Tuesday, November 18, 2008

tate music group...contract bullets

One of the things I am most proud of regarding Tate Music Group is our contract. It is, hands down, the best contract available to a music artist. One of the great things you will notice about our contract is that it is pro artist. Our artists retain their song rights, they have final approval of production, and they have freedom. They can decide if Tate Music Group is where they want to stay or if they want to move on. Of course, we never want any artist to go elsewhere which is why we work so hard to constantly earn their business. I don't know if you will find that anywhere else.

Most people who read this post will probably not believe our contracts are as good as I am saying they are. With that in mind, I thought about how I could explain and show off our contract offer without just cutting and pasting. I decided to just hit the main points of what we do...what sets us apart from everybody else...what makes our contracts and our model better than all the rest.

So here is the 'bullet point' version of a Tate Music Group contract. Enjoy.

Tate Music Group will:

• Set up and promote gigs and events for you, the Artist, as well as help manage
and promote events set up by you.
• Contact all the media outlets (Radio, TV, and Print) within a 100-mile radius
of each event scheduled.
• Create a customized Electronic Press Kit for promotional use.
• Provide nationwide distribution for your album.
• Present your music to industry trade shows, awards shows, and include it in
our yearly catalog.
• Create and provide marketing reports showing our progress and giving vital
follow-up information.
• Produce, mix, and master your music at the highest quality.
• Create and design original CD artwork to your specifications.
• Provide you with the highest quality product and unbeatable prices.
• Create, manufacture, and promote your album while you retain all the rights
to your music.
• Provide you with over $2000 in merchandise to sell at your discretion.
• Return your Artist Participation Investment once 2,500 albums are sold.
• Work hard and work smart to help you find success and achieve
your dreams.

Friday, November 14, 2008

tate music group...star gazing

Let me start by saying, "I don't like award shows." Any kind. It doesn't matter. I don't even like the ESPY's. That being said, I found myself watching (though a bit grudgingly) the CMA awards a few nights ago. It was a very big production, with A-list celebrities, and a lot of great musical talent (though my choices of the best will probably differ from most). It was an impressive spectacle...and it ended up being a very thought provoking show for me.

It made me think about the artists who have made it to that point in their career. That is a very impressive thing, to say the least. But it isn't the norm...and it doesn't really paint a fair picture of what it takes to get close to that kind of pinnacle. I guess I just wish there were more stories about how many of these artists had to struggle to get shows and play for free, just to be across the street from where Randy Travis was playing. Those are the stories, in my opinion, that tell the more truthful side of this industry. That is more of the norm...not standing in line for a TV show competition.

I mean, don't get me wrong...if you can make it on the TV circuit...regardless of what show or network...take that opportunity and run with it. Look at Kellie Pickler. She didn't even win and she was a featured artist on the CMA's. The truth is, most artists aren't going to make it on a show like that. Most artists aren't even going to try and stand in line. They are going to get themselves in small bars, clubs, coffee shops, churches, and everywhere else they can to get their music heard. Their favorite night is 'open mic night' at the places that have the most people.

As I watched this award show, I started thinking about some of the artists who are now pretty large, household names. I thought about what I saw and experienced them doing to get to where they are now. Sure, they got some good breaks, but they put a lot of leg work in before those breaks came.

Pat Green: He was one of my favorite artists in college (and I don't even really like country music that much). His sound was raw and familiar and aimed right at you. It didn't feel commercial at all. He was famous in the college scene because he made his living, literally, by playing college after college, small venue after small venue, with the occasional festival and opening for a major act.

John Mayer: Another major music icon while I was in college. I never knew much about him except that he was an incredible guitarist and a great concert artist. I do know, however, that if it weren't for the copy of his live bootlegged CD, he would have never made it on to TRL with Carson Daly. I'm pretty sure every college girl in America 'owned' his live album and called TRL daily (no pun intended).

Switchfoot: I know these guys have paid their dues because I remember getting a CD sampler for $1.99 that had their first 'single' on it. That was a long time ago (at least to me - probably 10+ years ago at least). Switchfoot travelled and played youth functions, church concerts, and summer camps and festivals for years before making it as one of the most successful 'crossover' bands ever.

