Sept/Oct Cover Montell Jordan
INSIDE SEPT/OCT 2011
Contents 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE – Keep Moving by Ace Alexander
6
YOUR IMAGE – A Heartbeat for Service…Giving Back by Tina A. Fears
7
YOUR IMAGE – Marketing Your Personality by Adrian Anderson
8
DISTRIBUTION – Distributing Your Music in the 21st Century by Roderick Jemison
10 LEGAL BRIEF – Your Contract by Angela Green, Esq. 12 COVER STORY – Montell Jordan “Taking Back the Music” by Francesca Hayes 17 RISING STAR – E. Daniels 18 WE REMEMBER - I Am a World Trade Center Survivor by Nicole B. Simpson, CFP 22 INTERNATIONAL – Canadian Tours by Kathy Grant 25 VOCAL HEALTH – How to Protect Your Voice in Noisy Environments by Mark A. Williams, MD PhD
On the Cover: Montell Jordan S
9.11.01
Nicole’s Story 9
17
13
E. Daniels 2
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
18
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Keep Moving t’s already fall and very soon 2011 will be in the history books. How many of your goals have you accomplished since the beginning of the year when you proclaimed that “2011 is my year?” It’s great if you’ve done or even exceeded what you set out to do but even if you failed to reach even one of your goals, don’t be dismayed. There is always hope. Always. Just don’t stop. Don’t ever quit. Even if it seems you’re not making any progress, don’t give up. Keep believing in yourself and your God-given abilities. Keep working your plan. Keep moving. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving.” Continue to follow your dreams and keep reaching for your goals. Don’t stop, keep moving!
Sept/Oct 2011 / Vol. 4 No. 2 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater 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. ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC CONTRIBUTING WRITER Francesca Hayes
Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder Follow on Twitter @acealexanderVIP
AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published bi-monthly www.airplay360.com Find Us On Facebook & Twitter @airplay360
Copyright © 2008-2011 Airplay 360 Online Magazine The Ace Alexander Company Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues.
Ace Alexander is a national music director, radio personality, inspirational speaker and voice over artist. He is a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award. He is a two-time nominee for the Billboard/R&R Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director of the Year and a 2010 Stellar Awards radio nominee. He is also a Music & Entertainment Consultant and Founder of Airplay 360. To request Ace Alexander to speak or host at your next event please email TheAceAlexanderCompany@gmail.com
www.airplay360.com
DISCLAIMER: The articles and resources in AIRPLAY 360 are n ot int ended to be a substitute for professional consultations. While a ll a tt e m pts h av e b e e n m ad e to v erify information provided in this web magazine, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contr ary int er pr etat ion of t he subject matter herein.
Sept/Oct 2011
3
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
14
February 2011
AIRPLAY 360
YOUR Image
A HEARTBEAT for Service How You as an Artist Can Give Back to the Community
BY TINA A. FEARS
Have you considered giving back? Stepping outside of the artistic realm and into the lives of people can serve as a source of creative inspiration. Here are a few ways to give back while continuing to develop your craft. A Heart for Education – Have you considered investing time in your local schools music department? Schools often allow community leaders to come in a volunteer their professional experience as an act of service to the school. The act of service can include teaching a song in a chorus class or working with the musicians in the school band. Taking time to invest in the lives of the youth is a sure way to plant seeds in the hearts of the leaders of tomorrow. A Heart for a Cause – Are you passionate about a charitable cause? Benefit events are a great way to give back to a cause you are passionate about.
A Heart for a Cause – Are you passionate about a charitable cause? Benefit events are a great way to give back to a cause you are passionate about. These events can be used to introduce your work to a new audience. Benefit concerts, fashion shows and galas often call for entertainment, thus creating a fresh new platform for developing artist. In addition , it's never too soon to identify a platform or area of interest as it can be the first step towards cultivating lasting charitable industry relationships. The act of community service can prove great influence on your work as an artist. A simple change in scenery or a conversation with a new friend can be both enlightening and inspiring. Take the time to identify a need in your community. Giving back is a great way to create a fan base that spans beyond what you've established. Being creative can be fulfilling while meeting the needs of others.
