Jan/Feb Cover
INSIDE February 2013
CONTENTS 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: 2013…Your Best Year Yet by Ace Alexander
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STELLAR AWARDS RECAP
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NEW MUSIC RELEASES
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YOUR IMAGE: Why You Must Be More Than a Dreamer but a Dream Builder by Adrian Anderson
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YOUR VOICE: 3 Proven Steps to Improve Your Singing, Breathing by Dileesa Hunter
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COVER STORY: JJ Hairston – The Inspiring Story Behind the Billboard Hit “After This” by Letita Martin
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Wincey Terry-Bryant by Louise Moore
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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Tina Fears – Choreographer & Artistic Director by Letita Martin
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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: Everett Drake
On The Cover: JJ Hairston – Light Records Recording Artist
Industry Star
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Stellar Recap
Artist & Music Spotlights
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DONTAVIES BOATWRIGHT Tina A. Fears Ace Alexander Wins! 2
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19 Everett Drake
Wincey Terry-Bryant
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
2013 Should Be Your BEST Year Yet!
February 2013 / Vol. 5 No. 4
am so thankful and honored to have received the 2013 Stellar Award for Gospel Announcer of the Year. First, I’m so thankful to God and my incredible wife and children for their constant love and support. The godly upbringing I received from my grandparents helped to shape me into the man I am today, so I will always be grateful and indebted to them. Last but not least, I thank all of you who voted for me. I’m honored because I know this award, like any award, is given based on past and present accomplishments. But what I realize now, is that I have a lot in front of me to do. I still have many aspirations and goals that haven’t come to pass. My best is yet to come. That is why 2013 will be my best year yet, and it can be the best year you’ve ever had too. Here’s what we’ve got to do to make that happen. We must have a clear vision of where we see ourselves this year and gravitate toward it. We must be diligent in making everyday count by doing something that gets us closer to our goals. We must stand on God’s Word for our lives and believe that our best days are ahead. In fact our best days are starting right now…THIS YEAR—2013!
ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Alicia Baiden
PUBLISHER Ace Alexander
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michelle Slater TEAM OF EXPERTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Roderick Jemison Pam Perry Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. SPECIAL EVENTS REPORTERS Letita Martin Miranda Brokenberry ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC
AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly www.airplay360.com
Copyright © 2008-2013 Airplay 360 Online Magazine, an ace alexander company publication
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Follow on Twitter @acealexanderVIP
Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award winning national radio personality and a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award. He is a two-time nominee for the R&R / Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director of the Year and also a 2011 and 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360.
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Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues. 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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5 TIPS to Help You Develop as an Artist 1. COLLABORATE - Joining forces with another growing artist is a great way to elevate your artistic potential. This includes teaming up for live appearances and collaborations on recorded music. Take a forward approach that will pay off with a broader listening audience and a live performance that will include two great artists instead of one. 2. IDENTIFY YOUR DREAM Your dream team consists of individuals that understand and support your vision. This group may start as family and friends, yet can easily expand to a thriving fan base. Stay connected with this group because they will be your most important promotional tool. 3. PUT IN THE WORK - Create a physical fitness regimen that will help you build stamina and maintain healthy living. In order to belt out a powerful note or perform a high energy crowd favorite a tight fitness regiment will support these demanding activities. The results of putting in work can produce a solid artist inside and out! 4. FACE FUNDAMENTALS - It's easy to rely on talent alone; however, facing the fundamentals ensure your gift is polished and presented the right way. Spending time with a vocal coach and choreographer can be like secret weapons when attacking the stage. Investing in all areas of your presentation are ways to ensure longevity. 5. ADD VARIETY - There may come a time where you may need to switch things up based on your audience or even technical difficulty at the venue. By adding a wide range of material to your repertoire, you expand your performance range and your live show will remain interesting. Showing flexibility and creativity is a sure way to keep your audience engaged and excited about what you next appearance has in store. -Tina A. Fears, Choreographer & Artistic Director
Call Us For Your Next Project
28th Annual Stellar Awards Recap A well deserved congratulations to Airplay 360 founder, publisher and entrepreneur Ace Alexander (pictured left) who won the coveted Stellar Award for Gospel Announcer of the Year. A national radio personality, Alexander hosts the Afternoon Praise Party on Sheridan Gospel Network weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is heard in nearly 40 markets across the U.S. The 28th Annual Stellar Awards was held January 19 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and was hosted by gospel stars Kirk Franklin and sister duo, Erica and Tina Campbell, better known as Mary Mary. The show was broadcast live on GMC. Performers included Mary Mary, Leandria Johnson, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Maurette Brown Clark, Kierra Sheard, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Byron Cage and many more. Kurt Carr was honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and the late Inez Andrews, an original member of the Caravans, was honored with the Ambassador Bobby Jones Legend Award. Photo by Humilitee
Check out all the Stellar Award winners and honorees below.
