The Summit would not be the event it is without YOU, our attendees! It is because of YOU that the Summit is different than any other music conference. When like minded, passionate people of God assemble together, revival breaks out!

Thank you again for coming to the Summit! We will continue to refine and define the conference, and make it better! Thanks for your comments, ideas, and your take on the event. We want to hear what you thought! Blessings!

CIA SUMMIT 2008 COMMENTS

First of all congratulations on a superb job with the CIA Summit. It was awesome! Thanks for letting CRW be a part of it. ~ Dave Koch, Publisher, Christian Radio Weekly

WOW!!! What an awesome weekend. I thank you so much for the way you have ministered to so many people. I pray you can see the effect you are having on so many ministries. I believe you no doubt reach more people now than you did as a traveling artist. And because of you we are reaching more people now than ever before. What an opportunity you gave us with Tom Jackson. I will never forget that! Thank you. Also, we have been contacted with a proposal from Infinity Music Distributors (Bro. Brad Mathias) He said he worshiped with us in the back Saturday morning and feels that we would be ready for what he has to offer. We are just extremely grateful. No better words we can say but, “I pray God blesses you 10x what you have blessed us”. We appreciate your friendship. If you need anything from us, please let us know! ~ Tory- Broken Vessels Band

Keith, Kelly, Sue, All I can say is Thank You all very much for all that you do. I have been in Music alll of my life, but Saturday night was the highlight of it all. To be recognized for Music is an honor. To be recognized for music that honors our Lord, is the most I could ever want. I think the Summitt was superb, and I sincerely hope it is a continuing thing. You do more for artists than I think even you realize. Not only do you give them a venue to show there music, but you also give artists the spirit in there hearts to continue. You have for me, and I just wanted to thank you for that. IN GOD~ Steven Coy Cook

Keith and team, Bryan and I wanted to thank you so much for coordinating the CIA Summit this year again. We always enjoy it so much and come back with more information in our heads than we can process! ;) This year, God did a very specific work in my heart at the conference…challenging me to embrace all He has for me/us in ministry and posing the question — “Will you let yourself be a vessel for Me? Will you let yourself go to Me and let me use You? Thank you for the excellent choice of speakers and artists…it always amazes me how you can hear a common thread throughout the day in each of the speakers. God really was in control. ;) Thank you for all your hard work Keith. I know some days must feel long and hard for you. Know that your efforts are not in vain and He is using you in a very powerful way. In His Strength, Valerie and Bryan Bailey- Mended Vessels

Keith, I don’t know … something was different and it was good!!! I had two concerts this weekend, both at places I’ve played before, but it was fresh all over again…The Summit definitely impacted me….
* a renewed sense of purpose
* made an effort to talk to audience before and afterwards
* focus on servanthood
* interacted w/ audience more during concert, didn’t just perform for them
created a few “moments”…i think
* thankful to be sharing…and just good to be back at it!
….but something WAS different! ~ Mark Cable

I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I appreciate the work you did putting together the Summit. It was a great time and very informative. and. While searching for local musicians online I came across an Indieheaven link and read about the Summit. I knew I was supposed to be at the Summit so I dug all the change out of the couch to make it happen. tan. After lunch, I was sitting listening to Bob Baker and the Lord started flooding my head with a vision for what He wants me to do. So with that I am grateful to you for taking the time to put the Summit together. It was the catalyst to a vision that could change what we are all doing and how we are doing it. ~Jeff Bodley

The Summit was absolutely AWESOME! The two hour session with Bob Baker was worth the $400 we paid as a band, if nothing else. And Tom Jackson had some great suggestions! Our band came away with a renewed sense of purpose. And it really helped shed light on the whole future of the music industry and opened up so many great ideas on how we can expand our ‘ministry’ as we go further into our mission. My bandmates said specifically that they came away renewed musically for the road ahead and want to start saving for next year’s Summit. Thanks for putting on the event. We are so thankful we were able to be there. The mission of the Summit was successful, at least for us! ~ Sarah from the group, “Torch”

John Tracy and I really enjoyed meeting you at the CIA Summit this past weekend. Talk about a great conference! We’ve been to several (TAXI, ASCAP, GMA) and honestly, I think we got more out of this conference than any so far – especially considering the focus on earning a living in your music ministry/career. Thank you for all of your hard work in putting this together.

