Monique at Tate

Black Music Month and Beyond

2011-02-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Though Black History Month has come to a close, it is always an ideal time to be reminded of some of our most lauded and diversely talented artists as they indelibly stamp their accomplishments into history's archives including swinging über composer Quincy Jones, power duet Beyoncé and Jay-Z and Blues legend Buddy Guy. The richness of their musical genius is immeasurable. Several other such amazing artists are also highlighted by The Recording Academy® at http://www.grammy365.com/news/black-history-month-musical-enrichment-0.

How copacetic that OK Senate Bill 73 was approved almost unanimously to honor "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" as the official state Gospel song. Put forth by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, it is now headed for a vote by House Representatives as sponsored by Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa.

Wallis Willis, a Choctaw freedman living in Indian Territory, penned and composed the classic spiritual.

Other Oklahoma state songs include:

Official Song: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma”
Official Country and Western Song: Bob Wills’ “Faded Love”
Official Folk Song: Jack and Woody Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills”
Official Rock Song: The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??”

For more info, read Tulsa World.

To hear more amazing music year round, check out TMG Radio.

Voices Of Glory Reacting at Radio: #1!

2011-02-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to America's Got Talent finalists and TMG artists Voices Of Glory for moving into the Number 1 DJ favorite artist ranking on Radioactive Airplay and for their recent Number 1 song "You Untie My Wings" at radio!

High Protein Promotions: Gaga’s Grammy Egg

2011-02-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

Now that the splendor and splash of the Grammys has passed, how were you inspired? Watching it, I was amazed by the most awesome opening choir ever of Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams, Florence Welch; Esperanza Spalding vs. Justin Bieber; Janelle Monae; Bruno Mars and B.o.B.; Rihanna; Cee Lo with Gwyneth and puppets, and so many others.

Congrats again to fellow Grammy contender and TMG artist Addis.

What a night for independent artists! More than 50% of Grammy nominated projects came from independent record labels. You can fully consider that fact by visiting American Association of Independent Music at: http://a2im.org/2011/02/14/indies-reign-at-grammys-taking-home-album-of-the-year-and-best-new-artist-awards-%E2%80%93-total-indie-tally-is-46-grammys. Does that realization dim the sheen of major record label offerings? Not specifically though what it does do is brilliantly illuminate to every independent artist currently working, hustling, pushing, promoting, writing, recuperating, exhausted-yet-still-inspired, to stay focused on your vision and the impeccable execution of your music.

The Grammys triggered much for many. How did it ignite your muse? Were you inspired by the music, the dance, the fashion … that egg? OK, let’s talk about Lady Gaga and her performance birthing capsule. It might not have been understood, but it was a marketing and promotions stunt that still has folks either perplexed and intrigued or dismissive of such performance art. Regardless and better than Humpty Dumpty who perished for his passion, Gaga’s egg cracked open another level of promotion to demand attention. In a room of titans, all heads noticed.

Fret not. Even though that high protein idea is fried, what new ideas do you have to similarly attract media to your music? What press soufflé will you whip up to encourage curiosity about what you do?

Start thinking. Stay creative. Be dynamic. Eggs-actly.

Tate artists and staff up for top awards

2010-12-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Great things are happening for Tate Music Group artists and staff. Just check out the following accolades!

ARTISTS:
TMG artist Addis is on the official ballot for the 2011 Grammy Awards in the following categories:
Category 6 - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Addis - Come Back To Me
Ballot Entry # 002

Category 6 - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Addis - Psalm 151:1
Ballot Entry # 003
If you are not a voting member of NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is responsible for the Grammys), ask me how to join. For more info, visit: www.grammy.com/join.

Great Wind Sounds Of Trumpets have been nominated for multiple 2011 Rhythm Of Gospel Awards. For more info, visit: http://www.therhythmofgospelawards.com/about.html:
· Quartet CD Of The Year

· Quartet Song Of The Year

Verily has been nominated by the National Traditional Country Music Association for Folk Gospel CD of the Year (http://www.orgsites.com/ia/oldtimemusic/ ).

