September 2013 by AIRPLAY 360

Erica Campbell Cover

September 2013

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INSIDE SEPTEMBER 2013 CONTENTS 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: “Ignite Your Own Success” by Ace Alexander

COVER STORY: Erica Campbell “Out on Her Own” by Louise Moore

10 YOUR IMAGE: “The Do’s and Don’ts on Your Road Tour” by Adrian Anderson 12 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Mekel by Louise Moore 14 NEW MUSIC RELEASES 15 OUT THE BOX NEWSWIRE by Francesa Hayes 17 GUEST COLUMN: Three Ways Indie Artists Waste Money by Denise Hill

On the Cover: Grammy Award Winner Erica Campbell

Learning the Do’s and Don’ts on Your Road Tour By Adrian Anderson Imaging Expert 2

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3 Ways Indie Artists Waste Money By Denise Hill Radio & Programming Expert

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Ignite Your Own Success! omeone said, “Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on FIRE!” You must take control of your destiny and stop waiting for success to find you. Get up now and create your own success. No matter how badly you want to reach your goals or to receive that special breakthrough, there’s no magic to it and our God is not a genie either. It takes your passion, your commitment and your hard work to see your goals through to the other side. Someone once said that the dictionary is the only place where “work” comes before “success” and that’s absolutely true. No work, no success. Just think about this in a context many of us can clearly understand. If you want to build muscle in your abdomen, will it happen if you sit on the sofa and never exercise? Of course not. You have to begin a regimen of sit-ups, stomach crunches and more, plus an effective diet in order to get results. So it is with your success. It will happen but first you must set the stage for it to take place. My prayer is that in reading this commentary, you will be motivated and inspired but it will be up to you to actually act on what you’ve just read. “Set yourself on fire” and watch all your hard work pay off.

September 2013 / Vol. 5 No. 11 PUBLISHER Ace Alexander ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Michelle Slater EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Louise M. Moore CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Adrian Anderson Tina A. Fears Kathy Grant Angela D. Green, Esq. Dileesa Hunter Pam Perry Roger Ryan Nicole B. Simpson, CFP Mark A. Williams, M.D., Ph.D. Tracy Williamson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Francesca Hayes Letita Martin Tray Simmons

GUEST COLUMNIST Denise Hill ADVERTISING LTL Entertainment LLC AIRPLAY 360 Online Magazine published Monthly airplay360.com

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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Copyright © 2008-2013 Airplay 360 Online 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.

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September 2013

Erica Campbell Out on Her Own

BY LOUISE MOORE 8

September 2013

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rammy Award winning gospel artist Erica Campbell is blazing new trails—solo. One half of the superstar singing duo Mary Mary, Erica is poised and ready to pursue all that God has for her. In an interview with Airplay 360, Erica talks about her joys, her fears and how she’s transitioning into her new role as a solo artist. With her Top 10 hit single “A Little More Jesus”, Erica is off to an amazing start.

Mary audience which is really great since they have been the ones supporting us from day one.

A360: First I want to congratulate you on your new single release “A Little More Jesus.” It is really climbing the charts. Congratulations on that. Erica: Thank you. God is so good. I’m so excited about this song and that people are enjoying it. It’s a good feeling.

A360: So will the Mary Mary reality show (on WE TV) include footage of

A360: How does it feel to be solo without your sister (Tina)? Erica: It’s a little weird but it’s cool, you know. I think we’re both grown women and sometimes you need some space to breathe and stand on your own two feet and find out who you really are and express yourself as an individual. It’s been really great. It’s odd though. I’m used to how things flow with Mary Mary—my team, my people, my band but it’s just me. I’m just Erica Campbell. I don’t have no people yet. I’m a brand new artist. A360: So it really has changed that much for you, not having a team? Who do you have other than your husband? Erica: You know what, it’s not actually my husband, it’s his record company. I take that back, I do have a team. I have a great team that’s helping me. I do have people but I’m on stage by myself so it just feels different. A360: How does the solo thing work when you’re on the road with Tina? Erica: What we starting doing initially is I’d sing my song in the middle of the Mary Mary set and Tina introduces me. It’s great to have her introduce me and I’m able to introduce my solo stuff to the Mary

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A360: As a solo artist, how do you identify yourself or want us to see you. Erica: I’m just me. I just want people to see Jesus. Really, I just have a heart for God. It’s an extension of what I’ve done as Mary Mary.