The point of this late night rant is this: Although all those TV shows are popular (you know the ones), it isn't a true view of reality. The reality is it is going to take a lot of work and, probably, a lot of time to get to that point. The great thing for the artist we work with, the don't have to do all of it alone. We at Tate Music Group are committed to helping them get closer and closer to their dreams and goals.

I say aim for the stars...just don't forget it isn't just a moment away.

Monday, November 10, 2008

tate music group...a cover story

I had an artist the other day ask me about cover songs. His purpose for the question was to find out if Tate Music Group produced albums with cover songs on them. The answer to that question is no...not because we don't like them...we just want to focus on the original music our artists write and produce.

Just because Tate Music Group doesn't normally produce them doesn't mean that our artists can't practice and perform them. Sometimes, a well placed, well performed cover can completely win an audience. Why? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons. Here are a few. Cover songs (as long as they aren't too off-the-wall) are easily recognizable. They bring an element of comfort and familiarity. Cover songs are also, quite often, very singable. In fact, many popular cover songs are big karaoke hits. Cover songs also help the audience to forget they don't know your songs as well, if at all. A good mixture of cover songs will allow the audience to lump everything together, the familiar and the unfamiliar. Hopefully, if all the music was well written and performed, your CDs on the back table will sell out and, inevitably, there will be a huge demand for the live, bootleg album of you performing the theme song to 'Dukes of Hazzard.'

This conversation, and this post, has caused me to think about the songs that I would cover if I were to ever get back to playing gigs. It is a short list. I have taken into account the fact that I rarely hear anyone cover these songs...and I think some cool things could be added to each one. Please feel free to leave me your lists for comparison. Enjoy.

1. 'Sound of Silence' - Simon and Garfunkel
2. 'Shameless' - Garth Brooks
3. 'Losing My Religion' - REM
4. 'Water Runs Dry' - Boyz 2 Men
5. 'Power of Love' - Huey Lewis and the News

Saturday, November 8, 2008

tate music group...will rock you

Tonight I watched a replay of an old concert by one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen. Now, I know there are many people who never liked this band for a variety of different reasons. On the flip side, there are thousands and thousands who did and do. I am of the latter group.

If I may, though, I want to try and look at Queen objectively. Let's keep emotion or 'fandom' out of our thoughts on this one. With that being the case, I want to ask this question: What was it about Queen that made them one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time? I don't know if I have the right answer to this question but I want to give you my thoughts (whatever that's worth).

First and foremost, Queen made great music. Their sound and songs were original, creative, and diverse. Many of their songs are considered 'anthems' - songs like 'We Will Rock You' and 'Another One Bites the Dust.' Those songs are timeless classics, despite the fact they are played at every sporting event in America. And then there is the 'epic' - 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' What more can you say about that song. "Party on."

Another great thing about Queen was their stage presence. They knew how to put on a show. Granted, I am not a fan of the weird wardrobe choices...but hey, it was the 70's (though I don't think the 80's were much better). I noticed some things about how they perform at concerts. They are energetic and excited to be there. They interact with the audience. They communicate with each other. They are extremely passionate about their music and their job.

When you add all that up, I think it gives a little insight into how and why they got where they did. But I can assure you it didn't happen overnight...and it surely wasn't an easy road. They had to start at the bottom, work hark, and catch as many breaks as they could. Eventually, they became 'Queen' to all of us (though they had been Queen for a long time before).

This is one of the things that excites me about Tate Music Group. I truly believe there are some groups and artists who are going to become household names. They will sell millions of CDs and perform before thousands of people every night. They won't, however, be at that point tomorrow (at least I don't think they will). It is going to take time, hard work, and some good breaks. Tate Music Group is committed to that kind of time and hard work. Our artists deserve it and we want to do whatever we can to help all of our artists make it to the next level. Truth be told, Tate Music Group is open to looking for and finding good breaks, too.