Artist of the Year Marvin Sapp
Contemporary CD Mary Mary, Go Get It, My Block/Columbia Records
Song of the Year Charles Jenkins, “Awesome”
Traditional CD Marvin Sapp, I Win, Verity Gospel Music Group
Male Vocalist of the Year Marvin Sapp
Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance Mary Mary, "Go Get It" – Go Get It, My Block/Columbia Records
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year Kierra Sheard
Music Video of the Year – Short Format Darren Grant, "Go Get It"
Group Duo of the Year Mary Mary
Traditional Choir of the Year Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
New Artist of the Year Le’Andria Johnson
Special Event CD of the Year Mary Mary, Go Get It, My Block/Columbia Records
CD of the Year Marvin Sapp, I Win, Verity Gospel Music Group
Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD Da T.R.U.T.H., The Whole Truth, Xist Music/Black Fuel Entertainment
Choir of the Year Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago Producer of the Year Isaac Carree, Eric Dawkins, Warryn Campbell, Gerald Haddon, & Rick Robinson, Uncommon Me, Sovereign Agency/Door 6 Entertainment Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year Mary Mary Traditional Group/Duo of the Year The Williams Brothers Contemporary Male of the Year Fred Hammond Traditional Male of the Year Marvin Sapp Contemporary Female of the Year Le’Andria Johnson Traditional Female of the Year Vanessa Bell Armstrong
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Children’s Project of the Year Anointed By God, Anointed By God, One Voice Media Quartet of the Year The Williams Brothers Recorded Music Packaging of the Year Charles Jenkins, The Best of Both Worlds, Inspired People Praise and Worship CD of the Year Jason Nelson, Shifting the Atmosphere, Verity Gospel Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award Inez Andrews James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Kurt Carr Thomas Dorsey Notable Achievement Award Bishop T.D. Jakes
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James Fortune, Jessica Reedy, JJ Hairston
Light Records Unplugged January 15 Light Records
Da Truth
Tasha Cobbs
Dottie Peoples
Love Hope War January 29 Xist Music
Grace February 5 EMI
I Got This Live February 5 DP Muzik Group
William Murphy
Je’Kob
XCROSS
Sean Simmonds
God Chaser February 5 Verity
Faith Hope Love February 12 Save the City Record
OMG February 12 One Way Entertainment
The Genesis February 26 Xist Music
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YOUR Image Why You Must be More Than a Dreamer but a
Dream Builder BY ADRIAN ANDERSON appy New Year Dream Builders! I heard and received an "AMAZING" word by Bishop Clarence McClendon during watch service just before midnight 2013. He proclaimed, "God removes the first to establish the second. The work is done. It will be easy." God purposes some things for your positioning and other things for permanence. There was much more; however, these words stayed with me. Upon entering this new year, I gave pause to reside in reflection. I have always been a “dreamer" as I think of my childhood, teen and newly graduated years, although I always worked and studied. I always dreamed of what I could and would do as I grew up. I was not afraid to dream even when my circumstances seemed challenging. I was taught that “this too shall pass.“ I was and still am artistic and felt a need to express myself, so I did it through writing songs, painting, drawing and more. I also learned the value of getting things done that needed to get done. Whether you enjoyed them or not, you must tend to the business at hand. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leach was a peek into a world that I knew was real, and it inspired me to beautifully visualize what I wanted and to strive for my goals. I participated when asked to join creative ventures and delighted in the experience. I sought out events and purchased tickets to expose myself to something beautiful, extraordinary and community minded. I saw successful people coming together
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ADRIAN ANDERSON to give back. I learned the value of partnering with other dreamers to move toward a goal and it was wonderful! Through these experiences, I matured and learned that a common goal is not so common on a journey in it's understanding. Dreamers coming together has a euphoria that is as exciting as it is intoxicating; however, what pierces that patina is the reality that dreams are built and it takes working together laying brick by brick with the big picture in mind. I have been heard saying "I'm a brick by brick lady" meaning I know it takes one well executed strategic action at a time to reach the higher goal. This is when I learned that dreamers and dream builders are totally different and have different results in the end. Being a dreamer is a state of mind and serves a purpose; however. it is only one aspect of what is needed. Dream builders are the ones that succeed because they accept and know that it's going to be a lot of hard work and having to figure many things out along the way to get to where it's easy work. Continued DREAM BUILDER Page 15
