tate music group...#2 Trio of the Year

Very exciting news this week - Voices of Glory were awarded the #2 Trio of the Year by the Branson Gospel Singer/Songwriter Association! Great job!

Also, as seen in the photo, Tate Music Group was able to schedule Voices of Glory to perform with another TMG artist, country music legend - Lee Greenwood! What an incredible show and a blessing for all those who heard & saw it!

tate music group...ICM award update

We are excited that Tate Music Group artist, Voices of Glory, made the top 5 for the Youth In Music Award! What an exciting opportunity for these talented young people! We can't wait to hear them announce their names as the winners of this prestigious award! Good luck!

Youth In Music (tie in category)
Aubree Bullock
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Voices of Glory

tate music group...ICM award nominees

We are very excited for 2 of our young artists - Abbey Gregory and Voices of Glory - for their Inspirational Country Music Award nomination. They are both nominated in the Youth In Music category...which makes it difficult to hope that one of them wins (which means the other wouldn't). But that is a problem we are happy to deal with! Congratulations to them both! Already winners in our book!

Here is the official press release:

ICM FAITH, FAMILY AND COUNTRY AWARDS: FIRST ROUND CATEGORY NOMINEES FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR PRESENTATION IN NASHVILLE OCTOBER 28TH

SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER WILL BE FIRST TIME HOST OF ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT


Nashville, Tenn. (July 31, 2011) – The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards first round nominees were today announced in Nashville. Presentation of awards in 22 key categories for the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The ballot, voted on by membership, includes a stellar array of major names in a broad range of categories that include entertainer, artist, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo, musician, radio personality, radio station, film, and television honors. Major artist nominees for this year’s awards include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys, The Band Perry, Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, and George Strait. Film honors presentations include a competitive field highlighted by family rated major box office contenders including Toy Story 3, Secretariat, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader.

Top 5 finalists in all categories will be announced on August 30th culminating in the October awards presentation announcements.

The 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards continue as the highpoint finale of Inspirational Country Music Week, an event presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association. This year’s planned schedule will run October 24-28th in Nashville, and as in past years will draw a broad cross section of industry, music fans, broadcast media, and artists in a well-orchestrated showcase of music and seminar related activities.

ICM-Association Executive Director Jason Higgins notes the organization’s ongoing commitment to the Nashville origins of the annual event. “We are very pleased to have the Millennium Maxwell House as the host location of the week’s event, as well as the historic Wildhorse Saloon as a setting for a planned Appreciation Luncheon to be held during ICM Faith, Family & Country Week for media and participants. Combined with the awards presentation for the first time this year being held in the incomparable setting of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center we feel we are showcasing a real commitment to all that makes Nashville ‘Music City’.”

Youth In Music

Abbey Gregory
Aubree Bullock
Calina Boggs
Candy Boggs
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Tommy Brandt II
Voices of Glory

tate music group...voices of glory win diamond award

Tate Music Group wants to give a huge congratulations to VOG - Voices of Glory - for winning the 2011 Diamond Award for 'Sunrise Artist'...which is also the award for Favorite Rising Artist! What an incredible accomplishment for this group of very talented and driven young people.

Theirs is an incredible story of faith, talent, and God's perfect timing! Tate Music Group is excited to partner with VOG and their music! We know this is still the beginning of what this incredibly talented group of siblings will win in their careers!

Check out Voices of Glory here - http://www.tatemusicgroup.com/epk/?id=12141

See more from the 2011 Diamond Awards here - http://www.southerngospeltimes.com/NewsItem.aspx?id=1071

tate music group...congrats and awards

Tate Music Group recording artist, Godz Messenger (Jamal Seymour) takes home two awards last week at the New England Music Awards. He won "Best Gospel Artist" and "Best New Single". Congrats to Jamal Seymour on his victories at N.E.M.A!

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...artist of the year meeting

Our staff her at Tate Music Group had a great meeting today regarding our annual Artist of the Year contest. Last year's competition was incredible! We had such a good time...hanging out all week with our finalists...shooting videos...rehearsals...and much more. It was great to sit and talk about last year's event...and plan how we can make this year's even better.

In the coming weeks we will be finalizing the plans for the evening...as well as collecting the submissions from our artists for voting. It is great to see the incredible amount of talent that our artists have. Last year I was amazed not only at the top finalists...but also at those who didn't quite make it...because they were great, too!

We will be streaming the event live again this year. You can check out some videos of last year's performances here.

tate music group...artist making the TV rounds

My last post was to inform everyone that Tate Music Group had just signed national, award-winning singer/songwriter, Regie Hamm. This post is to let people know that Regie's #1 hit song, "Time of My Life", is making the television rounds. First, American Idol - where it was the winning song and became the first #1 hit for David Cook (it is also the longest running #1 single in history...). Next, it was featured on the finale of America's Got Talent. And last night, it made its' ballroom debut by being featured on Dancing With the Stars.