I would like to take the time to thank you for several things. First, for your servant’s heart that was clearly demonstrated in this event. It is obviously making a difference for all the Indie musicians out there and to the broader Christian music industry as it tries to find its way. Second, for putting God and personal faithfulness at the center of this event. It is so easy for the conversation to move to “what’s going to happen in the music industry” or “what’s going to happen in my ministry.” But I came away with a real focus on “what’s God doing in the world and in our lives.” That’s a far better place to be. Third, for the obvious prayerful and hard work that went into creating this event. It had both useful practical info and powerful exhortation and testimonials. Job very well done!~ Chris Anderson

I’m sure it’s been a whirlwind for you and those that worked with you to make the CIA Summit a blessing to those in attendance and an overall success. You guys did a great job! I must tell you that my wife and I clearly felt the Lord’s presence there and could see Him working in, with and through those that took part. We certainly appreciated Kevin Cyka, Eric Copeland and Brad Mathias. Their ideas, concepts and the way they presented them were refreshing to say the least. Kevin in particular was hilarous yet honest in his way of “getting down to it”, as they say. Eric was down to earth and also had great ideas. I know what he shared was an encouragement to many. Brad connected with folks on a different level, with clear ideas and potential courses of action. I was also glad to see you had Bob Baker be a part of the summit. Bob has great ideas in terms of marketing for Indies. Brad Mathias pulled no punches in his explanation of the current state of the industry and his company’s role and position in it. Frankly, this pleasant but “keepin` it real” approach kept the attention of everyone there. Robert Beeson also had some very good things to say and also did a great job of “keeping it real”. I personally want to thank you for your heart for the Lord and for Indie artists. Indie Heaven is doing great work in helping songwriters and bands understand how to be better stewards of their talents and be better conduits for their gifts to manifest themelves through those talents. My wife and I (Holy Mountain Music/Jerusalem Road Publishing) ) would certainly welcome the opportunity to be a part of future Indie Heaven events. ~Bobby Bush

Indieheaven.com/The Christian Independent Alliance, the leading organization for Christian independent musicians announces the winners of the 2008 MOMENTUM AWARDS. The Momentum Awards, now in it’s 3rd 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.

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.”

Fan voting and a panel selected the winners in 15 categories. 4 special awards were also handed out. The Momentum Awards were cosponsored by Christian Radio Weekly

About Indieheaven
Indieheaven.com is a Christian independent musicians resource agency dedicated to the advancement of independent Christian musicians and the independent Christian music scene. Indieheaven.com partners with its members to help them increase the scope of their music missions, providing: tools, distribution (100% going to the artist), mentoring, community, and other services. For more information, visit www.indieheaven.com

About Christian Independent Alliance
The CIAlliance is a non-profit organization 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

FRANKLIN, TN JANUARY 11, 2008–Indieheaven, the leading Christian independent musician resource announces the next chapter in their 10 year history, “The Christian Independent Alliance.” CIAlliance founder, Keith Mohr states, “After working with thousands of independent Christian artists and musicians since 1997, I believe artists of faith should be sent to the church and world by an organization who has a proven history of supporting independent Christian artists and musicians. We will accomplish this through our new non-profit, assisting members with fund raising, grants and scholarships for recording new music, and other services they need. The model is based on partnerships, memberships and strategic alliances with individuals and companies we know and trust.

Members of the CIAlliance receive 1 year membership to Indieheaven.com, discounts to CIAlliance conferences and events, the ability to raise support through the non-profit umbrella, and be eligible to receive matching grants for services offered through the alliance.

The CIAlliance is holding their 5th Annual CIA Summit conference in Franklin, TN March 28-29, 2008. The conference focuses on teaching independent artists how to be successful in their music careers. A wide range of topics will be covered, featuring mainstream music guru Bob Baker, well known stage performance coach Tom Jackson, Essential Records founder, Richard Beeson, Platform Artist Management’s Darren Tyler, Rick Cua, and many more.