Tina A. Fears is the Founder/CEO of Stage Ready LLC in Atlanta, GA. Stage Ready is an artist/creative direction, casting, and choreography firm. She has gone on to provide choreography, casting, and program development for nonprofit efforts such as Usher's New Look, Chuck Wiley, formerly of the New York Giant , Allen Rossem of the Dallas Cowboys and Leigh Torrence of the New Orleans Saints. In addition, she has serviced the 100 Black Men of Atlanta South Metro Chapter, Southern Crescent Pearls Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Impact, Teach for America and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
6
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
Marketing Personality How Your ATTITUDE Can Affect Your Ability to Market Yourself BY ADRIAN ANDERSON
Let's think about the reality and when a miracle is really needed because sometimes it's being realistic, better strategic planning, implementation and execution that allow for the optimum desired results. Gospel and Christian artists are not on the forefront of endorsements nor are they sought out often. So that means that there is little interest from advertising agencies that represent many brands. Well, it all comes down to numbers and the overall personality of the artist, because having the CD sales numbers needed to draw in advertisers is great; however, an artist's bad attitude can kill a deal before it has had time to live. So, there has to be a combination of both working for the greater good. Most have beautiful personalities, so just keep that point in mind. Now some pray for a miracle when acceptance of the reality is needed and a new approach
www.airplay360.com
toward a compatible market. It will take much more effort and work because the interest has to be stimulated, nurtured and then tended to on a consistent basis. However, you can do this. And, and if so, you will nurture a niche market and have a relationship where they are willing and look forward to experiencing your take on various products that they use in daily life. Grow your market in every way you can—creatively, realistically, strategically and accept that you may not sell the same numbers as a mainstream Pop or Rock star however slow and steady wins the race and creates a relationship you will be able to count on over and over again. Remember that the grass is greener where you water it.
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 .
www.tiny.cc/ltlmediapr
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTING Your Music in the
st 21
Century
BY RODERICK JEMISON
he days of distributors simply positioning product at retail are OVER! The economic downturn has had a significant affect on sales at most retail outlets, therefore retailers are being more selective when ordering product, not to mention the world of downloading and bootlegging hasn’t been a friend to the average retail outlet. The key to having a successful distribution experience lies in your marketing efforts. You can’t just put a CD out and hope that people will buy it. The way you as the artist purchase a CD is the same way the average music lover will make their CD purchase. They hear a song on the radio. They hear the choir singing it on Sunday morning. They see them in concert. They see them on the Internet. They see them on TV or word of mouth from a friend. All of these marketing components are very important to the success of a project. Without these marketing scenarios your project will be a warehouse centerpiece. With the busy lifestyle of most consumers, digital downloads has become a very convenient way of purchasing music. The only down side to this is that it gives the consumer the ability to only download the songs they like, thus lowering the number of total CD sales. For the consumer this is great; for the artist not so good, but I guess one song is better than no songs at all. This form of music purchasing on the other
8
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
The key to having a successful distribution experience lies in your marketing efforts. You can’t just put a CD out and hope that people will buy it. hand should challenge the artist to put together a complete project. Again, marketing is also critical to the success of digital download sales. If you don’t remember anything else that I said in this article, remember this: If McDonald’s is still advertising the Big Mac after all these years then, you know you need to advertise your CD!
Roderick Jemison is marketing and distribution consultant to Central South Distribution and is also CEO of Nashville-based Jemison & Assoc.,Inc., an independent marketing and promotions company. Jemsion has worked with artists such as Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and BeBe and CeCe Winans. And, his experience with record labels include Benson, Sparrow, Word and Warner Bros.
