrous Oxide and Space RockerZ – Energize
12. Boom Jinx and Daniel Kandi – Azzura
13. Super8 & Tab – Awakenings
14. Nitrous Oxide – Tiburon
15. Cramp – Andromeda
16. Oliver Smith – Progress (Nitrous Oxide Remix)

Anjunabeats Worldwide 04 is now available.

How long have you been playing golf? What is your first memory of the game?

My dad was the head pro at a great club in Pennsylvania, so I’ve been involved with the game since the beginning. I know I’ve been out there swinging since I was 3, so I’ve got to dig deep into my memory bank on this one. I’d say that my favorite experiences as a kid revolve around playing with my friends in our junior golf program during the summer. We played early so we’d have to fight the sprinklers on most of the holes. It had a very Caddyshack like feel to it.  You know how the beginning of the movie starts with the sprinklers shooting about the fairways? We would wedge a golf tee into the sprinkler head to keep it shooting in one direction until we hit. We’d often forget to remove it, so it would soak one area of the fairway creating a big puddle.  The course superintendent would always hunt us down and yell at us. No matter how often we got reamed, it seemed like someone would forget to remove the tee every week.

You are living out in Phoenix. Tell me about The Raven Golf Club.

The Raven Golf Club Phoenix is an OB Sports property and the home of Jeff Ritter Golf. It’s one of the most unique courses in Arizona as the property is covered with 6,000 Georgia pine trees, which in turn are surrounded by volcanic ash. The course condition is absolutely impeccable and the layout is challenging. I’d say anyone who has made the trip to Arizona for a golf adventure and played The Raven Golf Club in Phoenix would say that it’s among the most memorable in the valley.

As far as my coaching facility, I’m certainly lucky to be there. My lesson tee itself is over 100 yards wide and a good 60 yards deep, providing an endless amount of perfect turf for my clients to enjoy. In addition, we’ve got great putting and short game areas, an indoor studio, plus one of the best views you could ever have hitting balls up against Phoenix’s South Mountain.

What is the “JRG Experience”?

(Laughs.) The JRG Experience is just that, an experience that I believe is unlike any you’ll find in coaching. Golf is a difficult game for sure, but a lot of golfers are even more defeated than you think. My program is designed to turn that around quickly in a manner that reveals a player’s true potential. When someone engages in a coaching session with me, I’ll guarantee they’ll hit shots better than they have in their entire life and in most cases those results will occur immediately. I get people pumped by showing them within just a few swings how good they can really be. When the light goes on for a player, especially if they’ve struggled in the past, that’s when you know you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life. That’s the gift associated with coaching, being able to make something that’s inherently difficult simple for the student. I know there are a ton of great coaches out there, so I’m not disputing anyone else’s ability. I just believe in what I do and know that I’ll deliver!

You are headed to Pebble Beach here pretty soon… for the Nike Jr. Golf Experience. How did you manage to get hooked up with that facility? Tell me more about that program.

I’ve been lucky to be part of the Nike Junior Golf Camp programs for about 10 years now. It’s something that I would participate in during the summers to get out of the Arizona heat. I had built a strong relationship with the company, so this year they asked if I would operate as the National Director of Instruction for Nike Golf Schools and Junior Camps. One of the “perks” is spending my summers in Pebble Beach running the Nike Junior Golf Monterey program. It’s really an ideal situation to be able to coach in possibly our nation’s most beautiful golf destination. Plus, this new position gives me an elevated platform for which to deliver my junior golf message to a global audience.

The thing that makes the program unique is that it’s not just about learning the tools for high performance in golf. We also have special sessions dedicated to instilling the tools and attitudes for kids to live powerfully physically and emotionally as well for the rest of their lives. Golf fitness, nutrition, mental toughness training and dream building are all included and such an important part of our mission. Heck, just talking about it makes me wish I was 13 years old again. It’s such an important program to me and I couldn’t be luckier to have the opportunity to make a real difference with these kids!

You wrote a book. Tell me a little bit more about Your Kid Ate A Divot.

Finally a good question Ricky! (Laughs.)Your Kid Ate a Divot, Eighteen Life Lessons From the Links is a series of true stories that have occurred in my life either on the lesson tee or during my experience of growing up on a golf course. Each one is humorous and reveals the lunacy within each golfer’s pursuit of perfection. Once you laugh, each tale is countered with a “life lesson” that reveals a little Zen based nugget for how to live better. Although the cover is picture of a kid eating dirt, the book is actually much deeper than what most people would expect at face value. Some story titles include: “The Duck of Death”, “The Pink Panther” and the “Tale of the 20 Pound Shoes”. Certainly not what you’d expect to see in the golf genre, but that’s what I like most about it! The response has been great, garnering endorsements from Mark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for The Soul, Golf Digest, Ben Crenshaw and even the Napoleon Hill Foundation.  I even got to do a book signing on the 18^th hole at St. Andrews during the final round of the 2010 British Open. So far I’d say that has been one of the highlights of my career!

