We spent the better part of the morning meeting with and talking to Mark Levine, an author and researcher of book publishers like Tate Publishing, parent company of Tate Music Group. It was pretty interesting, really. Even though he specializes in books, I felt like I walked away with a good bit of insight and information that I can use on the music end. He spoke to us as one on the outside looking in. What can we do better? Where do we seem strongest? What do outsiders say or think about us? Good stuff.
I think, though, that the most important thing I took from the discussion was one specific statement Mark made. I have been thinking about it all day. He said, "You don't have the luxury of assuming people think you are honest." I have to admit, that stung a little bit...and I'm still not exactly sure why.
Maybe its because I do assume people think that. About me. About Tate Music Group. About our offer. But they don't...and they have plenty of reasons not to.
Tate Music Group is just one honest company, among many, fighting an uphill battle. We are fighting this battle because of other companies and individuals who have taken advantage of people, causing all the cynicism and negativity we see today. This is true in all areas of business and service, but it seems to be especially true in the music world. There are a lot of promises made to people that can't be controlled. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, there is a growing lack of responsibility regarding written and spoken word.
So what do we do? How can Tate Music Group win this battle? We keep fighting. We keep doing what we say we'll do. We continue to refrain from saying things that aren't true or promise things that are outside of our control. We do all this and, little by little, we will see the overall assumption begin to change.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
a job like no other
It was cold and rainy today at Tate Music Group...a fine day for a post. I was thinking today about what I get to do for a living, what Tate Music Group pays me to do for them. Each time I think about this I have a hard time believing my luck. Of course, I find it amazing that I get the job of listening to music, giving reviews, and offering contracts but my favorite part isn't any of these. My favorite part is when I talk to potential TMG artists and ask them to tell me about their music.
No joke, I really like that part. I like it because every single artist is different in their response. Sure, there are some similarities but, for the most part, I am hearing stories, backgrounds, and causes that are completely unique to each artist. It is an emotional journey on many different levels. You would be surprised how much you can learn about a person by just asking them to tell you about something they love, something as emotional as music.
Yesterday I was able to talk with a potential Tate Music Group artist about all these things. He described his music and the background that brought him to this point. He talked about his group and why they do what they do. He talked about his vision for using music as a way to minister to the people in his community (and beyond) who need to hear something positive come out of people who can relate. He talked about how music, to him, is such an incredible tool, waiting to be used and effective. It was an incredible conversation to have with someone I haven't ever actually met (face to face).
It might surprise you but that actually happens a lot. I am constantly inspired by the artists I have the pleasure of working with. That is something I try to never take for granted. I want to take every opportunity I can to listen to our artist's stories and the emotions behind the music. That is where the real reviews happen. Lots of people can play a chord but few can really strike one.
No joke, I really like that part. I like it because every single artist is different in their response. Sure, there are some similarities but, for the most part, I am hearing stories, backgrounds, and causes that are completely unique to each artist. It is an emotional journey on many different levels. You would be surprised how much you can learn about a person by just asking them to tell you about something they love, something as emotional as music.
Yesterday I was able to talk with a potential Tate Music Group artist about all these things. He described his music and the background that brought him to this point. He talked about his group and why they do what they do. He talked about his vision for using music as a way to minister to the people in his community (and beyond) who need to hear something positive come out of people who can relate. He talked about how music, to him, is such an incredible tool, waiting to be used and effective. It was an incredible conversation to have with someone I haven't ever actually met (face to face).
It might surprise you but that actually happens a lot. I am constantly inspired by the artists I have the pleasure of working with. That is something I try to never take for granted. I want to take every opportunity I can to listen to our artist's stories and the emotions behind the music. That is where the real reviews happen. Lots of people can play a chord but few can really strike one.
Monday, October 20, 2008
in our defense
I have been monitoring other blogs and threads dealing with Tate Music Group. Sometimes I get mad but mostly I just have to laugh. Not because of the subject matter, because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of a select few posters.
In my last post, I talked about the lack of factual truth regarding what is written on certain blogs. I was somewhat frustrated at the number of people I felt were paying attention and actually taking these words as truth. Today, however, after I posted answers to all questions asked (including those of an antagonistic nature), I have a restored faith in bloggers everywhere.
