The following is a list of mentors who will appear at the CIA Summit. You will find a diverse cross section of INDEPENDENT CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS, who were either once involved with the CCM industry, or who have spent years either as an artist, or who have worked with independent artists. You will not find a mentor list this strong at ANY other Christian Music Conference! Check them out!
Keith Mohr
As the founder and president of Indieheaven.com, Keith Mohr has worked with well over 2500 independent Christian artists, assisting them with marketing, promotions, distribution and lots of advice since 1997. In March of 2009, Mohr will hold his 6th annual conference for indie artists called the CIA Summit. Mentors who are creative entrepreneurs will be on hand to share their wealth of information, and hundreds of artists are expected to attend. Many who have attended previous Summits say they are life changing. For more info on Keith, click Here.
Scott MacLeod
Scott MacLeod was born in Canada and moved to Nashville TN in 1987 to pursue Christian music. While the industry was “booming” Scott received a penetrating vision in 1995 called “Snakes in the Lobby” that had to do with the spiritual war that was ravaging the Christian music industry from the inside out. Scott has a passion to see creativity and compassion (creative compassion) flow together to usher in the greatest HARVEST. Scott leads a music group called Harvest Sound which exists for the purpose of launching music and musicians into the harvest. Scott will share a special message each morning after worship. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Byron Spradlin
Rev. Byron Spradlin is the president of Artists In Christian Testimony, Intl, an evangelical, interdenominational mission & ministry that mobilizes, sends out, equips & supports artistic ministers and missionaries who carry out the various works of the New Testament Church. In 1970, Byron wrote down the assignment from God that has guided his ministry efforts ever since then: to disciple and mentor people out of music and the arts, working them into the fabric of Church, Missions & Marketplace ministry around the world. Byron will share on how ACT, Intl. can be a valuable part of your music mission. For more info on Byron, click Here.
Margaret Becker
What do you do when you’ve been a singer-songwriter for almost twenty years, with twenty number one singles, four Grammy Nominations, four Dove Awards, seven Songwriter of the Year awards, countless tours around the world and two books to your credit? You look for new ways to use your resources. At least that is what Margaret Becker has done. Margaret will share her music and wealth of wisdom in a special teaching concert after the Momentum Awards on Saturday evening, March 28, 2009 at 9:00PM. For more info on Margaret, click Here.
Bryan Duncan and the Nehosoul Band
Bryan Duncan started his career in Contemporary Christian Music in 1973 with the Sweet Comfort Band, and 1985 marked the begining of his solo career. Bryan has sold in excess of 1 million records, released 15 solo albums, and appeared on several compilation projects. He has released three solo video projects and one joint tour video as well as having done the video for the smash hit, “Left Behind”. Bryan has been the recipient of three Dove Awards and has received multiple Dove Award nominations. Bryan and the Nehosoul Band will share a special teaching concert on Friday evening, March 27, 2009 at our open to the public concert! For more info on Bryan, click Here.
Grant Norsworthy
Grant is a Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated musician. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Grant relocated to Nashville, TN in early 2002 with the Aussie band pc3 (Paul Colman Trio). After extensive US and international touring and achieving significant chart success with pc3, Norsworthy transitioned to be the bassist of choice for many of today’s top Christian Contemporary artists including three years with million-selling, groundbreaking ‘worship rockers’ SONICFLOOd. But it turns out that Grant Norsworthy has much more important things to say than what can be communicated through the bass notes of someone else’s music. For more info on Grant, click Here.
Stevvi Alexander
Stevvi, originally from Los Angeles, CA grew up around gospel music and sung in as many local choirs as she could find. Her talent caught the eye of Motown’s first R&B Diva, Diana Ross who extended to Stevvi a special invitation to join her on a European Tour. Over the next 10 years, she would tour extensively around the world, as well as making several television appearances on major networks with artists such as Macy Gray, Mya, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Brian McKnight, Britney Spears, Kenny Lattimore, Anastascia, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Chante Moore, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, Patti Austin, RES and Gwen Stefani to name a few. Stevvi is currently on tour with nine-time Grammy-Award winner Sheryl Crow through mid-September 2008. Stevvi will share about her musical journey, her mission as a believer in the world of mainstream music, and her experience as an independent Christian artist. For more info on Stevvi, click Here.