Brand is important. How important?

Your brand is how the public recognizes you and how they’re able to share who you are with others. To me, that’s everything. The biggest reason behind spending time on this is that the stronger your brand is, the more value it has to the consumer. The higher the value, the more sustainable income you’ll derive from your efforts. I have a lot of clients that come see me from all over the world. In order for someone to make that kind of commitment, there has to be a certain level of trust that the trip and costs involved will be worth the effort. When you have a strong brand, it becomes easy for people to make value based decisions.

Tell me a little bit more about your relationship with Sligo.

Sligo is the first company that really believed in me as it relates to having a presence that could impact a truly global market. For about 6 years now, they’ve put me in their clothes and haven’t been shy about showing their appreciation. In addition, as I’ve done my best to get their gear recognized in every publication possible, they’ve also done their best to promote Jeff Ritter Golf as well. The brand is off the hook and the guys who run the company are smart, savvy and a lot of fun to be involved with. Their stuff is cutting edge and to me they were one of the first companies that took the lead in creating the perfect blend of the performance based fit with fashion.

You have had SO much success with YouTube… it’s unreal the number of views you have. Tell me more about your experience with YouTube, and how you have managed to accumulate so many views.

If you ever needed evidence of a social media success story, then look no further than Jeff Ritter Golf. I mean, it’s been unbelievable how much my business has grown due to social media platforms, YouTube in particular. When I talk with other coaches I say straight up, “The golf business is the entertainment business and when it comes to entertainment, video is king!” If you’re a coach who has the guts to get in front of a camera, then I’m telling you that the sky is the limit. Because of YouTube over half of my clients now travel from out of town or across the globe for my coaching and my practice in front of the camera has opened numerous doors for other opportunities as well.

As to how I’ve accumulated so many views? I think people just like to hear good information that makes sense. Once someone sees that what you’re saying can really help them and a tip actually works, they’ll come back for more. In addition, I haven’t been shy about giving my information away for free. I’ve got over 100 videos and none of them are saying to buy this or buy that. That builds trust in people that I’m a guy who really wants to help.  I think that’s the most important component to your success in any industry.

What sort of camera do you use when shooting videos on the range?

Are you seriously going to make me go look at my camera? Hang on Ricky! OK… it’s the Casio Exilim EX-FH100. The thing was only about $260, but it has a high speed feature that’s perfect for golf instruction. If you’ve ever seen the Minolta Bizhub shots they do on CBS Sports, then you have an idea of the kind of slow action mojo I’m talking about. The first time you use it, you’ll start shooting everything… bugs, traffic, dog slobber. It’s awesome! The excitement has finally worn off for me, but it’s a great tool that makes a big difference on the tee.

What is Cate’s Nutrition Kitchen?

Cate’s Nutrition Kitchen is a nutritional coaching business that will one day change the planet! I’m a bit biased since Cate is my longtime girlfriend, but I really do think she’s got what it takes to make a huge impact on the way people view food and how nutrition can positively affect every area of a person’s life. Her philosophy is based upon what is known as primal nutrition, which is rooted in the consumption of whole foods, while eliminating processed products and cutting out sugars. Being active myself, I always thought I knew what eating healthy was all about until I met Cate.

Everything that I thought was true about food was essentially wrong. Now, I’m dialed in and feel the best I ever have in my life. At 40, I’ve also just landed the product spokesperson spot for a golf fitness company.  Cate’s program has been integral in getting me into the kind of shape you need to be in to work in this type of capacity. We do a lot of work together with golfers, but she doesn’t need me to shine. She’s been published in Golf Digest, Golf Tips Magazine, Golf Infuzion, as well as publications in Europe. She’s also the official nutritional content provider for The First Tee program’s national initiatives. Pretty soon she’ll be stealing the entire spotlight which is just fine with me.

You are TPI certified. It seems like a lot of pros have that. What is it and how do you use that when you are with a student?

The TPI certification is all about helping pros understand how a person’s functional movement or lack thereof affects their ability to swing a club or perform the tasks set forth in a lesson. There are different levels of certification, but the most basic allows coaches to effectively screen a client for issues in strength, mobility or stability and prescribe a basic exercise regimen.  It’s an important part of what we do and is a very helpful component of the coaching process. When it comes to golf or any coordinated physical movement, I learned a long time ago and… excuse my language here Ricky, but “You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken sh$#!” That means if you can’t move, you’re probably not going to be able to perform at the highest level. That doesn’t mean that in a lesson you can’t improve a ton working with what you’ve got, but if you really want to be great, you’re going to have to take care of how your body and or mind perform as well. That’s just reality. You get out what you put in and no one cuts corners on the road to greatness!

Do you do a lot of playing lessons?

I wish I gave more, because there’s so much to learn out on the “playing ground,” versus the things we work on in the pure “training” environment on the lesson tee. The problem is being able to effectively have an appropriate amount of time to really get down to business when you’re dealing with a busy tee sheet in prime season. The ideal scenario would be to have a place where there are a few practice holes associated with the course itself. That, however, isn’t feasible for most facilities.

