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

New TMG Aritst 34 Bliss Music Video

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.

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

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

Tate Music Group Music Videos

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