October Cover Phil Tarver
INSIDE October 2010
Contents 8
LEGAL BRIEF: What’s Your Stage Name? How to Protect It Legally by Angela D. Green, Esq.
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MARKETING: Why You Must Change Your Plan by Chris Squire
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COVER STORY: Phil Carver – From Homeless to Solo Success by Louise M. Moore
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VOCAL HEALTH: Warm Tea and Lemon – Why You Should Avoid It by Mark A. Williams, MD, PhD
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VOICE TIP: How Long Should You Warm Up Your Voice? by Dileesa Hunter
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FALL INSPIRATIONS: Review, Refresh, Renew by Adrian Anderson
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FINANCE: Financial Crisis – How Men In The Industry Must Survive by Nicole B. Simpson, CFP
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AWARDS: 4 Awards Ceremonies Indie Should Know by Wanda Patterson
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INSIDE RADIO PROMOTIONS: A Conversation With Patrick Noble Allen by Alicia Baiden
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INTERNATIONAL: American and International Gospel Artists Headline Canadian Fall Events by Kathy Grant
On the Cover: Phil Tarver
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S
Inspirations for FALL
Music Marketing: Why You Must Change Your Plan
Review, Refresh, Renew
by Adrian Anderson
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October 2010
AIRPLAY 360
by Chris Squire
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Check Your Marketing at the Door
October 2010 / Vol. 3 No. 3
PUBLISHER Ace Alexander
ave you ever thought about how important it is for you to market your CD? As a national music director, I get CDs and MP3s from more artists than I can count. And, w h i l e I k n o w r a d i o a i r p l a y is important, I also know that it is marketing that will ultimately drive the sales of your CD, not how often your song is played on radio. This month, music/broadcast executive Chris Squire who is also one of our Airplay 360 team experts, expounds on this very point. There’s no one better to explain marketing your CD. Being both a broadcast executive and CEO of an award winning choir (Wilmington Chester Mass Choir), he offers a balanced, unbiased perspective that will surely benefit you as you set out to get optimum results for your project. Read it, learn it and don’t forget to implement.
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Ace Alexander is an award winning radio personality and national music programmer for Sheridan Gospel Network and CEO of AIRPLAY 360.
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
Copyright © 2008-2010 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. 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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Legal Brief What’s Your Stage Name? How to Protect It Legally BY ANGELA D. GREEN, ESQ. few years ago, one of my rapper clients called me very concerned. He was in the process of building his MySpace page and came across another rapper using his stage name. Now, I am not saying it was similar to his stage name. It was his stage name including the exact spelling. This was an ironic situation because this client had just talked to me about filing his application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for his stage name. After I calmed him down, I asked him two questions. One: "Have you been using your stage name so that the public would know you by that name? Two: "Do you know exactly when you started using the stage name in public?" In trademark law, your right to a name begins the day you start using it in public. In fact, you cannot even make application for a trademark without being able to give the date that the mark was first used in public and provide evidence of it use such as a flyer, business card, business letterhead, etc. In addition to that, you can go into court and enforce your rights to the name without having filed your trademark application.
