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INSIDE April 2010
Contents 6
Jonathan Bixby: Setting the Stage for Urban Gospel
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Aaron Lindsey, Grammy Award Winning Producer Answers “Is Your CD Ready for Airplay?
10 IMAGING: How to Boost Your Image and Brand With Your Sense of the Music Industry 11 LEGAL BRIEF: Can You Record a Song Without Permission? 12 VOCAL HEALTH: Heartburn…A Singer’s Nightmare, Steps to Avoid It 13 VOCAL COACH: Your Healthy Vibrato Part 2 14 YOUR FINANCES: Taking the Sting Out of Taxes 15 TAXES: Tax Deductions for Independent Artists On the Cover: Radio CEO, Jonathan Bixby
16 BET’s Sunday Best’s Dontavies Boatwright 18 Enlarging Your Territory 20 Barbados Sonfest Weekend 2010 22 Inside the Canadian Gospel Scene
Is Your CD Ready for Airplay?
15 Tax Deductions for Independent Artists www.airplay360.com
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Empowerment for Indies s always, we are glad to provide you with information and tools to enhance you as an artist. This month I hope you feel especially empowered because our cover feature spotlights an impassioned radio CEO and owner, Jonathan Bixby, who is making significant inroads for independent gospel artists with a unique Rhythm and Praise/Holy Hip Hop formatted station, WGFE-FM Praize 102.9, in Greenville, South Carolina. Read about his passion for artists like you and if his station is not already on your call list for radio airplay, be sure to add it. And, my good friend Grammy Award winning producer Aaron Lindsey answers questions this month about your music. Having produced Marvin Sapp’s last two #1 albums and countless other successful projects, Aaron provides a no nonsense, frank analysis of why your music may or may not be ready for radio airplay. And, remember: Knowledge is power and AIRPLAY 360 is here to empower you. So, please take note.
April 2010 / Vol. 2 No. 9
PUBLISHER Ace Alexander EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Jacqueline Hill EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ashley Hill Michelle Slater CONTRIBUTORS Adrian Anderson Linda “Chocolate” Berthier Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Aaron Lindsey Angelia Robinson Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. LOGO DESIGN Aziz Peregrino-Brimah ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 published monthly www.airplay360.com The Ace Alexander Group, LLC
Copyri ght © 2008-2010 AI RPLAY 360, The Ace Al exa nd er Gro u p LL C and LTL Entertainment LLC. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues.
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder
Ace Alexander is an award winning radio personality and national music programmer for Sheridan Gospel Network. He founded AIRPLAY 360 in June 2008 as a complement to his seminar “How to Get Your Music Played on Radio” which has been featured at Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreats, Gospel Announcer Guild events and other industry conferences.
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DISCLAIMER: The articles and resources in AIRPLAY 360 are not intended to be a substitute for professional consultations. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this web magazine, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
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BY LOUISE M. MOORE
postle Jonathan Bixby has a real passion for independent gospel artists. You can hear it in his voice when he talks about the under exposure of Indies who he says are just as talented and anointed as A-list, major label artists. But for Bixby, it’s more than just talk. In addition to being overseer of International Gospel Fellowship Outreach Ministries, Inc. and being one of the founding fathers of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA), he is also Chief Executive Officer of WGFE-FM Praize 102.9 in Greenville, South Carolina. And, at the self-avowed “Keeping it Crunk for Christ” station, Bixby along with a cast of spirited disc jockeys such as Urban Hip Hop artist Canton Jones and Eddie “Da Preachin’ 6
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Puerto Rican” Velez spin Holy Hip Hop and Rhythm and Praise tunes in key dayparts—not just for one or two hours on Saturdays or Friday nights. The Urban Inspirational/Hip Hop format is anchored with programming like the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Coco Brother Live, Willie Mae McIver’s “Beyond the Praise” and vignette-type programs from Bishop T. D. J a k e s , B i s h o p E d d i e L o n g a n d o t he r well known international ministries. With all his commitment, it’s safe to say that Bixby is a true advocate for Indies. In a candid interview with AIRPLAY 360, Bixby discusses his vision for the independent-geared station, the surprising reception from local pastors and the message he hopes to relate to his listeners and to the world.