You have an iPhone app. What does the app do? How much does the app cost?

The Jeff Ritter Golf app, available from iTunes, is basically full of coaching material that covers video, text and audio based content. The download is free and there are tons of sample videos, radio interviews and more that you can engage in at no charge. Basically, if you downloaded this thing before a flight, you’d be set with a bunch of stuff to dig into that can really help your game. As with most apps, there’s also a paid feature that generates access to premium content in the form of lesson series that cover all aspects of the game. Each series is only .99 and users can expect anywhere from 6-10 HD quality videos per section.

Golf Digest Magazine called you one the “best young teachers in America”. How important is junior golf to the success of the game?

Junior golfers represent the game’s ability to be able to sustain itself into the future. When I was a growing up, our private club had a deal where any kid could become a “junior member” for only $300 per summer with the endorsement of a full paying member. That was a smoking deal that allowed kids to be able to learn the game in an amazingly supportive environment. Jim Furyk was even a junior member at our club! Every course needs to have a program that welcomes kids and makes it easy for their families to get them involved with the game on a continual basis. Without these kinds of efforts our game is dead.

Do you get to play very much? If so, where do you like to play?

I love the game and I love to play. I know a lot of professionals get disenchanted by playing and look at it purely as a business, but I never forget why I got involved in the first place. I don’t get to play much, especially in season, but there are times during the year where I’ll put together a special trip with friends to have a real memorable experience. The past few years I’ve hit Bandon Dunes, Pine Valley, Merion and Scotland. I love to walk when I play and nothing beats a beer with the guys after you tackle a real monster.

What’s the best round you have ever shot?

I’ve thrown up 66 back in the day, which I was pretty happy about.

I have seen you in a couple issues of Golf Infuzion Magazine. How did you get hooked up with Mike Bury?

I’m very competitive when it comes to anything, especially business, and like to feel that I’m always step ahead of the pack. A couple years ago I came across a promotional video that Mike Bury had put together for one of his coaching products that had amazing production value. My initial though was, “Who in the heck does this guy think he is putting out something so awesome?” Essentially, I was jealous that his stuff looked so good! Anyway, I sent him a note serving as my “touché” so to speak and ever since we’ve been great friends. You need people to push you and I’ve always admired Mike’s work ethic and creativity. He’s always willing to do what it takes to be great, so in that respect I feel like we operate with the same type of mentality. Mike has been gracious enough to include me in a bunch of projects that are always fun, so I hope that’s something we continue to do in the future.

Tell me a little bit more about the Tour Striker Golf Academy.

Well, that’s Martin Chuck’s deal. I run Jeff Ritter Golf and he runs Tour Striker. We are both run our own brands, yet co-manage the overall coaching program at the Raven Golf Club Phoenix. It’s a great partnership that works well for us. Martin spends a lot of time off the tee engaging in product development, and I’m all over the place as well. This deal allows us to service the Raven’s coaching needs, while not being individually tied to the property on an everyday basis.

You work with Martin Chuck, Aaron Olson, and Megan Padua. That is a pretty good team you have there. Are there any other pros at The Raven?

As far as coaching, it’s just us. Martin and I formed a business partnership and we brought Aaron and Megan on board to help us build the program. The only way you can accomplish anything is to work as a team. A lot of facilities just want to collect rent and will let a bunch of pros that don’t have any common goals throw turf around, but to me that’s a short sighted waste of time from a business perspective. The real win for a facility takes place when they see the value in growing something special. That takes time, money and ongoing support. I wish more facilities would see the value a great coaching program brings to the property as well as their bottom line as a business.

Do you set your lesson rates, or does The Raven? Speaking of rates, what does a lesson with you cost?

Jeff Ritter Golf is my own business, so I control all rates and programs. I’ve never been busier as a coach and the supply and demand scale has finally caught up with me. Beginning this fall an hour long private coaching session will be $250. I’ll also offer half-day 3 hour programs at a fee of $600, as well as full-day 6 hour offerings at a rate of $1,000.

Do you do online lessons?

I do conduct online lessons which have been a pretty consistent by-product of my YouTube following. Due to my Nike programs which take up most of my summers, I only offer the online coaching from September through May each year.

Do you watch a lot of golf on TV? Who are some of your favorite players?

I watch golf on Sundays during the back 9 if something good or exciting is going on. Otherwise, I just stick to tuning into the majors, which I’ll usually watch the whole way through.

As far as favorites, it’s not like it used to be when I was a kid where I’d really be into the players. I like seeing Tiger in contention just because it always makes things interesting. Otherwise, I just want to see a good back and forth competition.

What is your favorite training aid?

I’m not a big training aid guy, mostly because there’s nothing on the market that’s totally infallible. The best thing a player can do is to learn what unique ideas are most applicable to their improvement and then develop an awareness that’s both visual (video and or mirrors) and result based (divot/contact patterns and or ball flight) to make their most effect action a reality. As far as training aids go, I really do feel like the Tour Striker is the best on the market. I’m sure the readers will say, yeah right… this dude is just pumping up his buddy, but the numbers speak for themselves. It’s a good product.