“In trademark law, your right to a name begins the day you start using it in public.” Now, do not get it twisted. It is BETTER FOR YOU to have the filed application, especially when you are trying to enforce your rights against another person. However, until you are able to pay the money to file your trademark application don't be afraid to Let the People Know Your Name. The articles and/or legal tips provided by Angela Green, Esq. are for informational purposes only, concerning general legal principles. You should consult your legal counsel for answers to specific legal questions. Angela Green is an entertainment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee and also part owner of Key II Entertainment which is an artist management company. She is also founder and CEO of music publishing and registration Service Positioned for Millions. www.positionmenow.com
TERMS EVERY ARTIST SHOULD KNOW Performing Right Rights granted by U.S. copyright law which states that one may not publicly perform a copyrighted musical work without the owner's permission. 8
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MUSIC MARKETING
Why You Must
CHANGE YOUR PLAN
BY CHRIS SQUIRE any of our local churches are experiencing major problems due to a shift in the demographic make-up of their congregations as well as a decline in financial contributions attributed to a sluggish economy. Similar to our local churches, the gospel music industry is also experiencing major problems. As a Bible Study teacher at Antioch Baptist Church in Camden, New Jersey, I have been teaching a series on “Change”. During this series we are dealing with the importance of change and the consequence of staying the same. The late John Wooden, legendary basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins said, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be”. This is also true for the gospel music industry. There was a time when record companies and independent gospel artists would hire independent promotions people to work their music with radio stations. The expectation being, that by working to get airplay and tracking the frequency of that airplay, the end result would produce record (now CD) sales. Here’s the breaking news: THE GAME HAS CHANGED!!! There is no cookie cutter formula! What worked in 1990, 1995, 2000 or 2005 will not work today. What currently works for Kirk Franklin, James Fortune or Little Cedric and the Haley Singers (old school references see R&B artist Jodeci) might not work for you. Let’s take a look at how the top radio stations operate. A top radio station may add five to eight new songs a month. Let’s pretend that these stations add 10 new songs a month. That’s only 60 to 120 new songs added each year on your top www.airplay360.com
stations. When you consider the music adds that go to artists such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Donald Lawrence and the Mary Marys of the world, that doesn’t leave a lot of room for independent artists! Yes, there is still a chance that the big FM giant will play your music but as you can see, there is a limit on how many new songs are actually added. You cannot operate in the old paradigm. If you refuse to change your approach, it may prove fatal.
“ … airplay no longer is a guarantee that your product will sell.” Here’s a little known fact; airplay no longer is a guarantee that your product will sell. Yes, it’s a tremendous help, but not a guarantee. Some of the top named artists being played on major stations in HEAVY rotation aren't selling product. I believe that radio can and should be a part of an artist’s or record company’s marketing campaign, but the truth is the majority of recording artists will NEVER get their music played on terrestrial radio. The key to succeeding or achieving your goal is to create a comprehensive marketing plan BEFORE you record. Remember, marketing is the process by which you create customer interest in your product. It’s not the way you get your music played. Marketing is an integrated process through MUSIC MARKETING Continued Page 10
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MUSIC MARKETING MUSIC MARKETING Continued from Page 9 which you build strong customer relationships and create value for your customers and you. Let me put it succinctly; marketing is used to identify the customer, to satisfy the customer, and to keep the customer. Radio is not the marketing plan; it’s an element to execute the marketing plan. As you, the independent artist, begin to work on your marketing plan here are a few things you must consider. Who is your target consumer?
“Please don’t say you’re targeting everyone! . . . If you’re targeting everyone, you’re targeting no one.”
many avenues to reach those who love gospel. Every artist is not suited for the National Baptist Convention, Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship Conference, or even the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Know your place and operate in your place.
As you prepare your marketing plan you must consider radio—terrestrial, Internet, satellite and HD. You must think conventions, not just the music conventions, but the COGIC (Church of God in Christ) national, regional and local conventions. You must think music portals and online resources like Airplay 360 or your local church internet sites.
Develop a plan that fits your music. Remember if it don’t fit, don’t force it! (Yes it’s bad English but you get the picture.)
Is it the church or people who are occasional church goers? Please don’t say you’re targeting everyone! (Most parents and their children listen to different types of music.) If you’re targeting everyone, you’re targeting no one.
Focus on your target and how they receive the kind of music you are providing. Is it on terrestrial radio? HD radio? Internet radio? Sunday morning service? You must connect with your target where they are, not where you want them to be.
Establish your local or regional market before you decide you want to be a national artist. If you can’t establish yourself locally, it’s going to be difficult to become the next big thing. There are
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Hire a marketing consultant that will help you develop a comprehensive plan that matches your target. If your consultant doesn’t take time to talk to you in detail about your music and your vision, don’t hire them!!!! They’re only looking to get paid.
Chris Squire is CEO and producer of the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir. In the broadcast industry, he has worked in various capacities including corporate VP, consultant, general manager, general sales manager, program director, Promotions and creative director and account executive. Currently, he is an executive with Inner City Broadcasting.