The Jesus Radio Network (http://thejesusradionetwork.ning.com/page/ccm-voting) has nominated for Favorite CCM Artist:
Adam Howell – Just Because
Jamison (listed Dennis Jamison) – Song of Creation
Frank Caswell – Learning To Lean
Larry Newsom – Change The World
· Justin Honaman has won Grand Prize from the ParamountSong.com for his song “Empty I Love Yous.”

NITE*SKY AWARDS (http://www.nitesky.us) has nominated for Group/duo and Bluegrass artist Gary and Carol Bibb (Other family nominated members include: daughter Kimberly Bibb Marrs is nominated for Country artist and Group/duo; son-in-law Larry Marrs is nominated for Studio/engineer, New Star and with Kimberly on Group/duo).

STAFF:
Southern Entertainment Awards has nominated Monique Headley as Industry Executive of the Year. For more info, visit: http://www.southernentawards.com/ballot/vote.html?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=It%27s+official+the+8th+Annual+SEA+Ballot+is+Here!&utm_campaign=It%27s+official+the+8th+Annual+SEA+Ballot+is+Here!&utm_term=SEA+Voting+Link

Voices Of Glory excel at TMG

2010-12-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

Tate Music Group artists Voices Of Glory have set a precedence by selling more than 4,500 CDs in record time. Slated for release on January 4, 2011, the rapid advance sales of their self-titled debut have already authorized the return of their artist investment - meaning their project was recorded and is being marketed and distributed for free.

The inspirational and international recording artists are actually the Cole family trio of siblings known individually as Nadia, 10, Avery 14, and Michael, 18. The group came to fame as a result of a string of acclaimed performances on the smash NBC TV show America’s Got Talent. The start of their remarkable journey was inspired by love in the face of tragedy transcended into miracle when their mother Felicia Cole fell into a coma for 8 months. In 2007, when on her way home from class to achieve a fourth advanced degree, she was hit head-on by a drunk driver and severely injured. In response to the devastating news, the children decided they would sing at their mother's bedside in the hope that she would recognize their voices.

“People love these kids wherever they go. They work hard, they are respectful and honest and they have a team behind them that works even harder. I haven’t talked to one person that has had an unpleasant experience with VOG. From the kids, parents to the management team they are a first class operation all the way”, said Chris Rutherford Director of Music Marketing at TMG.

More than an idea for a hit song, belief is an omnipresent theme for the Cole family.

VOG manager and uncle, Gerard Cole said about their ascending success, “You have to be committed to your project and believe in it and what TMG can do for you … to get the job done. TMG can only do what you allow them to do. I was consistently involved with Tate and Tate has consistently been involved with us. If you follow the steps of their program, it will come together. Bottom line, it’s about believing … it’s important to concentrate on what you can do through press, marketing and social networking, Gerard Cole said.

At times, Cole said there were anxieties with TMG’s unique though undeniably successful process.

“The recording part was uncertain,” said Gerard Cole. “I wanted to move faster but Tate had a system,” Cole continued chuckling, “I didn’t have as much patience as the people in the Midwest. They are very laid back.”

The investment was another consideration, Cole added. Many outsiders openly scoffed at the idea of paying to record and release their own music versus the more traditional record label system, he said. Undeterred, Cole was already familiar having employed the same tactic of personal investment with his own daughter when it came time for college. According to Cole, your actions illustrate your commitment to the task.

As for VOG, the Tate offer has been strictly beneficial, Cole said.

“Each and every dept has been very supportive. When it was done absolutely everyone told me this is a very professional package,” Cole said. “I pressed harder but if you have money invested, make calls and get it right. Don’t complain if you don’t reach out. You have to be on top of own game. Strive for perfection; be patient but strive for perfection. Make sure each stage is at its best and correct for every level. When you get to the end, you will see it all come together and you will be satisfied.

“We haven’t even scratched the surface,” Cole said.

To learn more about Voices Of Glory, visit http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=12141. For more information, please contact Monique Headley, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or email monique@tatepublishing.com.

