Airplay 360 January 2011 by AIRPLAY 360

January Cover Lecrae

www.airplay360.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE New Opportunities for a

January 2011 / Vol. 3 No. 6

BRAND NEW YEAR t’s 2011 and we’re looking at a brand new year! With the new year brings all kinds of new opportunities, especially for independent artists. Hopefully through the content we presented in 2010, you now realize that your measure of success as an artist is not simply in the airplay you receive but in a myriad of other areas that deserve your attention. This month, I hope you will be inspired by our cover story feature on Lecrae, an independent Christian hip hop artist who exemplifies the success an indie can achieve without substantial radio airplay. Not only did he top the Billboard Gospel Charts but he also was near the top of Billboard Hip Hop and Rap Charts with heavyweight secular artists like Eminem and Drake. Yes, depending on the diversity and appeal of your music, you can impact other genres other than gospel and your message will still be Jesus Christ.

PUBLISHER Ace Alexander EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Alicia Baiden Nicole Doldron EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michelle Slater TEAM OF EXPERTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Roderick Jemison Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. COLUMNISTS Linda Berthier Wanda Patterson

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC

Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder

AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published monthly www.airplay360.com

Copyright © 2008-2010 Airplay 360 Online Magazine, Airplay 360 Media & Entertainment / The Ace Alexander Company INTL Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues.

Ace Alexander is a national music director and radio personality. He is a 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 a 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360 www.airplay360.com

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.

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

Happy New Year!

INSIDE January 2011

Contents 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: ‘New Opportunities for a BRAND NEW YEAR - Ace Alexander

COVER STORY: Lecrae is Taking Christian Hip Hop to the Top of Billboard by Louise M. Moore

10 LEGAL BRIEF: Hiring Booking Agents – What You Must Look for in a Contract by Angela D. Green, Esq. 13 YOUR FINANCES: How to Change Your Financial Attitude in the New Year by Nicole B. Simpson, CFP 14 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Omega 7 Recording Artist ESTEE 16 YOUR IMAGE: New Year, New Looks by Adrian Anderson 19 MOTIVATION: Get Motivated for an Amazing Year! by Tina A. Fears 19 VOCAL HEALTH:Get Your Voice Off to a Good Start for the Year by Mark A. Williams, MD PhD 21 INTERNATIONAL: Canadian Gospel Scene by Kathy Grant 22 RISING STARS: Syreeta “The Trumpet Lady” Angelia Robinson

On the Cover: Reach Records Artist, Lecrae S

13 4

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

1414

BY LOUISE M. MOORE

Lecrae’s 2010 release “Rehab” debuted at #17 on Billboard 200, making it one of the highest selling Christian Rap/Hip Hop albums of all time.

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

rammy nominated Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, is taking Christian rap music to the top of the Billboard charts. Released in 2010 on his own record label Reach Records, Lecrae’s fourth solo album “Rehab” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel and Top Christian Charts. But the bigger story is that “Rehab” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums Charts, #5 on Billboard’s Top Rap Chart and debuted at #17 on Billboard’s Hot 200. A follow-up album “Rehab: The Overdose” is scheduled for release January 11, 2011. With such crossover album success, Lecrae, who is a graduate of the University of North Texas and a member of the rap group 116 Clique, is breaking boundaries in the gospel music industry and he’s doing it without significant radio airplay. His digital downloads on iTunes reflect strong U.S. and international sales with downloads from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Humbled by his musical success and recent Grammy nomination for “Rehab”, Lecrae whose full name is Lecrae Moore was honest about his purpose and how he has been able to attain success as an independent artist. LM: How does it feel to be near the top of Billboard’s Rap Album chart among popular mainstream artists like Eminem and Drake? Lecrae: It’s really encouraging because as a Christian obviously I want to be a light in the world. It’s been a beautiful circumstance just to be seen in that world so that people can see that there is light so that if they need counsel or wisdom or a person to look to, I’m standing right there amongst all those (popular mainstream artists). LM: So, do you consider your music holy hip hop, Christian rap or are you just a hip hop artist that’s a Christian? Lecrae: At the end of the day, I am a Christian. I’m the person who has believed and accepted Jesus and I do hip hop music. So, the world view and the perspective that I’m rapping from is a Christian perspective. But at the end of the day, I’m authentically Christian and authentically hip hop. LM: Being a Christian Hip Hop artist, the outlets for you are few in the gospel music industry. So how does your music get to the audience that you’re trying to reach?

