We held the “It’s All About The Song” seminar in “The Foundry
Attendees at the “It’s All About The Song” Seminar.
Attendees at the “It’s All About The Song” Seminar.
Pic taken right before the Momentum Awards.
Here is the schedule for the showcase on Thursday, March 26, 2009 and Friday March 27, 2009. We have many artists who want to share their songs. Please be respectful of other artists and their time. Keep within your time schedule. The showcases are open to the public and free, if you have anyone who wants to see you perform, feel free to invite them.
SONGWRITER SHOWCASE GUIDELINES:
1- Each artist has 15 TOTAL MINUTES, including setup time.
2- Please get ready for your showcase 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Be at the front of the stage 15 minutes before your performance time.
3- Tune your guitar BEFORE getting on stage (use a tuner).
4- If you are not on the stage when your time is to start, your time is forfeited. We will not reschedule if you cannot make your showcase time. (sorry!)
5- We will have an 88 note digital piano available.
6- We will have microphones, direct boxes for guitars, a guitar amp.
7- If you are singing to performance tracks, be SURE to bring your tracks on CD. Make sure your CD is plainly marked on the case, AND on the CD itself. Only put the tracks you are singing to on the CD. Be sure the soundperson has your CD 15 minutes before your scheduled showcase time. Do NOT drop it off earlier. Make sure to get your CD back RIGHT AFTER your showcase time is over. Make SURE your CD plays in YOUR CD player BEFORE you leave home.
THE FOUNDRY STAGE- THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2009
10:00- Larry French
10:15- Zach Dodd
10:30- Yvonne Hartman
10:45- Rob Blackwell
11:00- Ken Lang
11:15- Kimberly Waters
11:30- Karen Creel
11:45- Joe Rivers
12:00- Della
12:15- Judith Baker
12:30- David Byrd
12:45- Donna Leigh Hinkley
1:00- Bill Mallia
1:15- Ann Marie
1:30- Randall Hamlin
1:45- Janelle Ross
2:00- Brett Florence
2:15- Karl Stein
2:30- Jordan Biel
2:45- Marq-Paul LaRose
3:00- Chris Carder
3:15- Cathy Reynolds
3:30- Wes Coyour
3:45- Martin Adu
4:00- yshwa4life
4:15- Harry Offutt
4:30- Mike Westendorf
THE FOUNDRY STAGE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2009
7:30-7:45- Chris Lucas
7:45-8:00- Kiersten Venezia
8:00-8:15- Bill Mallia
8:15-8:30- Nevaeh
8:30-8:45- SOULWINNA1
8:45-9:00- Matthew Clark
9:00-9:15- Camilla Aguilar
9:15-9:30- Leo Laredo
9:30-9:45- Sandi Simon
9:45-10:00- Jeremie Murfin
10:00-10:15- Kate White
10:30-10:45- David Michael Carrillo
10:45-11:00- Karen Fisher
11:00-11:15- Slater Armstrong
11:15-11:30- Belinda Jane
BAND SHOWCASE GUIDELINES:
1- Each artist has 30 TOTAL minutes, including SETUP.
2- Be at the front of the venue (near the stage) getting ready 30 Minutes ahead of your showcase time.
3- All Bands will use the same Drum kit (w/mics), bring your own cymbals (if possible). Cymbal stands will be provided. Bring your sticks, throne, pedal if you want. Be sure to keep track of your gear.
4- Bass Amp will be provided. Bring your bass, 1/4″ cable, and stand.
5- Guitar amps will be available, bring your own if you want it for your sound. Bring your guitar(s), stand(s), picks, extra strings, 1/4″ guitar cable(s), and pedals. Be sure to keep track of your gear.
6- An 88 note Yamaha Digital Piano will be provided. Bring a keyboard stand(s) with you if you use your own keyboard(s)
7- Floor monitors will be supplied. All mics and cables will be supplied.
8- Please be aware of your time, if you go over your time, it’s $500 per minute:)
THE FORTRESS STAGE- THURSDAY, MARCH 26- BANDS
10:30- Change Of Heart
11:00- Ancient Men
11:30- Simone Weber
12:00- Zach Allen
12:30- Gabriel
1:00- Sweet Crystal
1:30- Holly Starr
2:00- Praise Out Loud
2:30- 9th Hour
3:00- White Horse
3:30- Chosen Sound
4:00- Stevvi Alexander
4:30- Journey Home
LeeAnn Patin, is the owner of Praise Evangelism Promotion and Production, or P.E.P. Productions as we call it, brings over 23 years of professional experience in the industry. Being a Promoter and Artist Manager LeeAnn experiences working in both sides of the industry. Such diversity enables her to works with all aspects of the Music Industry.
Traveling all over the world LeeAnn has worked with such Artists as LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna Judd, Michelle Williams, of Destiny’s Child, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, Point of Grace, 4 Him, Chris Rice and Big Daddy Weave just to name a few. Music is the only type of event LeeAnn has done, others include Extreme Sports with Steven Baldwin’s LivinIt team, Boarders For Christ and Speakers such as Gary Smalley, John Trent, Steven Baldwin, Jose Zayas and more.
LeeAnn has developed outstanding working relationships with many of Nashville’s leading Christian Artist their Agents and Management teams. From small events, conferences and festivals LeeAnn has continues to bring powerful ministry focused events with success!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2000 - Present: Praise Evangelism Promotions & Productions Owner/Operator/Promoter/Artist Manager
Wenatchee, Washington
1987 - 1999: President/ Promoter & Publicist
The Praise Outlet
A Non-profit Christian Concert Promotion and Production Company
Wenatchee, Washington
SUMMERY OF EVENTS:
Festivals/Concerts, Speakers, and Extreme Sporting Events: with crowds from 500 to 500,000 people.
Artist include: Wynonna Judd, Michelle Williams, of Destiny’s Child, The Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Sandy Patti, Big Daddy Weave, BarlowGirl … to name a few.
Speakers: Actor Steven Baldwin, Coach Tony Dungy, Family Councilor Gary Smalley and John Trent, Evangelist Jose Zayas… to name a few.
Extreme Sport Teams: Livin-It -Professional BMX, Skateboarder’s and Motocross team. Boarders for Christ – professional Skate boarders and BMX team…. to name a few,
Dennis Dearing was just 4 years old when he fell in love for the first time. It was Christmas morning 1965, and he’d just unwrapped a gift from his parents that would change his life forever: A tiny Roy Rogers acoustic guitar. Mesmerized by the music he coaxed from the instrument, he refused to put it down. He’s been hooked ever since. By the time he was 6, he was taking piano lessons; by 8, guitar lessons; and in high school, music filled his every waking moment. He played guitar in the school’s jazz band and string bass and percussion in concert band. On the weekends, he played guitar in a local rock band and sang in his church’s youth choir. After high school, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, an institution which boasts such former students as country stars Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood and Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Dennis studied Music Business, played guitar for the university’s group, The Belmont Reasons, and received his BBA.
Upon graduation in 1984, Dennis went on the road, touring with such artists as Farrell and Farrell, Geoff Moore and country artist Charley McClain. When at home he was in demand as a session guitarist. He went on to open his own recording studio, Menace Music, in Franklin, Tennessee, in 1990. Since that time, he has lent his producing, writing, engineering and performing talents to projects featuring such contemporary Christian artists as Kathy Troccoli, Sara Evans, The Martins, Nicol Smith, Aaron-Jeffrey, Pat Boone, Larnelle Harris, Rick Cua, Scott Krippayne, David Phelps, Sheri Easter, Karen Peck, The Ruppes, Kenny Marks, Crossway and Tonya Goodman.
Dennis has performed on numerous No. 1 singles, including 4HIM’s “Basics of Life,” “Why,” and “He Never Changes,” as well as Greg Long’s “Mercy Said No,” Al Denson’s “To Forgive,” and Billy and Sarah Gaines’ “Same all the Time.”
Dennis has produced recordings for fledgling singers and established artists, with his name appearing on projects by EMI Christian Music Group, Benson Music Group, Word Entertainment, Song Time Kids, Butterfly Kids, Spring Hill Music Group, Broken Records and many more. He also has been involved in artist development for companies such as the Benson Company and Chimney Hill Productions. He produced the first solo project of the Peasall Sisters, who are featured on the multi-platinum-selling soundtrack for the hit movie, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou.”
In 2002 and again in 2004, he was honored with Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominations for Children’s Music Album of the Year for production.
“My favorite part of being in music is being creative and getting to do something that I love to do every day,” Dennis says. “My biggest goal for the next year is to continue producing and writing music that has a positive influence on people’s lives.”
Several years ago, he fell in love again, this time with his lifelong mate, Karen. They have a 6-year-old son, Micah.
Check out Dennis’ Studio Website at: Menace Music
***NOTE: THE LIVE STREAM IS NOT WORKING OUT VERY WELL FOR THE SUMMIT. WE ARE USING A SERVICE CALLED U-STREAM AND IT APPEARS THE INTERNET CONNECTION AT THE VENUE IS NOT FAST ENOUGH. WE ARE VERY SORRY!
As a producer, Billy has worked and helped developed such artists as: White Heart, Geoff Moore, Gaither Vocal Band, Magaret Becker, Twenty Twenty, One Bad Pig, Jag, Randy Matthews, Idle Cure, Rhonda Gunn, Cheryl Jewel, and Rachel Rachel.
Billy Smiley has formed Best Media Group, LLC with partner Eric Tooker (Insights International) with its primary focus to be a ‘Positive Alternative’ to Modern Pop and Rock Music and to spread Contemporary Worship Music in new and fresh ways around the world. Two Label Brands are under the company - ‘Cul De Sac’ Records (Artist Driven Rock) and ‘Devotion Music’ (Contemporary Worship Artists).
Smiley starts out producing, developing, and mentoring up and coming artists he discovers, and then either partners with EMI Distribution (Sky Harbor – Inpop, Justifide – Ardent), Word/WEA Distribution (Charity Von – Slanted), Provident/BMG Distribution (Daniels Window & Worship Extreme – Cross Driven), and/or puts them on one his own labels (Distributed by New Day/Word, Spring Arbor, Central South, and MPI International Distribution.
Based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, he tracks and mixes at ‘The Bennett House’ in Franklin, TN, and then uses his own facility ‘The Outfield Studio’ in Scottsdale for his editing, recording, overdub, and mixing arena. His History is as follows: He started as performer/producer for the Bill Gaither organization. He produced the 1st 4 Gaither Vocal band albums selling more than 1 million units. Out of that he formed the Grammy nominated Rock Group White Heart with Producer & Session Guitar extraordinaire Dann Huff (Faith Hill & Lonestar producer) & Mark Gersmehl in 1982.
White Heart went on to tour worldwide through 1998, selling over 2.5 million records, with 17 #1 Singles*, 2 Grammy nominations, and 23 Dove nominations. He has produced more than 40 albums, and 27 No. 1 songs. He has 5 Grammy Nominations, one producing the 1989 Grammy nominated song “Silent Night”, recorded by BeBe & CeCe Winans. As a songwriter he has co-written 22 no. 1 songs, and over 50 top 10 songs. In addition to White Heart, Smiley was the A&R director for KMG Records from 1998-1999.
And as an independent producer for over 15 years while he was with White Heart, he has helped discover, develop, produce, A&R, and write for such artists as: The Newsboys, The Insyderz, White Heart, The Normals, Susan Ashton, Petra, Steven Curtis Chapman, Margaret Becker, Be Be & Ce Ce Winans, Rhonda Gunn, According to John, The Gaither Vocal Band, Rachel Rachel, Justifide, Sky Harbor, and now new artists “Charity Von”, “Kristina”, “Daniel’s Window”, “The Ross Wright Band”, and the “Marshall McLuhan Project”.
For the past 3 years he has also been developing a new Hymns and Worship project called ‘iworshiphymn.com’ aimed to reach a new generation with the beauty and history of the past in a musical language they understand. He has gathered 14 worship leaders and songwriters from around the country to Re-write and Re-arrange and Record Hymns “For A New Generation”.
Bachelor of Arts - Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA – 1979 (Academic Hall of Fame - Azusa Student Centennial Award) Gaither Trio, Gaither Vocal Band – 1980-1984 Benson Songwriter/Producer – 1981-1985 White Heart (Word, Sparrow, Star Song, Curb) – 1982–1998 Sparrow Songwriter/Producer – 1985-1989 BMG Songwriter – 1994-1998 Word Songwriter – 1998-2002 Director of A&R – Killen Music Group - 1998-1999 President and A&R Director – Best Media Group - 1999-Current
Zodlounge is a music production company dedicated to providing an inspiring musical environment where artists can imagine, explore, and create music of influence. While based in Nashville, their arms have extended to work for artists, writers, and publishers from both coasts as well as into Europe.
