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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

10 Questions with David C. Coleman from CLG


10 Questions (from AllAccess.com)

NAME: David C. Coleman

TITLE: President

WEBSITE: www.chrematizo.com

COMPANY: Chrematizo Label Group

BORN WHERE: Hollywood, FL

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
  • Bassin Distributors
  • Alliance Entertainment Corp.
  • Transform Music Group
  • Chrematizo Label Group / CLG Distribution


1. What was your first job in the music industry? After graduating college with a B.A. in Political Science, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Fundamentally, I had always been the most passionate about music. Growing up, I was in the school band and played French Horn, but my desire had always been to play the drums. I had a natural instinct for it. I eventually followed that path and played in rock bands throughout my teens and twenties. In actuality, I only pursued college because that’s what I was “supposed” to do. A friend and band mate of mine had been working for a music distributor in South Florida so, instead of pursuing a job related to my field of study, I acquired a job with the distributor and began my professional journey in the music business. With college degree in hand, I started at the very bottom as an order picker. It was a humbling experience but afforded me the opportunity to learn the business from the ground up.

2. Do you have mentors to whom you would credit your success or work? There were two gentlemen early in my career who instilled solid business principles – Joe Stanzione and Roger Neilly. Joe was more of an educated, polished businessman while Roger provided a certain level of “street smarts” which were also beneficial. Brett Carnali (manager for independent artist Kathleen Carnali) has provided fertile ground for brainstorming. His unorthodox and forward-thinking views toward the music industry have helped me clarify and define the long-term goals for CLG. I’ve also learned a lot from Bob Morrison, formerly with Midas Records and currently with E1. His mind for organization and detail has helped me develop a higher level of the same qualities in my own work habits and overall business perspectives.

3. What is your favorite part of your job or your work? I love being involved in a field dealing directly with my personal passion – music! Beyond that particular point, though, my favorite part of the job is connecting with the artists and discovering their heart for ministry. I’m certainly passionate about music, but I’m even more passionate about the use of music as an evangelistic tool and platform to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. What do you listen for when you hear new songs or potential radio singles? This varies according to genre, but a catchy, memorable melody with a strong hook is always critical. Rap, of course, does not adhere to this particular point. As a drummer, I’m drawn to rhythm. For virtually every genre (including rap), I listen for a solid foundational rhythm and meaningful lyrical content. Regarding lyrics, I prefer the poetic and clever over the simple and cliché. But I also listen for an intangible quality which can’t necessarily be defined. I guess one might call this the “it factor.” I can’t define it, but I instinctively know it when I hear it. Looking back on my past in the secular industry, artists like Sheryl Crow, KT Tunstall, Toad The Wet Sprocket and My Chemical Romance struck me right away. I knew they would break before the public had even heard the music. Similarly, a couple years ago my alarm clock was blaring “Love Song” from Sara Bareilles as I woke up. It was my first time hearing the song, but I immediately ran to my computer to determine who sang it. It had HIT written all over it! At the end of the day, music should speak to the gatekeepers on a gut level (as it most certainly does the average listener). Gatekeepers should be music fans first and foremost, seeking to bring the best and brightest content to the public. From my perspective, it’s important to note that great music is not defined or authenticated by the label name on the back cover.

