March 2015 by AIRPLAY 360

Casey J Cover

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

Contents March 2015

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March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: “Discovering Greater Purpose” by Ace Alexander COVER STORY: Casey J “A Journey to Truth” by Louise Moore

PRODUCER’S CHAIR: “How to Find the Right Producer” by Roger Ryan

IN THE STUDIO: 8 Tips to Find the Best Studio by Eva Brandt

MARKETING PR: 5 Ways to Get Publicity Fast by Pam Perry

NEW MUSIC RELEASES

COVER STORY— Recording Artist Casey J

Find the BEST Studio

12 5 Tips to Get Publicity

How to Find the Right Producer— Roger Ryan

Pam Perry airplay360.com

AIRPLAY 360

March 2015

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Discovering a Greater Purpose

iscovering your greater purpose is not something that usually comes early on in life. It is through many years of good and bad choices, working in different occupations, serving in various roles and experiencing many of life’s lessons. And then, one day, it all comes together. You’ve been building the pieces to your destiny—your greater purpose—all along. Some pieces are odd, others make perfect sense but ultimately, they all connect. Your greater purpose is revealed. Remember the scripture text Romans 8:28 that says “all things work together for the good.” It certainly does. You may not be able to see your greater purpose now but it will come soon.

March 2015 / Vol. 6 No. 1

PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Eva Brandt Pam Perry Roger Ryan ADVERTISING For advertising or promotional consideration please e-mail promotions@airplay360.com

LOGO DESIGNED BY Aziz Peregrino-Brimah

AIRPLAY 360 Digital Magazine published Monthly airplay360.com Airplay 360 Digital Magazine, a multimedia service of The Ace Alexander Company, LLC | Inspire. Elevate. Entertain. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2008-2015 Airplay 360 Digital Magazine, an Ace Alexander Company digital publication 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 Follow Ace on Twitter @AceAlexanderVIP

Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award Winning broadcaster, a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award and two-time nominee for the Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director. He is also a speaker, publisher and media entrepreneur.

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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March 2015

Casey J

A Journey to Truth BY LOUISE MOORE 6

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

oung, gifted recording artist Casey J is making quite a name for herself in the Christian and gospel music industry. Her debut single Fill Me Up is currently #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and #2 on the gospel radio airplay chart. Her journey has included being part of Atlanta Young Singers of Callanwolde then, urban gospel group 4LOVE. Most recently, a partnership with Marquis Boone Enterprises and Tyscot Records, has Casey J on track to become the breakout artist of 2015 with the upcoming release of her album The Truth (release date April 21). But despite her musical success, Casey J who is also an Atlanta-based school teacher and worship leader at Fresh Start Church in Duluth, GA, maintains a humble spirit and God-perspective on her future.

started letting people know that the album was coming, people started saying, “Well let me get the single so I’ll be ready for the album.” So I think all of those things made for the “perfect storm” that caused the sales to go up.

A360: Congratulations on having the #1 gospel single. How does that feel? Casey J: It feels so weird. It is so strange. I don’t think I’ve gotten used to that. I know that God is using me but it’s still weird to hear the numbers and the stats and all that kind of stuff. It’s still a little strange for me.

A360: Describe the material on your upcoming album? Casey J: There’s definitely some up-tempo songs. There’s a live recorded version of Fill Me Up that will be a little different. I wrote about five songs so you’ll hear some of my actual writing. There’s a song on there called The Journal that is really personal. There’s a good mix of music on my album.