Cutting their teeth on international touring with several artists such as Point of Grace, Sonicflood, Joe Dee Messina, Aaron Shust, Nate Sallie, etc…their passion for creating music and love of people caused them to rethink their focus. In 2004, Zodlounge Music Inc was born.
Their reputation quickly spread internationally and became a favorite amongst writers, publishers, and industry leaders for producing pop, rock, country, Christian, and R & B. In addition to their direct industry work, writing, & publishing development, Zodlounge continues to produce and record custom records for developing artists.
Zodlounger’s Brett Vargason, Todd Shay and Tom Michael will be at the CIA Summit to talk about music production.
Check em out at Zodlounge.com
Restaurants Near the Conference
Within Walking Distance:
SUBWAY
Map
615-329-9480
1414 Charlotte Ave #2
Nashville, TN (0.28 miles away)
Burger King
Map
615-320-1600
1501 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN (0.29 miles away)
Sonic Drive-In
Map
615-327-7909
1906 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN (0.52 miles away)
Within 3 Miles:
Atlanta Bread Co
website
615-329-9100
1720 W End Ave
Nashville, TN (0.72 miles away)
Map
Chili’s
website
615-327-1588
2322 W End Ave
Nashville, TN (1.15 miles away)
Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries
website
615-320-3678
2020 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203 (1.49 miles away)
Map
Qdoba Mexican Grill
website
615-340-9039
2019 W End Ave
Nashville, TN (0.89 miles away)Map
P F Chang’s China Bistro
website
615-329-8901
2525 W End Ave
Nashville, TN (1.37 miles away)
Map
Tom Jackson is one of the leading live music producers for tours, showcases and shows in the music industry. His passion is to develop an artist’s onstage skills, and to produce shows that are unique. His schedule is filled with artists from every genre of music, including comedians and speakers.
It’s true that “All Roads Lead to The Stage” because, as digital music has grown and the public is exposed to more artists, the live show has become more important than ever before. Bill Gates says that “To be successful we will need both: high-tech and high-touch.” The web gives artists the “high tech” opportunities to find an audience and create more places to perform, and the live stage is the “high touch” opportunity that, if done correctly, will feed fan loyalty, career growth and longevity. Buzz happens from live performances!
Tom teaches that “if an artist thinks that playing tight, singing correctly, moving a lot or being cool is what moves a crowd, they’ve lost an opportunity to connect with their audience. The goal is capture, connect and emotionally move everyone in the building!”
For more info, visit www.tomjacksonproductions.com
Artist Garden Entertainment is an artist management and marketing consulting firm, owned and operated by Keith and Diana Stancil. They bring 35 years of music industry experience to clients. Their mission is to grow and develop artist and to offer clients sales and marketing solutions that achieve sales goals and foster growth. Check out their blog at: The Music Gardener
Keith Stancil spent the last twenty years in sales and marketing roles with Capitol/EMI, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Word Entertainment. The most recent years serving as Vice President of General Markets/International/Digital for Word. Keith has worked on sales/marketing strategies for Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Tina Turner, R.E.M, Madonna, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bonnie Raitt, Lenny Kravitz, MercyMe, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Travis, Point of Grace, Salvador, Israel Houghton, Shirley Caesar, Marvin Sapp, BarlowGirl and the WOW Brand.
Diana Stancil has fifteen years of music industry experience to her credit and is best known for her role as manager of platinum-selling female vocalist Jaci Velasquez. In the last five years Diana has orchestrated partnerships on behalf of Velasquez with organizations like Feed The Children, Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. She has additionally secured international touring opportunities for Velasquez as well as holding an executive role for Velasquez’s label, Apostrophe Records.
Ted is a Pastor and Counter Culture Missionary. Ted has an extensive history in the Christian Music Industry with almost 20 years experience in Christian Radio, Television, Concert Promotion, and as the Founder and Director of The Extreme Tour for almost 15 of those 20 years. Past Extreme Tour Artists include Kutless, Falling Up, KJ-52, Fireflight, House of Heroes, and Dizmas just to name a few. The Extreme Tour has been a formative experience for many of the accomplished artists recording today. Ted will share from the stories and testimonies he has witnessed over the years while on the road with these artists and others.
Grant Norsworthy: Word and Song
As an “alien” in the USA, Grant Norsworthy offers a fresh perspective - especially on the American Christian culture - that challenges audiences to re-examine accepted “truth”; encouraging us all to go straight to the source of truth - Jesus. With a relaxed style, good-natured humor and uncommon candor Grant Norsworthy is sure to grab and hold the audience’s attention.
Grant comes equipped with a vast experience of cultural diversity and a healthy fascination with “the human condition”. He has traveled as a speaker and musician to all 50 states of the USA and numerous countries over five continents. Growing up on the edge of the world in Australia has given Norsworthy a passionate desire to explore the world; and authentically engage with life’s joys and struggles, wherever and however they occur.
“The main problem with the world today is that I am selfish.” To Grant Norsworthy, this is not a statement of self-loathing and condemnation with delusions of grandeur, but of reality, vital self-realization and freedom.
Grant is a Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated musician. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Grant relocated to Nashville, TN in early 2002 with the Aussie band pc3 (Paul Colman Trio). After extensive US and international touring and achieving significant chart success with pc3, Norsworthy transitioned to be the bassist of choice for many of today’s top Christian Contemporary artists including three years with million-selling, groundbreaking ‘worship rockers’ SONICFLOOd.
But it turns out that Grant Norsworthy has much more important things to say than what can be communicated through the bass notes of someone else’s music.
On contemporary worship in America, Norsworthy elucidates: “I believe I have a message to deliver to the church that may challenge people’s understanding of what worship is; and, equally importantly, what worship isn’t. It might sound strange coming from a former member of SONICFLOOd - a band known as being a worship band singing worship songs - but I am convinced that worship is not a type of band, or a type of song, or even the experience we get when we sing love songs to God. The way we tend to use the word ‘worship’ within our Christian culture seems to indicate that we have a much smaller, misleading and even false idea of what worship truly is and how it should be expressed. Worship, I believe, is my life when it is poured out - given away - in response to the cross. I draw listeners to consider Bible passages such as Matt 16:24, James 1:27, Romans 12:1-2 and Matt 25 with a fresh perspective and an invitation to consider the much wider, deeper, practical, wonderfully mysterious and all pervading nature of true worship.”
An outspoken advocate for Compassion International, Norsworthy openly seeks opportunities to gather support for their work. “I have seen Compassion in action in Thailand first hand and know many of their workers personally. I am passionate about what they do and how they do it; especially because it aligns so well with my understanding of how pure and perfect worship is expressed. I’m excited about representing Compassion and supporting their efforts. Through word and song, I will be seeking to do just that wherever possible.”
Vince Wilcox is a 30 year veteran of the Christian Music Industry, having served as vice president of sales, marketing, and management for Provident Music Group, Benson Records, and VanLiere-Wilcox Management, respectively. In addition to his corporate experience, Wilcox toured for 5 years as a Christian music artist in the ‘90’s while running an independent product development company. A successful songwriter and author, Wilcox currently provides strategic consulting services to a select group of artist, label, and marketing clients while attending the Nashville School of Law.
Back in 1996 Terrance D. Schemansky (a.k.a. Terrance Day) started 3000 Records as a student at Western Michigan University. Since then, he finished college, got a few corporate jobs, and eventually ended up working in the industry he enjoys the most, the music industry! Terrance has learned about the music business first hand through his experience as a Songwriter, recording Artist, performing as a solo Musician, and singing in bands. He helps other Musicians through the many connections he has made since starting his label 3000 Records.
A good definition of 3000 Records is “an organization that operates as an independent record label and offers music promotion services (http://www.musicpromotionservices.com) to other labels and serious independent Musicians”. At this time 3000 Records mostly releases Co-Op (Compilation) CDs. The CDs are used as a promotional tool to reach college radio, independent radio, international radio, satellite radio, internet radio, and magazines, along with other creative avenues of music promotion.
The two promotional services are called “Indie 360″ and “CD Register”. With these services, Bands and Solo Artists gain exposure to the masses. This is done by utilizing connections with the Music Industry and offering this label as a service for musicians and by musicians. Terrance believes in dreams becoming reality, and making that happen with hard work and dedication.
The first Co-Op (Compilation) CD was put together in Kalamazoo, MI with flyers and word of mouth. Terrance says, “Actually, after losing a promised spot on a compilation, I decided to start up my own.” The first compilation was a real struggle, and he says it’s still not easy, but it is still rewarding. Here it is 12 years later, and Bands and Solo Artists from around the world are gaining recognition with 3000 Records.
John began singing when he was just five years old, performing the leads in recitals and plays in his school. By the time he was 13 he was in the unforgettably titled band “Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different” - being paid $25 bucks as lead singer. It soon became clear that a career in music was in John’s future. He finished college with a degree in civil engineering and promptly set about making a name for himself in the world of rock ‘n roll. His unique, fiery tenor and unbridled passion for singing landed him a gig fronting the secular rock outfit Head East.
John’s eight-year stint with Head East put him on the map in terms of his career – the band was celebrated for its raw energy and swagger. Described by one newspaper as a “brash…cocky, (and) hard-fisted rock band” the five-piece enjoyed a loyal following and a string of hits throughout the ‘70s that helped solidify their fanbase. John’s career seemed set but it all came to a distressing end in 1980 when he was let go by the band. The reason: John had an out-of-control drug and alcohol addiction.
His departure from Head East should have served as a wake-up call but John immediately decided to start another band in an attempt to feed his drug and alcohol addiction. His lack of musical focus and hunger for a constant “fix” led to the band’s quick demise. John, who seemed poised for a long and fruitful career in music, was suddenly an abject failure. He became another casualty of rock ‘n roll decadence, rejected by his peers and left to his own drug-influenced devices.
Little did he realize that God was already hard at work in changing his life. As John battled his inner demons, God began working on his wife Dorla, who met the Lord as John continued his descent into dispair. John’s initial reaction was one of distaste.
“Get outta my face! I don’t need this Jesus stuff; I’m too cool for Jesus. I’ll tell ya, I’ll become a Christian when I’m rich, famous, done everything, too old to have any fun, and then I’ll do it just… hmmm….. to be safe.”
Dorla’s new found faith upset John but it did impress him. “She was so happy all the time; I was like totally miserable. One day I said ‘What makes you so happy?’ And she goes, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ And I just go ‘Oh, man - here it comes.’”
John fought the Holy Spirit’s beckoning every step of the way. In his mind, suicide was the only way out of the downward spiral that had so engulfed his life. A quick and easy overdose of pills was the method of choice.
But Dorla’s persistent prayer and love led to John’s spiritual awakening.
One evening, just prior to his planned demise, John agreed to accompany Dorla to see their pastor. “I only went along so my wife would be able to say ‘he tried’ after I was gone,” said John.
But God wasn’t about to let John end things. That evening, “I… got hit with a boldness about Jesus that I’ve never known before,” he recalls in awe. “I got saved that night, and it was a new beginning for me. I didn’t feel that burden of guilt anymore, and I had a new chance. Although I still had all my debts from all my drug stupidity, I knew that God and I were gonna be able - you know, we’d take care of it. And sure enough, it was (taken care of), step by step - God’s way.”
John resolved to live for God and even forsake music, if that was what God ordered. He ended up looking for practical work to support his family, starting from scratch. “That was actually scary,” he admits, realizing how hard it was to fit into a regular day job after so many years of being on the road doing his own thing. “I finally got a job sweeping the floor at a tool and die factory and was very happy about it. Then in God’s plan, step by step, I got increased - I finally worked as a mining engineer for a mining construction company and ended up being their cost and scheduling engineer.”
If you asked John back then if he’d have anything to do with music again, he would have given you a firm “no”. His priorities had shifted – God and his family came first. And of course, he wanted nothing to do with the drug scene ever again.
But God wasn’t done with him musically. In fact, it turned out that John’s days in Head East were a precursor to something greater. Five years after firmly putting music behind him, God called John back to fronting the Christian rock band Petra.
John recalls those exciting days. “We (John and Bob Hartman) have a mutual friend who is a music critic for Christian music, and someone had sent a tape that I had sang on for a bunch of kids in Illinois; it was just a real dinky tape, but the manager was very, very aggressive and he sent copies of this tape all over the industry. This man got one, and Bob was talking to him and he says, “Is there anything I can do to help you, Bob?”