you performing alone? Erica: Yes, but people just have to watch the whole (show) to see it. A360: What influences do you have musically? Erica: Everybody from Barbara Streisand who I adore, to Commissioned. I love the Hawkins and the Winans and the Clark Sisters. Tye (Tribbett) is my friend and brother and he’s so extremely talented. Tasha Cobbs is brand new but she’s amazing. I am a music lover. They don’t have to be old or new or superstars. A360: Tell me about Warryn Campbell and his support of your solo endeavor? Erica: Warryn Campbell is my wonderful husband who is incredibly talented and challenges me to be better and different and to not get comfortable and rest on the heels of Mary Mary. It’s a good time for Erica Campbell. It’s not just a good time just because people like the song and it’s on the charts, but it’s a good time because my heart is open and I’m excited to something new and I’m ready to be strong and bold for God and that’s the part that’s really exciting for me. A360: What is the official release date of your CD. Erica: I don’t have an official release date but it is coming next year in the Spring. It will definitely be around the time that the TV show is released. Follow Erica Campbell on twitter @ImEricaCampbell

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September 2013

YourImage The Do’s & Don’ts on Your Road Tour

BY ADRIAN ANDERSON

s an artist I looked forward to touring and really appreciated the experience, ministry and career advancement opportunities that came along with the process. As a corporate executive, I see how people progress and really prosper so the following information I share is to help you understand the value, responsibility and etiquette that it truly requires. Touring can stand for

1. Be informed by reading whatever paperwork is given to you so that you know the expectations and rules. 2. Be prepared and rehearse. 3. Introduce yourself to the sponsors because you should care to make a great impression. 4. Social media pictures are great; however, don't consistently snap pictures of your peers to post because you might become someone to avoid instead of someone to get to know better and consider for more work in the future. 5. Respect your own privacy and cultivate a trust that people have when you are present or come to mind.

one of the following. It’s up to you. Being on the road can be very fun; however, you are on the road because there is a demand for your talent or there is a concentrated effort or investment to create a demand for you. Either way, your wise goal would be to capitalize at every turn. There is tour etiquette that if followed will bless and advance your career.

6. Avoid gossip and being involved in the personal affairs of others. 7. Treat the drivers, tour workers and all parties that make up the production with respect. 8. Refrain from becoming too common. You’re at work, not at home and you never know who is watching you. 9. Laugh and have fun just don't abdicate your

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responsibility to work when it's time to work. 10. Visit charitable organizations in each or every other city. Do this even if the tour is not scheduled to do so. You'll be appreciated and you'll meet great people in that particular city. 11. Be as independent as possible schedule your time accordingly for store needs. (You know what you need to care for yourself) 12. Get your rest and deliver on stage every time! 13. Be kind. 14. Build a network of contacts in each city that you can follow up with. You may want to do something for your solo project or business in the future. 15. Work when permissible meaning if an organization wants to book you while your in town and it does not interfere with the tour or your legal agreement, then consider the date. 16. Make the travel work for you. If you’re traveling across the country or the world lay good ground while you have the opportunity. 17. Appreciate the fans and give them a special experience when and where you can. 18. Allow your management to say “no” instead of you. It should not come from you in front of your fans. 19. Call your loved ones and let them know you miss them and are thinking of them. They will be there longer than the tour. 20. Carry enough cash and some of your CDs. You'll need to tip and gift people you meet while out there. At the end of the tour, you want to have a good reputation, more opportunities and more money. You want your touring opportunities to evolve to higher levels and broader professional circles. This can only happen if you have the end in mind at the beginning...plan well.

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Adrian Anderson is a motivational speaker, beauty entrepreneur and former member of the award winning urban gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7. She is also CEO of Halo Tu' Beauty. Adrian has served on several music industry workshop panels and is available to speak at your event. To book Adrian for speaking engagements contact nicole@creativeclassic.com.

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BY LOUISE MOORE ifted singer, songwriter, worship leader and minister Jennifer Mekel is prepared to go wherever God will take her. Singing since the age of 3, she has been in music practically all of her life. In fact, at 17, she performed her first concert with all original compositions. As she shines in this month’s spotlight, Jennifer shares her inspiration and why she’s excited about her latest project “Destiny Live.” A360: Jennifer I want to congratulate you first of all on “Destiny Live”. How did you come up with that title? Jennifer: Well, that’s actually the title track for the CD and it’s basically the story of my life and the journey through it. No matter where you are, no matter what you’ve been through, you’re always on your way to a place called destiny and it’s a place God intended for us all to be. A360: Now tell me a little bit about your single “It Won’t Work”. Jennifer: “It Won’t Work” was written by H. Doobie Powell and it was really a fun song to work on and to sing and duet with him. It’s really a proclamation talking about the different things and different issues and strategies the devil will use against us, no matter what it is it will not work. Weapons can be formed but they will not prosper. A360: I understand that you lead worship. Do you ever sing “It Won’t Work” or any of your other music while you’re leading worship? Jennifer: Yes I do. The one that I typically use a lot in worship settings is “Nobody Nowhere” because it’s a medley of songs. That song ends up being very effective in ministry when I do praise and worship. A360: All artists have influences in developing their particular styles. Tell me about your influences and how you developed your particular style of singing. Jennifer: Well my first influence would’ve been my mother who was also a minister of music as well as a wonderful pianist. She had a group that probably would have reminded you of Dorothy Love Coates—that type of flare. I get those roots from my mom. I still remember the first time I heard Walter Hawkins and “Be Grateful.” Because I remember saying to myself, “I’ve never heard harmony like this in my life and it kind of branded itself on me.” I think maybe another influence would be Fred Hammond and Commissioned, hearing how he wrote the messages that were locked in the music. Because I did not get the same gift and skill-set as my mother, she could both play and sing, I gravitated more toward just singing so I tended to favor a cappella pieces and groups like Take 6 with four, five, six part harmony.