Bubba Watson won The Masters this year. He has never had a golf lesson. As an instructor, how do you react when you hear something like that?

In the movie Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon’s character is a clearly gifted mathematics whiz. His girlfriend, played by Minnie Driver, is in awe of his talent and asks him, “How do you do what you do?” Damon says something to the effect that just as Beethoven knew how to play a piano; he too has the same gift with math. That is… it is unexplainable, but it’s easy to them. It just makes sense without any explanation. So when I hear that Bubba never had a lesson, I think it’s awesome. The guy is gifted. He’s an artist and one of the truly unique among us. He’s not perfect and has his ups and downs, but he simply has an ability to control a golf ball more than most players, even at the highest level. That’s pretty cool!

There is a big shift happening right now… pros are getting away from teaching and gearing more towards coaching. Is there a difference between the two?

I think “coaching” sounds better from a marketing perspective, but let’s get real here. When someone shows up, you either help them or you don’t. If you’re coaching someone are you helping them more than if you’re teaching them? Knock that one around a bit and you’ll be half way to an Abbott and Costello bit of “Who’s on first?” If I had to come up with some type of difference, I’d say that “teaching” might be the initial presentation of information or the basic plan that you’re going to put into play. Once the student understands the task at hand, then perhaps you’re in a position to “coach” them through it. To expend a lot of effort trying to differentiate the two is likely a waste of time in my opinion.

What is your favorite golf movie?

Caddyshack always and forever. I like the inspirational, storytelling side of some of the movies out there such as The Greatest Game Ever Played, but in general, golf doesn’t transfer to the silver screen as well as other sports in my opinion. Caddyshack is pure comic genius; funny, stupid and clever. In life you’ve got to be able to laugh at yourself. Caddshack reminds the golf industry to not be so serious.

Beer. Wine. Liquor. What is your poison?

I like an ice cold beer in a frosted glass after a round with the guys or a nice glass of wine with my girl.

It gets hot out there in the desert. How do you stay cool in summer months? I am sure you use a lot of sunscreen!

In the past, I’d lean on the fact that I had an indoor studio right on the grass lesson tee. After 10 years I’ve decided my best course of action is to leave for the California coast. I still coach for a portion of the summer in Arizona, but now I at least get a break during the hottest months in the middle.

I am Tiger’s biggest fan. Do you honestly think he will break Jack’s record?

Although he has certainly made the task a lot tougher, I do think he’ll eventually do it. When he was really cooking, people were saying he would win 10 green jackets and dominate the record books for the other majors as well. Now I think he’ll still break Jack’s mark, but not by the margin that we all thought.

Do you play any sports other than golf?

I grew up playing everything and rarely spent a moment where I was inside or not chucking a ball around. Now it’s more toned down, but I still throw football or baseball with my buddies when I can. We even keep gloves and balls in our studio at The Raven and throw at the end of the day when the lesson tee is cleared. Playing keeps you young, so that’s what I always intend to do.

Who does all of your graphic design work?

I have a company called Square It Up which does web design and personal branding. Our chief designer is Will Gaines. He is the magic man when it comes to creative graphics. Like I said, business needs to be entertaining on a variety of levels and I can’t stress enough how important it is to positively connect with consumers on all points.

You are a member of the Golf Business Network. Tell me a little bit more about your experience with GBN.

The Golf Business Network has been great. The most important aspect is that the instructor’s division is run by Lorin Anderson, who is big time as it relates to business practices in our industry. Having someone like that to bounce ideas off or consult with, has been a big help for me. Last year I was named to the GBN advisory panel. We meet a few times per year to discuss how the GBN can better serve the professionals within the network. It’s an honor to be in a position where my ideas can be of help to others who are doing their best to make a living in the game.

Have you read The Big Miss?

I haven’t read it, and honestly had no intention of giving it look. I do have to say that they’ve done a good job of marketing to the point where everyone now seems to want to know more, but to me a book like that exhibits poor form. I’ve never had to turn down however much money they paid for the story, which I’m sure isn’t easy to do, but a man’s reputation should mean more than a few bucks. A lot of that stuff has that “tabloid” feel where my general motto is, “Garbage in… garbage out.”

I know it was a few months ago, but did you have fun down at the PGA Merchandise Show?

I had a great time, but it was also a lot of work. There are so many people to see and you’ve got to compress it into such a short period of time. Each year I donate 40 bucks to Dr. Scholl’s for those squishy shoe inserts and by weeks end they’re beat. This was a good year for me though, as I presented for Sligo, PING as well as the GBN. In addition, I was able to line up some new endorsements for 2012 which likely wouldn’t have happened unless I had made the trip. At the PGA Show, the entire world of golf is in one spot. If you’re on your game you can accomplish a lot at this event.

What’s in your bag?

