Nashville, TN – Leading independent Christian musician/artist resource agency Indieheaven recently announced the winners of the 2009 Momentum Awards at the 6th Annual C.I.A. Summit, a conference geared toward encouraging Christian independent artists to create momentum and pursue passion and excellence in their music mission while educating them on what it takes to be successful in today’s marketplace.

The Momentum Awards are the premier award recognition program for Christian independent artists, recognizing the pursuit of excellence in the independent Christian music mission. Previous winners have seen new opportunities for advancement in their music and mission following the Momentum Awards. Some have gone on to sign recording contracts, while others have continued to see success as independent artists.

“As the music industry continues to change and more and more artists are either staying independent or going back to their independent roots, it is important to recognize the pursuit of excellence in this growing ‘indie-stry,’” states Indieheaven president and CIA Summit founder Keith Mohr. “The basis for the Momentum Awards is not competition, but comrades applauding and encouraging one another to create momentum in their music missions. We teach indies that momentum is paramount to success as an independent artist.”

The winners of the 2009 Momentum Awards include Frances Drost, Female Artist of the Year; Gabriel, Male Artist of the Year; Jaime Thietten, Song of the Year (for “My Chance”); Nathan Clark George, Album of the Year (for Pull Up A Chair); Nathan Clark George, Acoustic Artist of the Year; Stevvi Alexander, Contemporary Artist of the Year; Chris Filer, Country Artist of the Year; Anna Gilbert, Inspirational Artist of the Year; Chris Lucas, Instrumental Artist of the Year; Drew Davidsen, Jazz Artist of the Year; Justpassingthru, Rock Artist of the Year; Cathy J Reynolds, Southern Gospel Artist of the Year; Journey Home, Worship Artist of the Year; David Michael Carillo, Hardest Working Indie Artist Award; Slater Armstrong, Musicianary Award; David Linn, The Spirit of Unity Award; Larry French, Indie Friend Award; and Sweet Crystal, Perseverance Award.

The 2009 Momentum Awards were the culmination of a successful conference that saw Christian independent artists gather in Nashville from across the U.S. and from as far away as Australia.

The CIA Summit conference welcomed musicians and artists of all styles of music, from those just starting on their music mission to seasoned veterans and formerly label-signed artists. The event was geared to teach attendees the nuts and bolts of what it takes to be a successful independent artist, and attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and missions through open panel discussions and networking.

“In a time of rapid change in the Christian music industry, independent artists not only must be talented, they must also be educated on how to succeed as an independent, since 99% will remain independent,” says Mohr. “The CIA Summit equips, empowers, encourages and delivers the truth about serving Christ through the medium of music.”

Speakers and panelists at this year’s CIA Summit included Mohr; Eric Copeland, president of Creative Soul Records; Wally Nason, president and CEO of Nason Music Group; Scott MacLeod, founder of Provision International and leader of Harvest Sound; Byron Spradlin of Artists in Christian Testimony, Intl.; CCM veteran artists Bryan Duncan and Margaret Becker; Ray Ware of Ware Management; Ricky B. of Fused Management; Lynn McCain, president of McCain & Co. Public Relations; Grant Norsworthy, Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY Award-nominated musician; Vince Wilcox, Christian music industry veteran, marketing consultant and artist manager; Mike Rapp of GeneratorNetwork.com; Scott Shuford, founder of FrontGate Media; David Hooper, founder of Kathode Ray Music and host of Music Business Radio; Billy Smiley, GRAMMY and Dove Award-nominated producer and co-founder of Best Media Group, LLC; top CCM songwriters Lowell Alexander, Robert Sterling and Regi Stone; Randy Cox, publishing veteran and founder of Meadowgreen Publishing (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith); and top performance coach Tom Jackson, among others.

For more information on the 2009 Momentum Awards and the CIA Summit, visit their website at www.ciasummit.com.

Online non-stop since 2002, Indieheaven.com is an independent Christian musician resource agency that provides a world-class profile with unlimited content, physical and digital distribution, with 100% of the sales going directly to the artist, marketing, promotion and management services. The site also provides strong community through The IH Network. Indieheaven.com is also an online music store, where fans of Christian music can purchase CDs and digital singles from Indieheaven members. For more information on Indieheaven, visit http://www.indieheaven.com.