404.919.4019
Conferences New Music Releases Electronic Press Kits Radio/Television Internet
LEGAL Brief
Your Contract What Every Artist Should Know BY ANGELA D GREEN, ESQ.
s an independent artist, you enter into a variety contracts and agreements for your services over the course of your career. You start off with the managers contract. Then, you pray for the recording contract. If you are in high demand, you may need to retain a booking agent via contract. The list goes on and on. Every move that you make as you build your career in the music industry is governed by a contract. That is why you need to know some contract rules of conduct. Rule #1: Never sign a contract or agreement on the spot. No matter how good the deal sounds, it can wait a reasonable amount of time for you to read over the terms of the deal before agreeing to them. Rule #2: Never sign a contract or agreement that you do not understand. You are going to be held responsible for the terms of the agreement, so you need to know what is expected of you as well as what to expected from the other party.
Rule #3: If the contract needs negotiating, never use the other parties attorney. You need someone who is looking out for your best interest. Rule #4: If a service contract requires a large payment, never pay the full amount up front. You should be able to make a reasonable down payment. Then you can evaluate and make sure you receive the service promised, paying the balance in full once services have been completed. These rules could go on from now to infinity because every contract / agreement and situation is different. The four rules above will help you to get through those on the spot situations, buying you the time to consult with your manager and or attorney for guidance. The articles and/or legal tips provided by Angela Green, Esq. are for informational purposes only, concerning general legal principles. You should consult your legal counsel for answers to specific legal questions. Angela Green is an entertainment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee and Vice President of On Location: Memphis International Film & Music Festival. She is also part owner of Key II Entertainment, an artist management company and founder/CEO of music publishing and registration Service Positioned for Millions. www.positionmenow.com
Advertise with Airplay 360! Go to www.airplay360.com and Click on “Advertise�
10
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
BY LOUISE M. MOORE
s a Grammy and Stellar nominated artist, William “Duce” Branch, better known as The Ambassador stood among the elite in the the Christian Hip Hop genre. Having toured globally as a solo artist and with The Cross Movement, The Ambassador received recognition from national and international media outlets such as VIBE, The Source, Billboard and Time Magazine. And his TV appearances included BET’s 106 & Park: Generation Gospel, CBN’s 700 Club, TBN’s Praise the Lord and many others. But The Ambassador’s world came crushing down around him and his reputation was ruined when knowledge of his marital infidelity came to light. A co-pastor at a North Philadelphia church, he stepped down from his pastoral position. His record label released him and trusted relationships, particularly the one with his wife Michelle who he shared five children with, seemed to be damaged beyond repair. But after more than a year and a half absence from the spotlight of the Christian music
10 August 2011
www.airplay360.com
industry, The Ambassador is regaining his former status and rebuilding his ministry in the process. And, his revitalized marriage is growing stronger everyday. He makes his label home at Xist Records and is excited about the direction and message of his new project Stop The Funeral which was released July 2011 and debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart and #14 on the Top Christian Albums Chart. Plus, Stop The Funeral debuted in the Top 10 Christian/Gospel Chart on iTunes, peaking at #2. The Ambassador’s chart success speaks volumes about his fanbase and their great HAYES anticipation for his return toBY theFRANCESCA industry. Stop The Funeral features collaborations with Gospel artists like Canton Jones, Mali Music, Sean Simmonds, Jessica Reedy and Charmaine. In a candid interview with Airplay 360, The Ambassador discusses the meaning behind his album title Stop The Funeral and the incredible testimony that led to his spiritual resurrection.
cclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and actor Montell Jordan is known for creating R&B club anthems. His first smash single “This Is How We Do It" was a 1995 #1 hit. His success continued with seven studio albums and appearances in movies including “Fighting Temptations“ and “The Nutty Professor”. In late 2010, while working on new material for a planned comeback album, Jordan made an announcement that shocked the music industry! He announced that he was leaving his secular music career behind to become a worship minister at Victory World Church in Atlanta, GA. “Shake Heaven” is his debut Christian release on Victory World Music. FH: After 15 successful years as an R&B artist, what attributed to your decision to leave the industry? MJ: Part of it was due to a fast that my wife and I did—a corporate fast that we did with Victory World Church in January 2010. My wife was spoken to by the Lord and He told her that we were going to retire from the business. Naturally she didn’t want to tell me that because she’s a smart woman and knew that I probably wouldn’t receive a word like that from her. I’d been working on a comeback album and a potential reality TV show and all the different things that artists do to try and stay relevant. We tried to open several doors to see if there was interest in my album and interest in the music I was creating but nothing seemed to feel right. And then midway through 2010, around July, we went on a 21-day fast together and during that time God revealed to me that I would be leaving the business. That was a very tough message to hear from God but basically I was being called. The message was that I had spent enough time loving something that didn’t love me back. I thought that music loved me. I created it and I didn’t know what I would do if I didn’t do music. I went through a stripping process many years before that where things of fame and fortune were taken from my life. I think during those periods of testing that’s when you find out what you’re really made of and who you really are. I found that without finances, without fame and notoriety that I was still a husband. I was still a father, and I was still a servant. And that’s when I got to a place of where in being broken, I said, “Okay God. You know how I feel about music and what’s happening in the world and my contributions. You’re saying your world is better and what you have for me is better.” I said, “I need you to take this thing from
www.airplay360.com
me because I feel like I’ll lay it down but you know I’ll pick it back up. So I need your help. I don’t want to fail you, don’t want to try and run back to it.” So, I went through the process at the end of 2010 of laying down that R&B career and God was doing His part. He took that taste from me. That desire to be out in certain places and to do certain things, and certain adrenalines. He took those desires away from me and gave me a desire for Him. And so, when finally I got to January 2011, and had fully gone in head first into full time ministry, laid that whole career down, “This Is How We Do It” (was) in the past and (was) no longer a part of my present. I felt like God really did a work in me to get me to that place. But showed me that my life was going to be a testimony that you can have everything in the world and not have God; you have nothing. But if you have nothing in this world but have God you have everything. FH: You mentioned that you and your wife Kristin offer marriage counseling. Is this a testament to situations that you went through in your marriage? MJ: The way we like to say it is, it’s kind of a marriage seminar called “Making Your Marriage A Master Peace”. The objective being in trying to balance our lives, we have a puzzle of career, friends, family and marriage and how all those things work together. And we believe that when you figure out that marriage is that master piece, that piece then, that’s how you’re able to master peace. She and I believe that when you achieve Continued – Montell Jordan Page 14
Sept/Oct 2011
13
Montell Jordan Cont’d from Page 13 something they call that success and when you fail at something they call that experience. And so we believe that we’ve had a lot of experience to be able to share with people from our own personal failures and triumphs to be able to give them a heads up of what we know after 17 years. FH: Tell me about your new project. MJ: The new project is called “Shake Heaven” under Victory World Music. Victory World Music is the musical arm of Victory World Church. And basically, our objectives are to set an atmosphere where God can inhabit the praise of His people. Our objective is to be a place where worship is our lifestyle not just something that we do but something that we are. It’s music that’s designed to reach the lost. And finally, our objective is to
