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...'friday'

One of my Tate Music Group colleagues introduced me to the music video and song called 'Friday' by Rebecca Black. She also shared with me this article from Billboard that I found very interesting for artists and musicians. Whether you like the song/video or not...this article and story prove to me, once again, that there are no easy ways to make it in this industry.

My advice - write really good songs, record those songs, perform those songs (anywhere and everywhere you can), and tell as many people as possible about those songs...so you can ultimately sell those songs! But that's just my advice...take it or leave it.

But go ahead and read this: http://www.billboard.com/news/rebecca-black-s-friday-first-week-sales-1005084932.story#/news/rebecca-black-s-friday-first-week-sales-1005084932.story

tate music group...good to hear

We got this correspondence from an artist that recently came in to record with his band. I thought I would share it with you readers and let you see his thoughts and experience. It was an exciting note to get for us...enjoy:

Dr. Tate. On the week of May 4th my band was at your music studio to record our first CD. Upon arrival I met with Jameson Reynolds who introduced me to all of the staff and producers. Our producer was Jeff Lee who right away got us started tracking. We got drums and bass done on the first day because Jeff did a lot of pre-planning before we got there. On the second day we did guitars. Jeff was kind enough to do several tracks for us and had some ideas we had not thought of. By the third day we were doing vocals and loop tracks to enhance the CD. Our lead singer has used studios in OKC that have taken weeks to do just drums and at a cost ten times more than our TMG contract. Jeff went over and above for my band and in 4 days of tracking we have a CD that is air-play ready for any radio station. I also found out that your producers have played on CD's for some big names around the country but they are so humble you would never know. Next is our photo shoot and cover design. I cant wait to meet the rest of your staff. If I ever get the opportunity to come back to TMG to record I will jump on it...

Thanks again Dr. Tate for giving local musicians like myself a chance to shine an be recognized.

Sincerely
Larry

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...thoughts from our Artist of the Year

We got this message from Chuck Tocco, 2010 TMG Artist of the Year, and I wanted to share with you his thoughts.

Being Brought Before Great Men

I was thinking today about the scripture out of Proverbs 18:16 – A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. I know God has blessed me with the gift of music, and I want to share this gift with the world. In doing so, I am not pursuing it for own personal gain, but for the advancement of the kingdom. I believe that God has brought me before great men, and for me that has been Tate Music Group. I knew that when I signed with Tate that I was making the right decision. I had prayed over this decision, and only being left with a feeling of peace. When signing the contract I read the “Mission Statement” and knew that they were Christ focused. This was the kind of people I wanted to partner with.

Tate as a company operates their business with an attitude of excellence. My experience all started with the director of acquisitions Brianne Webb who explained, directed, and gave me comfort about signing to the record label. I have worked side-by-side with my producer Jameson Reynolds, and watch him pour his heart and soul into my project. I saw the excellence of Janae Glass create a superb representation for the cover of my new release, “I Know That You Can Hear Me.” There are so many others who are working extremely hard to make this project a success. I can’t thank everyone enough for their dedication, and commitment.

During my visit to Oklahoma for the “Artist of the Year” contest I was able to get to know the staff, and their families on a more intimate level. I walked away from that experience feeling so excited about this new chapter in my life. Everyone I met was excited about their job, and their role in the company. There was no “I” in the vocabulary of anyone who I came into contact with. They all operated and functioned as a body, and they get things done with the highest level of excellence.

Many great artists are signing to the label, and having great success. If you feel God is leading you in this direction, pray about it, ask for God’s leading. Know that if you sign with Tate you’re not being scammed, but it’s an opportunity to make the vision God has placed in your heart become a reality.

Tate Music Group is quickly becoming recognized as one of the best record labels to partner with. Remember that the investment you are sowing into your ministry is small in comparison to the investment they are putting into you. They also, give you the opportunity to get that money back. Who does that? All you got to do is work hard, and be committed. Know that you are being brought before great men.

- Chuck Tocco

tate music group...top 3 finalists

The Tate Music Group 'Artist of the Year' live finale will take place on Friday night, February 26th. It is sure to be an incredible event - I will give more details as they come - but I wanted to share with you our top 3 finalists for this year's competition.

Chuck Tocco - www.myspace.com/chucktocco

Darrin Rex - www.myspace.com/darinrex - EPK

Jupiter Wind - www.myspace.com/jupiterwind - EPK

It is going to be an exciting night! I can't wait to hear and see them perform live. We will be streaming the event live from our website - more details to come.

tate music group...new year, new music

It is the beginning of a new year and we are gearing up for the Tate Music Group Artist of the Year contest. It is an incredible event...which will end with 3 TMG artists/groups performing live in front of a panel of incredibly connected music industry professionals...and a lively studio audience. It's a great night of great music.