In turn Bob asked his friend to find a singer for Petra. His pal mentioned Schlitt and produced the demo tape that had John wailing on it.
“So he gave the number, and once he started investigating it, the number by that time had been changed, it no longer worked… but he got interested and started investigating, trying to find me. He finally found my brother…who was mentioned on the first Head East album, and went searching through the listings, the telephone listings in Illinois and found him. He called him up and asked if he’d have me call him. I did and that’s how he found me!”
It all seemed too easy. “Bob Hartman calls me up and asks, ‘Would you consider singing for Petra?’ I say, ‘You gotta be kidding me! I haven’t sung for five years.’”
“All I wanna know is if you’re still a Christian.”
“‘I’m a heavy-duty Christian.”
“Good. Let’s talk.”
John auditioned for the part and sang “Altar Ego,” a song that eventually appeared on Petra’s 1986’s album Back to the Street. “There was one high part in it that I hit, and he (Bob) goes ‘Where did that come from?!’ I said, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal.’ I could see his eyes just clicking, going ‘Yeah - got the range, got the….. this is good, this is good!’ And it was funny! I felt like it had worked out well.”
John Schlitt officially joined Petra in 1986, bringing with him his amazing vocal range and abilities that made him a legend with Head East. Except this time, his mind was no longer blown on drugs and alcohol – he was clean, focused, and armed with a powerful message: God made us to be winners - Jesus Christ is alive and through Him we are to be victorious in His perfect plan for us.
And that’s how it’s been with John ever since. Twenty years later and four Grammy awards on his shelf, sixteen Petra albums, one II Guys from Petra album, and three solo albums recorded - millions of which have sold all over the world - John is a man who lives for Jesus and makes no bones about his faith.
“The only thing I can do is be the best Christian artist I can be, to be the boldest Christian artist I can be,” he says. “I will always be able to look anyone in the face who wants to sit and say ‘So you’re a Christian?’ and I’ll say ‘You darn right I am; just listen to my music, listen to what I have to say, listen to the interviews.’ There’s no doubt about where I stand.”
While John is arguably one of the most powerful vocalists around, his mightiest cry is the cry of his heart. Whether onstage or up close and personal, John’s voice is one of a truly changed soul. And his music is and always will be a reflection of God’s love and redeeming power.
CIA Summit director, Keith Mohr will interview John and see how life being independent is for John these days!
Many stories and opinions have been raised about children who are “PK’s” (Pastor’s Kids) but songwriter and vocalist, Stevvi Alexander, the daughter of a Pentecostal Bishop, faced her challenges head on, using music as her arsenal, to become one of the most sought after background vocalists in the music industry. While her passion lies in ministry to the lost and the wounded in the body of Christ, Stevvi’s debut album, titled “The East Side Psalmbook”, takes you on a musical journey through the stages of her own life that lead her to a closer walk with God and a desire for a deeper relationship with Him.
Produced by award-winning production duo Hollins Steele (The Steele Factory), “The East Side Psalmbook” combines acoustic melodies and rich textures with subtle upbeat grooves that create her signature Contemporary sound. “The East Side Psalmbook” is a musical work that is timely and relevant. The project which is slated for a Summer 2008 release, will be accompanied by a mini-tour scheduled for the latter part of the year in order to continue promotional efforts of the album.
Stevvi, originally from Los Angeles, CA grew up around gospel music and sung in as many local choirs as she could find. Through college Stevvi continued to expand her range of music knowledge, ability, and experience by competing in competitions like ACT-SO and the McDonald’s Gospel Fest. Her talent caught the eye of Motown’s first R&B Diva, Diana Ross who extended to Stevvi a special invitation to join her on a European Tour. Over the next 10 years, she would tour extensively around the world, as well as making several television appearances on major networks with artists such as Macy Gray, Mya, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Brian McKnight, Britney Spears, Kenny Lattimore, Anastascia, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Chante Moore, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, Patti Austin, RES and Gwen Stefani to name a few. Stevvi is currently on tour with nine-time Grammy-Award winner Sheryl Crow through mid-September 2008.
Stevvi is an artist who is excited about ministering to existing believers as well as connecting with non-believers. “When I was growing up, ” Stevvi says, “one of the main things that kept me involved in the church world was music, specifically groups like Commissioned and the Winans.” “These groups were speaking my language and appealing to my youth while heavily ministering life and the Word of God. It is my hearts desire to offer that same ministry to today’s youth, so that they can feel relevant and heard while serving Christ. Additionally, there are so many people who don’t realize how cool Christianity is and they need to see (and hear) a movement of young, involved and progressive people who identify themselves as followers of Christ.”
Finally Stevvi says, “I NEED music in my life as a center with my belief as the foundation. Growing up in a restrictive household was tough and music in my life was the only thing that spoke to me. It WAS my identity.” Music is the language through which Stevvi speaks and it is her hope that someone, somehow will benefit from her expression and sincerity.
Learn more about Stevvi at: Stevvi’s Indieheaven Profile
Scott MacLeod was born in Canada and moved to Nashville TN in 1987 to pursue Christian music. After about a year doors opened for him as he started playing drums with the David Mullen band — the new artist of the year. They were signed to the new Warner Brothers label… Warner Alliance. After a couple of years of extensive roadwork touring, doors opened for Scott to begin writing and producing music. Scott signed a songwriter deal with Sony Music in L.A. and worked for most of the Christian labels in Nashville as a producer/writer. Scott did this for eight years full-time. During this time he was able to experience many of the ups and the downs of the Christian music industry.
While the industry was “booming” Scott received a penetrating vision in 1995 called “Snakes in the Lobby” that had to do with the spiritual war that was ravaging the Christian music industry from the inside out. He wrote the vision into a small book that has now been translated into ten languages and has circled the globe setting musicians and creative people free from the spiritual struggle and trappings that plague and pursue creative people everywhere.
Unsatisfied with the Christian music industry in way that it was Scott and his music peers began to meet together in a weekly prayer meeting seeking God for His solutions and for purpose. During these times they were challenged by the words of Jesus in the scriptures — especially when it came to serving the poor.
Scott was convicted of primarily “serving God in the way that best serves him” and was prompted to stretch out of his comfort zone and to go downtown Nashville to serve the poor. The Lord blessed these and obscure outreaches on the wrong side of town and his peers were forever changed. Along with this for change came vision that evolved into a ministry. And a the ministry of “Provision International” was birthed for the purpose of meeting the practical and spiritual needs of the poor in Nashville and beyond.
Scott has a passion to see creativity and compassion (creative compassion) flow together to usher in the greatest HARVEST. Scott leads a music group called Harvest Sound which exists for the purpose of launching music and musicians into the harvest.
Visit Scott’s websites for more information.
http://www.provisioninternational.com
http://www.harvestsound.com
Designer Rana McIntyre, creator and owner of The Refinery, knows what it takes to stand out in a crowd. Rana offers fresh, innovative, iconic designs for your CD covers, posters, press kits, and logos which will evoke immediate, but lasting impressions.
It is Rana’s dream to use her God-given talent in conjunction with her unique insight from years spent in the music industry to insure that your music is showcased in the most positive light possible. Your music plus her designs will equal an indelible impression on music executives and consumers alike.
As a former manager of Gaither Studios, Rana worked daily with producers, recording artists, and musicians. She understands that it takes just the right mix of sound and sight to create the desired impact, and she is able to adapt her creativity to capture and cultivate the heart and soul of each individual artist.
To learn more about Rana, visit Refinery Designs.
Mike Rapp is one of the most experienced and respected creatives in the Christian publishing business. Having spent the first half of his career working for Word Records and Benson Records, Rapp now runs a successful design agency that helps artists and authors create a marketable brand image. Though he’s created web sites, CD and book packages for some of the biggest book and record companies in the world, much of Rapp’s time is now spent helping independents create a unique and compelling brand image and market their products online. Rapp’s blog can be read at: http://www.generatornetwork.com/blog.
Robert Morrison has been active in the retail and operational arenas of the music industry for over 25 years. Recently, he served as Sr. VP of Sales & Operations for Nashville’s Midas Records. The team there saw unprecedented success with several #1 singles, a #1 album, and many awards and accolades. Morrison and Chart Noise headed up the distribution, retail, and operations of the multi-format label in such diverse categories as Pop, Country, Christian and Jazz.
Prior to arriving in Nashville, Robert was the Vice President of Sales and Operations at J-Bird Records. He managed a catalog of over 300 artists, an active retail catalog of 50 artists, and oversaw the daily operations of the company, establishing a growing national presence in the traditional retail music marketplace for the label. Additionally, he was instrumental in signing several key artists to the roster, among them Billy Squier, The Rembrandts, Boy George’s More Protein label, John Entwistle (of The WHO), Lee Rocker (of Stray Cats), and legendary a-capella group Rockapella. From 1994 to 1997, Robert was with Connecticut-based Alliance Entertainment’s CD One-Stop as Director of Purchasing, overseeing that department and its buyers. Previously, he was with Wherehouse Entertainment, beginning his career there in 1984. The roles he served in included store manager, corporate order desk manager, and music buyer for the chain.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 10:00am-5:00pm, a very special seminar focusing on songwriting and publishing will be held at “The Foundry.” If you are a songwriter, this is an excellent time to learn from the pros! After a dinner break, we’ll come back and listen to some of the attendees share their songs LIVE! Check out what will be covered! This seminar is only $49.95 Per Person and limited to 100 people. To register, go to our REGISTRATION PAGE. Make sure to select “It’s All About The Song Seminar.”
Session 1
Robert Sterling
Robert Sterling is a Dove Award winning songwriter, arranger, and record producer. His songs have been recorded by a variety of Christian artists, notably including Point of Grace, Gold City and Sandi Patti. His tunes have worked their way to the top of the Christian pop, Southern Gospel, and inspirational radio charts. Among Robert’s record producing credits are the certified gold albums, “Point of Grace,” and “The Whole Truth,” and “24,” by Point of Grace, and the Grammy-nominated recording, “Love Will,” by the Talleys. His extensive body of choral compositions and arrangements can be found in the catalogs of Word Music, Alfred Music, Shawnee Press, Lorenz Music and LifeWay Music. Robert is a five-time winner of the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award and the author of the book, Jesus’ Chairs: A Guide to Christian Songwriting. For five years he headed the songwriting faculty for the Academy of Gospel Music Arts. In 1997, Robert served as the chairman of the Coalition for the Protection of America’s Gospel Music Heritage, lobbying and testifying before Congress on behalf of Christian songwriters. In addition to his work as a writer, arranger and orchestrator, Robert has also served as an adjunct professor of Music Publishing at Belmont University in Nashville, and is on the advisory board of Baylor University’s Center for Christian Music Studies. A 1977 cum laude graduate of Baylor University’s School of Music, Robert currently resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife, Cindy. They have two sons, Matthew and Aaron, who have grown up and moved far away from home. Matthew lives in New York City, working as a video/film editor and comedy writer. Aaron is a much-in-demand studio drummer working in Los Angeles.
Topics Covered:
• Writing Is Re-writing
• Four Great Songs and What Makes Them Great
Session 2
Lowell Alexander
Lowell Alexander has been a professional songwriter for twenty years. He has served as staff writer for Sony, EMI and Acuff Rose Publishing and is a long time voting member of NARAS (Grammy) and ASCAP. With ten # 1 songs to his credit, he has been published over 400 times with artists such as Amy Grant, Art Garfunkel, Glen Campbell, Point Of Grace, Sandi Patty, 4-Him, Steve Green, Donny Osmond, Selah and dozens of others. Lowell has a bachelor of arts from Georgia State University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Topics:
• The technicalities of lyric and music writing
• The life of a professional songwriter
Session 3
Regi Stone
Regi Stone is a nationally acclaimed songwriter, founder of Experience Worship, owner of Belden Street Music and Playground Recording and serves as worship leader at Christ Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Although Regi’s music company produces more than 100 songs each year it was only six years ago that his first song was published. Since then, his songs have been recorded more than 100 times by artists and publishing companies including CeCe Winans, Sandy Patti, Word Music, LifeWay and others. In 2007, his collection of worship songs “God is in This Place” was nominated for a Dove Award. With 5 songs in the top 2,000 songs for CCLI, Regi understands his calling as a songwriter to the church. His desire as a songwriter is to write songs that help the church truly experience worship.
