July 2013 by AIRPLAY 360

July 2013

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INSIDE JULY 2013 CONTENTS 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Crush Fear by Ace Alexander

Black Pearls: “God is Up to Something BIG” by Doris Stokes-Knight

Adding Value to Your Artistry by Tina A. Fears

10 COVER STORY: Isaac Carree… UpClose by Louise Moore 12 NEW MUSIC RELEASES 14 Canadian Summer Gospel Concert Season by Kathy Grant 17 A&R 101: Distribution Deal vs. Record Contract by Tracy Williamson 18 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Hope Askew by Francesca Hayes 20 YOUR VOICE: Why Gospel Singers Need Vocal Coach by Tray Simmons

22 PRODUCER’S CORNER: The Difference of a Song & Artist Demo by Roger Ryan

On the Cover: Singer, Songwriter, Producer Isaac Carree

23 ARTIST MANAGEMENT: Managing Vision to Create a New Reality by Monique Headley

Adding Value to Your Artistry Pg. 9

Pg. 18

By Choreographer/Creative Director Tina A. Fears

July 2013

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Crush Fear hen you were in school, did you ever have to deal with a bully who threatened you everyday? If that was you so many years ago, I bet you also tried your best to avoid that bully. And, hopefully at some point, you discovered that all you had to do was call his bluff and all of a sudden he wasn’t so bad after all. Well, guess what? Fear is the same way. It is so intimidating, so big to us—almost insurmountable. There is so much you want to accomplish that you know is part of God’s master plan for your life but you have a problem getting around the fear. Fear is one of those obstacles you cannot go around. You have to face it head-on in order to conquer it. You have to let it know that YOU know that it is only False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is nothing more than a loud-mouthed bully trying to cheat you out of the best that God has for you. As long as you see fear as a giant and refuse to face it, it will weigh you down and shut you down. But I dare you to walk in the direction of your fear. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Turn the tables on fear. Don’t let it control you and obstruct the great destiny lying ahead of you. No, you stare fear down. You call its bluff. Be aggressive and crush fear right now!

July 2013 / Vol. 5 No. 9 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Pam Perry Roger Ryan Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. Tracy Williamson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Francesca Hayes Letita Martin Tray Simmons

GUEST COLUMNISTS Monique Headley Doris Stokes-Knight ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly airplay360.com

Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder @acealexanderVIP publisher@airplay360.com

Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award winning nationally syndicated radio host, a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award and two-time nominee for the R&R/Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director. He is also a speaker, consultant and facilitator.

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Copyright © 2008-2013 Airplay 360 Online Magazine, an ace alexander company 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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Black Pearls God is Up to Something BIG BY DORIS STOKES-KNIGHT ave you ever experienced a season of your life when you're doing all you know to do, but it appears God has gone silent on you? It's like, "God, where are you and am I still doing the right things—the things you've asked of me?" Sometimes when we experience these types of "quiet" seasons with God, we get nervous wondering if He is paying attention? Is He pleased with what and how I'm doing things? Is He angry and I don't know it? It's not a good feeling when you're not sure if you're on the same page with the Lord or not. But I've learned, just because He's STILL doesn't mean He's not working on your behalf. A lot of times, even in silence, He's opening doors, creating ways, setting up super natural encounters for you to have with people who can catapult you to your next dimension, HE'S BUSY!! You really don't need to worry because if God is silent, He's usually up to something, and it's usually something BIG! Once it's revealed, you won't even see it coming but you'll experience the blessings from it. I feel sometimes God does His best work when He goes silent, probably so we won't interfere and ruin what He's planning for us. You know how we can be sometimes; wanting to put our two cents in where it may not be needed. He's able to bring His promises to pass without our help. Just recently, God is doing things I didn’t even ask for but He’s faithful to make sure you are giving Him glory in areas you never imagined. I wish I could share all about it, but it’s not quite time yet so STAY TUNED! Just ask Sarah, Abraham's wife. Although God promised them they would have a son and even told them what his name would be, Isaac, they were near very old before the promise came to pass. They were well beyond normal child-bearing age, so Sarah figured, God must’ve forgot what He told us so let's give him some help because we getting too old to have children! So what was their