A360: So, when did this new format start? JB: We started this the end of March of 2009. Our first annual birthday bash was March 27. A360: What are some of the unique format features your station has? JB: We’re doing things that no other stations are doing. Like we have Small Fire (formerly Small Frie from BET’s Comic View) doing the Small Fire Comedy Hour on Friday nights from 8-9pm and then the Hip Hop starts right after that at 9pm and continues until 6 a.m. Sunday morning. A360: Is WGFE the only station of this type in this country? JB: We are either the only or one of the very few radio stations that have changed their format against what normal radio stations do which is mostly traditional radio stations, and have created a station that is more rhythm and praise and holy hip hop mixture than any other on a daily basis. Most stations are only giving one day to young people or maybe any hour or two to play some youth music. A360: So, what was your vision or what did you want to accomplish with this station? JB: With this particular station, we wanted to really break out of the box and express that we believe Holy Hip Hop is going into mainstream and in doing so we decided we don’t want to be “follow the leader” we want to be the leader. A lot of churches are always trying to talk about reaching the youth but not really doing anything about it or having a once a year stuff. But what happens to the youth the rest of the time their sitting on the back row of the church? Our mentality was (1) if we create this station it was going to be about ministry to the streets and to the young people and (2) it was going to be a platform to display the gifts, talents and anointing of a lot of independent artists, and Holy Hip Hop and Rhythm and Praise artists to let the world know that these artists are just as anointed and gifted as anyone else. They just need a platform to display their talents. A360: How is your station received in the Greenville community? www.airplay360.com
JB: From some (the reception) was really great, from traditional pastors (the reception) was not so great. We’ve had pastors call us and tell us we’re going to hell. They’ve said there’s no such thing as Gospel Rap or Gospel Hip Hop. A360: So, what’s you’re response to critics like the preachers who don’t approve your station? JB: There’s so many means of spreading the gospel now. So as technology changes and people change, so does the music and the delivery of Christ’s message. It has to change. Let’s take it and realize that if we put the right message with it, these people will be drawn to the music but will have the message of Christ being placed in their spirit and that will get in them and cause a change in their life. And that’s what we’re seeing through our format. A360: But with all the stations already in Greenville, how can you account for another inspiration-formatted station? JB: If a city is big enough to have two Urban stations, an R&B and a Hip Hop station, then a city is big enough to have two gospel stations – a Traditional Gospel and a Holy Hip Hop radio station. Of course, we still carry Yolanda Adams (morning show) and Coco Brother Live so we have exclusive, well known programming at those time slots but the rest of time we’re giving you more Rhythm and Praise and Holy Hip Hop which is reaching more of the younger crowd and the streets. We’re seeing people from around the world that are logging onto our site and we’re looking at an average of 9,000 listeners a day who listen from the Internet alone, not to mention the tens of thousands that listen by radio. Reaching what he calls the “now generation”, Bixby says they also listen to Praize 102.9 via iPhone, Play Station Portable, Play Station 3, Nintendo and Wii. Bixby is CEO of the Ministry of Divine Global Communications Network, Inc., the parent company for his companies, WGFE Digital Television, WGFE Ra dio Station, Kingdom Global Record Company, Kingdom Global Management & Booking and Kingdom Global Syndication & Promotions. www.praize1029.com AIRPLAY 360
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Grammy Award Winning Producer Aaron Lindsey Answers the Question…
Is Your CD READY for Airplay? s a producer, I am often asked, “What would you say to people who present music that is not prepared or ready for airplay? And, I ask two questions after I hear it. First, “Did you produce it?” Then, I ask, “Did you compare it to your favorite artist's production quality?” The reality is that our preferences and opinions are biased and we have to compare the quality of our work to the works of others in our field. Car manufacturers do it; home builders do it; designers do it. And there's nothing wrong with measuring your production quality against other products. Honestly I can't count the many times I've been approached by an artist, manager or producer with confidence in their voice saying, "You have to hear my music" or "I have a song for the nations" or some similar statement. I typically ask them to shoot it to my email address but several of them have a CD in hand and some type of one sheet cover shot photo with a biography about the artist. (I have to mention the ever so often headphone wielding, iPhone carrying artist who prefers the direct response approach). Regardless of which approach a person uses, I'm usually more impressed with the selling effort than I am the talent or production. Over the last 10 years or so, recording software has become so accessible that everyone and their brother (literally) has a "studio". Many people record, mix and master their own products or have a producer
