July Cover Forever Jones
www.kingdomrecordsinc.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Step Out! Even If You’re Afraid! ave you ever needed to step out on faith and do something that you knew in your heart was the right thing to do but you were afraid? Well, you’re not alone. It happens to all of us. But what is faith if you already see everything laid out for you? You may not have any idea of how things are going to work out, and you may have butterflies in your stomach but if you know you’ve been gifted and called to a certain destiny then, move forward on the faith you have in God to perform miracles in your life and career. Know that if God gives you a vision, he will certainly give you provision. Our cover story this month is on contemporary, inspirational group forever Jones. Their story is amazing and nothing less than a miracle. They are experiencing great success after years of singing together and faithfully praying together every day. In fact, when you read their story, you’ll find out that according to doctors, the Jones children were not even supposed to be in existence at all but their mom Kim and father DeWitt’s faith changed all of that. Read their story and get inspiration for your own situation. And, as always, get informed, educated and empowered in all the information shared this month. R e m e m b e r : W h at yo u d o a s a g o s pe l ar t ist is ministry; how you do it is business.
July 2010 / Vol. 2 No. 12
PUBLISHER Ace Alexander EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Jacqueline Hill EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ashley Hill Michelle Slater EXPERT COLUMNISTS Adrian Anderson Linda “Chocolate” Berthier Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. LOGO DESIGN Aziz Peregrino-Brimah ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 published monthly www.airplay360.com The Ace Alexander Group, LLC
Copyri ght © 2008-2010 AI RPLAY 360, The Ace Al exa nd er Gro u p LL C and LTL Entertainment LLC. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues.
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Ace Alexander is an award winning radio personality and national music programmer for Sheridan Gospel Network. He founded AIRPLAY 360 in June 2008 as a complement to his seminar “How to Get Your Music Played on Radio” which was featured at Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreats, Gospel Announcer Guild events and other conferences.
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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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INSIDE July 2010
Contents 6
COVER STORY: forever Jones by Louise M. Moore
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LEGAL: How to Legally Record and Distribute Cover Versions by Angela D. Green, ESQ
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FINANCES: Why Your Special Gift Can Lead to Your Financial Breakthrough by Nicole B. Simpson, CFP
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VOCAL HEALTH: Protecting Yourself Against Vocal Injury by Mark A. Williams, M.D., PhD. All About Vocal Warmups by Dileesa Hunter
Why You Could Find Musical Success in Humbling Situations
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by Adrian Anderson 4
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IMAGING: Achieve Your Musical Success Through Humbling Situations by Adrian Anderson
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INTERNATIONAL: Canadian Music Festivals Showcase International Artists and Diverse Genres by Kathy Grant
18-19 DIRECTORY: AIRPLAY 360 Industry Resources
S
Is Your Financial Breakthrough in Your GIFT?
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by Nicole B. Simpson
www.ensoundradio.net
www.cjbradio.com
www.praize1029.com
www.thepowerofgospel.com
www.chri.ca/site
Family prayer equals chart success BY LOUISE M MOORE or some time now, 9 a.m. has been a sacred time in the home of DeWitt Jones III and his wife Kim. According to DeWitt, it’s the exact time that God first summoned him to engage in prayer—family prayer. And now, 20 years later, the power of family prayer is the foundation of the refreshing family band of inspirational musicians and vocalists forever Jones and one of the main reasons for their recent chart success. Their debut album “Get Ready” (EMI Gospel) was released June 2010 and debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart with the hit song “He Wants It All” gaining Top 10 status on the gospel singles chart. And so, forever Jones— DeWitt III and Kim, along with their five children D’Jeniele`, Dominique, DeWitt IV, Judah and Mya—enters an international stage where they stand as worthy ambassadors for, not only family prayer, but the family unit. It’s a unit that DeWitt III and Kim are extremely proud of; especially since, early in their marriage, Kim was diagnosed with Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder and told that she
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would most likely never conceive any children. Well, Kim believed God for her healing and musically inclined, God-fearing offspring was her glorious result. The musical roots run deep in the Jones family. Both DeWitt III and Kim have been writing songs and ministering gospel music since their teens. Most notably, DeWitt III wrote the popular worship song “Use Me” which was recorded by worship leader Ron Kenoly and performed by many other psalmists and choirs including the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Not to mention, Kim’s sister Yvette Williams sings with the Kurt Carr Singers and is lead vocalist on the popular worship anthem “For Every Mountain.” So it’s no wonder the Jones children not only sing and write lyrics but play instruments as well. Band members DeWitt III and Kim and their daughter Dominique recently chatted with AIRPLAY 360 about the surreal nature of their recent success and a dream fulfilled. A360: Did you have a vision before or after your children were born that they would be in music ministry or be doing what they’re doing now? Kim: My mother raised me on the front pew and
we did everything. We sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, played the piano. Any instrument we learned in the school band we brought back to the church. So that’s all I knew to do with my children, not thinking I was raising a band. Our vision was to give our kids back to the Lord. But for my children it was just taking the gift that God gave us and putting it in God’s house and using it for the kingdom. He took what we had and he blessed it. Taking our children , putting them on their instruments from school and the church and saying, “Okay, you do this for God.”
