June Cover Myron Williams
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Reassess and Move Forward t’s hard to believe that we’re already at the mid-way point of 2011. But it’s a crucial point where we all need to reassess our goals and the direction of our lives and careers. Maybe you started the year with high hopes of moving your music career to a whole new level and six months into the year, you find you’re nowhere near where you thought you would be. So what? We have all fallen short at one time or another. But please don’t despair. Just reassess and move forward. Evaluate your goals, your plan, your aspirations. What have you accomplished so far this year? What do you still need to do and what are you doing right now, every day to make it happen? Be honest with yourself. Then, make the necessary adjustments and move forward to achieve your goals. Sure, it’s easier said than done, but with daily inspirational affirmations, strict accountability and a strong belief in yourself and the gift that God has given you, you can do anything. You’ve made it this far. Don’t stop now. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” Keep moving forward and you’ll be where you want to be before you know it.
June 2011 / Vol. 3 No. 11
PUBLISHER Ace Alexander EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Alicia Baiden Nicole Doldron EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michelle Slater TEAM OF EXPERTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Roderick Jemison Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Chris Squire Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. COLUMNISTS Linda Berthier Wanda Patterson ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published monthly www.airplay360.com
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder
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.
Ace Alexander is a national music director and radio personality. He is a recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award. He is a two-time nominee for the R&R / Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director of the Year and a 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360. www.airplay360.com
DISCLAIMER: The articles and resources in AIRPLAY 360 are not intended to be a substitute for professional consultations. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this web magazine, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
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INSIDE June 2011
Contents 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE – Reassess & Move Forward by Ace Alexander
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Mark Williams by Louise M. Moore
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LEGAL BRIEF – Illegal Downloads and How to Deal With Them Legally by Angela D. Green, Esq.
10 COVER STORY – Myron Williams…Balancing Music, Business and Family by Louise M. Moore 13 INTERNATIONAL – American Artists Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin in Ontario by Kathy Grant 14 JUNE New Music Releases 15 RISING STAR — Prophet G 16 Summer Conference Schedule: Find Out Which Ones Cater to Indies by Wanda Patterson 17 RISING STAR – Lady Peachena 18 VOCAL HEALTH – How to Have a Healthy Singing Voice by Dileesa Hunter
On the Cover: Flow Records President/CEO Myron Williams S
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June’s RISING STARS www.airplay360.com
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BY LOUISE M. MOORE
r. Mark Williams is well known in the gospel and Christian music industry as a skilled vocal health expert. A board certified otolaryngologist or ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor, Williams sits on many professional industry panels and even doles out advice each month on the digital pages of Airplay 360. But Williams is much more than a voice doctor. He is also singer, songwriter, worship leader and owner of his own Nashville-based record label ATAP Music Group. He has already recorded two independent projects but his latest album Everything is scheduled for a June 21 release and the single King of Glory is already becoming a radio and listener favorite. 6
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LM: You being an ENT surgeon, I’m interested to know how you got started in music and first started singing? DMW: I started singing as a young child in the children's church choir at my home church in Cincinnati, Ohio. At that time we were forced by our parents to participate in the choir until we were 13 years old when we could choose to leave the choir. I did exactly this until five years later when I joined the Hanarobi Gospel Choir at the University of Cincinnati. It was then that my personal passion for singing for the Lord was ignited. From there, a small group of male friends and I formed a group called Decision. All of us could play keyboard marginally, but none of us knew how to play well enough