We want our artists to succeed. We want them to become the kind of artists who are household names. The question is...who will that be? Or, better yet, will that be you?

Friday, November 7, 2008

tate music group...not too good to be true


I had a very interesting (and quite uplifting) phone conversation with a potential Tate Music Group artist today. He is one member of a very talented group. Their sound is soulful and rich and their harmonies are really well balanced and full. He was talking to me about our contract offer and what TMG does for our artists. In the midst of my answering questions he said to me, "You guys have the best deal for artists. This is too good to be true."

Obviously, that comment made my day. I am very glad to know that all the hard work done here at Tate Music Group is being noticed. We come to work with a vision and a passion...to be the best there is. That may sound a bit 'ego' driven, but I assure you it isn't. We want to be the best music label out there because we want to offer nothing but the best to all of our recording artists. That will happen, and is happening, because of the staff who are a part of Tate Music Group and the amazing artists we are blessed to work with.

Somewhere in the midst of the aforementioned conversation, Tate Music Group was compared to 'Alice in Wonderland.' I have to say, that comparison caught me off guard. I don't want any of our artists to feel as if they are tumbling down a rabbit hole. I was, however, quickly relieved by this artist explaining that his comparison is based on the fact that he feels like our music contract and our services are, in his words, "a dream come true."

I am glad he is excited at this possible partnership. We are too. His statements are exactly what we strive for. Our parent company, Tate Publishing, has long since had the motto of: "Making your dreams a reality." I think I am going to tweak it a bit for Tate Music Group: "Making your music dreams a reality."

It may be plagiarism...but it's true.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

tate music group...in bathrobes?

I am talking to a growing number of artists who are finding Tate Music Group online. That's great! We are glad you did. Sometimes they find us by searching for certain words (music label, record deal, etc). Others stumble across us while researching non-stick cookware!? I don't even pretend to know why that might happen. Either way, we are happy that you found Tate Music Group, or that Tate Music Group found you, or however that makes sense.

This got me thinking, though, that those of you finding us online might never see this commercial that runs in television spots. There are a couple reasons I love this commercial:

1. It is a commercial about Tate Music Group and what we do. (I am biased and I won't apologize for that)

2. It's short and to the point. I don't like long commercials...especially the ones with guys selling 'cloth paper towels' or books that show you how to get government money for starting a toothbrush repair shop.

3. It has my friend Dave in it. What's better is that it has Dave in a bathrobe. What's best is that it means that hundreds and thousands of people are watching Dave jump around in his bathrobe...while learning about Tate Music Group.

This, in my opinion, is good advertising. Enjoy.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

a tate halloween debriefing

I survived it. I survived my first Tate Publishing & Tate Music Group Halloween. Some of you may say, "What is there to survive? It's just Halloween." To you, I say, "You have never seen a Tate Halloween!" What a day!

I don't know if I can truly do it justice with words, so I won't even try. The costumes were nothing short of remarkable. There were skits performed, Teen-Wolf was there, and I had to say hello to 15 different Johnny Depps. Wow! Friday was an incredibly fun day at work. How many people get to say that very often?

The point of this post (and yes, there is one) is to give kudos to my co-workers and my bosses. This past Friday was a day that, for me, reiterated things I already knew about whom I work with and for. It was a day that was full of creative energy and imagination. There was acting...some good...some not so good. I was surprised, over and over again, by people doing things I would have never imagined. It was a lot of fun.

Granted, days like Friday don't happen very often. Halloween is only once a year. But, having fun at work is something that is a core belief with Tate Publishing and Tate Music Group. I think that is important for people to know because I think it is an important thing to believe. You need to enjoy what you do. And for those artists who are working with Tate Music Group, it is important that they know we love what we do and we have a lot of fun doing it.

I have worked in jobs where I didn't enjoy what I did. I did it because I had to and I had no other choice at the time. Here, I get to do what I love and work with people who feel the same way. That is a vital part of the success of Tate Music Group. As an artist, I would want to know that the people working with me, those providing services for me, are happy and excited about what they do.

I know I am.