Airplay 360 JanFeb 2012 by AIRPLAY 360

January Cover

INSIDE January/February 2012

CONTENTS 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: ‘Embrace Change in the New Year - Ace Alexander

YOUR NETWORK: What Will You Do Differently in 2012? by Delroy Souden

10 COVER STORY: Keke Palmer Talks Faith & “Joyful Noise” by Louise M. Moore 13 SPECIAL STELLAR AWARDS WEEK RECAP 14 BACKSTAGE WITH LETITA MARTIN 15 27th ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS WINNERS 16 TV SCHEDULE – STELLAR AWARDS

18 LEGAL BRIEF: 12 Reasons Gospel Artists Are Broke by James L. Walker, ESQ 20 VOCAL TIPS: How to Overcome Stage Fright by Dileesa Hunter 22 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pamela Johnson – Recording Artist 24 YOUR IMAGE: Character Before Talent by Adrian Anderson

On the Cover: Movie/TV Star Keke Palmer

25 NEW MUSIC RELEASES

13 S

LEGAL BRIEF

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Embrace CHANGE in the New Year t’s now 2012 and I don’t know about you but I’m ready to embrace change. We cannot know all that this year holds for us, but one thing is certain: We know who does. God. Yes, there will be change, but how we handle it is so important. Change happens, with or without our permission. So why not embrace it? Think about it. Social media, the Internet and technology has changed so much of how we do business and live our lives today. But not all change we experience will be in those areas. Some change might mean a loss of friends, clients, audience or even job, but they are all opportunities for us to make new friends, reach new audiences and learn new skills for more rewarding careers. However the change comes, it is up to us to make it a positive. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says that “all things work together for the good to those who love God”; therefore, we should not be afraid of what’s to come. As I mentioned before, we know who holds our future, and as long as we know God is on the throne (and he shall forever be), then we will be fine. Embrace change in 2012 and remember it’s all working for our good. All of it! Many blessings to you in the New Year,

Jan/Feb 2012 / Vol. 4 No. 4 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Alicia Baiden 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 Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. GUEST COLUMNISTS Delroy Souden James L. Walker, Esq. SPECIAL EVENTS REPORTER Letita Martin ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published bi-monthly www.airplay360.com

Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Follow on Twitter @acealexanderVIP

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 2011 and 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360. www.airplay360.com

Copyright © 2008-2011 Airplay 360 Online Magazine, an ace alexander publication 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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YOUR Network What Will YOU Do Differently In 2012? BY DELROY SOUDEN

t is no secret that 2011 was a difficult year for most of us, but I am sure that like me, you still have a lot to be thankful for. The fact that I survived last year without having any illness, loss of family members or friends, didn't get hit by a stray bullet or objects and, that God allowed me to live to see a new year, are reasons enough for me to be not just thankful but grateful! With this new year comes new challenges for which to fight through—new decisions and changes for the better and hopefully for you as well. As I reflect on 2011, I didn't do as well on various levels as I had hoped. I am determined to do things differently and work, not harder but smarter in 2012. Rid yourself of relationships that you knew all along were toxic for you and build new ones; learn to say no and mean no even if it costs you some dollars and a few friends. On the other hand, know exactly what you're saying “no” to. Think it through very carefully and make decisions that do not compromise who you are as a person and what you stand for. If you attract trash, then you become trash (I could not find a better way to say it). Continue to network and expand your territories. Set boundaries for yourself and allow only like-minded individuals within. One of the things I failed to do over the years, was to go places and meet new people because I was very comfortable being "behind the scenes“ doing what I felt back then was the best thing for me to do. I have since learned that you have to be out there among the movers and the shakers to get more done and to build new and meaningful relationships, they just do not fall in your laps! For some of us, changes can be a very difficult thing especially when we're set in our own old ways and are not open to fresh, new ideas. We're living in a technological age, and if we fail to keep up with it,