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plan? She suggested that Abraham get one of her maid servants pregnant by the name of Hagar instead of them waiting on God to do it between she and Abraham as God had promised. This is how Ishmael was conceived and born. Although Ishmael was Abraham's biological son, Ishmael WAS NOT the child of promise, ISAAC was! By the time Isaac was born, Sarah was well into her 90's and Abraham was 100 years old! See, God wanted to show them (and us) that His word is ALWAYS good and He will bring His promises to pass in your life at the SET APPOINTED TIME! In Genesis 21:2 the Word declares: "For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him." Just because God doesn't move when we think He should, doesn't mean He won't or that He's not working on our behalf. When God speaks promises about you, He already knows when He plans to bring them to pass in your life. You getting involved trying to make it happen sooner than He planned will only interfere and curse the process. Let God work for you and make your will "stand down" to getting involved to His initial plans. Trust me, when God is up to something, you'll know it! He will allow you to operate in your comfort zone just long enough to rope you in. However, once you give Him a "YES", look out. He will make sure you are stretched, uncomfortable and you'll be FORCED to use your faith to trust Him to lead you into everything He's planned to use you for in order to gain glory out of your life! When you say "YES" to Him, you better mean it...LOL! I'm lovin' you to life. Psalmist and Pastor Doris Stokes-Knight is President & CEO of Black Pearl Enterprises & 1 Voice Music Ministries. An ordained Kingdom pastor, author, psalmist, worship leader, worship arts workshop facilitator, recording artist, songwriter and gospel stage play actress.

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July 2013

Adding Value to Your Artistry... Have You Done The WORK? BY TINA A. FEARS

well-known artist, producer and Grammy Award-winning songwriter recently shared on social media that “artist development is now the responsibility of the artist.” This may come as a shock to some but it seems to be a thought that is worthy of conversation. In the early days of Berry Gordy and Motown, an artist could get signed to a label, then undergo intense artist development sessions. The artist would be taught how to speak to the public, walk, and dance and even how to pose for photos. This phase of artist development could range from weeks to months until the label executives thought the artist was ready for the world. Let’s fast forward 40 years or so to a time where labels are looking for the total package. Adding value to your artistry means that preparation and development have taken place ahead of time. As Iyanla Vanzant would say, “You’ve done the work!” Mr. Gordy’s artists didn’t have Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, but you do! The tools you need to develop your craft and build your fanbase are as simple as a click away. Your ability to come to the signing table ready, equipped and with a supportive fanbase, adds value to your artistry as well. Value can be found in the

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ability to speak publicly, which may open doors for hosting and workshops. If you have experience in theatre, value can be found in your ability to act and remember lines. If you enjoy writing, you may serve as a songwriter for yourself and other artists. Now that you have identified your areas of value, challenge yourself to spend time polishing those skills. Take a class or participate in a creative project that will cultivate your special skill set. The more you can offer as an artist, the more appealing you become to your audience and label executives. Artist development is still very necessary whether provided by the label or by the artist. You have the power to add value to your artistry, but you must first do the work!

Tina A. Fears is the founder/CEO of Stage Ready LLC, an artist development firm specializing in choreography, styling, casting and live production development. Tina’s client list includes artists Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Deitrick Haddon, Melanie Fiona and Usher. TV networks BET, BRAVO, MTV and TBN have also utilized her services.

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July 2013

BY LOUISE MOORE 10

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y all accounts, Stellar Award winning singer, songwriter and producer Isaac Carree is a success story in the gospel music industry. His highly anticipated sophomore album “Reset” which features the urban contemporary hit “Clean This House” was released June 25, 2013 and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album Chart. And his first album, “Uncommon Me” (2011) also debuted at #1 and introduced the charttopping single “In the Middle.” Carree has always been a part of a choir, a group or affiliated with other artists—John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin and co-founder and member of the group Men of Standard—but says he never wanted to be a solo artist. In his interview with Airplay 360, Carree reveals more about this transition as well as how he deals with the controversy over “Clean This House” which is reminiscent of R&B singer R. Kelly’s musical style.

