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.
The CIA Summit is excited to have veteran Bryan Duncan and the Nehosoul band with us! Bryan will share his experiences from years of hard knocks in the CCM Industry. Bryan and the band will also share a hot set on Friday evening, March 27, 2009 at our open to the public concert!
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 has had many #1 hits over the years including “Traces of Heaven,” “Things are Gonna Change,” “United We Stand” and “Don’t Look Away” from the Slow Revival album; “Love Takes Time,” “You Don’t Leave Me Lonely,” “Into My Heart,” “When It Comes to Love” and “I’ll Not Forget You” from the Mercy album; and “A Heart Like Mine” from the compilation “My Utmost for His Highest.”
Bryan latest band, Bryan Duncan and the Nehosoul band members are real players that represent a wide range of influences over the years of each career. They have come together with a common vision; ‘To write songs that become the fabric for the next generation. Their goal is to make their mark, set new standards, and create timeless music. Bryan Duncan and Nehosoul feel that music can effect change, and change gives them a story to tell. Living demands movement and movement creates history and they feel they have a contribution to make.
Although music sets trends, Bryan writes from experiences, not fashion. With influences in ROCK-FUNK-R&B-JAZZ, Bryan Duncan and Nehosoul have a sound, that just about the time you think you’ve heard it before, you’ll find yourself scrambling for the rewind button to revise that opinion.
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.
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.
“I have been so fortunate to have years working at my craft. I’ve had great support from the people around me, and it was with that support that I looked outside of my normal field and began seeking other dreams, other ways to be responsible with what I’ve received.”
The Other Dreams have fared well. From producing other artists like Rita Springer, Ginny Owens, to the successful launch of her own publishing company (Modernm -with placements on EMI, Provident, and Word), Becker has shown that chasing dreams can last a lifetime. And that is just one of the themes she has been highlighting in her keynote speaking engagements and in her third book, Coming Up For Air, Navpress.
“I love speaking,” Becker shares, “It’s something people have requested of me over the years, but time and touring didn’t always permit it. Now, that I’ve carved out the time, it has been a developing area that has met with incredible response.” (Click here for a few comments from participants)
And music? “Ahh, I can never leave that!” Margaret says with a smile. “I’m just doing it on a looser time schedule now.”
“I’m the type of person that doesn’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if?’ I’ve been blessed, and I want to make sure that I am investing those blessings where others can enjoy them.”
For more information, visit the Maggie B Website
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 10.12.2008- We still have slots OPEN, REGISTER SOON!
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 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. Instead of long monologues, we’re going to have a short presentation to initiate dialogue, then get into discussing the topic and also encourage attendees to engage one another in small groups. 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.
Topics Include
marketing/promotions
who are you and why should anyone care?
booking
how to increase your live performance opps
merchandising
selling yourself and your faith
management
am i manageable?
publicity
telling your story to a skeptical world
streams of revenue
professional vision equals provision
multi-media
it’s a high tech high touch world!
education
smart artists succeed, ignorant ones fail
music
it’s all about the song, or is it?
business or ministry
opposites attract
resources for musicianaries
what indieheaven and the christian independent alliance can do with you
CIA SUMMIT 2009 SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25- 6:00PM-10:00PM- Early Bird Meet and Greet and open mic coffeehouse
THURSDAY MARCH 26- 10:00AM- 5:00PM- INDIE SHOWCASE (Bands and Singer/Songwriters)
THURSDAY MARCH 26- 5:30PM-7:00PM- FEED THE HOMELESS
THURSDAY MARCH 26- 7:30-10:30- OPEN MIC COFFEEHOUSE/NETWORKING
FRIDAY MARCH 27- 10:00-5:00PM- CIA SUMMIT SEMINARS
FRIDAY MARCH 27- 7:00-11:00PM- CONCERTS at The Foundry Coffeehouse and The Fortress featuring Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band, Justpassinthru and others to be announced soon!
SATURDAY MARCH 28- 10:00-5:00PM- CIA SUMMIT SEMINARS
SATURDAY MARCH 28- 7:00-9:00PM- MOMENTUM AWARDS
SATURDAY MARCH 28- 9:00-10:00- SPECIAL CONCERT W/ MARGARET BECKER
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
Directions from Nashville Airport
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
- Follow to dead-end at Jo Johnston
- Left on Jo Johnston
- Right on 12h Ave N.
- Left on Clinton Street
- The Foundry: 1419 Clinton Street
(2nd building from end of street on the right)
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
Directions: Click Here
Accommodations: 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.
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.
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.