make sure that the name and fame of Jesus goes to all the earth. And so with that being said, Victory World Music is a combination of every nationality you can imagine, we’ve got songwriters on the team that are 15, 16, and 17 years old writing songs to Jesus and uplifting His name. I’ve got people from El Salvador. I’ve got Messianic Jews. I’ve got all types of people that are part of this team that all together have the desire to take back God’s music because we believe that music belongs to Him, it doesn’t belong to the enemy. So, our objective is, in this warfare, we want to take back what belongs to God. For more information on Montell Jordan visit http://www.facebook.com/montellmusic
(Below) Montell Jordan performing Praise and Worship music at Atlanta’s 2011 “Praise in the Park”
Photo by tallboy.us
14
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
Urban Lifestyle & Entertainment
“A Now Publication for a Now Generation” Generation” www.uga-international.com/M7magazine.html
Authentic and fun-loving. These are just a few words that describe Ernest Daniels Jr. Also known as E. Daniels. Besides his infectious personality, he is known for striving to keep God in the center of his life, loving his family, and modeling God’s love. His desire to serve the Lord is unquenchable. He is committed to seeking the presence of God and helping others encounter Him. E. Daniels’ debut album “The Journey” is like food for the soul. His heartfelt sound quickly ushers you into the presence of the Lord. His voice is reminiscent of Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp, with a twist. E. Daniels is a true worshipper whose tones and melodies echo the love of God. During his personal time, you can find E. Daniels at the piano worshipping the Lord. E. Daniels is the real deal. His “satisfaction doesn’t come from packed out
www.airplay360.com
concerts. It comes when lives are changed, relationships are restored, and true repentance takes place.” E. Daniels wrote and produced his first single “That’s Why” and it debuted on John Henry Coleman’s radio show on WURD 900 AM. Singing since age seven, he has collaborated with many contemporary, classical and gospel artists. E. Daniels has also been honored by the NAACP by receiving their ACT-SO award. He also ministers at local churches and universities. He and his lovely wife Sharon C. Daniels reside in Delaware County with their two children. E. Daniels’ music is available now on iTunes and CD Baby. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-journey/id458977674 www.cdbaby.com/cd/edaniels4
Sept/Oct 2011
17
WE REMEMBER
Survivor
I am a World Trade Center BY NICOLE B. SIMPSON acing death almost always forces an individual to analyze what is really important in life. If you have a relationship with the Lord, to admit you are depressed or suffer from anxiety may reflect a lack of faith. But what do you do when you reach a breaking point and you feel as if the Lord is not answering your prayers or healing your wounds? These are questions I had to find answers for because even in ministry, I found myself deep in despair. My name is Elder Nicole B. Simpson and I am a World Trade Center survivor. My life was totally fulfilled and I was achieving the American dream on September 10, 2001. But the next day changed everything for my family and me. I represent the typical family—a wife and mother of two children. We were a two income family living in a nice community attempting to increase our quality of life. I was a leader in my church and on fire for the Lord. Then disaster hit us all. Scared and uncertain of what the future was going to hold, I faced many obstacles after the tragic events. Trauma was not new for me. Sexually molested on the first day of school as I entered into the first grade until I graduated from grammar school, I grew up in the midst of dysfunction my entire childhood. Physical abuse and emotional abuse were familiar in my life. But I knew God was with me, even in my darkest hours as a child. So what was so different between then and now? Why did I feel like God had forgotten that I existed? I worked on the 73rd floor in Tower II and I was in the building early Tuesday morning when Tower I was hit. I gathered my team and began to walk down the steps comforted by the announcement made over and over again through the public announcement system that 18
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
Nicole Simpson at Ground Zero in New York
said our tower was secure and we did not have to evacuate the building. While I was on the 44th floor contemplating going back upstairs, Tower II was hit! The elevators came crashing down causing fireball explosions to burn people who were standing along the elevator path. But the door that I was standing in front of did not open. People standing right next to me died but I was divinely protected. I ultimately made it out of the building after receiving instructions from the Lord not to turn around lest I shall surely die. Why am I sharing this with you? As we remember the 9/11 tragedy on this ten year anniversary, as a survivor, I have watched people dissect conspiracy theories. I have seen the media rehash the day over and over again preventing us who were directly affected from healing. I have watched this national tragedy become more about