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do it all. Sometimes this works. However, my music (and most of what is played on radio) has undergone so much mixing, editing, eq-ing and professional scrutiny by myself and world renown mixing and mastering engineers that you will immediately hear the difference. Before you give your music to a radio person or even a label person, you must listen like a professional. Listen for the difference in volume. Listen for nice balanced high end and warm thick bass. Flatten the eq on your car’s CD or MP3 player. Listen to Israel Houghton's “Power of One” track 2 for a minute but ignore the lyrics and listen to how balanced the instruments are. You hear effects, bass, piano, guitars and background vocals blended into a perfect gumbo with each component evenly seasoned and appearing in your musical palette at the most pleasant and appreciative moments. Then, eject the CD and quickly play yours and be honest and fair. Does that mean yours isn't radio ready? No. But it does mean that the radio station will be looking for that same level of production and if it's not there, be prepared to remix and remaster it. This is your boy Lin-Z signing off in love. Aaron Lindsey is a multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar award winning producer, songwriter and artist. His producing credits that include Marvin Sapp’s chart topping albums “Thirsty” and “Here I Am”. Lindsey has also produced for Martha Munizzi, Israel Houghton, George Huff, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, and many more. For more info visit www.aaronlindsey.com.
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How to Boost Your Image and Brand With Your Sense About the Industry BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
randing and imaging concepts bring visual images and marketing plans to mind; however, you’re now at a place where yo u have to become a part of the fabric of your industry and this requires the giving of yourself , not your vocals. In order for you to prosper you must know where to place your attention and when. Due to the crucial need for the advice, others and myself have given for over a year now it was important to help you set yourself up to be productive and profitable in this music industry. Do you know that to be nominated for a Grammy, you do not have to be signed to a record label? Are you aware of the criteria required to be a member of The Recording Academy? Do you know that there are different types of memberships? Do you know anyone that is already a member? Ha ve you ever considered joining? L e t m e assure you that it is your responsibility to fully integrate and participate in the music industry that you strive so hard to achieve in, it's only to your benefit to join the "Recording Academy". There are music categories such as gospel and rhythm and blues that we shape based on our participation and votes. I have had the privilege of serving on the Grammy Committee Gospel Division for the past 2 years and I have not only become even more educated, I learned that my voice
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counts and if you’re going to sing on a project you should want to share the same voice regarding shaping policies that help improve and grow the music industry, especially your division. How could you expect to have support when you do not support the organization designed to nurture, educate and protect you? This is also the ultimate in networking and gaining interest in your project from others because what you’re actually doing is gaining interest in you. People respect you when you’re committed and involved; therefore, they will want to know more about you! Likewise, you will learn about so many others that it just gets better with each gathering, event or meeting! Log onto www.grammy.com and begin your search for the answers to questions you may now have. You know standing ovations are “amazing" to experience and to garner an interest in you, so make every effort to gracefully receive a standing ovation on stage and provide the encore at the table of business and policy. Believe me, there will be no better boost to your image and brand. May you always be inspired and strive to achieve even HIGHER. Follow me on Twitter. All you have to do is type in Adriansmile and join the journey! Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and member of the award winning trio Trin-i-tee 5:7.