I’m on staff with PING, so I’ve to the Anser Forged Irons, i20 hybrids and woods and tour wedges. The irons are the best I’ve ever hit!

You were on the cover of GOLF POWER. Man… you are a celebrity here. Can I have your autograph?

I’m writing it on a cocktail napkin as we speak.

Who is in your dream foursome?

Golf… Jack, Arnie, Seve and my dad. Screw it, we’re playing five. Outside of golf, I would say… David Lee Roth, Harrison Ford and J-Lo.

There are four majors on the PGA TOUR. Which one is your favorite to watch, and why?

The Masters hands down. I’ll never forget when Nicklaus won in ’86. Jack was my idol and I went berserk watching him pull off what was then considered impossible. Another reason is that I go nearly every year which makes it special as well. The best thing to happen to me in college was having roommates from Augusta, which has paid off over the years. I once got to take my dad into the clubhouse which made him happier than I’d ever seen him.

You do a lot of public speaking. Do you ever get nervous before you present?

I’d call it more of a nervous excitement. I don’t dwell on a talk for weeks or have anxiety leading up to an event. Just like anyone, I want the people to get something out of what I have to say. A little nervousness to me keeps me on edge so I can deliver my best stuff.

Can you imagine your life without golf?

I can and I don’t like it!

What is the “Make The Turn” program?

The “Make The Turn” program is a series of products that I have in the works designed to help golfers unlock their potential in all aspects of their game. To me the “Turn,” is when someone is able to make the shift from ordinary to extraordinary in golf, business or life. I expect the products to hit home in a variety of areas that I think will be of real interest to people. The line will have text, audio and video based content and I’ll likely expand the program to a series of  2-day schools that I hope to hold at various domestic as well as international locations.

You have a lot of irons in the fire… when do you sleep?

I was just getting caught up until you laid this massively long interview in my lap Ricky! Just kidding. I’ve been lucky to be able to do so many things in a lot of different areas that are of interest to me and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. This isn’t my practice life, so I figure I’d better get after it while I can.

The next time I am in Phoenix, let’s play some golf. How many strokes are you going to give me?

Why don’t I just let you win now so we can talk about all of the cool stuff you’ve got going on!

Jeff, I could sit here and ask you questions all day. I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer all of these questions. It means the world buddy. In all of the interviews that I have done, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Thanks Ricky, I certainly appreciate your interest and that of your readers as well. I’m just a guy who loves what I do, who’s lucky that people care about some of what I have to say. I’m not sure it gets much better than that. I once read where Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is.” If you surround yourself with good people, who also have that zest for sucking the marrow out of life, you’re sure to have one heck of a ride!

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The debut episode of Size TV is now available. This episode takes a look at Wayne & Woods, Tim Mason, Third Party, Qulinez and AN21 and Max Vangeli as they prepared for the massive Size Matters Pool Party on March 25 during Miami Music Week.

AKG, a HARMAN company, is an Austrian based leading manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless-equipment and has been the trusted brand by high profile artists, sound engineers and music aficionados worldwide ever since its foundation in 1947. AKG stands for the best sound quality rooted in the passion for music with a unique image for design and style, providing the best sound performance and reliability within the range of professional audio application. AKG’s excellence in sound has been honored with several awards including the technical GRAMMY Award in 2010.

“As a DJ and producer, my aim is to always give my fans a breathtaking audio experience that they’ll never forget. I decided to join forces with AKG as they understand that giving the best possible sound reproduction is key to this experience. AKG are rooted in the passion for music at the same time as having a unique eye for design and style. Together we’ve created a line of headphones that are perfect for those who want the best quality of sound, but don’t wish to compromise on style, whether you’re looking to mix in the studio, perform live or even listen when you’re on the move,” Tiësto says.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for updates including headphone specifications and the official on sale date.

In a few short years, social media has had a profound impact on the way people, businesses, and governments communicate. Leading corporations, political figures, and entertainers have adopted social media as much as the typical high-school student. Golf is no exception. Golf clubs are starting to embrace social media as a tool to engage their members, increase revenues, and monitor feedback on customer satisfaction. We are honored to have Ricky Potts, a leading golf social media consultant provide his unique insight into the industry.

(HIC) You’re a recognized leader in social media for the golf industry. What are some of the interesting venues and events you’ve spoken at?

(RLP) Before I graduated from Purdue University, I had the chance to teach a few courses in computer graphics technology in Poland. I spent the entire summer over there, and I got the chance to present in front of a large group of people. Since then I have been lucky enough to speak in front of the golf industry ranging from the Crittenden Golf Conference (formerly the Golf Inc. Golf Conference) to the PGA Merchandise Show held every year in Orlando, Florida. These events wouldn’t have been possible without IMAVEX, my current employer. I have already started lining up presentations for this year, and I am scheduled to appear in Bermuda at Tuckers Point this summer as well as in Dallas, Texas later this fall. When I graduated from Purdue, I was already working for IMAVEX. We have over 1,600 clients worldwide with a large staple in the golf industry.

