tate music group...gold record producer

I got this photo the other day from our Founder, Dr. Richard Tate. He had been asking out Executive Producer, Don Johnson, for a picture or two of his accomplishments, etc. Don sent him this photo of the gold record album he produced for Emmy Lou Harris. That is a huge accomplishment and we are ecstatic to have Don as a part of our production team...making more records that will turn to gold.

By the way...in case you don't quite grasp the greatness and importance of having a producer like Don Johnson...take a look at this and see what gold record producers do to help artists.

tate music group...partners with Billboard World Song Contest

MUSTANG, OK – This week, Oklahoma-based record label Tate Music Group (TMG) has confirmed a new strategic sponsor partnership with the renowned Billboard World Song Contest.

As a sponsor for the contest, TMG will select one Grand Prize Winner to be awarded a TMG new artist development contract that includes recording a full album, event booking, and radio and web promotion. The agreement also expands the competition terms to include prizes for the top 36 entries in the contest, based on submissions from artists worldwide.

The Billboard World Song Contest was the first competition of its kind, and has made great strides in exposing first-time, unknown artists to the world through the Billboard World Song Contest Winners’ CD sent to music executives, producers, publishers, agents, promoters, and other music industry moguls.

Tate Music Group President Ryan Tate anticipates adding fresh new talent to their label, including their recent contract with American Idol songwriting contest winner Regie Hamm, who penned the number-one song, “The Time of My Life.”

“We are excited to announce this partnership and hope we can continue working hand-in-hand with Billboard World Song Contestto bring exposure to unknown talent across the world,” Tate said.

With this agreement, TMG joins Billboard World Song Contest partners CASIO, D’Addario Strings, TAXI-The Independent A& R Vehicle, Indie Band Manager, Discmakers, CD Baby, Blublocker Sunglasses, GoGirlsMusic.com, The Halsey Institute, and Sonicbids.com.

For more information, please visit www.tatemusicgroup.com


Billboard World Song Contest

tate music group...a great article

There is a great article about one of our TMG artists that I wanted to share. Tate Music Group is proud of our artist, Nisha, and grateful for her kind words! You can look at the article about her in this months Music Connection Magazine - check out page 26.

Here is the write-up:

“Like any dedicated artist...R&B singer Nisha Hester focused her energy on recording a masterpiece rather than seeking the perfect label. In her corner, however, was former manager, Eric Stancil, who took the time to research her options and mail press kits to potential takers. A likely prospect was...TMG Records.
Although TMG needs to hear at least 3 songs in order to choose an artist, one song in particular got the attention of their signing rep. “Where Did The Love Songs Go” had such an impact that she even included a special introduction in the contract that mentioned the impression-making track as the reason TMG wished to sign her.
‘There are several things I love about TMG,’ explains the rising diva. ‘I like the support and freedom they give to their artists. They allow their artists to maintain all the ownership - as far as songwriting royalties go, we own everything.’ Plus, she adds, ‘They give the highest royalty payments of all the labels out there.’ Also, Hester felt the weren’t hiding an agenda. “We have the freedom to cancel anytime we’re not happy. We can work with other third-party companies,’ she marvels. ‘We have so much freedom!’
There had been another label under consideration, but they asked for a significant chunk of money up front. Weighing the two options, it was clear which company offered the better deal. In fact, TMG’s deal was so generous that she signed without any negotiations.
‘It was almost too good to be true,’ she says. ‘I really didn’t have to think too much about it.’ The agreement itself goes a year and includes an option to renew. Hester recommends other artists to find the label of their dreams; she insists on persistence and never compromising. ‘This is your life – don’t just sign up to the first thing that comes your way.’ She states. ‘And never give up.’
Nisha’s debut, The Metamorphosis, was released in September.

- Andy Kaufmann
Music Connection Magazine”

tate music group...encouraging words

I wanted to share with everyone a letter that was sent to our founder, Dr. Richard Tate. This letter was sent by one of our artists. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, it is very nice to be encouraged from time to time...especially by someone outside of your direct circle. We very much appreciate these kind words and our hope and desire is that all our artists feel the same way about Tate Music Group and how we serve them.

Enjoy.

Dear Mr. Tate,

I am one of the many artists who have come under your blanket of Faith. I am most grateful to have had this opportunity. The very talented staff who were assigned to my project were nothing short of professional, talented, directive and encouraging. I have loved this journey. From Brianne (Acquisitions) to Rachael (Operations), to incredibly talented Steven (Production), Leah (Graphics) and now Eva (Marketing), I am overwhelmed by gratitude. I came across a site whose opinions were not the same and I must tell you, they are the ones who have missed the mark. Nothing could be further from the truth. So my purpose is just to say thank you. My prays are that my CD "_____" will cause such a stir as to rectify any wrong thinking and reflect gloriously on your company. Thank you for believing, hoping and for the courage that it took to branch out. I am eternally grateful!

_________

tate music group...from beefsteak's to bob

I was a history major in college...and no...I had no plans on becoming a high school coach! To be honest, I was running out of money and I needed to graduate. I assessed my situation, turned my minor to my major, and voila...a degree I don't think I will ever use for any related purpose.

That being said, I came away with an even greater love of all things old...historical...iconic. I love to know how and why things happened and what it means for us, today. I especially love the story side of history...the parts that can only be described through interviews and fireside chats. (I think that is what makes me so sad regarding the histories of ancient Greece and Rome...we'll never hear the accounts of events, battles, and decisions that have shaped our world.)