www.airplay360.com

“Rehab: The Overdose” will be released Jan. 11.2011

Lecrae: There’s this untapped context that I think people are unaware of. These are people that live online and go to events that are not heavily publicized. It’s an underground context of individuals that culturally may look like misfits but they love the Lord or they’re wanting to know where they fit in. They’re not all the way gospel or all the way hip hop. But we have just been effective in reaching that demographic and being a voice there. And, we’ve done it without radio airplay and without television. So you can only look back and say, “God did it.” LM: So, apparently you have an incredible team? Lecrae: Yes, it’s just a handful of us that are just pushing away. Aside from our current publicist, Gil Robertson, it’s been myself, my partner Ben Washer and our marketing director Bradley Tomlinson. It’s been like a three-man tandem for the last couple of years. We really have an incredible support group. I mean my fans are some of my biggest advocates and they promote me more than I could ever ask for or imagine. LM: How is it that rap artists like you are able to release albums more often than the average independent Christian or gospel artist? Lecrae: Well, there are probably a lot of different dynamics involved but the first thing that comes to mind is probably a sense of urgency on our behalf. We look at ourselves as missionaries to a culture. So we’re kind of these indigenous LECRAE Continued Page 8

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

“Rehab” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart and #16 on Billboard 200

“We’re not just church boys who are trying to put some raps together. We grew up in Hip Hop. We’re from it.” CONT’D LECRAE FROM PG. 7

missionaries. We’re from the culture, we’re a part of it and we have a story to tell. And, so we sense that urgency. We know that people are dying everyday and hurting and people just looking for answers. The message never gets old. It’s timeless and time-tested. And, I think our overhead is pretty low in comparison to a lot of genres of music. For hip hop, you need a little bit of live instrumentation but mostly it’s producers who use a lot of outer board-ware and some software to make the music and so it really doesn’t take a long time to compose. LM: How do other Christian hip hop or rap artists, reach the level of success that you have? Lecrae: I think that first and foremost, success is you being able to accomplish the goal you’ve set in mind. I have always had a burden to want to infiltrate and influence the influential. And, so you don’t influence an Eminem and Jay-Z if you’re no where in their stratosphere, if you’re not reachable—if they can’t have any access to your

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

name or what you’re doing. Part of it is just studying the culture too. (Me and the guys I collaborate with)…we’re not just church boys who are trying to put some raps together. We grew up in hip hop; we’re from it. We know the lingo; we know how the mindset is. We’re just Christians now and our message has changed. I think they notice our appreciation and that we take time with our craft and they respect that and people gravitate to it. LM: Where does your style of rap come from? Lecrae: From a content perspective, there have been Christians who have fueled my content like the group Cross Movement who have shown me that I can infuse great lyrical capability with solid Biblical truths. But from a creative perspective, I’m a student of the culture and I think as an artist you limit yourself if you only listen to a handful of people so I listen to a breath of artists like Jay-Z and Ludicris to know what they’re doing and how they do what they do. LM: Now when I saw the title of your album “Rehab”, I couldn’t help but notice the similarity in title of Eminem’s latest CD “Recovery”. How did you come up with “Rehab” for the title of your last project? Lecrae: We had come up with the title “Rehab” and we were really excited about it and the direction it was going to go in and then Eminem came out with “Recovery” and we were like a little discouraged like, “Aw man!” But we just felt confident that at the end of the day that we were telling two completely different stories. So whereas “Recovery” is more about (Eminem) wanting to be recovered from his addictions and frustrations, “Rehab” is saying that we all are fractured and broken and the only help we have is Jesus. And “Overdose” is simply saying you’ve sought rehabilitation but still need more. LM: What’s coming up for you in 2011? Lecrae: I’m definitely doing a couple of tours so look for me in a city near you and I’m also working on a book. I believe that when you hold a pen and are controllers of literature, you can really change society and the world. I really want to offer a lasting contribution to my generation and my culture. LeCrae resides in Atlanta with his wife and two children. For more information on Lecrae, visit www.lecrae.net or www.reachrecords.com.