(HIC) Comparing the use of social media by business and people in general, how has the golf industry fared in engaging social media?

(RLP) It has been slow, but things are finally starting to pick up. Golf, at least here in the States, has a bad wrap. People think golf is a bunch of old guys getting together on the weekends to drink beer and hang out with their buddies. That’s not the case at all. Sure, there is still some of that around, but golf is becoming a young, vibrant sport again. Guys like Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, and Bubba Watson are making that possible with their use of popular social media sites like Twitter and YouTube.

As I said before, I have been going to the PGA Merchandise Show for a few years now. This year is the first time I have seen the PGA actually begin to embrace social media. They have this new initiative called Golf 2.0 and it is supposed to revolutionize the golf industry. I have heard that before and we will hear it again, but I am afraid they have missed the boat. In the presentations that I used to give I would talk about these services, why you need to use them, and even what these services were. In the last year I have stopped telling people they need to be on these solutions and have started telling people what to post online. If you’re not there, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for. Twitter isn’t going to stop and wait for you. Hundreds of millions of people are tweeting… That’s a number too big to ignore.

People like to joke that the “golf industry is five years behind the curve”. I hate to say it, but in five years Twitter won’t even be a spec on the map of social media solutions. This stuff changes as fast as I can answer this question. Facebook going public will also change things. Social media is a baby, and as it evolves we need to embrace it for what it’s worth. I am just worried the golf industry is going to push back as long as they can.

(HIC) How can a golf club engage their members through social media, and how does that benefit the club?

(RLP) I have one rule when it comes to social media. Use it. It’s really that simple. Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube… they are all free. There are no limits to the number of photos/videos you can post, and the world is truly your oyster when it comes to this stuff. There is no excuse not to be at least paying attention to your brand online. The best way for a club to begin engaging with the members is to be there, talk about being there, and be active.

The benefits are endless. I have a friend who has been consulting with a club in Atlanta, Georgia, and they have hit rock bottom. They are a public facility, and can’t seem to get many rounds. Staring at closing the doors, they enlisted in social media to help turn things around. They were hesitant at first, but have since created a Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube campaign that is taking off. They also ran a Groupon recently. I know that a lot of professionals don’t like discounting, but when you are forced with either generating more rounds or closing the doors, Groupon can and will help. They booked over 800 rounds within a week of running their first Groupon and are busier than ever.

That is just one example of hundreds I could give. It’s hard to sit here and say, “Social media works.” It does. That’s all there is to it.

(HIC) How can tee-time revenues be improved by implementing these tools?

(RLP) Online tee times are huge right now. Not only are online tee times big, but also booking your tee times on a mobile device. Mobile is big across the board, but for golfers, being able to book your tee times on the go is crucial. As important as that is for the golfers, it is also vital for the success of the club. Not only are mobile tee times a big deal right now, but social integration of tee times.

Imagine being online, going to your favorite club’s Facebook page to learn about all that’s going on that week, and being able to book your tee times right from there. It’s allowing your audience access to your content and to your tee times no matter where they are. The way I see it, if I can have my tee times online, why wouldn’t I put them there? If you book only 1 round from Facebook, isn’t that worth it in the long run?

(HIC) Are there methods to track what people are saying about the club? How can this be used to improve operations?

(RLP) Depending on the service you use, there are ways to track that. On Twitter, for example, you can have mentions sent directly to your phone. I have them sent to my iPhone and my iPad. That way, no matter where I am, I am notified the second that someone mentions my name. Now, that’s important for a couple of reasons. One, if someone says something bad about me, I know about it right away. It also allows for me to respond to that person immediately. People are lazy, and if you take a day or two to respond to a tweet, you lost the end user. I say that tweets need to be responded to in 2-3 hours, at the most.

Google also offers a service called Google Alerts that will notify you via email anytime your brand is mentioned anywhere online. It’s handy, but if you have generic terms like “Orlando golf course” listed, you will get hit with a lot of notifications that don’t apply to your brand. If you use Google Alerts, make sure you are as specific as possible with your keywords.

(HIC) Can these tools be used to improve communication with employees?

(RLP) Absolutely. Depending on how big your company is, Facebook allows you to set up groups. These groups can be private, meaning they are hidden from search engines, and only accessible by those within the group. I have actually worked with some private groups recently, and they are an incredible way to stay connected to a small group of people.

Being a part of a private group like this allows you to easily share ideas with one another, and Facebook even allows you to share pictures, videos, and documents within the group.

I would be hard pressed to find a client that wouldn’t benefit from using social media, whether within the organization or to promote the brand online for the world to see. I only have one rule when it comes to social media. Use it. You can’t break Twitter, so get online, create the account, and start playing around with it. I am always available if anyone ever has any questions.

Hotelier Indonesia truly appreciates the contribution Ricky has made to our publication. With the growth of golf and social media in Indonesia and worldwide, the insight provided can be of significant benefit to golf clubs and resorts throughout the region.

What is ArtistExtraordinair™ all about?

