April 2015 by AIRPLAY 360

21:03 Cover

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

INSIDE

Contents April 2015

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April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

Publisher’s Notes: “Spring Forward to Fresh, New Start” by Ace Alexander Cover Story: Recording Artist 21:03 by Louise Moore Vocal Tips: Improve Your Voice, Don’t Ruin It by Ken Tamplin Music Legal: What’s the Deal? Standard Music Agreements Every Artist Should Know by Keonda Gaspard Ministry Spotlight: Bishop Clarence Langston of Oxygen TV’s Reality Series “Preachers of Detroit” by Louise Moore Taxes: Deduction Checklist for Artists and Entertainment Entrepreneurs New Music Releases

COVER STORY— Recording Duo 21:03

Don’t Ruin Your Voice

10 Bishop Clarence Langston Oxygen TV’s Reality Series

Preachers of Detroit

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Music Agreements AIRPLAY 360

FEATURES

April 2015

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

SPRING FORWARD to Fresh, New Start

n American writer, musician Henry Rollins said, “In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.” When I read that, all kinds of revelations raced through my head. Every year, I anxiously await the arrival of spring. The grass is green again, trees and flowers are blooming and all living things that were silent during the cold are now chirping, buzzing and basking in the warmth of the sun. Freezing temperatures, icy roads and the weight of extra layers of clothing and overcoats are behind us. Whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not, I always know that spring is surely coming. So it is with the winters and springs of our lives. These seasons are sure to change. It’s all a part of God’s divine plan. Yes, winter may bring with it all sorts of tests and trials and uncomfortable situations. Yet despite the difficulties, the winter of my life is the time when I know I must strategize and plan for the next season. But no matter what challenges I face in my winter, I always know that my spring is just around the corner. And with spring, comes a rebirth—a chance to literally “spring forward” into a new beginning. Spring is the time to execute the plan that I spent all winter working on. Spring is the time to move into action. I’m excited about my spring! How about you?

Ace Alexander Publisher/Founder @acealexanderVIP publisher@airplay360.com Ace Alexander is a Stellar Award winning nationally syndicated radio host, a two-time recipient of the Central South Distribution REACH Award and two-time nominee for the R&R/Billboard Achievement Awards for Radio Personality and National Music Director. He is also a speaker, consultant and facilitator.

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April 2015 / Vol. 6 No. 2 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Keonda Gaspard Ken Tamplin Pam Perry Roger Ryan ADVERTISING promotions@airplay360.com AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly airplay360.com Copyright © 2008-2015 Airplay 360 Digital Magazine, an Ace Alexander Company publication Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Readers are free to forward this web magazine to friends and colleagues. DISCLAIMER: The articles and resources in AIRPLAY 360 are not intended to be a substitute for professional consultations. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this web magazine, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

21:03

Gospel’s The Real Outsiders Outsiders BY LOUISE MOORE

orrence Greene and Evin Martin are just fine with being different—sort of like outsiders in the industry. The Grammy nominated, Stellar Award winning duo crafted their own unique sound, not desiring to sound like anyone else in Christian and Gospel music. Under the capable direction of J Moss and PAJAM, Torrence and Evin, better known as 21:03 have further developed their sound. Over a period of 12 years, they have matured from boys to young men. Their latest album “Outsiders” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart proving that 21:03 is still a force in the music industry and popular with fans. In an interview with Airplay 360, Torrence and Evin discuss their new project and its significance. 6

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

A360: I want to first congratulate you on your new project “Outsiders”. Evin: Yes, it’s in stores and online everywhere. It is gospel’s first dual release, meaning it’s an audiovisual CD. We shot a video for almost every song on the EP—kind of did the Beyonce` a little bit. We just wanted everyone to see and get a visual for the music at the same time so we’re really excited. A360: The name of your project is “Outsiders” so what’s the inspiration behind that album title? Torrence: The “Outsider” campaign comes from us just feeling a little like outsiders in the industry.

