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

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?

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.

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.

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

Tarnished Signs with TMG!

I would like to welcome our newest artists, Tarnished to the roster. Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/tarnished2005.

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 Partners with Variance Magazine

We have an exciting announcement today!

Tate Publishing is partnering with Variance Magazine to offer a revolutionary new way to promote your music and to build your name, your brand, and your reputation as an artist.

We can now create a personalized online and print magazine specifically for you that will increase visibility, create name recognition, and help you spread the word about your music and message. In other words, you can now have your own online and print magazine!

Variance has created a sample for the Christian rock band Disciple to give you an idea of what your new magazine can look like: http://issuu.com/variancemag/docs/disciple_ac_demo

Imagine this type of magazine, but with your content, featuring articles written by you, by your friends, family, and contacts, or written by the Variance Magazine staff about your music. This kind of online tool can then be promoted out through your social network and through the social networks of those that contribute content.

Variance Magazine’s staff can take your photos, biographical details about you as the artist,  the story behind the music, and third-party articles written about you to create an impressive 8-page magazine that you can use to promote your music. Variance will create the cover for you and brand it however you’d like.

There is a one-time production and design cost of $499 to produce your magazine and host it on the website indefinitely. You will also get 10 printed copies of the magazine at no additional charge, allowing you to not only have an online presence, but to pass out copies as well. In addition, you can purchase new, updated pages and additional printed copies whenever you want. Since it is a magazine with ad space, you can even sell that ad space in your magazine to others. The Variance staff will help with the ad design.

Limited production slots are available right now, so please contact me right away to take advantage of this offer or to receive additional information. Please contact Chris Rutherford at 405-256-6873 to get started.

Tate Music Group Worship Artists

Contemporary Christian and Worship artists, click the song to listen!

Jeff Chandler “Because of You”
Sounds like: Chris Tomlin
View his music/bio here!
Visit Jeff’s Store Page

Chuck Tocco “I Know That You Can Hear Me”
Sounds like: David Gray, Maroon 5
View his music/bio here!
Visit Chuck’s Store Page 

Aaron Logan “Freedom Calls”
Sounds like: Steven Curtis Chapman, Sidewalk Prophets
View his music/bio here!
Visit Aaron’s Store Page

Brian Pflieger “For Your Glory”
Sounds like: Jeremy Camp
View his music/bio here!
Visit Brian’s Store Page

Josh & Randy “In His Arms”
Sounds like: FM Static
View their music/bio here!
Visit Josh & Randy’s Store Page

How TMG Works with the Radio Industry

RadioSubmit.com

RadioSubmit.com is one of these opportunities we open up to our artists here at Tate Music Group. Over 40,000 Radio Stations and Industry Professionals around the world have the ability to find your music, listen, and download for radio play. Because we are a VIP Partner and featured label on RadioSubmit.com, Tate Music Group artists have a special advantage to be heard. 

You can browse the TMG Artists available on Radio Submit, here, or search for your favorite artist at http://www.radiosubmit.com
 

Online Radio Stations

As we are looking to promote the music of our artists to FM radio, we have a real opportunity to share the music with the online community. We have developed two online stations thus far, as a way to make music available to the public and to expand the fan base of our artists.

TMG Radio

Tate Music Group launched a new radio station, TMGRadio, that focuses primarily on the Christian AC, Rock, and Urban formats. TMGRadio has seen quite a bit of success as it has climbed into the top 50 stations of its genre since the launch in August. It is a great mix of chart topping artists like Matthew West, Skillet, NeedToBreathe, and Lecrae…as well as great TMG artists like Justin Cross, Michelle Buzz, Chuck Tocco, and Vanessa Vasquez. 

You can listen to the station by going to the radio page at www.tatemusicgroup.com. Youcan also go directly to the station page. You can also listen on many smart phones, including the iPhone. Check out our program schedule here.

You can also listen from the TMG Radio Girl blog by streaming the station here, on the right side of this screen. If you would like to create a widget to share this station on your own page, you can click ‘Get Widget’ on mine. 