Top 30 Songs of 2010 Rank

Song Title

Artist

Live Right

Thea Harris

Faults

Tanya Dallas-Lewis

Rejoice

Shana Wilson

So Amazing

Shana Wilson

Pause

Lisa McClendon

Get Your Breakthrough

Marjane'

Press In Your Presence

Shana Wilson

Got 2 Make It

NexWorld

The Gift

Carmen Calhoun

Something About A Miracle

Tanya Dallas-Lewis

I Need A Word

Fred Rahming

Nobody Greater

Vashawn Mitchell

The Latter Rain

Negleatha Johnson

Rain On Us

Earnest Pugh

Lift Me Up

Chiquita Green

So Much Joy

Angelia Robinson

Crazy Praise

Monique Walker

Whoa!

Adrian B. Turner

All Over Me

Sean Scales

Laid Low

Terri Carroll

Takin' It Back

Lisa Foster Wilson

Lord I Lift Up Your Name

Chiquita Green

I Want God To Get the Glory

Eunice Wright

Mount Up

Carmela Williams

Nobody Like You

Mike Robinson

Keep Tryin'

Angelia Robinson

He Wants It All

Forever Jones

So Glad He Saved Me

Monica Lisa Stevenson

Everyday

Teri Tobin

I Get Joy

Johnny Payne & TCO

* Based on music played on ChristianJukebox.com Internet Radio

Legal Brief HIRING BOOKING AGENTS. . . What You MUST Look for in a Contract BY ANGELA D. GREEN, ESQ.

ive performances can be the source of major income for any artist. They also help to stimulate interest and sales for other sources of income such as digital/CD sales and merchandising. So, when do you need to hire a booking agent and how should that contract look? Here are some points to consider.

“Always know your way out before you enter into any agreement.” 5. How much compensation will be given for the booking agent’s services? Remember their compensation is in addition to your management fees.

1. Are you receiving requests to perform? If nobody is calling or you only receive one or two requests for appearances per month, then you do not need a booking agent. You are not generating enough income to support the two of you.

6. Will the booking agent be responsible for securing performances in addition to responding to requests? This is a major question that needs a clear answer on the front end.

2. Are you getting so many requests for appearances that you can’t respond in a timely fashion? Your team should be able to respond to a request made for appearance within 24 hours. If it takes you a few days to check your phone and email messages, you may need to hire a booking agent.

If an independent artist has a manager, then that manager usually fills the booking agent’s role for a period of time. However, as the popularity of the artist grows, the manager will need to focus on other aspects of the artist’s career. Therefore, it is important to know when it is time to bring on that additional help. In this business you do not want any missed opportunities.

3. Will you give your booking agent an exclusive or non-exclusive agreement? Some bands may have one booking agent to book them for festivals and another booking agent for private parties. 4. How long will the booking agent agreement last? Always know your way out before you enter into any agreement.

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

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 also part owner of Key II Entertainment which is an artist management company. She is also founder and CEO of music publishing and registration service Positioned for Millions. www.positionmenow.com

For more urban inspirational events during Stellar Awards weekend, visit www.urbansoulcafe.com.

Your Finances How to Change Your Financial Attitude in the New Year BY NICOLE B. SIMPSON, CFP s the clock turned from 2010 to 2011, it brought a renewed glimmer of hope, of possibility, a new chance to recover everything lost in the previous decade. Since 2000, the economy has been on the brink of a depression with little or no return on investments both in the securities industry and in real estate. The cost of living sky-rocketed and the employment earnings remained stagnant. Many people experienced multiple periods of unemployment with the periods of unemployment stretching longer than the last. Discouragement became universal because jobs were scarcely available. The challenges America faced in the past were further exacerbated because of irresponsible spending and poor money management skills. But with the turning of the clock and new laws in place attractive to small business owners, a change is on the horizon. Employers are poised to hire again, people have taken the time out make themselves more marketable through education and the acquisition of additional skills. Opportunity is present to everyone willing to pursue it aggressively. With this new season before people, carrying old financial habits will certainly cripple the progress that has been made. Therefore, it is critical that America changes its attitude toward money to become savers not borrowers, responsible, and committed to building a net worth. How does one change their attitude toward money? Create a budget. Creating a monthly cash flow statement will help you identify the money coming into your household as well as what is going out. The ability to identify the difference between