some good opportunities are sure to pass us by. I am also fully aware that financial resources may become a problem to many but should in no way deter or hinder you from getting much done. Think about this carefully. Are you the kind of individual who thinks that the only answer to your problems is money, or are you the kind that works hard with whatever little you have expecting your effort to reap greater reward over time? This year, make it your mission and your point of duty not to find excuses and hinder yourself from what you know in your heart you were called to do. Re-invent yourself, work smarter than you've ever worked before; be different from your counterparts and explore new ideas and territories that you have not explored in the past. Give up piggy-backing off other people's thoughts and ideas and allow your inner creative juices to flow in harmony with your inner thoughts and passions and see what comes forth. You may be in for a big surprise and even angry with yourself for not doing this years ago. You may just be surprised to find out what lies beneath the surface waiting for you to harvest! Are you willing to make that move? What will you do differently in 2012?

Delroy Souden is the CEO of EnSoundEntertainment.com, an Internet radio personality, a singer/songwriter and Internet marketing expert based in Newark, New Jersey. He is also founder of the most talked about independent Gospel music awards show, the En Sound Music Awards.

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BY LOUISE M. MOORE t only 18, Keke Palmer is already an accomplished performer. As an award winning actress, she has starred in such films as “Akeelah and the Bee”, “MaDea’s Family Renunion” and “Cleaner”. And, her television credits have included “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”, “Jump In”, “The Wool Cap” and

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her own Nickelodeon TV series “True Jackson VP”. She has recorded two albums and has other film projects in the works. But her current movie, “Joyful Noise” is one where Palmer draws upon her Christian upbringing and comes of age as a young woman. In an interview with AIRPLAY 360, Palmer discusses faith and her latest role in “Joyful Noise.”

LM: Congratulations on your new movie “Joyful Noise”. KP: Thank you! LM: We’ve seen you in so many different movies and so many different roles. How is this role (of ‘Olivia Hill’) different from other roles you’ve already done? PK: You know a lot of the movies that people have seen me in I’ve been that little girl—11, 12 or maybe 13. But in this movie I’m a teenager and I’m growing into a woman and it actually captures that coming of age in the film. And, then also, I get to sing in this movie which is something I’ve always wanted to do. LM: What research did you do for this role? KP: I didn’t too much research because the character was kind of close to home, even though we have different personalities, I’m more outgoing and she’s a little closed off. I was in the church choir. I grew up in the church and I think every young girl understands the dynamic of a teenage daughter and her relationship with her mother. LM: So you grew up in the church and singing in the choir? KP: Yes, I’m Catholic and I grew up in the church. My dad was a deacon. I was always, always in the church. LM: Since you are singing in this film, are there any artists that inspired you? KP: More than anyone I would say Michael Jackson because that’s the song I’m singing— Man in the Mirror. No one can sing a Michael Jackson song better than Michael Jackson so I hope I gave a good enough rendition. LM: Now you have a love interest in this movie and I don’t recall that’s ever been the case in any of your other movies, how different was that for you? KP: Extremely nerve wrecking. Like you said, I’ve never done anything like that on screen or really nothing like that in real life. I just couldn’t get Keke Palmer—myself—out of my head. It took a minute for me to get out of my own head and once I did, I got relaxed and I got used to it and was not as nervous. LM: I know you have other movies coming up, but being in Atlanta, I have to ask you about Tyler Perry. I know that you were in his movie “MaDea’s Family Reunion” and were also in “House of Payne”. Do you have any plans to work with him again in the future?

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KP: Oh I would love to! If he called me up and wanted me to audition—anything, I would love to. I like doing Tyler Perry films because I get to play comedy. That’s always fun for me because people see me in serious roles all the time and I really love being funny. LM: You’re only 18 and you’ve accomplished so much already and there are so many girls that look up to you. What advice do you give to those that want to follow in your path and become an actress or singer? KP: It has to be something that you love because there are a lot of things that come with singing and acting and just the industry itself. It gets really tiring and you wouldn’t want to deal with it if you really didn’t love it. So it has to be your passion first of all. And, secondly, try to get your parents involved in helping you accomplish that because I couldn’t have done this without my parents. They uprooted their whole lives to take me to California and help me pursue my dreams. But I would say just look around and see what you can do in your own city and then once you get stable and want to take it somewhere else you can go to a place like California (Hollywood). Keke Palmer stars in “Joyful Noise” along with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. The movie is in theatres now. For more information visit joyfulnoisemovie.warnerbros.com. For information on Keke Palmer visit kekepalmer.com ●

