July Cover Martha Munizzi
INSIDE July 2011
Contents 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE – Leap and Your Net Will Appear by Ace Alexander
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INTERNATIONAL – GMA Canada 33rd Annual Covenant Awards by Kathy Grant
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YOUR IMAGE – Why Good PR Can Enhance Your Image as an Artist by Adrian Anderson
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LEGAL BRIEF – How to Reclaim Your Copyrights by Angela D. Green, Esq.
11 VOCAL HEALTH – Why Proper Speaking Technique Matters for Your Voice by Mark A. Williams MD PhD 12 COVER STORY – Martha Munizzi, Back With ‘Make It Loud’ by Louise M. Moore 15 New Indies Platform of Change by Alecia Jones 16 INDUSTRY NEWS 17 IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Eric Simmons by Louise M. Moore 19 New Music Releases
On the Cover: Martha Munizzi S
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Why PR Can Enhance Your Image as An Artist
7 How to RECLAIM Your Music Copyrights
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Leap And Your Net Will Appear love to adopt certain quotes, scriptures and affirmations and just allow the words to marinate in my spirit. “Leap and the net will appear” is a quote by early American writer and essayist John Burroughs and it’s six words that I have devoted much thought and meditation to. No matter how much you may have already accomplished, there is always a dream, an ambition or goal that you have a passion for but have not yet achieved. Maybe you feel you need to learn more or do more research before you can fully embrace your dream. Fine. Do your homework. But at some point, you must be confident in the knowledge and gift that God has given you. You must be willing to leap although you cannot see your net. The reality is that your net is already there, but it doesn’t become visible until you activate it with your actions. Often our biggest blessings do not reveal themselves completely until we have committed to take that step of faith in allowing God to lead us in the direction of our dream—what he has put in our hearts. So “leap and your net will appear” because if it’s truly Godinspired, He will not let you fall. Wow! I think I see your net!
July 2011 / Vol. 3 No. 12
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. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alecia Jones Wanda Patterson ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published monthly www.airplay360.com
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder
Ace Alexander is a national music director, radio personality, speaker and voice over artist. 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
Copyright © 2008-2011 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. 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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Conferences New Music Releases Electronic Press Kits Radio/Television Internet
INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
Newworldson
Chelsea Nisbett
Greg Sczebel
rd Annual Covenant Awards GMA CanadaMali 33Music
Gospel Music Awards BY KATHY GRANT
anada has been home to a handful of independent gospel awards programs. But only one has remained standing amidst the countless others that arose – GMA Canada, formerly the Canadian Gospel Music Association. GMA Canada’s hallmark gospel music awards program, the Covenant Awards has stood the test of time and now stands on the verge of celebrating their 33rd annual awards celebration. It is submission season for the Covenants and there are just a few more days left to submit singles, albums and general submissions for the 2011 Covenant Awards. In 2005, the Covenant Awards honored artists in 15 categories. By contrast, the 2010 Covenant Awards boasted 52 categories with everything including Aboriginal Music, Caribbean Gospel, Rap, Hip/Hop, Urban/R&B Soul, Inspirational, Jazz and all points between. GMA Canada assembles an extensive team of judges connected to the Canadian Christian music industry. They include fellow artists and musicians as well as individuals from radio, retail, media, church music leadership and educational institutions. Judges are assigned to a specific category, given copies of all the albums, songs, videos or DVDs submitted by which to conduct their
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Celebration
evaluations. They rank their top five choices, accounting for production, musicianship, vocal performance, lyric writing, musical composition, arrangements and originality. Submissions with the highest scores in each category receive nominations with the top vote-getter winning the award. Recent winners of the Covenant Awards include Vancouver’s Greg Sczebel, Nova Scotia’s Chelsea Nisbett and Ontario’s Newworldson—a nationwide representation of Canadian Christian and gospel music. In previous years Canadians have seen the AGMM which celebrated traditional and contemporary Canadian Gospel, the VIBE Awards, the Go-To Gospel Music Awards and the MAJA Awards. Now GMA Canada’s Covenant Awards is the only one that remains.. GMA Canada Week is October 25-28 in Calgary with the actual Covenant Awards show being held on October 28.
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.
