tate music group...driven cure interview

I wanted to share this link to the Christian Music Jukebox interview with Tate Music Group recording artists, Driven Cure. Read it and then check out more from Driven Cure.

EPK - http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=15260

Link to interview - http://christianmusicjukebox.com/2011/05/exclusive-interview-with-the-band-driven-cure/

tate music group...aaron logan 'freedom calls'

Another great album released earlier this month - Aaron Logan's worship rock album, Freedom Calls. With a mix of strong vocals, writing, and musical accompaniment...not to mention excellent production...Aaron has created an album that is very solid from start to finish. His songs are great for corporate worship as well as private reflection and entertainment.

The album starts with By The Cross, which could be seen as the thesis for the whole work...because, as Aaron explains, it is by the cross that all else is possible. The title track, Freedom Calls, and others like Live to Glorify and Grace Enough continue to express our hope in Christ and our reason for being.

Freedom Calls is an album that delivers more than just great music...though it definitely has that covered, too. It is available now from Tate Music Group. Check it out and pick up a copy here.

tate music group...variance magazine issue #2

In case you still aren't signed up...I want to remind you that the new issue of Variance Magazine just came out. You can sign up online and get it for free. Just go to www.variancemagazine.com and check out all the incredible articles and features inside. This issue includes the Goo Goo Dolls, Underoath, and we look at one of this nations' greatest, most resilient cities - New Orleans.

Sign up and make sure you are informed and entertained with Variance Magazine. And make sure to check our VarianceTV, too.

tate music group...sponsors AtlantaFest

Tate Music Group is proud to announce sponsorship of Atlanta Fest, one of the nation's largest and oldest Christian music festivals. Tate Music Group artists Jeff Chandler and Regie Hamm will also be taking the stage during the three-day event in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Find out more about Atlanta Fest here. To see our sponsorship, click on "sponsors," and to see links to Jeff Chandler's and Regie Hamm's web sites, click on "artists."

tate music group...signs American Idol song winner

This is very exciting news for us here at Tate Music Group! I could try and describe all of Regie Hamm's accolades and such...but I will just let the press release do that for me. Enjoy!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGIE HAMM SIGNS BOOK AND RECORD DEAL

WITH TATE PUBLISHING AND TATE MUSIC GROUP

Plans for immediate single release to CCM radio and appearance at Kansas City’s

“Rock The Light” festival this weekend

NASHVILLE, September 2, 2009 – Hit singer/songwriter/producer Regie Hamm scored his biggest hit this year with the solo-written, 16-week No. 1 song “Time of My Life” for American Idol’s David Cook, and today he has signed a combined book and record deal with the Oklahoma-based Tate Publishing and Tate Music Group.

The announcement will be made formal with Hamm’s appearances this weekend at Kansas City’s “Rock The Light” festival. Tate Music Group plans an immediate single release to CCM radio, followed by a CD release and book detailing his inspirational story.

The book tells the story of Hamm’s adoption of an orphaned Chinese girl and the life-changing events surrounding it, including composing the hit song, “Time of My Life,” which was inspired by his emotional journey these past six years.

With 21 No. 1 songs to his credit as a songwriter, and a Top 20 Adult Contemporary hit as an artist, Hamm is well-poised for the single release to CCM radio. The single will be followed by the book, as well as a 20-song CD, tentatively called “Full Circle.” The project will include nine No. 1 songs written by Hamm, and eleven new originals. Hamm says the 20-song project is truly about his life and his journey.

“You can’t see the circle while you’re making it,” Hamm said. “Only special moments can allow you to see all of it: China… babies… songs… music… dreams… success… happiness. They all mean different things to me because of what I have been through. Any plan I could’ve developed would never have been as beautiful and unexpected. This one was divine.”

Tate Publishing, based in Oklahoma City, was founded in 2001 and has become one of the fastest growing publishing companies in the nation. They recently expanded to include record label Tate Music Group, and are distributed nationwide through Universal and Ingram.

