May/June Cover
INSIDE May/June 2012
Contents 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: ‘Unleash Tarzan Faith: Release One Vine, Grab Hold of Another” by Ace Alexander
7
Best Places to Sell Your Music
17 OUR IMAGE: Reinventing Yourself as an Artist by Adrian Anderson 18 YOUR VOICE: “How to Project Your Voice” by Dileesa Hunter 19 VOCAL HEALTH: “Keep Your Style & Preserve Your Voice” by Mark A. Williams, MD PhD 21 INDIE NEWS: CD Baby Partners with Alliance Entertainment to Expand Distribution 22 COVER STORY: Patrick Dopson…Embracing the Freedom of Being an Independent Gospel Artist by Louise Moore 25 Living a Healthier Life by Dr. Amicitia Maloon-Gibson 28 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Trish Standley 30 NEW MUSIC RELEASES 31 RISING STAR: Joe Russell
On the Cover: Recording Artist Patrick Dopson | Page 22
25 Living a Healthier Life S
18 28
TRISH Trish Standley STANDLEY 2
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
Voice
Learn How to Project Your Voice and Preserve It Too
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Unleash Tarzan Faith Release One Vine… Grab Hold of Another rowing up, I was always a big Tarzan fan. I loved watching him swing through the jungle going from one vine to another to reach his destination. So what does Tarzan have to do with my word for you this month? Well, Tarzan grabbing hold of that vine was really significant. He had to let go of one vine in order to get to the next one. Had he kept holding on to the same vine, he never would have progressed through the jungle. And at some point, that one vine would have broken anyway, so he had to keep moving. But he had to swing from one vine; let go of the other; and continue that action until he reached his destination. My point? Sometimes you’ve got to let one thing go in order to move on to the next thing God has for you. You can see the ‘vine’ but until you release the one you’re holding now and grab hold of the next ‘vine’, you will remain stuck. God never intended for you to get stuck in one place, one opportunity, one goal. God is so much bigger than that and the plan he has for your life is way bigger. So, like Tarzan, continue to grab hold of one vine, release the other, grab another vine, release the other. You’ll go from one level to another and higher and higher. Life is too short to hold on to just one vine.
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Follow on Twitter @acealexanderVIP
Ace Alexander is a national radio personality 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 a 2011 and 2010 Radio Stellar Award nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360. www.airplay360.com
May/June 2012 / Vol. 4 No. 6 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Alicia Baiden EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore 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. SPECIAL EVENTS REPORTERS Letita Martin Miranda Brokenberry GUEST COLUMNIST Dr. Amicitia Maloon-Gibson ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC
AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published bi-monthly www.airplay360.com
Copyright © 2008-2012 Airplay 360 Online Magazine, an ace alexander 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.
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
3
BEST Places to Sell Your Music Online 1. Your Website There’s no place like home. Get people to buy directly from your site, and keep all the profits.
2. CD Baby CD Baby lets you sell music on iTunes, Amazon, Facebook and your website.
3. JMD JMD provides access to over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 countries.
4. SongCast SongCast lets you sell your music on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and others. Find the one that’s right for you. *Provided by LTL Media & PR
Airplay360.com
Advertise with the #1 Music Industry Resource for Independent Gospel Artists Reach 60,000+ Go to airplay360.com and Click on ADVERTISE 12
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
YOUR Image Reinventing YOURSELF as an Artist BY ADRIAN ANDERSON appy May everyone! Eyes and minds have been opened, so what is your view on your career now? A very significant number of professionals have evolved by reinventing their careers, brand and or company. The question is have you? Have you paid attention? Have you laid out every talent and gift you have and made a very intentional review of how to use them and how to increase their value (i.e. “your value“). What is key is the level of exposure you have allowed for yourself to know what is going on out there and how you can collaborate because those who succeed will be and are the one's who are great collaborators. For example, there is a is meetup.com where once you join you will be privy to different meetups based on your topic of interest so if your interest is business then you will be presented with dates and times of business gatherings, if it's sustainable living then you will be able to attend those meetups and so on. It's about great minds gathering, coming up with solutions, new business models, exchanging great information empowerment and sometimes just enjoyment. The Internet has to be used to better your life, career, business and dreams. You have to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people and see how those minds are shaping day to day life and the future. Surely you can have your say and role in this evolution of our world and get connected, socially enriching your life! Are you aware of the prominence of social entrepreneurship? Do you know about the Skoll Foundation? Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Ted Talks? Or what Zappos founder Tony Hsieh is doing in downtown Las Vegas? Well, he and his investors are building a www.airplay360.com
new city there that is for the locals. It's progressive, tech savvy and yet about community so the locals have a say in what they would like to have in the city such as stores, businesses, recreation, etc. Log on to downtownproject.com and learn of the vision that is manifesting there. Community is key and this is a perfect example. I communicate this to you so that you are in touch and inspired to nurture vision in your own lives and to open up avenues to discover greater business opportunities. By now you are fully aware of state of the music industry as it's going through it's own reinvention most people are in a position where you must do more than music yet find connections/opportunities that allow music to be included. There is always a place for music it's just a matter of if there is a place where music can be profitable for you consistently? For artists, the live show has to be stellar. Endorsements are needed and you have to have a great community base (online and in person) that you nurture. Whether you have a single out or not, you have to have a relationship with your fans. Many artists find themselves exhausted from having to be so involved these days. It also teaches the uninformed artists the value of having and keeping a team. You have to embrace delayed gratification and use funds earned to hire team players consistently. It's a lot more than singing, so get connected and win. Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the multi-award winning urban inspirational trio Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty .
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
17
YOURVoice Voice YOUR
Project
How to Your Voice BY DILEESA HUNTER
any singers struggle with voice projection. They all want to know how to sing with a powerful, loud, strong voice. Once you have established good breathing techniques here are some things a singer can do to improve their voice projection. 1. Lift your soft palate. It gives much needed space to the back of your throat to allow more sound out. I've seen singers sing with lots of effort, but that effort is not reflected in their volume because they are simply not giving more space in the backs of their throats. 2. Relax your tongue. For many, this is a positive side effect of lifting your soft palate. A tense tongue will over work your throat which actually tightens and diminishes the sound. Here's an exercise you can do to help you accomplish this. Begin talking as if your tongue is fat and heavy, as if someone has numbed it. You can even practice by reading this paragraph out loud. You can practice singing “Amazing Grace” or some other familiar tune in this manner while focusing on not allowing your tongue to get in the way. As you practice, you will hear your voice begin to free itself.
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. Dileesa’s vocal repertoire includes Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Barbershop Quartet and Opera.
18
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
3. Keep your vowel forward. Be sure to keep vowels relatively bright by singing I the mask. It will allow your voice to feel as if it is floating. A good way to learn how to 'float' your voice is by doing lip trills on ascending and descending scales. Lip trills allow your voice to have an ideal placement since you are more focused on keeping the trills going rather than focusing on your voice. This makes your throat relax since your focus is your lips instead of your throat. Your voice will project effortlessly with this technique. 4. Sing through your consonants, don't swallow them. There's the old warm up that comes to mind: "the tip of the tongue, the teeth and the lips.” Keep the consonants at the tip of your tongue and keep them light and easy to sing through. For example, If you are singing on a nonsense syllable of 'da' in the exercise 'da- dada- da- da', the /d/ sound should not involve your entire jaw to close and all teeth touching. This makes it hard for the back of the throat to stay in a good position for singing. Instead, the tip of your tongue should be behind your top teeth. This way, the /a/ is much easier to sing through regardless of pitch. Singing with a strong voice can happen by practicing the correct vocal techniques. If we learn to sing with less emphasis on our throats, we will emerge as better singers.
Style Voice
Keep Your & Preserve Your BY MARK A WILLIAMS, MD PHD
ospel music is perhaps the most diverse genre of music in existence. The style ranges from traditional choir to hip hop, from quartet to hard rock, and from rhythm and blues, to smooth jazz and rap. Each style requires a unique conditioning regimen and vocal technique. Most of these, including the beloved "squal" can be accomplished while preserving or at least minimizing damage to the vocal cords. However, it requires that you obtain instruction and coaching from a voice instructor/coach who is proficient in teaching your style of music. There is a growing trend and understanding that classical singing technique is not the only means by which the voice can perform efficiently. While classical technique is useful for learning basics of singing, it does not translate easily to other styles of music. To maximize your voice, condition the voice to your style of music with the help from a competent vocal coach.