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Urban Lifestyle & Entertainment
“A Now Publication for a Now Generation” Generation” www.uga-international.com/M7magazine.html
YOUR Image Public Relations = Public Responsibility
Why Good PR Can Enhance Your Image as an Artist BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
We all know that PR is a key component in our business. I have noticed that not everyone knows what PR stands for. Now, you’re most likely thinking it stands for public relations; however, here is the truth you should always know—respect and practice in your business. PR stands for public relations and “personal responsibility”. If you work with a PR firm or publicist, it is not wise nor beneficial to think that you can simply say, “Here is some money, now make me famous.“ PR is a service that will yield the results that you lay the foundation for by building a relationship, plan and strategy with your publicist. They will create the fundamental plan due to their expertise and service that is being paid for. That is the norm, but what will you contribute? When you are delivered the media interviews, red carpets or any media access, you must network and seek the most out of being in these environments! After you walk a red carpet and enter the party or event, it is time
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to capitalize upon the unlimited possibilities that surround you. When you can return to your management or publicist with business cards or new leads, then they can take that and run with it. It actually motivates your team to go the extra mile for you! We now live and work at a time when less is more. There is less that is done on behalf of the artist so the artist has to do more even when the project is a hit because sales do not automatically equate to bookings. No one knows how this is going to evolve completely but always be excited, driven, encouraged and motivated! Your publicist will consider your sincerity, kindness and professionalism, and often after prayer or an inclination within are moved to connect you to a profitable opportunity ensuring you continue well in your career. It is amazing how God works. I see it all the time. PR is your attitude, so treat others the way you want to be treated. 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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LEGAL Brief
How to Reclaim Your Copyrights BY ANGELA D GREEN, ESQ.
ave you ever assigned or licensed your music copyrights to a publishing company or other entity and then wished you could take it back? The contract says that you are assigning your rights for the full duration of the copyright which is your life plus another 75 years. Of course, you may be receiving royalties from the exploitation of the copyright during that time. However, what if they were not doing anything with the song and you were helpless to do anything with it yourself? For those who do not know copyright law, that may seem like the end of the story. However, allow me to be your messenger of HOPE. Under the 1976 Copyright Act, creators (and their heirs) of works transferred or assigned by them to another on or after January 1, 1978, may terminate the assignment and recapture their copyrights within a five (5) year window beginning thirty
five (35) years after the date of grant. This statutory right to terminate and recapture is found in 17 U.S.C. Section 203 and specifically does not apply to works-made-forhire. Therefore, the copyright recapture period will begin for some in 2013. However, it is not automatic. There are specific instructions in the code that have to be met in order to take advantage of this right. Failure to follow the rules could cost you the right to recapture. If you or someone you know may be able to take advantage of this right, be sure to familiarize yourself with the law or seek counsel from your attorney. 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 Vice President of On Location: Memphis International Film & Music Festival. She is also part owner of Key II Entertainment, an artist management company and founder/CEO of music publishing and registration Service Positioned for Millions. www.positionmenow.com
TERMS EVERY MUSIC ARTIST SHOULD KNOW Copyright The exclusive rights granted to authors and composers for protection of their works; a song or musical composition.
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BY LOUISE M. MOORE
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VOCAL Health
Why Proper Speaking Technique Matters for Your Voice BY MARK A. WILLIAMS, MD PhD
Vocal cords vibrate at 80 to 400 cycles per second whether during singing or speech. This frequency of vibration carries with it the potential to cause injury to the voice. In fact, a majority of voice injury due to misuse occurs during speech. Proper breath support and voicing technique is as important during speech as it is during singing,especially when speaking requires projection of the voice. At greatest risk are persons who speak in loud environments or for long durations. Such occupations include teachers, salespersons, radio personalities, customer service representatives, waiters/waitresses, bartenders and many others. A key benefit of having speaking voice therapy is that it helps to identify the appropriate fundamental frequency for you. Fundamental frequency is the speaking pitch that is most appropriate for your individual voice. Speaking at too high or too low pitch can cause injury to the voice as well. Finally, vocal
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“Proper breath support and voicing technique is as important during speech as it is during singing, especially when speaking requires projection of the voice.� warm-ups are also recommended for persons whose occupations require prolonged or loud speech. There are other techniques that may be useful to helping to protect the voice from injury caused by your occupation. To learn more, speak with a reputable voice coach or therapist with experience in speaking voice technique. 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.
