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...variance magazine

It has been a very exciting few weeks here at Tate Music Group. One of the main reasons is the release of our brand new online music, media, and entertainment magazine - Variance.

Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing launched this first issue on July 1st...and on that first day alone we had over 40,000 people come through the site and read the magazine. That is awesome on so many levels...not the least is that thousands and thousands of people are reading about our artists and their music (through reviews, interviews, ads). It is great!

This issue has some great interviews and articles with artists Regie Hamm and Dave Barnes...as well as an interesting local take on the goings on of San Diego, CA.

Did I mention the subscription is free? You can sign up to receive all the issues by going here - www.variancemagazine.com. Check out this issue...and, if you're up to it, write us an article that you'd like to see added. If it's good...we just might publish it.

tate music group...145 million and growing

I mentioned in an earlier post that Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing have started creating and running national television commercials on major cable networks like MTV, VH1, BET, and many others. It is an incredible opportunity for national exposure of our artists and their music.

I thought I would share with you some of the thoughts and information from the President of Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Ryan Tate: "Since launching the campaigns...[we] have already reached nearly 145,000,000 million viewers. That is right, 145 million viewers have watched our commercials and the buzz is incredible. This type of support and exposure is exactly what it takes [artists] to be successful and set themselves apart. I am so proud to be part of a company that is forward thinking and continues to put [artists] first."

There isn't another company or group that gives this kind of support and national exposure to their artists. Keep your eyes open and go get your soda during the shows...cause these commercials are worth watching.

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...beyond the music

This doesn't have anything to do with music...but it is very exciting news that I wanted to share with all of cyberworld. Most people know that Tate Publishing is the parent company of Tate Music Group. Our book side helps to publish and promote the books of great writers so that the message and stories can be shared nationwide and beyond.

I just received news that one of the books we are blessed to work with, Day of War by Cliff Graham, is in the development stage to be a major motion picture. That is awesome! Here is the quote from our marketing department about this possibility: "Filmmaker David Cunningham (To End All Wars and The Path to 9/11) and producer Grant Curtis (Spiderman franchise) are attached to the development of Day of War as a major motion picture."

The book is tremendous, by the way! It is a story about King David and his Mighty Men...and the happenings recorded in the books of Samuel and Chronicles. Very well written and incredibly entertaining! I am excited about this possibility for Cliff Graham...and for Tate Publishing. Who knows...maybe a Tate Music Group artist will be able to take care of the soundtrack.

Here is a link to the book - Day of War. Check it out.

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...exciting new happenings

One thing you have to get used to at Tate Music Group is change...fast change...the kind of change that improves our services to our artists and gives us another leg up on all the other companies out there who are trying to figure out what we have that they don't. There is a lot to that question...and I don't have the time to dive in there tonight.

Tate Publishing and Enterprises, which obviously includes Tate Music Group, will be launching a new division in the coming months - a music publishing company. This is so exciting! We will be offering to our artists the opportunity to not only record, perform, and promote their original music...we will soon be giving them a channel to showcase their writing and talents so that others can hear it and pay them to use it.

It will also be a place where outside artists can showcase their own music. Artists and musicians from all over will be able to see if there is that one song they have been looking for. TMG artists can take advantage of this, too. You never know when someone out there has written exactly what you wanted to...but couldn't find the right words. It is going to be an incredible service...and more importantly, an incredible tool for Tate Music Group artists and their songs.

There are a lot of ins and outs that will be finalized between now and then but I wanted to just give the web-world a heads up. Like I said before, change happens quickly at Tate. If you aren't holding on...you'll be left behind. And in the music industry, no artist can afford that.

tate music group...refund

It is incredible to think that this actually happens at a company. We don't have to do it. We don't need to nor are there any unwritten rules that tell us we should. Nope. This is just something that Tate Music Group (and Tate Publishing) just does.

I think this is one of the most incredible things that TMG offers each of our artists. I don't really have much more to say about this...I think the picture speaks for itself.

I've said it many times before but I'll say it once more...Tate Music Group is, hands down, the greatest opportunity for artists trying to make it in this industry.

I am very glad I get to be a part of that!

tate music group...still growing

It is amazing to be able to see what is going on with Tate Music Group and our parent company, Tate Publishing. Most of our artists and authors don't even get to see it but we are growing at an incredible rate.

I find it amusing when I am giving a tour to a potential artist. The conversation always turns to "Wow, you guys are packing it in here?!" It is true, we are truly outgrowing (in fact, have outgrown) our current buildings (we have 5 separate locations within Mustang) and are now expanding again.

We have purchased a very large building across the street and are in the process of gutting it and rebuilding it to fit our needs - mainly the production side of our books and music. I am very excited because soon the Tate Music Group studios will be across the street, instead of a 10 minute car ride away.

It's the little things, you know?!

Seriously, we are all very excited about what is going on with Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing. I think the main reason is that this expansion just shows how successful and how hard-working our company and our staff truly are. As an artist, that would make me overjoyed - to know that the label I partner with is doing outstanding in, let's face it, a pretty rough economic climate nationwide.

There is something to be said about working hard, working honest, and trusting that God is always in control.

Now, let's put up some more sheet-rock!

tate music group...setting our own price

I received this information from some of our Executive Staff. I have to say, when I read it, I was blown away. Not by the facts and numbers that are presented...I knew what to expect there. I was blown away by the candid-ness of this author...willing to share her 'fortunes' (or misfortunes) with anyone who is willing to read them.