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 where he specializes in the prevention and treatment of voice disorders of singers, performers and professional voice users. A vocal care expert, Dr. Williams has served on many seminar and workshop panels including Ace Alexander’s radio and Indie artist sessions.
www.airplay360.com
INDIE News Indie Music Powerhouse CD Baby Partners with Alliance Entertainment to Expand Distribution CD Baby, the world’s largest online distributor of independent music, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Alliance Entertainment, the largest wholesale distributor of home entertainment audio, video, and software in the United States. CD Baby’s catalog of almost 400k titles from over a quarter million artists around the world will now be available for purchase at all online and brick & mortar retail outlets affiliated with Alliance. Alliance has a market-share leading account base that includes Independent Retailers, Big Box Retailers, .com sites, and Vendor Managed accounts in the US. In the first phase of this partnership, CD Baby has delivered over 5000 of its topselling titles to Alliance, but this is just the beginning; the scope of the partnership is set for major expansion. In the coming months, Alliance will offer CD Baby’s entire eligible, in-stock music catalog (more than 260k SKUs at any given time). “The past 10 years has seen an explosion in music discovery options,” says CD Baby president Brian Felsen. “It’s more important than ever that an artist’s music be made available through every possible channel— social sharing, download, streaming, direct fulfillment, and physical retail; you just never know how a new fan will first encounter your music, or how they prefer to purchase music. That’s why CD Baby’s partnership with Alliance will be incredibly helpful for independent artists. Distribution to the mega retailers was the last piece in the puzzle for CD Baby to ensure our artists’ music is available everywhere.” Alliance president Mike Davis adds, "CD Baby's excellent services and customer support have helped them build a huge amount of trust with the artist community; Alliance strives to forge online and brick & mortar retail partnerships with companies that exhibit this level of service and trust. We're extremely happy to partner with CD Baby on what will be a quality end-to-end experience-- from the artist selling the music, right through to retail discovery, purchase, and ownership of recorded media." CD Baby is the largest digital distributor of independent music in the world. CD Baby distributes over 4 million tracks to dozens of music retailers including iTunes, Amazon, Google Music, Rhapsody, and Spotify, and pays artists weekly for their product sales. From their Portland, OR headquarters, CD Baby warehouses and ships over 360,000 independent CD titles to a customer base that spans the entire globe. The company also offers other services to musicians such as the ability to accept credit cards at shows, web hosting through their sister company HostBaby, and eBook distribution through BookBaby. Kevin Breuner CD Baby
* Source: PRWeb www.airplay360.com
Click Here
BY LOUISE MOORE atrick Dopson has burst onto the gospel music scene as the new soulful voice of worship and praise. With his inspirational single “Keep Me” in the Top 25 on Billboard’s gospel airplay charts, Dopson is definitely on the rise. A protégé of Grammy award winning artist Fred Hammond, Dopson has entered the scarce company of Caucasian artists like Martha Munizzi, Wess Morgan and Vicki Yohe who have broken
22
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
into black gospel and impacted its radio, venues and consumers. But for Dopson, one of the most important aspects of his music career is being independent and having his own label. Though Dopson’s CD “Open the Heaven” is distributed through Central South Distribution, it is released on his own Oilonit record label. In an interview with AIRPLAY 360, Dopson talks about his new project and the inherent freedom of being an Indie.
LM: Your label name is “Oilonit.” Tell me about the significance of choosing that name? PD: Oilonit is my production and publishing label and that name actually came to me as a worship leader when I was being mentored by a pastor of mine early on in ministry. He just always told me, “Patrick always do the oil.” And what he meant was to always do what’s anointed and what God likes—just find that place in worship where we can camp out and hang out until God is pleased. (He told me) make sure that everything that you do has God’s touch on it because everything else will fail. You know it’s good music, it’s good sound, it’s great vocals but it has to have the touch of God on it, so that’s where Oilonit originated. LM: What’s the inspiration for the whole “Open the Heavens” project? PD: Well the vision for the project actually came in August 2003. I wrote some of these songs in 1999 and 2000. I tell people this is my very first album but it’s already the best of. It’s just been a birthing process and it just time and it takes cultivation and the timing of the Lord. You know I’ve had a long journey. I got to work with Fred Hammond for a couple of years—toured with him wrote with him. And, so God has given me opportunities along the way but this is my first release. And, so “Open the Heavens” to me is just signifying that, “Lord I just thank you for the journey, thank you for the process and I’m just doing it Your way.” LM: You obviously have a close relationship with Fred Hammond and I can hear his influences in your music. Tell me about that relationship. PD: One thing I tell people is I believe you’re a product of what you allow into your life and your makeup, your chemistry, your DNA is from a lot of contributions, from many artists, from many pastors. I grew up listening to the Winans. One of my favorite artists is Pastor Marvin Winans and then, of course, I listened to Commissioned. And I just really gravitated to that style and even the tones and it was something I really loved. So in 2003, I had written a song which is my current single “Keep Me” and somebody in my church (knew Fred and gave him my music). And I met him in 2003. The next thing I know (Fred) was like, “Hey man why don’t you come out to Dallas and you can write with me and sing with me and we’ll work on your album.” Well, I ended up moving to Dallas for two years and I got to tour www.airplay360.com
