Words of Wisdom

Words of wisdom from a great artist and producer here at Tate:
"They ought to stop calling it "Recording Artist". Hardly anyone can make a living solely from recordings anymore-- how about just "Performing Artist"? Maybe that will help sort out people who are shocked that they still need to play shows after releasing a CD."

TMG is Not Traditional and Here is How

No one can dispute the fact that Tate Music Group is offering a unique deal. While the industry is changing and artists are forced to find new ways to promote their music, make money, and find fair record deals, we are proud of our unique, artist-friendly contract and truly believe it's the best in the business. In fact, we guarantee it! Check out the comparison chart below to see just how much our contract is different than traditional contracts.

CD-format to be abandoned by major labels by the end of 2012

Here is a very insightful article that shows how the industry is aggressively moving to digital format sales and getting out of the retail outlets. I talk to artists on a daily basis that think if their music has to be in stores like Walmart or they are not going to be able to sell and if they are not on the shelf than they have not "made it". Young artists have been fed so much false information by the media that they still think they HAVE to be on a store shelf. I've got news for you...this isn't 1995. Check out this article. http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=46980_0_2_0_C

Industry Insight from Universal Records

For all you artists looking to get signed to a "major" check out page 50 of the current Variance Magazine article. www.variancemagazine.com. This gives great insight into what traditional labels are looking for and how they view the state of the industry through the eyes of Universal A&R. 
Without help and resources the typical unknown but talented artist doesn't stand a chance. But how do you get the help and resources? Tate Music Group. It's a shameless plug I know but this article is very revealing that what we do for artists is SO needed in the industry. We are doing things different but the industry needs different or new artists are going to continue dieing out and we will continue to see the same old recycling at the top. While you are at Variance Magazine check out the TMG artists featured. Another shameless plug but our artists ROCK.

Tate Music Group artist Justin Cross featured in Hyperlite video

We recently placed TMG artist Justin Cross with Hyperlite Wakeboards to have the featured song in Hyperlites team video! Hyperlite is the world's most notable wakeboard company. Check it out below.


Hyperlite Team Shoot Vol I from Hyperlite Wakeboards on Vimeo.



You can purchase Justin's album at www.tatemusicgroup.com.

Letter to an Artist (Bookings)

I received an email today from an artist that is hard working and out playing gigs but is ready to start getting the larger venues like state fairs, casinos, and festivals. He has been at it since February and while he is getting gigs he is ready to take that next step. It is easy to get frustrated in this phase of your music career and I think so many artists including me can relate to his situation. Below, I have included a snippet of my email I sent him because as I wrote him I felt like this is something that a lot of artists need to hear in order to be encouraged and know that they are not the only ones out their facing the difficulties of growing in this industry. (I have left the artist's name out for their privacy)


... It is imperative that you/we develop a following. The larger venues will not book someone soley based on their talent. It sounds strange, I know but it is the truth. There are a lot of highly talented artists out there. Larger venues want to see a resume’. They want to know who you are, where you have played, what the turn out was at those shows, how much product are you selling at shows, etc. and this is in addition to wondering if you are talented enough and have the type of music they want to book. Moving up in this industry is no different than moving up in any business. It takes time, hard work, perseverance, and a little luck along the way. I know it is easy to get frustrated at times. Trust me I have played some major dives and left the gig wondering why the heck we spent the time, effort and money to do that gig. The reality is that every gig is important and you never know who will be sitting in that tiny audience that can completely turn your career. Keep your chin up and keep working at it. Don’t be afraid to approach people about your music. Whether it is a venue or just someone you strike up a casual conversation with. Music is your business and people need to know about it to make it boom. It’s about who you know, not what you know.

TMG Urban/Gospel/R&B

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Urban, Gospel, and R&B, anyone? It’s your lucky day!

Ahnwar “So Excited”
Sounds like: Trey Songz, R Kelly
View his music/bio here!
Visit Ahnwar’s Store Page

Jonathan Singh “Surrender”
Sounds like: Group 1 Crew, Matthew West
View his music/bio here!
Visit Jonathan’s Store Page

Earl Jones Jr. “I’m Gonna Wait”Sounds like: Kirk Franklin, NuNation Project
View his music/bio here!
Visit Earl’s Store Page
Voices of Glory “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Sounds like: Committed, Gospel Choir Music
View their music/bio here!
Visit VOG’s Store Page

Angela Moss Poole “If I”
Sounds like: Yolanda Adams, Amy Grant
View her music/bio here!
Visit Angela’s Store Page

The Tribe “Every Now and Then”
Sounds like: The Temptations, The Platters
View their music/bio here!
Visit The Tribe’s Store Page