REVIEW: Jesus Wired: Indie Hits! Vol. 1

Check out the amazing review by Joshua Andre from Christian Music Zine for "Jesus Wired: Indie Hits! Vol. 1" which was just released today. They gave the album a 4.5 out of 5 rating!

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #21

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #21
From CLG Distribution:

Understand your genre of music and how to properly represent it. This is called “imaging.”

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #20

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #20
From CLG Distribution:

Capture and build a database of your fans and their contact information.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Introducing: Jesus Wired: Indie Hits! Vol. 1

For Immediate Release

CHREMATIZO LABEL GROUP & JESUS WIRED ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE INDIE COMPILATION ALBUM
Companies Join Forces to Release “Jesus Wired: Indie Hits! Vol. 1”

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 25, 2011 – Nashville-based Christian entertainment companies Chrematizo Label Group and JesusWired Entertainment are set to release an independent compilation album November 29th containing eighteen tracks from former major label and other established artists, as well as notable up-and-coming stars of today and tomorrow.

Currently home to CLG Distribution, Jacob’s Well Records, Trendency Records and Voluminous Records, Chrematizo Label Group is partnering with Christian digital media upstart JesusWired Entertainment to bring a compilation of truly exciting and viable independent content to the marketplace. In the vein of best-selling compilations like WOW Hits and Now Hear This, the Jesus Wired: Indie Hits! series is poised to become an ongoing must-have collection for Christians devoted to truly artistic music and the discovery of artists underrepresented through traditional mediums.

Chrematizo Label Group President David C. Coleman states, “we’re very excited to be working with Jesus Wired Entertainment on the release of this brand new compilation series. Personally, I’ve always found sampler and compilation albums to be a truly effective discovery mechanism for much of the most credible underground content. Cross-promotion is also a great facet of these types of releases.”

From legendary Black Gospel pioneer Keith Pringle to some of CCM’s past, present and future stars, the compilation is loaded with exceptionally artistic music. Former Word/Myrrh Records artist Miss Angie returns with the brilliant dance/pop single “Kick Drum.” Matt Papa, formerly of Centricity/Spin360, brings the uncompromising spirit of Keith Green back to Christian music through unabashedly Christ-centered lyrics. And BET’s “Sunday’s Best” semi-finalist Maurice Griffin demonstrates why he is a colossal force to be reckoned with. But that’s just the beginning. Some of the newest and most gifted Holy Hip-Hop artists from the genre bring a message of hope to the streets through lyrical, rhythmic poetry. Former Wu-Tang/Killa Bees collaborator 7vnseal adopts a compelling “Christian Soldier” mindset and manifests a level of street credibility rarely found in Gospel Rap. And the word-for-word King James Bible rap recitals of John The Rap’tist are truly something to behold.

About Chrematizo Label Group
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.chrematizo.com.

About Jesus Wired Entertainment
Nashville, Tennessee-based Jesus Wired Entertainment is a primary source for independent Christian music and digital media. Formed in 2011, the focus is to bring quality Christian content to consumers and provide an environment in which to educate and equip independent musicians interested in pursuing a career in music ministry by preparing them for both the commercial and ministerial aspects of the Christian music business. For more information on Jesus Wired, visit www.jesuswired.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #19

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #19
From CLG Distribution:

Provide incentive for fans willing to give feedback on your music.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #18

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #18
From CLG Distribution:

Ask for feedback from your fans and pay attention to any trends in the comments. Take it to heart.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #17

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #17
From CLG Distribution:

Build a fan base and shoot for sponsors.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #16

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #16
From CLG Distribution:

Develop a consistent message for your "brand" and then promote the message everywhere and as often as possible. In business, this might be called a "Mission" and/or "Vision" statement.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #15

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #15
From CLG Distribution:

Always make time for meet and greets after the show. Today's music business is all about connecting with the fans.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #14

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #14
From CLG Distribution:

Develop a visually appealing table to sell merchandise from at shows. Perceived success often leads to tangible success.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #13

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #13
From CLG Distribution:

Provide samples of music and live concert footage on your website as well as sites like YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, etc.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #12

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #12
From CLG Distribution:

Display your e-mail, website and any other important info on EVERYTHING, including merchandise sold at events.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #11

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #11
From CLG Distribution:

Consider whether or not your shows are consistent with your online look and feel.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #10

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #10
From CLG Distribution:

Plan events in areas close to one another to allow "word of mouth" to promote your shows.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #9

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #9
From CLG Distribution:

Display your upcoming events on community billboards, websites, etc.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #8

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #8
From CLG Distribution:

Build a solid fan base by collecting names, addresses and e-mails whenever possible.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #7

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #7
From CLG Distribution:

Check out your local cable company for local access channels that can carry your message or a short set.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #6

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #6
From CLG Distribution:

Use free entertainment publications in your area to promote your gigs.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #5

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #5
From CLG Distribution:

Promote your music extensively through Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, ReverbNation and PureVolume.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Video: "I Write" by John The Rap'tist

Check out this dope video by John The Rap'tist. John takes King James Bible scripture and raps it verbatim over beats produced by former Jive and Universal/Motown Recording Artist Talib "Taz" Kareem from the group Imagin. Preview the full album on iTunes by clicking HERE.

John The Rap’tist (JTR) and “Taaz” team up to integrate the “soul’d out” sound of Rap and R&B with the unadulterated Word of God on this brand new release. Nine chapters of the Word of God are contained within eight slammin’ tracks including “I Write,” a song with a corresponding video receiving national and international airplay on major video outlets across the globe. Throughout the course of the album, John recites the epistles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd John, Jude and Philemon verbatim! In this way, JTR uses the universal language of music as a vehicle to address the culture without compromise, depositing the eternal message of God’s love in hopes of fulfilling the promise of 1st John 2:14—”and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

From guest appearances on New York City’s Star 99.1 FM to hosting the video countdown show “Xtreme Video Zone” on JCTV, John is having an incredible impact on the Christian and Secular scenes alike as he walks in the favor of the Lord. “One of my many gifts is my music, but my calling is to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as well as His resurrection power!” With ministry-centered goals and a prophetic gift to speak to the masses, John’s goal is to move well beyond merely reflecting culture through rap by allowing the Holy Spirit to transform culture through music.

Free Track From Wavorly

Click HERE to download the track "One More Try" from Wavorly's upcoming EP release due out 11/11/11.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #4

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #4
From CLG Distribution:

Diligently promote shows and events through your website and social media channels.

To learn more about distribution, please visit CLGDistribution.com.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #3

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #3
From CLG Distribution:

Build local then grow national.

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #2

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #2
From CLG Distribution

You need to be thinking about ways to promote your self/band every step of the way.

Distribution 101 - Part 3

Independence is defined as a state of being free from outside control and authority. For the independent musician, remaining independent can be incredibly liberating and extraordinarily burdensome – all at the same time. For those with a fierce work ethic and independent mindset, they wouldn’t change it for the world. These free spirits embrace this model of distribution and attack the task with vigor. But what are the advantages and disadvantages for independent musicians contemplating a proper course of action for their next album release?

First, I’ll focus on the advantages in remaining totally independent and free from entanglement with the industry establishment. On the upside, virtually every step of the process is controlled by the artist and, as a result, the artist maintains complete creative control. Of course, this can bring about results ranging from sheer brilliance to unmitigated disaster depending upon the competency of the individual at the helm. For virtually any musician, the lure of maintaining full control over the songwriting, production, instrumentation and marketing is certainly enticing and, ultimately, cost-effective. If successful, the payout per unit will often dwarf that of label artists. In recent years, “DIY” artists have come up with some very creative ways to compete in the marketplace, from “seeding the field” by giving away free music to allowing the consumer to name his or her own price. These tactics and many others have been used to successfully market and promote independent music and create sustainable careers. But, as always, the key to breaking through at any level is to create music that translates with the public. Proverbs 10:4 states “poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Great music coupled with an unrelenting drive to succeed will ultimately find an audience.

