tate music group...a great article

I wanted to share this article that ran in the Madera Tribune out of California. I especially want to direct your attention to the booking efforts and expectations. Driven Cure is correct...you can call hundreds of venues, churches, contacts...but you may just have one that says 'Yes'...and you have to be ready to pounce on that opportunity. Besides, you never know who you will meet at that show.

Here is the article:

Local Christian band tours country, releases second album
By Farin Montanez
The Madera Tribune

Two Chowchilla police officers took a leap of faith last year when they turned in their badges and guns and picked up a bass and a microphone to pursue musical ministry. Ex-officers Heath Middleton and Phil Cheatham — joined by Phil’s son Michael and Michael’s friend Justin Webster — took their contemporary Christian band, Driven Cure, on the road. Together they’ve played in venues across the country and will perform next month at Spirit West Coast — one of the largest Christian music events in the country.

Middleton and the Cheathams led the church band at Passion Driven Ministries in Chowchilla for years before deciding to branch off and become an outreach worship group in 2008. “We had a vision to go from church to church to teach people what worship is about — and what worship is about is a relationship with God,” Middleton said. After throwing around names in the police department’s report writing room, Middleton and Cheatham decided on Driven Cure, Cheatham said. “Jesus is the cure,” he said, to which Webster added, “We are driven to bring people to the cure.” The group aims to take listeners on a musical and spiritual journey with their progressive rock worship style, band members say.

The band signed with Oklahoma-based label Tate Music Group in January 2009 and released its first album, Astray No More, that fall. “Lyrically it’s straightforward Christian music that you would hear in church,” said Webster, the band’s lead guitarist. “Heath, the main vocalist, wrote all the songs. We just kind of threw together what we had and got it out there.” The band took more time to perfect its sophomore album, Message, which will be relased August 9. “It’s more metaphorical,’ Webster said. “The albums share the same themes, but the second was a collaborative writing effort.” One of the underlying themes was inspired by a worshiper’s testimony, Phil Cheatham said. “He said he made a mess out of his life, but God made a message,” he said. “God can always use what looks like a rough or tough situation and make it into a message that can benefit that person or other people,” Webster added.

Driven Cure spends much of its time touring — as far east as Nashville and as far west as Hawaii — and the remainder of its time serving as the worship band at Good News Ministries in Madera. “Last April we all resigned from our employments to pursue full-time music ministry,” said Webster, a former construction worker.
Although it has sometimes been difficult adjusting to widely flexible schedules and financial uncertainty — and trying to find a niche in a music industry that is ever evolving — the band members say their passion for music and for God make it all worthwhile. “We don’t want to be doing anything other than this,” Webster said.

The band books its own tours, and will perform “anywhere they’ll let us,” Phil Cheatham said. “We can call 600 venues and 599 of them might say ‘no’ and one person will say yes and we’ll jump on it.” “We play everywhere from as tiny as a little 10-people church to coffee shops to music festivals to as big as the main stage at Spirit West Coast,” said Micheal Cheatham, the band’s drummer and a former marketing student at UC Merced.

Spirit West Coast is a big step for the band, members say. Last year Driven Cure had to “pay to play” at the event, which means their fans had to purchase a certain number of tickets for the group to be able to perform. “We ended up doing more than $10,000 in ticket sales and they put us on the Air One mainstage,” Webster said.
This year the event’s organizer booked the band to play two concerts at the three-day festival, held at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey.

The band is also in the midst of the Igniting the Body Tour — a worship tour featuring Driven Cure and Good News Ministries’ pastor Eddie Gallegos. Tour information can be found on the band’s website, DrivenCure.com.

tate music group...driven cure tour video

What a great video to show the dedication and time it takes in this industry! These are some of the hardest working artists we know...and we love them! Great music and a great display of the joy an artist (or band) can have by doing what they love to do - playing music!

Check out the video and see more from Driven Cure here - http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=15260

tate music group...do you take cards?

Well, the answer to that question could now be 'yes' for many new, up and coming artists.

Disclaimer: This is not a Tate Music Group plug or info-mercial blog to get you to purchase a product (it's free right now, anyway)

This is a short note to show artists how looking at and thinking about their music from a business perspective can really get ahead of the competition by making things better and simpler.

One of the things we stress over and over here at Tate Music Group is the importance of live events and CD signings/interviews, etc. These not only provide much needed exposure to the artists...they also provide an outlet for CD and merchandise sales...which, at the early stages of an artists' career, are vital to being able to keep going.

Now there seems to be a device that allows you to accept credit card payments via your smart phone...right at your merch table. That is a pretty cool option for artists who are trying their hardest to create true fans...who will buy their stuff.

You can check it out here - https://squareup.com/

Judge for yourself if this device is a good option for you. But remember that not pushing and selling the music you have worked so hard on is never a good option.

tate music group...$72.9 million

That is a lot of money, folks. And it is the amount of money that Dave Matthews Band made last year just by touring/performing alone. Of course, that includes not only tickets but merchandise and sales at the shows.

Not Dave Matthews? Who is? Well, Dave is, of course. But very few others hit that level and take home that payday from gigs and tours in a year. But, the principle this is based on is solid. Play good music, put on good shows, and love your craft and the people that support you. Big or small, that is true for everyone that aspires to grow in this industry. We can't stress enough how important it is for artists to get out and play, play, play...any and all shows you can.