Topics:
• Using a simple pattern helps
• 10 Secrets of Successful Songwriting
Session 4
Randy Cox
Randy has been one of Christian music’s greatest influencers. Over a 30 year span, he pioneered two of the most prolific publishing companies in Christian Music (MeadowGreen), published songs on over 100 MILLION records, and won 12 Dove Awards in 8 categories, including several awards for song of the year and songwriter of the year. Randy was the publisher responsible for finding dozens of then-unknown songwriters and launching their writing careers, including Gary Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins, Geron Davis, and Lowell Alexander. Currently, Randy is the publisher of Worship Today, a musical subscription service of Belden Street Music & Worship Resources, that provides original worship music for church choirs. He and his wife, Gloria live in Nashville, TN. where they spoil their 5 grandchildren as much as they possibly can.
Topics Covered:
• Uncovering the mysteries of publishing.
• Do you need a publisher?
• What’s ASCAP or BMI and why should you care?
Mark Adkison began his career in radio as an on-air personality and music director in 1990 working for various radio stations in his hometown of Charlotte, NC. In 1992, he worked for Frontline Music Group in Newport Beach, CA as a salesman earning the “Rookie Salesman of the Year” award later that same year.
In 1993 Adkison moved to Nashville, TN where he joined ForeFront Records as radio promotions & publicity manager working with dc talk, Audio Adrenaline and Rebecca St. James and eventually escalated to Sr. Director, National Promotion. In 1995 Adkison pioneered ForeFront’s first website at ForeFrontRecords.com and eventually moved to Parent company EMI Christian Music Group as Senior Director, New Media where he worked to centralized marketing & promotional efforts related to EMI CMG’s web properties.
While at EMI CMG he worked to establish the first-ever label based digital download subscription model at burnitfirst.com as well as other subscription models with other service providers. He then returned to ForeFront Records as Vice President Artist Development overseeing all marketing, promotions at the company with a roster of over 20 artists. After ForeFront was dissolved into the EMI CMG Label Group, Adkison assumed the role of Vice President Interactive Marketing aiding in the centralization of all web and consumer marketing strategy and established the innovative, new Christian music community site at hearitfirst.com.
In April of 2007 he was appointed to the newly created position Vice President Digital Strategy & Development working with all CMG labels and divisions to help promote synergy in all web development, strategy and sales initiatives. In June 2008, Adkison took the website he founded, HearItFirst.com out of EMI as an independent website to serve the Christian music audience.
The site, now controlled by Spinnaker Media currently boasts over 400,000 site visits per month with over 1.4 million page views and membership of over 184,000. Mark lives in Nashville, TN with his wife Julie, a songwriter, and his 5 year old daughter Sydney.
Tom Sabella learned the business side of the music industry from the ground up. He has been a performer, agent, manager, and recording studio owner. In fact, his vocal group, the Acts, was together for over 20 years - they performed around the country and recorded six albums. When the group retired in 1992, Tom began to think about helping other musicians with the business side of the music industry.
Drawing from his years of experience, Tom designed and taught an Entertainment Marketing/Internship Program. Through this program he helped talented young people to acquire that one extra element that could help make the successful; the business side of the music industry. It was through this simple beginning; his students dubbed him “The Music Biz Guru” and the professionals he worked with agreed.
Today, working with Dove and Grammy award winning artists like Phil Keaggy, Terry Blackwood, and other music professionals in Nashville, TN, Tom is reaching beyond the classroom with Music Business Seminars and related material. In his own words Tom says, “I started as a young kid, working with other young kids. We made a lot of needless mistakes in our climb. I want to share some of those same mistakes with up and coming talents so they don’t have to spin their wheels the way I did.”
His book, “Don’t Get Taken, Take Control; Twelve Things Musicians Need to Know.” and now the Page 2 Radio Network of Internet Radio programs designed to help talented people, wherever they are, employ practical steps toward success.
“The Business Side of Music” internet radio show, also known today as a Podcast, is an exciting, entertaining, informative and practical show discussing topics of great interest and importance to musicians and performers alike. You’ll hear from Tom’s own experiences. Tom and co-host Traci Root also interview special guests sharing their personal experiences that opened doors to their successes. Visit Page2Radio.com and click on “The Business Side of Music” link to begin your own learning experience.
Visit the Page2Radio.com website often for new blogs, updates, the latest in the podcast series, “Where Do We Go From Here” a short commentary by Music Biz Guru, Tom Sabella, sharing things that ignite his fuse in the music biz.
For information on Seminars, Podcasts, and podcasting, visit page2radio.com or contact Tom at:tom@page2management.com.
You don’t have to be around Mark Sullivan long to figure out he is far from your “normal” music management guy. Mark began promoting Christian concerts at the age of 16, almost two decades later Mark felt the desire to help out some of the underdog talent in the music industry. Mark says “I noticed this whole genre of music that radio and media had turned a blind eye to, the indie artists” Mark continues by stating “the indie circuit has talent to offer that is better than most of what is heard on radio today”, Mark feels it’s not a talent issue that holds back most of these bands, it’s just a lack of knowledge of the business side. In late 2007 Mark and his wife Sherry launched Consumed Artist Agency, Consumed launched onto the scene in a big way, their business strategy was unlike anything the indie world had seen, “It’s simple” says Mark, “we just work for the artists and teach them how to do the same for themselves”. Several Consumed artists have seen success in this strategy, things like distribution deals, major market radio play, appearances on major label tours, coverage on Gospel Music Channel, and more. “We keep our roster small’ says Sullivan, “it really helps us to stay on a more personal level with our artists, thats how we figure out what they need”. It must be working, in January of 2009 Consumed launched a premier indie booking agency, the roster was capped at eight artists, over 100 artists submitted press kits for the spots. Mark is not only a music guy, he still works full time as a professional firefighter/paramedic just outside of Atlanta, he also owns a successful window tinting business and does speaking engagements for seminars and Churches. In the little free time Mark does have he has managed to take Consumed from a ground level start up to one of the hottest new business’s in the industry.
Mark has been married to Sherry for 11 years, they have two children, Zach 10 and Mia 6
Ware Management is Management to: Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Bob Carlisle, Charmaine, Dr.George Grant, Allies, SweetComfort Band.
Representing since 1981 the aspirations of artists intent on conveying a Christian worldview through music, literature and performance with experience in contracts, touring and bringing to fruition new ideas in career growth and development.
Ricky has worked in the music industry for the last 18 years and has written and recorded numerous major projects. Has held positions with various major record labels in the capacity of A&R and Promotions director, Ricky also was the co-winner of songwriter of the year in 1997.
Ricky has done extensive touring, and has produced and still works with a number of very successful major artists. He brings an aggressive sound, personality and life to any project he works with, from his fast fingers to his funky thumb Ricky knows how to Rock your world and he is guaranteed to bring the house down at any show.
Currently, Ricky lives in Nashville TN, And holds the position of Bryan Duncan’s Music Director and co-founder with Bryan the great NehoSoul Band, as well as Working along side Bryan Duncan and Ray Ware at Red Road Records and Bob Carlisle Artist and writer of the big hit “Butterfly Kisses”. Ricky writes and works with many great artist in Nashville, and is currently writing with Bryan Duncan for his next project. Ricky B is also currently writing with the amazing writer and artist KEVIN MAX. Do your self a favor and check out www.kevinmax.com
Ricky has toured around the country been on a number of national TV shows and has been in several magazines including: Bass Player, Bass Guitar, CCM, Hard Rock, Spin. And has many great reviews Ricky is also the co-founder and creator of the old popular group “FUSED”
Chris Chicago has been in Radio for over 10 years and still rocks the mic on 2 very successful syndicated radio programs. Chicago moved to Nashville in 2005 where he started Shamrock Media Group, a radio promotions company that targets the Christian CHR and Rock formats. He works with some of the best artist in the genre and has garnered many top charting singles on the charts.
Contact:
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Chris Chicago
Shamrock Media Group
Hype Radio Network
615.465.8247 - Office
615.975.7220 - Mobile
AIM: djcdub
In 1970, Byron wrote down the assignment from God that has guided his ministry efforts ever since then: to disciple and mentor people out of music and the arts, working them into the fabric of Church, Missions & Marketplace ministry around the world.
Rev. Byron Spradlin is the president of Artists In Christian Testimony, Intll, an evangelical, interdenominational mission & ministry that mobilizes, sends out, equips & supports artistic ministers and missionaries who carry out the various works of the New Testament Church.
God moved Byron into artistic things at age 8 through piano lessons. But not long after the French horn, banjo, guitar, comedy, singing and conducting came into the picture. In addition, God’s began giving him a heart for the world through a high school Exchange Student stint in Japan with the American Field Service.
But when Byron was 19, God drew him to clearly surrender his life to HIS service while on a Continental Singers summer of service in war-torn Asia in 1968. That turning point has moved Byron into almost four decades of innovative servant-ministry initiatives, especially through artistic and creative ministry experimentation. Throughout these years—whether as a youth minister, worship pastor, church planter, senior pastor, recording artist, international Bible teacher and evangelist, missions-ministry leader, or worship & arts-ministry specialist—God has pressed Byron towards innovations that are helping move the Church into culturally relevant ministry experimentation.
These creative ministry initiates all flow out of Byron’s God-given assignment to help the Church mentor and disciple artistic & entrepreneurial Kingdom servants to more directly and effectively work into the fabric of church and missions ministry throughout the world.
Byron’s heart beats to urge people into a passionate companionship with their Creator God through a deepening daily walk with HIM through Jesus. And his public presentations combine his infectious love of Christ with his creative communication skills and his years of Bible study and pastoral ministry.
He received his undergraduate degree in International Relations [with additional emphasis in music composition] at the University of California at Davis. He received two Masters Degrees [a Master of Church Music and a Master of Divinity] from Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, OR; and is soon to complete a Master of Theology degree at Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of World Mission in Pasadena California.
In 1973 Spradlin founded what we now know as Artists in Christian Testimony Intl—an interdenominational mission which now has missionaries and ministries in over 15 other nations and over 25 States in the USA. Each of these staff and projects is committed to carrying out the ministry mandates of the New Testament Church through culturally appropriate creative people, strategies and methods.
As a pastor, musician, teacher, and encourager, Byron blends worship and scriptural teaching in a way that God seems to use to move people towards more practical encounter with Jesus, His Word, His help and His health.
Since his early days as a four-time All American in Track and Field at UC Davis, as a student leader with Campus Crusade at UC Davis, as a Music Director all over North and South America with the Continental Singers, as a recording artists for Ralph Carmichael’s Light Records, and as an itinerant music evangelist, songwriter and bible teacher; through his years as a worship pastor, church planter, senior pastor and church growth specialist; to these days of leading one of the most innovative 21st century mission & ministry agencies –God has used Byron to inspire people towards joy, encouragement and growth through their deepened embrace of Christ and His Word.
Byron Spradlin’s biblical, theological & missiological Specialties and Experience include:
1 Music, Worship and the Arts in ministry
2 Integration of worship in church growth, church planting, & regional ministry
strategy
3 Music, Worship and the Arts in missions, cross-cultural communication, &
contextualization
4 Theology of Worship
5 Contextual Communication & the Arts in Ministry
6 Worship, Music and the Arts in a post-modern world
7 Non-Profit Ministry Organization Development.
Byron Spradlin’s ministry roles have included:
1 Church planter & founding Senior
Pastor of New Hope Community
Church, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
[grew to 500 in five years] )
July, 1986-April 1994
2 Minister of Worship, Community
Baptist Church , Alta Loma, CA
[grew from 200 to 1500 in five years],
Jan. 1981-June, 1996
3 Adjunct Faculty, Western Baptist Seminary,
Portland, OR, as co-founder of the Master of Church Music degree; Sept.,
1978-Spring, 1980
4 Director of music ministry teams for the international Continental Singers
ministry. Ministered to 20 mission fields; Summers 1970 & 1971
5 Recording Artist on Ralph Carmichael’s Light Label, (Edge of Drifting released
January, 1971 & distributed on Word Record Club for three years)–one of the
first solo artists on Light Records (1971) when what we now know as
contemporary Christian music was just beginning;
6 Itinerant Evangelism & Missions work in over forty countries; 1970 to present
7 Bible Teaching & Christian Leadership Training internationally 1970 to present
8 Youth Pastor and Youth Music, First Baptist Church, Richmond, CA 1971-
1973
Some might be interested to know that once, a long, long time ago, Byron was an Athlete.
During University days at the University of California, Davis, he was…
-a four-time All American—NCAA Division II—in Track and Cross-country at University of California at Davis; and,
-the 1970 US National Champion in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase event [NCAA Division II].
He is still in the University of California Athletic Hall of Fame, and in the Sacramento, CA Athletic Hall of Fame;
… even though now, he is very clearly a “has-been.”