Are We There Yet?

2010-10-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Scroll back through your memory, and I’m sure we can all recall a time seemingly stuck in the family car when all you wanted to do was stop the hot-sticky-seats madness of the journey; a time when the only relief seemed to stop the “getting there” part and just get to the “get there” part already.

Sometimes a process, a journey can feel like forever. Everyone has periodic moments of impatience. The trick is what you do with and learn from such bursts of anxious adrenaline.

As an artist, such impatience can manifest as, “Why am I not a household name yet?” “Why am I not gigging more?” Or the classic bawl, “Why won’t radio spin my music?”

Why ask why?

Do something. Do something different than you've done before.

Keep learning to contunually tweak your approach to music. Cultivate the relationships you want. Introduce yourself. Be fearless to go for what you want and unafraid to push boundaries as an individual. Work as a team and be effective as a solo operator. Do not stand on the sidelines awaiting recognition—create the happening. Consider everyone else in the picture to be additions to your own genius plan of attack.

While working at Verity Records, one particular artist (who shall remain nameless) actually created a pseudonym to use when booking events and performances. Such a smartly shrewd tactic created the ability for this artist to be an entrepreneur about his business without sacrificing his artistic persona. Or consider the icon Vickie Winans who prides herself on being the hardest-working woman in Gospel. If you have ever had the pleasure to be within a 50-yard radius of the radiant artist-preneur, you would see in action her drive, smarts, savvy, mega-watt smile and strengths that have been well cultivated to allow her music to flourish.

Recently, I met TMG Gospel artist Mary Rieves in Missouri as she travelled cross-country on a concert and breast-cancer-awareness tour designed by and fully incorporating herself and her family’s talents. Such purposed creativity in action is success. To read more about Mary in the January issue of Variance Magazine, visit http://www.variancemagazine.com .

If it's not happening, make it happen.

Do all that you can to build your business strong enough to support your dreams.

I want to encourage you to seize every moment to turn whine into wine.

Artist + YouTube = 20 Million and counting

2010-09-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

What do uber-crush Justin Bieber, Portuguese songstress Anna Free, and Okie Grayson Chance have in common? They are all YTBs…YouTube breakouts.

Think you need pyrotechnics or that megawatt radio as the only ways to make it? As the song goes, it ain’t necessarily so.

What Free, Beebs, and Chance have discovered is that they have the power to make a difference in their own lives as artists, each breaking records in the world of music marketing and self promotion.

Their weapon of choice? Social networking and multimedia.

So far, Free has achieved over 20 million views. And if you have not yet heard her music, it’s only a matter of time. To learn more, check out: http://www.rohitbhargava.com/2010/09/how-a-portuguese-singer-got-20-million-views-on-youtube.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rohitbhargava+%28Influential+Marketing%29

What chance will you dare to better market and free yourself to succeed?

Digital’s Killing the CD

2010-09-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ask for a Victrola or an 8-track and folks will definitely know you’re a tad out of touch with the music business. But the time is virtually upon us where if you bring up CD chitchat, it could be construed as a sure sign of age.

As reported by The Recording Academy™, PricewaterhouseCoopers' “Entertainment and Media Outlook for 2010–2014” report declares digital sales will trump physical CD sales in 2011:
The report predicts digital purchases will reach $17 billion in 2014, up from $8.1 billion in 2009, and expects physical sales to drop to $10.9 billion, a 66 percent decline from 2005. Global spending on recorded music is expected to reach $27.9 billion by 2014, up slightly from $26.4 billion in 2009. (6/15) http://www.grammy.com/blogs/digital-sales-to-top-physical-in-2011
Time to get with it, people. CD is currently king, but digital is soon expected to reign supreme.

For reasons of convenience, economy and green-thinking, digital is media that is mutually beneficial to artists, manufacturers and the environment. Generally made of polystyrene, CDs are a common and long-lasting environmental pollutant.