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STELLAR RECAP

AIRPLAY 360 was on the scene at the 27th annual Stellar Awards. Our special events reporter Letita Martin* covered many of the week’s events and talked to several top recording artists including Kierra Sheard, Myron Butler, Brian Courtney Wilson, Preashea Hilliard and many others.**

Letita: With the transition coming in gospel and a lot of the urban gospel… coming to the forefront, how do you see urban gospel now growing within the gospel experience? Kierra: I think it’s the best thing because our generation—this new generation—are way more bolder and we feel like you have to relate to us in some way… In every genre it’s everybody that’s doing something different… I’m excited about what we’re doing… It challenges us as disciples Kierra Sheard

Letita: We’re here at the 27th annual Stellar Awards so how have you seen it kind of transition in the last couple of years? Myron: I think that the Stellar Awards is always evolving in the level of the presentations. You know I’ve been coming for some time over 10 or 15 years and the level of the production continually grows. So just from the presentation of it…I’ve really seen it evolve and just become a stellar presentation from beginning to end. Myron Butler

Letita: Where do you see yourself going as an artist and as far as reaching out to other people? Brian: There’s a rich legacy of gospel artists like the Williams Brothers, the Canton Spirituals and Mary Mary that have gotten together and decided that this is a story worth telling and it takes all of us to tell it because God is too big for one person to just tell the story and I want to get in line and tell that story. Brian Courtney Wilson

Letita: What has been your way of reaching out to people beyond the walls of the church? How do you reach those people that aren’t necessarily sitting in the pews?

Preashea Hilliard

Preashea: One of my mentors is Israel Houghton and he gives me this picture of worship that worship and justice go together. We cannot just worship in the house of the Lord and forget about the people. Sometimes we feel like missions are only in Cambodia and across the world but missions can start just by being nice in the grocery store.

* Letita Martin is a North Carolina-based urban inspirational recording artist and radio personality. **Special thanks to Stellar Awards/Central City Productions, Yes Lord Radio and Urban Soul Café for media access.

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STELLAR RECAP

And the Stellar Award Winners Are . . . Artist of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant Song of the Year: Kirk Frankllin – Smile – Hello Fear Male Vocalist of Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big New Artist of the Year: Y’Anna Crawley – The Promise CD of the Year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear Choir of the Year: Ricky Dillard & New G - Keep Living Producers of the Year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big Traditional Group/Duo of the Year: The Rance Allen Group – The Live Experience Contemporary Male of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs that Carried Us Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year: Beverly Crawford – Live from Los Angeles Contemporary CD of the Year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear Traditional CD of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs That Carried Us Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Nobody Greater Music Video of the Year, Short Format: Vashawn Mitchell - Nobody Greater Music Video of the Year, Long Format: Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon: Part One Traditional Choir of the Year: Mississippi Mass Choir Contemporary Choir of the Year: Shekinah Glory Ministry Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award Honoree: Vy Higginsen Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Awards Honoree: Dorothy Norwood James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: John P. Kee www.airplay360.com