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson is one of the leading live music producers for tours, showcases and shows in the music industry. His passion is to develop an artist’s onstage skills, and to produce shows that are unique. His schedule is filled with artists from every genre of music, including comedians and speakers. Tom teaches that “if an artist thinks that playing tight, singing correctly, moving a lot or being cool is what moves a crowd, they’ve lost an opportunity to connect with their audience. The goal is capture, connect and emotionally move everyone in the building!” For more info on Tom, click Here.
Vince Wilcox
Vince Wilcox is a 30 year veteran of the Christian Music Industry, having served as vice president of sales, marketing, and management for Provident Music Group, Benson Records, and VanLiere-Wilcox Management, respectively. In addition to his corporate experience, Wilcox toured for 5 years as a Christian music artist in the ‘90’s while running an independent product development company. A successful songwriter and author, Wilcox currently provides strategic consulting services to a select group of artist, label, and marketing clients while attending the Nashville School of Law. For more info on Vince, click Here.
Keith Stancil
Keith Stancil spent the last twenty years in sales and marketing roles with Capitol/EMI, Warner/Elektra/Atlantic and Word Entertainment. The most recent years serving as Vice President of General Markets/International/Digital for Word. For more info on Keith, click Here.
Tom Sabella
Tom Sabella learned the business side of the music industry from the ground up. He has been a performer, agent, manager, and recording studio owner. His book, “Don’t Get Taken, Take Control; Twelve Things Musicians Need to Know.” and now the Page 2 Radio Network of Internet Radio programs designed to help talented people, wherever they are, employ practical steps toward success. “The Business Side of Music” internet radio show, is an exciting, entertaining, informative and practical show discussing topics of great interest and importance to musicians and performers alike. For information on Seminars, Podcasts, and podcasting, visit page2radio.com or contact Tom at:tom@page2management.com. To learn more about Tom, click Here.
LeeAnn Patin
LeeAnn Patin, is the owner of Praise Evangelism Promotion and Production, or P.E.P. Productions as we call it, brings over 23 years of professional experience in the industry. Being a Promoter and Artist Manager LeeAnn experiences working in both sides of the industry. Such diversity enables her to works with all aspects of the Music Industry. For more info on Eric, click Here.
Eric Copeland
Eric Copeland is president/CEO of Creative Soul, and is known throughout the Christian music industry and with his many clients as the music producer and consultant for the professional Christian artist. Client’s may come to Creative Soul for their songs, arrangements, and production work, but Eric’s attention to detail, refusal to provide anything but the best quality in artwork, photos, and final product, make Creative Soul stand out among other products and companies in the Christian music business. Eric will teach on music production and the role of the producer in an artist’s career. For more info on Eric, click Here.
Billy Smiley
As a producer, Billy has worked and helped developed such artists as: White Heart, Geoff Moore, Gaither Vocal Band, Magaret Becker, Twenty Twenty, One Bad Pig, Jag, Randy Matthews, Idle Cure, Rhonda Gunn, Cheryl Jewel, and Rachel Rachel. He has produced more than 30 albums, 52 top ten songs, and 21 No. 1 songs. He also produced the Grammy nominated song “Silent Night”, recorded by BeBe & CeCe Winans and co-produced the Grammy nominated albums, “Whiteheart”, and “Tales of Wonder”. His formal training includes a bachelors degree in Music Theory and Composition from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. For more info on Billy, click Here.