5. What can Christian radio or the Christian music industry do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis? I could write a book on this one! My response relates to the music industry, in general, but I’ll tailor it mainly toward the Christian industry. First, throw out the rulebook. The current system of testing songs merely ensures the next song will sound like the last song, and that the current audience will likely receive it well. If the target audience for Christian radio is a 35-50 year-old soccer mom with a mini-van, where does that leave the rest of us who don’t fit that demographic? To expand listenership, Christian radio needs to be bold and take some chances. The kids are the key, as they tend to be the largest consumer base for music. And the kids are the ones who need to be courted most aggressively with a strong Christian message. Otherwise, their only option is to turn to worldly music the likes of Lady GaGa, Jay Z, Katy Perry and Britney Spears. The only way a broader audience will tune in is if their interests are being catered to. In my opinion, for terrestrial radio to survive in a day and age when new mediums for content delivery are popping out of the woodwork, the powers that be must loosen the reigns and return to an era when DJ’s were given the flexibility to discover and promote music from a gut level. DJ’s were once the tastemakers but, in today’s corporate climate, that ability has been squelched and relegated to test panels. Music listeners long for authenticity in the music they listen to. They know it when they hear it. And Christian radio, for the most part, is not servicing their full constituency well in this regard. Most music-loving Christians who demand artistically authentic music simply won’t tune in because they are well aware their tastes are being ignored. To be fair, Christian radio has come a long way over the course of the last twenty years. But the inherent lack of flexibility built into the current system stifles the likelihood of exposure for the vast majority of truly inspiring, ground-breaking and artistic music. We must remember that music is an art form. Unfortunately, the industry tends to reduce music to the level of “product.” It has become something to peddle. Bring the passion back within the hearts of the DJ’s, PD’s and MD’s and a corresponding reaction will occur amongst the untapped listeners hungry for inherently artistic and creative music. Center the decision-making process in the hands of those who can transform radio rather than forcing personnel to be conformed by the tastes and attitudes of a very small subset of the Christian community. Music is not strictly something to be analyzed. It is something to be felt, lived and breathed. If radio wants to draw more listeners, decision-makers will need to take some risks. Turn the discovery process over to the front line decision-makers and challenge them to unearth “the next big thing!” I’ve always seen the Christian community as a microcosm of the broader community. Therefore, not all Christians find AC or CHR radio interesting. It seems that the stigmas associated with the country, rap and hard rock genres prevent much of the most culturally relevant music from being heard. Christian music can be “family friendly” at 160 beats per minute as long as the lyrics are theologically sound and the heart of the messenger pure. Christian music will never be truly evangelistic if it’s not presented in a language the world understands. Let’s be honest, Johnny Sixteen-Year-Old doesn’t want to listen to his mother’s music. Mom is speaking proper English, but Johnny only speaks slang. Coincidentally, the mass market generally speaks slang as well. You dig?

6. What are some of the projects or artists that you’re working with right now that are poised for a hit in Christian music or on Christian radio? We’re excited about a summer release from former Word Records star Miss Angie. With four Top 10 hits under her belt (two of which reached #1), the potential for success looms large. The chosen radio promoter is very excited as well. Legendary Black Gospel artist Keith Pringle is also poised for success at radio. He has a rich legacy from the ‘80’s full of gospel standards still sung in many houses of worship even today. And his comeback is being received very well by old and new fans alike. Of course, there are some lesser-known artists we’re working with who possess tremendous potential as well. Rap artists/acts Viktory, CY, and Soul Water are all releasing singles to Christian CHR in the near future. We’re also working with Brooke Fraser’s Flags album, but the label is redirecting its focus to the General Market for this release. “Something In The Water” is being released to secular radio around Valentine’s Day.

7. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received when it comes to the music industry? Run!!! Just kidding, of course. Relative to my own circumstances, I would say the best advice I’ve received is to seek the Lord constantly and follow His will for my regardless of circumstance. Remain focused on Him and don’t be distracted by the trials and tribulations which present themselves along the way. Being involved in the music industry at this time is no picnic. I must believe in the ultimate vision God has placed in my heart and trust He will bring these things to fruition.

8. Who inspires you personally, professionally and/or spiritually? Personally, my father was a huge inspiration in the way he lived his life with honor and integrity. My mother also taught me the art of compassion and personal respect for others regardless of factors like race, religion or gender. Professionally, I’m inspired by like-minded individuals with the desire to redefine and/or refocus the essence of Christian music – music that inspires the masses through the authenticity of the art form and the integrity of the message (and lifestyle of the messenger). My ultimate goal is to inspire others to be more authentic both musically and spiritually – to break down the nonsensical barriers which prevent quality music from being accepted within the Christian community and bring a renewed discernment regarding who we’re allowing to perform under the guise of “Christian artist.” It’s an understatement to say that, in many cases, integrity has been sacrificed for the sake of profitability. Spiritually, Pastor Bob Coy of Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale has been one of my biggest inspirations. I grew more in the first year at the church than I had over the course of my entire life. Through him, I learned that growth comes through weeding the garden of sin in our lives.

9. If you could have any other job outside radio or the music industry, what would it be? I love creative endeavors, so some of the career paths I’ve considered in the past have included journalism and the culinary arts. At this point in my life I would likely choose to be involved with politics in some form or fashion. I have a fundamental desire to help others, and becoming a politician would allow me the opportunity to change the world for the better by employing a combination of common sense and biblical wisdom. I also enjoy political punditry.

10. Fill in the blank: I can’t make it through the day without the Holy Spirit, a can of Mountain Dew in the morning, music that stirs my soul, and an internet connection!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Q&A With David C. Coleman


QUESTION: What can Christian radio or the Christian music industry do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?