www.airplay360.com

mandatory versus discretionary expenses. You cannot build if you do not have any idea of what you are working with. Establish a savings strategy. This is extremely important. The budget will assist you in determining what sacrifices need to be made so that you can begin to save. The recommended amount to save is three to six months of monthly expenses. Make your goals achievable. Once you determine how much you can afford to save annually, divide that number by the amount of pay checks you will receive in the current year. The smaller number is more manageable and it will increase your ability to achieve your goal. Address the accumulated outstanding debt you have acquired. Create a list of all outstanding debt along with the credit interest being incurred. Begin to tackle the debt slowly and systematically until all issues have been addressed. If improving your credit score is a priority, further divide your debt between old expenses greater than two years and new debt that you acquired within the last 24 months. The newer debt affects your credit score more dramatically so address those areas first. The road to recovery will not be easy but changing your financial attitude will help you adequately prepare for any future seasons of lack. You are resilient, you are capable of building and you are favored! Nicole B. Simpson is a certified financial planner, author, speaker, and disaster planning specialist. www.nicolebsimpson.com

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

BY LOUISE M. MOORE

BY LOUISE M. MOORE 14

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

inger, songwriter and musician Estee is a phenomenal talent. She is an accomplished pianist and keyboard player who writes, produces and arranges all of her own music. Her first album “Anew” on Ohio-based Omega 7 Productions received great reviews and her most recent CD “Joy” is gaining increasing support from radio and gospel music lovers around the world. Estee’s powerful performance of “Tomorrow”, a touching ballad from the “Joy” CD captured the heart of Grammy Award winning soul legend Chaka Khan who says Estee’s voice is “beautiful and inspired.” For all the praise that Estee receives for her amazing talent, she gives God the glory and insists upon using her musical gifts for God— exclusively. Estee spent more than six years pursuing a R&B career but for the last four years, she has committed herself to singing gospel only. Recently, Estee talked to me about how she began in music, what her motivations are and why she remains true to gospel. LM: How did you get started in music? Estee: One Christmas, my mother bought a little keyboard for my sister and she didn’t take to it very well but I was the one that did. So, I started playing and imitating commercials that were on television. LM: When did you start writing? Estee: I started writing around 5th or 6th grade and I started out writing gospel music. LM: So, how many songs would you say you’ve written so far? Estee: Well, I don’t know…a few hundred maybe. LM: Now, you actually got an offer for a record deal as an R&B artist and you turned it down. How difficult was that? Estee: At that time, I started realizing that gospel was the way to go and when you just know in your mind that something isn’t right for you, it doesn’t matter what the situation is. I just know personally that this is my testimony, I just wanted to live and be everything that I ministered and I felt like I personally owed that to God.

www.airplay360.com

LM: What adjustments did you have to make in transitioning from secular to gospel? Estee: The biggest thing that I had to adjust was my mindset because even though I was in secular (music) my whole life, I still sang gospel songs. I just didn’t declare myself as a gospel artist. It was a really big adjustment in my mind that when you are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ it’s what you do all the time and I wanted to be what I sang about. LM: Where does your inspiration come from for your singing and writing? Estee: A lot of my inspiration comes from just looking back over life experiences and just being so grateful that I’m still here and that God has given me a second chance. Estee resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and manager Rick Hubble and travels extensively sharing inspiration and the gospel of Jesus Christ with her incredible voice and her innate skill on the keyboards. For more information on Estee visit her online at www.reverbnation.com/estee111

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

Your Image

axã

lxtÜ

New

LOOKS

BY ADRIAN ANDERSON

elcome to a new year and I pray a new view! Now is the time to revamp your style and try some brand new looks. Redefine and refine yourself and continue to show your beautiful image. 1. It's time for new images and the great thing is if you took my advice last year then, you only have to add to your inventory of images because the original photos should last you two years! 2. Look for blog opportunities with Internet radio to show your image and personality. Also, because it is giving radio true, undying competition, it's a primary music source for hundreds of thousands—perhaps millions so GO FOR IT!

There are always new promoters introducing themselves to the marketplace and looking for the right opportunity. 5. Nurture your business social network numbers. 6. Contact other artists, perhaps some new ones and collaborate then capitalize by building a cross-market fan base. Your work can travel at the touch of a button so create new music always. May YOU embrace the new year and "SOAR“. Kindness, Love and Glamour, Adrian

3. Content is king, but be cautious that you’re not image rich and yet not booking work. Remain connected via grass roots systems and approach corporate businesses to get a head start on getting meetings to determine their musical needs. Set yourself up for their second, third and fourth quarters. 4. Cold call promoters and introduce yourself.