Can You Record a Song Without Permission? ave you ever recorded a song, but once it was finished you could not find the copyright owner of the musical composition to get permission to use, or worse, the copyright owner refused to grant you permission? Congress anticipated the p o t e n t i a l f o r m o n o p o l i s t i c b e h a vi o r . Therefore, they created a statutory license called a compulsory license. This license allows anyone to make and distribute a mechanical reproduction of a musical composition without the consent of the copyright owner. It is available the moment a song has been distributed to the public in the United States and its territories under the authority of the copyright owner. However, you must follow the provisions of the license, most notably paying the mechanical copyright royalty to the copyright owner. When considering whether a compulsory license is for you, here are a few points to consider. 1. Your primary purpose must be to distribute the song to the public for private use. Therefore, you cannot create the song for a soundtrack, background
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music, broadcasting or any other public use. 2. The compulsory license does not apply to sound recordings. Therefore, you must get direct permission from the copyright owner or their representative to use a sample. 3. You may make a musical arrangement, but it shall not change the basic melody or fundamental character of the song. In addition, you cannot get copyright protection as a derivative work except with the consent of the copyright owner. There are certain steps that need to be taken in order to obtain a compulsory license. Therefore, before you attempt to use the compulsory license statute, please consult with your attorney. Otherwise, you may be found guilty of copyright infringement. The articles and/or legal tips provided by Angela Green, Esq. are for informational purposes only, concerning general legal principles. You should consult your legal counsel for answers to specific legal questions. Angela Green is an entertainment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee and part owner of Key II Entertainment, an artist management company. She is also founder and CEO of Positioned for Millions, a music publishing and registration service – www.positionmenow.com.
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Heartburn . . . A Singer’s Nightmare, Steps to Avoid It ingers beware of speaking in noisy environments. What do you do when you're trying to have gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) commonly known as reflux or heartburn, can cause intermittent and persistent hoarseness. Acids from the stomach can reflux into the throat and cause irritation of the vocal cords and tissue surrounding the vocal cords. As a consequence the vocal cords become inflamed, which manifests as intermittent hoarseness, early vocal fatigue, frequent throat clearing, sense of a lump in the throat and chronic cough. These symptoms can occur in the absence of "heartburn" or "indigestion" because the lining of the esophagus is more resistant to the acids of the stomach than the vocal cords are. In extreme cases, LPR can contribute to formation of vocal cord polyps or chronic inflammation of the vocal cords (Reinke's Edema), both of which may require surgery
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for treatment. To avoid LPR, one should: 1) avoid spicy, greasy and acidic (i.e. citrus acid) foods; 2) avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption; 3) do not lie down within three hours of eating, and 4) sleep with the head of bed elevated 20 degrees from level. If these interventions inadequately control the symptoms, medical therapy might be required. If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist. Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. is an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat doctor) in Nashville, TN. He is the founder of the Voice Care Center of Nashville ( www.entson.net ) where he specializes in the prevention and treatment of voice disorders of singers, performers and professional voice users. In addition to his medical doctorate, he holds a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics. His experience as a surgeon, scientist and singer/songwriter permits him to provide voice, ear, nose and throat care to his patients with unique and unparalleled insight.
