TMG Artist The Great Grandfathers Featured in Rolling Stone- Germany

We are proud of The Great Grandfathers who landed an article in Rolling Stone in Germany. Below is a link to the article. If you have Google Chrome you can have the article translated to English.
http://www.rollingstone.de/reviews/downloads/article332132/the-great-grandfathers-hysterics.html

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.

Check Out Some Venues Booked for Tate Music Group Artists

Artists and Labels have been submitting music for the 2011 music festivals for a couple months now and will continue on throughout the year. Live shows are so crucial for growing a fan base for your music, and we are blessed to have such hard working artists.
Here at Tate Music Group, we have been busy building relationships with festivals and venues across the US and we are excited to share with you a few places you can see TMG artists this year!

Whisky A Go-Go - Los Angeles, CA www.whiskyagogo.com

“As long as there has been a Los Angeles rock scene, there has been the Whisky A Go-Go. An anchor on the Sunset Strip since it’s opening in 1964, the Whisky A Go-Go has played host to rock ‘n’ roll’s most important bands, from the Doors, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin to today’s up and coming new artists.” – Whisky A Go-Go
(Photo by Whisky A Go-Go)

The Viper Room - West Hollywood, CA www.viperroom.com

“On any given day of the year at the Viper Room, you’ll find musical talents who have meaning and that are developing and leading the music scene of Los Angeles and the nation.” – The Sunset Strip
(Photo by Alen)


Epicentre - San Diego, CA www.epicentreconcerts.org

“Epicentre is also an all-age music venue that is dedicated to discovering the underground music talent from San Diego and throughout the country.” – Epicentre
(Photo by ElectricFritz)


Unity Fest - Pensacola, FL www.unityfest2011.org

“To bring praise and honor to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  To reach out to our community and bring forth his word of salvation and unconditional love for us all through song.  We look to bring forth God’s Church by unifying a diverse Body of Christ through praise and worship.” - Unity Fest

(Photo by Unity Fest)


The Bamboo Lounge - Lancaster, CA www.bamboomusiclounge.weebly.com/

“We have entertainment here from Rock, Metal, Punk, Alternative, Jazz, Blues, Funk bands to Comedy shows.” -  Bamboo Lounge
(Photo by ACJ Photography)


The Talking Stick - Venice, CA www.thetalkingstick.net

“The Talking Stick is a great place to play.  It’s a laid back atmosphere that artists and audience both appreciate.  We’re all about hearing and hosting the creative expressions of musicians and others.” – The Talking Stick

Cornerstone Festival - Bushnell, IL www.cornerstonefestival.com

“This event called Cornerstone Festival is far more than a massive musical experience. It is more than a collection of hundreds of solo artists and bands representing every style and sub-genre on the current musical landscape… Cornerstone Festival is the annual gathering of a community of believers that is spread out all over the world.” - Cornerstone Festival
(photo by Cornerstone Festival)

Rocketown - Pompano Beach, FL www.rocketownfl.com

“Rocketown is a 12,000 square foot non-profit entertainment facility on Federal Hwy consisting of a music venue, cafe, recreation, and programming.  We provide a safe, alcohol and drug free environment for youth to enjoy concerts, classes, video games and much more.” - Rocketown
(photo by Rocketown)


Rock the Universe - Orlando, FL www.universalorlando.com/

“The songs that move you. The faith that lifts you. It all comes alive in one weekend, where the biggest names in Christian rock take the stage at Universal Studios^®.”
- Rock The Universe
(Photo by Universal Studios)

South by Southwest - Austin, TX www.sxsw.com

“At night, SXSW showcases hundreds upon hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin. All this and so much more, combine to make SXSW one of the most revered music events, year after year.”

- SXSW

For more information about Tate Music Group, visit www.tatemusicgroup.com

Artist Presentation Part 1

Your artist website or social networking site may be the only thing an A&R rep or potential agent will see to get an idea of you and your talent. In a way it serves as your resume. With that being said, here is my first installment of a few tips to keep in mind when you are setting up your site or updating the content.

