June 2013
AIRPLAY 360
INSIDE JUNE 2013
CONTENTS 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Refocus, Start Again by Ace Alexander
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NEW MUSIC RELEASES
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YOUR IMAGE: Building Your Image with a Worthy Cause by Adrian Anderson
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The Fine Art of Auditioning by Tina A. Fears
10 COVER STORY: Tamela Mann by Louise Moore 14 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Tasha Cobbs 17 A&R 101: Steps You Must Take Before You Sign With a Label by Tracy Williamson 18 VOCAL HEALTH: How to be a Better Singer by Dileesa Hunter 19 RISING STAR: Lynntesha Roberts 20 PR & MARKETING: 5 Fast Ways to Get Publicity by Pam Perry On the Cover: Multi-talented Singer, Actress Tamela Mann
TASHA COBBS Article Highlight
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FAST Ways to Get
PUBLICITY
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Refocus, Start Again omeone once said, “Everyday is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.” For me that simply means, refocus and start again! Every day we live is another chance to start again. No matter what we did not do yesterday, there is always hope in today—in even the next minute, the next second. So, if you’re feeling down because it’s June and the year is already half over and you’re not where you want to be, don’t despair. Don’t beat yourself up because you have some things on the table that you thought would have been resolved by now. It’s ok. Just acknowledge whatever it is you did wrong, what you may have missed and just recharge and begin again. Starting again does not always mean you have messed up, sometimes it just means that you need to take a break, refresh your outlook and then, start again. Everyday really is a new God-given opportunity to start again. God created this day just so you can begin again.
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Twitter @acealexanderVIP
Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award winning nationally syndicated radio host and a two-time 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 also a 2011 and 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a music and entertainment consultant and founder of Airplay 360.
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June 2013 / Vol. 5 No. 8 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 Tray Simmons Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. Tracy Williamson CONTRIBUTING WRITER Letita Martin ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC
AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly airplay360.com
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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YOUR Image Building Your Image for a Worthy Cause BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
ere we are midyear 2013 so one must ask themselves, "How have I adapted and adjusted in this new world?” We know the world has changed and the value of community is greater understood. You can't just do things on a whim or when you’re excited. You have to pray for and seek clarity. Today's world is progressive and it's not business as usual. It's about attaching your business to a cause and genuinely being committed. This is why the social entrepreneurship movement is on the forefront today and growing. Humanity is demanding more from people, organizations and businesses. This is not just charitable donations which are needed. It's ensuring that something in the world is made just as a fundamental part of the business from the ground up or it's revision. How can a company profit where there is need and perhaps even alleviating the need all together? Look at TOMS Shoes’ “buy one give one” model. This company is now known as the “one for one” company. Look how everyday cleaning products have been reimaged by the Method Company. Look at "Proof" eyeglasses and how they donate toward eye surgeries from the sale of their products. You need more than good intentions and a great idea; it's a business and requires all the components needed to build and grow. It's just that now customers want to know what you’re about and if you care about the world around you. This movement is growing and is recognized by individuals as well as powerful foundations like the Gates Foundation. Bill and Melinda Gates are genuinely committed to a portion of the wealth they have created being strategically used to end diseases like malaria and evolve third world countries. From helping with HIV medication to evolving the sanitation, they mean business with
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their business. Children are setting up lemonade stands and generating revenue to help causes so, there is nothing small about giving to one or to millions. Favor will be upon those that run good businesses and contribute to solutions so consider how you can be a part of the solution. Visit the charitable organizations in your community to see which one you can truly become involved with. Get the facts on what they do. Ask questions, brainstorm with a point person there and come up with some ideas that serve the community. Allow your business to be experienced from more that the purchase point. Let your customers experience the 'purpose point". Build a partnership and inform your customers of your vision and how they fit into the full circle blessing. Read about Sir Richard Branson and new companies that are making their mark in profit and purpose. You would be amazed what many of the college students are doing right there in your own backyard that is having a major impact in your city. You think you know excitement? Well, once you evolve your business this way, you'll experience a collective excitement from all involved parties! The difference is being made everyday so it's just a matter of whether or not your a part of the YOUR IMAGE CONTINUED PAGE 8
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YOUR IMAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 difference. So, if you have been thinking about a new business or have an idea for a new business remember to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.� (Philippians 4:6 KJV). Seek new ways of doing what you do, I am sure you'll be amazed at what then seeks you. Aspire and be Inspired, Adrian
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Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the award winning urban gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty. Adrian has served on several music industry workshop panels and is available to speak at your event. To book Adrian for speaking engagements contact nicole@creativeclassic.com.