I was at a U2 concert recently and Bono mentioned that the last time they had been in our college town was 25 years ago...playing at a small bar/club down the street from the stadium we were in. Interestingly enough, I had many friends in college play at that exact place. One major difference is that my friends stopped playing and performing and became accountants. Nothing wrong with that...but if you want to make it...you have to keep at it until you do.

So, here is a cool article you can check out about Dave Matthews Band and their tour earnings, etc. http://www.slate.com/id/2279757 This is a tough business...but it can be so rewarding.

tate music group...dog and pony

I thought I would share this flier with all you readers. One week from tomorrow, two Tate Music Group artists, Regie Hamm and Chuck Tocco, will be performing at the 'Dog and Pony Show' during the Dove Awards Week. They will be performing alongside national artists like Colin Raye, Rachael Lampa, and Everlife.

We are excited for our TMG artists...and we know it will be a great show!

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...oh what a night

It has now been over 24 hours since the inaugural Tate Music Group 'Artist of the Year Contest' ended. And boy did it end with a bang! So many of us put in countless hours of planning, talking, changing, running, organizing, hoping, and praying to try and make this event a success. What we experienced Friday night was more than I think any of us, if we were truly honest, could have thought possible.

Don't get me wrong...we know we have tremendous artists and a 1st rate staff to put everything together...but, you have to look at the fact that this was the 1st, the inaugural, 'Artist of the Year Contest' and we were running in the dark (so to speak). I don't think we thought it could turn out as flawlessly (and wildly successful) as it did. Please hear me, I am in no way trying to throw out negativity...I am trying to shine light on our incredible staff, artists, and production team that put together an unforgettable performance event that will be very hard to beat in the following years.

Besides the incredible planning, production, and execution of the night's event...one of the things that I will take with me forever was the support and comradery I saw between all of our artists. That was truly a special thing. Sure, each of the finalists wanted to win the contest and take home the biggest prize...but you could tell that they were all routing for each other as well. At one point I heard that a few of the artists were in one artist's hotel room, playing an acoustic guitar and singing the songs that influenced them. That kind of connection is special...especially since it happened within about 36 hours.

In case you haven't heard, Jeff Chandler was the winner and is the Tate Music Group 'Artist of the Year.' We are so happy for Jeff and his family and we are excited about what this year is going to bring him. We are also excited about the other finalists: SallyJane, Ron Walters, The Cliftones, and Sarah Scharff. They are all tremendous talents and have very, very bright futures ahead of them.

Standing around after the show, I was able to hear some of the commentary made by our judging panel (which consisted of some very influential music industry professionals). The consensus was the same. It was hard to pick a winner because every one of the artists gave a tremendous performance. It was also unanimous that the future for these artists is as bright as they want it to be.

I am so glad that Tate Music Group can be a major part of helping them shine.

(If you missed the show...you can check out a replay here. Enjoy.)

tate music group...t minus 3 days

It is hard to believe that the Tate Music Group Artist of the Year Contest is only 3 days away. A ton of work has been put into the creation and scripting of the event...from live dancing and musical numbers to a featured cartoon, illustrated by our very own creative geniuses in the design department. I am always amazed at the talent that is pooled her at Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing.

The top finalists arrive tomorrow. For the next 2 1/2 days, we will have them finalizing video edits, practicing their performances, and treated to many fun and exciting events...including one where we all have to dress up real nice. It is going to be a lot of fun and very exciting.

Overall, though, I am just ready to get to Friday night. I know that the things happening before are important and necessary for the event itself but I just want to see our artists get up there and perform. I know they are all going to blow us away!

I have no idea who I think will win. I couldn't even venture a guess with any amount of certainty. One thing I am certain of, though, is that the Tate Music Group Artist of the Year Contest is going to be the best thing going Friday night...

Sorry Big XII basketball tournament, you'll have to take a backseat...

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...artist of the year

Everybody loves contests. Its true. Don't believe me? I'm willing to bet that if you are a college football fan, like me, you were very busy this weekend doing nothing but watching the last Saturday of the regular season. And, I'm willing to bet that most of you, during the halftime shows, were getting all hyped up watching those guys and gals trying to throw footballs into over-sized soda cans. If you are anything like me, you were thinking about how you totally could have done that better than everybody else. Am I right?

Well, I can't really help you when it comes to those 'giant cola can challenges.' As a Tate Music Group artist, however, I can help you regarding that drive and competitive nature you have deep within your being. How? By giving you the chance to beat out all the rest of the competition.

December 31st, 2008 marks the end date for eligibility into the inaugural Tate Music Group 'Artist of the Year Contest.' I realize many of you may have no idea what I am talking about. Allow me to explain. This will be the first year we will be putting our artists' songs and styles against each other in friendly competition.

Each TMG artist will choose one of their songs to enter into this contest. The songs will be judged in many different rounds and by many different judges and factors. The top finalists will be invited to come to Oklahoma City, all expenses paid, to perform their song live for a panel of guest celebrity judges. Everybody will have an amazing time...and the grand prize winner will head home with over $20,000 in cash and prizes. Not bad for one nights work.

Needless to say, we are all really excited about this contest. For one, it is going to be a great time. It is also going to be a great opportunity for Tate Music Group to show our artists how much we appreciate them. I have no idea what the outcome will be. There are so many great artists in the TMG family...and there is still plenty of time for others to join this year.

Who knows...it may be you?

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

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.