Images:

Right or wrong A&R reps do care about image. In my case I am not too caught up on whether or not someone is pretty or handsome but more are they presentable. If an artist has a photo of themselves wearing a shirt that says “I don’t give a sh--!” (you can fill in the blanks) I don’t care how awesome their music is, they are not going to get my consideration. It sounds dumb but I have seen a photo with this. What you wear in your photos matters.

Another thing to consider when placing images on your site is that not everyone is a drinker and wants to flip through 20 pictures of you hanging at the bar. Are you interested in showing us that you know how to party or that you know how to play music and be responsible? The settings in which the photos take place is important. Go to your favorite artist's website and see where their photos are taken. They are all in a professional setting or performance based.

And finally, DO NOT put pictures on your artist web site with your or anyone else flipping off the camera. You might as well be flipping of the person that may want to sign you and help you. Besides that, it’s not as cool as you think and definitely not professional.

This things may sound like common sense to you but I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't reject hundreds of artists a week based on these simple things. Save all the silliness for your personal social networking site.  Use your artist site to show how professional and serious you are about your music career. Your images tell a story about you. What story are you telling with your photos?

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.

Newly Signed TMG artist 34 Bliss in Media

One of the newest additions to the TMG roster is mixing it up and getting great reviews. Check out the review on the online magazine Music Connection written on TMG artist 34 Bliss. http://musicconnection.com/digital/index.php?issue=cc23a46a&page=52

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.

Two TMG Artists Nominated for Award

We are very excited to announce that two Tate Music Group Artists have been nominated for an award.
Abbey Gregory and Voices of Glory were nominated for the Inspirational Country Music Award. They are both nominated in the Youth In Music category. Congratulations to them both! They have accomplished so much in their early careers and we are honored to be working with them!

Here is the official press release:

ICM FAITH, FAMILY AND COUNTRY AWARDS: FIRST ROUND CATEGORY NOMINEES FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR PRESENTATION IN NASHVILLE OCTOBER 28TH

SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER WILL BE FIRST TIME HOST OF ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT


Nashville, Tenn. (July 31, 2011) – The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards first round nominees were today announced in Nashville. Presentation of awards in 22 key categories for the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The ballot, voted on by membership, includes a stellar array of major names in a broad range of categories that include entertainer, artist, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo, musician, radio personality, radio station, film, and television honors. Major artist nominees for this year’s awards include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys, The Band Perry, Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, and George Strait. Film honors presentations include a competitive field highlighted by family rated major box office contenders including Toy Story 3, Secretariat, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader.

Top 5 finalists in all categories will be announced on August 30th culminating in the October awards presentation announcements.

The 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards continue as the highpoint finale of Inspirational Country Music Week, an event presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association. This year’s planned schedule will run October 24-28th in Nashville, and as in past years will draw a broad cross section of industry, music fans, broadcast media, and artists in a well-orchestrated showcase of music and seminar related activities.

ICM-Association Executive Director Jason Higgins notes the organization’s ongoing commitment to the Nashville origins of the annual event. “We are very pleased to have the Millennium Maxwell House as the host location of the week’s event, as well as the historic Wildhorse Saloon as a setting for a planned Appreciation Luncheon to be held during ICM Faith, Family & Country Week for media and participants. Combined with the awards presentation for the first time this year being held in the incomparable setting of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center we feel we are showcasing a real commitment to all that makes Nashville ‘Music City’.”

Youth In Music

Abbey Gregory
Aubree Bullock
Calina Boggs
Candy Boggs
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Tommy Brandt II
Voices of Glory

TMG Artist Against the Downpour Playing Unity Fest

Tate Music Group Artist Against the Downpour will be playing Unity Fest in September. Against the Downpour is a young Alternative Christian Rock band with a catchy and dynamic sound. Look for their music at tatemusicgroup.com later this fall.