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
ith memorable praise and worship anthems like Glorious, Say The Name, Because of Who You Are, God Is Here, Shout, Jesus Is The Best Thing (That’s Ever Happened), Favor of God and many more, Martha Munizzi has clearly etched a permanent mark in the gospel and Christian music landscape. Having already recorded five stellar albums, the Grammy nominated, multiaward winning singer, songwriter and worship leader is back on Billboard Gospel Charts with her sixth solo album Make It Loud featuring the upbeat praise single Excellent. Released April 24, 2011,
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Make it Loud debuted at #6 on Billboard Top Gospel Charts. What’s more, this album introduces Munizzi’s daughter Danielle as singer/songwriter and also brings together other Florida-based worship leaders like William McDowell, Jonathan Stockstill and others who are part of the ‘Epic Worship’ movement started in 2009 by Munizzi to offer intimate worship experiences throughout Florida. In an interview with Airplay 360, Munizzi talks about her new project, the importance of having her family involved in her music ministry and the future of Martha Munizzi Ministries.
LM: Congratulations on your new album release Make It Loud and the single Excellent. It’s doing really well. MM: Yes, we’re really excited. LM: Now, this particular album is supposed to be comparable to The Best Is Yet To Come. What makes this CD different from the other projects that you’ve done? MM: Well, with (Make It Loud) I kept it even more simple. I scaled it down and edited it a little bit more. I kept the songs simple because I wanted to make sure the songs were doable for musicians and church singers. I really wanted to write songs that people could actually do in their churches. I’ve loved all the albums that I’ve done but I think they were a little bit more intricate as far as the arrangement and I just wanted to do something to scale down to the simplicity of the song. And, then, another thing that makes this one different is all of the singers and worship leaders I have on the project. I worked with so many great worship artists on this projects like William McDowell, Michael Gungor, Lori Morrison and others. But the thing I’m most excited about is my daughter Danielle’s part in this project. But there’s something for everyone on this project and there’s maybe somebody that maybe you haven’t heard from or is just now hearing. They get highlighted on this album. LM: You mentioned your daughter Danielle (18). Tell me a little bit more about her role in this project as well as your other children’s involvement (Nicole, 16; Nathan, 14). MM: Well, Danielle is really, really involved; even writing some of the songs with me. I kept my daughters in the loop for everything that we were writing and creating because I wanted to make sure it passed their test. It’s got to pass that teenager test. I really leaned on them a lot in picking the right songs for this. Actually, we decided to homeschool again this year for that reason because we knew we were going to be doing the album and just felt like “I want my kids involved.” If they go to school, it’s very difficult. This way they were with me and were at all the events, all the rehearsals and the live recording. And, Danielle sang with me. She sang as part of the background vocals team; sang on the album; sang on the live DVD; and then writing and performing a solo. For me, it’s a dream come true because I’ve known that God put this in my heart to pass down to my children and see them step into that is really incredible. www.airplay360.com
LM: Since you homeschool, how does that work in the mix of your business and ministry? MM: You know honestly, I have good help. I have my husband who runs our ministry and we have some great people that work here with us. But when it comes to homeschooling, my daughters are really old enough now that they don’t really need my help. We’ve connected with an online school that actually has an academy with teachers that you call and chat rooms that really help them learn. It’s really more college-based for them, so they’re having to really learn even to be more disciplined which has been good. But it’s not easy. Then I have my son Nathan (who I homeschool) and I have my daughters helping him too. LM: Where do you see Martha Munizzi Ministries in the next five years? MM: I just see more of what we’ve been doing— traveling, creating albums, writing songs. In an expansion of that, I see our kids being raised up and creating their own songs and their own ministries. My daughter Danielle is getting ready to go to Southeastern Bible College in the fall. That’s exciting to see what God is doing in her life with her studying business and music just to kind of get her prepared. She’s a great writer and my son plays the drums and Nicole plays the guitar and sings. So, we really want to focus on them. I think sometimes, for me, it’s great to run with the vision that God has given me but I don’t want to leave my kids behind. I want to incorporate them and pass this on to them and not leave them with resentment Continued – Martha Munizzi Page 14 July 2011