So many people ask me what I really am. They see me with all kinds of production and songwriting credits, my own videos, songs, art, and so on that I wanted to find a way to tie it all together without sounding like a human Wikipedia. ArtistExtraordinair™ is the most descriptive way to decipher me. I am just an artist in pure form. I take what the world offers, bend it to my liking, and redistribute it back for others.

You have almost 24,000 followers on Twitter. That makes you a celebrity in my book! Do you manage your Twitter campaign?

I have always been the only person with my Twitter password until this year. Luckily I get a little help everyday with a couple of the posts and RT from my website, and basically anybody else that’s a company or social platform. The fans and friends are strictly off limits. I am the only one that is allowed to respond or RT their stuff. I never want to be put in a bad predicament because someone tries to think “as” or “for” me.

As you know, I love beats. How did you get started with dance music?

Dance music is in my blood. Growing up, my mother was obsessed with freestyle and dance music like no other, so anywhere I went, in the car with her or when we were both home, that was being played. I kind of left it alone growing up because of how much I was into the “MTV World”, but around 18 it just came full circle and I started writing those kind of records. Once I had the power to produce those kind of songs, it turned me into Mr Hyde.

Your rhymes are what make your music powerful. Do you write all of your own lyrics?

Of course! I don’t trust anyone to write good enough for me. It would be a complete insult for anyone to even offer such a thing.

You have iPhone ringtones. That is pretty slick. What is your ringtone?

(Laughs.) I have about 20 ringtones on my iPhone for different people and different reasons, but it’s funny because of the way I made my ringtones. The music and the lyrics that I select actually pertain to the caller. Friends get funny ringtones, business gets serious music, and I have something else for the women in my life.

I love the artwork on “Celebrating Pain”. I like the cover on “Wake Up” too. Who does all of your graphic design?

With the exception of a couple of pieces, I have been the one behind all that. Visual is just as, if not more, important than the audio for me. We live in a very visual world, especially with the power of the Internet. I love to capture ideas and attention with the designs. Graphics are today’s first impression so its gotta be shocking, fun, and has to be worth more than a thousand words at first glance.

What is 1 Life Entertainment?

1 Life Entertainment is the independent label I’m a part of. Its home to me and a handful of other great artists. (NoEmotion GoldMask, Fader Lima, Regie Ray, Justincredible, Sarcazm, OverDos Y Rey De Corazon.) For starters, its a great home cause we have every genre of music so I have learned a million things through just watching them do their thing. Secondly, because they have all been legitimately successful, whether placements, plaques, sales, or tours, so it has introduced me to a lot of great and important people I might not have had on my own road.

It looks like you have had some success on YouTube as well.

I have learned that people don’t actually know what they want. So what’s best for them is to keep them on their toes and entertained. I will get to 5 million hits by the end of the year, that is all I know. There are so many artists that are content with feeding the same mediocre crap just to try and stay afloat. I don’t think or work like them so I excel and they don’t.

I called it dance music… but it is more than dance. It’s pop. It’s also R&B. Why don’t you just pick a genre and focus on that style?

A lot of people say that’s my biggest downfall, but I say otherwise. The reach, respect, and power I have in all these different communities gives me the upper hand. It’s not like I’m mediocre in each genre. I feel like I’m one of the best at each one so giving up on one doesn’t make too much sense to me. My fans are all really understanding and it’s a platinum feeling every day someone tells me or gives me the credit for introducing them to new sounds or genres.

You haven’t been doing this long… your first project was in 2011. Where did all of this material come from?

They come from basically living in studios for the past year. It has been non-stop every single week and has only been getting busier. I live my life to the fullest so ideas are always at hand. I am mainly inspired by how I live and what I experience so it all stems from that.

I am hooked on the new ALKIMUS single… Tell The World is a GREAT song. Is it possible to listen to that track and not dance?

I don’t think so. I wish I would have actually got behind the scenes of the recording and writing process because it was just a big party with a bunch of drinks, smoking, and dancing that night. That’s why you can feel it in my voice. I was on cloud 9.

Where can I get some Dashius Clay merchandise?

For now, I have shirts, sweaters, and iPad cases on www.dashiusclay.com for everyone. But there is a new line that I’m dropping this summer. I’ve been dwelling on the idea for a collection to go out this summer but finding the right designer that I can see eye-to-eye with has not been easy. I’m a pretty difficult person to deal with when it comes to anything I brand my name on.

I am currently living in the Midwest. Any chance I will see you on tour this summer?

Definitely. Europe has been in the plans for the past 3 months, but we have a lot to consider with the next few releases I have. Timing is everything and we don’t want to jump the gun. We feel strongly about what’s next, but right after that the States are definitely in my plans.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened on stage?

In one of my first shows ever I accidentally elbowed my hype man. It gets pretty crazy up there for some songs, and he just happened to get caught in the middle of it. I don’t think too many people noticed it, but he sure did. The bruise was there for about a week. As matter of fact, I have pictures somewhere, maybe I will post them on the site.