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For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:

McCain & Co. Public Relations
PH: 615- 262-1727
FAX: 615-262-0058
Email: mccainprnews@mccainpr.com

Gabriel
Gabriel Performing Live

JustPassingThru
JustPassingThru Performing Live

Drew Davidesen
Drew Davidsen Band Performing Live

Dear Keith- Thank you again for having me during the Summit. What an incredible weekend ! I was ministered to greatly, and I saw so much great information being presented to equip these musicians and minsters as they pursue their Calling. I was reminded again how important your ministry to these artists is. It was a true blessing to serve alongside you, and I really am grateful for the opportunity.- Ted Bruun The Extreme Tour

Keith- Thanks so much for the honor of being able to participate in this weekend’s summit. I hope that my contribution served you and your attendees. Keep up His good work!- Vince Wilcox

Keith - thanks for having me - it was enjoyable to see you support all the hearts and ambitions of artists - and your passion for their success is crucial in these times - keep it up and let me know if i can ever be of help again - i enjoyed it!- Billy Smiley

Hey, Keith. Nice job on the event. Keep me posted on future stuff! - David Hooper Music Marketing [dot] com

This past weekend, I attended the CIA Summit. IndieHeaven puts this summit on every year but this was my first year to attend. I was very surprised at the professional presentation of the overall show. Not that I would expect anything less from IndieHeaven, but some of major music industry organizations could take serious notes from Keith Mohr’s CIA Summit. They offered great panels including A&R/Production, Digital Marketing and Future of the Music Industry. A big highlight for me was watching Tom Jackson’s session dealing with how artist should present themselves on stage. One thing that was very impressive was how attentive and engaged the audience was throughout all of the panels. It wasn’t the typical jaded audience that I encounter at many of the major music industry conventions. These artist were there to learn. If you are an indie artist, I would encourage you to check out and get involved with http://www.indieheaven.com They offer some great insight to their members including this great summit!- Keith Stancil- Artist Garden Entertainment

Vendor Comments
Keith, Wow!!! We spent 13 hours driving back to Michigan and could not stop talking about the SUMMIT 2009. We especially went over and over Tom Jackson’s words, or should I say works. We now know that our mission is not us but our customers. We spent about 5 hours just redifigning our mission. Anyway thanks for inviting us to Nashville, we have a totally different picture of ourselves after this week. We are already planning for next year. Bob Brock- Product Engineering, Featherblock, Inc.

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-Featherblock, Inc.

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for allowing The Refinery to be a part of such a great event. I love what you are doing/providing for these artists and know that it is such valuable information for them! - Rana- The Refinery Design

Attendee Comments
Your energy and desire to help artists really amazes me. Over the last four years I’ve gone from skeptical to a proponent of what you do. I have certainly found encouragement, correction, information and of course a whole host of folks that pray for and want to see each other succeed. I’m amazed that there is much less a spirit of competition, and much more a spirit of mutual encouragement between artists and staff. - Nathan Clark George

Thanks again for all your hard work, it was a real life changing experience for the band! Lou/Change Of Heart Band

Just got back from a vacation time after CIA. I was very impressed with the event. Being there helped me evaluate where and how we were moving on this project. I was happy with some of the connections made and look forward to partnering with you in the future.- Jeremy Bout- Underhouse Studios

Keith, I think I’m still recovering! I can’t begin to tell you how great the Summit was for me. It means so much to connect with other artists who are also called to share their vision and heart through their artistry. It’s the FIRST event I’ve ever been to where the Indies are the reason FOR the event, not an add-on. The quality and number of Industry professionals on hand and available was so beneficial for me in terms of input, affirmation and getting a better picture of where I am at developmentally as an artist. Overall, I left the event with a clearer picture of who I am and what I have to offer as well as a greater clarity for my next steps. Thank you for believing in us and for supporting us in every aspect. I am truly grateful, In Him ~Kate White

Keith, I pray this day finds you having a bit of rest? You did one heck of a job putting everything together for all of us to enjoy. Thanks so much for the hard work that did, it’s very much appreciated. - Johnny Ray Murr - Drummer for Drew Davidsen’s Band

Keith, wow, what a great event! Thanks so much for letting me be apart - as an artist and as a ministry, it was very rewarding. I learned so much and I’m so glad that we can partner in equipping new indie artists. Jordan Biel

Just got home, but i really learned a bunch and was very encouraged.. Thanks for all you do.- Gabriel

Keith- thank you for the tremendous job you did in planning and executing the 2009 Summit. Not knowing what to expect, I was very moved by the commitment that you are to all of us. What an amazing man of service you are! So much information was made available in a true spirit of caring and support for all. I’ve never been to a large gathering where there was such a feeling of inclusion. - John Hardesty

I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to put on such an event. My husband and I were truly blessed as we made some new friends, received lots of valuable information and had the golden opportunity to share our ministry. You’re doing a great thing! The Summit was very informative. I was so encouraged, inspired and challenged by all the information we received. I have a lot of home work to do. Be blessed! You’re making such a difference!- Kimberly Waters

Keith -we consider you and all you did a momentous and selfless act for all of us. May God bless you with the abundance of grace that you blessed all of us this last week. We were humbled and exhilarated. - Marq from Sweet Crystal

I came to the Summit only to learn and maybe get a handle on what God wants me to do with His gifts to me. I learned a lot, more than I expected. I went to TAXI’s Summit in California last year. This one had the answers I was looking for. So I need to get busy. This is a great thing you’re doing and I will continue to support it. Thanks! - Steve Wills