“Any instrument we learned in the school band we brought back to the church. So that’s all I knew to do with my children, not thinking I was raising a band.” - Kim Jones DeWitt III: It’s a total God dream. I thought the dream God was giving me was to play with my siblings and we started out as the Gospel Express, then as the Jones Family. But now of course it’s with the kids. A360: With five children, how do you keep the group together? How do you keep everybody in that same mind and on one accord to be part of forever Jones? DeWitt III: Really, this is all about launching our kids so eventually we want to see them do individual projects in the future. But it’s amazing, I’ve never had that problem with any of them. All of them are writers and could do something on their own but we’re all about touching families and they’re so into it but when that time comes we’re going to celebrate the kids and launch them like good moms and dads do. A360: So you do see a time when you and your wife may just let them do something either by themselves or as solo artists? DeWitt III: Absolutely. Whatever the Lord’s will is. We’re just living the dream right now. A360: Dominique, at 21 years old, how do you feel about the fact the song you’ve written “He Wants It All” which you’re also lead vocals on, that it’s doing really well with radio and people are really loving it? Dominique: It makes me feel great. If it wasn’t
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touching lives then, what would it all be for? It makes me feel like God’s hand is on it and to keep moving forward with my writing and that He’s with me. And, I’m real excited that people are being changed by it.
(L-R) D’Jeniele`, DeWitt IV, Kim, DeWitt III, Judah, Dominique, Mya (standing front)
A360: As an artist and songwriter where do you get your inspiration? What inspires you? Do you go and sit under a tree somewhere and write or do you have to go in a closet and start praying or meditating? How do you do that? Dominique: I would choose the closet because there are so many bugs here in Louisiana so I wouldn’t go and sit under a tree. Honestly, my inspiration for songs comes from my prayer time with God. There will be times that I’ll get inspiration from a situation and the words will just comes. You know when it’s a gift that the Lord’s given you because it just kind of comes to you. Songwriting is my way of expressing myself to God and people around me. But originally, I started writing in my prayer time and that’s where “He Wants It All” was written. A360: How much honor do you give to your parents for being in the position that you’re in now? Dominique: I wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t of been praying for me and hadn’t poured into me. I can remember nights when I would wake up because I would hear my mom’s voice in my bedroom praying for me and feel her laying her hands on my head. I’m just so thankful to have parents like them. I owe it all to them and God, of course. They even give me constructive criticism on my songs so that they don’t all sound the same. FOREVER JONES Continued Page 9
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FOREVER JONES Continued From Page 7 A360: Do you know what the next single might be? Dominique: We’re thinking about it. There are a lot of good songs but I don’t want to give it away. A360: There are other groups that are families like the Clark Sisters, Pace Sisters and the Brown Sisters. What makes forever Jones different from other groups? Kim: We’ve been doing what we’ve been doing for years and we’ve just surfaced. And I don’t think we’ve just surfaced by accident. I believe that God has a word for today. That’s what makes us different, not that we’re different people or better than them. Today is the word that God has designed for forever Jones to surface, to give the word to the nations through the songs. Tomorrow it will be some other group that will surface and God says, “ I need the world to hear this word today and they will.” A360: What has changed for forever Jones since the success of your project? Kim: We’re a lot busier. We were in Philly and we walked into a restaurant and people were looking at us and finally they walked over and said, “You’re forever Jones. Please can I get your autograph?” And that was kind of new for us. But for me as a mom, it has caused me to reprioritize my life and make sure we don’t lose time in His presence and time with the family. A360: What advice can you give to an artist that is trying to make it and have been singing for a long time, doing dates and feeling like it’s never going to happen? DeWitt III: I would advise them to use the Internet. I would get books and learn about Facebook and Google. It’s an information age and the social network is so amazing because you can get so much information to people so fast. That’s practical advice. The Louisiana-based family band have already appeared on Trinity Broadcasting Network and at the Essence Music Festival. But the success of forever Jones’ first project is sure to result in even more national and international exposure. For more information visit www.foreverjones.emigospel.com forever Jones Band Members DeWitt Jones III – Keyboards; Kim Jones – Vocals; D’Jeniele` Hooten – Guitar, Vocals; Dominique Jones – Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals; DeWitt IV – Bass; Judah – Drums; Mya - Vocals
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Legal Brief How to Legally Record, Distribute Cover Versions BY ANGELA D GREEN, ESQ.
