tate music group...coming soon...some staff faves

Our very own TMG Radio Girl has been hard at work compiling a list of some of our favorite artists and songs from 2010. This list is in no way exhaustive...but it is a small sampling of some of the music that has been playing on our iPods and entertaining us this past year. Make sure you are following her blog so you don't miss the upcoming lists. I'll make sure and redirect you each week...but you should definitely add our TMG Radio Girl to your favorites.

http://tmgradiogirl.tumblr.com/post/2613306793/my-favorite-thing-about-a-new-year-is-the-end-of

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?

a job like no other

It was cold and rainy today at Tate Music Group...a fine day for a post. I was thinking today about what I get to do for a living, what Tate Music Group pays me to do for them. Each time I think about this I have a hard time believing my luck. Of course, I find it amazing that I get the job of listening to music, giving reviews, and offering contracts but my favorite part isn't any of these. My favorite part is when I talk to potential TMG artists and ask them to tell me about their music.

No joke, I really like that part. I like it because every single artist is different in their response. Sure, there are some similarities but, for the most part, I am hearing stories, backgrounds, and causes that are completely unique to each artist. It is an emotional journey on many different levels. You would be surprised how much you can learn about a person by just asking them to tell you about something they love, something as emotional as music.

Yesterday I was able to talk with a potential Tate Music Group artist about all these things. He described his music and the background that brought him to this point. He talked about his group and why they do what they do. He talked about his vision for using music as a way to minister to the people in his community (and beyond) who need to hear something positive come out of people who can relate. He talked about how music, to him, is such an incredible tool, waiting to be used and effective. It was an incredible conversation to have with someone I haven't ever actually met (face to face).

It might surprise you but that actually happens a lot. I am constantly inspired by the artists I have the pleasure of working with. That is something I try to never take for granted. I want to take every opportunity I can to listen to our artist's stories and the emotions behind the music. That is where the real reviews happen. Lots of people can play a chord but few can really strike one.