President and CEO Ryan Tate said, “Tate Music Group is excited to partner with such a talented artist in Regie Hamm. We’re looking forward to making this venture a success for all.”

tate music group...a super show

Well, it's almost midnight and Super Bowl LXIII is officially over. I have to say, it was a much better game than anyone would have thought. Down to the wire...that is how we (who don't have a pro team to really cheer for) like our Super Bowls. The commercials were pretty good...especially Cash4Gold with the MC Hammer cameo. I'm going to have to ask my boss, our president, why Tate Music Group didn't have an ad during the game.

Since I work for Tate Music Group and listening and reviewing music is what I get to do all day, I want to comment on one of the non-sports stars of the game...even if it was halftime. Yes, I am talking of 'The Boss' - Bruce Springsteen. I thought it was a great performance of great, dare I say, timeless music. I was, however, a little disappointed that 'Born In the USA' didn't make the playlist...but 'Glory Days' was a good replacement. And did you see the slide...belly first into the camera? That is what it means to get up close and personal with 'The Boss.'

I've noticed something about the halftime shows in the past few years...ever since the infamous 'wardrobe malfunction' performance, they have featured time-tested, professional, hall of fame bands and artists. Here is the list from 2005 to tonight: Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen.

Now, granted, I know that not everyone is going to like all of these artists. Regardless of your musical preference, I would like to point out that all of these artists (and U2 who played in 2002) are 'hall of fame' artists for a number of reasons - great music, a great fan base, some lucky breaks, and a lot of hard work...serious, 24/7/365 hard work. The difference between these time-tested artists and the thousands of 'one hit wonders' (including most of the American Idols) is that very thing - hard work.

At Tate Music Group, we understand the need and the importance of hard work. Sure, lucky breaks and a strong fan base are definitely needed to really 'make it' but it is the understanding that you, as an artist, are starting a business (and working as if that is the case) that can and will put you over the competition. You may have some of the greatest music ever but if you don't work hard and work smart to get people to hear it, your just one more hopeful waiting for your big chance to shine.

The problem with that is the waiting. Sure, we want you to shine but at Tate Music Group, we want to work hard and help create those 'big chances,' along with as many other chances you can get to share your music. So, as our artists pursue their 'super bowl moment,' we want to make sure they keep shining on the smaller stages that lead there.

I heard that 'The Boss' wants to see Coldplay as next year's entertainment. I'd love to see that...unless we can get one of Tate Music Group's artists to fill that slot instead.

tate music group...2009: a look ahead

Well, another year has been booked and the new year begins. I only have about 16% battery life left on my laptop so I will be brief. And yes, tonight, I am just lazy enough to not go get my plug-in to recharge. My apologies to those of you looking for a good, long read. I just want to take a moment to look ahead at what this new year already has in store for Tate Music Group and our artists.

In March, Tate Music Group will hold the inaugural Artist of the Year Contest. I have to say, there was a bit of a frenzy to get everything in by the 31st. It was a lot of fun, though. It is going to be very difficult for the judges to pick one winner from the amazing pool of artists we have. I know I couldn't do it.

Tate Music Group will also, in 2009, sell a lot of CDs. This isn't necessarily a 'look how great we are' statement but a 'look how great our artists are' statement. We put the channels and work in place to allow for sales but it is the tremendously talented musicians and artists we are blessed to work with who really make it happen. That is what makes this such a great partnership.

Last but not least, Tate Music Group will have hundreds and hundreds of events for our artists all over the country. I am really excited about this. Concerts and signings, as well as interviews, are so vital for success. It takes a lot of work and getting out there to really build up a fan-base and a following. I have read that it takes 100 true fans to be a success. Why? Because those 100 people will be your most reliable attendees, your biggest bullhorns, and your personal and unlimited invitation force. They will be the ones showing up to your shows and signings with 10 of their friends. Multiply that by hundreds and hundreds of shows and you get...well...its too late for complicated math problems but you get the idea. A lot!

As I look ahead to 2009, it looks really bright for Tate Music Group and the artists we are privileged to work with...and for those we have yet to meet. So I say to you all, Happy New Year...because I know it truly will be!

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.

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.

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.

to assume...

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.

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.

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.