here are many artists who wish to pay tribute to the one that inspired them to write and record music by creating a cover version of that special song. However, if you want to record and distribute that version, you must obtain permission from the publisher and pay the required royalty. That permission is granted to you in the form of a Mechanical License. Now, you may ask, "Where do I find the publisher to request permission?" The answer to that question is, "The Harry Fox Agency." The main purpose of the Harry Fox Agency is to process requests and grant rights to record and sell copies of songs written by its members. The great thing is
that they have simplified the process of requesting permission by placing the forms right on their website and will help you calculate the correct royalty due. To learn more about the Harry Fox Agency go to www.harryfox.com. It is always a good feeling to know that you are on the RIGHT side of the law. The articles and/or legal tips provided by Angela Green, Esq. are for informational purposes only, concerning general legal principles. You should consult your legal counsel for answers to specific legal questions. Angela Green is an entertainment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee and also part owner of Key II Entertainment which is an artist management company. She is also founder and CEO of music publishing and registration service Positioned for Millions. www.positionmenow.com
TERMS EVERY ARTIST SHOULD KNOW Cross Collateralization The means of recouping the money spent on one song or recording against the earnings of another song or recording.
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Why Your Special Gift Can Lead to Your Financial Breakthrough BY NICOLE B. SIMPSON, CFP
want to speak to those individuals who desire more than a traditional job. Working from 9 to 5 simply isn't enough. You have the inability to maintain a viable standard of living because you are forced to live from paycheck to paycheck. Toward the end of each month, you become stressed and filled with anxiety. You have dreams, desires, goals and a gift that can help you achieve everything you desire and more! How do you know when your gift is the conduit to your financial freedom? Furthermore, how do you create a business out of your gift?
“We are all blessed with at least one talent. There is a story in the Bible that verifies that everyone is provided with at least one—use it. If you don't, you are destined for a life of mediocrity. You will long for the finer things in life but because you're too afraid to take any risk, life will pass you by.” I am reminded of a very good friend of mine who realized that at an early age, she was quite gifted at doing hair and making both men and women look beautiful. Not only did she make them look good, they left her company feeling special as well. Separately, I was working with an individual who desired to write a book about
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what parents experience When dealing with disabled children. That experience coupled with her compassion for animals being therapeutic For disabled individuals made her focus on an invention matching people with a disability to a four-legged animal that compliments their medical ailments. These are examples of one’s gifts creating a revenue stream. The friend is now a salon owner making well over $200,000 annually. The client had an experience that affected her so much; she wanted to make the experience easier for the next person to be affected. Needless to say, the inventor is basking in the glow of her success still quite shocked that success was in her. What do these two individuals have in common? Somewhere in the middle of life, they realized that opportunity was knocking on their door. They aren't special or any different from you and me. I won't preach but this is what I know. We are all blessed with at least one talent. There is a story in the Bible that verifies that everyone is provided with at least one-use it. If you don't, you are destined for a life of mediocrity. You will long for the finer things in life but because you're too afraid to take any risk, life will pass you by. Nicole B. Simpson is a certified financial planner, author, speaker, and disaster planning specialist. www.nicolebsimpson.com
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Vocal Health Protect Yourself From Vocal Injury
All About Vocal Warm-ups
BY MARK A WILLIAMS, MD, PhD
BY DILEESA HUNTER
ost voice injuries occur from overuse or misuse of the speaking voice. This is particularly a problem for people who must use their voice constantly throughout the work day (i.e., customer service representatives, teachers, etc.) Speaking in loud environments such as classrooms, tour buses and airplanes contribute to vocal injury because in many cases the individual is unaware of the increased effort required to overcome the ambient noise. Singers are advised to rest the voice while on buses and airplanes. While meet and greet sessions prior to a performance are good for public relations, when they occur in noisy environments, the singer must be mindful to not over use the voice. Finally, singers should seek not only singing voice, but also speaking voice instructions to preserve proper functioning of the vocal cords.