Well, I was listening to a radio interview as I commuted home from work this week and it really hit on the things I seem to enjoy the most: historical story and music. To be more specific, it was an interview with an African-American songwriter from the 1940s and 1950s. She was describing the life and work of a songwriter in those days. It was an interview full of nostalgia...it took you back to a time when music and the industry was finding its way.

This songwriter (sorry, I missed the introduction part) talked about how many of the greatest songs of that era...from Elvis to Ella...were written in the back of an establishment called 'Beefsteak Charlie's' in New York City. That's right, Nashville wasn't always the music capitol of the world. She described late night collaborations between writers...using napkins and old paper sacks...anything to keep the music and lyrics flowing. And the next morning...there was a good chance you'd have a hit on your hands. That is a good example of how it used to work and, in some ways, still does. Songwriters creating hits and making people stars.

Now, fast forward a decade and a half. The era of the songwriter is still in full effect but we have a new breed of artist fighting for recognition. One of the most famous, and most influential, was Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan epitomized the singer/songwriter. He wrote amazing songs and then he sang them...and became a star.

I love the nostalgia and the mental pictures I get from listening to and thinking about stories from the early days in the music industry. But, those thoughts always lead me back to today and many other events that have brought us to where we are with music. Of course, there are still thousands and thousands of songwriters out there making amazing music. David Foster is a good one.

But there are just as many, and maybe more, great singer/songwriters who are out there writing and performing their own music...music they have a deep, emotional connection to...because they created it. In my opinion, this is the purest form of art there is. There is something incredible about an artist taking an idea, a thought, a vision, and putting it on paper, to music, and with a voice.

That is what we are looking for at Tate Music Group. The music industry is changing. Of course there will, sadly, always be reality shows that give us another singer/dancer/??? I don't want to discredit what other artists are doing but, in my opinion, there is a growing desire for authentic, meaningful music. I think that is a huge reason why artists like Bob Dylan were and are so popular. They have something to say...something original...something that is truly theirs. Their songs had a message and a meaning and they connected to people at a deep level.

At Tate Music Group, we want artists that we can help connect to people...to help share their music and message to as many as possible...and to help them to create and keep something that is truly theirs.

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...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?

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.

in our defense

I have been monitoring other blogs and threads dealing with Tate Music Group. Sometimes I get mad but mostly I just have to laugh. Not because of the subject matter, because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of a select few posters.

In my last post, I talked about the lack of factual truth regarding what is written on certain blogs. I was somewhat frustrated at the number of people I felt were paying attention and actually taking these words as truth. Today, however, after I posted answers to all questions asked (including those of an antagonistic nature), I have a restored faith in bloggers everywhere.

It is incredibly apparent that most people researching Tate Music Group are seeing through all the nonsense and negativity. A few weeks ago, almost every thread regarding Tate Music Group was being overrun and 'bullied' by 2 (maybe 3) ridiculous posters. Now, there are many new posters, some with Tate Music Group and some having no connection, coming to our defense. Again, why? Well, I think it has a lot to do with the professionalism we have been (and will continue) showing on all these sites. I think that says a lot about our company. Can we still be kind and courteous to people who are, for lack of a better term, slandering the company that we work for and believe in? We have shown that answer to be yes.

As a company, we are told to take the high road, to be above reproach, by our faith and by our boss. That is definitely not easy. When people attack you personally or something that you care about and work hard for, it is hard to just brush it off and respond with love and kindness. I think, though, that it will be a little easier now that others are speaking up on our behalf.

Thank you to all who have written objective thoughts and support, regardless of your relationship or status with Tate Music Group. Your written 'voices of reason' are heard and appreciated.

what happened to facts

I actually like to blog. You'd be surprised at how many people I know who hate it. They do it, for whatever reason, but they don't like it. I actually find it therapeutic. I want people to read what I write, but I write my thoughts as if I am the only one who actually cares. Maybe that is good, maybe not. What I try never to do, in any of the blogs, creative writing papers, articles, or letters I write, is to just put a bunch of nonsense that isn't represented by facts. I hate that!

Example: I have been monitoring a few blogs on other sites that have a lot to say about Tate Music Group...what Tate Music Group does and does not do, etc. I am happy that places like that exist. Why? Because if I am looking to make a big decision, be it a purchase, service, or whatever, I like to see what others have experienced. Good or bad. I want to know true facts about what they have to tell me. Buying a car? What is the gas mileage really like? Are there hidden fees with the warranty? Did the company do what they said they would? Things like that.

That is helpful when I am in the market to buy a car. Of course, I don't base everything on the say-so of one or two people. I look at what they say, judging its merit, and also look at the information I have regarding the company, product, or service I am researching. Sounds reasonable, right?

What I am noticing is a growing number of people who are writing blogs and posts without any true knowledge of what they are 'reviewing.' They have thrown out the facts, or better yet, ignored them to focus on what they want to say, right or wrong.

Do we have free speech? Absolutely! I am thankful for that everyday. We also have responsible speech. One of my favorite movies of all time is "All the President's Men" starring Redford and Hoffman. What a great example of true journalism and responsible speech and reporting. Getting the facts straight should be of utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously (and if you want to be considered an honest human being).

What I am realizing is that anybody and everybody can spout off at the mouth. That is never going to change. What I am realizing more and more is that people are able to see through the nonsense and the falsity.

Regarding Tate Music Group, it is apparent that not everyone likes us or what we do. It is also apparent, though, that those same people don't really know us or what we do. They simply write what they want and hope that others read and begin hating us too. I'm not so sure about that plan. For Tate Music Group, our concern is on being honest and available to our artists. That is just one of the many things that set us apart.