Reality of Getting Shelf Space in a Major Store

Everyday I talk to artists who are focused on getting their music in a major retail chain. They speak of it as if it were the Holy Grail of the music industry . I hate to break the news to you but this is not 1999. Music does not sell off the shelf anymore. If you don't believe me walk through a Walmart, Barnes & Noble, or Best Buy music section and see for yourself how sad those sections of the stores have become. The reason why the brick and mortar stores have all but eliminated their music sections is because they are not seeing product moving off their shelf and therefore the music is taking up retail space where they could be placing product that will sell. Digital download sales are increasing by 15% to 20% yearly and retail sales are dropping by the same amount. You can do the math. The world leaders in music sales are iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody. The brick and mortar stores know this and subsequently have moved much of their music product online. If artists themselves don't even purchase music from retail stores then why would they expect their production to sell in stores? Vanity. Vanity never made an artist successful. Hard work, appropriate placement, and marketing makes artists successful. If your music never makes it into a single store don't you worry. Some of the biggest names in the industry are in the same boat and happy to be there. Ask Lady Gaga where she would rather have her music, on a store shelf collecting dust or online selling thousands. I bet you know the answer.

The following link is a great article on store sales.  http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_2320c2b0-56ea-5b94-8c44-5b4ebee869f2.html

Driven Cure Featured in Madera Tribune

Two Chowchilla police officers took a leap of faith last year when they turned in their badges and guns and picked up a bass and a microphone to pursue musical ministry.
Ex-officers Heath Middleton and Phil Cheatham — joined by Phil’s son Michael and Michael’s friend Justin Webster — took their contemporary Christian band, Driven Cure, on the road.
Together they’ve played in venues across the country and will perform next month at Spirit West Coast — one of the largest Christian music events in the country.
Middleton and the Cheathams led the church band at Passion Driven Ministries in Chowchilla for years before deciding to branch off and become an outreach worship group in 2008.
“We had a vision to go from church to church to teach people what worship is about — and what worship is about is a relationship with God,” Middleton said.
After throwing around names in the police department’s report writing room, Middleton and Cheatham decided on Driven Cure, Cheatham said.
“Jesus is the cure,” he said, to which Webster added, “We are driven to bring people to the cure.”
The group aims to take listeners on a musical and spiritual journey with their progressive rock worship style, band members say.
The band signed with Oklahoma-based label Tate Music Group in January 2009 and released its first album, Astray No More, that fall.
“Lyrically it’s straightforward Christian music that you would hear in church,” said Webster, the band’s lead guitarist. “Heath, the main vocalist, wrote all the songs. We just kind of threw together what we had and got it out there.”
The band took more time to perfect its sophomore album, Message, which will be relased August 9.
“It’s more metaphorical,’ Webster said. “The albums share the same themes, but the second was a collaborative writing effort.”
One of the underlying themes was inspired by a worshiper’s testimony, Paul Cheatham said.
“He said he made a mess out of his life, but God made a message,” he said.
“God can always use what looks like a rough or tough situation and make it into a message that can benefit that person or other people,” Webster added.
Driven Cure spends much of its time touring — as far east as Nashville and as far west as Hawaii — and the remainder of its time serving as the worship band at Good News Ministries in Madera.
“Last April we all resigned from our employments to pursue full-time music ministry,” said Webster, a former construction worker.
Although it has sometimes been difficult adjusting to widely flexible schedules and financial uncertainty — and trying to find a niche in a music industry that is ever evolving — the band members say their passion for music and for God make it all worthwhile.
“We don’t want to be doing anything other than this,” Webster said.
The band books its own tours, and will perform “anywhere they’ll let us,” Paul Cheatham said. “We can call 600 venues and 599 of them might say ‘no’ and one person will say yes and we’ll jump on it.”
“We play everywhere from as tiny as a little 10-people church to coffee shops to music festivals to as big as the main stage at Spirit West Coast,” said Micheal Cheatham, the band’s drummer and a former marketing student at UC Merced.
Spirit West Coast is a big step for the band, members say.
Last year Driven Cure had to “pay to play” at the event, which means their fans had to purchase a certain number of tickets for the group to be able to perform.
“We ended up doing more than $10,000 in ticket sales and they put us on the Air One mainstage,” Webster said.
This year the event’s organizer booked the band to play two concerts at the three-day festival, held at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey.
The band is also in the midst of the Igniting the Body Tour — a worship tour featuring Driven Cure and Good News Ministries’ pastor Eddie Gallegos. Tour information can be found on the band’s website, DrivenCure.com.