The Fine Art of
Auditioning BY TINA A. FEARS
uditioning! For some, auditioning is a frightening word. You have to be vulnerable because you are at the mercy of the judges. No matter how good you are, you have a 50 percent chance the answer will be “No” and a 50 percent chance the answer will be “Yes.” Auditioning may not be such a bad thing. Revisiting some of the techniques and emotions experienced during the audition process are a great way to sharpen your tools as a performer while receiving feedback from a new audience. Reality TV has packaged the audition process and used it to take millions of viewers along for an exciting ride! Your heart may not say American Idol, The Voice or Sunday Best but it may not hurt to learn new material for a local theatrical production or short film. Push yourself past the mental wall that often creates fear and anxiety. Instead, look for a challenge and explore new networking opportunities that may be presented through the audition process. Listed below are a few of my audition tips.
1. Research the production.
auditioning for musicals. You will almost always be accompanied by a pianist so, go ahead and start building your song book so that you have tons to choose from.
4. Always bring two copies of your head shot and resume`. Make sure your contact information is correct with your current email and phone number. Make sure your photo is clear and it reflects your current look.
5. Network. In the event that you don’t get the part, be sure to network at the audition. Networking is a great way to make new contacts and connect with other artists!
It always helps to research the project in order to gain solid knowledge of the character breakdowns.
For additional information, visit stageready.net.
2. Singers always prepare two songs.
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.
Most directors ask that you do not sing a piece from the show and instead that you perform something with the feel of the show. However, you should always have a song from the show in your back pocket in case you are asked to sing a second number.
3. Singers always bring sheet music. It is really important to have sheet music when
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BY LOUISE MOORE 10
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amela Mann is at a happy place in her life. She recently celebrated 25 years of marriage to her actor, comedian husband, David Mann with the wedding of her dreams. On the professional side of things, Tamela Mann the actress has appeared in many Tyler Perry stage plays, television shows and films including “MaDea’s Big Family Reunion”, “MaDea Goes to Jail”, “Meet the Browns” and “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”. Currently, Mann stars with her husband in the TV comedy series “Meet The Brown’s”, playing the character of Cora Simmons. Musically, Mann is at the top of the Billboard Gospel Charts with her latest album “Best Days” and the crossover inspirational single “Take Me to the King” has occupied the #1 spot for several weeks. In an interview with Airplay 360, Mann discusses love, marriage and managing the success of her acting and singing career. A360: First I want to congratulate you on 25 years of marriage. Wow! TAMELA: Well thank you very much. Look, I’m excited about it myself. I’m still in love. A360: Good for you! You know it’s interesting because with so many marriages even in the gospel industry breaking up or having problems, how on earth have you and Mr. Mann managed to stay together for this long and be happy and still in love? TAMELA: Well, that’s it. First of all, it’s because we are in love and God is truly the head of our lives. You know we take all of our problems and everything to God. We just talk. He’s my best friend and I confide in him. He confides in me. We talk about everything. We don’t have no hidden secrets. But first and foremost, we are still in love. It’s not that we just like it other, we love each other. We’re still in love with other. A360: So again, I have to congratulate you on that because that’s not the case with everyone but we certainly appreciate you guys being an example to everybody else. TAMELA: Thank you very much! We’re trying to hang in there. A360: Well keep on hanging. Speaking of hanging, I understand that you and your husband are working on a cooking show called “Hanging with the Manns”. Tell me a little bit about that. TAMELA: “Hanging with the Manns” is a cooking adventure show. We’re shopping it and we got a
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David and Tamela Mann renewed their wedding vows April 2013, celebrating 25 years of marriage.