Byron’s prayer for each of you:
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. NIV
Scott serves as the creative force behind Extra Mile Merchandise, a fashion apparel provider serving artists, authors and organizations including the iShine Tour, Matt Brouwer (Universal,) The Rubyz (Advocate,) Robert Pierre (Advocate,) B. Reith (Gotee,) and author and recording artist Paige Armstrong (Advocate.) Scott is best known for having co-founded the clothing and film lifestyle company Truth Soul Armor, which he built into the largest Christian-owned clothing brand in the U.S. along with partner Eric Hannah. He has created and manufactured apparel for non-profit organizations such as Promise Keepers, Teen Mania, and World Vision, and has created product lines for artists including Newsboys, dc Talk, Michael W. Smith and many others. Scott is also Vice President of FrontGate Media, the largest entertainment media group in the faith-based market.
Scott founded FrontGate Media in 2002, a content development and promotions company that has become the largest entertainment-based media group in the faith-based market. FrontGate Media is home to the leading music entertainment brands including Gospel Music Channel, HearItFirst, NewReleaseTuesday, iTickets, VideoRocket and more. The FrontGate team has established themselves as an industry leader, mounting successful interactive and event-driven campaigns for Family Force 5, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong United, Plumb, Matt Brouwer, Bebo Norman, Lincoln Brewster, Mandisa, the Revolve: Rockin’ the Road reality show, as well as for publishers, film studios, and non-profits. The internationally recognized World Vision has repeatedly honored FrontGate Media by declaring the company its #1 Emedia Partner.
David Hooper is a music marketing expert and host of Music Business Radio.
In 1995, Hooper began his music marketing company Kathode Ray Music while he was still in college, studying commercial music at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. During the mid to late 1990s, he was hired by record and management companies to do street and radio promotion. He helped promote such bands as No Doubt, Bush, Blue Öyster Cult, Marcy Playground, Lightning Seeds, and Run-DMC.
His marketing endeavors went on to involve Internet promotion. As well as promoting bands online, David created the first non-pornographic membership Web site: IndieBiz.com, a Web site devoted to helping musicians learn how to market themselves. Now called Music Marketing dot com, the site is one of the most popular destinations for DIY indies.
In 2001, he founded the Nashville New Music Conference (2NMC). The conference, which ran from 2001-2004, was the second most popular music conference of its kind. In 2005, the event name was officially changed to 2NMC as it evolved into a series of workshops and seminars (most of which take place in locations other than Nashville).
In 2006, his radio show Music Business Radio debuted. The show, a joint venture between David’s company, Kathode Ray Music, and Tuned In Broadcasting, features interviews with top music industry professionals, including producers, record label executives, managers, and booking agents.
03-01-2009- UPDATED CIA SUMMIT SCHEDULE
We have our schedule now completely filled out with an hour by hour listing of seminars and panelists/speakers. Check it out on our SCHEDULE PAGE
SHOWCASE YOUR MUSIC AT THE CIA SUMMIT 2009!
Here’s a great opportunity to showcase your music in Nashville, TN!
Come to the 6th Annual CIA Summit Conference, held March 25-28, 2009 in Music City, Nashville, TN! We want to see you perform live and connect you to opportunity!
On Thursday, March 26, 2009, we will hold an open to the public Showcase where bands, and singer/songwriters can share their talent at an excellent venue with professional production! You can invite people to see you perform, and we’ll have many of our friends in to check you out! It’s not a “Battle of the Christian’s, this is a great way to get valuable critiques from other artists and indie-stry people we’ll have in attendance. We’re coming together to celebrate our Independence! To lock in your showcase spot, register for the CIA Summit ASAP, because it’s first to register, first to showcase! Reserve your spot today by going to the CIA SUMMIT 2009 Website.
We will fill up quickly and the registration fee is the lowest it will be! Hope to see YOU at The Summit! UPDATE 03.01.2009- ALL SHOWCASE SLOTS ARE TAKEN.
SEPT. 11, 2008- JOURNEY HOME TO LEAD WORSHIP AT CIA SUMMIT 2009
We’re excited to announce Indieheaven member, JOURNEY HOME will be leading worship at The CIA Summit 2009! JOURNEY HOME, based in Mt. Pleasant, TX is a fantastic group, who has had great success in their music mission. For more info on JOURNEY HOME, check out their Indieheaven Profile
SEPT. 17, 2008- MARGARET BECKER TO PERFORM AND TEACH AT CIA SUMMIT 2009
Margaret Becker, aka Maggie B, will be sharing her excellent artistry and passion for mentoring independent artists at The CIA Summit 2009! Margaret has had a fruitful career in CCM, including numerous awards and accolades. But beyond all that, Margaret is a special person, humble, gentile, yet firm in her calling and mission. Margaret will perform in concert after the 4th Annual MOMENTUM AWARDS on Saturday evening, March 28, 2009. MAGGIE B BIO
OCT. 13, 2008- SCOTT SHUFORD AND SCOTT BRINSON ADDED TO SPEAKER/MENTOR LIST
CIA Summit 2009 is excited to announce 2 dynamic and experiences speakers to their growing list of mentors. Scott Shuford and Scott Brinson of “Frontgate Media” will speak on the importance of marketing/branding and merchandising at concerts. Both bring years of experience to the Summit and we look forward to their sessions. To learn more, visit the CIA Summit Bio Section.
THE CIA SUMMIT 2009 IS NOW HISTORY!
The CIA Summit 2009 is the Place2B for the SERIOUS INDIE!
CIA SUMMIT 2009 ALIGN | REFINE | DEFINE
WHEN: March 25-March 28, 2009
WHERE: The Foundry and Fortress- Downtown Nashville, TN
1419 Clinton St
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4003
MAP: Click Here
EVENT OVERVIEW
At the CIA Summit 2009, we are going to have more discussion and interaction between attendees than ever before. We’ll have many panel discussions with our mentors, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. So, be ready to be a fountain and a sponge at The CIA Summit 2009! This event is for and about YOU! CIA SUMMIT 2009 will be hard hitting, truth seeking, and rocket fuel for your indie engine! If you want to be a full time Musicianary, this is a great place to learn how to make it happen! Check out our speaker/mentor bios.
“It’s All About The Song” Seminar- March 25, 2009 10:00am-5:00pm
If you are a songwriter, this is the seminar for you! This is an additional seminar with a very low registration of only $49.95 per person that focuses on how to write better songs, and the elusive publishing business. Hosted by veterans Robert Sterling, Lowell Alexander, Regi Stone and Randy Cox. This is a seminar you won’t want to miss! For more info click HERE
Topics Include
why and how?
[ work on your heart before your art ]
Motives
[ Self Promotion for Jesus: Paradox or Contradiction ]
Mission
[ seed sower or harvester? ]
business or ministry
[ it's like work and faith ]
education/equipping
[ heart surgery with a playdough knife? I don't think so!]
streams of revenue
[ professional vision equals provision ]
Can you hear me now?
[ making the connection with your audience ]
music
[ it's all about the song, or is it? ]
marketing
[ if an artist drops an album and no one hears it, does it make a sound? ]
booking
[ how to increase your live performance opps ]
merchandising
[ selling yourself and your faith ]
management
[ am i manageable? ]
publicity
[ telling your story to people who are overwhelmed with choices ]
multi-media
[ it's a high tech high touch world!]
Alternative paths for musicianaries
[ it's a new time, time to think new ]
CIA SUMMIT 2009 SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25
9:00AM- DOORS OPEN- MEET IN THE FOUNDRY
10:00AM-5:00PM- It’s All About The Song Seminar. (separate ticketed event)
5:00PM-7:00PM- Dinner (On Your Own)
7:00PM-10:00PM- Early Bird Meet and Greet and coffeehouse featuring songs performed live by Song Seminar attendees. Open to all attendees!
THURSDAY MARCH 26
9:00AM- DOORS OPEN- MEET IN THE FORTRESS
10:00AM- 5:00PM- INDIE SHOWCASE (Bands and Singer/Songwriters- 2 venues)
5:00PM-7:00PM-MEAL OF HOPE- (optional) Or dinner on your own.
7:30PM-7:45PM- Worship with Shelley Jennings
7:45PM-9:30PM- Christian Independent Alliance/Artists in Christian Testimony, Intl. presentation on fundraising for your mission.
9:30PM-??- Networking, Hang out time!
FRIDAY MARCH 27
9:00AM- DOORS OPEN
10:00AM-10:30AM- Keith Mohr/CIA Summit Founder- Welcome!
10:30AM-11:00AM- Worship W/ Journey Home
11:00AM-11:30AM- Scott MacLeod- Word of the Day
11:30AM-12:00PM- Grant Norsworthy- Self Promotion for Jesus:Paradox or Contradiction?
12:00PM-1:00PM- Lunch at The Venue
1:00PM-2:00PM- Wally Nason-Wally’s World- Questions to ask and things to know!
2:00PM-3:00PM- BOOKING/MANAGEMENT PANEL W/ Ray Ware, Ricky B, Wally Nason, Mark Sullivan, Ted Bruun, Randy Maricle, LeeAnn Patin
3:00PM-3:30PM- PUBLICITY W/ Lynn McCain
3:30PM-4:00PM- Don’t Get Taken, Take Control W/ Tom Sabella
4:00PM-4:30PM- BRANDING PANEL- W/ Scott Shuford, Mike Rapp, Rana McIntyre, Robert Morrison, Kyle Dietz-KMS Media
4:30PM-5:00PM- MERCHANDISING PANEL- W/ Scott Brinson, Toby Hancock, Link Tipton- Blue Nova Bands moderated by: Scott Shuford
5:00PM-6:00PM- DAY WRAPUP PANEL - Q&A- W/All Panelists
6:00-7:30PM- Dinner Break (on your own)
FRIDAY MARCH 27- 7:30PM-?? CONCERTS at “The Foundry Coffeehouse” and “The Fortress” featuring Drew Davidsen band, Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band, Holly Starr, Aaron Crider Band, Justpassingthru, Gabriel, plus many excellent singer/songwriters at The Foundry!
SATURDAY MARCH 28
9:00AM- DOORS OPEN
10:00AM-10:30AM- Worship W/ Gabriel
10:30AM-11:00AM- Scott MacLeod- Word of the Day
11:00AM-11:30AM- Interview W/ Stevvi Alexander
11:30AM-12:00PM- The business of ministry- W/ Gregory E Seneff, esq.
12:00PM-1:00PM- Lunch at The Venue
1:00PM-2:00PM- PRODUCER/A&R- W/ Eric Copeland, Zodlounge, Billy Smiley, Banner Kidd- Sweetwater Productions, Dennis Dearing
2:00-3:00- INTERNET MARKETING/PROMO- W/ Scott Shuford, Mike Rapp, Keith Stancil, David Hooper, Terrance D Schemansky, and Kelly Poe of volumMonster.com.
3:00PM-4:00PM- TOM JACKSON- All Roads Lead to the Stage
4:00PM-5:00PM- FUTURE OF MUSIC PANEL- W/ Vince Wilcox, Mark Adkison, Mike Rapp, Scott Shuford,Keith Mohr
5:00PM-6:00PM- EVENT WRAP UP PANEL - Q&A- W/All Panelists
6:00PM-7:30PM- Dinner Break (on your own)
7:30PM-9:00PM- MOMENTUM AWARDS
9:00PM-10:00PM- SPECIAL CONCERT W/ MARGARET BECKER
10:00PM-??? NETWORK TIL WE DROP!
Where will the conference be held?
The CIA Summit 2009 will be held at:
The Foundry- Downtown Nashville, TN
1419 Clinton St
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4003
CLICK FOR MAP
The Foundry and The Fortress are located in a warehouse area in Nashville, TN. The Foundry is an inner city mission/church that conducts many events, worship concerts, coffeehouse, and other activities. The Fortress is a concert hall that is across the street from The Foundry. The CIA Summit seminars will take place in The Fortress. When you come upon the venue, there are no signs, however, we will have a CIA Summit Banner outside. Parking is available on street, or on a few lots next to The Foundry.
Directions from Nashville Airport/East of Nashville
Directions:
- I-40 west to Downtown Nashville
- Exit Church St/Charlotte Ave
- Stay on Gen. George L. Davis Blvd. (East side of I-40)
- Cross Church and Charlotte (be careful NOT to get back on I-40)
- Follow to dead-end at Jo Johnston Ave. (be careful NOT to get back on I-40)
- Left on Jo Johnston Ave. (go UNDER I-40)
- Right on 14th Ave North.
- Left on Clinton Street
- The Foundry: 1419 Clinton Street
(2nd building from end of street on the right)
- The Fortress is across the street from The Foundry, on the corner of 16th Ave. North and Clinton Street.