A360: The song Fill Me Up entered the Billboard Charts many, many weeks ago. Does it seem like it’s been a long journey going from that point all the way up to #1? Casey J: I know it’s what would be considered a long period of time but I feel like just yesterday I was in the studio. To me it seems like it’s gone by super fast. A360: How did the partnership between Tyscot and Marquis Boone’s label come about? Casey J: The partnership with Marquis Boone was pretty much the most natural one because I actually serve at his church as the worship pastor and he serves as my manager so that was a comfortable and kind of safe relationship to foster because in this industry it’s really important that you have people that care about you and don’t just see dollar signs. So for me, that’s a really close friendship that we’ve developed over the last seven or eight years so it was nothing for me to trust him. And the partnership with Tyscot happened about three months ago. They heard about what we were doing and it just seemed like a really good fit. A360: When Tyscot came onboard, did it seem like the single really started gaining more momentum? Casey J: I think a couple of things happened and spurred at the same time. When Tyscot came onboard, our main focus was the album and as we airplay360.com

A360: How did you come up with the album title, The Truth? Casey J: John 4:23-24 Jesus talks about worshipping in spirit and in truth. I got the spirit part because it’s the opposite of the flesh but I kind of got stuck on that truth part so I asked God to reveal it to me and God said, “the truth of who you are is truth of who I am.” So every single song on the album either talks about the truth about who God is or the truth of who we are and how desperate we are and in need of his grace.

A360: Just to focus a bit on your regular everyday life, walk us through a normal day for Casey J. Casey J: I actually work from home. I work for a virtual school so I’m able to meet my students on the computer. I actually log onto the computer from home. I work a full school day. I work from 8-4. I teach class. Sometimes I have meetings with teachers and parents. And we do all of that virtually. And then usually when I finish my day, I still serve part-time as a worship pastor at Fresh Start Church in Duluth, GA. And then my day ends pretty late and I wake up and do it all over again. A360: So finally, with all the successes you’ve already had, what more do you see in the future? Casey J: To be honest with you, I have been so overwhelmed just by what God has done with my life in the past six to 12 months. I’ve learned how to really define my own success and being successful is being in God’s will that I’m not trying to do my own thing, that I’m really allowing him to lead me. And that has been success for me. I’m learning to be satisfied with God’s will and the other charts and numbers and things like that, they may come and they may not so I can’t depend on that to make me feel like I’ve done a good job. My pat on the back is God being pleased with me and I think He is. Follow Casey J https://twitter.com/caseyjmusic AIRPLAY 360

March 2015

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

PRODUCERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHAIR

How to Find the RIGHT Producer BY ROGER RYAN

o you're an artist, it's time to record and you're looking for a producer. Well, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re headed in the right direction. Finding the right producer will help you to bring out the best clear picture of your music. The producer is like a builder. He or she is responsible for building your "house". Building a house utilizes many resources, just as producing a song does. The producer is responsible for getting the right materials and specialists to build your song. A list of "materials" are 1. An arranger( if needed) 2. The right players (musicians) 3. The right background vocalists if needed 4. The right studio or studios to record in 5. The right engineer or engineers These are some of the main elements a producer will use to produce your song. Now let's find the right producer. Some producers can produce any style or genre of music. Some specialize in one area. Make sure the producer you're looking for can produce your style of music. It wouldn't work to have a classical producer in the studio with you if you're a hip hop artist. Producing your vocal

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will also be an important part of your production. As a vocalist the producer must understand vocals and be able to guide you with ideas, phrasing , hearing any pitch problems etc. Once you've narrowed your search based on style, reputation and listening to the producer's work, have an in depth preproduction meeting. Make sure that there's mutual respect for your work as well as the producer. There must be a good "vibe" or a good fit personality wise to work together in the studio. Trust will also be an important factor in finding the right producer. Your first song/single will be an important step in your career and the producer will have a lot to do with making it a success. If you apply these steps in your search for a producer you're on your way to having a single you can be proud of as well one ready for the market place. Roger Ryan is a Grammy award winning and Dove nominated music producer. His work has run the full spectrum of the

industry and spanned a wide range of genres. He has worked with artists like Kirk Whalum, CeCe Winans, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers and many more. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Ryan is the owner of AfterTouch Music label.