Your Healthy Vibrato Part 2 BY DILEESA HUNTER
ibrato is also an issue when discussing vocal health. Wow, where to start? Okay, if you are using enormous amounts of vocal acrobatics, i.e., runs, trills, etc, but have difficulty holding a single note in the middle of your range in tune for more than two beats, STOP! You will never be a good singer by constantly covering up your weak spots, especially if your 'weak spot' is something as basic as holding a single note in tune! All it does is flash a bunch of mirrors, kind of like a fun house, if only the lights would stop flashing so we could really see ourselves! We really want to hear your voice, your unique tone quality and beauty, and though trills are great, having a unique sound is even better, and a healthy vibrato is a major part of that. Vibrato is a naturally occurring pulse of sound in our voices that is unique to each individual. Your vibrato is your 'stamp', so to speak. Technically speaking, vibrato occurs when we release the base of our tongues from all tension. This is why classicallytrained singers have such prominent vibrato. They have spent years learning how to release all tension at all times to let their truest voice flow out. Contrary to popular belief, all that a classical singer is doing, is showcasing the human voice in its purest form. It has less to do with 'pomp and circumstance', and more to do with 'raw humanity' than many would believe. So, if you are a folk singer or gospel choir singer wanting to sound like a soloist, here's how
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you find your vibrato. You simply take in a deep breath , either standing or sitting with your elbows on Your knees and face toward the ground, and hold any note for as long as you can. As you run out of breath, you will find your natural vibrato come in. You can also 'make' a vibrato. For those of you who feel you have no vibrato, this may work well. Sing a note with what you think your vibrato should sound like, and, again, as you run out of air, your 'fake vibrato' will make way for your real one. You will feel the base of your tongue release, and your beautiful vibrato will flow naturally. For those of you accustomed to manipulating your vibrato or singing straighttoned, this may be uncomfortable at first, but keep at it. Freeing yourself from tension does not mean you are no longer in control! Vibrato is the result of a voice that is free from tension. So, loosen up! Let it flow! Other techniques are: Raising one arm above your head, and dropping your arm as if it is lifeless while singing a note or end of a phrase. Singing as if your tongue is 'heavy' 'Falling' into the wall and letting your hands 'catch' you Dileesa Hunter is an Atlanta-based vocal coach, singer and owner of American Singing Studio www.americansingingstudio.com.
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YOUR FINANCES Taking the Sting Out of Taxes
BY NICOLE B. SIMPSON, CFP
t the turn of the New Year, people become extremely anxious knowing that tax season is lurking around the corner. For low income employees who are expecting a tax return, the new season is a great opportunity to purchase big ticket items, reduce debt, or address a financial matter that cannot be adequately dealt with based on the monthly household income. Wealthy individuals have the ability to hire the best certified public accountants whose only responsibility is to fully understand tax laws and incentives designed to reduce an individual’s overall tax liability. But where does that leave Middle Class America? They are the individuals who make too much money to be considered poor and not enough money to maintain a comfortable standard of living. The tax liability that is placed upon this core group of individuals is often overwhelming and does not proportionately measure up in fairness to both people who are in poverty and the wealthy. What measures can one take to level the playing field? This resolution often comes with suggestions that include having a baby and/or purchasing a house. Both options have tremendous tax benefits. However, the
responsibilities with each of those suggestions are too magnificent simply because one wants to reduce their tax liability. Another suggestion would be to save for your retirement by contributing to an IRA account or a company sponsored retirement plan. This is an excellent idea and should be implemented by every working individual. But even with a well funded retirement plan, we are at an age where working a 30-year plan falls short. Therefore, a great starting place begins with exploring what patterns and attributes do the wealthy have in common. Most people who have acquired any significant wealth did so by becoming employers, not employees. Entrepreneurs have the greatest chance to accumulate a positive, healthy net worth. The benefits of being the boss allows you to write off reasonable and ordinary expenses that you incur during the course of doing business. Home based businesses offer the greatest tax incentives because given the nature of your business, several expenses you incur from day to day may be deemed as a business Continued on Next Page
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YOUR FINANCES Continued From Previous Page expense. So, if you are looking to reduce your overall tax liability, begin to consider the following questions. 1. Do I have a natural talent and/or skill that if nurtured, can provide me with a revenue stream over time? 2. Can I become a CEO of my own company? 3. Do I have a vision, a dream or a desire? 4. Am I satisfied with my current economic status? 5. Do I see my income changing based on where I am today? 6. Does my job offer me the financial stability that I desire? 7. Will I accomplish my life plans based on my current situation?