In the gospel industry we don’t sound or look like anybody else. For all this time we’ve kind of been a part of the outsiders or the ones that don’t fit in anywhere but even besides that, we just want to charge everybody to learn to love themselves even though they may be considered outsiders or they don’t fit into a particular group or the popular group. The uniqueness about themselves and the things that may be considered flaws to everybody else are the things that make them who they are so they need to start loving those things. And as Christians we just be used to being outsiders anyway. We should consider that Christ was an outsider and radical and we should pattern ourselves after him. We should be proud to be an outsider. So that’s what the campaign “Outsiders” comes from. It’s something on (the CD) for everybody. It’s family friendly music. A360: What’s your favorite track on this particular project? Torrence: I would have to say right now “Done”. It’s kind of an R&B feel we did with Joshua Rogers from Sunday Best. He was a very cool guy to work with—very down to earth. That’s why we wanted to include him on this song and plus his vocal ability is out of this world. We had to do a collaboration with him on a song and J Moss wrote “Done”. But it’s just talking about being done with all the things in the world that are distractions whether that be alcoholism or being a sexaholic. It’s just being real and bringing God back to the center. A360: As you mentioned, you have Joshua Rogers on this project and also J Moss of course. So I’m wondering, how much creative control do you have with your projects and especially with this one? Evin: We have all the creative control. We wrote six of the eight songs on the CD. It started off as a concept just going in trying to figure out what we wanted to sound like. The awesome thing is this is our fourth album and things have changed a lot since we started. When you first get into the industry people are leading you and guiding you and now we’ve definitely developed into men—into business men as well. And so we’re now collaborators with our production team PAJAM. In the last three or four years since our last album, I released a couple of solo mix tapes and those kind of allowed me to stretch my pen and kind of find the sound. So when you listen to this album the music is much more bold and energetic. It’s has more of a Pop Urban lean, we call it “GosPop” , that’s like what we branded it. The music is a product of our conversation, our airplay360.com

prayers. We like to turn up to the turn up generation. I like it and I hope other people like it. (smile) A360: Oh, I think they do. (smile) A360: Now you mentioned “GosPop”—the fusion of Gospel and Pop—so you’ve got to have some big influences in both of those genres, who are they? Evin: I love Capital Kings, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo and Calvin Harris. You listen to that and then you couple it with tobyMac, J Moss and even some Tonex and put it in all into a melting pot and you get what “Outsiders” sounds like. Put some Chris Brown and some Brandy in there somewhere. A360: With that being said, you’ve got to tell me, what’s in your iPod right now other than yourself? Torrence: What’s in my iPod right now is just about everybody he (Evin) just named including Donnie Hathaway, Ledisi, DeAngelo, Usher, J Moss, Marvin Winans, Fred Hammond. Evin: I’m listening to Hillsong Young and Free Vessels. This Jazmine Sullivan CD is so good but I listen to just a little bit of everybody. A360: You’re pretty young, nobody’s married right? Evin: Not yet. Torrence: No, no. A360: So nobody’s in a relationship or anything? Evin: We’re dating. Well I’ll speak for me. I’m dating. I’m not in a relationship but I think I’m about to get dumped because this tour and this album promo has wreaked havoc on my personal life. A360: Ok, that was my next question. How are you balancing it? So it’s a challenge? Evin: I’ll be honest, I’m not that good at it yet. That’s why I’m not married. She’ll have to be a very special young lady. It takes a special person to be the mate of anyone in entertainment because it takes up so much of your time and you have to make sure they don’t feel second to your gift or second to your career. I haven’t really mastered that yet. I’m being honest. Torrence: I definitely ditto everything he (Evin) just said. I’m dating but it’s definitely difficult to have a career such as this and have a relationship. It’s hard for me to juggle it so the best thing to do is just be single for now until you find that right match that might be able to handle it. For now, both Evin and Torrence have a keen focus on their musical careers and it’s certainly flourishing. Follow 21:03 https://twitter.com/21o3 AIRPLAY 360

April 2015

VOCAL TIPS Improve Your Voice, Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ruin It BY KEN TAMPLIN

ou want your listeners to be mesmerized by the sound of your voice. You often dream of floating up and down the scales smoothly and seamlessly. There are so many vocal styles to try out and you want to excel at all of them. Okay, now stop day dreaming and start making all your dreams a reality - at least some of them. To improve the quality of your voice the first thing you need to do is to sign up for voice classes. The quality of instruction in those voice classes will make your singing stand out and separate you from the crowd.