That got me thinking about some of the music that may or may not make it to the finals. We have so many great artists and I want to take a moment to share some of their work with you. These are some of our staff's favorites here at Tate Music Group.

'I Know You're There' by Jeff Chandler
www.myspace.com/chandler360

'He's Alive' by Jupiter Wind
www.myspace.com/jupiterwind

'Shackles' by The Cliftones
http://cliftones.com/

'The Son Won't Turn Around' by The Chasing
www.myspace.com/thechasingmusic

'Speakeasy' by Fat Dixie
www.myspace.com/fatdixie

'Sweet Lyric' by Jita

Also, here are some more artists to look out for in 2010!

Regie Hamm - 12 number one hits...including his most recent, 'Time of My Life', written for American Idol and David Cook.

Voices of Glory - these young talents broke onto the scene by making it to the Top 5 of America's Got Talent.

Of course, the full list is much more extensive. We work with such incredibly talented musicians and artists...many of which have yet to even enter the marketing phase. These are just a few of our favorites...and they have already seen some great things happening with their music. People are listening...and you should, too.

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...dot com

I just wanted to let everyone know that Tate Music Group has just completed a 'home page face-lift.' Now the TMG website homepage has even more information about events and happenings...and there's great music playing, too! Check it out at www.tatemusicgroup.com

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...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...radio and media spots

I wanted to share some information with you regarding some cool happenings with our artist of the year, Jeff Chandler. Yesterday, Jeff kicked off his radio tour with a stop in the great city of Tulsa, OK. He was featured on KXOJ - did an interview and his song 'Because of You.'

This was exciting for a few reasons. Obviously, it is cool to hear Jeff on the radio and know just how much hard work was put into making that happen. It is also cool, however, because it is great to hear him share his heart and passion for the music he writes and performs. This is hands-down one of the best things about working at Tate Music Group. Music, for so many of our artists, is the expression of God's love, grace, and hope through them. It is ministry...even before it is entertainment. That is exciting to be a part of...and I am so glad that Jeff is able to share his music (and message) with the world.

You can hear the interview here.

tate music group...a cool event

I just thought I would share information about a cool event coming up for some of our Tate Music Group Artists. Franklin, TMG artists/band, will be opening up for former American Idol contestant, Chris Sligh. The event is Jesus Fest 2009 in Clarksville, WV - August 15th.

This is a very cool opportunity for Franklin for many reasons. They will be able to do a full 45 min - 1 Hour set before Chris goes on. They will also be performing and sharing their music with a very large crowd - the more people who listen, the more people who like, buy, and share their music.

These are the kinds of opportunities Tate Music Group is going after for our artists. We want to provide avenues where our TMG artists can find success. Sometimes the venues are smaller, acoustic venues and other times there are festivals and auditoriums where it is easier to just guess the number of people. Either way, the more an artist can get out there, play, and share their music...the better.

People will hear it, like it, and tell others about it. I know this will be the case for Franklin...I just hope the encores don't keep Chris Sligh from being able to play.

Franklin

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...apps

One of the things we try and stress to every artist we work with is the importance of getting and staying connected to your fan base. Why? Well, for starters, they are your fans. Simple as that. The fans are the ones who will not only buy your album...they will get the T-shirts and buttons, too. And, they're the ones willing to leave Milwaukee on a Friday to make it to a show you have in Cleveland on Saturday...in the middle of winter...and love you even more for it. True fans are dedicated to you and the music...as long as they feel like they are truly a part of you and the music.

For our TMG artists, we want to keep those connections as strong as possible. This is why we put a good amount of stress on social networking and connecting through online sites like myspace, facebook, and twitter. Basically, these sites and services are our modern day equivalent to the fan mail of the 60s and 70s. Artists of that era understood how important it was to answer the letters sent to them by adoring fans and friends. Why? To keep them as adoring fans and to make them realize that they truly are a part of the music.

We understand the importance of this at Tate Music Group...which is why I am so excited to be able to announce the new iPhone apps that we will be providing for all of our artists. These are AWESOME! They will be vital tools for our artists to use to keep their friends and fans updated on events, thoughts, music, reviews, and everything else...all while on the go! They will also be great sources of income for our artists because they will be apps purchased by fans...which means more sales and royalties to the artist.

They are also just plain cool. I mean, as a Tate Music Group artist, you are going to have your own app. Who else can say that?

tate music group...some more good stuff

Okay, so I really wanted to share this post from one of our artists, Jeff Chandler. Just to let you know, Jeff is one of the most talented people I have met...I mean that. As a songwriter, he writes with a talent and emotion that, in my humble opinion, is lacking in today's market. As a singer, great range and good, strong pipes. And, as a person, really good. It was great to meet and get to know Jeff and his family during our Artist of the Year Contest. The phrase 'Salt of the Earth' comes to mind.