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and member of the multi-award winning urban inspirational trio Trin-i-tee 5:7. Follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/adriansmile.

Are you

Stage Ready? BY TINA A. FEARS

Voting Extended thru March 2011

www.denisehill.com

www.airplay360.com

AIRPLAY 360

November 2010

It’s Time to Get Motivated for an Amazing New Year! BY TINA A. FEARS

he first of the year marks a time where resolutions are made and goals are set. This re-birth can be applied to creative and developmental goals for emerging artists.

Start by taking time to review what the previous year consisted of, including its failures and success. It’s always great

Vocal Health Get Your Voice Off to a Good Start This Year BY MARK A. WILLIAMS, MD, PhD

to have an idea of where you have been in order to get an idea of where you are going. This “New Year’s” check up may include everything from the direction and intentions of your music to embracing a new look or marketing tool.

This year can begin with your voice in better condition than it was a year ago.

Once you have given your “New Year’s” focus some thought, be strategic in identifying what it will take to achieve that goal. Maybe your heart’s desire is to

Three simple lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly improve the function and quality of your voice with a very noticeable difference.

incorporate philanthropic efforts into your body of work. Or you may have interest in increasing your visibility by adding more live performances to your schedule. Any of these things are possible so take advantage of this new season and begin making them happen. Now that you are excited about your new venture, it’s important to maintain momentum in order to see it through.

Surrounding yourself with individuals that will not only support your vision but can contribute to it will be of great value to you. The idea of creating a team or support staff is always a valuable component as it allows the artist to stay creative and watch the dream come to life. The middle of the year will serve as great evaluation point as well. This will be a place where you can track your progress and make adjustments if necessary.

Keep in mind any progress is good progress. So as long as you are moving forward you’re moving in the right direction. Your “New Year’s” goals can vary from musical approach to increasing your social network activity. Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today? Keeping things fresh and exciting will keep your growing fan base interested and engaged and will allow you to continue to grow as an artist and enhance your brand. Tina A. Fears is the Founder/CEO of Stage Ready LLC. Stage Ready is a artist development firm that specializes in choreography, styling, casting and live production development.

www.airplay360.com

Decrease caffeine consumption.

Increase water intake to eight glasses per day.

Warm up your voice daily

with exercises learned from a qualified voice instructor.

At the end of 2011 you'll be glad you made the change and so will your fans/supporters. 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 where he specializes in the prevention and treatment of voice disorders of singers, performers and professional voice users.

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE

Gospel Music in Canada Already Showing Signs of Thriving in 2011 BY KATHY GRANT

tarting the New Year with high-flying fireworks, horns and thunderous screams is what New Year’s Day is all about. In the realm of Gospel Music there is no exception. Everyone wants to begin the new year with a bang, a monumental announcement or a dazzling concert. In Canada, the New Year begins with such a concert event – a live DVD recording on January 8 in Montreal featuring Danny Eason and Abundant Life. Strength to Survive is the highly-anticipated follow-up to Eason’s latest recording Endurance with Abundant Life since taking residence in Canada. For those hoping for a seat, the word is to arrive extra early. This one is going to max out! Following hard on the heels of the live recording is INSPIRATION ON THE HILL 2011 – the 7th Annual National Martin Luther King Day Celebration on Parliament Hill Monday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. In previous years, the event was always held on Parliament Hill in Room 200 of the West Block, Parliament Building and the performers have been few and almost always local. However, going to another level, the event has been moved to a larger, more striking setting – the Government Conference Centre. The roster includes Weapons of Spiritual Warfare Mime Group from Long Island N.Y., Felicia Nelson from Toronto, Ottawa native Kathy Grant and other local acts. The special invited guest is Youngstown, Ohio native April Nevels who will be embarking on her first international tour in Canada’s capita, Ottawa. April’s tour dates begin January 16th fresh from the Stellar Awards, and will take her to Canada’s #1 Christian Radio Station, CHRI 99.1 FM for a live interview and performance with host, KGM The Gem; then Rogers Television for a live television performance; the Monday evening