Get Out of the Groove Appropriate voice training enables you to think outside the box. There is far more to singing than belting or screeching or even growling. Respect your vocal limits as even a slight change in your vocal cords can render your voice unrecognizable. Add to that the fact that the longterm influence of vocal hygiene education and the effectiveness of voice training can never be overstated. Your vocal coach will check to see whether you are singing at the correct pitch and how high is the musical quality of your voice. Don't run away with the notion that once you've signed up for voice classes, you can afford to cool your heels. Singing requires dedication, time, effort, discipline, and practice. You need to have proper control over your voice and breathing. As your singing and your vocal agility improve, so will your confidence which in turn will raise your self-esteem. Everyone who is desirous of performing on a stage in front of huge screaming crowds needs an abundance of both confidence and high self-esteem.

The Don'ts of Singing Are Just as Critical

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Once you have developed a strong, wonderful sounding voice with a large vocal range, and a consistent tone from your lowest note to your highest, you would naturally want to showcase your skills. Yet avoid certain things to ensure that you can keep your voice healthy and strong well into old age. Never practice or perform live or in a studio without having done appropriate warm up exercises. Singers as much as sports persons need to do warm up exercises for the same reason - avoid disasters. Never make the mistake of drinking anything chilled or anything very hot just before or immediately after a performance, even if it is in a recording studio under controlled circumstances. Caffeinated drinks, tobacco, milk drinks and alcohol are all ruinous for your voice and have to be avoided. Ken Tamplin is an American Christian rock performer and vocal coach. He is owner of Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy. Known for his vocal range, Tamplin has traveled the world studying from the best vocal coaches. He has also composed music for television and movies.

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April 2015

MUSIC LEGAL

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Deal? Standard Music Agreements Every Artist Should Know

BY KEONDA GASPARD

he dream goal of most musicians is to get an illustrious record deal from a major recording label. But what most don't know is that record deals come in a range options and can often be confusing for neophyte artist (and some legends who should know better!!). In order to forge through the music business, knowing the types of agreements, some legal terms and insider jargon, will certainly be a great asset when the opportunity for that recording contracting

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

is on the table. Some of the music industry's deals include:

Master Buyout Deal This deal is ideal for music labels. In short, the label owns the final completed project, which is called the Master and retains the copyright ownership. The company hires a musician for an agreed upon set fee for providing a contribution to the musical work. The agreement includes buyout options such as the paid artists performing and/or publishing rights plus

states the company's copyright ownership to the track as well. It is likely that the company will offer the artist a royalty on the sales. There are two types of buyout deals. Most times the artist that is offered this type of deal is signed to the label and work exclusively with the label. As in, Whitney Houston did not own 'I Will Always Love You,' Dolly Parton and SONY Music do, but the late great Nippy receives a percentage of the sales of the song. Moreover, she worked exclusively with Columbia. Yet, the buyout can also be a 'One - off' deal. For example, a songwriter might get paid to write a theme song for a production company. The writer is paid for his service and the show owner owns all the rights to the musical work and can exploit the song freely. In a One - off deal, the hired artist is not exclusive to the label.

Work For Hire Deal

Master Licensing Deal

360 Deal

An entity is composing a musical work and commissions musicians (and anyone contributing to the track really, even the random person in the studio who changed ONE word) to make the composition. The commissioner of the song typically retains the copyrights and may give an artist a portion of performing rights or just retain all the rights to the song. Those hired, from the guitarist to the engineer, are paid for their services rendered and have no ownership in the song. This deal is important for song producer of a song because it is possible that contributors to the track may claim the idea and ownership of the record. Moreover, this is a nonexclusive deal and the musicians can work freely.

TV and Film companies use this agreement often. The artist owns a song and gives a range of permissions to a company to exploit a musical work for an agreed upon fee. The permissions can include a rate per usage fee to terms on which mediums the song can be used in. After the term date expires the artist retains all the rights again.

This is the record company's new favorite standard. The company takes a percentage of an artist record, touring, merchandise and all of artist total sales. In exchange for giving a portion of these sales, the label will promote, market and cross market the artist brand on a larger scale than if the artist worked independently.