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Martha Munizzi Cont’d from Page 13 in their hearts of, “Why would I want this since you’re gone all the time?” So, I want them to feel the joy and experience the blessing of the ministry so that they will carry it on. LM: Do you have aspirations outside of music? MM: It was exciting that last year, I was able to do a short movie. It just kind of came up on my out of the blue. I entered a film festival. I had an idea for a short movie based on a true story and I just fell in love with the process and working with incredibly creative and professional people like I’ve never worked with before. I know there’s so much more in me, it’s just a matter of harnessing it and getting it out and connecting with the right people. That’s something that we’re moving towards—more production along with the music and with the mentoring and training. My heart is to inspire, encourage and challenge people in any way that I can, in any venue that I can do that in. So whatever God has, I want it to be God-inspired because I don’t have thousands of hours in my day. I’ve had to learn how to say, “OK God, what do I weed out and just focus on what I know you put in my heart to do that I know I can accomplish? What’s a good idea and what’s a God idea?” Put your effort and time behind the one that is God-inspired. LM: Is there any advice you have for other independent artists like yourself? MM: As creative people, a lot of time we’re not as administrative. That’s just not how our brain works. So, you have to be more disciplined. I know how to develop the anointing. I know how to get in God’s presence. I can do that in a blink but that’s not always the answer. The answers are in his presence, but for me, I’ve also got to add the disciplined life to be able to walk out what God gives me while I’m in his presence. We do have to be systematic and strategic; it’s not just going to fall in our laps. So I encourage people to be willing to work and be a student of your craft. Learn the music business. Sometimes we can be very naïve but we have to be wise. Desperate people don’t get blessed. It’s people that are confident about what God has put in their hearts. For more information on Martha Munizzi go to www.marthamunizzi.com 14
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NEW INDIES Platform of BY ALECIA JONES
ince my unannounced entry into this industry in 2009, I have often shared my unbiased view in a simile where a sea of artist, dressed with CD in hand, are headed to dine. When they arrive, the sign reads, “Stay In Your Lane”, though the press to contend with the major labels continues. Indies, on limited budgets, and often acting alone, haven’t yet recognized that they are the majority who must create their own movements through alliances, partnerships and grass roots marketing while still being able to operate on a smaller level, within the mainstream gospel industry. In this season, leadership has unfolded and begun to develop this new platform of CHANGE! 2010 Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter, President/CEO, SOV MINISTRIES and founder of Indie Gospel Alliance says, “It is through alliances and partnerships that we can generate our own marketplace and industry within an industry. If you can't be first at what’s been created, then create something that you can be first at. I had a vision to bring Indies together from across the country to learn the business of gospel music. The Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference, cohosted by Earl Bynum Ministries, gives real and relevant information on running an Indie label or corporation; the components of successfully promoting a project; and providing a networking forum unlike any other. Here, Indies can create an industry among themselves, using the resources and connections they already have and learn to navigate through the existing gospel music industry without sensing the pressure of having to compete head-on with major labels. Henry Harris, Former President, Stellar Award Gospel Music Academy Advisory Board; Owner, Spiritco1 Radio; CEO/Founder, The Excellence In Music Awards (ECMA) and The Strategic Music Partnerships speaks on change. “My contribution is not to change the gospel music industry, completely; but just enough to level the playing field for all participants. The method I choose to facilitate this through is a program and vision that uses education, motivation and recognition; exceeding the standards of the award itself. The ECMA awards process is based on an objective and
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L-R: Alecia Jones, Herb Middleton, Phillip Carter, Henry Harris, Troy Edwards
unbiased point system designed to identify its recipients for final recognition in the ECMA national awards program based on criteria including merit, professional development, performance and overall improvement to actually develop the artists; thus, shaping the future of the next generation of artists in Christian music. ECMA is supported by the Strategic Music Partnerships which believes when information is shared, it identifies resources that create opportunities for music industry participants . When the two programs work in agreement, change occurs.” After producing many household mainstream acts like Mary J Blige, Usher, Al Green, and the last song recorded by the late Teddy Pendergrass, Producer Herb Middleton, CEO of NuVybe Records (Mrs. Janelle Middleton, Founder), contributes thought. “I’ve come to an awakening conclusion; one can sing songs that sound spiritual and be disconnected from God. And one can sing songs with no reference to spirituality, and have a deeper walk with God than some religious individuals who may judge. The term secular has been used negatively to give those that perform spiritual sounding songs a sense of superiority over those that don't.” The evolution of change has emerged in the NuVybe movement. In Herb Middleton's efforts to bridge the gap with the latest conception of “Bridge” music, the industry can look forward to being musically refreshed as NuVybe will be releasing new projects on a few gold and platinum established acts, along with new talent presently signed.” Middleton affirms that Randy Davidson, CEO and Greg Davidson, VP of Finance at Central South Distribution has stated NuVybe has a home, and in the reception, expressed that they would be supporting the expansion of NuVybe Records. “Change is a hard pill to swallow, I’m told.” Troy Edwards, CEO and Founder of 3HP “A New Empire In Christian Music” shares, “…and, clearly, all will not Continued – New Indies Platform Page 16