couple of things in the making so just keep praying for us. What happens is we do different adventures, we go out, do an adventure and we come back home and cook food according to the adventure. It’s a lot of fun just taping so, we’re excited about it getting picked up. A360: You’ve been married for 25 years but you’ve been working together all this time. You can be married to somebody and in love with them but how do you work with them too? TAMELA: I think it comes easy for us too because we get to promote and push each other in what we love to do. For instance, the acting is his favorite and singing is mine so we get to be in each other’s worlds. And it’s like why not have somebody who loves you and you know has your best interest at heart behind you? It’s something that I prayed for and asked God for when I asked God to send me a mate. And the Lord blessed me with somebody that TAMELA MANN CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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TAMELA MANN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 was interested in the same things I was interested in. It just comes easy for us. You know it’s not like a labor. For me, it’s entertainment because he’s clowning for me 24-7. It works for us. I can’t say that it will work for everybody. But I believe that if you love somebody and you want to please them, you go out of your way to make them happy. Me and (David) go out of our way to try to make each other happy. We try to outdo each other, doing for each other, if you get that. So everybody is getting their needs met and getting what they want. It’s not a selfish relationship. I’m making sure he gets what he wants and needs and vice versa. So, it just all works. A360: Did I miss something? Do you all have a marriage clinic or something? TAMELA: (Laughter) I love how you said that—a “clinic.” Well you know we do go out and share with different churches what the Lord has given us to share with them about marriage. We talk about a lot of practical stuff because a lot of us know biblical. We know the scriptures. We’ve read them but the thing is applying it to when you get angry with each other. How do you deal with it? You’ve got to agree to disagree. It’s not that you’re always going to be right. You have to come to some kind of agreement. We want to make it work. The thing is with me and David, divorce is not an option. It’s not even on the table. It’s not one of the things that you choose from. So, it’s just like we’re going to work through it. That’s how both of us feel. It’s working! A360: “Take Me to the King”—huge song! Did you have any idea when that song was brought to you by Kirk Franklin that it would be as big as it is? TAMELA: Absolutely not. Neither one of us. I mean you have hope but I never dreamed that it would take off like it did. But it’s saying so many things that a lot of people are thinking without saying. So, it’s just reaching. If you could just hear some of the testimonials I get from people that come up to me and I’m crying and they’re crying, but that’s what it’s all about—reaching the masses and getting the message out. Me and Kirk were together recently taping “Sunday Best” and he was like, “Wow Tam, I just didn’t think it (“Take Me To The King”) would do like it has.” And, I said, “Neither did I.” But I don’t want to take no glory. It all goes back to God. A360: Obviously, you’re a actress as well as singer
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Tamela Mann’s third studio album “Best Days” was released in 2012 and debuted at #1 on Billboard Gospel.
and have been in many films. In “Sparkle” you played Whitney Houston’s character’s best friend. How was your experience working with Whitney Houston shortly before her death? TAMELA: It was a great experience. She came to work like one of the home girls. She didn’t come in like a diva. She was very open to everybody, to the whole cast. It’s like she’d come in. She’d speak to everybody and she would wave and say, “Hi!” to the extras that were around. But it was a wonderful and pleasant experience. And, I’m like, “Man I’m with a legend.” A360: Is there anybody else that you would like to work with as far as acting or singing? TAMELA: I want to do a song with Celine Dion. I don’t know how it’s going to happen but I’m just believing it’s going to happen. But she is one of the persons that I would like to work with in the music world. My other dream is I want to do animation. I want to sing animation music. A360: Do you have any other movies coming up? TAMELA: “In The Meantime” is coming out in July and it’s going to be on UP (formerly GMC TV). David has another movie that he is in but if you would just follow us on DavidandTamelaMann.com, we’ll keep you posted on what’s going on.