Making the switch from CD to digital is like it was from vinyl to CD in the ’90s: meteoric. Will it kill it off completely? No, just ask the hipster known as vinyl. Further, did radio die when video came a’ knockin’? Not quite, though it is changed forever and bruised from the battle.

Everyone may still have their recording preference and investment in their studio gear and music collections—about which to be protective—but is the door wide open for digital to become the new recording and manufacturing darling for early adapters, indie artists, audio professionals and hobbyists alike? You bet!

Once again the financial playing field is being leveled in the ever-present battle between the Davids and Goliaths of the recording industry.

Whichever your choice, make music and—regardless the genre—make it hot!

Love Enduring

2010-08-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

August 11th marked the one-month anniversary of the passing of Bishop Walter Hawkins. With his premature departure, the world of contemporary Gospel music has lost a cornerstone. This seminal songwriter and producer was responsible for monster classics including "Jesus Christ Is The Way," "Changed," "Going Up Yonder," "Is There Any Way," and the wildly successful “Love Alive” series. His style was a fusion of church tradition and the press and curl, platform aspirations of the ’60s and ’70s.

Just like the iconic artists including Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker and Vickie Winans who consider the late titan to be among their arsenal of muses, the Grammy award–winning artist enjoyed regular residence on the Billboard charts. With over 100 hits to his credit, one of the biggest was with his brother Edwin Hawkins and the Edwin Hawkins Singers, “Oh Happy Day.” It became a major crossover hit—a platinum precedent for Gospel music.

Bishop Hawkins’ spiritual legacy lives on through Love Center Ministries where he was founding reverend to and fellow worshiper among family and friends. His musical legacy lives on through the legendary music of his former wife and vocal virtuoso Tramaine Hawkins and their equally talented son Jaime Hawkins as recently evidenced by several updated Hawkins compositions on the Stellar award–winning “I Never Lost My Praise”—a project I had the honor to A&R alongside producer Kurt Carr.

Through the passing of Bishop Hawkins and his awesome body of work, regardless of your genre of music, I ask that as you, too, create with individuality and craft with precision a style of music that will be a gift to the world, be bold as you reveal your own style of timeless melody and music. Work in excellence to share with the world the music that plays in your head. As Jeff Chandler, TMG 2009 Artist of the Year, stated, this is not a business of overnight success. Work hard to surround yourself with other artists equally committed to being original and impeccable in their presentation. Pen lyrics with honesty, clarity, poetry and insight. Force the world to have an opinion about your work. Good, bad or ugly, to quote the gifted ladies of Virtue: “You just be you.”

Afraid? Step aside.

But for those who dare to aspire to their own greatness, congratulations. With that goal in mind, you are one step closer to fulfilling your potential to similarly become an enduring icon.

R.I.P., Bishop.

Reinvent Rock Star Responsibly

2010-07-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Remember the good old days? The days when artists could be artists, all feather boas and flare, and didn’t have to pay attention to the business of making music? The days when artists could focus solely on being creatives and let the suits take care of the tedious stuff like budgets, contracts and lil ol’ details like terms of the deal.

You know, the days of Run DMC, TLC, MC Hammer, Billy Joel, Toni Braxton, etc.? The days when multi-platinum artists could have financial trouble or suffer losses at the hands of grifters.

Turns out those days weren’t so good for everybody after all.

So, how do you reinvent your version of rock star responsibly and avoid singing the chanteuse blues?

Know your business.

Just as you cultivate your vocals and practice fingerings, so should you be up on the business. Whether it’s uncomfortable or not, it’s important to learn everything you can about the business of your affairs. Even if you do not handle the day to day of the details, you should understand them and be able to make a smart decision or ask intelligent questions regarding or be able to delegate to those who can and can help and can also be trusted.

Regardless your genre of music, the new concept of rock star includes self-empowerment, fiscal savvy and a healthy dose of do-it-yourself.

Ask. Learn. Google.