Pressing & Distribution Deal

Now that you are aware of these different types of deal, be cognizant of the type of agreement that you are negotiating and signing. Additionally, you do not have to take the first deal offered. Be sure to negotiate your terms. Moreover, know what you are talking about and what you want to gain out of the agreement. The music industry preys on new artists ignorance, it's a business, a ruthless one at that, the labels goal is to make money off of artist and their fans, so it is in the artist best interest to understand business of the music business.

The owner of a musical work with contract with a distributor to manufacture and/or distribute such work. The distributor is mainly providing a warehouse for the merchandise, while some distributors use their connections with retailers and e - commerce site to market the merchandise. This is a non - exclusive deal and both parties are typically free to work with third parties.

Joint Venture Deal This is likely the most used agreement for upcoming artist. An artist pays a producer a certain fee for beats and studio time plus all the outstanding costs. The producer normally has access to a studio and owns the tracks until the producer is reimbursed for the tracks. The goal of this deal is to get a recording deal for the artist and/or producer. Who owns the copyright and the split sheet percentages are set between the artist and the producer. Depending on the terms of the agreement the artist may or may not be exclusive to that producer.

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#TipOfTheDay - When in contract negotiations READ EVERY LINE YOURSELF. Trust no one to do this for you. NO ONE! Keonda â&#x20AC;&#x153;PROFESSOR KGâ&#x20AC;? Gaspard, a Los Angeles native, is a 15 year veteran of the music industry with an International Business Degree from Cal State. She is a certified paralegal, a music business educator, CEO of The Aver Agency, a music business administration company and creator of 'The Producer Suite', a music education workshop series.

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April 2015

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

A CONVERSATION WITH Bishop Clarence Langston BY LOUISE MOORE

ishop Clarence Langston is founder and senior pastor of Word in Action Christian Center in Detroit, Michigan and also star of Oxygen TV’s “Preachers of Detroit”. Recently, Airplay 360 had the opportunity to have a conversation with the newly ordained bishop to discuss his newfound fame and his role on the popular reality series. A360: First of all I want to congratulate you on the show and also being ordained bishop. Bishop Langston: Thank you so much! A360: I know that on the show (at least when it first debuted) you’re still Bishop-Elect so how long ago was it that you were actually ordained? Bishop Langston: January A360: Since you’ve been on the show, it’s been a few weeks now, how has your life changed? Bishop Langston: It’s changed drastically. I’ve been meeting a lot of people in the streets as well as on social media that are saying that my testimony and my life and my family has really touched and inspired their lives. Many testimonies from a lot of people has been really amazing because so many I didn’t realize have had experiences and are going through a lot of things that they had saw me overcome on the show. A360: Speaking of that, one of the things you reveal on the show is your suicide attempt. Can you briefly take us through that moment of you trying to commit

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360

suicide and the revelation you received from your failed attempt? Bishop Langston: You know it was really crazy. I was going through a season in my life where I was feeling as though I was the black sheep of the family. I had gotten into a lot of trouble as a young man. I went through a real strong rebellious time in my life and I had several contracts out on my life. I was just getting into it with guys at school, you know I was in high school when a lot of this transpired and my mom was trying to get me to move out of state to protect me and protect the family. I had my friends who encouraged me that I didn’t need to leave the city so I told me mom, “No.” And long story short, she ended up putting me out of the home. And so I really went through some drastic things. I thought I knew what I was doing, thought I was grown. I ended up losing everything; felt like I was losing my mind. I lost my resources, my finances. I was doing things that I had no business doing. I just came to a real, real dark season in my life where I just felt like I couldn’t be loved and nobody loved me. I couldn’t find a way out. I got to the place where I was homeless. So I just wanted to end the misery. It was like everyday I would wake up to nothing, just struggling. And I remember falling to my knees and putting my own gun up to my head and just wanting to die and I pulled the trigger. And I tell everybody, “I’m so glad that God didn’t allow that trigger to go off because I’m still here now and the Lord has truly blessed me.” A360: Oh wow! We’re so glad you’re still here too! Now I did want to ask you about Pastor (David)