It is incredibly apparent that most people researching Tate Music Group are seeing through all the nonsense and negativity. A few weeks ago, almost every thread regarding Tate Music Group was being overrun and 'bullied' by 2 (maybe 3) ridiculous posters. Now, there are many new posters, some with Tate Music Group and some having no connection, coming to our defense. Again, why? Well, I think it has a lot to do with the professionalism we have been (and will continue) showing on all these sites. I think that says a lot about our company. Can we still be kind and courteous to people who are, for lack of a better term, slandering the company that we work for and believe in? We have shown that answer to be yes.
As a company, we are told to take the high road, to be above reproach, by our faith and by our boss. That is definitely not easy. When people attack you personally or something that you care about and work hard for, it is hard to just brush it off and respond with love and kindness. I think, though, that it will be a little easier now that others are speaking up on our behalf.
Thank you to all who have written objective thoughts and support, regardless of your relationship or status with Tate Music Group. Your written 'voices of reason' are heard and appreciated.
In my last post, I talked about the lack of factual truth regarding what is written on certain blogs. I was somewhat frustrated at the number of people I felt were paying attention and actually taking these words as truth. Today, however, after I posted answers to all questions asked (including those of an antagonistic nature), I have a restored faith in bloggers everywhere.
It is incredibly apparent that most people researching Tate Music Group are seeing through all the nonsense and negativity. A few weeks ago, almost every thread regarding Tate Music Group was being overrun and 'bullied' by 2 (maybe 3) ridiculous posters. Now, there are many new posters, some with Tate Music Group and some having no connection, coming to our defense. Again, why? Well, I think it has a lot to do with the professionalism we have been (and will continue) showing on all these sites. I think that says a lot about our company. Can we still be kind and courteous to people who are, for lack of a better term, slandering the company that we work for and believe in? We have shown that answer to be yes.
As a company, we are told to take the high road, to be above reproach, by our faith and by our boss. That is definitely not easy. When people attack you personally or something that you care about and work hard for, it is hard to just brush it off and respond with love and kindness. I think, though, that it will be a little easier now that others are speaking up on our behalf.
Thank you to all who have written objective thoughts and support, regardless of your relationship or status with Tate Music Group. Your written 'voices of reason' are heard and appreciated.
Friday, October 17, 2008
what happened to facts
I actually like to blog. You'd be surprised at how many people I know who hate it. They do it, for whatever reason, but they don't like it. I actually find it therapeutic. I want people to read what I write, but I write my thoughts as if I am the only one who actually cares. Maybe that is good, maybe not. What I try never to do, in any of the blogs, creative writing papers, articles, or letters I write, is to just put a bunch of nonsense that isn't represented by facts. I hate that!
Example: I have been monitoring a few blogs on other sites that have a lot to say about Tate Music Group...what Tate Music Group does and does not do, etc. I am happy that places like that exist. Why? Because if I am looking to make a big decision, be it a purchase, service, or whatever, I like to see what others have experienced. Good or bad. I want to know true facts about what they have to tell me. Buying a car? What is the gas mileage really like? Are there hidden fees with the warranty? Did the company do what they said they would? Things like that.
That is helpful when I am in the market to buy a car. Of course, I don't base everything on the say-so of one or two people. I look at what they say, judging its merit, and also look at the information I have regarding the company, product, or service I am researching. Sounds reasonable, right?
What I am noticing is a growing number of people who are writing blogs and posts without any true knowledge of what they are 'reviewing.' They have thrown out the facts, or better yet, ignored them to focus on what they want to say, right or wrong.
Do we have free speech? Absolutely! I am thankful for that everyday. We also have responsible speech. One of my favorite movies of all time is "All the President's Men" starring Redford and Hoffman. What a great example of true journalism and responsible speech and reporting. Getting the facts straight should be of utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously (and if you want to be considered an honest human being).
What I am realizing is that anybody and everybody can spout off at the mouth. That is never going to change. What I am realizing more and more is that people are able to see through the nonsense and the falsity.
Regarding Tate Music Group, it is apparent that not everyone likes us or what we do. It is also apparent, though, that those same people don't really know us or what we do. They simply write what they want and hope that others read and begin hating us too. I'm not so sure about that plan. For Tate Music Group, our concern is on being honest and available to our artists. That is just one of the many things that set us apart.