BY LOUISE M MOORE
hil Tarver has good reason to worship. His new CD “Place of Worship”, released June 29 on Kingdom Records, debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Gospel Album Chart, and his first single “God Is Able” is quickly becoming a radio favorite. But Tarver’s success as a solo artist and also as a worship leader for the Stellar Award-nominated choir Shekinah Glory Ministries, was proceeded by less fortunate times that greatly impacted his ministry. It was more than 10 years ago, when Tarver’s family lost their home to foreclosure. And, suddenly, he and his wife Vondrea, along with their five children became a part of Chicago’s homeless. According to Tarver, no one at their church
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knew they were homeless. But it was during those difficult times, he says, that his ministry and faith was strengthened tremendously. Today, Tarver’s homeless experience is a testimony that he is all to eager to share. His family not only got another home, but in addition to becoming the anointed worship leader of Shekinah Glory Ministries, he has further branded his style of worship with three solo projects including the recently released “Place of Worship.” In an interview with Airplay 360, the 6-foot-7inch singer, songwriter shares more of his experience of being homeless, his passion for mentoring youth and how it all culminates into the worship atmosphere that he is known for creating.
A360: Being so robust and very tall growing up, you were not only gifted musically but athletically as well. Why did you decide to pursue music instead of sports? PT: It just so happened that in the area I come up in all of my closest friends and associates were musicians. So in order to hang out with these guys, I had to learn how to play an instrument. But I just developed a love for music and wound up playing in the secular world in nightclubs at a young age and ending up taking it up as a career. A360: Now, you are a dynamic worship leader. Tell me about how you got into worship. PT: My worship comes from my relationship with God and all that he’s brought me through. I’ve been through a lot of things so my love for the Lord is really communicated through worship. A360: I understand that you were homeless for like two or three years. Are there any songs that you wrote during that time? PT: Actually there are. Having gone through a number a trials, it developed an anointing in me and “Sweet Spirit” is one of those songs that I wrote. Another song “Better Than That” was stirred up during those times as well. I began to think about God’s goodness and that he’s really better than anything I could ever call him. A360: Speaking of “Better Than That”, you did a video for it where you included young people expressing themselves through dance. Were any of your children in that video? PT: As a matter of fact, two of my daughters and my niece were in that video. The reason I wanted to do a video like that was to really celebrate God’s goodness and to show that our life is not necessarily wrapped around a church service. We can celebrate God in the dance and still be holy. A360: Back to the homelessness, how did it affect you and your wife Vondrea and your children? PT: It’s interesting because me and my wife have been married 25 years and it seems like as long as it’s been, we’re closer now than we’ve ever been before. And even during the time that we were homeless, it seems like that would have been a time when we would have had lots of disagreements and arguments but God actually used our relationship to bring us closer together. As for the kids, when we would stay in hotels, they thought we were on vacation because they
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would go down to the pool and swim. During this time God revealed to me and my wife, that the same spirit our kids had in us taking care of them was the same spirit we needed to have in him (God) taking care of us. A360: What role exactly does your wife play in your career? PT: She is my booking manager and she’s been a marvelous blessing in keeping me straight and in order because I not only have the responsibility to my own music career but then I’m also still the worship leader for Shekinah Glory Ministries and also the music minister for our church Valley Kingdom Ministries International. And, so it’s a lot of things going on at one time and my wife helps me to manage my time so that we are where we are supposed to be and not in the wrong place at the wrong time. A360: You’ve done a lot of mentoring and have worked with Donnie McClurkin on “Perfecting Music” conference. How important is it for you to mentor others? PT: I really value pouring into young folks and those who have a desire to lead, particularly in the areas of praise and worship. But eventually, I’ll get some where and sit down and let them take the reigns. But when we mentor individuals and pour into them, it gives us a chance to really see what’s in us and have it duplicated in others and then the vision is carried on, even beyond us. For more information on Phil Tarver, go to www.kingdomrecordsinc.com.
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Vocal Health
BY MARK A WILLIAMS, MD, PhD isten up artists! Here’s an important tip that might surprise you. Avoid caffeinated beverages, including warm tea and lemon. For the vocal cords to vibrate well, they must be well-hydrated and moist. Caffeine has a drying effect on the vocal cords and can cause them to vibrate less efficiently. Lemon juice can have the same effect. Decaffeinated coffee and teas will have significantly less but still may contain caffeine. Some caffeinated beverages that you should also avoid include sodas, coffee, tea and power drinks. Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. is an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat doctor) in Nashville, TN. He is the founder of the Voice Care Center of Nashville ( www.entson.net ) and holds a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics.
