tate music group...that's what we've been saying

One of the most important (and most common) discussions we have with the artists we work with focuses on the business aspect of music. It makes sense...since this is called the "music business." The thing we most commonly stress is that the music is just the introduction into the industry - the business is what keeps you there.

Like any business, the product being introduced and promoted rises and falls on its quality and the ability of its creator to sell it to the consumer. The music business is no different. As an artist, your music is the product...and the quality of that music is very important. However, even more important is your ability (as the artist/creator) to promote and sell your product - in this case, your CD. You can have incredible songs and share those with an audience - completely captivating them. If that audience, though, isn't able to get your music and similarly recreate those feelings they had when hearing it live...they will forget about you and your music and move on to the next option.

This is why we (TMG) stress the importance of artists having lots of product and merchandise on hand for all your shows and events. It is not only your best point of sale...it is a way to engage with your audience again...and continue to inspire them by providing your music for them to listen and share over and over. That is both great promotion of your art and excellent business strategy - since a $10 CD at your show will end up as $6-$8 directly to you. Multiply that by 60 fans...and again by 50-60 shows per year - and you're starting to make this a career!

Of course, as you can see, the other aspect of selling your product is your ability to engage and captivate your audience. You have to put on a good show and give your audience something to not only be excited about at the time...but talk about to their friends the next day, week, month. This is how you, as an artist, are really just a salesman with a guitar (or piano, or microphone, etc.). I know that doesn't sound very appealing to most artists...but it is the truth about all business. Having the best product means nothing if you can't sell it to your audience. Time and again, I see incredible artists with no fan base and nothing (financially) to show for their work...because they aren't willing to do the 'salesman' role that is needed for this line of work. On the flip side, less musically talented artists can be some of the most popular and highest grossing artists because they have accepted their sales role and actively engage and inspire their audiences to action - which always involves buying their product (CDs, shirts, hats, etc.).

This is foundational to Tate Music Group and our goals for working with artists. We have been saying this for years and we see the most success from our artists that embrace music not only as an art but ultimately as a business.

Here is a video from Tom Jackson (a major promoter in the music business) stressing these same principles.

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...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...exciting new happenings

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

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

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

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

tate music group...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...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...a good meeting today

I just wanted to write a quick post here to tell the internet world about a great meeting I had today with a potential Tate Music Group artist - we'll call him 'Jamie.' Jamie is incredibly talented - great musical skills, tremendous vocal ability, and writing that is off the charts (no, I am not exaggerating and no, 'Jamie' doesn't know this blog exists).

I am excited about this meeting because of a couple of reasons - 1 is that I am very excited about this partnership and seeing just how far we can take things with the music and 2 is that 'Jamie' is a go-getter that realizes what it is going to take to make it in this industry. He is out 3x a week performing at venues that probably range from 20 people to 200 people...but that doesn't matter too much to him right now because those people (20 or 200+) are walking away with his tunes in their head and his business cards in their pockets. Awesome!

That is something the Tate Music Group Acquisitions Staff is constantly trying to explain to many up and coming artists. It is vital to have an attitude that says, "I'm gonna go and do all that I can...and hopefully, somewhere along the way, I can get some help."

This is where we come in. We want to help artists achieve their dreams, one step at a time. Sometimes you just need that one door to open up...and other times it takes many doors and tons of phone calls to even get close to the dream. At Tate Music Group, our passion and purpose is to come alongside the artists we work with and help them get where they have been trying to get to on their own.

We believe dreams come true...but not without a lot of work and a lot of help.

tate music group...still growing

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

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

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

It's the little things, you know?!

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

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

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

tate music group...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...let's get specific

In my reading and web-browsing, I stumbled across an interesting article from a professor of music marketing. One of the final assignments he gives his class is a 1 year marketing plan. For these 'up and coming artists,' he has them create a plan which includes their strategy and goals for the next year of their music lives.

Interestingly, he explains that most of his students write down very general goals...things like sell more CDs and play more gigs. He argues that though these are great things to have happen, they don't really give you a basis to judge success or failure. His response to this, and I have to agree, is to be specific in setting goals and plans. His examples include sell 100 CDs, 200 single downloads, and 20 T-shirts per month...also, play 3 shows/gigs in Atlanta in June. Specifics like that. This way, he argues, you have a way of judging if you are succeeding and if not, you can look at the situation to figure out how to improve.

At Tate Music Group, in the Music Marketing Department and our Artist Acquisitions, we stress these same principles. It seems like a daily occurrence...talking to artists who have goals that are great but not always measureable. One of the most commonly used statements: "I/We want to make a living doing music..." Okay, that sounds great. Tate Music Group wants that for you, too. The question is, how are you going to make that happen? Specifically, what things are you doing to insure this success? How are you measuring it?

At Tate Music Group, we want to help you achieve your dreams and goals as an artist. That is why we have set up our marketing and promotion the way we have. We want to come alongside our artists and help them find success by setting manageable, achieveable goals...as well as giving the support needed to carry them out.

For example, if you want to sell 2,500 CDs/albums within 1 year of your release, then we want to set up a strategy that allows that to be measured and achieved. Let's plan on selling 100 albums before or on your release date. Then, divide the year into 12 months and sell 200 albums per month...or go farther and plan on playing a minimum of 4 shows/events per month and shoot for 50 albums per show. That is a plan that will allow you to look back at your numbers after 6 months and evaluate/re-evaluate where you are. Perhaps you have oversold your projections and you now need only sell 800 more albums to hit goal. Or, maybe you needed a break and had to drop to only 2 shows per month. Whatever the case, this allows you to see what you are doing and to take stock as to the success (be it huge or more moderate) of this musical venture.

For us here at Tate Music Group, we want all of our artists to be massive successes. The reality is that there will be levels of success...and a lot of that depends on the teamwork and goals of both TMG and the artist. The fact is, having good, well-planned, realistic goals will allow you to remain focused and aware of what and how you are doing. It also helps to reduce the amount of frustration that may arise due to a lack of planning and a lack of having a 'big picture.' You have to see where you want to be and realize that it will take time, hard work, and even some breaks to get there.

Ultimately, what I am trying to say is this...Rome wasn't built in a day...and neither was U2.

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...a december to remember

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

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

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

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

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

I can't wait to find out.

to assume...

We spent the better part of the morning meeting with and talking to Mark Levine, an author and researcher of book publishers like Tate Publishing, parent company of Tate Music Group. It was pretty interesting, really. Even though he specializes in books, I felt like I walked away with a good bit of insight and information that I can use on the music end. He spoke to us as one on the outside looking in. What can we do better? Where do we seem strongest? What do outsiders say or think about us? Good stuff.

I think, though, that the most important thing I took from the discussion was one specific statement Mark made. I have been thinking about it all day. He said, "You don't have the luxury of assuming people think you are honest." I have to admit, that stung a little bit...and I'm still not exactly sure why.

Maybe its because I do assume people think that. About me. About Tate Music Group. About our offer. But they don't...and they have plenty of reasons not to.

Tate Music Group is just one honest company, among many, fighting an uphill battle. We are fighting this battle because of other companies and individuals who have taken advantage of people, causing all the cynicism and negativity we see today. This is true in all areas of business and service, but it seems to be especially true in the music world. There are a lot of promises made to people that can't be controlled. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, there is a growing lack of responsibility regarding written and spoken word.

So what do we do? How can Tate Music Group win this battle? We keep fighting. We keep doing what we say we'll do. We continue to refrain from saying things that aren't true or promise things that are outside of our control. We do all this and, little by little, we will see the overall assumption begin to change.