Zodlounge
Zodlounge is a music production company dedicated to providing an inspiring musical environment where artists can imagine, explore, and create music of influence. While based in Nashville, their arms have extended to work for artists, writers, and publishers from both coasts as well as into Europe. Cutting their teeth on international touring with several artists such as Point of Grace, Sonicflood, Joe Dee Messina, Aaron Shust, Nate Sallie, etc…their passion for creating music and love of people caused them to rethink their focus. In 2004, Zodlounge Music Inc was born. For more info on Zodlounge, click Here.
Dennis Dearing
Dennis has performed on numerous No. 1 singles, including 4HIM’s “Basics of Life,” “Why,” and “He Never Changes,” as well as Greg Long’s “Mercy Said No,” Al Denson’s “To Forgive,” and Billy and Sarah Gaines’ “Same all the Time.” Dennis has produced recordings for fledgling singers and established artists, with his name appearing on projects by EMI Christian Music Group, Benson Music Group, Word Entertainment, Song Time Kids, Butterfly Kids, Spring Hill Music Group, Broken Records and many more. For more info on Dennis, click Here.
David Hooper
David Hooper is a music marketing expert and host of Music Business Radio and IndieMusician.com. In 1995, Hooper began his music marketing company Kathode Ray Music while he was still in college, studying commercial music at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN. During the mid to late 1990s, he was hired by record and management companies to do street and radio promotion. He helped promote such bands as No Doubt, Bush, Blue Öyster Cult, Marcy Playground, Lightning Seeds, and Run-DMC. David was the founder of the “Nashville New Music Conference,” a popular mainstream music conference. David will share his vast knowledge about what it takes to impact the mainstream music world and what to expect in a mainstream music mission. For more info on David, click Here.
Ray Ware
Ware Management is Management to: Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Bob Carlisle, Charmaine, Dr.George Grant, Allies, SweetComfort Band. Representing since 1981 the aspirations of artists intent on conveying a Christian worldview through music, literature and performance with experience in contracts, touring and bringing to fruition new ideas in career growth and development. For more info on Ray, click Here.
Ricky B
Ricky has worked in the music industry for the last 18 years and has written and recorded numerous major projects. Has held positions with various major record labels in the capacity of A&R and Promotions director, Ricky also was the co-winner of songwriter of the year in 1997. Ricky has toured around the country been on a number of national TV shows and has been in several magazines including: Bass Player, Bass Guitar, CCM, Hard Rock, Spin. And has many great reviews Ricky is also the co-founder and creator of the old popular group “FUSED.” For more info on Ricky B, click Here.
Scott Shuford
Scott Shuford founded FrontGate Media in 2002, a content development and promotions company that has become the largest entertainment-based media group in the faith-based market. FrontGate Media is home to the leading music entertainment brands including Gospel Music Channel, HearItFirst, NewReleaseTuesday, iTickets, VideoRocket and more. The FrontGate team has established themselves as an industry leader, mounting successful interactive and event-driven campaigns for Family Force 5, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong United, Plumb, Matt Brouwer, Bebo Norman, Lincoln Brewster, Mandisa, the Revolve: Rockin’ the Road reality show, as well as for publishers, film studios, and non-profits. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Scott Brinson
Scott Brinson serves as the creative force behind Extra Mile Merchandise, a fashion apparel provider serving artists, authors and organizations including the iShine Tour, Matt Brouwer (Universal,) The Rubyz (Advocate,) Robert Pierre (Advocate,) B. Reith (Gotee,) and author and recording artist Paige Armstrong (Advocate.) Scott is best known for having co-founded the clothing and film lifestyle company Truth Soul Armor, which he built into the largest Christian-owned clothing brand in the U.S. along with partner Eric Hannah. He has created and manufactured apparel for non-profit organizations such as Promise Keepers, Teen Mania, and World Vision, and has created product lines for artists including Newsboys, dc Talk, Michael W. Smith and many others. For more info on Scott, click Here.