So, I suppose these reasons stated above are why I truly enjoyed and appreciated Jeff's words (which I will post below). He gives an honest take on his experience and what all of our artists can expect when they work with Tate Music Group.

Don't worry...I'll get back to writing and rambling about nothing soon enough. In the meantime, enjoy.

_____________________________________________

SO YOU'RE CONSIDERING TMG AS YOUR LABEL...
Okay...


So I'm getting a TON of questions from great indie artists everywhere about the integrity of Tate Music Group. This blog should give you a good idea what to expect if and when you sign with TMG.


First of all let me go on record saying that TMG is an amazing group of thinkers and business folks...heck their just awesome people! They are an integral part (if not the tip of the spear) in the future of the music industry and indie artists in particular at this stage in the game. My experience with them as their "artist of the year" for 2009 has been nothing but positive..


"Of course"...you're thinking to yourself "Mr. artist of the year"..."things are GREAT for you"..."but what about everyone who's NOT artist of the year???"


WELL...I'm glad you asked! Here's the long and short of what to expect when you sign with TMG:



DON'T expect an advance..meaning mad cash on the front end of your deal. These look attractive up front, but remember....this is a LOAN...it comes out of your hide later!!


DON'T expect a huge national push for your record. Tate are professionals in PARTNERING WITH INDIES to help them grow and make a living at your music.


1. They help you make an "easy on the wallet" record to kick-start your merch sales and make you credible in the industry. TRUST me...you'll be hard pressed to find someone that can make the quality of a record for the LITTLE amount of money you have to invest.


2. They give you a web-presence. They'll help you get your music distributed in the most accessible market known to human-kind: CYBERSPACE!! Yesssss...


3. They will help you develop best-practices in business to help YOU grow YOUR career. They will not do it FOR you...I think this is where people have gotten disgruntled with them in the past...you WILL NOT BE AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS.


I have been doing this for 18 years.....and only now am I beginning to see MODERATE succes.. Patience is a virtue...



Bottom line: They are a great PARTNER for indies...they can help you in many ways to become successful and YES...even a full-time artist!


In my humble experience you can trust TMG...They've always done for me what they said they would do and I know many artists with them that are hard workers that aren't looking for a handout who are very pleased with TMG...I am one them.


I highly recommend TMG to anyone who is serious about their music career.

Grace and peace to you all!!

tate music group...some good stuff

I wanted to share an email our TMG staff received from an artist who is signed with us and came to do his recording. He shares some very kind words about Tate Music Group and our professional, caring staff. That is one of the things we stress over and over here at Tate Music Group - serve our artists! We want artists to know that when you work with TMG, you get more than you ever would have bargained for. Enjoy!

Hi ______;



Just wanted to say it was an honer to meet you on Monday. Again, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Tate Music Group family. My first recording session went very well and I must say that the guys are all very professional with what they do. I will be going to the studio again today at 1:00pm for the final recordings, I'm very excited for the end product as I know it's going to be excellent. I just can't find enough words or ways to say thanks to TMG; you guys are great!!! I hope to get the chance to meet you again in the very near future and maybe have some lunch with you and the staff. But for now, take care and once again, thank you very, very much.



Sincerely, Keith _________, TMG Recording Artist

tate music group...not the same ol' sock-hop

Dylan said it...'the times they are a changing.' He wasn't talking about the music industry...but I am. I am constantly amazed at the changes and decisions happening on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. It seems that as soon as I get through with the articles, etc, from this week...they change and redirect so you never really know which way you are heading.

To be honest, I love it. Granted, I don't love things like that in any other area of my life but with my work in the music industry, I love it. I think it is because I see what we are doing on a daily basis here at Tate Music Group and it fascinates me to see what everyone else is doing or not doing to try and stay afloat, musically and financially.

One of the areas that is constantly changing and cannot be overlooked is the marketing and promotion of music. More specifically, the social marketing/networking side of music. This is something that we talk about all the time. I am constantly talking to potential artists about the importance of having a network of people that you are in contact/connection with so they can know the music, vision, and person of you as an artist.

In our internet society, the social networking culture is vital if you want to have any chance of making it. Why? Well, the old school way of 'pushing' an artist is going away...faster than anyone could have expected. Instead, the 'pushing' comes from the viral and grassroots marketing that can be helped, immensely, by social networking sites like myspace, facebook, and twitter.

One question that might come up is, "Why bother with it?" Well, it all comes down to connection with the listener. Music is an emotional thing. It can help you heal, forget, grow, laugh, relax, or rock...depending on what is on your playlist. Because of that, an artist needs to not only write/perform good music that connects with the listener but they need to keep that connection alive by letting the listener in on a little piece of who they are...or even what they are doing.

Who cares what Taylor Swift is getting at Baskin Robbins? Well, for starters, the thousands and thousands of followers she has on facebook and twitter alone. I am sure that Taylor doesn't always want to share everything...and she doesn't have to. But, as a very smart business-woman, she (or her people) realizes the importance of her letting everyone know that her favorite flavor is cappucino white chocolate chunk with blue sprinkles (just a guess).