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VOCAL Health
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Proven Tips to Help You Breathe Better, Sing Great
BY DILEESA HUNTER
he preparation for great singing is the breath. How we breath along with the things we physiologically allow to happen before singing, can greatly affect the voice's performance. In order to learn how to sing correctly, we must explore the art of breathing to sing. This includes deep breathing, breath support, and breath control. Let's first explore the purpose of studying the breath. The overall goal is for breathing to be a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. It is a way of refueling the body and allowing the body to give itself its second wind. Too often though, singers find themselves gasping for air and so tensed up that they are soon fatigued and unable to sing to the end of a phrase. This can be frustrating, disheartening and discouraging. The good news is one can be trained to sing in a way that will rejuvenate and refresh their body. It’s kind of like how a jogger finds their rhythm and can run for five miles without needing to catch their breath. Here are a few ways to maximize breathing while singing. 1. BREATHE DEEPLY EACH TIME. Focus on expanding your lower abdomen. Relax the shoulders and neck. These all work together inversely. The more tense your neck and shoulders are, the less deep your breaths will be and vice versa. A good way to practice this is by gently swaying back and forth allowing your head to 'bob' from side to side while breathing in through your nose. This helps to relax the body and the effort to draw in air is focused on the diaphragm.
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2. IMAGINE YOURSELF TRYING TO STAY FULL OF AIR WHILE YOU SING. This is great because so many people undoubtedly feel the need to 'empty' the air while they sing. If one imagines themselves trying to keep the air in while they are singing, their phrases and tone quality will improve because they will now be more in control of the flow of air due to downward pressure. Some envision this as a bowl movement feeling. If you think of your abdomen being pushed out and down as you sing, you will find yourself with much more breath control. 3. WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING OUT OF AIR, DO NOT COLLAPSE YOUR CHEST OR TENSE UP. Keep your ribcage high to maximize air flow. Good breath control enhances your singing in so many ways. It improves posture, tone quality, phrasing, and makes it easier to find the correct voice placements. This leads to a good vibrato which leads to vocal runs and melismas. Just remember that they all work together. Don't expect to master the breath in one day, but instead take time to lay a good foundation for a lifetime of good singing!
Dileesa Hunter is an international vocal coach and consultant based in Atlanta, GA. She also records and tours with several recording artists and performs in various stage plays. Born in Manchester, England, She has always been exposed to different music vocal and music styles. Dileesa’s vocal repertoire includes Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Barbershop Quartet and Opera.
DREAM BUILDER Continued From Page 13 that said, here is where the loose leaves fall and the well rooted ones stand, then flourish. There is no getting what you want anyway you want with no true effort or even a resentment of effort being required being one's mindset. It's not the talent it's the understanding, diligence, patience, endurance, long hours, brainstorming sessions, fellowships, partnerships, networking, serving, leading, tenacity, hope, joy, commitment, dedication, fairness and shared rewards that allow for success. Be centered in GOD'S ASSURANCE and PEACE that what is for you is for you. So be confident in allowing yourself to mature, becoming a dream builder because collaborative efforts partnered with your individual efforts, equal good works for the desired goal. The road of wonderful singers, actors, dancers and business people is paved with the ones who desired it and was talented enough for it. They just did not want to do the real work. When you have images of lounging in the sun on tropical islands, the reality of laying tile for your office and getting grout on your hands and clothes can be disillusioning. Lounging in the tropical sun will come—just later. Yes, there is time to be under the radar working on yourself and your vision; however, to come into fruition, it will take help from near and far so get excited about building bricks, knowing that you will not carry them alone. God does send help for every stage of manifesting the dream. More than anything, God knows our hearts so nothing is hidden from him. Don’t delay your own blessings. Rejoice in the journey knowing you don't know what tomorrow holds but if you know who holds tomorrow all is well. Connect with people who share he same ethics and walk out the journey. Just like we go from milk to meat...it's time to grow up and accept what this phase requires. The vision completed will outshine what you imagined and the camaraderie will nurture a fellowship of companions that allow everyone to enjoy their success.