Bullock. (laughing) I know everybody on the show seems to have had challenges dealing with him but I think a lot of us are really inspired by how you have dealt with Pastor Bullock. Can you tell us how you do it? Do you pray or what? Bishop Langston: Oh most definitely. (laugh) A360: How do you find these innovative ways to deal with him? Bishop Langston: You know it’s really amazing because from each shoot you don’t know what’s going to happen with each taping. You don’t know who you’re going to be taped with. That scene when you saw me and him, I like to say I was trying to have a conversation with the brother when he explodes on me. I was in shock because I was really there to talk about Pastor’s Pow-wow and us working together for a common goal, and putting God first and touching our community. So when he went off, I was just like, “Wow, for real brother.” It took me a whole day to swallow that pill. When the cameras shut off, I was really upset because I didn’t understand. I said, “Did he just attack me; did they put him up to it?” But I found out later on what I was upset about, the Lord showed me I was wrestling with myself because the way that I would have responded—you know when I was in the streets they called me “Clay”—I wanted to respond like Clay but Bishop-Elect Langston showed up, the new me. And when God showed me that, I was like “Wow!” and I was excited about it afterwards. But I just didn’t understand in that moment I thought, “Wait a minute this guy is going off on me the way that he is going off.” I told my wife, “You know back airplay360.com

in the day first of all I wouldn’t have stayed there that long for anybody to go off on me like that but secondly, I would have reached down his throat and snatched his tonsils out.” (laughing) So it’s real. What you see, you literally see me being who I am, being transparent and that’s me and that’s how I respond. And it really blessed me because the Lord showed me how much he has changed me and how much he has delivered me. And so for the bigger thing for me even going forward after that was I really still wanted to get with him if we were going to work together because I believe it’s time now that we come together and that we heal and that we do it together. Divided we fall but together we stand. A360: What more do you want people to get from you being on the show? Bishop Langston: One of the main things I want people to be able to see is the love I have for God, the love that I have for my family and my community and my city and the body of Christ. I want them to be able to the see the sincerity of my heart for ministry and for people and I want them to be able to see and really understand that no matter what walk of life they come from, no matter what they go through that there is nothing they can’t rebound from in God when they put God first and that’s my heartbeat. Follow Bishop Langston https://twitter.com/pastorlangston AIRPLAY 360

April 2015

Tax Season is HERE! Deduction Checklist for Artists and Entertainment Entrepreneurs

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time againâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;tax season. Before you know it, April 15th will be here and Uncle Sam will be calling so make sure that you as an artist or entertainment entrepreneur have your business in order. Here are some legitimate business deductions you can take as an entertainment entrepreneur.

Rent

Equipment Gear and Accessories

Fees for attorney, manager, agent and accountant.

Amps, pedals, effects, straps, carrying cases.

Equipment Repair Stage Clothes Apparel that you wear only when performing.

Consumable Supplies Drum skins and sticks, guitar strings and picks.

Books and Manuals

Rent for storing your gear and for practice space.

Memberships Professional organizations, associations and unions.

Professional Fees/Legal Fees Copyright and Registration Fees Lessons and Instruction such as vocal coaching. Travel Expenses Airfare, ground transportation and local travel.

Postage Costs from mailings related to your music business.

Music business books, record company directories and venue directories.

Film and Processing

Subscriptions

Copying and Printing

Any subscriptions trade magazines such as Billboard.

Flyers, cards and other promotional items.

Sheet Music and How-to Books and Manuals

Advertising

Promotional This can include CD/tape duplication for demos, photos and bios.

Office Supplies Paper, envelopes, photocopies, stamps.

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Web ads, magazine ads or radio ads.

Tax Preparation Fees Telephone and Internet Service This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for obtaining professional accounting, tax, or financial advice. Further explanation of deductions and tax

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April 2015

Erica Campbell

Jesus Culture

Jon Guerra

Ruslan

Help 2.0 MAR 31 eOne

Live From New York APR 1 Jesus Culture

Little Songs APR 2 Essential Records

Do for One APR 3 King’s Dream Ent

Point of Grace

Derek Johnson

Ky’eric Powell

Amy Grant

Directions Home APR 7 Word

Real Love APR 7 Capitol

Survivor Series APR 12 Ky’eric Powell

Be Still and Know APR 14 Amy Grant Label

Casey J

Ziel

Shane & Shane

Tomorrow We Live APR 21 Reach Records

The Truth APR 21 Tyscot

Ziel APR 28 Dream Records

The Worship Initiative APR 28 Provident

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April 2015

April 2015 AIRPLAY 360