You see, when Taylor posts or tweets about her favorite ice cream, her followers/fans know that little piece about her and they probably go and try that very same flavor...which is good for Baskin Robbins. Now, when Taylor mentions (or tweets) that her new album is coming out on pre-sale in 1 week...she has no problem getting those ice cream junkies to go buy the album. It is new-marketing at its finest.

Now for most artists (who aren't on the same level as Taylor Swift), this marketing can and should happen...just on a smaller scale. This is one of the things Tate Music Group focuses on as we work with our artists. You have to realize the importance of getting and staying connected to the people that loved your concert and the EP they got from your table. Now, you have to make sure that they stay connected and informed about new concerts and the upcoming release of your album...so they can go get it as soon as possible and 'be the first.'

And it wouldn't hurt to let everyone what your flavor is...

tate music group...a buzz

That's right. A buzz. There is a buzz happening in the music world surrounding Tate Music Group and what we are doing with and for up and coming artists. This past week/weekend, some of our Executive Staff traveled to the Gospel Music Awards. They spent their time going to concerts, showcases, and interviews for our Artist of the Year, Jeff Chandler (who knocked it out of the park!). It was a great time for Jeff...and for TMG.

It seems that the music world just doesn't know what to do with Tate Music Group. Our president, Ryan Tate, was asked over and over again about how and why Tate Music Group works and what the secret to our success is. In fact, a good number of these questions were asked of him during an hour long interview he had with Billboard Magazine.

The secret is...there is no secret. Just a lot of vision, passion, and a ton of hard work. Tate Music Group has taken the best of the 'industry' and discarded the rest. We know how important it is for artists to retain their rights and freedoms. We know that artists want to have control over what they do. We know that artists can't do it all on their own and need help. And we know that so many channels won't work directly with artists...unless they have a label backing them up.

With all that in mind...Tate Music Group was started. TMG is able to provide the services, support, and opportunities that artists need to have a chance to make it in this industry. The difference is that, unlike so many other companies and labels, we walk side by side...and not on top of the artists we work with. Partnership is key for this to work...and it is working very well.

Another question that was asked a lot - "how is Tate Music Group so successful at a time when the music industry is struggling and in a decline?" The answer to that is hard work, incredible leadership, and great choices.

Allow me to take an example from a sport I love to do, cycling. The reason why Lance Armstrong is the greatest of all time isn't because he outsmarted the competition or had better equipment during the Tour de France. He is the greatest because he pulled away, during the mountain sections, when the rest of the pack tried to just maintain and not fall apart. He was willing to outwork everyone else...especially when everyone else was struggling to survive.

Similarly, the 'industry' is struggling...fighting the economy, piracy, unhappy artists, etc. Tate Music Group, on the flip, is growing, expanding, hiring...you get the idea. As a company, our leadership has kept us free from debt and placed us in a position to excell and change the face of the music industry. In fact, we are already seeing that happen...in Nashville of all places...

Every once in a while I talk to an artist who just isn't sure and tells me they want to "wait and see about us." Well, Tate Music Group is moving fast and picking up speed. I hope they don't miss the boat...

tate music group...endorsement from a man who knows

Our founder, Dr. Richard Tate, told us about a great comment he received about Tate Music Group from a close friend of his...who just happens to be a very big name in the music industry. This friend, Jim Halsey, is responsible (in all or in part) for the careers of such stars as Reba, Little Richard, Garth, The Oak Ridge Boys, Clint Black, James Brown, and countless others. Needless to say...he knows the business and when he hands out a compliment and an endorsement...you would do well to listen.

He told Dr. Tate that what we are doing here at Tate Music Group is much needed within the music industry. We provide the kind of service, team, and opportunity that artists need in order to find success and growth within the music industry. What most people find crazy is that we do and provide all this without taking away any rights (music or otherwise) from the artists we work with. Unorthodox? Yes. A better option than all the others? Absolutely!

I had the chance to meet Jim Halsey when he took part in judging the Tate Music Group 'Artist of the Year' Contest. It was a true pleasure to be able to talk with someone who has so much history and knowledge of this business. And I wasn't the only one to think this. After the contest, our artists had a chance to talk with Jim and pick his brain about what they needed to do better and how they should approach other aspects of their music career. It was a great site to see these artists soaking up the knowledge he was sharing. Cool stuff.

I guess that is why I feel so honored and happy at the comments that Jim made regarding Tate Music Group. It is great, and even inspiring, to know that what you are working hard for everyday, because you know it is the best thing for artists and their music, is being acknowledged by those who know the music industry as the way to go.

Now, if I can just get Jim to listen to my Nu-Jazz/Country album I've been working on...