www.airplay360.com

Martin Luther King Day Celebration where she will perform the U.S. National Anthem and two singles from her debut album release Krazy Praize; an in-store performance and autograph signing at the flagship Scripture Bookstore, Salem Storehouse and finally a command performance at the U.S. Embassy for Embassy staff and specially invited guests. A ministry opportunity with City Clergy and staff from a wide spectrum of denominations will round out her tour in Canada. April’s tour is made possible through the newly-launched Coppercoated Entertainment Agency, a full service company that provides promotional opportunities for U.S. independent gospel artists who want to expand their ministries into Canada. Through their vast connections in both Christian and secular industries, Coppercoated provides a well-rounded platform where artists minister to a broader range of patrons. For more information visit: www.coppercoatedent.com. The New Year’s fireworks will continue when Pastor Donnie McClurkin returns to Canada in February for JesusFest, a P&W conference. The air is also a-buzz about other future gospel concert events featuring U.S. Gospel Artists Phillip Carter, James Fortune & FIYA and more.

Kathy Grant is a gospel artist, radio and television host, CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference. She is a radio host on Canada’s CHRI 99.1 FM where she hosts a weekly Sunday program called Gospel Groove.

AIRPLAY 360

January 2011

oted as one of the great instrumentalist and clinicians in the musical arena, Syreeta Thompson’s musical gift proves to be both sincere and inspiring. The powerful trumpeter known as “the Trumpet Lady” has managed to blaze the gospel industry circuit by sharing the stage with many of its greatest icons from the renowned Hezekiah Walker and LFT to the legendary Dorinda Clark-Cole. For many, the musical experience of Syreeta Thompson is simply profound as she consistently delivers a stirring performance as an anointed minstrel each time she ministers. For her, each opportunity is undeniably an opportunity “to infuse the gospel of Jesus of Christ to all mankind and to touch souls with the gift of music”. Syreeta Thompson is a skilled and educated minstrel whose speaking

January 2011

AIRPLAY 360

and teaching schedules remains as in demand as her musical presentations. The incomparable performer not only has a signature sound but a signature style that includes performing with a red, white and blue trumpet, all of which are endorsed by T.HINES horns. The latest release from Syreeta Thompson is “In His Presence”. Among the albums highlights are performances by Dorinda Clark-Cole and DeWayne Woods. Syreeta lends phenomenal vocals as well as soothing trumpet melodies. Syreeta’s artistry, faith and dedication to excellence have enabled her to effectively touch many hearts through her music. Among the mentors that Syreeta credits for her success are Wynton Marsalis, Dorinda Clark Cole and her mother Nancy Facen, all of which have impacted her greatly. For more information on Syreeta visit www.trumpetlady.com.

ngelia Robinson was born in Washington, DC, but grew up in the Maryland suburbs. In and out of the church while growing up, Angelia reacted like a sponge to all types of music during a time where she felt music was not as segregated. With God’s divine intervention she has created a style, a “new sound” that will influence a whole new generation. The name, Angelia (pronounced “Anja-lye”), is Greek and means “Messenger of God”. Angelia wants the message in her music, which she simply calls, “Life Music” to be heard and embraced regardless of how it is labeled. Her debut CD is entitled “Lessons in Love.” The concept of the album comes from Angelia’s life story. The video for the single “Who R U?” was just released January 2011 and will air on Gospel Music Channel as well as on other inspirational TV shows. Angelia’s singing combines powerful vitality with dignity and strong spiritual beliefs. “The message that I want

www.airplay360.com

to send through my music is how love cover’s a multitude of mistakes and conquers all”. Since coming onto the scene in 2009, Angelia has shared the stage with gospel greats such as Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Hezekiah Walker and Donnie McClurkin, just to name a few. Don’t try to put her in a box because she simply won’t fit. Also in 2009, Angelia’s song entitled “Wishing You Were Here” was selected to be a part of the music compilation distributed by Cloud Ten Pictures for the movie “Saving God,” starring Ving Rhames. With her explosive performance on the history making 25th Anniversary of the Stellar Awards Kick Off event under her belt and fiery performances on Cathy Hughes’ “Radio One Love Cruise”, this fiery young lady seems to be on a huge path to success. For more information on Angelia Robinson visit her website at www.angeliarobinson.com. AIRPLAY 360

January 2011