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A360: First I want to congratulate you on the success of your new CD “Grace”. How does it feel to be at the top of the Billboard Gospel charts? Tasha: I am grateful. It’s awesome. God has been so good. The grace of God is on my life. A360: “Break Every Chain”—that song has impacted so many people. Tell me, is there a certain “break every chain” moment that you think about when you minister that song? Tasha: Every time before I minister that song in the set, there is a moment in the service where I just feel a release where God is saying, “This is a moment where I’m ready to break the chains, all the strongholds that everybody is dealing with.” There is that kind of moment but the moment that I’m thinking about when I’m ministering is probably the same effect the song had on me when I first heard it. Chains that had held me bondage for years—chains of rejection and depression. Those chains were broken off of my life. The first time I heard the song, I listened to it all night long and it was just a release off of my life—a freedom, a liberty that I felt. So I think I just think about that experience that I had and it gives me hope and the assurance that if God can break the chains off of me, he can do it for you. A360: When was the first time that you actually ministered “Break Every Chain” to your congregation as a Worship Pastor? TASHA: It was maybe about a year ago now. I had listened to the song over and over and over and the next rehearsal, I taught it to my praise team. And we sang it that Sunday. It was one of those services that the pastor couldn’t preach because that was the sermon for that day. And that’s the same encounter we have now when we minister all over the country. That is word of the Lord for the moment. Chains are being broken. A360: Now I understand that you worked with Stellar Award winning gospel artist Vashawn Mitchell on this project. How did that come about? TASHA: Vashawn is awesome. We both are connected to the Full Gospel Baptist Church with Bishop Paul S. Morton. (Vashawn) is the overseer of choirs and I am the worship leader for the Young Adult division. So, for about six years now we’ve
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been acquainted and we kind of formed this brother/ sister bond. I call him my brother. With EMI, when we began to talk about who would produce the album, his name came up and immediately, I thought, “Yes, he knows me and he knows the song that I desire to release.” So I called him after that conversation and I said, “Vashawn, what do you think about producing my album?” And he said, “Yes, I’ll do it. I’ll do it. I’ll love to do it.” But eventually he told me, “I really wanted to jump up and down and scream because I love your voice. I always wanted to produce for you but I felt like I had to be cool for the moment.” It was just an amazing choice. He did a phenomenal job. A360: I know you have to have to have some influences to have a voice like you do. Who do you kind of pattern your music after? TASHA: On the top of the gift and the talent, I watch people’s lives. Of course, my pastor William Murphy. He’s awesome. And then there’s Cece Winans. She’s one of my mentors. And these are people that I’ve listened to all my life. And then people like Donald Lawrence. He’s been consistent with his sound throughout the years. Kim Burrell, of course, is like the 8th wonder of the world. Her life lines up with what she sings about. A360: Now you mentioned some gospel superstars—Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence, Cece Winans. Are you planning to do any future projects with them? Tasha: Oh absolutely! I would love to. Yes, that’s definitely in my dreams. A360: Since you have arrived at the top of the charts, do you have any inspiration that you can offer Airplay 360 readers? Tasha: Absolutely! In 2010, I released an independent project called “Smile”. And I think that’s one of the joys of my life because I had an opportunity to walk through experiences that helped me now that I’m signed with a label. Always be faithful where God has you now. Don’t try to kick doors down because God will always open the doors that he has for you. Your back may seem like it’s against the wall and nothing is happening for you, just remain consistent because God’s word is true and it’s going to stand.
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Volume 1, Issue 1 Inside Story Hea dli ne
This story can fit 150-200 words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports. While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers. A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop
and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product.
ished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it.