Example: I have been monitoring a few blogs on other sites that have a lot to say about Tate Music Group...what Tate Music Group does and does not do, etc. I am happy that places like that exist. Why? Because if I am looking to make a big decision, be it a purchase, service, or whatever, I like to see what others have experienced. Good or bad. I want to know true facts about what they have to tell me. Buying a car? What is the gas mileage really like? Are there hidden fees with the warranty? Did the company do what they said they would? Things like that.
That is helpful when I am in the market to buy a car. Of course, I don't base everything on the say-so of one or two people. I look at what they say, judging its merit, and also look at the information I have regarding the company, product, or service I am researching. Sounds reasonable, right?
What I am noticing is a growing number of people who are writing blogs and posts without any true knowledge of what they are 'reviewing.' They have thrown out the facts, or better yet, ignored them to focus on what they want to say, right or wrong.
Do we have free speech? Absolutely! I am thankful for that everyday. We also have responsible speech. One of my favorite movies of all time is "All the President's Men" starring Redford and Hoffman. What a great example of true journalism and responsible speech and reporting. Getting the facts straight should be of utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously (and if you want to be considered an honest human being).
What I am realizing is that anybody and everybody can spout off at the mouth. That is never going to change. What I am realizing more and more is that people are able to see through the nonsense and the falsity.
Regarding Tate Music Group, it is apparent that not everyone likes us or what we do. It is also apparent, though, that those same people don't really know us or what we do. They simply write what they want and hope that others read and begin hating us too. I'm not so sure about that plan. For Tate Music Group, our concern is on being honest and available to our artists. That is just one of the many things that set us apart.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
better late than never
There have been quite a few artists who have said to me, "I wish I/we had known about Tate Music Group before we did [insert high dollar production item here] on our own." That statement makes me both happy and sad. Happy for us here at Tate Music Group because it reiterates our belief that what we offer is the best deal going. Sad because I think about the money, the thousand and thousands of dollars, that is spent on producing a CD but having no support after its been created.
I think that is what truly sets us apart here at Tate Music Group. We offer what no one else does or can. What we offer goes beyond just the production and manufacturing of a CD. We offer a partnership with each of our artists to help them, in any way we can, to get to the next level. Sounds different, huh? Well, it is.
Production and manufacturing are very important parts in the music process. We agree with that, which is why we offer those services to all of our artists. The problem is, if you stop there, what do you do now? What do you do with the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of CDs sitting in a closet in your drummer's two-bedroom apartment? How do you get people to seriously consider you for shows, interviews, or openings for larger bands? What about radio? What is the plan for talking to radio stations? Do you send in a CD with a note about you, maybe an EPK? Thousands are doing the same thing. What is truly going to set you apart? And what about distribution? Besides iTunes and CD Baby, where else are you going to get your music represented? How can you get it out of your local music store and into a nationwide distribution channel?
The great thing is that all of these questions can be answered in one of two ways: 1. You can pay for each of these services to happen. There are booking agents, publicists, radio promoters, and distribution managers who will gladly get this going for a not-so-small fee - or - 2. You can sign on with Tate Music Group and you get all of these and more. (Wow, that sounds like a commercial...but it's true.)
That is what makes us different than all the others. We do all we can, all that I have talked about and more, to help our artists to make it, to find success. We care about each of our artists and we want them all to know that TMG is working hard and smart, on their behalf.
So when people tell me they wish they would have known about Tate Music Group first, my response is "Better late than never." We truly care about our artists and we want to serve them any way we can.
By the way, if you wanted to find out more or just have some questions, I'd love to talk to you. Just give me a call at 405-376-4900.
I think that is what truly sets us apart here at Tate Music Group. We offer what no one else does or can. What we offer goes beyond just the production and manufacturing of a CD. We offer a partnership with each of our artists to help them, in any way we can, to get to the next level. Sounds different, huh? Well, it is.