Build Your Dreams Well, Adrian
LTLMEDIAPR.COM Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the award winning urban gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty . To book Adrian for speaking engagements contact nicole@creativeclassic.com.
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The Inspiring Story Behind Billboard Hit “After This” 16
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BY LETITA MARTIN
elebrated gospel artist JJ Hairston along with his choir Youthful Praise have had many memorable, powerful hit songs like “Awesome God”, “Incredible God, “Incredible Praise”, “You Are So Awesome”, “After This” and their current Top Gospel Billboard hit “Lord of All” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker. In an interview with Airplay 360, J.J. Hairston discusses his new project. A360: It’s great to be speaking with you. Can I call you JJ? JJ: Yes you can. (Laughing) A360: Tell me a little bit about the approach on your most recent project “After This”. JJ: I felt like I was going to do everything that I was dreaming about doing and work with people I’ve always wanted to work with. This is the first time I actually had a mass choir alongside of Youthful Praise singing. We had First Cathedral Mass Choir singing behind us. “After This” started off the second half. I didn’t think it was anything special. However, it really did something that night and afterward people all over the country really appreciated it. That recording was a really great night and I’m really pleased by what happened. A360: Great! Tell me about your “After This” situation. JJ: A lot of people don’t know my mom was diagnosed with cancer and the whole family was very concerned because my grandfather actually passed from cancer. The doctors then began preparing us for this to be the end, but we believed there was going to be joy after that situation. My mother has completely taken a turn and today she’s cancer free. It’s kind of funny because one time she was in the hospital and I took a picture of her sleep, all drugged up and everything. Later, she sent me a picture saying “After This”. A360: You’ve had many collaborations on this project, but if you could have an all-star tour of three artists including yourself who would they be? JJ: Wow. I would say Donnie McClurkin, Tye Tribbett, and wait, I have to go with four Hezekiah
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Walker and Donald Lawrence. Everybody has their own unique representation. I believe Donnie is one of the best singers in the world. Not only in gospel, just period. With Tye, nobody does what he does on the road. Bishop Hezekiah, he can make church happen out of any situation. I’ve literally seen him on the corner at a park and start church right there on the cement. Donald Lawrence has a sound period that he has morphed into his own sound. So I think it would be a great tour. A360: I like how you stated they all have their own sound and in this album you talked about bringing that old school church sound back. What prompted you to reach back to that time? JJ: It’s funny because when we went to the live praise and worship record, a lot of people were thrown off because their used to us having an old church sound. Then, we went to a contemporary praise and worship sound. It wasn’t that I decided I didn’t want to do that anymore, it’s just where I was at during that time. I was a worship leader at my father-in- law’s church and it came natural to me. Then, once I became minister of music, I had to do the choir portion, lead praise and worship and do the alter call portion, not just praise and worship or just gospel. What I noticed is there’s not a lot of choir material available, so I wanted to reach back to give church choirs something to sing so I took it back to that old time religion. Continued JJ HAIRSTON Page 18
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JJ HAIRSTON Continued From Page 17