How Long Should You Warm Up Your Voice? BY DILEESA HUNTER n case you did not know, let it be said that warm up is critical and essential to a healthy voice and optimum vocal production in singing. Sadly, it is often overlooked. Even wellmeaning choir directors are guilty of speeding through the warm up process in the interest of time. Often, what should be a 20-minute warm up becomes less than a measly five. Or, one may find it more helpful to warm their voices up in the car on the way to a choir rehearsal or practice session. So, what is a good warm up time? And what makes a good warm up? Singers with thinner, lighter voices are able to warm up very quickly, typically in 10-15 minutes. Thicker cords and more weight and darker timbre, take at least 25- 35 minutes of intense warm up to
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be ready for singing. Bigger, heavier voices need more support, and 'stretching' of the vocal cords for full flexibility for performance. Here are some things to focus on when warming up: 1. Breath Support. When doing vocal exercise pay attention to your breathing. It helps get the diaphragm moving to support your voice 2. Always warm up from the middle out. Never start warming up from the upper or lower extremities of your voice. Always work from the middle outward 3. Focus and clarity - Focus on getting your voice clear, not forced, but clear, without raspiness. Dileesa Hunter is an international vocal coach, singer and owner of American Singing Studio. www.americansingingstudio.com
Fall
Review
Inspirations
Refresh
BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
Renew et's welcome fall in with celebration and good planning for all endeavors! Every once in a while in life you have to take the time to ensure that you are aware of the seasons. Then, ask yourself, “Are you in season?” Are you in the right season? Just because you have a warm day occasionally in winter, even though it’s California or Florida, it's still winter! And you’re going to need that turtle neck and warm coat by dusk, but certainly by nightfall. Since you’re at the fourth quarter of the year, this allows for some 2011 planning, so place yourself in a position of review.
What have you learned over these past few years and where are you going? Have you produced your desired fruit? Are you around good people and have you built GREAT relationships?
Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and member of the multi-award winning urban inspirational trio Trin-i-tee 5:7. Follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/adriansmile.
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Is your career worth the price you’re paying or is it time to adjust the investment? My careers have been prosperous in many ways and I still evaluate to ensure I'm where I want to be in any particular season. Now in our industry, there are digital distribution deals when years ago that was unheard of and for many new artists, an advance is a thing of the past—something provided in the Good Old Days (like last year). What is important is that you learn to properly evaluate. Think about it. What was in style last season is not always the fashion months later. If all is in order and you know you’re going in the right direction then GO FOR IT! If not, then you still GO FOR IT! Just go for another direction because more treasures shall be there. ☺
Review, Refresh and Renew.
FINANCE
Financial Crisis: How
MEN in the Industry
MUST
SURVIVE
BY NICOLE B. SIMPSON, CFP
ife is wonderful! You’re pursuing your dreams by singing, dancing, preaching the gospel or working creatively with your gifts. It’s been a long time coming, but your gift is finally making room for you. As an entrepreneur, you’re traveling from city to city meeting so many new people. One day, you meet a young lady who you believe will compliment you in your walk. It was never your intention to be alone, you just needed to get your financial affairs in order so you can focus on starting a family. Now, the young lady is your wife and you have a child on the way. When life is perfect and things are going according to plan, your character flaws are so much easier to hide. But what happens when people stop calling, stop requesting your presence and you find yourself in a position where you are struggling day to day? She’s looking at you to have all of the answers and you continue to come up short. It’s not helping that she continues to murmur and complain. The bills are due and the pressure is on. The walls are closing in on you and your first instinct is to lash out at the one you love. You’re wondering why God has forsaken you. What did you do? How did you find yourself in the wilderness after all you’ve done? When you allow the circumstances of your life to dictate your actions, you will never think clearly enough to determine your next course of action.
As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for looking for multiple avenues to exercise your gift or ability to create revenue streams. In these challenging economic times, it becomes your responsibility to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance on how to work your gift. One thing is certain, you will never maximize on your potential when you abuse or mistreat any of God’s children. So be mindful of your actions at all times. What do you think will happen if someone ever found out that you were incapable of handling your frustrations? People are not going to want to do business with you making your bad situation worse. Not to mention, the very individuals you say you love, will eventually find themselves walking away or perhaps damaged so badly because of you. Can you truly prosper in these circumstances?