Tate Radio
Tate Radio is an online radio station for TMG artists and it is another way for us to track feedback for our artists and their music. We currently have 316 Tate Music Group artists spinning on Tate Radio. To listen, follow the link: http://loudcaster.com/channels/442-tateradio

Radio Shows

Tate Music Group produces weekly radio programs that go out to over 400 radio stations nationwide! These are FM…listen while you drive…terrestrial stations…all across the country! One program is called Breakthrough and it focuses on new and heartfelt worship music from all over…including many TMG artists. The other programs are title, X-Tracks, and they run everywhere from Minnesota to Texas and Pennsylvania to Kansas City. This is more of a Christian rock and contemporary based show with a lot of local flavor to them. We keep things regional to showcase the talent these areas have to offer. Here are the places you can check out these programs. Be on the lookout for more.

CSN InternationalThe Refuge
WCTLrockradiolive.com
 

Research

At TMG Radio, we log countless hours researching the radio market for our artists. We are able to track the listening hours on Tate Radio and our TMGRadio station, as well as receive listener feedback.

We scout for non-commercial radio stations with local artist spotlights, as well as the larger commercial stations. As we build relationships with radio stations, we continue opening this market for our artists.

Another avenue we have been looking into is TV/Film Placement. So many great artists have seen a following grow due to TV, film and advertisement placement of their music. We have started submitting music to a few projects and continue to look for these opportunities. 

 

Radio Ads

Tate Music Group has a national radio advertising campaign for our artists and their music. TMG understands how important it is for artists to have as much radio exposure as possible…and this is another way for Tate Music Group artists to be heard. Our TMG design team customizes ads for our artists and they run nationwide…creating incredible opportunities for artists to grab new fans. Contact Tate Music Group for more info. Keep listening for TMG spots on air.

Tate Music Group Artists Voices of Glory Topping Charts

Voices of Glory charted number 3 on the CCGNews 2010 CHRISTMAS CHART.

http://www.aymag.com/AY-Magazine/January-2011/Branson-039s-Best-Bringing-Glory-to-the-Ozarks/

Tate Music Group Artists Voices of Glory Exploding Before CD Release!

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 your 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

TMG artist Regie Hamm on TBN

Tate Music Group Artist Regie Hamm will be on a TBN broadcast with Dove Award winner Clay Cross and Gospel icon Russ Taff airing nationally on December 12th!

Tate Music Group Studio A Pictures

Tate Music Group New Online Radio!

Check out our artists at

http://www.live365.com/index.live

This is just another way we are getting exposure for our artists. We control the formatting at this station providing greater opportunities for TMG artists. So fire up your computer, crank up the speakers, and jam to some good tunes while you work! 

Tate Music Group Radio

It is pretty universal regardless of the genre of music being created, most artist want to be on the radio. It is probably one of the first questions we get asked when artists are ready for marketing here at Tate Music Group.
If you've read any of my blogs you know that I am a big fan of performing over radio success. I believe that by performing you are creating a larger buzz and it will be easier to break radio than by starting cold in the opposite direction. With that said Tate Music Group offers great resources to our artists that help them find success.
Anyone who has ever tried their hand at the business knows that breaking into radio is one of the hardest aspects and provides some of the greatest challenges for an artist, label, manager, or promoter.
One of the cool aspects about Tate Music Group is that we have relationships with hundreds of radio stations across the nation. Our relationships and partnerships have allowed us to create weekly programing for these stations where we are able to insert TMG artists into a top 40 format.
Over a two week period we average 92 plays for TMG artists on over 433 radio stations across the nation. Again Tate Music Group chooses the artist we want to submit into each format. This is a win win for everyone involved and allows TMG to provide a radio resource to our artists.
Even though those numbers are incredible in their own right that is not where our radio promotion stops. Tate Music Group has our own in house division that works with advertisers and outside promoters to push our artists music even further.
We work with hosting companies such as PlayMPE and others to send TMG artists music directly to Dj's and PD's. This is how music is transferred in today's climate. If you are sending a physical CD to a station you are probably wasting your money. We've just been selected as a VIP partner to a hosting site that allows us to send music to over 40,000 radio professionals worldwide. This service is automatically created when marketing starts for every Tate artist.
In addition to getting artists in front of thousands of industry professionals and having our own programs we have also started our own online radio station where we control the programing.

http://www.live365.com/index.live

Radio is a hard nut to crack but Tate Music Group provides our artists with the correct resources to do so.