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Jan/Feb 2012

STELLAR RECAP

Stellar Awards TV Schedule

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards will air on GMC-TV on February 11 at 7 PM, 9 PM, and 11 PM EST. The list of networks and markets for additional airing is listed below. Atlanta, GA (FOX) – February 4, 2012, 4PM Washington, DC (CW) – February 12, 2012, 1PM Philadelphia, PA (MyNetworkTV) – February 5, 2012, 3PM Houston, TX (MyNetworkTV) – January 21, 2012, 7PM Detroit, MI (WADL-TV) – February 5, 2012, 8PM Norfolk, VA (FOX) – January 29, 2012, 12PM & February 12, 2012, 1PM Charlotte, NC (ABC) – February 26, 2012, 2PM Cleveland-Akron, OH (ABC) – February 5, 2012, 1PM St. Louis, MO (MyNetworkTV) – February 19, 2012, 5PM Orlando-Dayton Beach, FL (WRDQ-TV) – February 5, 2012, 3PM Birmingham, AL (ABC) – February 12, 2012, 12PM San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA (KOFY-TV) – February 25, 2012, 3PM Richmond-Petersburg, VA (FOX) – February 12, 2012, 3PM Jackson, MS (ABC) – January 29, 2012, 12PM Greensboro-Winston Salem, NC (FOX) – February 12, 2012, 1PM Nashville, TN (MyNetworkTV) – February 5, 2012, 7PM Indianapolis, IN (WHMB-TV) – January 26, 2012, 8PM & February 23, 2012, 8PM Columbus, OH (W23BZ-TV) – January 21, 2012, 8PM Shreveport, LA (MyNetworkTV) – January 25, 2012, 8PM Milwaukee, WI (MyNetworkTV) – January 29, 2012, 3PM Savannah, GA (FOX) – January 29, 2012, 1PM Pittsburgh, PA (MyNetworkTV) – February 12, 2012, 3PM Charleston, SC (ABC) – January 21, 2012, 2PM Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI – January 29, 2012, 12:30PM Tyler-Longview, TX (ABC) – February 5, 2012, 12:30PM 16

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LEGAL Brief

BY JAMES L. WALKER, JR. irk Franklin wrote a mega song once that asked “Why Do We Sing?” With over 100 gospel albums released since that 1993 Grammy winning song and album, I’m still asking why are gospel artists singing and making CDs when seemingly only 5-10 are really making money to survive on as a person. In nearly 20 years, I have worked with practically every major gospel artist on the planet in some shape or form, whether promoting a concert featuring them, managing them, administering their publishing or obviously, serving as their legal counsel. I have noticed one common trend: that while we have some well known names who are doing a lot of damage (i.e., making a ton of money), like Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond and, of course, Kirk Franklin, there are 99 percent that never see an actual royalty check from their record sales, and to be frank, are really struggling financially. We have 99 percent of the so-called “national gospel artists” or “international gospel artists” (depending on how they describe themselves on the press release) struggling to pay the mortgage, car note or rent. So I asked, “Why are we (STILL) singing?” Specifically, why are we making CDs? And then I

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realized many of the gospel artists probably don’t know why they are struggling or broke? I gathered 12 top reasons for this struggle. But before I state them, I am aware that gospel artists or “church folk” always like you to give some biblical or “spiritual” foundation or “exegesis” before you sound off in an article like this. So before reading the list below, if you need to have a biblical backdrop, know that in biblical terms, the number 12 is symbolic for perfection. Some say 12 is the product of three (the perfectly divine and heavenly number) and four (the earthly, i.e., the number of what is material and organic). There were 12 patriarchs in the Old Testament from Shem (the son of Noah) to Jacob. In wise leader Solomon’s reign, the number 12 was the predominating factor versus the number five in the tabernacle. In the New Testament it is no different: 12 apostles; 12 foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem; the 12 gates; the 12 pearls; and the 12 angels. There are 12 months in a year. And, if all of that is not “deep” enough for some reading this article, my grandfather had 12 kids which is significant enough for me! Now that we have laid the foundation and gotten that out of the way for “church folk”, here are the 12 top reasons gospel artists go broke (among many more).

9. They’ll listen to their pastor’s advice before they’ll listen to their attorney, manager or accountant. 10. They don’t realize Jesus wept because he knew a generation would sing and never get paid until they read their contracts like they read the Bible and pray daily. 1. They TRUST Jesus and anyone who uses the name of ‘Jesus’ to convince them not to read their contracts or hire good representation. 2. They PRAY daily but won’t READ daily. 3. They sing and shout day and night but never listen morning or evening. 4. They keep hiring a choir member or deacon from their church to ‘play’ manager. 5. They like new shoes more than new money. 6. They over price themselves out of the market and don’t understand the changes in the marketplace. 7. They won’t read ANY contracts, even the Sprint contract, then cry “Satan is a liar” when the phone is shut off. 8. They love a high profile, nice, big car versus a nice, low, profile large bank.