The Inner Vizion
Sue Ross is currently the Artist Relations Director for IndieHeaven, sharing her years of music management and grass roots marketing/promotion with a multitude of Christian Independent Artists around the world. Her titles are numerous due to her vast experience as a music manager, motivational speaker and publicist. Her company. The Inner Vizion, has artists on the roster that are unique and “out of the box”. She has been all over the world with Big World Ventures and Food for the Hungry as a mission leader; counseled through Hi-Tek Development Group as a life skills instructor, was involved in leadership youth ministry; mother and former manager of EVERLIFE, publicist for BRISTOL BAY PRODUCTIONS/WALDEN MEDIA, promoter of a myriad of music concerts/festivals, co-founder of Godstock, Indiana, PA, drama coordinator/teacher through Pilgrims of Hope and has been a keynote speaker in the U.S. and South America, motivating and inspiring audiences and much more! Her goal is to teach not just or a moment, but to teach and cause a domino effect for a lifetime! Contact Sue at sue@indieheaven.com for a personal, designed for you alone, consulting package.
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.
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!
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!
We’re so excited you are registering for the CIA Summit 2009! We’ve prayed for you and will continue to lift you up in prayer as we ALIGN together to DEFINE and REFINE our missions! Our desire is that you come away from the CIA Summit 2009 affirmed, validated, encouraged and empowered to impact people in your circle of influence. Together, we can ripple throughout the world and change lives for Jesus Christ!
We are using EVENTBRITE for our registration service. You can use any credit card to register and do not need a PayPal account to use your credit/debit card.
Click the graphic below to register!
After you register, we will be in touch with important conference information.
See you at The Summit! Don’t forget to write off the registration and expenses related to attending the Summit! It’s 100% tax deductible if you have a business or DBA.
EARN MONEY PROMOTING CIA SUMMIT 2009!
Want to earn $25 per referral to The CIA Summit? Sign up to be a CIA Summit Affiliate click HERE. You do NOT need to register to attend the conference in order to be an affiliate and earn income! Refer a bunch of people and we’ll love ya forever!
CANCELLATION INFO
Need to cancel? For our cancellation policy, please click HERE
CIA SUMMIT 2009 DATES ANNOUNCED!
CIA Summit founder, Keith Mohr invites you to the CIA Summit 2009!
The Christian Independent Alliance and Indieheaven.com are excited to announce the dates for the CIA Summit 2009, to be held March 25-28, 2009 in NASHVILLE, TN. We’re in a new venue for our 6th annual Summit and are looking forward to another awesome event!
If you are a Christian music, band, singer, songwriter, and want to learn from others who are making it happen as an independent artist or share what is working for you, you need to come to Nashville, TN! We’ve worked with literally thousands of indies and KNOW what it takes to be a success. The music industry is changing, in order to survive and thrive you need to know how to be smart in your music mission! Want more info? Click HERE
We’re partnering with several organizations for CIA Summit 2009, including Artists in Christian Testimony Intl., Provision International, Harvest Sound, Creative Soul, with more to come soon!
For more information, click HERE. If you are ready to register, click HERE
Check out the blog posts for more information about the CIA Summit!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRANKLIN, TN -04.01.08–INDIEHEAVEN.COM/CHRISTIAN INDEPENDENT ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE 2008 MOMENTUM AWARDS
Leading independent Christian organization announces winners at their annual conference
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
2008 MOMENTUM AWARD WINNERS
Urban Artist of the Year Award
Alyce Metallo
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year Award
Cathy J. Reynolds
Jazz Artist of the Year Award
Drew Davidsen
Instrumental Artist of the Year Award
Della
Blues Artist of the Year Award
Gypsy Carns
Country Artist of the Year Award
Steven Coy Cook
Acoustic Artist of the Year Award
Chris Lucas
Worship Artist of the Year Award
Broken Vessels
Inspirational Artist of the Year Award
Sean Smith
Rock Artist of the Year Award
Mile7
Contemporary Artist of the Year Award
Jennifer Austin
Female Vocalist of the Year Award
Kristyn Leigh
Male Vocalist of the Year Award
Bill Petty
Song of the Year Award
Brad Reynolds- Anyway
Album of the Year Award
Donna Kay - Finally Letting Go
Special Awards
Hardest Working Indie Artist Award
Bread of Stone
The Indie Friend Award
Rockin’ Ron Corino
The Indie Spirit Award
Harry Offutt
The Indie Perseverence Award
Mark Cable
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
Between graduation from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1981 with double majors in Religion/Philosophy and Communications, and before attending law school at the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, Greg spent almost nine years in the music business and media production in various capacities including as a booking agent, road manager, disc jockey (the former WXLN-FM and WFIA-AM in Louisville, Kentucky), concert promoter, retail music buyer, and Assistant Director of Media at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Since graduation from law school 1992, Greg has worked as a solo-practitioner, served as the Director of Legal Affairs at Benson Music Group, and as the Director of Business Affairs at EMI Christian Music Group. Both company positions included drafting and negotiating recording contracts, publishing contracts, record distribution agreements, exclusive production agreements, video production agreements, record club distribution agreements, and international subpublishing agreements.