Also held during the Summit is CIAlliance’s 3rd annual MOMENTUM AWARDS , which recognizes the pursuit of excellence in independent Christian Music. The awards show will be held at Building 8 at The Factory in Franklin, TN on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:30PM and is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, March 27, CMS Productions will hold their 2nd Nashville Songwriter Bootcamp with many notable Nashville area songwriters and publishing personel. Featured mentors are Charlie Peacock, Casey McGinty of EMI, Chad Segura of WORD, Steve Rice of Integrity, Scott and Christine Dente, and many more. For More information on this event, visit: http://www.songwriterbootcamp.com

On Wednesday, March 26, Tom Jackson will hold an all day seminar where he will share his proven techniques on connecting with an audience and crafting your live performance to maximize impact. Tom’s seminar is highly educational and entertaining. Tom will also work with a band onstage and transform their live show. For more information on this event, click HERE.

For more information on the CIAlliance, go to:
http://www.cialliance.org

For more information on the CIA Summit, go to:
http://www.ciasummit.com

For more information on Indieheaven, go to:
http://www.indieheaven.com

For more information on the MOMENTUM AWARDS, go to:
http://www.indieheaven.com/momentum_awards.php

The CIA Summit is sponsored by:
Mission of Mercy
Visit their website to learn more:
http://www.missionofmercy.org

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

Then, it hit me.. My thought process switched from frustration that I couldn’t upload as fast as I wanted, to elation that I was getting something for nothing and it wasn’t as slow as it could have been. For all intent and purpose, my ungrateful behind should have been offline! Now that is slow! Oh, I hate it when the Lord smacks me around. I was tried, convicted and hung. My irritation turned to gratefulness. My complaining turned to praise. My mind was renewed, my outlook changed and all the sudden, the clouds parted and a rainbow appeared!

OK, that’s almost nauseating, but you get my drift. And to roll that into a music mission, I sometimes see musicians get frustrated because things are not progressing as fast as they wish. And I totally understand that frustration, believe me. I have 2 thorns, one on each side. Pride is on the left, and impatience is on the right. But you know what changes a poor outlook to a good one? Gratefulness. One simple word. Being grateful for everything, even when your cable modem doesn’t work and you feel stuck.

Remember in the Word when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery? They were just delivered from years of bondage, torture, oppression, death.. talk about a bad time! Moses was leading them out and a few weeks into the road trip, they started whining about the lack of provision. It didn’t take long for them to forget where they came from, and they lost sight of where they were headed, the promised land. Instead, they groaned, complained, whined and blamed the big guy for letting them down. Uh oh, I have learned firsthand, you never, ever, ever tell the Lord you want things on your terms. Of course, we all know what happened, they roamed the desert for 40 years, and that trip should have taken 4 days. I bet they became quite dizzy running around in circles.

The point is this, get over it. Get over things not happening as fast as you want. What are you in such a hurry for? Time is interesting, it goes fast and slow at the same time. How does that happen? Days go by fast and years go by slow for me. How about you? Above all else, try to be content with where God has you this day. Artists tend to live in the future. They see their lives like a movie because they are not experiencing it as it happens. Their minds are 3-6 months out, thinking about the next song they write might be the hit, or a gig they have coming up. Live in the now, and be grateful for everything, even the tough times. The refiners fire is not something to be loathed, it is something to be cherished, heat and pressure brings purification.

To wrap this up, I took a little trip of my own today to the cable TV shop to exchange my modem. I left at 4:00PM and gave myself 1/2 hour to get there since it was 15 miles down the road. The shop closed at 5:00 PM. About 1/2 way, traffic ground to a halt. Bad wreck on I-65 closed all lanes and traffic was diverted onto the road I was on. Oh great.. my blood began to boil, words flew from my lips that would make a sailor blush. I was on a mission and I wanted to get to that shop before they closed. Fortunately, after blowing by cars on the shoulder and causing 4 wrecks (just kidding).. I made it to the shop, exchanged my modem and flew back home at 90MPH. (just kidding).

I hooked up the new modem, called the cable company to register the new MAC address and while on the phone, I asked the tech if there were any upgrades to the speed of the new modem. Yes sir.. you have 5Megs, but we can upgrade you to 10 meg download and about 1 meg upload. Hook me up dude! Ah yes… sweet victory!