n case you did not know, let it be said that warm-up is critical and essential to a healthy voice and optimum vocal production in singing. Sadly, it is often overlooked. Even wellmeaning choir directors are guilty of speeding through the warm up process in the interest of time. Often, what should be a 20--minute warm-up becomes less than a measly five. Or one may find it more helpful to warm their voices up in the car on the way to a choir rehearsal or practice session. So, what is a good warm-up time? And what makes a good warm-up? Singers with thinner, lighter voices are able to warm-up very quickly, typically in 10-15 minutes. Voices like mine, with thicker cords and more weight and darker timbre, take at least 25-35 minutes of intense warm-up to be ready for singing. Bigger, heavier voices need more support, and 'stretching' of the vocal cords for full flexibility for performance, thus they need more warm-up time than thinner, and lighter voices.
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 ( www.entson.net ) and holds a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics.
Here are some things to focus on during warm-up: clear, not forced, but clear, without raspiness. Dileesa Hunter is an Atlanta-based vocal coach, singer and owner of American Singing Studio. www.americansingingstudio.com
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Achieve Your Musical Success Through Humbling Situations BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
or many the turn around in our economy is being felt and although there is so much more to go, I hope you noticed that people gather more and community has become the revised priority. Being close and connected matters. So, how have you used this truth to grow your career? Since national and local parks have become the new places to enjoy a day out hopefully you noticed that live music was key to many of these gatherings. This is still the case and a perfect time for you to extend yourself to the promoters of such events (or maybe even promote an event yourself . . . that's a thought). Street musicians long understood the value of going before the people and allowing their talent to draw revenue to them not to mention placing their talent, name and face on the minds of the people--many of them businessmen and women with opportunities. If these musicians can go out there cold turkey then you certainly can go out there with a little planning and a prepared production. You never know who will see and hear you and I believe there are many honorable ways to achieve success and usually the
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most humbling situations garner the most reward. Ego takes away and wisdom gives. Give yourself your own break and stay connected to people whose everyday enjoyment happens to be our parks. With this in mind, consider bowling alleys, proms, food festivals and even farmer’s markets. Just think about what you enjoy and see if your musical offering fits into the overall picture. What I sincerely want you all to do is slow down and ride out this time with a creativity, proactivity, prayer and patience. Have a family gathering and perform their just to nurture the family and to remind them of how wonderful you are. They will be your best advertisers because they will only recommend what they believe in, but they don't want to compromise any of their relationships. So know they will promote you with confidence if you are truly talented. They will want as many people as possible to know how great you are even if it's just to make them look good. For all of those who have sent prayers, kind thoughts and consideration to me regarding the passing of My mother Juanita Heffron, I sincerely thank you. The Joy of God and comfort of Christ is present and just the same my heart feels the pain of not having her here with me and our family. Thank you so much! Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and member of the award winning trio Trin-i-tee 5:7. Follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/adriansmile.