to play cover tunes. So we started writing our own songs. From that point forward, the Lord has continued to birth new and creative songs in me. LM: How do you classify yourself as an artist, genre? DMW: More than an artist, I classify myself as a worshiper. It's taken some time for me to really embrace that this is how God created and anointed me. While I marvel sometimes at the phenomenal artistry of other singers, I recognize I am most effective when I operate in the calling and according to the gifting that God has given me; and that is as a leader of worship. Consequently, I characterize my music as praise and worship. While some of my songs might have a distinctive smooth jazz or R&B feel, the message in the lyrics unmistakably exhorts God, which is the quintessential requirement of any praise and worship song. LM: How did you make the decision to be both a recording artist and an ENT doctor? DMW: Interestingly, I had no intention of becoming an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon). In fact, through most of my medical school tenure, I thought I would become a neurosurgeon or cardiac surgeon. However, I knew God called me to be a leader and instructor of worship. While I was obtaining my Ph.D., I was doing research in the department of surgery and shared with another surgeon my love for the Lord and my passion for ministry. Her encouragement to me was that I should not consider either if the two surgical fields I contemplated; rather, I should consider otolaryngology. My first response was, "I don't want to be an ear tube and tonsillectomy doctor." After learning more about the field, I learned that there was a subspecialty in otolaryngology that specifically deals with voice problems. It immediately became apparent that this would be the ideal merger between music, medicine and ministry for me. The rest is history. LM: How do you balance being a label owner, artist and doctor? DMW: I always say it is by the grace of God and my wife. Needless-to-say, balancing either of these is sufficiently difficult individually, much more, it is challenging to do all three. I am fortunate to have outstanding assistants and colleagues who help keep me pointed in the right direction. Most importantly, because it is all orchestrated by the craftful hand of God, it all masterfully comes together, without compromising either area, or my family. LM: What’s your inspiration with your latest project "Everything" and what do you want listeners/music lovers/consumers to get from it? DMW: I wanted to title this current project Everything because it was birthed out of reflection of challenges and obstacles over which God has allowed me to
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emerge, more than victoriously, triumphantly. My hope is that when people are drawn in by this CD, they will be compelled to worship The King of Glory and declare him to be an Awesome God and Reigning King. LM: Do you have any special appearances or promotions for your upcoming release on June 21? DMW: We have been blessed to share this ministry of music in multiple venues - Babbie's House, Bobby Jones Presents, Rejoice in the Word and other television shows. I was honored to participate in a Telethon Somebody Cares About the Southeast to raise funds for the recent tornado (and flood) survivors in this region. It will air multiple times on the American Life and FamilyNet networks. My CD Release Celebration will be June 11th at my home church, Oasis Church, in Nashville. LM: Where do you see yourself in the future (say five years from now) with your practice and your music? DMW: While I've been actively promoting this new release, I've been blessed to open a second medical office in Brentwood, TN. I've relocated the Voice Care Center to this location to better accommodate the vision I have for the center. We will celebrate the Open House on June 9th, just two days before my CD release celebration. The opening of this new office and the hiring of another physician to help accommodate the growth of the practice has positioned me on a good trajectory to having an independently functioning group of otolaryngologists and non-physician providers who provide comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients even in my absence. I hope to be able to have flexibility to travel the country and world, educating the body of Christ through conferences, workshops and books on worship and voice care, while also ministering in song. To accomplish this, the infrastructure of the practice must be strong. We are well on our way to accomplishing this after only three and a half years of practice in Nashville. For more information go to www.atapmusic.com
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CELEBRATE Black Music Month
www.denisehill.com
www.airplay360.com
AIRPLAY 360
November 2010
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LEGAL Brief
Illegal Downloads and How to Deal With Them Legally BY ANGELA D GREEN, ESQ.
ith the rise of illegal music downloading, has come the demise of the music industry of old. Although there are several ways to legally obtain digital music through such companies as iTunes, Amazon.com and others, music professionals are still experiencing a decline in sales. The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) along with Music Rights Now, are sending out a call-for-action to everyone in the music industry. Their goal is to seek legislation that will compel Internet service providers to take action when their customers are illegally downloading entertainment properties. Their research shows that countries where this type of law was enacted, the music business in that particular country showed signs of recovery.
As a music industry professional, take it upon yourself to find out what is really going on. Although physical CD sales have been on the decline for quite some time, Soundscan is starting to report a decline in digital sales as well. Something is going on and it is not to the benefit of the creators of music. For more information on this and other issues related to the music industry, go to www.musicrightsnow.org or www.narm.com. 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 Compulsory License Statutory mandate given to a copyright owner to permit third parties to make sound recordings of the copyright owner's song after it once has been recorded.
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“Our first album went gold in just 60 days and in our first year we did over $2.7 million in sales. So, I think I heard the voice of the Lord on starting my own label.”