Wow! What an incredible few weeks for Regie, his song and music, and Tate Music Group. It is exciting to see the success he is having and to be a major part of that. We are set to release his next single to national radio in about 2 weeks.

This is a very exciting time for Tate Music Group and the artists we are blessed to work with. News stories like this continue to prove how success breeds success and exposure brings even more exposure. The dominoes are falling...and Tate Music Group is making its mark.

tate music group...signs American Idol song winner

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGIE HAMM SIGNS BOOK AND RECORD DEAL

WITH TATE PUBLISHING AND TATE MUSIC GROUP

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

“Rock The Light” festival this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

tate music group...a 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...

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...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...crunch time

I'm not sure how we got here so quickly but we are only 3 days from 2009.

Most people would associate this statement with the coming of the New Year. However, at Tate Music Group, it holds an entirely different meaning. For TMG, it is the deadline for eligibility in the 2008 Tate Music Group Artist of the Year Contest. And that means there is a lot of work to do in the next 3 days.

We are really excited about this inaugural TMG artist competition. It is more than just a competition, though. It is a way for us at Tate Music Group to tell our artists how much we appreciate them and to showcase the talent we are able to work with everyday.

Tate Music Group artists will be choosing one of their songs to submit for initial judging. Based on writing, musicianship, and a few other criteria, the top songs, and therefore, artists, will be invited to come to Oklahoma City to perform their song live in front of a packed house and a celebrity judging panel. Ultimately, if you outperform the competition, you win the cash and prizes.

It is going to be a great time. I have been having a blast being a part of the planning and, truth be told, I wish I was eligible to compete. That would mean, though, that I would need to have an album and musical talent...how about I just leave that up to the real Tate Music Group artists?

I can't wait. Its crunch time.

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...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...star gazing

Let me start by saying, "I don't like award shows." Any kind. It doesn't matter. I don't even like the ESPY's. That being said, I found myself watching (though a bit grudgingly) the CMA awards a few nights ago. It was a very big production, with A-list celebrities, and a lot of great musical talent (though my choices of the best will probably differ from most). It was an impressive spectacle...and it ended up being a very thought provoking show for me.

It made me think about the artists who have made it to that point in their career. That is a very impressive thing, to say the least. But it isn't the norm...and it doesn't really paint a fair picture of what it takes to get close to that kind of pinnacle. I guess I just wish there were more stories about how many of these artists had to struggle to get shows and play for free, just to be across the street from where Randy Travis was playing. Those are the stories, in my opinion, that tell the more truthful side of this industry. That is more of the norm...not standing in line for a TV show competition.

I mean, don't get me wrong...if you can make it on the TV circuit...regardless of what show or network...take that opportunity and run with it. Look at Kellie Pickler. She didn't even win and she was a featured artist on the CMA's. The truth is, most artists aren't going to make it on a show like that. Most artists aren't even going to try and stand in line. They are going to get themselves in small bars, clubs, coffee shops, churches, and everywhere else they can to get their music heard. Their favorite night is 'open mic night' at the places that have the most people.

As I watched this award show, I started thinking about some of the artists who are now pretty large, household names. I thought about what I saw and experienced them doing to get to where they are now. Sure, they got some good breaks, but they put a lot of leg work in before those breaks came.

Pat Green: He was one of my favorite artists in college (and I don't even really like country music that much). His sound was raw and familiar and aimed right at you. It didn't feel commercial at all. He was famous in the college scene because he made his living, literally, by playing college after college, small venue after small venue, with the occasional festival and opening for a major act.

John Mayer: Another major music icon while I was in college. I never knew much about him except that he was an incredible guitarist and a great concert artist. I do know, however, that if it weren't for the copy of his live bootlegged CD, he would have never made it on to TRL with Carson Daly. I'm pretty sure every college girl in America 'owned' his live album and called TRL daily (no pun intended).

Switchfoot: I know these guys have paid their dues because I remember getting a CD sampler for $1.99 that had their first 'single' on it. That was a long time ago (at least to me - probably 10+ years ago at least). Switchfoot travelled and played youth functions, church concerts, and summer camps and festivals for years before making it as one of the most successful 'crossover' bands ever.

The point of this late night rant is this: Although all those TV shows are popular (you know the ones), it isn't a true view of reality. The reality is it is going to take a lot of work and, probably, a lot of time to get to that point. The great thing for the artist we work with, the don't have to do all of it alone. We at Tate Music Group are committed to helping them get closer and closer to their dreams and goals.

I say aim for the stars...just don't forget it isn't just a moment away.