A360: First let me congratulate you on your second solo album “Reset.” ISAAC: Thank you! A360: Why “Reset?” Why did you title your album “Reset?” ISAAC: Well, I just want to encourage, inspire and uplift people to let them know that just because things haven’t happened and haven’t gone the way that you expected them to go and some of your dreams may not have come to pass, it’s not too late to begin again. You can always reach over and press that reset button and start all over again. And I think that’s good for people to know that just because it hasn’t happened, doesn’t mean it won’t happen. You just have to be patient. You have to take your time and you still have to believe that God is still a man of His word. If He said it and He spoke it, it will come to pass. A360: “Clean this House” is doing really well on Billboard charts. Tell me, what inspired that song? ISAAC: It’s a song where I really wanted to have a

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real conversation with God. I wanted to get back to real talk, just revealing what He already knows. Sometimes mouth confession is good; not that God doesn’t know, but He wants us to confess what we may be going through. I wanted to write a song that people could identify with. I think a lot of church people struggle with situations behind closed doors but they’re too afraid or ashamed to talk about it openly because of other church people that will judge them or talk about them. So I wanted to write a song where people could be honest with God, be honest with themselves, walk in their deliverance and just ask God to clean them up. I wanted to also write this song specifically to make sure people who don’t go to church and people who are unsaved can have something to inspire and lift them up and they can relate to. So I wanted to write this song for the world because everybody at one time or another has needed God to clean them up and get them right. A360: I’m sure you’re aware of the initial controversy surrounding “Clean This House” that the tone sounded similar to R. Kelly. Did you expect that controversy or were you prepared for it? ISAAC: I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t prepared for it but neither did I care. Christians are so petty sometimes. We look at everything else around the situation but we don’t stop and say, “What is the song saying?” I think for anybody who says they have a relationship with god to judge a song and not really get indepth and listen to it is ignorance because it’s like you don’t take the time to listen to what God is saying through the song because you’re so caught up in listening to what the song sounds like. A sound is a method to get people’s attention; the lyric is the seed that God wants to plant. I’m not saying I didn’t understand that people felt like I might have sounded like R. Kelly. It had a little R. Kelly tone to it but that wasn’t my intent in ISAAC CARREE Continued on Page 13

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ISAAC CARREE Continued from Page 11 doing the song. I wanted to write a song that inspired people. A360: Now of course you just released the remix that does feature R. Kelly. ISAAC: That’s what you’ve been talking about and asking about, so here it is. (Laughing) This is the funny part. All of my brothers and sisters in Christ that opinions about it sounding like R. Kelly, if you’re so saved, how do you know what R. Kelly sounds like. I mean are you listening to him. Are you so saved that you don’t realize who he is? And, R. Kelly actually wanted to do (the remix). I didn’t call him; I didn’t reach out to him. He reached out to us and he wanted to do it. He felt like the song was such a great song and such a blessing to him that he wanted to get on it. He called us and said, “I want to get on the remix.” I feel like that’s a testament in itself that he wanted to get on it and tell his story of how he needed God to clean him up. A360: Of course you sang with John P. Kee and cofounded Men of Standard with Lowell Pye. How has the transition been from you being a part of a group into a successful solo artist? ISAAC: Well the first album was extremely hard and I didn’t want to do it at all. It really bothered me; I struggled with it. I was so used to being connected to other people and just having that comradery on stage, looking to my left and right and having somebody there to help me, to carry me. But I got through it. I understood my purpose. I think the biggest thing for me was not understanding