This conference is as much about “Christian” as it is about “Music”. We find that it contains much spiritual truth along with the music ministry education. All in all, it was just an amazing wonderful experience. We are growing by leaps and bounds. I know God’s hand was strong in bringing this all about and you are a conduit but you are a darn good conduit!- Loralie Tangen

I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU with all my heart for letting me be a guest at the CIA summit!! It was wonderful, and one of the finest, and most informative conferences I’ve ever been to. I’ve learned sooo much! Indieheaven has been an answer to many prayers for me. Just to be able to talk to, and encourage other indie artists is great. I apprieciate your vision, calling, and obedience to put this all together.- Tane’ Miller

I want to thank you again for doing such a fine job at the CIA Summit Meeting in Nasville. It was an education for me and I appreciated learning a bit more about the music business. I especially appreciated the challenging words spoken by various speakers about the meaning of following Jesus and the connection to peace and justice in the world. So, thanks very much. Stefan Waligur

I just wanted to quickly let you know right off the bat how much the Summit did for me AGAIN this year - totally different than the other years, but obviously I’m at a different place this time than I was 3 years ago, so I soaked up completely different info than the other years, but it’s always just what I need. You put soooo much work into it and it was such a help to me and will effect many other people as I continue to minister with tools you continue to send our way. I can’t say thank you enough for all that you did to make the Summit happen and the resources you brought in for us!- Frances Drost

First WOW!!!!! Great job on the Summit. We as a Band learned so much that our heads are swimming. Heidi and I (Gary) have seen Tom Jackson before and have been playing our concert like he said. It really works!! People respond with open arms and Creating moments that cap off great concerts for us.. Everything was setup nice and very helpful. Awesome setting the old warehouse. I do like hearing the artists play there music and seeing them live. The Panels you had setup were very helpful also. One thing that always comes back is the out of 100% …97%…. 3%. As small fish in a big tank we didn’t know which way to turn next, but the Summit help us with that. THANKS!! I do like the new ideas I am reading on the IH network. If there is anything we can do here to help you there let us know. One guy that made the Summit great for me was LARRY FRENCH out of the blue we talk about our familys. He asked about my folks and with tears in my eyes I told him that I just loss my mother January 15th 2009. Right there in the middle of the Summit Larry started Praying for my loss.WOW!!!! He touched my heart..
Gary from the band “Legacy”

Another summit has gone by and WOW was it a great one. Once again GOD has blessed my socks off. I am asked “why do I play so many INDIEHEAVEN artists as part of your Saturday night radio show? The answer comes out so strongly at the CIA SUMMIT. It is heart, the community of these people. It is the great talent and Love of GOD and one another. I am blown away with the kindness and passion that I seen this year. I have felt seen and touched the reason many of these artists are doing what they do. I know that God has given me a special heart for this group of individuals if it be the rocking sounds of JUSTPASSINGTHRU to the still sounds of DELLA. I have learned so much this year at the summit. I have taken away things to apply with my job, family, ministry and walk with GOD. The speakers hit the heart. They taught me some new things and brought back to my mind some things I needed to hear again. God was in this top to bottom. I was even blessed with something that God did “super natural “that I or ERIC RAPP of CHOSEN SOUND will have to share. I loved the music we sang to God with. Evan more loved learning what WORSHIP truly is. Singing with and besides these artists is a joy for me. I got a taste of heaven. I understand why singing together is a part of what we read that we do a lot in heaven. It was such a joy. I loved being with old friends. I loved seeing them again. I made many new friends. These people are part of my tribe. We minister together when I am back in my world. They make the songs. I play the songs. I may not see them when I am in the studio but I got to know many of their spirit. I can take that with me. I understand why John Rivers talks so highly about his artists. I got my own artists I am proudly glad to talk about. The CIA SUMMIT I recommend to go yearly. I recommend this to any independent Christian artist. I recommend it to any radio playing Saturday night disk jockey from Newton Kansas. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH KEITH.- ROCKIN RON CORINO

Leading independent Christian organization announced winners at their annual CIA Summit conference, March 28, 2009

Indieheaven.com/The Christian Independent Alliance, the leading organization for Christian independent musicians announces the winners of the 2009 MOMENTUM AWARDS. The Momentum Awards, now in it’s 4th year, are the premier award recognition program for Christian independent artists. Previous award winners have seen opportunities for advancement in their music and mission because of the recognition the awards garner. Some have moved into the CCM Industry, while others have continued to see success as independent artists. See a recap of the 2008 Momentum Awards Here.

Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr states, “as the music industry continues to change and more and more artists are either staying independent or going back to their independent roots, it is important to recognize the pursuit of excellence in this growing indiestry. The basis for the Momentum Awards is not competition, but comrades applauding and encouraging one another to create momentum in their music missions. We teach indies that momentum is paramount to success as an independent artist.”