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
abel owner, recording artist and producer Myron Williams has accomplished a lot in the last five years since Flow Records began. With nearly $3 million in revenue and a certified gold album A Piece of My Passion in the first year of operation, Flow Records is by far one of the most successful independent gospel labels in the U.S. In addition to A Piece of My Passion, the Dallas-based record label has released, with Williams in the producer’s chair, other notable 10
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projects including Gospel Goes Classical, More Passion, Made to Worship and, of course, Williams’ latest solo album Thankful. Original label founder, Dr. Juanita Bynum, designated Williams as President/CEO more than a year ago and gave him 100 percent ownership of the burgeoning record company. But as successful as Flow Records is, Williams prides himself more in his ability to prioritize and put business in its proper place. In an interview with Airplay 360, he speaks from his heart about music, business and family and how he successfully balances it all.
LM: What exactly inspired you to start your own label? MW: We started this label five years ago. It began with myself and Dr. Juanita Bynum who I produced back in 2004 a project called Piece of My Passion. When we were in the process of shopping the project, I would go to meeting after meeting after meeting with major labels. And, we just weren’t having the success that I personally wanted. I had an opportunity to be very well informed about the deal that Bishop Jakes got with EMI at the time. I began to travel and check out different lables and Dr. Bynum and myself finally came to the conclusion that with what everybody was offering and their opinion that our songs were really not for radio, we made the decision to do our own label. Dr. Bynum assigned me 30 percent of the company at that time and I went and hired a few people to help us put the label together and our first album went gold in under 60 days. Our first year we did over $2.7 million in sales. So, I think I heard the voice of the Lord on starting my own label. LM: You now that’s excellent for gospel. MW: Yes it is. It took a little determination. Of course, Dr. Bynum was a very popular artist at that time and was on TV consistently. You know I don’t even think radio played our song the first year out. So, we did all of that with what we had in-house. LM: So now, you are considered an independent label, correct? MW: Absolutely. As a matter of fact, they tell me we are the largest gospel independent label today based on our sales history. I’m proud to say that we’re still independent. LM: Are you now 100 percent owner of Flow Records? MW: Yes, I was assigned 100 percent ownership of Flow Records over a year ago. LM: Now how do you be the label owner and also the artist? How do you balance that? MW: It’s simple. First of all you have to have a great team of people working for you and Flow Records is privileged to have Toska Medlock Lee who has general managed since 2006. When we put the label together, we always knew that we were going to need somebody stationary at the label to keep it running smoothly. We would put our vision up in the air and Toska would take it and pull pieces in like Gospel Goes Classical. But at any rate, Toska handles our company and we make the major decisions together. You can’t do all of www.airplay360.com
Jessica Reedy performing during Season 2, BET’s Sunday Best
this by yourself. And, if you think I’m joking, right now in the middle of three major productions. I’m producing Zebulon Ellis’ new album; I have a new artist Eric Simmons that’s coming out June 28; I’m sitting in my studio doing this interview today preparing for a live recording that I’m doing in a week. Now there’s no way in the world that I could sit down after doing production and have to read through artists’ royalties and mail. My brother Demarcus Williams manages my music. He books my engagements. At the end of the day, I don’t do it by myself. I have a great team, from Amy Malone who is our publicist to Toska to Demarcus. Those three come together and schedule me together and sync it up to where it flows for everybody. LM: How does your family factor into your business? MW: Well, I am a husband and a father to a 16year-old young man and they come before all of this stuff. As a matter of fact, I was preparing to get Bishop White’s recording together and my wife texted me to tell me that my son was playing in a spring football game and I stopped all I was doing to go see my son play. Bringing balance into my workplace, affects balance with my family. I’m an advocate of that in the office. I even have to make my (employees) take vacations. LM: You’re not only a label executive, owner and artist but an excellent producer as well. What producers have inspired you? MW: Thomas Whitfield was a great inspiration for Continued - Myron Williams Page 12 June 2011
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Myron Williams Cont’d from Page 11 me in production because if you listen to all the artists that he produces from Yolanda Adams to Vanessa Bell to Douglas Miller, he was able to find those artists’ niche and use it. Yet, you knew it was a Thomas Whitfield production. It’s safe to say that I’m standing on the shoulders of people like him, who gave us a great example of how to deal with multiple artists and personalities. And, coming up to our time, I really like how Kirk Franklin produces as a whole. I love the way he pulls people together; all types of genres and produces great gospel music. LM: As a label executive what do you look for in an artist? MW: The first thing is for them to be saved for real. Secondly, for them to be passionate about music as much as I am. Thirdly, it has to be an artist that has connected with people already. Out of 52 weeks out of the year, you need to be working at least 40 of those weeks before I’ll even consider you. Because when you really learn the business of records, you’ll know that 50 percent is what the label makes you and the other 50 percent if what the artist brings to the table. And, then you have to be talent and flexible at what you do. Musically and vocally, there’s a certain level of skill I look for. And, then you have to be teachable because some people come in knowing everything and my question is, “If you know everything then, what do you need us for?” LM: If an artist wants to be considered by Flow Records, how do they submit their information? MW: They can visit our website at www.flowrecordsmusic.com for all the contact information. LM: What’s next for you? MW: A July vacation. I take quarterly vacations. You have to when you do as much as we do around here. For more information on Myron Williams go to www.myronwilliamsministries.com .