Click Here for hotels located near the venue.
Howard Johnson has rooms for $49 per night! And its only 5 miles from the venue!
2306 Brick Church Pike
Nashville, TN, 37207
Click HERE
ON SITE ACCOMMODATIONS
For the adventurous and broke, there are on site accommodations. It’s not the Hilton, it’s not the Super 8, it’s not even Motel 7. Bring your own bedding and towels. One big room, 20 bunk beds, bathroom with 3 showers…you get the picture:) Let us know if you are interested in these accommodation. Price will be determined by what you can afford. We do not want money to keep you from attending the CIA Summit!
Latest Summit News: Click Here
Speaker/Mentor Bios: Click Here
It’s All About The Song Seminar Click Here
Directions: Click Here
Accommodations: Click Here
Nearby Places to Eat Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here
To Register: Click Here
ALIGN | DEFINE | REFINE
We’re looking forward to another great CIA Summit! Set aside March 25-28, 2009 and come to Nashville, TN to attend what has become known as one of the most effective conferences for independent Christian musicians, bands, soloists, writers, and anyone who has a mission to reach the world with their music and message! If you are serious about reaching people with your music and mission, this is the conference for you! CIA SUMMIT 2009 will be completely different than any indie conference ever produced. Now in it’s 6th year, the Summit is the Place2B for the serious indie! If you are ready to register, click HERE
What Makes The CIA Summit Different?
Imagine being in a huge room with hundreds of other artists who are on a similar path, sharing information about how to fulfill your mission. We’ll have full time indie artists sharing how they are making it happen, we’ll have new artists eager to gather information on how to get going in their music ministries. Plus, we’ll have experts in their field sharing their information with you. We don’t split artists up into different “tracks,” we know what indies need to hear and that is the truth. There is tremendous power when a large group of people have the lights go on at the same time. We’ve seen it before, and we’ll see it again at CIA Summit 2009!
Artists Sharpening Artists
Ever heard of the saying, “iron sharpens iron”? We’ve learned that artists are one of the best sources of correct information, since artists are the ones on the front lines making it happen. The focus of the Summit is community, camaraderie and Christ. We’re ALIGNING to celebrate our INDEPENDENCE! We’re DEFINING our mission, and we are REFINING our mission! It IS MISSION:POSSIBLE!
By Indies and for Indies!
CIA Summit 2009 will be hosted and moderated by Indieheaven founder, Keith Mohr. Keith has worked with thousands of indie artists for many years, helping them fulfill their missions. This has provided them with a wealth of information. Keith knows what indies must do to be successful. Check out an article Keith recently penned for his “Indie No Spin Zone” column in Christian Musician Magazine. You will see this conference will be well worth your time and effort! This is the kind of hard hitting, no nonsense information you will hear at the summit!
Who Is The Summit For?
It doesn’t matter if you are a band of Christians, or a Christian band, singer, songwriter, soloist, rapper, rocker, country, contemporary.. every single person who is interested in reaching people with their music and message needs to attend this event. This event will not only teach you the nuts and bolts of what it takes to be a success at your mission, but we have a feeling God is going to renew your mind at what is means to be a success. Make sure you attend, do not miss out on this life changing event!
The Most Effective Conference Out There!
The industry is changing, and the indie artist needs to simply be the best artist they can be, because 99% of all indies will remain an indie, and that’s alright. The CIA Summit 2009 is all about sharing helpful, useful and relevant information that will help you succeed in your mission!
The Most Affordable Conference Out There!
Other indie conferences charge attendees $800.00 to attend and share 1 song for industry types or hear the same information shared over and over again. Indies are looking for real and honest answers, and we’ll have them at this event! Forget those events that promise to break you into the industry. The recording industry is breaking down, and 99.9% of indies will remain indie. We’re going to break indies out of the mindset that they need “the man” in order to make it! It is MISSION:POSSIBLE if you work smart, and pray hard! We’ll teach you how at the CIA Summit 2009!
Are you a serious artist?
Serious means, do you desire to share you music and message with others? Then do everything you can to come to Nashville, TN for the CIA Summit! Expect to hear from God concerning your music and mission! If you are ready to register, click HERE
Christian Independent Alliance
The CIAlliance is an organization dedicated to Christian musicians, singers, bands, songwriters and others, who are impacting people with their music and message worldwide. We believe as the Christian music industry changes, more and more Christian musicians will remain independent, accomplishing their missions without the existing music industry. We believe the time is right to provide an organization whose purpose is to provide resources independents need to fulfill their unique callings. Go to the CIAlliance website for more info.
IndieHeaven
Indieheaven is an independent Christian musician resource agency that provides a world class profile with unlimited content, physical and digital distribution (100% of sales going to the artist), marketing, promotion, and management services. Indieheaven also provides strong community through their IH Network. Online non-stop since 2002, Indieheaven is located in the heart of CCM, Franklin, TN. Indieheaven’s reputation has been earned through impeccable service and attention to the needs of their members. Discover the Future of Music at indieheaven.com
Indie University
Indie University is a Christian musician resource that gathers and displays educational materials and information which help independent artists in their music missions. Founded by CIA Summit, Indieheaven and CIAlliance president, Keith Mohr, IU is a great place to find information he has gathered over years of experience and relationships. Check out their website to learn more!
Artists in Christian Testimony
Artists in Christian Testimony Intl is an evangelical, interdenominational Christian ministry that mobilizes, sends out, equips, and supports artistic ministers and missionaries who carry out various works of the New Testament Church. Check out their website to learn more!
Provision International
Alleviating suffering, abolishing poverty worldwide…in the name of Jesus! In a world darkened with sin, suffering, and injustice there is one liberating light that brings hope to all people…the gospel of Jesus Christ! Based in Nashville, TN. Check out their website to learn more!
The Refinery
The Refinery specializes in CD Cover Designs, Posters, Press Kits, Logos, and Stationery for the Independent Recording Artist. Check out their website to learn more!
Harvest Sound
The word of God tells us “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” (Isa. 59:19) For decades now the demonic realm has used the popular arts and the media to flood the earth with insidious messages. The results … billions of souls worldwide have been deceived and polluted and are held in great bondage due to the relentless media onslaught that our society is currently staggering under. A landslide of accelerated moral decline has been fueled by the music and the media of our day. But right in the midst of this media madness God is raising up His pure standard. God desires to use the gifts of music and creativity that he has invested in His people to fill the nations with the greatest creative miracles of all…the salvation and sanctification of mankind… the Harvest! Check out their website to learn more!
Group Imaging
Group Imaging is your source for banners, backdrops, trade show displays, roll up displays, postcards, posters, business cards, and much more. Everything a performing artist needs to present themselves and their merchandise table professionally! Check out their website to learn more!
In Ear Systems
In Ear Systems is a distributor of “Live Wires” in ear monitors, which are an excellent and affordable custom molded in ear monitors. In Ear Systems, Inc. is a company that brings over 15 years of audio and touring knowledge and was formed with world-class quality and value in mind. Check out their website to learn more!
Sweetwater Productions
Sweetwater Productions, located in Ft. Wayne, IN is the production home of music instrument retailer, Sweetwater Sound. Sweetwater Productions has 3 comfortable, extremely well-equipped studios ready to enhance your creativity on your next project. Each studio is equipped with Digidesign’s ProTools|HD Accel digital recording and editing systems and much more! Check out their website to learn more!
Blue Nova Bands
Before you spend money on that extra guitar or pedal, think about this! Your merch table is a key to the ongoing success of your musical venture. Blue Nova has extensive experience in touring, merchandising and visual branding. Working with acts such as Jars of Clay, Third Day, Pillar, Tod Agnew, Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns and many more. Blue Nova has a heart to serve the independent artist providing you with a backdrop that fits your needs specifically. Ranging anywhere from a sculpture linen table cloth to a full on 30′ft x 60′ft stage backdrop for a cutting edge tour. Contact Link for More information. link@bluenovadesigns.com or call 615.465.2424
Stickers and More
The place to go for all things indie merch! Stickers, T-Shirts, merchandise, and more! Check them out and tell Toby we sent ya!
Featherblock
Featherblock manufacturers portable, lightweight staging for bands, including drum risers, and other staging. We’ll be using their risers at the CIA Summit 2009!
KMS Media
KMS Media Services - is a privately owned and operated company based in Middle Tennessee. With more than 15 years total experience in the CD replication, music, video, and publishing industries, KMS has the expertise to help guide you through the process, from project concept to completion. In addition to being a full service CD & DVD replicator and short-run duplicator, KMS specializes in multi-media development services like CD-Rom design, Enhanced CD, and menu design. We also offer video production, non-linear editing, DVD authoring, and graphic design.
Where will the Summit be held?
The CIA Summit 2009 will be held at “The Foundry” in Nashville, TN. For more info on directions and a map, click Here
When should I arrrive and leave?
We suggest arriving in Nashville, TN on Wednesday March 25, 2009 during the afternoon, then make your way over to the venue for an early bird meet and greet/coffeehouse networking time at 7:00PM. Leave on Sunday, March 29, 2009.
Where can I stay?
Hotel is not included with the price of the conference. Check out accommodation info HERE.
How do I commute?
Transportation to the conference is not provided, so when making arrangements make sure you inquire about travel times to The Foundry in Nashville. We are about 15 minutes from the airport. Cab Fare runs about $30.00 one way. There are no hotels within walking distance. If you are flying in, Nashville, TN (BNA) is your destination.
Do you have directions?
Yes, you may view them by clicking Here
Where can I eat?
We will provide breakfast snacks/coffee and boxed lunches/drinks for you to purchase for a minimal price right on site. Dinner is on your own. There are many places to eat in downtown Nashville, which is just a few minutes away.
How do I register?
Ready to Register? Click HERE. We’re using a service called “Event Brite.” It makes registering a snap! After you register, we’ll connect and forward you info on the event.
How Do I get that sweet Indieheaven Member Discount?
Indieheaven.com members get 50% OFF the price of registration. It makes smart financial sense to join Indieheaven before registering, and then after joining, you will see it makes perfect sense to be a member:) Join Indieheaven NOW, then come back to the Summit website and register. We don’t mind!
Can my spouse attend?
Sure, just make sure they register as an additional person. If you are a member of Indieheaven, they get the special member discount.
How do I register a band?
Register the 1st person at the 1st person rate, and any additional people, register at the additional person rate, which is 50% off!
Can children attend?
Childcare is not provided and since we have seminars and are recording them, we must keep the room we are meeting in quiet. For this reason, children under the age of 13 are not to attend. They can attend our non-seminar times and our Momentum Awards on Saturday night.
I/We want to perform at your event and showcase
Great! We want you to as well! On Thursday, March 26, 2009 We’ll have 2 stages going, The “Foundry Stage” for singer/songwriters and track artists, and the “Fortress Stage” for bands. Since we’ll have HUNDREDS of artists registering, the way we will determine who performs will be based on WHEN you register. The sooner you register, the better chance you will perform at the showcase. We want everyone who registers to perform but time is a limited commodity. Our suggestion.. REGISTER NOW! And.. there is NO EXTRA FEE to showcase! How’s that for a deal! We’ll provide backline drums, mics, etc. but if you want to bring your guitar/bass amp and other instruments feel free. Each artist will get 3 songs or 15 minutes to share their stuff! We want everyone to share their talent! And, if you want to invite any industry big-wigs to watch you perform, go right on ahead. We’ll also have some of our indie-stry friends there to check out the talent. Get valuable feedback at the showcase from your peers and others!
Can I make money referring others to the CIA Summit 2009?
You betcha! Want to earn $25 per referral to The CIA Summit? Sign up to be a CIA Summit Affiliate click HERE. Make sure to look down the list for the CIA Summit 2009 and then sign up. You do NOT need to register to attend the conference in order to be an affiliate and earn income!
I’m ready to register, but can’t find the registration section, help!
Click HERE to go to our registration section.
I registered, but something came up and I need to cancel. What is your policy?
Awww bummer! Please click this link to view our cancellation policy HERE.
Why do you guys do all this for independent artists?
Simple.. we find our voice by helping others find theirs. Plus it’s fun!
THE CIA SUMMIT 2009 IS NOW HISTORY!
For 2010, We are changing the name of the CIA Summit to “INDIE UNIVERSITY”. The event will be held April 14-17, 2010 in Nashville, TN at The Foundry/Fortress (same place as 2009).
