First Tate Music Group Artist of the Year Winner!!

Last Friday night was our first annual Tate Music Group Artist of the Year contest...

After hundreds of artists submissions, thousands of votes, and months of preparation, it came down to our top five finalists playing and singing their hearts out in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Sally Jayne, The Cliftones, Ron Walters and Sarah Scharff all gave a stellar performance, but there could only be one winner. This year, that winner was singer/songwriter Jeff Chandler. Just one more way that Tate Music Group is providing artists with opportunities to use their giftings.

All of our Tate Music Group producers were privileged to back Jeff Chander and Ron Walters on drums, bass, and guitars... and I was honored to play electric for Sarah Scharff. It was a great evening, and the best part was watching all of our artists come together and really get to know one another!

Our congratulations go to Jeff Chandler and are excited to see his career take off! All 5 artists received some serious exposure to some top executives in the music industry, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them!

You can replay the event here!

Grow where you're planted...

Things are busy as ever here in the Tate Music Group studios!

In the last few weeks, we've had rap artists T.O.C. from California, Uptown Boy Jerome from Alabama, Freddy Green from Denver, Oklahoma City's own Kip Valdez in doing some acoustic guitar and vocal tracks, country artist RL Stephens, Christian artist Rickey Wright from Alabama, and all the way from Honolulu, Hawaii, female duo Nightbloom recorded their tracks in our studios.

In addition to all the artists in the studio, we held our first annual Tate Music Group Artist of the Year contest with a live show in downtown Oklahoma City. So March has been a busy one so far!

Currently we're working with worship leader, Mike Lawson, and orchestral pop artist Justin Moore. It's always amazing to listen in to the different sessions we have going on at one time here at TMG. Especially the odd combos... rap in one of our booths while we've got country in another.

The best part of this job is definitely meeting each of our artists face to face. Our department is unique in that we are one of the few departments at Tate Music Group that get to experience that face to face relationship with each of our artists while they are out recording in our facilities. Each artist has a different story of how they got where they are now, and each has a different vision for where they would like to take this relationship with Tate Music Group and their career.

The one thing I do hear a lot though is artists that are just ready to 'make it big'. I've mentioned this in a previous blog, but it is something that continually comes up with artists as they come through our studio doors.

One of our producers here at Tate Music Group, Jeff Lee, is also the guitarist for Christian artist, Jami Smith (www.jamismith.com). While on the road with Jami, Jeff's witnessed his fair share of people that come up to Jami after the show asking her how they can become as 'big as' Jami. "God has called me to this, how do I become as big as you Jami?"

Her usual response is that she'll ask what they are currently doing. A lot of them are young worship leaders, leading worship for 20 kids in Smalltown, America.

What she tries to explain to them is they are already doing what God has called them to do! Their calling may be to touch the lives of 20 kids in Smalltown for a few more months, a few more years, or the rest of their life... That could be the calling God has placed on their life.

God may have called you to do this... he brought Tate Music Group in your path, and for that, we are definitely excited to partner with you in the process. We cannot guarantee that you will be as big as the Jami Smith's of the world. We cannot guarantee to you that signing with TMG will make you an overnight success, or that our partnership will throw you into a worldwide, sellout arena tour. However, we will guarantee that we will work extremely hard along side of you every step of the way, and will strive for excellence and success in everything we do!

When I was 16 and leading worship for our youth in Western Oklahoma, my youth pastor used to ask me what I wanted to do with my life. I would reply by telling him my vision for playing stadium shows, leading worship for thousands. Would even tell him at times how frustrating it is to lead worship for 25 youth that act like they could care less. But he'd always tell me to stay the course and to 'grow where you're planted' and just wait for God to move.

So, to my Tate Music Group artists, blog subscribers, and other random people that found this blog today: GROW WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED! So often we try to do things on our own accord, all by ourselves. Nobody has ever been successful on their own. You need a team to be successful!

I'll leave you with an excellent quote by the founder of Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Dr. Richard Tate.

"Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to get to do what you were meant to do..."

"We repaint..."

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the Grammy's...
Not sure how many tuned in to the 60 Minutes episode prior to the Grammy's, but they featured UK band Coldplay during the last 15 minutes of the show.

"In the midst of a deep recession, in a music industry fighting for survival, the group's fourth straight multi-platinum album "Viva La Vida" has sold an astounding seven million copies and snagged seven Grammy Award nominations, including best album, best song and best record. Its current world tour is virtually sold out, as 60 Minutes found out when we followed them from Orlando and Chicago to London and Belfast."

During the interview, front man Chris Martin was showing 60 Minutes around their private studio area where they write, practice, record and spend a great deal of time. The live room, filled with instruments and gear, is also noticeably tattooed with handwritten notes. Each note is an idea from band members about each particular song on the album they are currently working on. The piano has markings, the walls have markings... everything has a mark.

According to the interview, Chris Martin is a compulsive worrier and list-maker. He sends himself electronic messages, and scrawls notes on scraps of paper, on his hands, and anything else that's available, lest he forget some brilliant idea.