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Indies Cont’d from Page 15 swallow. To this season of thought-provoking change, 3HP is driven by its God-given authority to spawn concepts and build upon relationships with industry leaders to develop the “playing field” Mr. Harris spoke of. The 2011 Gospel Explosion (GX) - ATL offered a sneak peek at those alliances. 3HP was sought after for the upcoming “Celebrating Our Troops” event, July 2 in Alabama, which heightens the “playing field” on every major media level. Oh my goodness! What’s ahead? Well, here’s what I can share. In 2011, plans include the unveiling of a host of 3HP alliances to include one consequential of an introduction by a valuable powerhouse in this Indie community that has, humbly, gone unrecognized. In 2012, the 3HP DJ & MIXTAPE Awards, will bring Hollywood notoriety, as never before, to those unrecognized, who actually, are, the force behind the music; the next 3HP GX, and campaigns to further grow partnerships of excellence. 3HP will continue to amplify the music and its positioning for independent artists.” Like mindsets, and unlike old business; relationships and collaborations, in the U.S. and abroad, have evolved to set the stage for CHANGE! An explosive season of CHANGE is upon us! Alecia Jones' repertoire includes her involvement in many revolutionary events in Independent Gospel Music today. Ms. Jones is entrusted with groundbreaking events and is sought after by industry leaders for grassroots marketing, strategic planning and public relations. Her gift of marketing was recognized by Rev James Valdespino, of the Gospel Announcers Guild. Alecia Jones, is owner of Independent Artist Music & Mgmt -Gospel“ (IAMME) and creator of the Gospel Internet Radio Station Coalition group on Facebook.
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Industry NEWS New Breakout Christian Music Label, The Universe of Faith Music ATLANTA, GA -- The Universe of Faith, a subsidiary of EARI, is now ready to sign Christian music artists of all genres. Universe of Faith (UOF) is proud to announce the official launch of the Universe of Faith Music (UOFM) label which completes the spectrum of UOF's music divisions which already includes Music Downloads (music.universeoffaith.com), which is, the online sales and distribution of Christian/Gospel music from all of the major recording artists, such as Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and other major Christian recording artists. UOF's other, and most recent launch of the Indie Music site (www.indiechristianmusic.com) is a platform designed to provide up and coming Independent Christian/Gospel artists exposure to the broad faith-based public and to serve as an A/R tool to all music labels; showcasing the music and talent of our member artists, while at the same time allowing them to earn favorable royalties on the sales of all of their music downloads. Universe of Faith Music enthusiastically boasts an unprecedented and universal deal structure, favorable to all artists, giving them a significant amount of control over their music and their careers, especially in areas that are typically controlled by the music labels. One of the key advantages that music artists will possess with UOFM is that they will be allowed to retain all of their publishing rights. "Our research has caused us to conclude that in the current climate of the music industry today, it is not expedient for us to put out the long term expense involved with the management and ownership of music created by our talented artists. In addition, we want to work with the major labels and to serve as an A/R tool, bringing forward new talented artists from underserved genres of music like Christian Hip-hop and Gospel Rap," reasoned UOF CEO, Jonathan E. Eubanks. In May of this year, the UOFM signed their first artist, 2by2. Kendrick Williams and his long time friend, Shayee Wingate make up the Christian/Gospel Rap group "2by2" and serve under the leadership of Pastor Delbert A. Mack Sr. who is the head pastor of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX. The idea of creating Gospel Rap music came as a result of a discussion the group had concerning the word of God, and the overall message of the Gospel. 2by2 has been doing outreach since 2004. The team has great experience in reaching today's urban culture for JESUS CHRIST, being from that culture themselves. The UOF is excited to discover new and talented artists who will be selected from the pool of artists who are already registered on the UOF Indie Music site and have uploaded their independent music offerings to be heard and sold under that particular silo. "Although, we are quite aware that artists want the benefit of financial incentives, we also believe that Christian artists want the opportunity to personally showcase their talent to the public and glorify God in song -- and we want to be a part of making that happen for them and on multiple fronts," says CEO, Jonathan Eubanks.