with him. I wrote with him on the “Free to Worship” album and he was going to use “Keep Me” on his album and we recorded it all and he just told me, “You know what Patrick? You need to record this song. This needs to come from you. This is yours.” God just opened up that door for us to work
Patrick Dopson (l) with friend and mentor Fred Hammond (r)
together and I ended up going in another direction and I’m a completely independent record label but I’m thankful for those opportunities to work with him and the platform he gave me on the tour and those investments he made in me. LM: Are you sad or disappointed at all that you are not with a major label? PD: No. Actually over the last few months, every major label that I reached out to previously has come in some form. The prophecy that came to us was that God was going to do us good in the end.” I just said, “Lord, we want to do it independently because this is the ability that you’ve given us to minister and not only that but create wealth and be prosperous in business.” And, I just began to see the backside of the label—the majors—and it’s not all that flattering when it comes to what you’re able to retain, and publishing and all that. And we just felt it would be advantageous to move forward and be independent and the next thing I know I got connected with the largest gospel distributor Central South Distribution. We’re just completely an independent record label and just so excited for what God has and thankful for the processing and thankful even for the painful moments. For more information on Patrick go to Oilonit.com.
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
23
BY DR. AMICITIA MALOON-GIBSON ne day during a coaching session, a client asked me, “After thirty years of service to the nation, what keeps you glowing, smiling and looking youthful?” I replied, good genetic composition from my parents. Then, I gave another response and said, “It’s called an investment in yourself, for yourself, and those you love.” My father died when he was 93. He lived an abundantly healthy life. Several of the things he did in his life daily connected to the core denominator of a strong spiritual foundation. He walked everyday and he always ate breakfast. His process was before any of the known health systems. Oh! I forgot, castor oil was constant too. He was “old school” and a man of great intellect and wisdom. There is a challenge in living a healthier life, however, it is not impossible and you too can live a healthier life. But we are living in a society today where there is an abundance of just about everything—food, sports activities, health spas, resorts, and a propitiation for fast food restaurants. We have moved from the basic microwave quick fixes to fast foods that can be supersized instantaneously. We are in the generational era of “want more”. We want more education, more promotions, more money, more assets, more this and more that. Who is who in what and who is not. We are grandmothers, mothers, daughters, wives, aunties, sisters and sister-in-law, caregivers, entrepreneurs, chief executive officers, volunteers, board of directors, ministers, choir directors, and the list goes on. Can you hear me now? Help me! I am beyond the “Superwoman Syndrome”, I am an emotional wreck, some going through menopause, others going through hormonal changes, weight gain, weight loss. What else can happen? I say to you: I can hear you now! Calm down, you haven’t crashed yet and may I suggest a few life changes that you can implement to make your life
www.airplay360.com
healthier and joyful from the inside out. Sharing a process for you take a look at your life from a holistic perspective. It is our responsibility as individuals to eat healthy and be proactive in taking care of ourselves and our bodies which is our temple. When you commit to living a healthier life, it does not matter if there is or is not a universal healthcare plan in the U.S. Why? Because you are committing to living healthier and being proactive in taking necessary steps to facilitate a healthier you. “A Healthier You” a publication based on the dietary guidelines for Americans, suggests that there are three main components of living a healthier life. First, it’s about choices. Our daily intake of food and activity contribute to how we feel daily. Second, it’s about balance. Everyone needs to allocate more time in life to do things that make them happy, healthy and productive. Third, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. To make lifestyle changes effective, you must take small steps one day at a time. The Healthier Spool for Life consists of “The Eight Dimensions of Living a Healthier Life.” Why eight and not 10? Well the number eight signifies “new beginnings” in biblical studies. They are (1) Spiritual, (2) Relational, (3) Physical, (4) Mental, (5) Career, (6) Community, (7) Financial, and (8) Emotional. In addition, treat yourself to a spa for a massage and repeat positive affirmations everyday. You will be amazed at how self-talk and visualization will change your life in a positive way. Dr. Amicitia Maloon-Gibson is CEO of MGAA-Professional Development Institute. She is an author, speaker and career strategist whose expertise is helping others develop strategies for mastering careers, leadership and relationships. Visit her online at maloongibsoninstitute.com.