You can also research articles or find “filler” articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short.
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Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you’re fin“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
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This story can fit 100-150 words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients.
If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing.
customers or vendors.
Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top
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Caption describing picture or graphic.
A&R 101 Steps You Must Take Before Signing with a Label BY TRACY WILLIAMSON
ere are few inspiring thoughts for the aspiring gospel artist who desires to become all God has called you to. As you pursue the “beloved” career of being a music recording artist, it is important to remain focused and driven on the right goals. The year has not ended and you cannot give up now. Artists, as you walk this thing out, you must pray over every decision regarding your career and there is no getting around it, especially if you proclaim that God directed you to this career choice. Yes, pray about the record label to sign with, producer to work with and song selections. This is important because there's no rush and if it’s to be, you definitely want things in order. Here are few practical tips to place on your checklist before pursuing a music career and signing with a label.
1. Develop your plan of action and team. 2. Pace yourself during the planning process and when selecting team members.
3. Remember: Just like practical endeavors, anything rushed will cause a lot of damage to your music career. Take the time to pray first and gain insight on how to orchestrate your career. Maximize every moment early on because the music is a product of you so choose your musical ingredients wisely. From the producers to musicians, every element will reflect what you initially bring to the table. Try to make
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proper connections during the development stages. I’ve stated there is no need to rush because as long as people have emotions and deal with everyday situations, music will be relevant. Understanding this concept will hopefully help you see the importance of when to release your project and how it will impact lives. In the music industry, most radio programmers select music based on how listeners respond to frequent airplay and this response can vary within seasons, so be authentic as possible when creating new music. Throughout your journey, you will hear thoughts and many opinions from those around you on how to pursue your career but don’t stress. Take the time to see if it lines up with what God initially revealed to you. Don’t be the artist that others want but become the artist who God created. As you grow as an artist, you will experience various highs and lows but be careful. Don’t allow “moments” to dictate your career. Moments change, people change and what you want is to be secure in your destiny. “Don’t just be….become!” 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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VOCAL Health How to be a Better Singer BY DILEESA HUNTER
any people sing for personal enjoyment and want to know how to improve their singing. Still others sing as their vocation and find themselves struggling at times to create the sounds they want and they desire to learn to sing better. There are some key things you can do to improve your singing voice regardless of whether you are a beginner or an advanced singer. 1. BREATHING TECHNIQUES - Strong breathing techniques lay the foundation for vocal endurance and vocal control. Being aware of when and how you inhale and exhale will enhance any singer's skill. There are several exercises you can do to achieve great breath control. The first being bending over and taking in a deep breath to feel the pressure in your back and against your belt area. If you practice this breathing technique, you will begin to teach your body how to expand while breathing to sing. 2. PROJECTION TECHNIQUES - This explores how to make sound, independent of 'singing sounds'. This is where you repeat nonsense syllables. It works great because it takes a singer's mind off of 'singing'. You learn to engage, not only your voice, but also your body as a total instrument. It frees the voice, because you are learning to free your throat and allowing your voice to sound more natural as if speaking. One such exercise is doing a surprised sounding 'WOW'. To be surprised, the entire body is engaged and a quick breath is
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inhaled. There is usually extreme facial movement and maybe even hand and arm movement. The voice is then thrown out. If you start of with a fast 'WOW' then move to a slower 'W-O-O-O-O-W' while keeping the same intensity you are learning to project your voice for singing. 3. TONE CONTROL - This is where your singing starts to sound polished. You learn to avoid sounding 'shouty' and learn to attack, sustain and release notes. Many times this can be achieved with something as simple as bringing the corners of your mouth forward. There are several positive side effects of a forward mouth. One is that your voice will sound richer and fuller. The second is that you will inadvertently relax your tongue which will give you a rich natural vibrato as well! Singers will find that in this process their voice has become stronger and more powerful. They are able to sing more challenging music with ease and find themselves singing more comfortably for longer periods of time. They are, indeed, better singers!