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INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
American Artists Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin Touring in Ontario BY KATHY GRANT
ull Capacity Concerts and World Vision team Mali Music up with Rev. Tony Campolo and Jay Calder to present multi Dove Award winning American Contemporary Christian artist Natalie Grant in a Southern Ontario Tour. Gospel star Kirk Franklin brings the heat to Canada in a cross-provincial tour that will see him hit major urban centres of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal thanks to a coalition of promoters including House of Levi in Toronto, Bluesfest World Gospel Jam and the Urban Arts Alliance in Ottawa and World Vision in Montreal. These events mark some strategic opportunities that have not been heretofore realized in the Canadian Gospel Music environment. 1. As more promoters collaborate with each other to form coalitions, Canada will see more gospel artists from the U.S. and other international locations. 2. As more of these promoters join forces to utilize their customer bases for the benefit of the industry, more touring opportunities would be available to the international touring artist and trickle down to the national and local gospel artist. 3. It may have occurred by accident or it may have been on purpose, however the clarity of the situation is not lost on me. The Bible says that one (1) can chase a thousand, but two (2) can put ten thousand to flight. To me that means one thing only: When we come
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Natalie Grant’s June tour of Ontario, Canada includes performances at Calvary Cambridge in Cambridge, ON (June 8); Forest Brook Community Church in Ajax, ON (June 9); The Meeting House in Oakville, ON (June 10)
together in unity, we can do so much more than what we could ever accomplish on our own. I pray the gospel music community in Canada, regardless of stream of effort, denominational affiliation or employ, will do their best to work with each other, rather than against each other. Let’s make it happen for the benefit and maturity of our industry!
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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Prophet G
Dr. Mark Williams
Eric Simmons
Nevels Sisters
Trailblazer
Everything
Freedom
It’s My Time
June 14
June 21
June 28
June 28
Hood Dreams
ATAP Music Group
Flow Records
MoLife/Squeekey Music Entertainment
www.facebook.com/prophetgmusic
www.atapmusic.com
www.flowrecordsmusic.com
www.thenevelssisters.com
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 the next month (July) should be received by June 28. We look forward to listing your new music release!
Promote with the Leading Industry e-Magazine for Indies Email Airplay360@aol.com for Special Promotional Opportunities
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GENRE
Hip Hop Christian CD TITLE
Trailblazer FEATURED SINGLES
Made of Greatness Life Goes On RELEASE DATE
June 14, 2011 LABEL
Hood Dreams
t the age of 21, God has opened doors for Prophet G, that no man can close. From producing jingles to being in the film The Grace Card, Prophet G is always working on progressing to the next level. He wrote, produced and engineered two projects on iTunes which included his first solo album Strictly Bout My Grind in 2008. It was followed by Stay On Your Grind released in 2009. His inspirational hit single Keep on Shining made a great impact, especially in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee which was the setting for the accompanying music video directed by Lil Horse. Prophet G’s new CD Trailblazer is set for a June 14 release on iTunes. Written and produced by Prophet G, these tracks simply express his view on life and offer inspiration to youth. Trailblazer also channels Prophet G’s trials as well as obstacles he overcame while stepping into manhood. Growing up in Memphis, music has always been a part of his background. Through singing in his church choir and performing in local school talent shows, Prophet G acquired the confidence, dedication and drive to elevate himself in the music industry. Before his solo career began in 2008, he was previously in the group The Faithful Children made up of primarily family members including his sister Aisha and two cousins.