"... this is just the beginning, so, in six months, this will all be covered, I think," Martin explained.

"Then you have to repaint the piano?" 60 Minutes asked.

"Yeah. So when we finish something, we repaint, you know?" Martin said.

To me, this was pretty genious... its as easy as that. Writing notes on the walls, on the piano... making that space their own... surrounding themselves with ideas and inspiration, and once its recorded, they simply 'repaint'.

As artists, its easy to hang on to that inspiration... if it ain't broke, why paint over it? Right?
But in order to keep that freshness, and continue making creative strides, they just paint over the old and prepare to create new notes on the walls.

The other neat thing about the interview, was that Chris Martin let 60 Minutes in on their "rules" that are hanging on the wall of their studio. There are more than 10, but the camera only zoomed in on 10 of them. I just kept thinking of how great of an idea this was for any band... I know that when I was a Graphic Designer at Tate Publishing, designing book covers and doing book layouts, there were specific house rules that we had to abide by in order to create a high quality product!

The same applies to being a musician... setting guidelines to follow.
Of course for Coldplay, their rules set guidelines for not only music, but recording as well as image and business.

Start establishing some guidelines to follow as a musician and as a professional!
I'll reprint their rules below for reference!

1. Albums must be no longer than 42 minutes, or 9 tracks

2. Production must be amazing, rich, but with space, not over layered, less tracks, more quality. Groove and swing Drums/rhythm are the most crucial thing to concentrate on; difference between bittersweet and science of silence.

3. Computers are instruments, not recording aids.

4. Imagery must be classical, coulourful, and different. Come back in glorious technicolor.

5. Make sure videos and pictures are great before setting release date. And highly original.

6. Always keep mystery. Not many interviews.

7. Groove and swing. rhythms and sounds must always be original as possible. Once Jon has melody, twist it and weird it.

8. Promo/review copies to be on Vinyl. Stops copying problem, sounds and looks better.

9. Jaqueline sabriado, ns p c c, face forward

10. Think about what to do with charity account. Set up something small but really enabling and constructive. Ref; j oliver fifteen.

Agree to Disagree...

I must admit, my wife and I watch American Idol religiously. My DVR is set to record it every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...

This year has been interesting in that they are weeding through and separating good from bad pretty early on by having 3 rounds of 12 and only choosing 3 each week to move forward to the top 9.

The one thing that always amazes me is the reactions of contestants after some good constructive criticism... some take it well, and... well... others, not so much.

Last night was a weird night... a lot of incredibly poor song choices that ultimately made their performance worse or forgettable. The one that stuck out to me the most though, was our very own Oklahoma native, Matt Breitzke, from Bixby.

Matt did "If You Could Only See" by Tonic...

Now, here's the thing about Matt...

Matt's just a good ol' boy... incredibly likable personality, and just a friendly guy! After his performance, the judges all pretty much agreed that the song just wasn't for him... bad song choice, but all said they like him!

Simon was telling him how much he liked him, how much he wanted him to do well, but that he just was frustrated because he hated the song.

Matt's reaction? "I disagree"... and proceeds to talk about how that song was one of his favorite songs.

While I get that it is his favorite song, he may have jeopardized his future on the show with one choice. The thing that really gets me is how he disagrees with 4 industry professionals that are all in agreement and all telling him the same thing. All 4 giving constructive criticism that could further his music career... and he disregards it because its his "favorite song". I'm aware that these judges won't make or break Matt's career, and ultimately, he'll do what he wants to do... but to totally disagree with 4 judges that have made their name in the music industry and have years and years of experience?? Not quite sure where that mentality comes in to play...

I'm not bashing Matt, and I don't always agree with the judges on "Idol"...

But let's put it into perspective...

At one point in time, Tiger Woods was learning to play golf and someone was training him from a young age to be successful in that sport. He started playing golf knowing nothing about the sport, not knowing how to grip the club, swing at the ball, etc.

I have a hunch that when Tiger's golf instructors (his dad and others) said "Hey Tiger, you're gripping your club all wrong. I love you, but hate the way you're swinging that club," I'm almost certain that his reaction was not, "Sorry, I disagree with you". In fact, it was most likely the opposite! Because Tiger wanted to become a successful golfer, he took every piece of advice and implemented it into his game, and now we see Tiger Woods breaking records and winning tournaments!

The same rules apply to be successful in any industry... business, sports, and yes, music.

My point is this... too often, musicians seem to carry the persona of 'I-Know-All'... do we not?

I know that, more often than not, I do. However, I don't know how many times, as a producer, I've made suggestions because I believe it will only make their album more marketable, only to hear... "Eh... I disagree".

Now, understand, this is what I do... I produce albums on a daily basis and I make suggestions on music marketability for a living. I don't mind someone telling me they disagree. However, I can't help but think deep down, disregarding a producer's suggestions or changes to their music is only hurting their project in the end.