Greg is currently in solo practice at The Seneff Law Office in Brentwood, Tennessee (an area just south of Nashville). Representative clients have included the recording artists Jars of Clay, Larry Norman, Across the Sky, Brother’s Keeper, IIIrd Tyme Out, Dan Peek (formerly of the supergroup America), Nouveaux, Ruby Amanfu, Sacred Tree, and Shaded Red. Songwriter clients have included Del Gray (of Little Texas), Karen Staley, Billy Simon, Jim Weber, Twila McBride and others. Greg also represents film and video production companies, independent record labels, publishers, and production companies. Greg has served as General Counsel for the Gospel Music Association and Christian Music Trade Association. Greg serves as a Board member for the non-profit ministry of Touchstone Youth Resource Services, and as member of the advisory committee and featured columnist for Christian Activities magazine. He also writes as a guest columnist from time to time for Power Source magazine and the Internet magazine iBluegrass.com.
Greg is a regular seminar speaker conducting his own seminars around the country, and speaking for the Academy of Gospel Music Arts regional events, Seminar in the Rockies, for the Southern Gospel Music Guild, the Nashville New Music Conference, the Midwest Entertainment Industry Conference, the West Virginia Music Conference (an American Federation of Musicians event), the CIA conference, Independent Music Conference, and the Millennium Music Conference. Greg and Dove-award winning songwriter Billy Sprague conduct one-day seminars called the Momentum Music Workshop™ designed to encourage the local artist and songwriter. (Send a message to musiclaw@comcast.net for details.)
Greg is the producer of a 12 CD, 13 hour audio project entitled MusicLawBiz™ for artists and songwriters. The subjects covered include record contracts, publishing contracts, band partnership agreements, forming a legal entity (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, an A&R consultant, and a personal financial counselor. Also included are approximately 300 pages of printed information and discounts on goods and services.
Greg and his family live in Nashville, Tennessee. During his free time (what’s that?), he enjoys attending concerts, reading, swimming, and annual house-building trips to the colonials of northern Mexico, and following Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball (8-time NCAA Division II Champions).
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.
Tom Jackson has a passion for music and performance. His passion began in high school when he fell in love with music picked up an instrument and started to learn to play. It continued to grow and as most he learned his craft playing every gig possible with his band in his local area ( Southern California ). He later on toured and probably did close to a thousand concerts over his music career. While on tour he was struck with what people responded to during the show and started his quest to understand all he could about the artist-audience relationship.
When he wasn’t performing or on the road he was also working in the studio, at times as a player, an engineer and sometimes a producer. But he never found his true calling till he quit the band and started consulting/teaching people on making the connection with their audience from stage. Tom says “I absolutely loved the studio, playing, and performing onstage, but I believe all those experiences have lead me to where I am today”. Since then (The last 15 years) he has had the privilege of helping over a hundred signed acts get their show together for showcases or tours. Many newly signed acts, established artists and quite a few million selling acts have used Tom’s expertise on their shows. In that same time he has found a passion for teaching these insights to “Indie” artists through workshops and conferences and probably speaks to more ” Indies ” than anyone in the world. His unique perspectives on development of the artist individually, AND delivering the final product (the show), have him in constant demand as a consultant/producer and speaker around the globe.
When asked what he does, he always starts with, “Let me tell you what I’m not! I am not a choreographer, drama dude, dancer or vocal coach.” What makes Tom’s insights unique is because he is a musician he knows the importance of the music! He knows what musicians think and feel onstage and their desire to keep it real AND he understands what audiences want to experience.
Tom states “A great performance coach/producer helps an artist show exceed the audience’s expectations while helping the artist become more confident, spontaneous, develop skills and have more fun.” Through both spontaneity and form, he uses the strengths of each individual artist to create distinct and memorable moments in the show.” Tom’s experience and passion to help artists and unique insight has qualified him as one of the premier performance consultants and live producers in Contemporary music today.
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.
Kelly is Indieheaven’s designer/coder and head of IT. Kelly brings with him years of design experience, running his own company designing websites for numerous artists. Kelly was the web services manager for a large corporation in Ohio for 5 years, and has a degree in computer science. Kelly also has managed indie bands, handling promotions, booking, branding and other duties. Kelly is the designer of Indieheaven v 3.0 which launched on 03-30-07.