That being said, there is a huge downside to remaining totally independent. Record labels and traditional distributors exist for a reason and have historically served an essential role by providing two crucial elements: (1) financial resources and (2) the knowledge to develop and implement an effective marketing plan. Most independent artists are not well-funded, well-informed or accomplished enough in key facets of the business to create meaningful success for the long-term. Producers, songwriters, radio promoters, publicity agents and other crucial service providers often take a rough stone and polish it into a marketable gem for public consumption. As music fans, we often don’t realize or simply dismiss the relevance of the various team members who contribute to the success of our favorite artists. We tend to assume the brilliance resides solely with the artist. But, much like the musician who spends hours upon hours mastering a musical instrument, these industry professionals spend entire lives perfecting their craft and often have a monumental impact on the final outcome. The point here is that virtually any successful artist needs to build a competent team in order to prosper. Proverbs 11:14 states “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” An effective team can take the raw talent of an artist and refine it into something exceptional.

For those who are savvy and persistent enough to stick with self-distribution, the efforts can pay off immensely. But very few artists are able to properly engage all facets of the creation, marketing and promotion of their music, and scant few have historically broken through pursuing this course. If you plan on remaining independent, it is wise to work toward assembling a competent team that can help refine your craft and market your content to as broad an audience as possible. Never underestimate the power of marketing. And never underestimate the power of teamwork.

Copyright 2011 David C. Coleman

To read more from David, click HERE.

Tomorrow Is The Last Day For Amazing Free Christian Music From CLG!

Tomorrow is the last day you'll be able to get this great Christian music sampler for free at NoiseTrade.com.

Pick up the CLG Distribution Free Music Sampler featuring some of the amazing new material available through CLG Distribution this fall. Amongst those featured on the album are former Word/Myrrh Records artist Miss Angie, former Centricity/SPIN360 artist Matt Papa, former WU-TANG collaborator 7vnseal, BET's "Sunday's Best" finalist Maurice Griffin, Canadian Dove Award-Winning artist Jon Bauer, JCTV Top 10 Video Countdown Guest Host John The Rap'tist and many more amazingly fresh indie Christian artists. Click HERE to visit NoiseTrade for the free album download:

Artists include:

1. Miss Angie - Kick Drum
   
2. Matt Papa - Jesus Is Lord
3. Jon Bauer - Light of Another World
4. Mosaic - Japheth Song
5. Scarlet White - Breathe
6. Fades Away - Choir of Failure (from the upcoming album Perceptions)
   
7. At The Onset - Notwithstanding
8. 39 Stripes - Saving Me A Place
9. Maurice Griffin - My Heavenly Father
10. 7vnseal - D-Day (from the upcoming album Drama On The Horizon)
    
11. Sir-Viva & Result - Keep Flying
12. John The Rap'tist - God Is Love (1st John 4)
13. CY - As The World Turns
14. Soul Water - Get It Done
15. Zerubbabel - I Know You Coming Back

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #1

Indie Artist Promotional Tip #1 From CLG Distribution:

You have to be your #1 advocate if you plan to pursue a career in music.

Gospel Rapper Emory Anderson Releases Single

Take Back Records and CLG Distribution release the single "Boom Bam!!!" from up-and-coming Holy Hip-Hop artist Emory Anderson. The single is from the yet-to-be-titled album from Emory slated for 2012.

Initially a poet, Emory Anderson (also known now as “The Vessel of Vernacular”) has found a comfortable yet somewhat precarious reputation as neither a typical “Gospel artist” nor “Christian Rapper,” but what could be call an Inspirational Spoken Word artist, with all his gifts being strictly used for Kingdom building. Anderson has performed with, written for, produced for, ministered with, and has opened for various well known artist such as INO Records Christian band Building 429, EMI recording artist Kierra KiKi Sheard, Arrow Records & Cajo Records recording artist Canton Jones, BET’s Sunday Best and Zomba Gospel Recording artist Crystal Aikin, the “First Lady of Gospel Soul,” Lisa McClendon, KJ Scriven, Mali Music, Da T.R.U.T.H., Ambassador, and many others. Anderson's style is so diverse, he can demand the attention of virtually any audience.

Be on the lookout for this up-and-coming Inspirational Poet. In the meantime, check out "Boom Bam!!!" on iTunes now!