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

Things are definitely changing. Artists who used to be big dogs on record labels are leaving them and returning to their independent roots. Switchfoot recently left their label and are now indie. Mainstream artists like Prince, Radiohead, Trent Reznor, and many others are saying bye-bye to their corporate leashes and going at it on their own. Just recently, Radiohead released a new multi-song compilation CD and offered it to their fans on their own website for whatever the fan wanted to pay for it. They had over 1.2 MILLION downloads the very first day, and their server crashed.

I know this is not applicable to the majority of emerging indie artists, but lets face it, the tide is turning and the indie uprising has begun! Artists are now able to reach fans and consumers directly, and distribute their music without all the red tape and control of a record label. The old stadium is crumbling, and a new one is being built. This should make new artists very excited!

My friend, Bob Baker, who is a well known mainstream indie music guru has an excellent description of the term, “indie.” Take a read of Bob’s description.
The best way to explain my angle on this is to use an acronym. So here’s my definition of I-N-D-I-E, with every letter standing for a separate concept (and I didn’t even use the word “independent,” which was tempting considering I had two I’s to work with).

I - Inspired
To embrace the indie frame of mind, you must be inspired. You have to know in your gut that music is what you are meant to do. You must become energized when writing, recording and performing your music. Hopefully, this is something you already experience fully, without having to force yourself to feel that way. When this kind of natural inspiration comes over you, it’s a sure sign that you’re on the right path. And you will need this desire to carry you through the ups and downs of pursuing the independent music path.

N - Nontraditional
Indie musicians don’t mind learning about what has come before, and they are happy to listen to the “rules” that others say are required to have a successful music career. However, the smartest indie artists keep their minds flexible and constantly ask questions about how the supposed “rules” of the past really apply to them. They actually develop a mindset that seeks out the road less traveled. And when they spot a good idea that’s off the traditional path, they fearlessly go after it without apologies.

D - Determined
Successful indie artists are fixated on their goals and determined to reach them. They still leave room to veer from the original plan, when needed, but they are steadfast in their desire to produce more and better music, reach more fans, sell more CDs, etc. With this attitude, obstacles become short-term learning experiences along the road to higher levels of success.

I - Innovative
Being an indie means thinking outside of the proverbial box and looking at fresh opportunities from every angle. It means not promoting yourself the same way a thousand other acts have done it. It means being resistant to knee-jerk marketing tactics and open to new ideas and overlooked avenues for exposure.

E - Empowered
Indie musicians don’t wait for someone or something else to come along and rescue them. They don’t pray for a “lucky break” or to “be discovered.” They know to the core that the power to succeed with their music resides inside of them. And they understand that it’s their mission to tap into that personal power and use it to share their music with the world. Visit Bob’s Buzz Factor website at: www.thebuzzfactor.com

Bob really hits the nail on the head. However, I still run into Christian indie artists who beg, plead and practically prostrate themselves to find someone to rescue them. I see artists with entitlement attitudes, who get angry at you if you don’t drop everything to help them become better known. I recently had one artist lambaste me because I asked him what’s in it for anyone if they help them. This artist could not understand that people have lives, work, careers, family, and they can’t just stop their lives so they can get someone’s attention at a record label.

Some think since god called them, and that god is on their side that things should just happen for them, or people should help them for nothing, and promotion should be free. I call this a “lifesaver” mentality. They spend their days copying and pasting their information on as many “friends” pages as possible, hoping someone will give them something that will save them.

This is a defeatist mentality, because they are believing they need someone or something to get them to wherever or whatever they think they have in mind. Many have no real plan, many have no idea what they are doing. It’s sad to me that these artists are adrift in a sea of mediocrity.

It goes back to the “bigger is better” mentality I see out there in “indie-land.” Many spend their time trying to get better known, working at being exposed, but what they do not realize is their content is inferior and all they are doing is letting the world know how mediocre they are faster.

I encourage all indie artists to embrace your independence. Take what Bob has shared and get it ingrained in your spirit. You can do it, it can be mission possible! However, it doesn’t mean go at it all by yourself. I believe it is important to get involved with an artist community that will speak the truth about life, and the pursuit of the indie mission. Lone Rangers usually do not succeed. When you have Tonto’s in your life, you have the wisdom and council of others. That is invaluable!