September 11, 2001 “This was my struggle with God: ‘Lord while I am a grateful that You spared my life, the guilt because I’m alive and others died is too intense.’ ” politics and less about the people. But what was most distressing is that the survivors have been neglected and left to fend for themselves. For years, people who were in the building suffered in silence. Significant emphasis has been placed on the families of the survivors and the first responders who risked their lives to save people like me. But does the fact that I did not lose my life justify the fact that opportunity was stolen from me. This was my struggle with God: Lord while I am a grateful that You spared my life, the guilt because I’m alive and others died is too intense. The fact that I can no longer provide for my family in the manner they have been accustomed to bothers me. But most of all, the nightmares, the images I can’t escape ten years later are much too much to bear. I can’t breathe and I cannot honor Your will effectively. I don’t stand alone in this struggle God. There are others who feel the same way. I could not understand why He had forsaken me. After all, I knew Him before 9/11, I never stop giving Him the glory and I began to serve Him more diligently after the tragedy because I knew He spared my life? So if I did everything I knew to do according to the Word,so why am I still struggling in almost every area of my life? But God is sovereign and He is just. He invites us to cast our burdens upon Him and He will provide rest. In this ten-year journey, God had been dealing with me. It took me to hit rock bottom in 2007 to understand that God did not intend for me to stay in the wilderness. He had been patiently waiting for me to say I could not handle life alone and that I needed Him to step in. He knew I was capable of enduring the after affects of that day and teaching others how to trust in Him in spite of what they are going through. He knew I would convey the message to hurting souls that there is no weapon on earth that can prosper over our lives. www.airplay360.com
He gently reminded me that He has positioned me to prosper and not to forget His Word. These last few years, I have spent my time interviewing other survivors. I have shared their story and I have researched information that will benefit us all physically, mentally and financially. It’s because of my relationship with God, I can help other gain access to information and resources we have not been privileged to in the past. God has shown me that He has not forgotten about us. He spared my life so that I can help others recover from catastrophic events in their own lives.
“He (God) spared my life so that I can help others recover from catastrophic events in their own lives.” This year has brought about significant change. People are tired of war, they are hurting economically and they want to move forward in life. The capture of Osama Bin Ladin who was the face of terrorism added to the healing process for the country and the Zadroga Act signed into law provides opportunity for people to recover what was stolen. But in the midst of it all, I am here and impacting the world just as He said I would. When you place your trust in God, know that through it all, He has not forgotten about you.
Nicole B. Simpson, CFP represents the survivors. She spent almost three years talking to individuals who were directly impacted by the tragedy of 9/11/2001. In June, 2011, she released the survivor’s story titled 9/11/01 A Long Road Toward Recovery. During the month of September a portion of the proceeds from books sales is being donated to Tuesdays Children and other organizations who work with struggling survivors. The goal is to raise $1million. For further information on the life and ministry of Nicole or to book her as a speaker, please contact Harvest Wealth Media Group at 732-377-2024 or email Nicole@nicolebsimpson.com.
Sept/Oct 2011
19
21:03
Le’Andria Johnson
Cory Lamb
Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Evolved…Boys to Men
The Awakening
Break the Cycle
The Whole Truth
September 6 Verity
September 6 Music World
September 13 Black Sheep Ent.
September 13 220 Entertainment
D-Maub
Jamie Grace
Andrae` Crouch
Jessica Reedy
Death Before Dishonor
One Song at a Time
The Journey
From The Heart
September 13 DMG
September 20 Gotee Records
September 27 Riverphlo
September 27 Light Records
Lecrae
Vicki Yohe
Rachel Lampa
Switchfoot
Rehab Deluxe
I’m at Peace
All We Need
Vice Verses
September 27 Reach
September 27 Shanachie
September 27 220 Entertainment
September 27 Atlantic
20
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
Rev. Vernon Burch
Heather Williams
TobyMac
Vashawn Mitchell
Inside Out Project
This Time Around
Christmas in Diverse City
Triumphant Deluxe
September 27 Pendulum
September 27 Fair Trade/Columbia
October 4 EMI
October 11 EMI
Casting Crowns
Kierra Sheard
Micah Stampley
Shirley Murdock
Come to the Well
Free
Once Voice
The Journey
October 18 Provident
October 18 Karew/EMI
October 18 Music World
October 18 Tyscot
Got a new music release for November or December? Submit your new release information to airplay360@aol.com. Be sure to include a high resolution image of your CD, title of project, artist(s) name, your official release date and the name of your record label. Releases for the next issue should be received by October 30.