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
low Records recording artist Eric Simmons is new to the Christian music industry but not the gospel. The energetic pastor of First Baptist Church of Paschall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania left the promise of a bright future in secular music to follow his calling to ministry and now to gospel music. His style is contemporary, soulful and magnetic. Flow Records President and CEO Myron Williams says Simmons “is exactly what Flow Music needs right now to round off our roster, and place us in the forefront of the urban gospel sound.” In an interview with Airplay 360, Simmons explains that signature sound and discusses the release of his debut album Freedom. LM: How has the reception been on your promotional tour with you being a new artist? ES: Things have been very positive. I think the Lord has granted me a lot of favor with radio. And, the tour we’re doing is actually a radio introduction tour. It’s given radio stations a chance to meet me and put a name with the face and let them know that I’m hungry for God. And, to thank them for considering me and taking time to even listen to my music. But this is something wonderful as a new artist. LM: Give me a little background of how you transitioned from secular to gospel. ES: I’ve been singing since the age of 5. I had a singing group in high school and then we sang at “Showtime at the Apollo”. We also had the opportunity to sing for a few major artists (without naming names). I was offered a solo contract and I didn’t take it. Then there were other areas where I received offers. But I left that record deal to go into ministry. God has told me that “if you preach my word, then everything else is going to open up for you.” That was like 1996 or 1997. LM: Why is this project titled Freedom? ES: Because I was doing what God asked me to do in preaching but now this year God has given me the freedom and a release to do what was in my heart and my gift of doing music. LM: How did you meet Myron Williams and end up signing with Flow Records? ES: I met Myron Williams through a mutual friend and this person happened to be at my (church office) and heard some of my music playing in the background. And he said, “I have a friend that has a record label. I like how your stuff sounds and I
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think I you should let him listen to it.” At the time, there were other labels interested in me and other places I was interested in but God spoke to me and said, “This (Flow Records) is the direction I want you to go in.” LM: You sound very urban but you term your music as “rhythmspiration”. Explain that. ES: I don’t use the term “urban”. I would consider myself to be a gospel artist. I think when you use urban you kind of classify it as a kind of music. Gospel music is not a sound but a message. It is the lyrics of the sound that usher people into the presence of God. So “rhythmspiration” is music with a rhythm and a beat that ultimately inspires you into God’s presence. LM: You’re a pastor of a thriving church. How has being pastor impacted your music career? ES: My church is very supportive of what I’m doing. I think it involves me being creative in how I do it. I can’t be like the average gospel artist that every Sunday I’m at somebody’s church because I have my own ministry to do (as pastor). I think everybody has a different calling into ministry but I think my calling is to do music that speaks to everybody, from saved to unsaved, to churched to unchurched to over-churched. And, also to be radio outreach friendly because I want to get into the colleges. And that’s how my pastoring is. Sometimes I wear a suit and sometimes I preach in jeans and sneakers. That’s just me. And with the CD, I didn’t want to step outside of who I am. That’s why it’s called Freedom. For more information on Eric Simmons go to www.ericsommonsmusic.com
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Got a new music release for the upcoming month? Submit your new release information to airplay360@aol.com. Be sure to include a high resolution image of your CD, title of project, artist(s) name, your official release date and the name of your record label. Releases for August should be received by August 28. We look forward to listing your new music release!
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