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Every artist has the right to express themselves and on the independent path, Prophet G chooses to extend that right to the fullest. Every day he is discovering new ways to deliver his message to fans, friends and even family. He strives to create good music and demonstrate his passion for Christ. Being a trendsetter instead of a follower is the true definiton of a Trailblazer. With determination and soul he's a force to be reckoned with. Prophet G is currently focusing on developing a new audience by inspiring lost souls. For more information on Prophet G, visit him online at www.facebook.com/prophetgmusic
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Summer Conferences Find Out Which Ones Cater to Indies BY WANDA PATTERSON
ummer time brings with it a great opportunity for ndependent artists. It seems that there are more music conferences in the next few months than any other time of year. And many of these gatherings are targeted specifically for Indie artists. But before you go, make sure you’re equipped with everything you need to make the most of your time and your hard-earned dime! Here are some tips that might be helpful. Prepare. Have plenty of your CD’s, bios, business cards, postcards, pens, paper, camera, etc. Check out the conference agenda in advance. Know what seminars, events, etc., that you plan to attend. But do leave room for unexpected events like receptions, musicals, listening sessions, etc. Take notes. Once at the conference, be sure to take notes, especially in the seminars where the information will benefit you the most. Between sessions, connect with radio personalities and music programmers. Introduce yourself and ask for their business card or contact information and follow up with them some time after the event. Connect with pastors and ministers of music if they are in attendance. Give them your CD and express to them that you would love the opportunity to minister at their church. Here are a few of those conferences taking place this summer. FLORIDA GOSPEL ANNOUNCERS GUILD BI-ANNUAL CONVENTION Gainsville, Florida June 23rd – 25th www.floridagag.org Announcers, artists, and Gospel music lovers from all
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over the state and beyond attend this convention. Includes empowerment sessions, showcases, Hall of Fame and much more. A great opportunity to meet Florida’s Gospel Announcers at one time. INDIE IGNITE 2011 Nashville, Tennessee July 7th and 8th www.indieigniteconference.com Independent Christian artist and industry conference for aspiring and established independent Christian artists, bands, students, worship leaders and industry organizations. It’s hosted by Grammy and Dove Award winning Christian artist Rebecca St. James and Warren Barfield and includes panel sessions, exhibits, open mic after party and much more. INDEPENDENT GOSPEL ARTISTS ALLIANCE Chesapeake, Virginia July 14th – 16th www.indiegospelalliance.com Headed by independent gospel artists, Phillip Carter and Earl Bynum, this conference is in its second year and is designed to focus mostly on the business side of the Gospel music industry. Sessions include ‘Marketing, ‘Collecting Royalties’, ‘Radio Servicing Techniques’, ‘Structuring Contracts’, ‘Radio Relationships’ and more. GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA / GOSPEL ANNOUNCERS GUILD Tampa, Florida August 13th – 19th www.gmwanational.net Gospel music’s biggest gathering of artists, musicians, ministers of music, music executives, radio personalities, and more. Conference includes workshops, showcases, class sessions, nightly musicals and much more! Wanda Patterson a.k.a. “Wanda P” is Vice President of the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild Jacksonville chapter. She is also Public Relations Coordinator for Wayman Ministries and weekend radio announcer at WCGL-AM 1360 in Jacksonville, Florida.
GENRE
Gospel Reggae / Traditional Gospel CD TITLE
I’ll Never Let Go Of My Faith FEATURED SINGLES
I’ll Never Let Go Of My Faith / Hard Times / Stay In The Will Of The Lord RELEASE DATE
February 2011 LABEL
Tate Music Group
ate Music Group recently announced the album release of renowned gospel artist and Grammy-nominated songwriter, Lady Peachena. Her new offering, I’ll Never Let Go Of My Faith, is filled with an array of top-notch, skillfully blended songs flavored with reggae, and R&B, all written by Lady Peachena. Produced by the Tate Music Group, this album includes 12 uplifting original tracks, and is currently available nationwide at iTunes.com, Amazon.com, or directly from TateMusicGroup.com. Affectionately dubbed the Queen of Gospel-Reggae music, Lady Peachena is anointed, a trend-setter, and sweet as ever with her spirited, island-influenced messages of inspiration. Since 1997, Lady Peachena has been a faithful member of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York, and a decade-long member of the Grammy-winning choir, The Love Fellowship Choir with Bishop Hezekiah Walker, as well as a founding member and lead singer with LFT’s Rhema Choir. Lady Peachena’s latest album is a lively collection of message songs, some with hot reggae beats, such as Try Jesus and Hard Times and some with fiery, funky R&B beats like title-cut, I’ll Never Let Go of My Faith and No Greater Love Than This. This fiery-voiced songstress shows her versatility with traditional church-stomper, Stay in the Will of The Lord while Not Another Child was recorded with LFT’s Kingdom Kids Choir and features her granddaughter Jeniyah Eure.