Ted Bruun
Ted is a Pastor and Counter Culture Missionary. Ted has an extensive history in the Christian Music Industry with almost 20 years experience in Christian Radio, Television, Concert Promotion, and as the Founder and Director of The Extreme Tour for almost 15 of those 20 years. Past Extreme Tour Artists include Kutless, Falling Up, KJ-52, Fireflight, House of Heroes, and Dizmas just to name a few. The Extreme Tour has been a formative experience for many of the accomplished artists recording today. Ted will share from the stories and testimonies he has witnessed over the years while on the road with these artists and others. For more info on Ted, click Here.
Mark Adkison
Mark Adkison has a long history as an executive in the CCM Industry. In June 2008, Adkison took the website he founded, HearItFirst.com out of EMI as an independent website to serve the Christian music audience. The site, now controlled by Spinnaker Media currently boasts over 400,000 site visits per month with over 1.4 million page views and membership of over 184,000. Mark will speak about the CCM industry and where he believes it is headed. For more info on Mark, click Here.
Mike Rapp
Mike Rapp is one of the most experienced and respected creatives in the Christian publishing business. Having spent the first half of his career working for Word Records and Benson Records, Rapp now runs a successful design agency that helps artists and authors create a marketable brand image. Though he’s created web sites, CD and book packages for some of the biggest book and record companies in the world, much of Rapp’s time is now spent helping independents create a unique and compelling brand image and market their products online. For more info on Mike, click Here.
Gregory E. Seneff, Sr., Esq.
Greg Seneff is an in demand music business attorney with years of experience in the Christian music industry. Greg has held the positions of “Director of Legal Affairs” and “Director of Business Affairs” and two internationally recognized record and music publishing companies. He has also served as General Counsel for two music trade organizations, and as an advisory board member to a music publication. Greg is the producer of MusicLawBiz™ Vol.1, an educational project for artists and songwriters which contains 13 hours of audio information on 12 CDs and approximately 400 pages of information. Greg will teach about the importance of taking care of business in your music mission. For more info on Greg, click Here.
Rana McIntyre
Designer Rana McIntyre, creator and owner of The Refinery, knows what it takes to stand out in a crowd. Rana offers fresh, innovative, iconic designs for your CD covers, posters, press kits, and logos which will evoke immediate, but lasting impressions. It is Rana’s dream to use her God-given talent in conjunction with her unique insight from years spent in the music industry to insure that your music is showcased in the most positive light possible. Your music plus her designs will equal an indelible impression on music executives and consumers alike. For more info on Rana, click Here.
Wally Nason
Wally Nason is President/CEO of Nason Music Group. For 15 years Wally has spent his time and energy helping people reach their full potential in the arts. As Vice-President of The Continental Ministries he had the privilege of developing over 5,000 Christian singers, dancers, instrumentalists, actors and leaders as they performed at over 7,000 churches across the U.S. and around the world. He has served as a judge and New Artist Showcase producer at the Gospel Music Association’s Seminar in the Rockies where he has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest artists in the Christian music industry and establish key relationships with many of the decision makers on Music Row. For more info on Wally, click Here.
Robert Morrison
Robert Morrison has been active in the retail and operational arenas of the music industry for over 25 years. Recently, he served as Sr. VP of Sales & Operations for Nashville’s Midas Records. The team there saw unprecedented success with several #1 singles, a #1 album, and many awards and accolades. Morrison and Chart Noise headed up the distribution, retail, and operations of the multi-format label in such diverse categories as Pop, Country, Christian and Jazz. Robert is now president/CEO of his own company, Chart Noise, serving independent artists with management, consulting and other services. For more info on Robert, click Here.
Mark Sullivan
In late 2007 Mark and his wife Sherry launched Consumed Artist Agency, Consumed launched onto the scene in a big way, their business strategy was unlike anything the indie world had seen, “It’s simple” says Mark, “we just work for the artists and teach them how to do the same for themselves”. Several Consumed artists have seen success in this strategy, things like distribution deals, major market radio play, appearances on major label tours, coverage on Gospel Music Channel, and more. In January of 2009 Consumed launched a premier indie booking agency, the roster was capped at eight artists, over 100 artists submitted press kits for the spots. For more info on Mark, click Here.