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11. They don’t understand publishing or statutory rates.

point,

12. Like all artists, they want to be a ‘star’ for all the wrong reasons. But they even wrongly feel Jesus ‘called them’ to just sing and not worry or care about business. Let me explain a little about some of these reasons that are not obvious. About five years ago, a gospel artist told me, “Don’t worry about the contract, me and the label president went to church together, he’s a man of God.” I wasn’t worried about the ‘God’ in that statement, I was worried about the ‘man’, i.e., flesh. Gospel artists often feel because an executive knows Jesus or comes to church with them or has a ‘come to Jesus’ moment with them, that this executive could never send them a one-sided contract. WRONG! Matter of fact, in those cases of someone “bonding” with you that much, please read the contract even closer and avoid the pitfalls of Top Reason #1. Also, my grandfather was always a man of prayer, but he also taught me don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. When an artist spends all day praying, but refuses to spend any time reading (Reason #2) books like “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald Passman or Kashif’s Book, “Everything CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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VOCAL Tips How to Overcome

Stage Fright BY DILEESA HUNTER

ome people have severe performance anxiety. They find themselves stiff and at a loss for words when they have to stand before a group of people to sing, or perform in any way. A person with performance anxiety may feel that they are incapable of performing well because of their fears, but there is hope. You can learn to manage your fears and still be able to perform in front of people very well. There are a few things you can do to overcome the anxiety of performing. First, know your material very well. Practice reciting it while imagining you are actually in front of people. You never know what you've truly memorized and what you haven't until you try to perform it. You will probably black out the first few times but it's a good thing to learn how to get through these feelings and still perform. The next step is to perform it in front of a few loved ones. Don't be silly and laugh if you mess up. Instead, give a serious rendition and allow them to tell you where you need improvement. If you can this enough times you will allow yourself to adjust to the initial shock of performing for an audience. Do breathing exercises to reduce your performance anxiety. Breathing exercises help to

release tension in your throat and abdomen. Before you start, inhale and count to four and exhale and count to four. Doing slow breathing also slows down your heartbeat. This helps to reduce your nervous feeling and make you more relaxed and focused when performing. Sometimes 'getting into character' helps with performance anxiety. It may help to imagine yourself as someone else while performing. You can channel their personality and confidence so that you don't feel so vulnerable while performing. Consider it acting in some ways. Study the writer's perspective and allow yourself to become that character when singing. To do that, you should study how the 'voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; of the song thinks, feels, and acts. Empathize and embody that message when you sing. Remember, the audience essentially just wants to hear the message you are bringing anyway. You just happen to be the messenger. Stage fright doesn't have to be crippling and it certainly doesn't have to mean that you can't be a great performer. By polishing your skills, practicing and doing relaxation techniques you can overcome it to perform at your best.

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. Dileesaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vocal repertoire includes Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Barbershop Quartet and Opera.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