People suffer in business from time to time. Trust in God to guide you and incline your ear unto Him. He will surely direct your path. Be willing to take on temporary work in order to honor your obligations as a husband and father, even if it’s not in your chosen field. Through it all, remember that the woman you chose is there to help you meet your needs.
Nicole B. Simpson is a certified financial planner, author, speaker, and disaster planning specialist. www.nicolebsimpson.com
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4
Awards Ceremonies Indies Should Know
BY WANDA PATTERSON
t is extremely gratifying when you are recognized for your personal or professional achievements. Essentially, it says to us that someone or some entity admires what we do and the way that do it! So Indies, here’s a quick look at four awards programs that are designed specifically with you in mind. RHYTHM OF GOSPEL AWARDS Presented by the National and Independent Gospel Music Association, this program’s founder and executive director is Mark Rogers. This program wants to leave no one out! It has regional directors and coordinators that cover the entire United States. ROGA is an annual event filled with showcases, competitions, seminars and community outreach. In 2010, ROGA took place in Memphis, Tennessee July 22-25. The ROGA show is televised and spotlights 37 categories for artists, churches, pastors and even business and community leaders. For more information, go to www.rhythmofgospel.com. ENSOUND MUSIC AWARDS The EnSound Music Awards were established in 2006 by Delroy Souden, CEO of Ensound Entertainment. The 2010 EnSound Music Awards and Conference was held August 6-8 in Houston, Texas. Awards were given in 22 categories, including holy hip hop, reggae, urban contemporary and traditional gospel genres. The 2011 awards and conference will be held in the city of Atlanta. For more information visit www.ensoundawards.org. YGEA AWARDS The YGEA Awards consists of various categories that include facets of positive and inspirational entertainment. Fashion, choirs, DJ’s, independent
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producers, community leaders and many more are all recognized here! Even with categories like ‘Crunkest Choir’, and ’College Ministry on Deck’, there are still categories for traditional artists. Pronounced ‘yega’, in Spanish YGEA means ‘to reach’. Founded in 2007 by Silveree Benson, this year’s awards was held Sept. 23-25 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. For more information visit www.ygea.net. SOUTH FLORIDA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS SFGMA was started in 2004 and was previously called the Palm Beach Gospel Music Awards. The awards program has seen tremendous growth in recent years and has an expanded vision due to founder, Peppi Hendrix. With categories like ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year’, ‘Pastor/Church of the Year’, and 13 others, the SFGMA awards is not limited to South Florida or even the State of Florida. SFGMA will be held Nov. 5-6 in West Palm Beach and includes a kickoff celebration and VIP breakfast. Voting is open online until October 20. To learn more about SFGMA or to vote, go to www.sfgma.com. Be sure to take advantage of awards shows that take place in your immediate area (churches, organizations and groups) or in nearby region. It’s always beneficial if you can get support and recognition from home first!
Wanda Patterson a.k.a. “Wanda P” is Vice President of the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild Jacksonville chapter, public relations coordinator for Wayman Ministries and weekend radio announcer at WCGL-AM 1360 Jacksonville.
Inside Radio Promotions a Conversation with
Patrick Noble Allen BY ALICIA BAIDEN
ospel radio promoter Patrick Noble Allen heads Atlanta-based Noble Promotions Group, Inc. and has secured national radio airplay for artists such as Dottie Peoples, Beverly Crawford, Melinda Watts, the Nevels Sisters and Destiny Praise. Recently, Allen sat down with Airplay 360 to discuss his journey as a promoter and to share insight into the ins and outs of his business. A360: How did you get started as a promoter? PNA: Well, it came to me back in the summer of 2007 as I was cleaning out my home office. I came across a CD with the promoter’s name, Tawanda Shamley. Since I was in between jobs, I decided to e-mail her to find out more about what she did. We ended up meeting and she gave me my first client, Stellar Award winning singer Beverly Crawford. I promoted her single “He’s Done Enough,” which became a top 5 Billboard airplay song. A360: How has your previous experience as account executive at a radio station contributed to your success as a promoter? PNA: One thing about sales is that you have to be very aggressive in reaching out to prospective clients. Sales helped me to get on the phone and be persistent in accomplishing my goal. Without necessarily focusing on the money, you have to be able to build relationships. You want them to hear what you have to say. But be willing to accept the answer “No.” A360: As a promoter, I’m sure you’re flooded with music from artists looking for exposure in the industry. How do you determine who you promote? What do you look for? PNA: The first thing that I look for is a very good song. Also, I look for artists who appear to
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understand the business, and don’t look to me for their total drive because radio is only a component of the music business. We should be able to dialogue and discuss things collectively. I will not accept just anything because my name is on the line and so is my business. Though I aim to get paid and paid well, I don’t work just for the check. At the end of my time as a promoter, I want people to say that my whole body of work was good.