If you find that you have the ability to become a boss, then you can begin to operate a business you develop which will lead to significant tax incentives. I suggest you do your homework; meet with a financial planner, a tax account, an attorney, and find a mentor. Good luck and always remember, it’s not what you earn, but what you keep that will allow you to become financially free.
Nicole B. Simpson is a certified financial planner, author, speaker, and disaster planning specialist. She has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and has appeared on Money Matters with Lynn Doyle. She is also a Profile to Success Award recipient from BET.com. For more information go to www.nicolebsimpson.com .
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Tax Deductions for Independent Artists
If you haven't filed your income tax return yet, you have until April 15, 2010. But remember that you as an artist have several items unique to your craft that you can deduct or expense. Make sure that you are operating as a business and keeping good records. Here are some items that you can deduct if you are using them in your business: • Website • Advertising and promotional costs • Equipment (i.e., recording processors, microphones, headphones, etc.) • Computers, printers and scanners • Musical instruments • Trade magazine subscriptions such as Billboard • Books, manuals and directories related to the industry • Membership fees for professional associations • Registration and copyright fees • Office supplies Consult your CPA or a tax professional for additional deductions that you might have overlooked. Source: Internal Revenue Service; H&R Block
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DONTAVIES BOATWRIGHT
Sunday Best and Beyond BY WANDA PATTERSON
ontavies Boatwright was one of BET’s Sunday Best 2009 finalists. He captured the hearts of many with his rendition of songs like Fred Hammond’s “Glory to Glory” and “How Great is Our God.” AIRPLAY 360 contributing writer and radio host, Wanda Patterson recently sat down with Boatwright to get his perspective on his life and ministry after his time on the popular gospel music show. WP: So just who is Dontavies Boatwright? DB: I grew up in the small town of Fort Pierce, Florida. A lot of things that I've gone through from my childhood to now have made me the man that I am. I am classically trained. I've always loved music. I sing gospel, opera, and different kinds of music. I'm an actor, a son, a preacher, friend, brother, a worshipper! I'm a Christian, just loving the Lord. WP: And what’s your testimony? DB: When I was 18, I was shot at 12 times, and the Lord spared my life. There was a gentleman in the house with me that got hit, and he passed away. That triggered the thought that I was in this situation and I came out of it spotless, uninjured, unharmed, then maybe there's a plan that God has for my life. And from that point I got serious with God. WP: Let’s talk about “Sunday Best” Season 2. How did you come to enter? DB: The night Season 1 winner Crystal Aiken sang "Running Back To You", I had never even
heard of “Sunday Best.” But when I heard her I was captivated by her performance and from that point on I started following the show. I was inspired by Crystal and that's why I entered. WP: During the show, Kirk Franklin called you “The Black Pavarotti”. The judges just seemed to love you. W ere they as personable as they appeared to be on the show? DB: Absolutely! They were all very personable. Once I was getting a haircut before one of the shows and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary came through and just talked to me. Kirk was always in the hallway talking with everyone. WP: What did you REALLY get out to being on Sunday Best? DB: The experience has made me a more disciplined artist and it helped me to appreciate what other artists are doing that I aspire to do. WP: Would you do it again? Would you recommend the show to others? DB: In a heart beat! I just like the rush that you get by being on stage. I am a performer, and I know this is what I've been called to do. I would encourage other artists to enter because it helps you polish your craft! WP: What have you been doing since the show ended? DB: I’m doing a radio show; toured internationally; performed at mega churches; experiences that I probably would not have had otherwise. I've been embraced by so many people across the board. Continued on Next Page
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DONTAVIES BOATWRIGHT Continued from Previous Page WP: Five years from now, what do you hope to be doing in the industry? DB: I hope to be in the process of my third or fourth album. Adding the Grammy's from that current year on the shelf with my others. Doing some sort of new artist mentoring because I know a lot of times from experience, artists don't really have a lot of people that would reach out to them. Thank God for AIRPLAY 360 and this outlet. WP: What advice would you give an emerging artist? DB: I would say, number one, find out who you are as an artist. Don't try to emulate, replicate, or duplicate anyone else's style. And I say this all the time, you can be inspired by an artist without trying to become them!