There is another acronym out there, D.I.Y. It stands for “Do It Yourself.” I think it’s better to “Do It Together.” It gets back to the value of community. Indie artists face a myriad of challenges and tribulations in their desire to “make it.” Going at it alone is almost certainly going to be overwhelming and lead to failure. The enemy attacks and sends arrows of rejection and bullets of disappointment. When indie artists come together, those arrows and bullets are less likely to hit their targets.

I moderate an incredible indie musician community at: The Indieheaven Network. I encourage you to check it out and see what is happening there. God is really moving in our midst and artists are praying for one another, gig sharing, and helping one another succeed, imagine that!

Also, make time next March 26-29, 2008 to attend our next Christian Independent Alliance conference in Franklin, TN. It’s our 5th one, and its a great time to meet other artists, learn from excellent teachers like Bob Baker and many others. Bob will be there, plus many other indie minded people! Check it out at: CIA Summit.com. We hope to see you there! Blessings!
Keith Mohr
President
Indieheaven

I often tell indie artists, “Be an engine, not a caboose.” That means making sure you are creating momentum in your mission. The worst thing you can do is to sit and wait for something to happen. Most times nothing will happen, even if you read the “Prayer of Jabez” book that was so popular a few years back. That is not a guidebook for a marketing and promotional campaign.

Unfortunately, some artists I run into seem to want it all right now, and on their terms. If they don’t get what they are after, and get it fast, they stop revving their engine and sit like a caboose on a track. They end up waiting for something to back up to them and pull them down a track. That is a serious mistake; waiting for something to come along that lines up with their own will. It appears the Lord’s will may not quite fit in with their game plan.

I also see artists who produce a CD before they are ready, thinking that once they make a CD, they will be a household name and play main stage at a major festival for thousands of screaming fans. They use their CD like a very expensive worm and cast their bait out into the sea we call the CCM industry. They throw their line out hoping to catch a “big one”. After the first cast, they reel it in, see there is nothing, and cast once again. They reel it back in and may have a minnow on the hook, but they were hoping for a whopper. Some give it one more try, but many end up putting their bait into their garage or basement closet and never cast again.

That is sad because artists you hear on the radio or see at a large concert rarely catch a whopper after a few casts. Repetitive action is key to producing results. What does the word “perseverance” mean to you? The other day, the CEO of Indieheaven (chief encouragement officer) Tim O’Connor shared with me that the word perseverance means “severe persistence”. Pretty strong wording, but it made perfect sense to me. See, in my mission, I’ve had many opportunities to put down my rod and jump out of the river. But I didn’t do this. I stayed in the river and continued to fish. Don’t give up! If you know the Lord has called you to share your gifts and talents, then keep fishing!

The term “All or Nothing” kept coming to my mind as I thought about this article. It saddens me to see young musicians and minstrels with the mindset that they have to be a success in the world’s eyes to be useful to the Lord. That simply is not true. I believe it is a lie from the enemy meant to discourage us. Discouragement is the main reason many discontinue in their mission. Every worthwhile undertaking in life has a beginning, followed by a process as we make the journey. An artist recently shared with me that success is like rungs on a ladder. Each small success adds another rung onto the ladder, and soon you can reach heights never imagined! Now that is encouragement!

I asked my wife to compose a poem with the title, “All or Nothing”. I hope it challenges you to continue on in your mission, and encourages you as you run the race to the finish line.

All or Nothing
etween All and Nothing
there is a place called Process.
In Process there is
grappling and growth,
trial and triumph,
humility and hope.
In Process I learn
that Life is not a destination, but a journey,
and that offering the best of myself
to each moment along The Way
is the only legitimate goal.
In Process I realize
that in order for my art to be blessed,
I must make blessing others my primary artform.
In avoiding Process,
I miss the journey.
I miss the blessing.
Waiting for All,
I experience Nothing.
Cheryl Anne Mohr
12/06/06

Until next time, may your field of dreams be lined with work down first and faith down third.

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

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