A couple of cool music business and industry Web sites to regularly check out and/or be affiliated with include:

ASCAP http://www.ascap.com/index.aspx

BMI http://www.bmi.com/

SESAC http://www.sesac.com/

Billboard Magazine http://www.billboard.com

The Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) http://www.grammy.com/

The Latin Recording Academy http://www.latingrammy.com/

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) http://www.riaa.com/

American Federation of Musicians
http://www.afm.org/

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists http://www.aftra.org/home.htm

The Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame http://www.oklahomamusichalloffame.com/

Variance Magazine http://www.variancemagazine.com

Work smart as you approach every aspect of your career. When Tate recording artist and multi-award winner Country singer Neal McCoy was asked about what his career by Tate enterprises founder Dr. Richard Tate, he said, “It took me 13 years, Richard, before I had a hit. Thirteen years of any and every kind of gig until things took off. I work harder today than ever to keep us on the road doing what I love.”

Empower your inner artist. Rock on, rock smart and rock responsibly!

Whts Ur Stry?

2010-07-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

In the recent e-edition of Music Connection (http://musicconnection.com/digital/), Tommy Boy Entertainment Chairman/CEO Tommy Silverman, astutely commented, “…That’s how Susan Boyle sold more records than anyone else last year. She had the best story and that story sold her record. The story is the most underrated part of what an artist has to do.”

As you work on your voice, practice and program ‘til blisters form, go through the pain you will later pen into lyrics, how will you communicate the art of your experiences? How will you market your story? As an artist, you toil to perfect your talents with a dedication others envy. Why shrink to silence when it’s time to succinctly, engagingly, honestly tell the story of what makes you a unique artist and what makes your music so relatable to the “potentials,” i.e., potential consumers, potential congregants, potential concert goers, potential fans.

Be eloquent and be open in the telling of your story. What audience are you trying to reach? What are their stories? Keep it real. What do you have in common that makes people cry, laugh, dance, work out, get down, get pumped or give praises all courtesy of your music? Use your talent and your testimony to entertain, minister and collect potential fans - one by one.

As you consider your material, consider your message. What is it you want to talk about, communicate with your music? Consider the flow of your music as you open, close and pace your CD. Mull the content of your lyrics to express uniquely. This may be either your first or your most recent visit with fans; regardless, make it great. Be unafraid. Be compelling.

Now, couple that sound with an impeccable image. What are you trying to project? Outlaw, Pastor, Good Girl Gone Bad, Rocker Dude? Hair, makeup, clothes, fashion style, location, etc., are all majorly important. Harnessing the power of transformation, connect that image with the sound and themes of your music to tell your story.

Your story should be your truth. Transparency for art can feel awfully exposed in a fishbowl, but you’ve got to figure out what you can handle. Given 21st century marketing, the immediacy of media and permanency of posts, there is no room for regret.

So, you were saying?

Happy Destination of Independents Day!

2010-06-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

In honor of Independence Day, I want to salute the veterans and those on active duty for our nation and independent music makers.

Ice cream, sparklers and a shaded chaise by the pool for all those indie artists who have the courage to step up and go for what they want. I take my hat off to those who manifest their own destiny to make music on their own terms. Such revolutionary thinking attracts opportunity and empowers the artistic entrepreneur to realign amidst other creative mavericks equally committed to git ‘er done!

It takes guts to bet on yourself, to risk ruin for rhyme. The music industry is a tough business. If you’re not the biggest player on the block, then you’d better be the brightest as you consider the options and consequences of how you approach your recording career.

Recently Country music icon Lee Greenwood - songwriter of the über patriotic “God Bless the USA” and several other hit songs - visited Tate offices in Mustang, OK. During the visit, Greenwood was asked for advice by Tate artist Todd Andrew to which Greenwood replied, “…Strive for your art.”

Push boundaries, be tireless, dump tea into the proverbial harbor as you reject convention and boldly declare your intention to succeed. Ride or die. Do everything you can to bring your art to life.

The levels of success are myriad. How will you define yours? Is it possible you are the next firecracker to explode as brilliant as the stars? Indeed it is.

So, how will you spark your art? What will you do to set it off and set free your dreams?

Your dreams are destiny.