Pictured Above L-R: Dwight Follins, Dontavies Boatwright and Wanda Patterson a.k.a. “Wanda P”. The trio hosts a popular Sunday evening radio show on Victory 1360 WCGL-AM in Jacksonville, Florida. The station website is www.wcgl1360.com.
Wanda Patterson a.k.a. “Wanda P” is Vice President of the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild Jacksonville chapter, public relations coordinator for Wayman Ministries and weekend radio announcer at WCGL-AM 1360 Jacksonville.
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Enlarge Your Territory BY ANGELIA ROBINSON
o it’s been revealed to you that you have a gift. However, it’s what you do with that gift that really matters. I’m sure you’d agree that there are many gifts and talents out there but the truth is, only a select few are destined to have that gift acknowledged on a global scale. You can be both effective and successful on any level but first you must determine your level of success and be prepared when opportunity knocks. When it comes to recording artists, be it singers or rappers, having great vocals or a great flow is just the beginning. One thing that many fail to do in the Gospel Industry is set a high standard for their presentation. Many would be led to believe that they should have restrictions on their particular sound, look or persona. This is the first mistake that we make as spirited Gospel artists. In other words, we feel the pressure to stay in a box based on “man’s’” opinion. Well, if I do recall, Jesus had an “out the box” ministry himself. He did just as the Apostle Paul stated in Corinthians, “I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some”. Jesus was effective not just because he was the Messiah but because he himself was a brand. He was unique; he had “IT” a wow factor, simply because of the unorthodox ways
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he dealt with people and situations, on their level. He made people think and examine themselves, which provoked them to change, not by beating them over the head with the word but by illustrations, parables and the one thing that conquers all, love. As you start along your journey in the world of “entertainment” or “ministry”, whichever you prefer to call it, don’t be afraid to be bold or brand yourself so that you stand out. If you have a mission, then it’s important that you first have a plan of action. If you have no plan then how will you enlarge your territory? Do all things with excellence! Let’s face it, if it’s not on the same level or better than the more “popular” genres of music, will your message even be heard? Become aware of your target audience and speak in a tongue that is both pleasing to God and edifying to man. After all, aren’t countless lives depending on it? Kick religion to the curb. Get radical for Christ. Angelia Robinson is Washington, DC born Urban Inspirational recording artist. She was a special coordinator of the Urban Gear Reception at 25th Annual Stellar Awards.
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Barbados SONFEST Weekend
BY LINDA “CHOCOLATE” BERTHIER
ello again from beautiful St. Lucia. Sonfest was an afternoon into sunset celebration of Jesus Christ in song and dance with heavy Caribbean rhythms. The main event on April 5, Easter Monday featured headliners Stitchie from Jamaica and Positive from Trinidad. International guest artists Sonstar from Canada and yours truly, Linda "Chocolate" Berthier from St. Lucia. From Barbados, Toni Norville, Shane Forrester, Neil Crichlow & Life, Dragon Slayer, KDB, HeeHaw, Nicola, Praise Academy Dance and many more. Other preceding events included Sonfest 20/20 Cricket. Ministers vs Celebrities, Soccerama featuring Ministers, Kickstart and other invitational teams, Sonfest Dance Xplosion and Sonfest church service. This was a show setting the record straight, that gospel music in the Caribbean is on a mainstream high and claiming souls for
the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Every band set on the Sonfest stage emitted high quality stage presentation, music, lyrics and praise. What better way to end a fun family day but with 21-year-old Positive's high notes of a cappella reggae praise harmonizing with an eager and satisfied crowd and Stichie's swift, sharp prayerful lyrics which brought many to repentance and recommitment. A smiling, dancing, jumping and raving crowd left the Ilaro Court grounds drenched, drained and satisfied. Not to mention the kids who thoroughly enjoyed the games, rides and face painting at the park. The producer Ramon Dummet and his team Love and Faith Ministries were very pleased with the no nonsense ministry expressed by all artists. Sonfest did it again and they're getting better at their game. Look out for the next show. Make it a date with Barbados in April 2011.