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March 2015

IN THE STUDIO

Tips to Find the BEST STUDIO

BY EVA BRANDT

electing a recording studio will be critical for your musical career. Good quality records will take your music to the next level, increasing professional appeal and showing that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serious about it.

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

You can usei several criteria to assess recording studios and to choose the best one.

1. Online Research The most logical step in today's hi-tech world is online research. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any leads on

good studios, then use Google to find the websites of several recording studios. Pay attention to details and compare the possibilities, the experience of the staff and the equipment that each studio possesses. Create a shortlist with several studios that you think might be suitable for you.

2. You Heard it Through the Grapevine The experience of other musicians will also be helpful. You will get to hear about the actual recording process and the professionalism of the studio's staff. Listen to the records of other musicians to figure out whether you like the quality. If you do, ask more about the studio.

3. What's Your Music Genre? Your genre will limit the possibilities a bit further. Some studios are specialized, working with jazz or soul musicians. This is in no way indicative that they will be capable of doing a stellar job with hard rock (or gospel or Christian). Go through the portfolio of the studio to figure out what its genre specialization is.

4. Sample the Samples Samples of the studio's work will provide all the additional information that you will be incapable of finding online. Listen to as many samples as you can find. If the website of a recording studio lacks audio samples, you have reason to worry.

6. The Engineer The engineer is probably the most important recording studio professional. Everything depends on the skills and the experience of the sound engineer. Ask for samples of the studio's engineer work. You should also inquire about credentials and the bands that each of the engineers has worked with. The engineer is the person that determines the quality of the audio, so you should be certain before you agree to working together.

7. What's Your Budget? Determine your budget. Working with some recording studios could be too expensive for you. It is possible to find good price to quality ratio. There is no need to spend a fortune on the record, especially if your music career is just getting started.

8. Are You Ready? Practice makes perfect. You should be in top shape, when looking for a recording studio. The quality of the record will very much depend on your skills and your performance. Practice with the band, so that you will be 100 percent ready for recording. Doing a bit of homework will help you select the best recording studio. Use the Internet and talk to other musicians. Ask many questions and contact representatives of various recording studios to figure out which one is the best for you and your music.

5. Eye It Up Are you alone or do you have a band? If you are a member of a band or large singing group, then the size of the facility will determine its ability to record. Sometimes, it could be mandatory for all of the band members to record together. There should be enough space for a comfortable and creative recording session. airplay360.com

Eva Brandt is a panel member of Rock School and has over 20 years' experience as a vocalist, multiinstrumentalist and composer. A trained sound engineer with experience in both studio and live recording, including a placement at the NW London studio of U2's Producer ("Flood"). She is currently the co-owner and manager of Hampstead Music & Voice Studio in North London.

AIRPLAY 360

March 2015

MARKETING PR

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. 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. 12

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

3. Send out regular SEO press releases. Press releases aren’t dead. They’ve changed how we write and disseminate them. 4. Connect with reporters and journalists online via Twitter. Join their weekly Tweet Chats. 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. 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.

Worship Mob

Hillsong

Third Day

Danen Kane

Carry the Fire MAR 3 Integrity Music

Let Hope Rise MAR 3 Capitol Records

Lead Us Back MAR 3 Essential Records

Flesh and Soul MAR 3 Danen Kane Music

Json

Among the Thirsty

Israel & New Breed

Kirk Whalum

No Filter MAR 10 Lamp Mode Recordings

Who You Say I Am MAR 17 BEC Recordings

Covered: Alive in Asia MAR 24 RCA Inspiration

Gospel According..4 MAR 24 Top Drawer Records

Chris Cobbins

21:03

Newport

Jason Crabb

August Season MAR 24 Save the City Records

Outsiders MAR 24 PMG Records

Paradise MAR 31 Essential

Through the Fire MAR 31 Gaither Music Group

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AIRPLAY 360

March 2015

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360

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AIRPLAY 360

March 2015

March 2015 AIRPLAY 360