You Better Know About The Record Industry”, he has done himself no “earthly” good in terms of protecting himself. I appreciate Donald Lawrence tweeting my book from time to time, “This Business of Urban Music” (Random House/Billboard Books), and just pray people or rather gospel artists go buy the book. But, being a former president of the Stellar Awards Board, I often took copies of my books to our annual Stellar Awards and gave them out, but some artists still would not read. And per Reason #4, realize you can’t have Pookie and Ray-Ray managing you. Do not hire your BFF (best friend) from the choir to manage you or the deacon who raised you to be manager. Unless they are trained, it will be very hard for them to advance your career, no matter how “anointed” they are. The gospel concert marketplace is really different than when promoter Al Walsh took out the Kirk Franklin/Yolanda Adams/Fred Hammond tour and shocked America with a mainstream gospel tour. Nowadays, people don’t want to pay $30,000 or $15,000 and in some cases $5,000 to a gospel artist. And, consumers are not gonna pay to see a major artist in a commercial venue for $40 when they know T.D. Jakes’ Potter’s House will have you for free two weeks later. So, as Reason #6 eludes to, as an artist, you have to take this into consideration and work with the church or promoter in a reasonable way in terms of your pricing, hotel, travel demands and even food requests. Otherwise, you will overprice yourself and sit home every weekend, while lesser known artists get work. Per Top Reasons #7 and #9, listen to your advisors. Live conservatively and read all your contracts. I understand your pastor is a very important individual in your life. But your pastor is not your accountant, lawyer or manager and he or she may not know the ins-and-outs of the music industry. Thus, you cannot listen to him on music biz stuff. Like all artists, gospel artists must learn what a point is on an album, that percentage of their royalties that is paid to the producer, i.e., Top Reason #11. They should also understand music publishing, i.e., how a simple song on a Donnie McClurkin platinum album could garner the songwriter in upwards of $100,000 in royalties under the laws of copyright (i.e., what’s known as the Statutory Rate). And, lastly, even if you feel “called” by God to sing and “that’s the reason why you sing”, please feel just as “called” to study the “business” of music and protect yourself. John 11:35: Jesus Wept!!!! (and is STILL weeping while we just sing and don’t handle business)!

Attorney James L. Walker is managing partner of Walker and Associates, LLP, a leading entertainment law firm; president of JW Consulting, LLC, an entertainment consulting, event management and planning company; and managing partner of J. Walker Realty, LLC, a commercial real estate acquisition company. He is also author of two books “The Business of Music” and “The Business of Urban Music”.

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Atlanta-based gospel artist Pamela Johnson offers an inspiring message of victory and hope. As a two-time cancer survivor, she has a fresh perspective on life and her CD Destiny Resurrected conveys her message of resilience and strength through Christ. In an interview with AIRPLAY 360 Pamela reveals more of her amazing story. 22

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A360: How did you get started in music? PJ: I come from a long line of singers. Each of my parents had family ensembles while growing up and music permeated our home because my mother and father would sing around the house. I was a 'church baby' so I was raised on the laps of choir members and because of that, I've been singing all of my life. However, I found my voice as a performer in a high school talent show. Once that performer bug hit me, I got into every talent show I could find and even a few beauty pageants until I graduated from college. I was also involved in a host of bands, community ensembles and choirs as well. A360: How do you classify yourself as an artist and how do you describe your genre of music? PJ: I am a gospel artist. I like to call my music victorious praise. I feel victory and I sing praise and victoriously praising is how I live. I believe that when you listen to my music, you hear victory and you feel victory and there is no way you can be around such victory proclaimed without giving praise. A360: How do you balance life as an artist and having another career? PJ: I've had my own company as an independent contractor for a number of years now. I design, develop and deliver corporate training. It's an easy balancing act for me. I work from my home office for most clients and my home office goes wherever I go. When I started this process, I asked the Lord to let my music engagements be about ministry and not about selling CDs. While I certainly want to sell tons of CDs, it's because I want the world to hear my music and not because I must pay my mortgage. So, when I travel, I always take my laptop. A360: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your inspiration with this CD project and what do you want your audience to get from it? PJ: When I initially began my project, I really didn't have a plan. I just knew that music was in me and that singing it was God's purpose for my life. Once I began the process, God began to flood my spirit with words that became lyrics that became songs that became a CD called Destiny Resurrected, the soundtrack to my miracle. I wrote songs when I needed encouragement; when I was on a prayer rampage; songs that expressed my utter grief; and songs that expressed my profound gratitude for victory. I can literally tell you what was happening at the time a specific song was written. By the time Destiny Resurrected was finished, I'd finished my battle with cancer and was healed. My miracle was secured. My ministry speaks to that person who has reached a certain age and feels like they've missed their season of relevance in God's kingdom because they were too busy trying to make it

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in this world. I minister to those who thought their season was over and declare that It is not! And then I say, "Go get your destiny. It's STILL yours!â&#x20AC;? I particularly love ministering at women's conferences where I speak specifically to the women who've been abused and beaten down and sometimes feel like giving up; but instead hold on to life for whatever reason. I stand before them as a living testimonyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;proof that God's Word is true and that He keeps His promises. God resurrected my destiny during the fight for my life. Breast cancer kills women everyday and for me to have had it twice in a year spoke volumes to His plan for me and to Satan's plan to keep it from happening. So when you listen to my music, I want you to feel the boldness you need to press forward to victory.