“. . . I look for artists who appear to understand the business and don’t look to me for their total drive.” A360: What is the most challenging part of your job? PNA: Well, I have tweeted that my job is more of a mental exercise. You have to be able to persuade someone who has said they like the song, but don’t have the space. Also, dealing with artists who don’t understand the business can be challenging. Sometimes they think that getting radio airplay is the end all, be all and that’s just the beginning. PATRICK NOBLE ALLEN Continued Page 20
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PATRICK NOBLE ALLEN Continued from Page 19 A360: What types of services can an artist expect to receive from Noble Promotions Group? PNA: They can expect to have a seasoned radio promoter on the phone everyday fighting to get programmers to add their songs. I make it a point to attend as many seminars across the country and visit programmers twice per month. They can also expect an email blast to be sent, along with promo dates, interviews, and a giveaway radio program after the full CD is released.
“Empower yourself so that people can’t use you. I know this firsthand. . .” A360: Are there services available for artists on a smaller budget? PNA: Yes. My services are available for everyone. I’ve worked with independent artists on a smaller budget to major labels with larger budgets.
Grammy and Stellar Award winner and former Bobby Jones Gospel singer ,Beverly Crawford, was Noble Promotion Group’s first client.
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Patrick Noble Allen with Gospel Dream winner Melinda Watts who used Allen’s Noble Promotions Group to get radio airplay.
A360: What advice would you give to aspiring artists and promoters in the industry? PNA: For an artist, learn the music business by attending panel discussions and seminars. Be familiar with key components like radio, song writing, marketing, management and remember it’s more than about putting down tracks. Empower yourself so that people can’t use you. I know this firsthand because I have been misused. You’ve got to remember that people are here to make money. But for a promoter, you need to have the gift of patience and the strong ability to accept rejection every day. If you can’t accept rejection in your personal life, you definitely won’t be able to do so as a promoter. A360: As a radio promoter, what do you feel is your greatest accomplishment thus far? PNA: I guess it would be being able to stay in the business this long. I’ve had highs and lows. I have made lots of money over a short period of time and for other months it’s been tight. Being in the business for over three years, and artists still wanting my services in itself is a valued accomplishment.
INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
American & International Gospel Artists
Donnie McClurkin
Fred Hammond
BY KATHY GRANT
ever mind that it’s past Labor Day and the temperature changes almost immediately on Sept. 6, heralding the advent of winter. It’s a virtual heat wave in the gospel music industry north of the border. With churches having conferences, collaborative concerts featuring artists from as far away as Nova Scotia on the East Coast, to Montreal, Ottawa, with the bulk of events in Toronto, which has long been revered as the hotbed of happenings in the Canadian gospel music industry. Despite such activity in Ottawa, Montreal or western cities like Calgary and Edmonton, that same perception remains true today. This fall will see the likes of award winning American artists like Fred Hammond in Montreal, and Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Pastor John P. Kee in Toronto. Multiple collaborations among Canadian
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gospel artists such as Pastor Richard Brown, Chelsea Nesbitt and Canadian gospel songwriter Stephen Lewis will pepper the soundscape across the city of Toronto. Local and national Canadian gospel recording artists are touring across borders, while seasoned artists such as Edmonton’s Terrell Edwards and Reach, have just wrapped up a southern tour in the United States travelling to the southern states of Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. Toronto’s debut artists, Echoes of Praise, toured Washington, DC earlier in the year and continue to tour Canada in support of their new project. Speaking of new projects, Toronto’s Londa Larmond a former EMI Gospel recording artist and Montreal’s Yolande Spooner, whose debut project was produced by Danny Eason, are preparing for their live recordings this month and next month respectively.
INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
Headline Fall Events All Over Canada
Londa Larmond
John P. Kee
As a precursor to her live recording, Yolande will be the featured artist in Ottawa at the Cornerstone House of Refuge’s pre-Canadian Thanksgiving event. As I have observed with great interest the plethora of events happening on this side of the border, I’m pleased to see the variety of church organizations, denominations, prayer and worship conferences which have risen up to advertise and promote their events. In fact, they are not simply promoting their church services, but they are incorporating the services of Canadian gospel artists. This is a positive thing which must continue in order for the viability of the Canadian gospel music industry to remain. The churches can only benefit positively from the exposure, name recognition, as well as the residual business and additional revenue streams which can be created by the event, hosted by them.
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Yolande Spooner
As more exposure is garnered, inevitably the pastors of these churches become a magnet for other pastors, inspiring them to do the same. For instance, we see more and more pastors making appearances. Bishop Keith A. Butler who is overseer of a number of Word of Faith churches across the U.S. will be at the Word of Faith International Christian Centre. Pastor Donnie McClurkin will appear at Light and Life Ministries and John P. Kee will minister at The Prayer Palace. It is safe to say that this is and has been only the tip of a massive iceberg. It is our hope that the redhot industry will continue to heat up the ice flow that will water the Canadian Tundra.
Kathy Grant is a gospel artist, radio/ TV host, CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference. She is a radio host on Canada’s CHRI 99.1 FM.
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Are you
Stage Ready? BY TINA A. FEARS
Audience interaction is a great way to show confidence and great way to connect! Creating a place in your show for crowd participation is a sure way to get smiles and applause out of your your audience. Up and coming artists often use this technique as a way to teach their material to audiences that are not familiar with their music. By using the tag line "repeat after me" you give the audience clear instructions which encourages them to sing along. This technique is also used by some of the industry’s leading artists. Live performances are almost always filled with interactive moments. So during your next performance be sure to include some audience interaction segments. Before you know it, the audience members will be humming your melody. This is a great way to leave a lasting impression and an even greater way for you to show that you are, indeed, READY for the STAGE!
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September 2010
AIRPLAY 360
ARTIST MANAGEMENT IGA Talent Management & Consulting, Inc. Damon Stewart dstewart@igatalentmgmt.com
Kingdom Global Management & Booking 32 Parade Drive Greenville, SC 29605 Tel: 404-664-0715 Fax: 864-243-8747 www.kingdomglobalmanagement.com
INTERNET
SINGERS
Musicians4You.com
Deanna Ransom
www.musicians4you.com
Gospel Jazz R&B www.cdbaby.com/cd/deannaransom1
Linda ‘Chocolate’ Berthier
LEGAL Angela D. Green & Assoc. P.C.
Caribbean/Reggae/Jazz www.lindachocolateberthier.com
www.myspace.com/adgreenlaw
www.kathygrant.org Johnny Blanks 347-483-9797 (M) 347-329-0464 (O)
Positioned For Millions www.positionmenow.com
CHOREOGRAPHY
Kathy Grant
MUSIC DOWNLOAD
SPECIALTY
DigiGospel.com
Brown Angel Apparel
www.digigospel.com
www.brownangeltees.com
Stage Ready LLC Choreography, Fitness Training and Artist Development info@stageready.net www.stageready.net
MUSIC PRODUCTION FINANCIAL Nicole Simpson, CFP Certified Financial Planner Disaster Planning Specialist www.nicolebsimpson.com
www.creative-marx.com
D3 Entertainment Michelle Duffie Contact www.d3egroup.com
TELEVISION West Coast Praze www.westcoastpraze.com
RADIO GRAPHICS/DESIGN
CHRI – 99.1
215Flyers.com
www.chri.ca
1.877-215FLYERS www.215flyers.com
Christian Jukebox
VOCAL CARE
www.thechristianjukebox.com
Bezworks Design LLC Aziz “Zee” Peregrino-Brimah getresults@bezworks.com www.bezworks.com
Creative Marx Handmade Jewelry
American Singing Studio www.americansingingstudio.com
En Sound Radio Power of Gospel
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Nashville
INTERNET
www.thepowerofgospel.com
www.entson.net
En Sound Entertainment
WGFE PRAIZE 102.9
www.ensoundentertainment.com
www.praize1029.com
www.airplay360.com
www.ensoundradio.net
AIRPLAY 360
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October 2010
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