2009 MOMENTUM AWARD FINALISTS and WINNERS

Female Artist of the Year:
Jaime Thietten
Stevvi Alexander
Frances Drost- WINNER
Kate White
Holly Starr

Frances Drost accepts her Momentum Award

Male Artist of the Year:
Nathan Clark George
Aaron Crider
Leo Laredo
Gabriel- WINNER
T-Culler
Brandon Scott Smith

Gabriel accepts his Momentum Award

Song of the Year:
You Are God-Phyllis Modarelli
You Are The Source- Stevvi Alexander
Come Meet My King- Matt Pitzl
Maybe Next Sunday- T-Culler
My Chance- Jaime Thietten- WINNER

Jaime Thietten accepts her Momentum Award

Album of the Year:
Camila Aguilar- Compelled
Stevvi Alexander- The East Side Psalmbook
Gabriel- I Need You
Nathan Clark George- Pull Up A Chair- WINNER
Kate White-Turning The Pages

Nathan accepts his Momentum Award

Acoustic Artist of the Year:
Chris Lucas
Nathan Clark George- WINNER
Harry Offutt
Zach Dodd
Nancy Nelson

Nathan accepts his Momentum Award

Contemporary Artist of the Year:
Karen Fisher
Camila Aguilar
Stevvi Alexander- WINNER
Dave Pettigrew
Belinda Jane

Stevvi accepts her Momentum Award

Country Artist of the Year:
Chris Filer- WINNER
Wes Coyour
Kithy
DC Riggs
Melissa Jo Elliott

Chris accepts his Momentum Award

Inspirational Artist of the Year:
Anna Gilbert- WINNER
AnnMarie
Frances Drost
Sandi Simon
Martin Adu

Anna accepts her Momentum Award

Instrumental Artist of the Year:
Della
Drew Davidsen
Chris Lucas- WINNER
Brett Florence
Jeremie Murfin

Chris accepts his Momentum Award

Jazz Artist of the Year:
Kerensa Gray
Drew Davidsen- WINNER
Eric Copeland
Ray Lyon
John Carlson

Drew accepts his Momentum Award

Rock Artist of the Year:
Justpassingthru- WINNER
Change of Heart
9th Hour
Aaron Crider
Marq-Paul LaRose

JustPassingThru accepts their Momentum Award

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year:
Cathy J Reynolds- WINNER
Linda Queen
Sandie Dickey
Brian Hanson
Melissa Jo Elliott

Cathy accepts her Momentum Award

Worship Artist of the Year:
Journey Home- WINNER
Gabriel
Aaron Crider
Shelley Jennings
Kyle Cantrell

Journey Home accepts their Momentum Award

SPECIAL AWARDS

Hardest Working Indie Artist Award:
David Michael Carrillo

David accepts his Momentum Award

Musicianary Award:
Slater Armstrong

Slater accepts his Momentum Award

The Spirit of Unity Award:
David Linn

David accepts his Momentum Award

Indie Friend Award:
Larry French

Larry accepts his Momentum Award

Perseverance Award:
Sweet Crystal

Sweet Crystal accepts their Momentum Award

About Indieheaven
Indieheaven is the leading independent Christian musician/artist resource agency serving thousands of indie artists since 1997. Indieheaven provides a comprehensive set of tools for bands, singers, songwriters, musicians to promote, market and distribute their music and display their content on a safe, professional, and established website.

Indieheaven is located in the heart of the CCM industry, Franklin, TN. Indieheaven’s reputation has been earned through impeccable service and attention to the needs of their members. Indieheaven partners with its members to help them increase the scope of their music missions, providing ala carte label services, advanced content management/sales accounting systems and exclusive promotional opportunities. Indieheaven also provides an active community called The IH Network where members have full pass access to valuable content.

Indieheaven is also an online music store, where fans of Christian music can purchase CDs, and digital songs/digital albums from members. Members are paid 100% of the sales of their music, which furthers their music missions.

To learn more about joining Indieheaven as an artist, click HERE. To surf Indieheaven and find new Christian music from fresh artists, Go to: www.indieheaven.com. Check out THE IH NETWORK, our community where artists and fans can interact and where artists cultivate relationships with other artists.

About Christian Independent Alliance
The CIAlliance is a staff department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, and is dedicated to Christian musicians, singers, bands, songwriters and others, who are impacting people with their music and message worldwide. For more information, visit www.cialliance.org

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Redmond, WA to teach a few classes at a The CMS worship music conference. ( http://www.christianmusiciansummit.com) Here are my notes from my session. Enjoy!

In this seminar, Indieheaven president Keith Mohr shares his take on the future of the CCM industry, and how an independent artist can succeed in this changing time. Here are Keith’s notes.

The word “Christian” is a noun, however, the music industry turned it into a verb.

We are in a time of change in many industries, music is no exception.

In order to explain the future, we need to look at the past, because we may just be headed back there.

The olden days
Traveling minstrels, played for donations, played anywhere.

The days of vinyl and 8 tracks
Not a historian- this is what I have read elsewhere
Mainstream labels had christian artists on their label. They did not create “christian” labels. They had artists like Larry Norman, Chuck Girard, Randy Stonehill, Barry McGuire. Hippies who wrote mainstream songs from a Christian worldview.