Success is not made overnight. Nor is success a one-man show. Success comes from surrounding yourself with and putting trust in people that are there to help you become successful... Michael Jordan's coach, Tiger Woods' coach, and yes, even Simon Cowell.

I'm pretty sure these successful people didn't make it where they are today because they shot down every piece of advice from those that were instructing them.

We can always agree to disagree, but let me encourage you all to put your own agenda aside and listen to the advice of the ones that are put in your path to help make you a success. The individuals that are trained and put into place to advance your career in whatever field you may be in.

This obviously transcends all barriers of life! Start implementing a successful mentality by allowing the help of others in all areas of your life and career. Ultimately, you could be the only thing standing between you and success.

Tate Music Group Artist of the Year Contest TOP FIVE ANNOUNCED!!!

Online voting has officially ended and the top five artists of the year have been named! You can hear the winning songs by visiting our contest web site. Congratulations to the following:

• Cliftones
• Sally Jayne
• Ron Walters
• Sarah Scharff
  
• Jeff Chandler
  

Tate Music Group will be bringing these artists to Oklahoma City for the live competition, which will take place on March 13. Be sure to check in on our web site for updates, where you can even watch the web site streaming live on the day of the contest. Good luck to our top five!

Less is more...

It's rare that in today's "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" days, that you see a guitar player on stage, tilt his guitar up in the air only to see lightning bolts strike his fretboard, the crowd clap louder, and strangely enough, the reverb in the room intensify... (a Guitar Hero reference for those that are GH challenged or who have been sleeping through the latest fad in gaming). If this HAS happened to you, man... I'm totally impressed, and slightly jealous.

In fact, quite the opposite seems to be happening in todays music trends. The crowd gets lost at the solo at times (especially if its boring and LONG), because they aren't able to continue singing along to the song.

The truth of the matter is this... LESS IS MORE! Musicians and songwriters alike, take heed of this advice. Less is and always will be more... although I'm speaking to guitar players today, the same translates to drums and vocals as well (or your instrument here)

I remember my first studio experience as a bass player... I was doing a session when I was about 17, and I had a small dictionary of runs and licks I wanted to make sure everyone heard. I was a cocky bugger at that age, and knew these runs were decent. When it came time to throw them in, the producer stopped the session and said "hey, uh... bass player... keep it simple". Later, our guitar player did something that I always thought was cool, and he too got the "less is more" talk, and it was ultimately a better project because of those wise 3 words that the producer kept preaching from behind his automated 64 channel board...

I think you could get away with the "more is kicking" mentality from about 1980 until Nirvana and the grunge movement happened, but it ultimately comes down to doing less runs, and definitely LESS guitar solos.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a guitar player now. I love to throw in a good solo here and there, when the part calls for it, or when the climax of the song forces me into some high string bends and pentatonic runs... but for the most part, I keep it simple. There's nothing wrong with a good solo sprinkled into the music, but don't make THAT the focal point of the album. We've had some artists here in the Tate Music Group studios over the past few months that we've convinced to remove as many as four solo breaks from a song... (yes 4), and all for the better in the end.

Those songs now have a radio playable length, will keep the attention of the listener better, and just sound cleaner!

Less is More! This is especially important to remember in the studio environment for clarity of the song (too much muddy's up a track), time, and money. Chances are, if you're in another studio you're paying for studio time... *(of course at Tate Music Group, the studio time is included in the deal, however, we still follow time guidelines)*. When you're buck counts on you hitting this solo perfect, I say scrap it and you'll be happier with the end product.

Don't feel you have to fill every space between vocal lines with a guitar solo... in fact, leave it to the imagination of the listener! Bands like Coldplay are great at achieving this... the Beatles as well! The absence of a solo is sometimes more powerful than a solo itself. Especially when the mind of the listener is expecting it. Just an "a-ha" trick to remember...

This will begin to get redundant if I don't wrap it up here, so just remember, LESS IS MORE, and... solos are overrated...

Keep it simple friends!

Vote! Vote! Vote!

We need your help picking our top artist! In almost a month exactly, we'll be bringing our top five Tate Music Group artists to Oklahoma City for a competition and the chance to win some major prizes! Through multiple rounds of judging (including Tate Publishing and Enterprises staff picks, input from industry professionals, and feedback from the executive staff), we've finally narrowed the entries down to our top ten artists, and we're putting it in your hands now!

Our top ten entries are now available on our web site for online voting! Please visit www.TateMusicGroup.com, scroll down, and click on the "Vote Now for Artist of the Year" button. You'll be able to hear the top ten selected songs, and you can decide who you think we should bring to the big show on March 13!

The first place band or artist will receive the following:

• $15,000
• A Photoshoot
• A Music Video
• A second contract with TMG
  
• Showcases for music buyers

Second place will receive $2,000, and third, fourth, and fifth place will each receive $1,000.

Stay tuned for more details regarding the contest and how you'll be able to watch live from your own home on March 13 to select the Viewer's Choice.