Speakers and Teachers
We are currently adding our mentors for the CIA Summit 2009. Watch this list grow! To view bios, look to the section on the right.
With a “mini-lifetime” of experience in the music and entertainment industry, Sue, mother and prior manager of Hollywood/Disney recording artists, Everlife, has delved and many times found herself thrown into, every aspect of the music industry. With a grass roots approach and a “unique to the artist alone” mindset, Sue has helped create individual foundations for an artist to stand and then walk on. These foundations turned into plans that have literally seen businesses expand almost immediately. Having put her energies into a young, unknown band with a passion to “share” that has now seen national recognition, has given her a huge heart for the Independent artist and helping to bring their success to fruition.
As creator and owner of The Inner Vizion Management Consulting Agency, a myriad of independent artists have experienced her unique ability to bring out distinctive avenues of their gifts and use them to build their ministry/career with the total picture in mind. She has also been a co-founder/promoter of many events, including Godstock, Back to the Music GMA Showcase and The Tsunami Rock Benefit show, to name a few. Her teaching ability was sparked from her involvement as a Life Skills teacher and counselor for Hitek Industries in Orlando, FL, visionary and instructor of LEA (Leadership, Evangelism and the Arts), teaching theatrical drama for church organizations and through the home schooling of her three daughters. She has been a keynote speaker for various youth seminars, women and leadership events, parent training seminars and our own CIA Summit.
With fervor for missions, Sue has participated and has been involved in leadership on the mission field with Teen World Outreach, Big World Ventures, Food for the Hungry and began her own short-term mission organization called Pilgrims of Hope. She just recently returned from Bolivia, where she spent time with two independent bands who shared their music abroad. Sue has authored many articles, press releases, bios and is currently finishing her first ideas for independent music artists book, “Managing Your Band the Indie Way”.
She has handled publicity for various artists, including Nashville top 20 recording artist, Andrew Carlton and Walden Media/Bristol Bay Productions for the movie Amazing Grace that was released this spring to theaters nationwide.
“Instead of thanking us, it should be US thanking YOU. You brought us vision, passion, strong contacts, and an impeccable work ethic to the Nashville market. Not incidentally, Nashville was one of our top performing markets. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for passing this story on.”- Clayton Ferguson, Walden Media, Los Angeles, CA.
Indieheaven President, Keith Mohr states, “With all of this experience behind her, I believe Sue will be a vital addition to the resources that we offer to our current and future members. She is a dynamic speaker, with an ear that listens. She is a visionary who will work alongside and enable us to take the “next step and beyond” with IndieHeaven as we continue to soar to new heights in the quest to serve our members with passion and excellence.”
So grab a cup of coffee, browse the multitude of opportunities available to independent artists on IndieHeaven and also get to know Sue a little better. Check out Sue’s news corner weekly on THE INDIEHEAVEN NETWORK - AS THE WORLD TURNS - for insight and noteworthy ideas!
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.
On Thursday evening, March 26, 2009, Tom Jackson will hold a very special seminar covering how to make your on stage time more effective. From 7:00-10:00PM Tom will teach on connecting with your audience, creating special moments, being spontaneous but planned, and much, much more. Tom will also work with a band and a track artist/vocalist we select LIVE onstage and transform them before your very eyes! It’s a highly entertaining and educational experience! If you have never seen Tom before, now is your opportunity and at a very special rate! If you have seen Tom before, come see him again, as he learns new tips and techniques all the time!
Tom’s seminar fee is INCLUDED in the 2009 CIA Summit Registration!
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).
We love having vendors at the Summit who provide services or products independent artists need. We have very limited space for vendors. 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! Thanks!
Thank you for making us feel welcome and a part of the family at the CIA Summit. As a drum vendor it was better than we had hoped. We made lots of friends and got great exposure to bands we would not be able to reach otherwise. The stafff was great at helping with anything we needed. We will be back next year.
Dave McKnew
Revelation Drums
Here are some pictures from CIA Summit 2008.
Stickers And More
Christian Radio Weekly
Bob Baker- The Buzz Factor
Indie Drive
Rocks Cry Out
Paradiso Music
Ringspirations
Vendor Row
- Wisdom from an ex-CCM industry artist
- IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT!
- MARGARET BECKER TO PERFORM AND TEACH AT CIA SUMMIT 2009
- SHOWCASE YOUR MUSIC AT CIA SUMMIT 2009!
- It’s Independents Day!
- ANNOUNCING CIA SUMMIT 2009
- CIA Summit 2008 Pics
- CIA SUMMIT 2008 RECAP
- 2008 MOMENTUM AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
- The Call of God Video Teaching