tate music group...rockin' like a rolling stone

It has truly been an incredibly exciting month or so here at Tate Music Group...even more so than normal. I've sat in meetings and discussed the present state of the music industry (and how TMG is leading the charge into the future) with some of the major players including Kenny Rogers, Jim Mazza (Capitol Records), Jim Halsey, and...just today...Neal McCoy (more on that in a later post).

It is so exciting to be a part of a company like Tate Music Group...and to take part in both casting vision and helping make sure that it comes to pass. As I look to the coming new year...I can hardly wait to see what awaits us.

But...this post is really about something that I think is just 'cool.' Jim Halsey, one of the biggest names in Nashville, presented a signed and concert played guitar to our Founder, Dr. Richard Tate. The guitar is signed by the Rolling Stones...as in THE Rolling Stones. They are one of maybe 3 or 4 bands/artists who have forever shaped and influenced the face and sound of the music industry.

Pretty cool, huh?

tate music group...no 'gamble' here

Definitely not. Today was an incredible day at Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing. As you can see in the picture...the legendary Kenny Rogers came to our offices to visit with us about partnering with music, books, and many other possibilities. It was a great day!

And may I just say what an impressive and gracious man Kenny Rogers is. He was more interested in talking with us and listening to so many of our stories than in telling us about himself. He even took the time to talk to and take pictures with group of artists who happened to be in the offices today, too. Needless to say, they were surprised by that in more ways than one.

Our founder, Dr. Richard Tate has a saying - "It isn't success that spoils people...it is failure." After today...I know that to be even more true. Kenny Rogers is one of the most successful artists in history...and has the kind of worldwide name recognition that is found in only a handful of artists. Yet, he is so humble and generous with his time.

This was truly a great day for us here at Tate Music Group. The music industry is often about who you know...and what they are saying about you. Well, it is very clear that the word on the streets of Nashville (and beyond) regarding Tate Music Group...is very good. If you don't believe me...just ask the Gambler.

tate music group...making waves in nashville

Some of our Tate Music Group executive staff just came back from meetings in Nashville. They were meeting with some of the biggest and most influential names in music - Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Jim Mazza - Capitol Records, and Jim Halsey...to name a few.

In short, the meetings were to discuss the state of the music industry and how and what TMG is doing that is so completely different - not the least of which is being successful.

Needless to say, a lot of things were discussed as to what we do here at Tate Music Group. We have a model that is so completely unorthodox (in regards to the 'normal' label industry) that many can't believe we can actually do what we do for our artists. It is unheard of for a label to be in the kind of partnership that TMG goes into with artists...not to mention the fact that we don't own the masters of an artists' music...nor are they obligated to stay with us any longer than they want!

I guess if you sit back and look at it through the eyes of those business men and executives who have done it the 'normal' way for so long...and have grown up in the Nashville/Major Label environment...it is easy to see why Tate Music Group's ideas and model would seem so incredibly different...even radical...

But for us, its just how we do it...and its doing great!

tate music group...artist of the year meeting

Our staff her at Tate Music Group had a great meeting today regarding our annual Artist of the Year contest. Last year's competition was incredible! We had such a good time...hanging out all week with our finalists...shooting videos...rehearsals...and much more. It was great to sit and talk about last year's event...and plan how we can make this year's even better.

In the coming weeks we will be finalizing the plans for the evening...as well as collecting the submissions from our artists for voting. It is great to see the incredible amount of talent that our artists have. Last year I was amazed not only at the top finalists...but also at those who didn't quite make it...because they were great, too!

We will be streaming the event live again this year. You can check out some videos of last year's performances here.