ANSWER: I could write a book on this one! My response relates to the music industry, in general, but I’ll tailor it mainly toward the Christian industry. First, throw out the rulebook. The current system of testing songs merely ensures the next song will sound like the last song, and that the current audience will likely receive it well. If the target audience for Christian radio is a 35-50 year-old soccer mom with a mini-van, where does that leave the rest of us who don’t fit that demographic? To expand listenership, Christian radio needs to be bold and take some chances. The kids are the key, as they tend to be the largest consumer base for music. And the kids are the ones who need to be courted most aggressively with a strong Christian message. Otherwise, their only option is to turn to worldly music the likes of Lady GaGa, Jay Z, Katy Perry and Britney Spears.

The only way a broader audience will tune in is if their interests are being catered to. In my opinion, for terrestrial radio to survive in a day and age when new mediums for content delivery are popping out of the woodwork, the powers that be must loosen the reigns and return to an era when DJ’s were given the flexibility to discover and promote music from a gut level. DJ’s were once the tastemakers but, in today’s corporate climate, that ability has been squelched and relegated to test panels. Music listeners long for authenticity in the music they listen to. They know it when they hear it. And Christian radio, for the most part, is not servicing their full constituency well in this regard. Most music-loving Christians who demand artistically authentic music simply won’t tune in because they are well aware their tastes are being ignored. To be fair, Christian radio has come a long way over the course of the last twenty years. But the inherent lack of flexibility built into the current system stifles the likelihood of exposure for the vast majority of truly inspiring, ground-breaking and artistic music.

We must remember that music is an art form. Unfortunately, the industry tends to reduce music to the level of “product.” It has become something to peddle. Bring the passion back within the hearts of the DJ’s, PD’s and MD’s and a corresponding reaction will occur amongst the untapped listeners hungry for inherently artistic and creative music. Center the decision-making process in the hands of those who can transform radio rather than forcing personnel to be conformed by the tastes and attitudes of a very small subset of the Christian community. Music is not strictly something to be analyzed. It is something to be felt, lived and breathed. If radio wants to draw more listeners, decision-makers will need to take some risks. Turn the discovery process over to the front line decision-makers and challenge them to unearth “the next big thing!” I’ve always seen the Christian community as a microcosm of the broader community. Therefore, not all Christians find AC or CHR radio interesting.

It seems that the stigmas associated with the country, rap and hard rock genres prevent much of the most culturally relevant music from being heard. Christian music can be “family friendly” at 160 beats per minute as long as the lyrics are theologically sound and the heart of the messenger pure. Christian music will never be truly evangelistic if it’s not presented in a language the world understands. Let’s be honest, Johnny Sixteen-Year-Old doesn’t want to listen to his mother’s music. Mom is speaking proper English, but Johnny only speaks slang. Coincidentally, the mass market generally speaks slang as well. You dig?

Monday, February 14, 2011

3D Remedy & EMP Present - The Salvage Mixtape

Staten Island, NY (January 19th, 2011) - Have you ever had something lying around without having any use for it? Then some time later, your perception of it completely changes, ultimately coming to the question of realization "Why didn't I put this to use sooner?" This is the case with EMP's latest release.

Evolution Musik Productions has been producing since 2006, producing from the likes of Rapfest Inc, La Familia Muzik's SYD, Lazarus, Sean Slaughter, The Reason, P.K. (Preacher's Kid), DJ. D-lite & More. EMP is also known for their industry standard quality engineering and has been the engineering force behind many urban music projects.

At the beginning of 2008, EMP's 1st Production album was complete, however never release due to circumstances beyond the companies control. It then sat in wait, longing to one day be heard through the loud speakers of a car or via the headphones of an i-pod but to no avail. The production album was being prepared to be scrapped.

Music without purpose has never been the goal of 3D Remedy nor EMP so with hope and revived momentum, though far beyond it's original due date an album redeemed and restored has been set to release January 31st, 2011. The Salvage Mixtape will be available as a free download via www.3dremedy.bandcamp.com

3D Remedy, Artist and CEO of EMP had to say this about the project's release "God has an interesting way of doing things, His ways are truly unlike ours. Never in a million years did I think I would be releasing a free mix-tape that was completed 2 years prior, but this is why it's called "the Salvage" because quite like us, humanity was ready to be scrapped but then came someone who was "mindful" of us and placed us in good use."

To find out more about EMP, visit www.evolutionmusik.com or www.3dremedy.bandcamp.com

Friday, February 11, 2011

Transform Music Group Signs Female Rock Artist Miss Angie

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Feb. 9, 2011—Nashville-based label Transform Music Group announces the addition of female rock artist Miss Angie to its roster. A pioneer of the CCM female rock movement, Miss Angie will release her third national album, Time & Space, on July 26.