Christian labels came into existence when some well meaning business people created the first labels.
The labels were based on similar business models as their mainstream counterparts.
Then came Keith Green- Giving music away, bucking the system, the rebel.

The days of the CD
Labels worried they would lose $$$ because the copies sounded as good as the master.
They jacked up the price to cover potential losses, even though manufacturing costs lowered.
They made a lot of $$$ and they grew in staff, spent more money, which the artist had to recoup.

The Internet
Changed all the rules, opened up the distribution channel to artists.
Profit per customer issue
Less CD purchases
I-tunes- 99 cents / DRM- I-PODS (hardware)
Walmart- 79 cents No DRM- Loss leader
Many distribution points. No longer about going to the store.
Major music store chains went out of biz.

Today
Major upheaval in all major labels
Majors own Christian labels
Warner Stock at $3 per share
EMI sold to Terra Firma, they split the company into 3 divisions
Sony/BMG split- Stock lower
Struggling to survive, Survival??
Returns coming back.
The Christian SubCulture- Becky- Radio

Future
REFORMATION- the similarities between Martin Luther and Steve Jobs
More power to the artists, better be serious!
Passion and Excellence
credibility

Networking- Your net worth is known by the size of your network
TRIBES- Engaging the network and strengthening the bonds.

The New Model
A combination of commerce and benevolence.
Bi-vocational- Keep tentmaking job
Good jobs for musicians-
graphics, studio work, booking for other artists (cant be everywhere, so use the circuit to book others)
Local/Regional

Revenue Sources:

Music Sales- people buy music at concerts to show support.

Honorarium/Offerings

Affiliate programs: World Vision, Compassion, Covenant Eyes.

Donations: Christian Independent Alliance
Endorsements: Wrap a bus, trailer stickers, drum sticks..etc.

Professional Vision = Provision. 
Everything you do must be professional. If you can’t afford it, wait until you can do it right.
One Shot at people, don’t blow it!

FAITH and WORKS:

Both need to be at 100%.

God does not make up for our mediocrity or slothfulness.

Creativity:

Create because you love to create, not for what you think you might get out of it.
Creativity is like playing catch with God. God doesn’t just give us songs, he throws inspiration to us. We are to catch it and throw back worship. That is playing catch with God. It is a partnership, just like our faith walk.

WRAPUP:

If you believe pursuing music ministry is what God wants you to do, by all means, do it.
Procrastination is the enemy of progress.
Don’t sit around thinking about doing it, don’t sit and wait to be discovered.
Create your Momentum, be an engine. Rev it up and go down the track!

Above all else, I encourage you to include Christ in your music mission!

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Redmond, WA to teach a few classes at a The CMS worship music conference. ( http://www.christianmusiciansummit.com) Here are my notes from my first class. Enjoy!

So, you want to be the next Chris Tomlin…
In this session, I will discuss the realities of the Christian Music business and what it takes to “make it”


Psalm 51:16-17
Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. 
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. 
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.



It’s all about Art and Heart. God doesn’t need our art, He wants our heart!

This session isn’t about being the next Chris Tomlin. It could be any known worship leader on the scene these days. The issue I see with some independent artists I run into is that they want to start off their music mission where Chris, or Paul Baloche, or Lincoln Brewster is at today. It just doesn’t work that way. If you sat down and interviewed these guys, they would tell you many stories about their journey, how difficult it has been, and that what people see on stage represents just a fraction of the time they spend in their missions.

All of these guys started their music mission serving the church, and guess what, they still serve their church even today. Chris started out leading worship at countless youth camps, driving many thousands of miles, grunting it out in the trenches. Chris had no idea what God was going to do in his music mission. He just did it.

Paul still leads worship at a small rural church in Lindale, TX. I remember when I lived in Lindale going over to his church a few times and checking out his new songs. He has no idea what God was going to do in his music mission. He just did it.

Lincoln came out of the rock and roll scene, playing guitars for some well known mainstream artists. I remember running sound for Lincoln at Creation Festival east. He wasn’t on the main stage, he played in the hot and dusty worship tent. Lincoln had no idea what God was going to do in his music mission. He just did it.

Do you see a pattern here? There were some character traits all of these artists had happening in their music mission:
Integrity- Personal and artistic, these are good people creating great art.

Perseverance- They stuck to it even in the days of little things, they didn’t quit when rejected.

Honesty- they kept their word, they took care of business.

Humility- It seems like the more gifted an artist is, the more humble they are.

Relationships- They were God ordained, the more they did, the more they made. 

Passion- they loved what they were doing and did it well.

Sacrifice- they were giving it everything they had to fulfill their mission.

Service- first and foremost, these guys are all about serving others.

CALLING

Let’s talk calling, who believes God has called you to music ministry?
 I used to think a calling was “what we are to do.” 
However, after hearing an excellent teaching by my friend, Byron Spradlin, president of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, I now believe the term “calling” is about “whose we are to be.” God calls us to Himself. That is it. 
What we think is a calling is really a desire. There is nothing wrong with having ambition.