What is #TeamDashiusClay all about?

That is anyone who supports ArtistExtraordinair™. I am a fan of my fans so we are a team rather than a crew. They depend on me and I depend on them, exactly how a team is supposed to function.

What happens if I call it a dance track?

Then I’m going to have to report you to Retro and Slo V.

There are a lot of great bands out there… but who are you listening to these days?

I’m enjoying just about everything that’s out right now.

In your opinion, how has the Internet changed the way people absorb music?

I don’t want to answer this question for the fact that I have so much positive, yet so much negative, to say about it. It’s truly a bittersweet world.

Speaking the Internet, can I find your tunes on Spotify?

Yes, you can find my music everywhere except for a garbage can or shelf collecting dust.

You are an artist, songwriter, and producer. Do you prefer one over the other?

I love being an artist above all of them, because only I know how to properly deliver my visions. I trust no one else to do it correctly.

Where are you originally from?

Cali, Colombia.

You have remixed guys like Bruno Mars and Mike Posner. When you sit down to remix a track like that, do you need permission?

Technically you do. I have only gotten permission for half of the records I have done to date. It was one of the reasons I got turned off to doing remixes for so long. A lot of times artists would give me their blessing and then the label would turn around and give us hell for it. So when a record of mine hits 25,000 views in one day and then gets taken down, all it does is anger me and frustrate #TeamDashiusClay. Last year I actually had a Twitter battle with @deadMau5 that got pretty nasty over my “I Can See You Watching” record which was a remix to one of his songs. In the end I won because the record got over 100,000 views in less than 12 hours. I actually still laugh at that situation cause it taught me a lot. As for my thoughts on him as a person, no comment. Actions speak louder than words.

What is Broke Heart + Anger?

Broke Heart + Anger is one of the main singles and the theme to “Celebrating Pain”. It’s my thoughts on an ex-lover of mine put to music and melody. Sarcazm laid the perfect foundation for my feelings one night while we were working on the album, and I had walked in literally seconds after a big argument. Needless to say that was the fastest song I wrote on the whole project. We ended up teaming with iamKingXXI who is MY FAVORITE director. He translated it into a mini-movie that really ended up being one of the biggest launch pads for my music this year. We got nominated a few times and were included in a couple film festivals so that was out of this world for me.

Beer. Wine. Spirits. What’s your poison?

Champagne, wine, sour diesel, and a successful and independent woman to accompany me.

Have you ever heard your work on the radio?

No. I used to think I wanted to maybe be a radio host, but that’s a very demanding job. I have my moments when I need my space and when you’re on the air there is no time for that. You gotta be in high spirits and ready to give the people what they tune in for. If I do ever have a show, I want it to be 100% under my control so I can play and say what I want, how I want, and when I want.

How do you celebrate pain?

With a beautiful woman and champagne.

Has anyone ever said you look like Vin Diesel?

I use to get that a lot more when Fast & Furious first came out, but I also get compared to every bald light skinned celebrity out there. It will never end.

You spend a lot of time in the studio. Do you ever get bored?

A lot of times! It’s not all fun and games in there. We have a lot of downtime or just moments lacking inspiration, so we have to find other means of entertainment or ways to spark some new ideas. I’m in there 2-3 days straight sometimes getting projects completed, so it can get very tiresome. I try to break free as much as possible to keep my mind and attitude fresh.

I haven’t seen you live… yet. But what can fans expect from your live performance?

A LIVE PERFORMANCE… All capital letters. Each show is different depending on my mood or the event, but you will definitely become attached to each song while I perform them.

Trago has a sweet beat… but I can’t understand any of the words. What languages do you speak?

Wow! I’m blown away that you went that into my music. I was producing for a Latin artist at the time, and that was a record I had created for myself just out of wanting to get the idea out as a reference record. Over Dos came to the studio that night and immediately fell in love with it. It was a perfect fit for his album, so it was a no-brainer. The only other language I speak is Spanish, but I’m learning French and Creole at the moment.

LMFAO is fun… but are they good?

I can’t hate on what they do. It makes complete sense to me on why it works and also the politics behind their success. I do not think they have the “longevity factor” to them, but then again I’m surprised every day by what goes on in this world, so anything can happen.

What’s the best concert you have ever been to?

My favorite so far has been Chromeo. I am making it a goal to catch SADE this year, so I’m sure that will be a once in a lifetime experience but so far Chromeo takes the cake. Their music is amazing.

Is Dashius Clay your real name?

If I told you, I would have to kill you.

You seem busy… but what’s next? What else can we expect in 2012 from Dashius Clay?

You can expect 2011 on steroids. It’s getting bigger, better, and more serious by the day. As long as I care to keep learning, perfecting my craft, and being inspired, you can expect the unexpected from me.

I know you are busy, so thank you for taking the time to do this. I can’t thank you enough! In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

I am not here on this world to be anyone’s friend, father, or role model. I am here to do whatever I want  however I want. If you appreciate what I’m doing, then let’s make history.

Dashius Clay

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