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why God wanted me to do this because this wasn’t my desire. I never wanted to be a solo artist. God called me to this literally. He wanted me to do this and I fought it for two years. And when I finally obeyed the voice of the Lord, he blessed it. So this process on the second record has been a little easier because I got my footing, I got my rhythm on the first record. I found what worked for me and I found how to bring out the best Isaac I could. So it’s been a little easier on this record, I must admit. A360: You mentioned having to adjust to being solo and not having the other people around you. And when you performed on Celebration of Gospel 2012 you had dancers When you’re performing on stage, do you really like having a lot of people around you all the time? ISAAC: Well not necessarily a lot, but it does feel good. Whether it’s singers, whether it’s dancers or whether it’s a band, just having that live element with me, it does feel better. I feel like I can flow better. It puts me in the element that I’m used to. The only difference is I’m the front guy. I think you resort back to where you’re comfortable. Whether it’s having a couple of background singers or a band where I can look behind me or look to my left or my right and I see them vibing with me, it does feel better than standing flatfooted on the stage and you see nobody but me. It just feels better. A360: Do you have any advice that you can offer to artists like you that have been in the background or maybe had been part of a group and they are trying to venture out solo. Do you have any advice for them? ISAAC: I would say stay faithful where you are. I think that what happens is everybody wants to be the front person when they’re not ready. I think serving paid off for me—serving with Pastor Kee, serving with Men of Standard serving with Kirk Franklin—put me in a position where God felt like he could trust me to do this. And it took time. It might not take you as much time as it took me but it does take time to develop character, to develop integrity, to develop professionalism, to see some things about yourself. God wants to make sure that if he blesses you with this platform, can you handle it? Will you abuse it or will you handle it properly? I think serving, whether it’s with the choir or serving with your local ministry, it pays off. I think you serve diligently and faithfully without any alterior motive and God will exalt you in due time. For more information visit officialisaaccarree.com

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July 2013

CanadianGospel Canada’s 2013 Summer Concert Season Heats Up with Top Gospel Artists

William McDowell

Jonathan Nelson

Wintley Phipps

BY KATHY GRANT anada’s summer concert season is heating up with many top gospel artists joining the lineup including worship leader and recording artist William McDowell who strives to combat the giants of our day with a lifechanging, authentic encounter with God. Ottawa is the next Canadian urban centre to receive this mighty man of musical valour and the city is gearing up in high anticipation. Currently, public expectation surrounds the worship experience and McDowell’s song “I Give Myself Away” that is so well known and loved across the denominational divide. McDowell is a man of God who has embraced God’s call on his life and is revolutionizing worship among God’s people regardless of their religious background. Ottawa has that very diverse religious environment and the entire city is ready to receive the ministry of McDowell who will grace Transforming Life Centre’s

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platform on July 20 at 7 p.m. Another fantastic worship leader, Jonathan Nelson, brings his brand of contemporary praise and worship music to Dream Nation Conference 2013 in Toronto July 7. As a multiple Stellar Award winner, Jonathan Nelson has had a large impact with his group Purpose in a short time. His top 10 hit, “My Name Is Victory” has lodged deep into the hearts and minds of gospel music lovers. Nelson’s latest release “Finish Strong” is the first single from the CD. This single, encourages the listener to know that whatever God has for you to do, you must continue to go after it, never give up and finish strong. This is the crux of his ministry that he will be focused on and undoubtedly will be another strong song of his. The city of Montreal kicked off the Canadian summer concert splash season with the highly touted appearance of world-renowned former Montreal resident and inspirational artist Wintley Phipps on June 29. This jam-packed concert was absolutely incapable of accommodating the overflow crowd that attended the event at Westmount SDA Church in Montreal. Wintley’s signature voice was golden and he did not disappoint, singing mostly songs from his new release of traditional hymns “To God Be the Glory”. The concert featured other Canadian vocalists who are alumni of Westmount SDA and was a blessed successful fundraising effort for the church.

Kathy Grant is a Canadian gospel artist, radio host, television personality and entrepreneur. She is also CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference.

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A&R101 Distribution Deal or Artist Record Contract? Which One Should You Sign? BY TRACY WILLIAMSON

hen I began my career in the gospel music industry 14 years ago, there were very few artist distribution deals being offered, but times have changed and many are being signed today. I know it can be challenging as an artist if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re torn between signing a distribution deal or artist record contract, especially with the overall changes in the music industry. No matter which one you choose, both can offer a great return if the proper knowledge is gained and steps are taken prior to signing. If this is the season youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in as an artist, stand strong and be open to learning all you can before signing on the dotted line. Here is a little information for you to journal as you proceed along the journey. First, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at some brief meanings of a distribution deal and record contract and explore which one may be the right fit for you. A distribution deal is between you the artist and the distributor, who gains the right to sell your product to stores and other retailers. With this type of deal, you may possibly operate as the record label. A record contract is between you and a record label, which would operate as the middle man between your project and the distributor. There are many types of distribution deals, and if this is your goal, please build and brand your project

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before presenting. It is also a great idea, to review the functions of a record label, whether you choose distribution or a record contract. The functions of a label are not always inclusive in a distribution deal, which means, overall promotions will most likely be financially supported by your entity. From my experience, some prefer distribution deals in order to maintain creative and financial control over their project. If this is your aspiration, there is nothing wrong with desiring the benefits, just make sure you have a team to push your project forward. Please understand that both options can be a great benefit to your career and I am not against either one.