I heard Dave Ramsey recently state that ambition gone bad is jealousy. That is where you want what someone else has. Jealousy gone bad is envy. That is where you want what someone else has, PLUS you don’t want them to have it anymore. I see some of this in the Christian music scene, and it is quite disheartening.

I do not care for the term “wanna-be.” I encourage you to be a “wanna-do”. There is a difference. What it boils down to is momentum. 

A wanna-be rarely creates momentum. As a child, I loved railroading. You have a caboose and an engine. The caboose sits and waits for something to back up to it and drags it to a destination that the caboose has no control over. A caboose is at the mercy of the engine. I see some indie artists who think like a caboose. They are waiting for something, anything to “discover them” sitting idle, hook them up, and take them somewhere. That is a “wanna-be.”

A “wanna-do” is an engine. It creates and sustains momentum. God can then take that momentum and do His promotion. Think about in the Word, God did miracles after He first asked people to create momentum. 
Water to Wine, Peter walking on water, Fed the multitudes, Raising Lazarus, and many others. What God was after was obedience. Imagine if those he told to act sat and waited? Would God have done the miracle?

I have a favorite saying, “Those who wait for something to happen are not artists/writers/musicians, they are waiters.”

I want to encourage you to get focused on what you want to do. I see many who are not focused and try too many things with little effectiveness.

Before you get started:

Define and Refine your mission. Who are you? What makes you unique? What attributes do you have and how can you take them and multiply them? What do you bring to the table?

Count the Costs:
Expense- It is expensive to be a serious music ministry
You will face lots of rejection.
Credibility- It will take a lot longer than you think to establish credibility. It is a slow burn. One relationship at a time.
Income:
Just making your music does not mean people will like it enough to buy it.
You will make less money than you think.
Don’t quit your day job.

Getting Started:
Rings of Influence: Don’t start at the outside of your rings. Start in the bulls-eye.
Look for opportunities to serve, use music if you must. 

Serve your church.

Take every opportunity.

Cultivate relationships.

Network online, but don’t waste a ton of time social networking. There is a difference.



Growing Your Mission:

Get letters of recommendation from places you have shared your music at.

Ask for referral contacts.

Always thank those who bring you in to minister.

Always give back 10% of your income to those who bring you in. 

Continually seek out opportunities.

Build your contact list and communicate regularly.
Have people sign up for a Prayer Calendar.

Revenue Sources:

Music Sales: people buy music at concerts to show support.

Honorarium/Offerings

Affiliate programs: ie: World Vision, Compassion, Covenant Eyes.

Donations: Christian Independent Alliance- Your friends and fans will support you if you ask them!
Endorsements: Wrap a bus, trailer stickers, drum sticks..etc.

Professional Vision = Provision: 
Everything you do must be professional. If you can’t afford it, wait until you can do it right.
One Shot at people, don’t blow it!

FAITH and WORKS: 
Both need to be at 100%.
God does not make up for our mediocrity or slothfulness.

Creativity:
Create because you love to create, not for what you think you might get out of it.
Creativity is like playing catch with God. God doesn’t just give us songs, he throws inspiration to us. We are to catch it and throw back worship. That is playing catch with God. It is a partnership, just like our faith walk.

WRAPUP:

If you believe pursuing music ministry is what God wants you to do, by all means, do it. Procrastination is the enemy of progress.
Don’t sit around thinking about doing it, don’t sit and wait to be discovered.
 Create your Momentum, be an engine. Rev it up and go down the track!

Above all else, I encourage you to include Christ in your music mission!

1- How did getting a record deal with **** change how you did business as a band

As far as the daily operations of the band, **** really had no influence on how we ran the business. They were very vocal when it came to choosing management and booking options. I can’t tell you how many promises are made in board rooms of record labels. Needless to say, I’m a little skeptical of any promises anymore. I always ask myself, how can you work at a record label and not know anything about music? The label didn’t say anything about how we paid ourselves, paid our bills, shows, etc. The best way to look at it is that a band or artist is kind of like an independent contractor for the label. Thats where it gets tricky for an artist, because if you are already running your own operation, you really don’t want or need anyone telling you how to do it. On the other hand, if you are a solo artist or unexperienced band, the label is going to put you in all the spots that they may think you belong in as far a management, booking, business manager, publicity, etc. I think most of my frustration came from the fact that we had gotten ourselves in a position to be successful and the label, in a way, wanted to take it from there.

2- How was life on tour? How often were you home the past year?

This has to be the most under-rated part of the music world. Even if you or your act is really good or terrible, to be successful you will have to be gone nonstop. No arguments. The biggest bands in the world can’t even come off the road because when they do, they money stops flowing in! Why do you think The Eagles are still touring? The hardest part is being out for extended periods of time and sometimes coming home with little or nothing to show for it. Young bands can’t be picky about the shows they play but you do need to remember you can’t lose money on every show.