For more info on the event, visit www.indieuniversity.com
Here’s a comment from a 2009 Attendee:
The Summit was absolutely incredible. You are truly gifted at what you are doing and provided a top notch experience for all of us. I couldn’t have asked for more. The amount of professionalism that you provided with the guest speakers was absolutely amazing. I learned more about my music ministry in a couple days that I have learned in a lifetime. I hope you are encouraged by what you have provided for all of us Indie’s. Not to often do I meet someone I am really impressed with, but you certainly fit that bill. I look forward to next year and am encouraged by all I have learned. Thank you!- Matt Pitzl
Check out the blog posts for more information about the CIA Summit!
Greg Seneff has spent a lifetime involved in music. From his family’s roots in Barbershop singing, to church & school choirs, to singing and playing drums for garage rock bands, Greg is steeped in music of all kinds.
Greg took his passion for music and the creative process and pursued work in the industry as a booking agent, band roadie, radio DJ, music buyer for a retail store, video & audio producer, music columnist and concert promoter. When he finally realized that his passion included helping those in creative roles he went to law school with the sole intent to pursue a career in entertainment law.
Greg has held the positions of “Director of Legal Affairs” and “Director of Business Affairs” and two internationally recognized record and music publishing companies. He has also served as General Counsel for two music trade organizations, and as an advisory board member to a music publication.
As an adjunct professor at the Delta Music Institute at Delta State University, and a seminar presenter at various music conferences, Greg revels in opportunities to assist artists, music writers and musicians learn more about the business and legal side of the music industry and avoid pitfalls commonly experienced by so many. The events Greg has participated in include: Academy of Gospel Music Arts regional events, Music in the Rockies, for the Southern Gospel Music Guild, the Nashville New Music Conference, the Midwest Entertainment Industry Conference, the West Virginia Music Conference, the CIA conference, Independent Music Conference, the Millennium Music Conference, and the Write About Jesus Conference. Greg and Dove-award winning songwriter Billy Sprague are available to conduct one-day seminars called the Momentum Music Workshop™ designed to encourage and mentor the local artist and songwriter. (Send a message to musiclaw@comcast.net for details.)
Greg drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts and licenses (recording, production, music publishing, management, booking agent, mechanical, synchronization, book publishing and others), assists in the registration of copyrights and trademarks, and engages in litigation for the enforcement of contracts, defense of contract breach claims, royalty and fee collections, fraud, infringement, and other actions related to entertainment law fields.
Greg is the producer of MusicLawBiz™ Vol.1, an educational project for artists and songwriters which contains 13 hours of audio information on 12 CDs and approximately 400 pages of information. The subjects covered include record contracts, publishing contracts, band partnership agreements, forming a corporation or Limited Liability Company, booking and management issues, copyright, trademark, and rights of publicity issues, finances for small businesses, how to pitch demo recordings, and much more. Included are 8 interviews with artists, songwriters, a record producer, a booking agent, an artist manager, a Vice President of A&R, and a personal financial counselor.
Greg often writes columns and contributes responses to music discussion boards on issues of music business and law. He and his co-producer, Jonathan Nation, produce the podcast Artist Insider™.
Wally is President and CEO of Nason Music Group. For 15 years Wally Nason has spent his time and energy helping people reach their full potential in the arts. He has his undergraduate music degree in education and graduate degree in Choral Conducting. As a public school teacher and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Arizona he had the opportunity to help music students excel in music performance. As Vice-President of The Continental Ministries he had the privilege of developing over 5,000 Christian singers, dancers, instrumentalists, actors and leaders as they performed at over 7,000 churches across the U.S. and around the world. He has served as a judge and New Artist Showcase producer at the Gospel Music Association’s Seminar in the Rockies where he has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest artists in the Christian music industry and establish key relationships with many of the decision makers on Music Row.
Eric is known throughout the Christian music industry and with his many clients as the music producer and consultant for the professional Christian artist.
Client’s may come to Creative Soul for their songs, arrangements, and production work, but Eric’s attention to detail, refusal to provide anything but the best quality in artwork, photos, and final product, make Creative Soul stand out among other products and companies in the Christian music business. Above all, Eric seeks to serve God through building Christian music ministries to their potential, and helping to grow these ministries through education, community, and the combined experience of all Creative Soul artists. Check out The Creative Soul Website.
The following is a list of mentors who will appear at the CIA Summit. You will find a diverse cross section of INDEPENDENT CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS, who were either once involved with the CCM industry, or who have spent years either as an artist, or who have worked with independent artists. You will not find a mentor list this strong at ANY other Christian Music Conference! Check them out!
Keith Mohr
As the founder and president of Indieheaven.com, Keith Mohr has worked with well over 2500 independent Christian artists, assisting them with marketing, promotions, distribution and lots of advice since 1997. In March of 2009, Mohr will hold his 6th annual conference for indie artists called the CIA Summit. Mentors who are creative entrepreneurs will be on hand to share their wealth of information, and hundreds of artists are expected to attend. Many who have attended previous Summits say they are life changing. For more info on Keith, click Here.
Scott MacLeod
Scott MacLeod was born in Canada and moved to Nashville TN in 1987 to pursue Christian music. While the industry was “booming” Scott received a penetrating vision in 1995 called “Snakes in the Lobby” that had to do with the spiritual war that was ravaging the Christian music industry from the inside out. Scott has a passion to see creativity and compassion (creative compassion) flow together to usher in the greatest HARVEST. Scott leads a music group called Harvest Sound which exists for the purpose of launching music and musicians into the harvest. Scott will share a special message each morning after worship. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Byron Spradlin
Rev. Byron Spradlin is the president of Artists In Christian Testimony, Intl, an evangelical, interdenominational mission & ministry that mobilizes, sends out, equips & supports artistic ministers and missionaries who carry out the various works of the New Testament Church. In 1970, Byron wrote down the assignment from God that has guided his ministry efforts ever since then: to disciple and mentor people out of music and the arts, working them into the fabric of Church, Missions & Marketplace ministry around the world. Byron will share on how ACT, Intl. can be a valuable part of your music mission. For more info on Byron, click Here.
Margaret Becker
What do you do when you’ve been a singer-songwriter for almost twenty years, with twenty number one singles, four Grammy Nominations, four Dove Awards, seven Songwriter of the Year awards, countless tours around the world and two books to your credit? You look for new ways to use your resources. At least that is what Margaret Becker has done. Margaret will share her music and wealth of wisdom in a special teaching concert after the Momentum Awards on Saturday evening, March 28, 2009 at 9:00PM. For more info on Margaret, click Here.
Bryan Duncan and the Nehosoul Band
Bryan Duncan started his career in Contemporary Christian Music in 1973 with the Sweet Comfort Band, and 1985 marked the begining of his solo career. Bryan has sold in excess of 1 million records, released 15 solo albums, and appeared on several compilation projects. He has released three solo video projects and one joint tour video as well as having done the video for the smash hit, “Left Behind”. Bryan has been the recipient of three Dove Awards and has received multiple Dove Award nominations. Bryan and the Nehosoul Band will share a special teaching concert on Friday evening, March 27, 2009 at our open to the public concert! For more info on Bryan, click Here.
Grant Norsworthy
Grant is a Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated musician. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Grant relocated to Nashville, TN in early 2002 with the Aussie band pc3 (Paul Colman Trio). After extensive US and international touring and achieving significant chart success with pc3, Norsworthy transitioned to be the bassist of choice for many of today’s top Christian Contemporary artists including three years with million-selling, groundbreaking ‘worship rockers’ SONICFLOOd. But it turns out that Grant Norsworthy has much more important things to say than what can be communicated through the bass notes of someone else’s music. For more info on Grant, click Here.
Stevvi Alexander
Stevvi, originally from Los Angeles, CA grew up around gospel music and sung in as many local choirs as she could find. Her talent caught the eye of Motown’s first R&B Diva, Diana Ross who extended to Stevvi a special invitation to join her on a European Tour. Over the next 10 years, she would tour extensively around the world, as well as making several television appearances on major networks with artists such as Macy Gray, Mya, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Brian McKnight, Britney Spears, Kenny Lattimore, Anastascia, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Chante Moore, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, Patti Austin, RES and Gwen Stefani to name a few. Stevvi is currently on tour with nine-time Grammy-Award winner Sheryl Crow through mid-September 2008. Stevvi will share about her musical journey, her mission as a believer in the world of mainstream music, and her experience as an independent Christian artist. For more info on Stevvi, click Here.
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson is one of the leading live music producers for tours, showcases and shows in the music industry. His passion is to develop an artist’s onstage skills, and to produce shows that are unique. His schedule is filled with artists from every genre of music, including comedians and speakers. Tom teaches that “if an artist thinks that playing tight, singing correctly, moving a lot or being cool is what moves a crowd, they’ve lost an opportunity to connect with their audience. The goal is capture, connect and emotionally move everyone in the building!” For more info on Tom, click Here.
Vince Wilcox
Vince Wilcox is a 30 year veteran of the Christian Music Industry, having served as vice president of sales, marketing, and management for Provident Music Group, Benson Records, and VanLiere-Wilcox Management, respectively. In addition to his corporate experience, Wilcox toured for 5 years as a Christian music artist in the ‘90’s while running an independent product development company. A successful songwriter and author, Wilcox currently provides strategic consulting services to a select group of artist, label, and marketing clients while attending the Nashville School of Law. For more info on Vince, click Here.
Keith Stancil
Keith Stancil spent the last twenty years in sales and marketing roles with Capitol/EMI, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Word Entertainment. The most recent years serving as Vice President of General Markets/International/Digital for Word. For more info on Keith, click Here.
Tom Sabella
Tom Sabella learned the business side of the music industry from the ground up. He has been a performer, agent, manager, and recording studio owner. His book, “Don’t Get Taken, Take Control; Twelve Things Musicians Need to Know.” and now the Page 2 Radio Network of Internet Radio programs designed to help talented people, wherever they are, employ practical steps toward success. “The Business Side of Music” internet radio show, is an exciting, entertaining, informative and practical show discussing topics of great interest and importance to musicians and performers alike. For information on Seminars, Podcasts, and podcasting, visit page2radio.com or contact Tom at:tom@page2management.com. To learn more about Tom, click Here.
LeeAnn Patin
LeeAnn Patin, is the owner of Praise Evangelism Promotion and Production, or P.E.P. Productions as we call it, brings over 23 years of professional experience in the industry. Being a Promoter and Artist Manager LeeAnn experiences working in both sides of the industry. Such diversity enables her to works with all aspects of the Music Industry. For more info on Eric, click Here.
Eric Copeland
Eric Copeland is president/CEO of Creative Soul, and is known throughout the Christian music industry and with his many clients as the music producer and consultant for the professional Christian artist. Client’s may come to Creative Soul for their songs, arrangements, and production work, but Eric’s attention to detail, refusal to provide anything but the best quality in artwork, photos, and final product, make Creative Soul stand out among other products and companies in the Christian music business. Eric will teach on music production and the role of the producer in an artist’s career. For more info on Eric, click Here.
Billy Smiley
As a producer, Billy has worked and helped developed such artists as: White Heart, Geoff Moore, Gaither Vocal Band, Magaret Becker, Twenty Twenty, One Bad Pig, Jag, Randy Matthews, Idle Cure, Rhonda Gunn, Cheryl Jewel, and Rachel Rachel. He has produced more than 30 albums, 52 top ten songs, and 21 No. 1 songs. He also produced the Grammy nominated song “Silent Night”, recorded by BeBe & CeCe Winans and co-produced the Grammy nominated albums, “Whiteheart”, and “Tales of Wonder”. His formal training includes a bachelors degree in Music Theory and Composition from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. For more info on Billy, click Here.
Zodlounge
Zodlounge is a music production company dedicated to providing an inspiring musical environment where artists can imagine, explore, and create music of influence. While based in Nashville, their arms have extended to work for artists, writers, and publishers from both coasts as well as into Europe. Cutting their teeth on international touring with several artists such as Point of Grace, Sonicflood, Joe Dee Messina, Aaron Shust, Nate Sallie, etc…their passion for creating music and love of people caused them to rethink their focus. In 2004, Zodlounge Music Inc was born. For more info on Zodlounge, click Here.
Dennis Dearing
Dennis has performed on numerous No. 1 singles, including 4HIM’s “Basics of Life,” “Why,” and “He Never Changes,” as well as Greg Long’s “Mercy Said No,” Al Denson’s “To Forgive,” and Billy and Sarah Gaines’ “Same all the Time.” Dennis has produced recordings for fledgling singers and established artists, with his name appearing on projects by EMI Christian Music Group, Benson Music Group, Word Entertainment, Song Time Kids, Butterfly Kids, Spring Hill Music Group, Broken Records and many more. For more info on Dennis, click Here.