A360: You seem to have a very serious demeanor in most of your photos except for the recent one on www.youthfulpraise.org. Who is JJ off the stage? JJ: I am the most laid back guy that you would ever know except when I’m ministering, because you never know what people are going through. At home I’m a dad, a husband and a father. My wife and I laugh, joke, go to movies and relax. I play video games with my son and on iPad with my daughter. I’m not sitting around all day with my study classes on. I’m just laid back father and husband. A360: Okay Dad, I’m putting you on the spot. What is the hottest video game out right now? JJ: Sadly, it’s Call of Duty: Black Ops. My wife hates that but I brought it for my son along with Batman Dark Asylum, and NBA 2013. As far as Black Ops, every boy has to have it because when you go to your friend’s and you don’t have it, you’re corny. He also has a couple games that aren’t that bad. A360: What’s in the works this year for you? JJ: Funny enough I’m doing two new things this year and one with my wife. I’m doing my first praise and worship conference this year alongside my label. My son has a brand he started and is launching a clothing line. I’m very excited about it. Lastly, my wife is starting a ministry called “Gospel Wives”. She noticed at different events when the ministers’ wives would see each other, they would wave at each other, and just stand next to their husbands. She wants to gather these wives together to bond and minister to each other. I’m excited about that too. A360: What imprint do you hope to leave in this world? JJ: I like to be a real life minister in music. You can love the Lord, you can be his child but at the end of the day, you have to be concerned with your personal life as well. People in the world aren’t sitting around reading the Bible; you’re the only Bible they will ever see. I think as long as you have a life that honors God but also makes sense to them, you can also be a light in the world. When
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people think of church, they think of broke people. I think if people take care of their business, show up to work on time and do what they need to do;if the gospel community can show that to the world, we can be taken seriously by the world. If we can change the perspective of how they see church people, we can do more kingdom work not just in the church but in the world. A360 Heavy stuff, any last words? JJ Hairston: I just want to add our new single “Lord of All” featuring Hezekiah Walker is doing very well and is a dream come true being able to minister with him. When I grew up on the East coast he was it and his concerts were packed. So the fact the he’s on my record, I’m honored and I do hope people enjoy it. A360: Thank you so much for taking time out your day to talk you your fans. JJ Hairston: You’re welcome. I really enjoy connecting to them. For more information visit youthfulpraise.org.
BY LOUISE MOORE incey Terry-Bryant has done it all. The talented vocalist and songwriter has sang vocals behind music stars like Tina Turner, Sting, Herb Alpert and Tom Jones. And she has toured with R&B sensations Bell Biv Devoe and Keith Sweat, and even sang at Billy Joel’s wedding. Wincey has also etched her mark in television as well with TV credits like “The Cosby www.airplay360.com
Show”, “Soul Train”, “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “Late Night With David Letterman”. Now, after all her success in the entertainment industry, Wincey has come back home to gospel. Her new CD “Time to Say” features a magnificent collection of contemporary jazz-styled songs that are a distinctive message of the gospel enveloped in the clear, smooth delivery that is uniquely Wincey. Continued WINCEY Page 20
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WINCEY Continued From Page 19
would have felt like I didn’t need anything.
A360: Where did you get the jazz style from? Wincey: When I was a little girl, I loved Sarah Vaughan. I loved Ella Fitzgerald. I loved that style of music every since I was a kid and so it kind of grew up in me. I even tried to take it into the church and put it into my gospel leads but they were not feeling that at all.
A360: What is the inspiration for this project? Wincey: I was having all these conversations with God and they were coming out lyrically but they were still not song. After got about seven of them down, then He told me, “Now you’re going to do a CD.” If I had known that, I would have stopped writing. I know I would have aborted the project myself because I was so terrified of the church people rejecting me all over again. He explained to me that gospel is a message; it’s not a genre. That totally blew my mind. He said, “Do it the way I’ve given you to do it because there’s a listening for you. There are people that need to hear it on the frequency that you will transmit it.”