Dileesa Hunter is an international vocal coach and consultant based in Atlanta, GA. She also records and tours with several recording artists and performs in various stage plays. Born in Manchester, England, she has always been exposed to different music styles. Dileesa’s vocal repertoire includes Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Barbershop Quartet and Opera.
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LYNNTESHA.COM
ynntesha Roberts, "The Songstress of the South” says singing God's praises comes natural and she couldn't be happier doing anything else than giving God the praise and ministering to his people. Her CD “Stay In Your Lane” epitomizes and captures her during just that giving God praise. She is playfully known to some as "Little Dorothy Norwood." Having shared the stage with such greats as the late Slim and the Supremes Angels, The Gospel Four, Dottie Peoples, William Murphy, and The Canton Spirituals, many also compare her presence and powerhouse voice to Vickie Winans. Having several styles of influence, Lynntesha’s musical arrangements are known to sway from traditional to
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quartet, contemporary to jazz, inspirational to neosoul with a twist of Caribbean flavor. But true gospel is her passion. Lynntesha has ministered on GNTV, Bobby Jones, Missouri Gospel Announcers Guild and Atlanta’s own WATC “Atlanta Live” television show. Lynntesha was named the 2003 New York City Music Festival Female Quartet Leader of the Year (Manhattan, NY). Lynntesha’s ministry has taken her into many venue types including the Clifton Davis Talent Showcase, Sweet Auburn Fest, and the Praise1040 Spring Fests. In 2012, Lynntesha performed a two hour holiday special on “Atlanta Live” and sang an awesome rendition of “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” that is on another of her projects entitled, “The Good Ole’ Days.”
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PR & Marketing FAST Ways to Get Publicity BY PAM PERRY he way people interact on the Internet has changed the way marketers promote and the way publicists pitch. The web 2.0 has been the game changer for every industry. Some industries have survived and thrived. Some industries have died. But without a doubt, social media have put the power of personal branding into the hands of millions online. That’s why the term “building a platform” is so common now. Everyone understands that you need a platform to stand out and be heard. At one time, it was the publicist’s job to get the message disseminated to the media and the media would broadcast that message to the masses. Today, with the mushrooming social media platforms and the simple mobile technology, anyone can get the message out to the masses. People can get their message straight to their audiences. Anyone with a computer and the Internet can be the media. With a click of a few buttons, you can directly find producers and reporters and send them direct links of your press kits, podcasts or videos. Here are five ways to get publicity using the internet. 1. Monitor services that journalists subscribe to for sources. We recommend the following: PitchRate, HARO and Reporter Connection. 2. Have a press room on your website. This is beyond posting a press release and a few photos. You really need to have a full scale press kit online. Build your online press kit using a like Press Kit 24/7, Gokit or Instant Press Kit. 3. Send out regular SEO press releases. Press releases aren’t dead. They’ve changed how we
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write and disseminate them. 4. Connect with reporters and journalists online via Twitter. Join their weekly Tweet Chats. See #journchat. You can talk to journalists right where they are. 5. Have an authority blog. This is the best way to get found by the media. Have a blog in your area of expertise and optimize by key words. Now, as a career public relations professional, I am not trying to talk my way out of work. I just realize that you must change with the times and stay relevant. My main focus today is social media PR and PR coaching. Yet, there is always a need for the publicist’s skills—writing press releases, having real relationships with media personnel, crafting a social media PR campaign, creating hooks and crafting solid pitches but real-time PR 2.0 is the way it’s done now. Keep up with the changes, learn to leverage your online brand, and get the media exposure consistently. Thanks to social media, this is the era of do-it-yourself publicity. Pam Perry is a successful entrepreneur, author, book publicist and social media expert. Based in Detroit, Michigan, Perry conducts workshops on PR, book marketing and social media. She is also creator of Chocolate Pages business directory which is now a thriving social network for authors.
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