Debuting on the music scene in 1997, Miss Angie returns with a new look, new music, and new label partner for her latest endeavor, a 12-song record featuring beautifully simplistic and startlingly crafted melodies that rock.

Transform Music Group founder and president Matt Rogers comments, “Miss Angie paved the way for many of the female artists we enjoy today. Veteran fans of Christian music will instantly fall back in love with Miss Angie, and we're excited to introduce her to a brand new generation of listeners.”

“I'm so over-the-top happy to be back making music again and to be working with Matt Rogers and Transform Music!” says Miss Angie. “I love their vision and heart. It's so cool for me to get to live out this dream God put in my heart, and I look forward to doing that with Transform.”

The new album will feature production on two tracks by Joshua Silverberg (Edison Glass) and be backed by a major push to Christian Hit Radio. Additional details are forthcoming. For more information, visit www.transform-music.com.

About Miss Angie
A native of Springfield, Mo., Angie Turner, better known a Miss Angie, first introduced her signature blend of rock, electronic and pop sounds on debut album, 100 Million Eyeballs, released by Myrrh Records in 1997. The record spawned a No. 1 CHR single with “Lift My Eyes,” whose music video was featured on “WOW 1998-97: The Year’s Top Christian Music Videos” DVD. Miss Angie followed her freshman release with a second album, Triumphantine in 1999, which again produced a No. 1 CHR hit “Dancin’ In My Head.” The two critically acclaimed projects additionally afforded Miss Angie touring opportunities alongside such artists as Sixpence None the Richer while garnering her major festivals appearances, including Cornerstone, among others. For more information on Miss Angie, visit: www.missangie.net.

About Transform Music Group
Transform Music Group, a division of Mattrix Media Group, was founded by Matt Rogers, a 15-year veteran of the Christian music industry. The foundation of Transform Music Group is based on Acts 4:13 “The members of the council were amazed when the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” For more information, visit www.transform-music.com or www.twitter.com/transformmusicg

Thursday, February 10, 2011

CY Preps to Launch Fourth Album with Fresh Website, New Distribution Deal, Nationwide Tours, and Free Compilation Download


Christian rapper CY is preparing to launch his fourth album, High Wire Act, with a fresh website, new distribution deal, nationwide tours, and a free compilation download.

High Wire Act is set to drop locally on March 10, 2011 with a combination birthday/release party. But before then, CY is whetting appetites with a free, 31 track greatest hits-style compilation titled As the World Turns: The Best of CY. This collection encompasses tracks from all of CY’s previous releases, various other projects, and even a few sneak previews of the upcoming High Wire Act album.

As the World Turns is being offered as a free, digital release in partnership with 3HP Records. The compilation was downloaded over 2,100 times on the first day it was posted and is rapidly approaching the 10,000 downloads mark (all within the first five days.)

“I thought the compilation was a good way to give back to my fans to let them hear some of their favorite CY songs, catch up on some they might have missed, and to let them sample a few tracks from the new album,” CY said. “I’m excited that so many people have grabbed it and pray that momentum continues once High Wire Act drops.”

After launching the Circus World Event…The Ringleader album at the 2007 Texas Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards (where MTV personality Sway was a presenter) to critical acclaim, CY began to pray about the direction of its much anticipated follow-up.

Whereas The Ringleader’s concept envisioned our world as a circus with one true ringleader (God) and an imposter (Satan) who plots and schemes for the same position, High Wire Act plays off a tight rope metaphor that represents the narrow road believers in Christ must walk in order to receive eternal life. The project also carries other messages about the humility that must be maintained by those placed in lofty positions.

CY’s High Wire Act employs a gloomier carnival sound, picture-painting lyrics, and explosive energy. It’s versatile and accessible to all listeners with tracks produced by himself, Phillip Moore, Tony Stone, Vohn Beats/Symbolyc One, Jimmy Natural and others. Guest artists include Young Joshua, Tony Stone, One Dose, Von Won, FireJaws, Gina V, Tannie, Gifted, Kent & Shellee Coley, MiKalibur, Titus, D.Steele, and more.

High Wire Act will be available nationally through brick-and-mortar and digital channels thanks to CY’s new partnership with CLG Distribution. Fans may also pre-order the release through the artist’s recently revamped website: dasouth.com/complex

Finally, you can catch CY’s eye-popping stage presentation in support of High Wire Act at either South Carolina’s M.O.S.T. Tour or as part of this summer’s 7 Chosen Tour in nine different states throughout United States and Canada.