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INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
Canadian Music Festivals Showcase
Kathy Grant
Landlord
Tye Tribbett
Hoszia Hinds
BY KATHY GRANT
he more things change, the more they stay the same. Even though the faces of up-and-coming artists or movers and shakers are changing, one thing remains the same. The summertime is rife with festivals and the inclusion of gospel music is no exception. For a number of years now gospel and Christian music festivals have littered the landscape providing an alternative to the plethora of rock, blues, folk, world and reggae music festivals that inundate the summer season. Unfortunately, the Canadian summer is short-lived and there’s so little time. So, Montreal kicked off the season with an early spring gospel reggae festival featuring Bahamian gospel artist Landlord, Trinidad & Tobago’s Jadee and Barbadian Hoszia Hinds. The festivals are the Canadian way of celebrating the season and the glorious sunshine. Across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver, festivals bring excitement with the advent of major Canadian and international artists. One such premiere festival is Cisco
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Systems Bluesfest in Ottawa, the second largest blues festival in North America. World Gospel Jam at Bluesfest boasts the biggest gospel stage in the country, showcasing everything from local acts, contemporary Christian music to holy hip hop and gospel dancehall. This year the festival presents Tramaine Hawkins, Tye Tribbett, Richie Rich and NewWorldson on Saturday, July 17th. Other lesser festivals which previously did not incorporate Gospel, are now adding the genre to their programming. Ottawa’s Carnival of Cultures, a folkloric festival, showcased Erek McFadden and the Praise Alliance from New Jersey along with Kathy Grant and other local artists. A noted gap exists with comedy festivals such as FunnyFest in Calgary, Alberta and Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. These could benefit from the clean wit of some of the great Gospel Comedians like Jonathan Slocumb, Broderick Rice, Chocolate or Sis. Canteloupe. This could help inspire Canadian gospel comedians to step more to
INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
International Artists, Diverse Genres
Fred Hammond
Clifton Davis
Papa San
Chevelle Franklyn
the forefront. The annual Revival Time Tabernacle Praise Festival on the Civic Holiday weekend in August has an alumni of artists such as Fred Hammond, Papa San, Chevelle Franklyn, DJ Nicholas and a variety of other international artists. Creative Entertainment Development (CrED) is a performance festival that brings a twist to the season; an inspired learning and performing environment geared towards preparing young artists to be stage ready. Screen/stage actor and pastor Clifton Davis along with holy hip hop artist Herb Jackson and others will inspire the young participants to performance excellence. Festival season in Canada holds the best and brightest hope for showcasing Canadian gospel talent. It’s a terrible pity that the summer season is so short. Canada need this kind of sunshine year-round! Kathy Grant is a gospel artist, radio/ TV host, CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference. She is a radio host on Canada’s CHRI 99.1 FM.
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ARTIST MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL
INTERNET
IGA Talent Management & Consulting, Inc.
En Sound Entertainment
Damon Stewart dstewart@igatalentmgmt.com
www.ensoundentertainment.com
Musicians4You.com www.musicians4you.com
LEGAL Nicole Simpson, CFP Certified Financial Planner Disaster Planning Specialist www.nicolebsimpson.com
Kingdom Global Management & Booking 32 Parade Drive Greenville, SC 29605 Tel: 404-664-0715 Fax: 864-243-8747
GRAPHICS/DESIGN
Angela D. Green & Assoc. P.C. www.myspace.com/adgreenlaw
Positioned For Millions www.positionmenow.com
MUSIC DOWNLOAD
www.kingdomglobalmanagement.com
215Flyers.com
CHOREOGRAPHY
1.877-215FLYERS www.215flyers.com
DigiGospel.com www.digigospel.com
MUSIC PRODUCTION Stage Ready LLC Choreography, Fitness Training and Artist Development info@stageready.net www.stageready.net
D3 Entertainment Bezworks Design LLC Aziz “Zee” Peregrino-Brimah getresults@bezworks.com www.bezworks.com
Michelle Duffie Contact www.d3egroup.com
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RADIO
SINGERS
Christian Jukebox
Deanna Ransom
www.thechristianjukebox.com
SPECIALTY
Brown Angel Apparel www.brownangeltees.com
Gospel Jazz R&B www.cdbaby.com/cd/deannaransom1
En Sound Radio www.ensoundradio.net
Creative Marx Handmade Jewelry www.creative-marx.com
Power of Gospel www.thepowerofgospel.com
Linda ‘Chocolate’ Berthier
TELEVISION
Caribbean/Reggae/Jazz www.lindachocolateberthier.com
Synergy 1 Radio http://www.gospelsynergy.com
West Coast Praze www.westcoastpraze.com
VOCAL CARE American Singing Studio Kathy Grant Mahon WGFE PRAIZE 102.9
Management: Johnny Blanks 646-210-1880
32 Parade Greenville, SC 29605 www.praize1029.com
www.americansingingstudio.com
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Nashville www.entson.net
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www.positionmenow.com
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www.credbootcamp.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/deannaransom1