Tracy Williamson is owner of TRE7 Entertainment, a premier A&R, marketing and promotions company specializing in developing gospel artists. As a songwriter and producer, she has worked with The Rance Allen Group, Shirley Murdock, Bishop Leonard Scott and many others.

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BY FRANCESCA HAYES

those elements in place and be able to deliver on all of those elements going at the same time.

ingdomgate recording artist Hope Askew is bringing a new perspective to gospel music. This dynamic, seasoned songstress has branded a form of urban inspirational music that has already impacted Billboard charts and penetrated the hearts of a diverse, worldwide audience. Here’s a little Q&A to give more insight into this talented artist.

A360: I heard your new single “Release Me” and it’s awesome. What inspired your new single? HOPE: Actually I did not write this one which is a first for me. I decided to kind of put down my pen this time and let other people write for me, but this particular song is written by Byron Motley and it is an absolutely awesome song. The label sent it to me and when they sent it to me, it spoke right to my condition—I mean right where I was. It just reminded me that I was human. I think it’s an honest song; it just keeps me real.

A360: You are categorized as an urban inspirational artist. Explain that. HOPE: An urban inspirational artist is one that has urban and R&B background in nature. Because I did not start out as being a gospel singer, I was actually not raised in the church at all. So when I came over into singing gospel, I kind of brought over that urban or R&B feel so I just say urban inspirational because this being inspirational in the message I’m delivering. A360: Having said that, what advantages do artists like yourself who have come from R&B have to offer that other artists who actually began in gospel don’t have? HOPE: I’m able to feel more from a perspective of being on the other side and knowing what that is and what that feels like to be living without that God conscious or Jesus in your life. And when I meet people and I’m out ministering or singing to them, I’m able to absolutely relate exactly to where they are and at the same time know what it may take to bring them where I am and where I’m thinking. A360: How important is it for artists to understand the business aspect of the music industry? HOPE: It is very important. It is crucial. When you’re (building) a record label there are many things as an independent artist that can come up against what you know to be true. For example, I know it’s going to take a certain amount of marketing dollars. It’s going to take a great amount of production. You have to bring everything that you can to the front and it be the best it can possibly be. It’s very easy nowadays to set up a record label and many people can say that they have that but you have to have all

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A360: How is it that you hope people are ministered to through “Release Me?” HOPE: I hope that they will realize that we all go through things in life that we have to push through, that we have to maneuver through. And I hope that once they hear this song that they realize they can do it and all they have to do is just ask Jesus to release it but at the same time understanding that there is a purpose and that you have to trust Him that He will actually deliver you through it. For example, I have MS (multiple sclerosis) and so when I first heard the song, it spoke to that very condition. And I said, “God, I want to be released from this. I don’t want to have to deal with the pain of this. I don’t want to have to give myself three injections a week. I don’t want to have to do this.” And, so I’d been praying and praying for God to release me from that but at the same time realizing that if He chooses not to right now that He has a purpose for it and I totally trust Him. A360: When you look into the future, where do you see Hope Askew in the coming years? HOPE: Wow! In the coming years, I see myself being more grounded. I see myself being more giving. I see myself just being a resource to many people and being able to educate and inspire and motivate as many people as I can. I see myself as a successful recording artist. I see myself as a successful business woman and bringing other ministries out into the light. For more information on Hope Askew visit hopeaskew.com

