Archive for the Family & Home Category

Motown Records & Jackson Family Home Trip

It has now been one year ago since the legendary musical icon Michael Jackson had died. He was the only artist I’ve imitated when I was a kid back in the day. Dancing as he did while playing his song: “Billie Jean” and doing the moonwalk. When I had heard the news, I was shocked and appalled. I started to think who was behind this tragedy. It was hard to believe that he had passed away like he did. I’ll admit, I shed a few tears when his daughter said a few words about him at his memorial service. That was very touching. No one will ever come close to his talent, and I doubt that anyone will ever surpass him. He has set the bar very high for the next soon to be musical icon. My favorite performances of his was: “Billie Jean” at the Motown 25, and the Superbowl halftime show.I had the chance to visit his small humbled beginnings in Gary, Indiana. 2300 Jackson Street, was where the Jackson’s lived and began their musical journey. It was an honor just viewing their house from the outside. While I stood their gazing, I heard loud music from across the street. Some of the neighborhood people were selling posters of Michael Jackson, and his music. They know tourist stop by and take pictures of the house and stuff, so now it’s sort of like a tourist site. I’m sure the Jackson’s still own the house and everything, but I’m assuming just to remember Michael’s passing, the neighborhood people wanted to honor him as well. Here are a few of the pictures I took from my phone.

 The Jackson’s home       Jackson Family       Jackson Street

I also visited the original Motown Records building founded by Berry Gordy Jr. Just to be on the scene taking pictures and seeing it in the flesh made me realize that you don’t have to have a big studio or room to produce a good professional recording. They purchased the building on a $2000.00 dollar loan and began its journey. Here are a few more pictures that I took on my phone. Enjoy!!!…

Motown SignBerry Gordy Blvd.Motown Records BuildingStudio Door


My Home Studio

I’ve set up a small studio inside my bedroom at home with my laptop and keyboard as my equipment. I bought some recording and mixing software to record and produce my own work. All of my sample compositions are done right inside my home studio. I can record, mix, master, and produce quality music and burn it to CD for all to listen. The recording software I’m using is: SONY ACID MUSIC STUDIO 7.0. Very easy to use and already installed on my DELL laptop computer. My keyboard is a Yamaha YPG-535 with a USB drive built in the back of the board.

 Jamal’s Yamaha YPG-535

In using my laptop and keyboard, I also use a Lexicon Lambda audio interface to connect with my keyboard and computer. That way I can hear and listen to the music I’m working on. Plus, it allows me to write music for video. Therefore, if I have a TV or movie project to work on, I can use my home studio and equipment to compose and record right in my room. My software can import and export video and music files. So,if you need some music done, or just want me to write some tracks for you, I can do that right in my room. Just let me know.

Jamal Mathis Studio (walk in)

Here is the walk in of my home studio in my bedroom. I took two pictures from my phone so you can check it out and see what I’m working with.

Another walk in of my home studio picture in my room.




Family Outing at Six Flags

One of my favorite activities is to visit amusement parks. This summer, my younger sister came down from college to visit. We planned a trip to Six Flags over Texas. We rode pretty much everything out there except the bungi-jump. We had a fun and relaxing time. However, when we was younger, I tried to get her to ride the fast and thrilling rides with me, and now, it seems like she’d caught up with me. She’s not as afraid now when she was younger. I guess you just grow out of it and face your fears head on.

 Kamila Mathis w/ some cartoon characters

Anyway, we took some footage of some rides and attractions over the red tower. Take a look.

 

 

 

 

Of course, we had to encourage our mother to ride something before we left. So, we chose the “antique cars”. You’ll see the back of my head in this video because I’m driving. Check it out.

 

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