David Hooper
David Hooper is a music marketing expert and host of Music Business Radio and IndieMusician.com. In 1995, Hooper began his music marketing company Kathode Ray Music while he was still in college, studying commercial music at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN. During the mid to late 1990s, he was hired by record and management companies to do street and radio promotion. He helped promote such bands as No Doubt, Bush, Blue Öyster Cult, Marcy Playground, Lightning Seeds, and Run-DMC. David was the founder of the “Nashville New Music Conference,” a popular mainstream music conference. David will share his vast knowledge about what it takes to impact the mainstream music world and what to expect in a mainstream music mission. For more info on David, click Here.
Ray Ware
Ware Management is Management to: Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Bob Carlisle, Charmaine, Dr.George Grant, Allies, SweetComfort Band. Representing since 1981 the aspirations of artists intent on conveying a Christian worldview through music, literature and performance with experience in contracts, touring and bringing to fruition new ideas in career growth and development. For more info on Ray, click Here.
Ricky B
Ricky has worked in the music industry for the last 18 years and has written and recorded numerous major projects. Has held positions with various major record labels in the capacity of A&R and Promotions director, Ricky also was the co-winner of songwriter of the year in 1997. Ricky has toured around the country been on a number of national TV shows and has been in several magazines including: Bass Player, Bass Guitar, CCM, Hard Rock, Spin. And has many great reviews Ricky is also the co-founder and creator of the old popular group “FUSED.” For more info on Ricky B, click Here.
Scott Shuford
Scott Shuford founded FrontGate Media in 2002, a content development and promotions company that has become the largest entertainment-based media group in the faith-based market. FrontGate Media is home to the leading music entertainment brands including Gospel Music Channel, HearItFirst, NewReleaseTuesday, iTickets, VideoRocket and more. The FrontGate team has established themselves as an industry leader, mounting successful interactive and event-driven campaigns for Family Force 5, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong United, Plumb, Matt Brouwer, Bebo Norman, Lincoln Brewster, Mandisa, the Revolve: Rockin’ the Road reality show, as well as for publishers, film studios, and non-profits. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Scott Brinson
Scott Brinson serves as the creative force behind Extra Mile Merchandise, a fashion apparel provider serving artists, authors and organizations including the iShine Tour, Matt Brouwer (Universal,) The Rubyz (Advocate,) Robert Pierre (Advocate,) B. Reith (Gotee,) and author and recording artist Paige Armstrong (Advocate.) Scott is best known for having co-founded the clothing and film lifestyle company Truth Soul Armor, which he built into the largest Christian-owned clothing brand in the U.S. along with partner Eric Hannah. He has created and manufactured apparel for non-profit organizations such as Promise Keepers, Teen Mania, and World Vision, and has created product lines for artists including Newsboys, dc Talk, Michael W. Smith and many others. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Ted Bruun
Ted is a Pastor and Counter Culture Missionary. Ted has an extensive history in the Christian Music Industry with almost 20 years experience in Christian Radio, Television, Concert Promotion, and as the Founder and Director of The Extreme Tour for almost 15 of those 20 years. Past Extreme Tour Artists include Kutless, Falling Up, KJ-52, Fireflight, House of Heroes, and Dizmas just to name a few. The Extreme Tour has been a formative experience for many of the accomplished artists recording today. Ted will share from the stories and testimonies he has witnessed over the years while on the road with these artists and others. For more info on Ted, click Here.
Mark Adkison
Mark Adkison has a long history as an executive in the CCM Industry. In June 2008, Adkison took the website he founded, HearItFirst.com out of EMI as an independent website to serve the Christian music audience. The site, now controlled by Spinnaker Media currently boasts over 400,000 site visits per month with over 1.4 million page views and membership of over 184,000. Mark will speak about the CCM industry and where he believes it is headed. For more info on Mark, click Here.
Mike Rapp
Mike Rapp is one of the most experienced and respected creatives in the Christian publishing business. Having spent the first half of his career working for Word Records and Benson Records, Rapp now runs a successful design agency that helps artists and authors create a marketable brand image. Though he’s created web sites, CD and book packages for some of the biggest book and record companies in the world, much of Rapp’s time is now spent helping independents create a unique and compelling brand image and market their products online. For more info on Mike, click Here.
Gregory E. Seneff, Sr., Esq.
Greg Seneff is an in demand music business attorney with years of experience in the Christian music industry. Greg has held the positions of “Director of Legal Affairs” and “Director of Business Affairs” and two internationally recognized record and music publishing companies. He has also served as General Counsel for two music trade organizations, and as an advisory board member to a music publication. Greg is the producer of MusicLawBiz™ Vol.1, an educational project for artists and songwriters which contains 13 hours of audio information on 12 CDs and approximately 400 pages of information. Greg will teach about the importance of taking care of business in your music mission. For more info on Greg, click Here.
Rana McIntyre
Designer Rana McIntyre, creator and owner of The Refinery, knows what it takes to stand out in a crowd. Rana offers fresh, innovative, iconic designs for your CD covers, posters, press kits, and logos which will evoke immediate, but lasting impressions. It is Rana’s dream to use her God-given talent in conjunction with her unique insight from years spent in the music industry to insure that your music is showcased in the most positive light possible. Your music plus her designs will equal an indelible impression on music executives and consumers alike. For more info on Rana, click Here.
Wally Nason
Wally Nason is President/CEO of Nason Music Group. For 15 years Wally has spent his time and energy helping people reach their full potential in the arts. As Vice-President of The Continental Ministries he had the privilege of developing over 5,000 Christian singers, dancers, instrumentalists, actors and leaders as they performed at over 7,000 churches across the U.S. and around the world. He has served as a judge and New Artist Showcase producer at the Gospel Music Association’s Seminar in the Rockies where he has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest artists in the Christian music industry and establish key relationships with many of the decision makers on Music Row. For more info on Wally, click Here.
Robert Morrison
Robert Morrison has been active in the retail and operational arenas of the music industry for over 25 years. Recently, he served as Sr. VP of Sales & Operations for Nashville’s Midas Records. The team there saw unprecedented success with several #1 singles, a #1 album, and many awards and accolades. Morrison and Chart Noise headed up the distribution, retail, and operations of the multi-format label in such diverse categories as Pop, Country, Christian and Jazz. Robert is now president/CEO of his own company, Chart Noise, serving independent artists with management, consulting and other services. For more info on Robert, click Here.
Mark Sullivan
In late 2007 Mark and his wife Sherry launched Consumed Artist Agency, Consumed launched onto the scene in a big way, their business strategy was unlike anything the indie world had seen, “It’s simple” says Mark, “we just work for the artists and teach them how to do the same for themselves”. Several Consumed artists have seen success in this strategy, things like distribution deals, major market radio play, appearances on major label tours, coverage on Gospel Music Channel, and more. In January of 2009 Consumed launched a premier indie booking agency, the roster was capped at eight artists, over 100 artists submitted press kits for the spots. For more info on Mark, click Here.
As the founder and president of Indieheaven.com, Keith Mohr has worked with well over 2500 independent Christian artists, assisting them with marketing, promotions, distribution and lots of advice since 1997. But Mohr’s journey toward this internet endeavor began many years before.
Keith has known since 1987 that He was on a mission from God. Called out of the rock and roll scene near Washington, DC in a divine appointment with 2 prophetic individuals whom he had never met, Keith knew that one day he would lead a revolution within the Christian Music industry. It took until 1992 for Keith to get a taste of the industry, when he joined a popular CCM group, “Harvest.” Based in Lindale, TX, Keith toured with the group for two years and acted as road manager and keyboardist. In the office, Keith worked as a radio promoter, booking agent and public relations. When plans of developing a recording studio and discipleship training program did not come to pass, Keith knew it was time to move on.
After leaving the group in 1993, Keith found himself looking to resume the calling on his life. Keith moved to Virginia where he worked in a small music store and developed a recording studio. This fueled Keith’s desire even more to enable Christian musicians in their missions. After a one year stint, Keith moved to a larger music store in Harrisburg, PA. He developed another recording studio business based out of the store owner’s home and began recording full time within months. In 1998, Keith recorded live over 20 popular CCM groups including DC Talk, Newsboys, Rich Mullins, Out of the Grey, Geoff Moore and the Distance, The Kry, and others at the world’s largest Music festival, called Creation Fest. His mixes were used in a PBS documentary called, “Message in the Music.” Soon after, an opportunity opened up for Keith to lease a 9000 Sq. Ft. Studio 60 miles north of Harrisburg, PA. During the years Mohr was at the studio in Central PA., Keith recorded over 50 custom independent projects with artists as far away as Alaska. It was at that time that Keith looked to the internet to promote and market his artists.
Starting with just four artists Mohr produced in his studio, Keith launched Broken Records.com as a way to reach directly to fans and consumers with new, fresh artists. It didn’t take long for Mohr to build the roster to over 800 artists! From 1997 until 2000, Keith served many indie artists, adding each new artist to the Broken Records website one by one, and adding all of the music files and content for the artists. The Broken Records website was free of charge for members, but in 2000, Keith sensed the Lord leading him to ask for a small monthly membership fee to help cover the costs of maintaining the growing organization. After announcing the membership support fee, over 600 artists left the Broken Records website. Mohr was left with 200 artists who believed in the mission and provided the nucleus of the next phase in his mission.
In 2002, Keith developed a new website that allowed artists to add and manage their own content. Mohr also changed the name of his website to Indieheaven, which better reflected the mission and vision of the organization. At that time, Indieheaven was one of the first music sites on the internet to require member support, which was a different model than other music sites. Keith believed the only way a website would survive was not via investor capitol and subsequent return revenue through advertising, but by support of its members. After most early “music dot coms” became “dot gone” through numerous financial failures, the Indieheaven website continued to grow strong to this day, with over 700 members strong.
Indieheaven’s members understand the value of being interdependent, enabling one another as they enable the organization to oversee the activity. Artists are coming together and realizing that camaraderie, not competition is paramount to success as an independent artist. Some artists on Keith’s site have gone onto being successful signed artists with major labels, and others have seen success as independents. To Mohr, it’s all good and all valid.
In August of 2003, a three album deal consisting of scripture memory verse/aerobics products for a major publisher brought Mohr to the Christian music capitol of the world, Nashville, TN. It didn’t take Keith long to make his way around town and cultivate strategic alliances with those he knew would be instrumental in the success of his mission.
Keith also produced a tour in June 2005 called, “Will Play for Change” which connected artists from around the USA in a concert/outreach event to teach artists how to produce multi-artist events. Over 5000 miles were logged on the tour, which was a major success.
In January of 2008, Keith founded The Christian Independent Alliance, which provides fundraising support and a non-profit umbrella for select members of Indieheaven through a partnership with Artists in Christian Testimony.
In March of 2009, Mohr will hold his 6th annual conference for indie artists called the CIA Summit, which stands for Christian Independent Alliance. The best teachers in their fields will be assembled and hundreds of artists are expected to attend. Many who have attended previous Summits say they are life changing.
Keith has been married for 22 years and has 3 children and lives near Franklin, TN.
Cancellations received up to 30 days before the seminar are refundable, minus a $25 registration service charge per person, per event. (NO EXCEPTIONS) After that, cancellations are subject to the entire seminar fee which may be transferred to another person of your choice. Please note that if you don’t cancel and don’t attend, you are still responsible for payment. (Substitutions may be made at any time).
THE CIA SUMMIT 2009 IS NOW HISTORY!
We love having vendors at the Summit who provide services or products independent artists need. Please contact us via the contact form for more information on how to get your product or service in front of hundreds of serious indie Christian artists! We’re taking reservations for 2010 NOW!
Vendor Testimony
On behalf of Featherblock Design, LLC, I want to say thank you for having us as a vendor at CIA Summit 2009. The content of the event really gave us some great ideas for the future of our company. I look forward to coming back next year. We made some lasting connections as a result of the conference. Thanks!- Kevin Keely, President
Here are some pictures from CIA Summit 2009.
Attendees and Vandors
The Refinery
The Refinery
- 2009 MOMENTUM AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT 6TH ANNUAL CIA SUMMIT
- Performance Videos From CIA Summit 2009
- 2009 Summit Comments
- 2009 MOMENTUM AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
- The Future of CCM
- So, You Wanna Be The Next Chris Tomlin
- Wisdom from an ex-CCM industry artist
- IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT!
- It’s Independents Day!
- The Call of God Video Teaching
- The Need For Speed
- Embrace Your Independence
- All Or Nothing
- The Creative Indie