A360: Who is your inspiration in the music industry? PJ: I have always loved so many types of music and my musical style is a reflection. When I first began performing, everything I did was by Phyllis Hyman. Then I heard the vocal calisthenics of Darryl Coley and incorporated his style. I studied the presentation of Donnie McClurkin and was also influenced by the Clark Sisters, Whitney Houston, Vicki Winans, Luther Vandross, James Cleveland, Cameo, James Moore, the Hawkins family dynasty and countless others. A360: Where do you see yourself in the future (say five years from now) with your music? PJ: A prophet once told me that God had destined me to minister to oceans of souls. I want my ocean. What that means to me is that my music will be ministering internationally. People will sing my music all over the world and whether they are in worship or praise - the ocean will be rocking. For more information visit pamelajohnsononline.com

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Jan/Feb 2012

YOUR Image Character Before Talent BY ADRIAN ANDERSON

oming into this New Year makes the scripture, "Write the vision and make it plain" stand out. Last year showed us all that you never know what's in store and many talents were the true gift to thousands of people as they all were needed to make a living. The streamlining of the music and entertainment industry continued and new careers were created out of desire and necessity. Now this certainly birthed wonderful blessings; however, it reminded us all that the only thing that is certain is CHANGE. Your reputation determines much. And, when you have to reach outâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;prepared or notâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; know that your past conduct will contribute to what you receive. Life is a circle. Titles and position change but character does not. And, when someone has an opportunity that could benefit you, know that your character comes into the equation even more than your talent. I have witnessed unnecessary loss and some tremendous gain all based on how the individuals have carried themselves over the years. Popularity does not equate to profitability so you must know the difference. Are you attractive to work with? Do you understand your role and know how to execute in your role for the optimum outcome? Are you consistent? Do you only care about getting a check? Are you difficult to work with in general? Do you have a cohesive team that is working a well thought out plan? In most cases, to have a team that is doing this, you must be the one financing it which begs the next question. Are you investing in you? Typing, data entry, writing proposals, streamlining budgets, leveraging your assets, collaborating, interpersonal skills, brainstorming, cold calling with specific intention, knowing how to increase the value of a thing, strategy, intention, critical thinking, consistent meetings etc. the list goes on and on with skills needed to expand garner increase and expand your

Jan/Feb 2012

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territory. This is a relationship economy which means that a hit record, television show or special event is not enough. It will only do so much for you because the decision makers are looking at more than your product they are assessing your conduct, attitude and integrity. They actually have to respect you to consider including you in the major opportunities that garner more money. At the least, your team has to have it together so that the opportunity appears to be profitable; therefore, the inclusion and investment is sound. Diversification is critical to success and you cannot diversify on a broken foundation so solidify what you have then move forward. I share this out of LOVE because everyone should have those reflective moments and the opportunity to humble themselves, recreate, restructure or redesign their foundation accordingly. If last year was too hard then you cannot continue to do the same thing this year. How often did you volunteer on your own, sit on any committees? Did you participate in any community events? Did you support other artists or business people when you were not the focus? You want to stand on solid ground, not sand. Consideration of others needs is built into the business model. The good thing is that there are wonderful people and organizations doing wonderful things so it's just a matter of choosing what best fits you and become sincerely engaged with it then you can partner what you have to it. Remember: Gifts combined cause miracles to happen!

Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the multi-award winning urban inspirational trio Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty .

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Jan/Feb 2012

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