Now, you may say, "What does a book deal have to do with my music career/contract?" A lot. Yes they are different in subject/product but not in nature. The basic principle has always been the same for the publisher/label - get as much as you can out of the 'artist'...and then get some more.

Please hear me...I am not trying to say that individuals or companies are crooks, cheats, etc...I am, however, saying that the system that has been in place for a long, long time is not friendly or warm to the artists (or authors) who create the brilliance they sell.

At Tate Music Group, our vision and purpose is to change this model and mindset. We want to be more concerned with working together with our artists, side by side, instead of walking on their backs to get to the end goal. Success usually comes with a price...but Tate Music Group (and Tate Publishing) are not willing to pay the same types of ethical costs that have plagued this industry for so long.

Instead, we are setting our own price...and the outcome is gain.

Here is the article:

A few years ago I made a promise to my writer friends that if I ever had a novel hit the top twenty of the New York Times mass market bestseller list that I would share all the information I was given about the book so writers could really see what it takes to get there. Today I’m going to keep that promise and give you the stats on my sixth Darkyn novel, Twilight Fall.

Here is the first royalty statement for Twilight Fall, on which I’ve only blanked out Penguin Group’s address. Everything else is exactly as I’ve listed it. To give you a condensed version of what all those figures mean, for the sale period of July through November 30, 2008. my publisher reports sales of 64,925 books, for which my royalties were $40,484.00. I didn’t get credit for all those sales, as 21,140 book credits were held back as a reserve against possible future returns, for which they subtracted $13,512.69 (these are not lost sales; I’m simply not given credit for them until the publisher decides to release them, which takes anywhere from one to three years.)

My net earnings on this statement was $27,721.31, which was deducted from my advance. My actual earnings from this statement was $0.

My advance for Twilight Fall was $50,000.00, a third of which I did not get paid until the book physically hit the shelf — this is now a common practice by publishers, to withhold a portion of the advance until date of publication. Of that $50K, my agent received $7,500.00 as her 15% (which she earns, believe me) the government received roughly $15,000.00, and $1594.27 went to cover my expenses (office supplies, blog giveaways, shipping, promotion, etc.) After expenses and everyone else was paid, I netted about $26K of my $50K advance for this book, which is believe it or not very good — most authors are lucky if they can make 10% profit on any book. This should also shut up everyone who says all bestselling authors make millions — most of us don’t.

Just as a side note - if this author would have worked with our parent company, Tate Publishing...the net earnings would have been almost 4 times as much. Just FYI.

tate music group...the state of tate

Last night was the annual Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing Christmas party. What an experience that was. There was great food, presents and prizes, and very unusual entertainment. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Needless to say, it was a night that will not soon be forgotten.

As much as I would love to describe the silly skits that were performed or the amazing generosity shown by the Tate family (raffle prizes and gifts were everywhere), I have another reason for this post.

Every year Ryan Tate, President of Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, addresses the entire staff in what we call the 'State of Tate Address.' It is a time where he tells us about the past year...what we have accomplished...where we need to improve...and how many sodas and brownie bites we have consumed as a staff in the cafe. Although there were a lot of funny statements made about staff food consumption, two figures really stood out to me and made me that much more thankful to be a part of Tate Music Group and the Tate Publishing family.

1. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing set up over 24,000 events for our arists and authors all over the United States. Also in 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing sold over 1.4 million CDs and books through events and distribution. That is incredible! What really stands out to me is that these are more than just numbers, they are a true measure of success, hard work, and great business strategy. We have a proven track record and it is apparent that our artists and authors are benefiting greatly from this.

2. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing gave over $660,000 in unsolicited funds to local, national, and overseas ministries focused on proclaiming and furthering the Kingdom of God. Wow! What an incredible incentive for success. It is such a blessing to work for a company that has its priorities in order.

It is no wonder that Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, which includes Tate Music Group, was voted as one of the best places to work in 2008. For you artists and authors alike, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best company to work with to help you accomplish all your dreams and goals.

I can't wait to see what 2009 brings...

tate music group...a december to remember

It is hard to believe that Tate Music Group is about to see its first year come to a close. What a year it has been. I do realize it is only the 2nd of December but you get the point. Now is the time of the year we start looking back at where we have been. We have seen some great things happen here at Tate Music Group and I wanted to just take a few moments to remember some of them.

Tate Music Group has gone from an idea in the heads of our company founders and executives to a key leader in the changing music industry. The 'old model' of a record label isn't working and 'indie' artists are the rage...though most don't have the resources, connections, or ability to really get things done on their own. That is where TMG comes in. We offer artists the best of both worlds - the backing and resources to get things done and the freedom to stay true to themselves and their music. That's a big thing.

Tate Music Group is also many steps ahead of where our parent company, Tate Publishing, was at the same time in its history. Granted, Tate Publishing paved the way in a new territory and has been influential in helping TMG get to where we are. That said, it is still a great accomplishment to be this far along the process this early in the game. And, if the huge success of our parent company is any indication of where Tate Music Group will be...watch out! That's another big thing.

Tate Music Group has also seen our marketing, promotions, and distribution grow immensely in this short amount of time. We are paving the way by offering Digital Download Cards, as well as CDs, for our artists to stay in front of where the market is going. We have over 400 radio stations, all across the country, who are playing TMG produced programs on a weekly basis. Our distribution has grown from working with a few stores directly, to working with one major distribution company, to now working with two of the biggest, most successful and respected distribution outlets in the nation. Those are all really big things.

So you see, there are a lot of big, great things happening at Tate Music Group. All of these things have happened in our first year of existence. It's almost scary to think about what will happen in 2009.

I can't wait to find out.

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.

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.