Linda “Chocolate” Berthier is a Caribbean Jazz/Reggae artist and co-host of the radio show “Caribbean Hour”.
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Celebrating the SON in the Sun
International artist Linda “Chocolate” Berthier from St. Lucia and headliner Stitchie, award-winning Reggae artist from Jamaica wow the Barbados Sonfest crowd with their spirited performances during the annual Easter weekend event.
Pictured above, L-R – Ramon Dummett, Apostles Bernard and Destiny Cadogan, artist Sonstar and Apostle Eddie Watts
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Trinidad artist Positive performs before an excited Barbados Sonfest crowd on April 5, Easter Monday.
AIRPLAY 360
April 2010
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The Canadian Gospel Scene BY KATHY GRANT
or years, Toronto has been dubbed the Gospel Music Capital. Despite the apparent movement in Canada; the continuous influx of Gospel artists from across the border, the likes of Internet portals Gospelcity.com and Gospelflava.com, (these are Canadian entities) still provide visibility predominantly to U.S. Gospel artists. The profiles and opportunities for the Canadian G o s p e l a rt ist s re main insignif icant by comparison. This may be related to the perception of quality of the Canadian Gospel artist (either due to production values or underdeveloped gospel artists) and this pervasive perception has served to shift the mindset of power players who are engaged in the industry, (primarily for financial gain), and focus their attention towards artists, south of the border who can help them turn a profit. That is understood. After all, business is business. The question has been a nagging debate here: where does it start, the chicken o r t h e e g g? Do e s t h e re n e e d t o b e opportunities for artists in order for them to elevate, or do the artists need to elevate first in order for valid platforms and opportunities to be created and apparent? One thing that is very apparent is that the infrastructure of the Canadian Gospel music industry is broken. But we are slowly building this infrastructure into one of credibility for the marketplace. As in the early days of road construction before the advent of the motor vehicle, roads were really dirt and gravel pathways. Out of necessity, one simply went the way of the commonly beaten path. Eventually the path was worn enough that it became a popular route. Similarly, the Canadian Gospel industry appears ad hoc and without continuity.
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April 2010
AIRPLAY 360
Certain promotional vehicles for Gospel artists like music video outlets, magazines and TV talk shows are virtually nonexistent. Radio is prevalent ; however,national promotions for Canadian gospel artists are limited due to the lack of programming continuity. Additionally, the Canadian artist is competing for airtime with U.S. product of higher production values and quality. New TV shows are being developed by individuals who have a passion for the genre, not by those who are already established or connected. Reluctance to expand into related media streams has re sulted in unexplored or abandoned m a rk e t s . Ma n y wh o we re p ro moters, broadcasters or entrepreneurs have stepped back from the industry, for a variety of reasons, leaving a gaping void in the infrastructure. Lack of competition drives prices for services higher than the typical U.S. market value for similar services rendered, making it completely unaffordable for the average Canadian artist. These are some problems which have been identified for many years, but have not been thoroughly and effectively addressed. If you have any thoughts or opinions expressed in this article, f eel f ree to contact me at Kathy@kathygrantmahon.com Kathy Grant is a gospel artist, radio/ TV host, CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference. She is a radio host on Canada’s CHRI 99.1 FM.