By Farin Montanez

TMG Artist Driven Cure On the Road

What a great video to show the dedication and time it takes in this industry! These are some of the hardest working artists we know...and we love them! Great music and a great display of the joy an artist (or band) can have by doing what they love to do - playing music!

Check out the video and see more from Driven Cure here - http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=15260 

3 Tate Music Group Artists in the Top 10 for Alive 11 Music Festival!

I am so excited for 3 Tate Music Group artists, yes 3, who have made the Top 10 in the New Artist Talent Search for the Christian music festival, Alive 11! What an incredible opportunity for each of them...and we will continue to promote and push them towards one of the coveted stage spots.

Check them out...and hear some great music!

Abbey Gregory - www.myspace.com/abbeygregory

Changing Pace - www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=10610

Thirty-Nine Thoughts - www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=14378

What to Look for in a Record Contract

I talk to artists every day who are looking for any way to get a leg up in the industry, whether it's a recording studio, a music distributor, radio promotion, a booking agent, or a manager. In my experience as a signed artist and now an A&R representative for a label I've repeatedly heard the same needs and concerns. The problem I continually come across is that artists in general don't know how the industry truly works or what an "industry contract" looks like. They get all their knowledge from what they see on television. Based on this, here are a few of the most important things I feel you should look for when searching for the right record label for you:

1. Look for a label that lets you keep your rights. You should never give up the rights to the music that you wrote and poured your heart into! You wouldn't work for a company that asked you to sign over your personal property so why would you sign with a label that did.
2. Look for a label that lets you maintain a level of creative input concerning your project. Why would you spend time writing an upbeat rock song only to have a label turn it into a country ballad?
3. Don't get tied down for x number of albums or x number of years. If it didn't work out for you for the first album or your needs and ambitions change, wouldn't you want the freedom to move on?
4. Typically the label is also your manufacturer. Ask whether there's a minimum product purchase. Who wants to be stuck with 1,000 albums in their living room or the trunk of their car? The label should meet your needs where you are at. There is no need to tie up capital in a mass amount of CD's if the demand is not there yet. That is money you can invest in your music elsewhere.
5. Read the fine print. If you're fortunate enough to be one of the few who are offered an advance or the label is fronting 100% of costs (very rare in today's industry), be sure you're prepared to pay that back in full if your CD, merchandise, and ticket sales don't cover the label's investment in you. In the industry, this is called recoupment and is a very common practice. Recoupment clauses typically state that an artist must fully pay back the label prior to them being able to earn royalties or profit from the project. I large misconception of the industry is that the music business is a giant ATM machine handing out money and resources. It is a business and a business doesn't have longevity if it just throws money away.

If you want to see how TMG works and the opportunities and resources we provide get in touch with me. I am glad to answer your questions. I hope this helps with your search for representation in the industry. tdavenport@tatepublishing.com.

Tate Music Group "Studio A" Photos

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

Tate Music Group Music Videos

 Here is an example of the videos TMG can create for YOU!

Some of TMG's Top Christian Rock Bands

Photo

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If you are new to these posts, click on the song title to listen!

Kaden “I Need Your Hand”
Sounds like: The Fray, Switchfoot
View their music/bio here!
Visit Kaden’s Store Page
Tune In Tomorrow “Beauty Not So Fair”
Sounds like: Relient K, Switchfoot, Mae
View their music/bio here!
Visit Tune In Tomorrow’s Store Page

Chronicles “Generation Cry”
Sounds like: Red, Anberlin
View their music/bio here!
Visit Chronicles’ Store Page

HardieAvenue “Freedom”
Sounds like: Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch
View their music/bio here!
Visit HardieAvenue’s Store Page

Waiting Room Reunion “This Is Not It”
Sounds like: Creed, Breaking Benjamin
View their music/bio here!
Visit WRR’s Store Page

Unbroken “Sunrise”
Sounds like: Jars of Clay, Third Day
View their music/bio here!
Visit Unbroken’s Store Page