At our busiest times we were playing 15 shows a month and when you add in travel days, it can easily wipe out 3 weeks a month. Thats why you hear bands asking you to buy merch so they can pay for gas to make it to the next town. We actually did OK financially but it’s hard to get over the hump and take it to the next level because of the expenses involved. I absolutely love to travel and it wore me down after 3 years, and I never thought it would.

Recently before I left the band, I would get out a calendar and figure out how many days I would be home that month so I could run errands, visit family, etc. Some months I only had 4-5 days to work with and that just kind of wears on you and can make you question what on earth you are doing.

3- How much time, percentage wise did you spend on things other than performing in concert ?

Great question. It honestly has to be more than 95 percent. Especially during your off days, you will likely be working on advancing upcoming shows, arranging travel, fixing gear, songwriting, rehearsing, arguing, and all the other things musicians do. I can think of a ton of times where we drove 8-10 hours one way for a 30-45 minute set. If you are managing and booking yourself, you can start to feel like a manager or booking agent more than you feel like a creative artist or musician. This is why managers take 15% and booking takes 10%. Time is money.

4- How much did the band make from their music sales through the label?

Thats an easy one. ZERO. 0 dollars….0 dollars. In three years i never received a single penny from the record label. I never expected to either. Mainly because i wasn’t involved much in the songwriting process, but also because we owed them thousands of dollars right out of the gate. Because we signed a publishing deal with **** as well, they in turn owned our songs and right to use and license them. We had two original songs used on TV shows and the label was paid directly because we owed them money from our artist advances. At the same time, if we weren’t with ****, we probably wouldn’t have had the songs on TV. Its a risk you take. Thats why people move to Nashville. Some make it, some don’t. We did leave **** owing them nothing and our album is continuing to sell, so there is possibility we could receive money in the future.

5- How were you treated by the label when it came to doing your 2nd album?

The second album never happened. Most of that is because of the mismanagement of the group and conflicting ideas on the direction of the band. We could tell early on after the first album came out and didn’t do what they expected, that we were soon to be old news. Part of that is because we really weren’t making traditional CCM music anymore and probably never should have been in the genre to begin with. But, that leads me to the question of why do you sign a band that you don’t know what do with or how to market them? I guess they thought they could sort of develop us on the run, but thats hard to do for a band that had been around for 4 years already who had their own identity.

6- Why did you guys decide to leave the label?

It came down to us not wanting to change who we were as a band. They signed us on a handful of songs, and when our next batch of songs wasn’t the same, they seemed to be confused. We felt like they had no clear marketing strategy for our band and our album came out and no one knew about it. With little radio support and no major touring, we still managed to sell over 20,000 records in the first year.

Our band didn’t really sound like anyone else in the christian genre at the time and that actually hurt us. Thats why most CCM music all sounds the same today on the radio. That’s why some people don’t listen to it and why a lot of bands don’t write songs for radio anymore. No artist likes to be told he/she is cookie cutter and typical. Sadly, the christian industry hasn’t embraced change or learned how to become relevant in a secular driven world. I can always tell when I stumble upon a christian radio station. Here’s why: the same hired guys play on all the tracks, the same guys mix them, the same guys master them, the same group of co-writers write the songs, they use the same studios, etc, etc….Thats just how it is.

I urge people to get out of that box and be creative! Who cares if no one signs you. Be inspiring. Don’t play the same 1-6-5-4 chord progression in the key of E. Thats why people in the 1950’s freaked when they saw Elvis, he was cutting edge! Make your music and presentation as compelling as the message.

7- Why did you decide to leave the band? Details please:)

The travel and just growing tired of the instability of the whole music world. Sometimes the end isn’t worth the means. I think just playing part-time could be more fun and more rewarding than the pressures of a full time music career. You forget to enjoy what you are experiencing because you are always thinking of a way to get farther and to get there faster. It can also be discouraging when you are out there on the road and you come across great singers, songwriters and musicians and they are just fighting to gain fans and you know that the music business doesn’t always utilize the most talented people. Thats why Im so frustrated by shows like American Idol. The real talent is out there playing across the country, not singing on a reality TV show where they always show the terrible acts more anyway!

8- If you had to be indie or signed, which one would you rather be? Why?

A good manager IS the new record label, plain and simple. When was the last time you bought a CD at a store? I do every now and then, but only from a select group of artists. The only reason that labels were so sought after in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s was because of their huge distribution network. Have you noticed how small the music section is at Wal-Mart and Target lately? It used to be the only way to get the music you were hearing on the radio was to go buy the hard copy at a store. Now that the Internet and Itunes has taken over who needs a distribution network? It would be like 7 Eleven opening 10 million gas stations while the whole country was driving battery powered cars.

There is no demand for physical product. If you can write and record your own songs and put them up on the internet, you are in the music business. Have you noticed how many signed and unsigned bands do pre-sales now? Thats because the labels need to put up big sales numbers to give them an idea of how much the artist will or will not sell. Its always interesting to me when a band thats been around for 5 years and put out 3 albums is already putting out a greatest hits album.