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
25
Trish Standley is an active woman of God who pours her time, effort, and energy into pleasing the Lord. She possesses a strong faith, and credits her genuineness to Jesus to her upbringing. She was raised by her mother, a single parent, Ms. Janette Christie. She, and her four sisters attended Grace Memorial Church of God In Christ in Kokomo, Indiana, under the leadership of the late Bishop Milton L. Hall. It was there that she received the greatest gift of all: the gift of Salvation. As a spotlight artist, Trish shared more insight into her musical history and how it has influenced her life and ministry. 28
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
AIRPLAY 360: How do you classify yourself as an artist, what genre? Trish: I think basically I love all expressions of music, but for me it would be contemporary gospel because that’s really where my base is. Some people want to put me in praise and worship being that I grew up in church, I can do the praise and worship and all of that but I think my true love is contemporary gospel. AIRPLAY 360: I understand that you were on the UK Soul charts. How does it feel to have your music accepted on an international scale? Trish: It feels very humbling to me because I don’t know anybody over there. One of my singles called “Love” peaked at #2 on the UK Soul Charts and stayed on the charts at #5 from October until December and that’s just remarkable to me. I thank God for the opportunity and I thank God that we were able to put out a song that is universal. It’s so funny because I just want to mention a contact that I made over there, she sent me a video and they were playing that particular song in the club. They were dancing to the song and different people here in the U.S. asked me how I felt about that. And my thing is I prayed over this project and I asked God to allow this music and ministry go where I can’t go. You’re not going to see me in a club…so if that reaches the clubs where they are then I praise Jesus for that.
AIRPLAY 360: Why “Redemption” for this project? Trish: It’s coming from a place where we have to tear down the judgment and start realizing that we’re not above anybody. Just because a person’s sin may be evident and mine is not, but that doesn’t make me better than them. I need Christ and I need him to redeem me just like they do. AIRPLAY 360: What’s next for Trish Standley?
AIRPLAY 360: Now, I read that when you were younger, you put music to your mother’s poetry. Is that how you got into writing? Trish: My mother loves poetry and she would get in the mail these small booklets that were filled with poetry and she would give me the books and I would just lay on the floor and put a melody to the poems. It has allowed me to first come up with a melody in my head and then apply lyrics. It was very instrumental in my development musically. www.airplay360.com
Trish: I’m very big on outreach. I love to be able to give. I really truly would love to be able to really give back and show people the true definition of what God’s love was intending. Touch me, see me, feel me and let me love on you and hug on you and show you what the church is really about. So outreach is really what I want to do next in a major way. For more information on Trish Standley, go to jansjoy.net. AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
29
Patrick Dopson
Point of Grace
Mary Mary
Nicois
Open The Heavens May 1 Oilonit
A Thousand Little Things May 1 Word Entertainment
Go Get It May 8 Columbia
Un-Di-Ni-a-Bel May 15 Nicois Music
Jekalyn Carr
Jason Nelson
Cheneta Jones
Zacardi Cortez
Greater is Coming (single) May 15 Lunjeal Music Group
Shifting the Atmosphere May 22 Verity
Transformed May 22 Habakkuk Music
The Introduction May 22 Worldwide
Coko
Stephen Thomas
Regina Belle
Bebe Winans
Always Coko May 22 Entertainment One Music
Changes May 29 Shackles Free Ent.
Higher June 5 Pendulum Records
America America June 19 Razor & Tie
30
May/June 2012
AIRPLAY 360
Gospel artist Joe Russell and independent label Chance Records of South Florida, released “In The Midst Of A Storm“ on April 15th, 2012. The awesome title track from the 12-song CD will be released in June. This inspiring track is the first of the year for Russell, since “Thanks For My Mama” was released last year for Mother’s Day. Also featured on the CD is an electrifying trio called Instruments of Praise. The single is now on sale on CDBaby.com, but to get a one minute snippet go to his website: www.joerussellmusic.com. You’ve got to lend an ear to this track! And the praise goes on!!!!!!!
www.airplay360.com 22 Mar/Apr 2012
AIRPLAY 360
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
31
Advertise with the #1 Music Industry Resource for Independent Gospel Artists Go to airplay360.com and Click on ADVERTISE
www.airplay360.com
AIRPLAY 360
May/June 2012
33