Advertise With the Online Magazine Industry Pros and Indie Artists are Talking About Let us Create a ‘Custom Ad Package’ Especially for You www.airplay360.com
www.airplay360.com
Sept/Oct 2011
21
INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE * INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SCENE
10-City Tour Screams Across Canada
NEWSBOYS
KAREN CLARK SHEARD
BY KATHY GRANT t’s not as if we don’t get enough Gospel concerts coming to Canada. The year 2011 in particular has been rife with concerts, special events, gospel plays, conventions featuring recognizable artists and surprise guest appearances. We’ve been blessed to have BET’s Sunday Best artist LeAndria Johnson, appearances from TobyMac, Hillsong, Israel in Toronto & Montreal plus new sightings of April Nevels, Phillip Carter, VaShawn Mitchell and J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise. In November, we will have the opportunity to see and hear the legend herself, Karen Clark Sheard, who gracing the country with her radiance, will likely attract an audience from beyond the dense black Gospel-loving populations in the tri-city regions of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Summer sightings of Kirk Franklin in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa were phenomenal, albeit these singular concert events, lack that cohesive, collaborative and continuative element that cause our collective black Gospel voices to be heard across the nation. Enter Maple Noise. Promoted by Everyeye Media, the tour represents a collaboration among Canadian American Christian artists, churches , secular venues, Christian radio and television, Christian organizations and more; featuring a massive 10 artists touring 10 cities. Maple Noise cruises from sea to shining sea making stops in Halifax, beginning September 12th, then on to Moncton, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and wraps up in Vernon & Abbotsford, British Columbia on September 25th.
22
Sept/Oct 2011
www.airplay360.com
MAPLE NOISE
GREG SCZEBEL
The tour bypasses two well-known metropolitan areas—Montreal and Calgary, notwithstanding, both Ottawa and Edmonton are a mere 2.5 hour drive respectively to the omitted localities. This is the largest and most impressive national Christian Music undertaking featuring contemporary Christian or Gospel artists to date. Some outstanding artists will hit the stage including five new Canadian acts. We highlight three of these outstanding artists as follows: Newsboys (featuring Michael Tait) need no introduction With an explosive 2010 seeing their 14th studio album "Born Again" - sell 45,000+ albums in its first week, headline the #1 tour in the world (according to Pollstar), and having one of their tracks featured in Cars2 (2011), Newsboys are at the top of their game. Additionally Thousand Foot Krutch who has always been one of Canada's sweetheart Christian rock acts. After the recent success of "Masquerade" the band has been busy touring the US and is excited to bring something special to Canada with Maple Noise. Our highlight ends with Greg Sczebel who has truly been "Causing a Commotion" this year in Canada and the Christian music world! Topping the Canadian Christian Radio Charts and winning the 2011 Juno for Contemporary Christian Album of the year doesn’t even begin to describe this singer songwriter's talent. Kathy Grant is a gospel artist, radio and television host, CEO of KGM Enterprises and founder of Canadian Gospel Music Conference. She is a radio host on Canada’s CHRI 99.1 FM where she hosts a weekly Sunday program called Gospel Groove.
14
July 2011
www.airplay360.com
VOCAL Health
How to Protect Your Voice in Noisy Environments BY MARK A. WILLIAMS, MD PhD
Singers beware of speaking in noisy environments. What do you do when you're trying to have a conversation with someone in a noisy room? Unintentionally, we raise the loudness and pitch of our voice. In addition, the rate of speech and the duration of our syllables increase. Collectively, this is known as the Lombard Effect. It is a subconscious adjustment in our voice intended to increase our signal-to-noise ratio and be intelligibly heard. The consequence of this is an increased work load on the vocal cords and abuse of the voice. I usually recommend to singers to creatively and diplomatically avoid situations where they might be tempted to talk in such environments.
www.airplay360.com
For example, when traveling on an airplane or tour bus, wear headsets (with or without music) and open a book—whether you read it or not. It says to tempted conversationalists, in a polite manner, I am unavailable for conversation in this environment. For the sake of your voice, if you must speak in a noisy environment, try to find an area of less noise and by all means be aware of the Lombard Effect, attempting to avoid the natural inclination to abuse the voice. 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.
Sept/Oct 2011
25