9- What do you think will happen to the music industry the next year?

I think music is more in demand that it has ever been. There are more artists and bands out there slugging it out than ever before. Thats why people don’t accept friend requests from bands on Myspace! Everyone seems to be in the music business these days and it is very competitive and hopefully that will push people to come up with their best stuff. I think you will continue to see the decline and eventual collapse of labels as things move toward computers and digital outlets. Hopefully, artists will focus on their live show more because digital recordings and vocal tuning has changed the way people hear music for the worse. I think the artists that are the most creative and that market themselves in a unique way will rise above the others. People nowadays have seen everything and things don’t grab their attention like it used to. You need to be good, professional and also a good salesman of yourself.

10- Any last words of wisdom for independents wanting to be dependent on the industry machine?

I would just encourage artists not join a scene or try to get into a record deal or anything exclusive just for the purpose of being a part of something. Stay unique and engaging and people will be coming to you. You should be the one that decides what paths you want to follow. One thing that Jason Roy from Building 429 told me has stuck with me for a while now. He told me that no one is going to work harder for YOU than YOURSELF. Don’t depend on labels, agents, managers, whoever to make you a success. They will always move on to the next big thing, thats how the business works.

However, many indie artists have not understood that the industry is dying, they still think there is a possibility a label will come and rescue them from indie hell. Well… I have news for you.. it doesn’t have to be indie hell!

I encourage you to attend our next CIA Summit conference, March 25-28, 2009 in Nashville, TN.. Not so you can possibly “break into the CCM industry,” but so you can BREAK OUT of the mindset that the only way God can use you is through that dying machinery..

If you learn HOW to be smart in your music mission, it can be MISSION:POSSIBLE
We want to teach you! We’ll have former CCM artists like Margaret Becker, Bryan Duncan and the NEOSOUL band and others at the CIA Summit to share their wisdom from YEARS of experience in the Christian music industry. Plus, other independent minded people who are self starters and entrepreneurial spirits will be there to inspire you to desire to perspire in your music missions!

Sure, it’s a pain to leave home and come to Nashville, but you have 2 choices.. Stay at home and think someone will discover you, or come to the CIA Summit and learn HOW to SUCCEED. There’s a new way to be successful in Christian music, and we will show you how! Will it take work? YES. Will it take obedience? YES. Will it take sacrifice? YES.

No one ever said it would be easy, but you don’t have to go at it alone! Lone Rangers don’t survive bullets called “disappointment” and arrows called “unmet expectations.” Come and meet hundreds of other artists like yourself, who are on similar missions. There is POWER in NUMBERS!

For more information, check out THE CIA SUMMIT WEBSITE!

Check out comments from our last CIA Summit: CLICK HERE.

The issue is once you become dependent, your life stops being yours. You are owned by the label. And, what is more interesting is that you are not guaranteed a paycheck. You are guaranteed to work far more than you probably want! See, when you are owned, you have to jump when the man says jump.

Ask most signed artists what they learned while being signed to a label and they will tell you they worked harder and made less money than when they were an independent artist. And, they were obligated to the label to do what they were told. That’s what being dependent is all about. You work for a company who tells you what to do, where to go, what to wear, what to say…. and you might get paid. Interesting!

So, why are many independent artists still chasing after the labels to sign them? It’s because for some reason, they want to be dependent. Why would they want to be dependent? It’s because most do not want to work and want others to do their work for them. All they want is the glamorous parts of being an artist. What they do not get is that it is very, very difficult being a full time artist, with or without a record label.

Let’s face it, we are in a time where it is very difficult to do music ministry full time. Most churches have stopped booking artists and doing concerts because of budgets being tightened up. Gas is over $4 a gallon, headed for $5. If you do the coffeehouse circuit, get ready to make nothing and play to 5 people.

It’s not easy, but at least being independent, you can control your own life. You can decide to do your music part time, get a real job and make some bucks. You can use the tools on the www to reach people and cultivate fans.

Most of the major record labels are trying to survive these tough times. As music has become devalued to where its worth next to nothing, and profit per customer is almost non-existent.

Here’s the latest info from “Digital Music News” and these reports concern the mainstream music industry, however, the big 3 labels all have Christian divisions.

Album sales in the United States took a serious bath during the first half of this year, according to figures supplied by Nielsen Soundscan. Aggregated physical and digital albums dropped a significant 11 percent during the period, another discouraging data point for a beleaguered business. In total, the recording industry shifted 204.6 million units during the first half, down from 229.8 million during the comparable, year-ago period.

Gainers included Warner Music Group and the independent sector. Warner bumped to 20.8 percent, up from 20 percent, and the independent sector posted a share of 13.9 percent, up from 12.9 percent during the comparable period last year.

Check that out, independents are gaining on the majors!
It is a Happy Independents day!

Keith Mohr
Discover the New Music INDIE-STRY
don’t allow pride to be your motivator..