Download the As the World Turns: The Best of CY compilation from Complex Melodies and 3HP Records here.

Are You Authentic? A Musical & Spiritual Dilemma

Authenticity - what is it and why is it important?

Anything authentic remains true to its own personality, spirit or character, and the very nature of authenticity ensures that it cannot be fabricated. Authenticity, then, is primarily revealed through interaction with the external world. Actions serve to either deny or certify credibility. The music industry is saturated with copycats, posers and pretenders - and the Christian industry has its own specific subset of idiosyncrasies related to spiritual issues. In a four-part series, I'll be discussing authenticity and how it applies to music and ministry.

Let's face it - no one likes a fake. We all know people who are inherently disingenuous in the way they deal with others and, often, themselves. They're usually easy to spot. They talk the talk but never quite seem to walk the walk. They find it difficult to be honest toward others, and often refuse to address their own faults and shortcomings. Honestly, we all exhibit this attribute to one degree or another. So how and why do people choose to be less than authentic?

Behaviorally, we often choose to portray someone other than our true self because we feel pressure to conform to a predetermined standard. Spiritually, we often choose not to walk a righteous, authentic path because it's either too difficult or we're not willing to surrender completely to Jesus Christ. And, musically, artists often seek to write music they think will serve a specific purpose in the hearts and minds of others at the expense of their own unique musical identity. These transgressions typically arise from a desire to either obtain approval from others or please our own selfish desires. The only way to become authentic is to strive against these natural tendencies. And the only way to be content is to be authentic.

The fundamental question we need to ask ourselves is - WHO AM I? Once we have honestly addressed that question we have taken a first step toward becoming authentic. Of course, there is no easy answer. Philosophers have pondered this mystery for millennia. The answer lies deep within a complex equation based on the various intangibles formulating the human soul - faith, purpose, values, ethics, memories, and so on. The resulting answer, in many ways, defines our moral character (or lack thereof).

Another foundational question is - what makes me unique? This is a much easier question to answer and is primarily (but not solely) determined by our temporal, earthly being. Uniqueness can be defined by anything from our hairstyle or clothing to our musical taste, political philosophy or athletic ability. Similarly, uniqueness can also be exemplified in our willingness to stand apart from the crowd and follow our own values, instinct or sense of direction.

One of the most difficult challenges in life is to find peace in our personal identity - to be truly authentic. We are defined by the answers to the aforementioned essential questions "who am I?" and "what makes me unique?" Thus, it's important for us to first understand the nature of authenticity before we can learn how to apply it in our lives. So you're asking, "What does this have to do with music and ministry?" Join me for part two and find out!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Why YOU need CLG Distribution's Digital Distro!


CLG Distribution recently added a partnership with YouTube to their digital distribution offerings. Their digitally distributed artists and labels are now able to reach not only the traditional digital outlets (iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, etc.), but a growing number of untapped, burgeoning sources as well.

The fact is that people are watching hundreds of millions of videos a day on YouTube. YouTube is the number one video site on the internet and the fourth largest internet destination in the world, attracting 300 million unique video viewers across the world (according to Nielsen's NetRatings, December 2008). In addition, YouTube is the number two search engine in the world after Google and before Yahoo (according to comScore, October 2008)!

Honestly, if you're not creating video content for YouTube you're missing the boat. Information from a leading digital content provider controlling in excess of 25,000 tracks reveals:
  • In January 2010, the ratio of revenue from iTunes to YouTube was 25:1
  • In December 2010, the ratio grew exponentially from 25:1 to 2:1
  • In 12 months, YouTube streaming revenue grew to fifty cents on the dollar in relation to YouTube
  • Every day on iTunes, a few thousand people buy their content on iTunes
  • Every day on YouTube, a few million people stream the same content on YouTube
Quite simply, YouTube is a VERY important retailer!

The fact is that, by your hand or someone else's, your content is likely available on YouTube and, at this time, you are failing to profit from this content. As the trends continue to move away from the purchase of music toward the streaming of music, you don't want to be left in the dark. Few digital distributors can plug you into the monstrosity known as YouTube in order to capitalize on your content. But CLG Distribution can.

Contact CLG Distribution NOW to find out more information about their digital distribution programs!

About CLG Distribution:

Nashville, Tennessee-based CLG Distribution is a distributor of music, video and other Christian-related product to the Christian and general markets. The company was founded in 2004 to create a flexible solution for accessing physical and digital distribution channels and to enable independent Christian rock, pop, gospel and worship acts to focus on what they do best – share their vision with the world through music. For more information, visit www.clgdistribution.com