A360: Okay, that kind of leads me into the next question. With you having such a contemporary, jazzy, smooth style like you do, what have been some of the challenges you’ve had with the church or church folks accepting your music? Wincey: One of the gentlemen said, “God does not call for all that jazzy singing.” And somebody else said, “You need to get out of here because we don’t allow that in here.” That was very unsettling for me as a young woman trying to find my voice and my musical style. It never occurred to me that my place was not in the church. Because they were the elders, I believed them. I didn’t know any better. I didn’t have my own relationship with Christ on lock. So, I just figured, “Okay, these are the people that make the decisions, so they must know what they’re talking about.” So I left. I left the church and went out into the industry and the Lord opened some doors for me—amazing opportunities but there was always something missing. I could never find my place coming back and forth into the church. I always felt like I really didn’t belong in there but I felt like I didn’t belong out there either. Because when I’d go out there and sing they would be like, “What is that gospel?” And when I’d go in the church and sing they’d say, “Oh that’s jazz, you can’t do that in here.” So I was lost. A360: I love your whole album and I’m just wondering if you have a favorite track on this CD? Wincey: I love so many of the songs on the CD because they really are a conversation I was having with the Lord. So when I started, I started with “I Remember” and I was looking back over my life and seeing all the doors that were open and all the doors that were closed because I asked the Lord for a lot of things he didn’t do. And now I see why He didn’t do them because I wouldn’t have made it back to the house (of God). I wouldn’t have made it back because I was asking for fame and fortune and a whole lot of money and I know that would have distracted me in such a way that I
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A360: So how did you end up returning to the church? Wincey: The Lord spoke to me and told me He wanted me to come off the bandstand and that was really hard for me because I felt like a fish out of water because that was the place where I was doing what I was used to doing. But to come back into the church full-time and to give up the other industry and the economics of it, you know that fiscal foundation, that was a little unsettling for me. But the Lord has blessed me tremendously because it wasn’t until He took me away to be with Him exclusively and to hone my relationship with Him that He was really prepping me for this project. It gave me the footing and the courage to do a project like this and be okay with whatever the response was. Even out there in the (secular) industry, everybody’s not going to like you but they’re straight about it. Either they like you or they don’t. They clap for you or they don’t because it’s art out there and they understand art. What I discovered about the church is that church doesn’t distinguish artistry from ministry. So you don’t have any freedom to express your artistry. I am comfortable now with people saying, “That’s a little too jazzy for me or I do like that.” Because I can, in my own mind, distinguish the artistry from the ministry and understand that if they don’t like it, it’s just the artistry you don’t like. A360: What are you claiming for 2013? Wincey: First and foremost, I want the Lord’s will to be crisp and clear in my ear. I need to hear it clearly and I’m praying for the courage to execute. For more information on Wincey visit winceyco.com.
INDUSTRY Spotlight BY DORIS STOKES-KNIGHT
Tina A. Fears Choreographer & Artistic Director
EXTRAORDINAIRE BY LETITA MARTIN ead choreographer and artistic director Tina A. Fears is fierce. A force to be reckoned with, she is changing the flavor of gospel—not by sound but by visually stimulating audiences everywhere. Her creativity and edge is undeniable. So the next time you take to your production to the masses, ask yourself this question: Are you stage ready? A360: What do you prefer to be called? Tina or Mrs. Fears? Tina: A lot of times I introduce myself as Tina Fears and people still interpret it as Fierce so whatever is cool. A360: I like that, so we’re going change your name to Tina Fierce (laughing). So tell me, how did your company Stage Ready come to be? Tina: Stage Ready LLC started in 2005-2006. I was transitioning from the college scene wanted to do something impactful where I could utilize my God given gift and talent. Long story short, it started back when “Video Gospel” would come on BET. You would see these music videos and the artist were great, the songs were great but things just weren’t Continued TINA FEARS Page 22
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TINA FEARS Continued From Page 21 as polished as what you would see in the mainstream media. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a company or group of people that really focused on bringing quality, development, showmanship, and creativity to the faith-based community?” So, I started my company with $50 and a dream. The rest is history. A360: What challenges did you face when starting Stage Ready and bringing it to the faith-based community? TINA: My challenges were similar to any new or growing business. First, you have to find a way to promote yourself. That can be challenging when you don’t have a track record. There were a lot of times where I literally volunteered my services and sowed a seed to build my resume, taking some jobs that may have paid just to get a reel together. Next, is being able to connect to people that needed what I had to offer. The first of couple years, you may not even see a profit because you’re sowing it back into the business. But, I believed in what I was doing and what God called me to do. I believed that has set me apart. A360: What project or artist was the most fun to work with? TINA: Funny you should ask that. I worked with a group called Level 3:16. They are affiliated with Cross Movement. It was a phenomenal experience and they were a great group. It’s always cool when you naturally click. It was like a college retreat. We had 13-hour days and put in a lot of hard work. They are definitely at the top of my list. A360: So tell me what would be your dream artist or project to work with? TINA: I would have to be Kirk Franklin. He was one of first artist who opened up the older generation to the creative movement. I would love to collaborate with him because he’s always forward thinking. Project wise I’d love to produce for the Stellar Awards. A360: Tell us about your latest project inspired by Spike Lee that you debuted in January. TINA: I executive produced and was also the creative director for the modern adaptation to Spike Lees’ movie “School Daze”. I was intrigued that in Spike Lee’s movies he always had rich musical content. If you listen to soundtrack, you always
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hear horns and strings. Stage Ready has worked with World Natural Hair and Beauty Show and we also produce for Bonner Brothers International Hair Show. With that said, the whole conversation “good” hair verses “bad” hair that they had back then, they’re kind of still having it now. I thought it would be good to revisit the conversation but give it a modern day spin. And 2013 marks the 20-year anniversary of “School Daze” the original film. A360: What can we expect midyear and end of year? TINA: Going forward, we’re going to be working on the Bonner Brothers International Hair Show again. Also, we’re producing the World Natural Hair and Beauty Show. We also have a couple corporate clients. I’d love to work with the Dove Awards. But I’m most excited about the things we don’t know about. I believe with God’s favor on my life, you’re literally one email, one call, one text message away from your next project or break. A360: Speaking of Doves, what was it like to work with Lacrae? He’s like 8 feet tall. TINA: Lacrae is so tall (laughing). He’s really a cool guy. He and the entire Reach Records family are the warmest, personable, and most genuine people. We worked with him on the Doves last year and contributed to him and Tedashii’s stage performance which was a huge success. A360: What kind of imprint does Tina or Stage Ready want to leave on this world? TINA: I want to encourage young professionals to really be in tune with those things that come naturally to them. A lot of times we feel pressured to follow a traditional path and we feel like we’re not successful if we don’t follow that path. Do what it is that you love to do and do it well. For Stage Ready, we aspire to take the faith-based community to the next level visually, choreography wise, and staging. We want people to be able to look at gospel and faith-based concerts and not feel like it’s less than because it’s a gospel show. People can be distracted with the hype and fluff but we want to make sure that they see a balance in that God is getting the glory and the message is not being lost. We want to do everything with excellence and make sure that people are also entertained and engaged. That’s what we’re about. For more information go to stageready.net.
everettdrake.com
verett Drake’s solo album “Amen Goes There” has received rave reviews from industry tastemakers including The Black Gospel Blog’s Bob Marovich. “Drake’s voice is handsome and tunefully rough-edged, “ writes Marovich. “I applaud (him) for writing a socially relevant song such as "Amen Goes Right There" because its message is sorely needed today. Like so many entertainers, Everett’s musical roots began in the church, singing in the choir and later serving as Choir Director of his beloved First Baptist Church South Inglewood. His dynamic passion for singing and directing were soon recognized by other gospel singers and he was tapped to join The Johnson Ensemble, a local singing group. They were enormously popular during the 1970s and recorded several albums. Their signature album, “The Harvest Is Plentiful” brought them national recognition. It didn't take long for Everett to catch the eye of other Music City's heavyweights. They include Donna Fargo, Brenda Lee, Eddie Rabbitt, Barbara
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Mandrell, Wynonna Judd, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn and crossover giants, Lyle Lovett and Bonnie Raitt. His tours with Fargo and Lovett took him to audiences throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. Though comfortable with all types of music, Everett's first love remains gospel. So, it was only natural his path would eventually intersect with Nashville’s renown gospel tour de force, Dr. Bobby Jones. As a featured vocalist on Bobby Jones Gospel, shown internationally on BET and the WORD Network, Everett, again, finds himself in the company of gospel music’s hottest stars, from Shirley Caesar, Rance Allen and John P. Kee to Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Tye Tribbett. Everett Drake is one of those fortunate people who found his purpose early in life. Whether touring Switzerland, Japan, Australia or right here in the U.S., you can be certain that he will be realizing his purpose—bringing music to the masses.
AIRPLAY 360
February 2013
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