Production and manufacturing are very important parts in the music process. We agree with that, which is why we offer those services to all of our artists. The problem is, if you stop there, what do you do now? What do you do with the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of CDs sitting in a closet in your drummer's two-bedroom apartment? How do you get people to seriously consider you for shows, interviews, or openings for larger bands? What about radio? What is the plan for talking to radio stations? Do you send in a CD with a note about you, maybe an EPK? Thousands are doing the same thing. What is truly going to set you apart? And what about distribution? Besides iTunes and CD Baby, where else are you going to get your music represented? How can you get it out of your local music store and into a nationwide distribution channel?
The great thing is that all of these questions can be answered in one of two ways: 1. You can pay for each of these services to happen. There are booking agents, publicists, radio promoters, and distribution managers who will gladly get this going for a not-so-small fee - or - 2. You can sign on with Tate Music Group and you get all of these and more. (Wow, that sounds like a commercial...but it's true.)
That is what makes us different than all the others. We do all we can, all that I have talked about and more, to help our artists to make it, to find success. We care about each of our artists and we want them all to know that TMG is working hard and smart, on their behalf.
So when people tell me they wish they would have known about Tate Music Group first, my response is "Better late than never." We truly care about our artists and we want to serve them any way we can.
By the way, if you wanted to find out more or just have some questions, I'd love to talk to you. Just give me a call at 405-376-4900.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
songs you keep in the playlist
I was thinking about some of the great lines from songs I love:
"step out the front door like a ghost into the fog, where no one notices the contrast of white on white"
"that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, losing my religion"
"hello darkness, my old friend, i've come to talk with you again..."
"I want to run, i want to hide, i want to tear down the walls that hold me inside"
I was thinking about these songs, these lines, and I couldn't help but wonder about what makes these lines, these songs, truly great. These are songs, from artists, that have stood the test of time and influenced countless other artists who have followed.
I know a huge part of their greatness is the musical styling of each song. Instrumentation is so key in making a song the kind that stands the test of time. Great writing is key as well. Knowing how to rhyme and when. Coordinating thoughts and words in allegories, metaphors, or straight-forward lines. I'm sure it also helps to have a singer the caliber of Bono or Paul Simon.
I am certain that all of these and more are very important in creating great music. I think, though, that what truly makes a song a timeless classic, what truly makes a song great is the connection it creates with the listener. Music that connects will stay with us forever. The music that I love, that I connect with, is the music that has the most meaning for me. I have connections to it through everything from specific stretches of road to certain smells, even weather patterns.
I guess that is why I am so excited about the future of music and the small role I play in it. I know that there are great songs being written, produced, and performed everyday. Some of these songs, and the artists who create them, will be coming from Tate Music Group. That is a cool thing to think about. It is pretty cool to think that some of the music that will be tomorrows classics are being created as I type. They will be recorded and played and they will influence countless others, just like the ones before.
Music is a beautiful and powerful thing. I am glad I get to have a part in it.
"step out the front door like a ghost into the fog, where no one notices the contrast of white on white"
"that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, losing my religion"
"hello darkness, my old friend, i've come to talk with you again..."
"I want to run, i want to hide, i want to tear down the walls that hold me inside"
I was thinking about these songs, these lines, and I couldn't help but wonder about what makes these lines, these songs, truly great. These are songs, from artists, that have stood the test of time and influenced countless other artists who have followed.
I know a huge part of their greatness is the musical styling of each song. Instrumentation is so key in making a song the kind that stands the test of time. Great writing is key as well. Knowing how to rhyme and when. Coordinating thoughts and words in allegories, metaphors, or straight-forward lines. I'm sure it also helps to have a singer the caliber of Bono or Paul Simon.
I am certain that all of these and more are very important in creating great music. I think, though, that what truly makes a song a timeless classic, what truly makes a song great is the connection it creates with the listener. Music that connects will stay with us forever. The music that I love, that I connect with, is the music that has the most meaning for me. I have connections to it through everything from specific stretches of road to certain smells, even weather patterns.
I guess that is why I am so excited about the future of music and the small role I play in it. I know that there are great songs being written, produced, and performed everyday. Some of these songs, and the artists who create them, will be coming from Tate Music Group. That is a cool thing to think about. It is pretty cool to think that some of the music that will be tomorrows classics are being created as I type. They will be recorded and played and they will influence countless others, just like the ones before.
Music is a beautiful and powerful thing. I am glad I get to have a part in it.
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