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July 2013

YourVoice Why Gospel Singers Need a Vocal Coach BY TRAY SIMMONS

n the church, some believe when one is blessed with vocal gifts, vocal training is unnecessary. Many believe, “I am anointed and appointed by God so I don’t need vocal lessons.” I hear this belief all the time from gospel singers across the country. This is an impractical assumption that should be addressed. One reason you need a vocal coach is simple: You are instructed to “study and show thyself approved!” If you study the Bible, you come to realize that we are approved with anointing to reach the world. Whether you sing in your local church or as a recording artist, a vocal coach can significantly help you as you develop your ministry. Gospel singers are not above vocal teaching. If you do not practice properly you may fail and then wonder, “Why or what happened to my voice?” You may, at this point, consider consulting a vocal coach for help after having either been cut from your record label, experienced vocal problems or your gift is completely taken away by self-imposed abuse. It is totally your responsibility to get the knowledge of vocal training. The voice is a muscle and must be exercised properly at all times! Finally, the reality is, countless singers don’t seek out vocal coaches because of finances. Monies are put on the production end and not on how to put out the best CD from the beginning. But once it’s all over, can you sing what you just recorded for 50 consecutive dates or whatever the record label is requiring you to commit to? The

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“Gospel singers are not above vocal teaching. If you do not practice properly you may fail and then wonder, ‘Why or what happened to my voice?’” answer is NO! Singers, realize voice training is first, middle and last! It never stops as long as you are breathing. Galatians 6:7 says, "… for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Check your harvest! You may find you could have benefitted from a vocal coach from the beginning. It’s not too late. Yes it costs, so put your house in order and get a vocal coach today! Tray Simmons is a professionally trained vocal coach, voice specialist, choir director, master teacher, composer, writer and producer. He is also an accomplished opera, gospel and jazz singer

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July 2013

PRODUCER’S CORNER

ARTIST MANAGEMENT

Managing Vision to Create a New Reality Understanding the Difference Between a Song & Artist Demo BY ROGER RYAN

he word “demo” is thrown around quite a bit. What exactly is a demo and what is its ultimate purpose? On one hand, a demo can be a rough idea of a song or it can be a means of showing the potential of a vocalist or both. The “song” demo is used by songwriters for showing an artist or publisher a song that the writer thinks might work for a particular artist. Because it primarily spotlights the melody and lyrics, the vocals may not be entirely professional. And usually, no elaborate instrumentals are used. The song demo shines the spotlight on the song, not the artist. The “artist” demo will be recorded by an artist for the purpose of demonstrating the vocal ability of the artist at their very best. That recording can be a cover or an original song. In our business it’s all about the song because songs make artists. The artist demo should have the singer mixed on top so the voice and talent stand out from the music, and the recording itself should be of the highest quality. Remember to always put the copyright symbol with the year and your name on all of your demos in order to protect the ownership of your material. In our next segment, we will talk about great songs, recording demos and preparing for a master recording. I want to encourage and challenge you to write a great song! Roger Ryan is a Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award nominated producer, songwriter who has worked with artists like CeCe Winans, Whitney Houston, Karen Clark Sheard and Wynona Judd. His TV productions credits include UNCF Parade of Stars, VH1 Save the Music Show and PBS White House Program.

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BY MONIQUE HEADLEY

he multiple facets of being an artist manager run the gamut from incredibly rewarding to amazingly demanding—all of which are focused on the success and development of your client. Key for artist managers is the ability to multitask, listen, guide, advise and battle for what's best. All of this must be done while facilitating client vision and being intuitive and responsive to marketplace conditions to build a purposeful career. Artist management is a hybrid of strategy and discernment best determined with your client. To do all of this, while client preference is critical and communication is key, most important is the trust and understanding that you are uncompromised in the construction of something made of brick not straw. Trust that "we" are working on this together and that "we" can do this together. But, let’s not confuse trust with faith. There should be evidence of activity and not just a lot of talk. There should be ongoing discussions about what's important, priorities, deal breakers, etc., along with a balanced sense of expectations and an ability to have those tougher conversations with respect and maintained focus on what’s collectively being built. With vision, there is direction and discernment, allowing decisions to be focused and God-guided versus ego-based and guarded. As an artist manager, you must stay creative in how you work to benefit your client. Clients should be encouraged to skip diva level and focus on the critical benefits of exposure and opportunities. Most important is that your client’s visibility be elevated within the public eye. Be bold, inventive, consistent, effective and professional at all times. As an artist manager, how you deal with clients and people today determine which doors will open tomorrow. Monique Headley is a multi-media entertainment producer, consultant, business strategist and artist manager. President and CEO of Mo Media Entertainment, Monique is a past executive with Verity/Sony/BMG.

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