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Since 1995, Lady Peachena and her choir, The Late Show’s Gospel Choir, has been featured on CBS Television’s The Late Show With David Letterman. several times which has brought them much exposure before millions. Last year, Lady Peachena and some members of her choir were featured on Showtime’s new show, “The Big C” where she sang her Grammynominated song Dancing in the Spirit. Recently, The Late Show’s Gospel Choir taped a segment with popular rock band, 30 Seconds to Mars, for MTV’S MTV Unplugged. The choir will be on tour in Spain in July. Lady Peachena is also the playwright of a riveting Gospel musical, The Great Divas of Gospel, touring across the U.S. for the past 18 years. In film, Lady Peachena recently starred in a sensational movie short called Sunset. For Lady Peachena’s Electronic Press Kit go to http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=12372. For more information, please contact Monique Headley, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473, or send an email to: Monique@tatepublishing.com. For bookings of Lady Peachena, or her choir, The Late Show’s Gospel Choir, or her show, The Great Divas of Gospel email at peachena@aol.com, or visit her website at http://www.ladypeachena.com.
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Vocal Health
How to Have a Healthy Singing BY DILEESA HUNTER he health of one's voice depends largely on how one treats it. If one could actually see their vocal cords in action, one would note that they are delicate ligaments that are easily manipulated, and easily bruised. It is important to note that good general health precedes good vocal health. "Good" health is relative, so let's cover the basics. If you are a smoker, STOP. Smoking doesn't take you from soprano to alto, its takes you from soprano to nothing. Drink plenty of clear fluids daily. Singing is an athletic activity that involves the entire body, so you must be hydrated. Increase fruits and veggies. Why? Again, singing is athletic! Just as a track runner prepares for a race by eating right, so should singers. Now, more specific to singers, it is important to recognize that many times we wear our voices out before we even get on stage! How? The way we speak. Please remember, our speaking and singing voices use the same vocal cords. So, talking in a loud cafeteria, on the phone with the car windows down, rounding up the kids, all wears on our voice. People who consider singing their vocation must 'baby' their voices. Here are some tips: Find a note that you can easily hum on, and speak on that tone. It may sound funny at first, but your voice will love you for it.
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Make people move in closer to hear you, as opposed to you shouting over a noisy room. Limit phone conversations in the car, or at least wind the windows up and turn the radio down! ALWAYS stay hydrated. When you are sick, REST. Trying to sing when you are already sick with a cold or flu can cause permanent damage, so take it easy. Find your 'mix' voice, and sing in that as much as possible. This will dramatically increase your vocal stamina. A 'mixed voice' is the technique of mixing your chest voice with head voice to find a middle voice that makes your voice much more fluid, full, and even from top to bottom. Having sung and still singing Gospel music for so many years, (I believe) it's the only way I survived! Some also refer to this technique as speech- levelsinging. The basic idea is to place your singing voice where you talk, to make the most natural sound. We speak with our teeth, tongues, lips, but so often when we sing, our voice is in the back of our throats! SPS, or singing in our 'mix' , brings us back to this basic truth of forward placement. Dileesa Hunter is a singer and international vocal coach. Gospel, Jazz, R&B, and Classical singers all over the world have trusted their voice to Dileesa Hunter, Master Vocal Coach. Known for her candid evaluation and straight talk when it comes to singing, Dileesa is the ideal vocal coach. Her passion is developing singers into artists and masters of their craft. She is owner of Atlanta-based American Singing Studio.
Voting Extended thru March 2011
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
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AIRPLAY 360