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A360: You’ve written a lot of songs. Where do you get your inspiration for writing? Do you have a process? Jennifer: No, I really don’t have a process. Really what happens is as I grow, as I live, as I learn, oftentimes my life experiences provide the inspiration for the music that I write. It’s not a process. I don’t sit down and say, “Okay, I’m going to write this song today.” Oftentimes, it’s where I am, what I’m feeling and it expresses itself musically. A360: You’re a minister as well as a singer and, of course, you write music. How do you manage music and ministry and being a mom? Jennifer: One word: Jesus. Sometimes, I am surprised that God called me to do all that he has. It’s almost like one calling informs or helps the other. I didn’t realize that when I began writing music that my songs were basically sermons. When I’m singing them, I am really preaching and spreading God’s word so that actually tend to overlap. I may go from singing a song to expounding and exhorting to singing praise and worship and ending in prayer and laying on hand. It’s wonderful that God has placed me somewhere where I’m able to use all those gifts at the same time and still be mom, still take care of my children, still take care of my responsibilities. A360: Some artists are happy singing in the choir or leading worship and don’t feel that have to be the big stage. How far do you want to take your music? Jennifer: Honestly, I am probably one of those who is really okay singing in the background because there’s less pressure back there. But that is never where God has allowed me to stay. He has always managed to push me to the forefront. So, exactly how far to I want to go? I want to go as far as God wants me to. And as long as he gives me breath, I’m going to keep singing. As long as he keeps me in my right mind, I’m going to keep writing and doing what he’s called me to do and if that takes me to Carnegie Hall, then so be it. A360: What message do you feel like you want to convey with your music? Jennifer: First and foremost, I want them to feel God’s presence. I want them to know that God is real. I want them to know that they are not forgotten, that the Lord is concerned about their situation and that he is personal enough to want to reach down and talk to them even if it’s just through a song or melody or something that can go straight to your heart to let you know that God hasn’t forgotten about who you are. He knows exactly who you are and he knows the situation and he has always been there and he will never leave you. I want people to know that God is present and he’s able. For more information on Jennifer Mekel go to jennifermekel.com. Follow her @JenniferMekel

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September 2013

Kerry Douglas

Deitrick Haddon

Derek Minor

Collingsworth

Kerry Douglas Presents September 3 Worldwide

R.E.D. September 3 RCA Inspiration

Minorville September 10 Reach

The Lord is Good September 10 Provident

Newsboys

Earnest Pugh

Donald Lawrence

Lamar Campbell

Restart September 10 Sparrow/Universal

Worship in Nassau September 17 P-Mann Music LLC

Best for Last September 24 Entertainment One

Open the Sky September 24 EMI

Sheri Jones-Moffett

Andrae Crouch

Power & Authority September 24 EMI

Live in Los Angeles September 24 Ingrooves

Blind Boys of Alabama Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Find a Way September 30 Masterworks

Kevin Lemons Declaration September 30 Capitol Christian Music

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By Francesca Hayes

ot off the wire: Hillsong United swept through the U.S. during a three week 12 city tour called "Welcome Zion" where they played for more than 80,000 fans. Their largest crowds ever! Jason Strong of Hillsong United said, "Our goal with the Welcome Zion Tour was to take it to the next level. We are excited to be doing some pretty famous venues, but our goal remains the same; that He is made famous and everything we do brings people closer to God." P. Diddy a.k.a. Sean Combs is now the owner of a new television network called REVOLT TV! As stated on the website revolt.tv, it’s “Dedicated to the Creators of This Generation”. Combs recently announced an open casting call for 13-25 years old music lovers to audition to host shows on the network. Christian actor Kirk Cameron said Facebook blocked fans from posting links to “Unstoppable” an upcoming faith-based movie. Cameron said he received a message from the social media site telling him the website’s content was labeled as ‘abusive’ and ‘unsafe’. “This is my most personal film about faith, hope and love and about why God allows bad things to happen to good people,” Cameron wrote, “What is ‘abusive’ or ‘unsafe’ about that?” My answer, absolutely nothing Kirk. info@airplay360.com AIRPLAY360.COM

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For more of Francesca with “Out The Box NewsW!re” visit: outthebox-newswire.net AIRPLAY 360

September 2013

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WAYS INDIE ARTISTS

WASTE MONEY

BY DENISE HILL

o narrow the list of ways independent artists needlessly spend money is a challenge. For one artist , performing one of these tactics may be no waste. In fact, they may find some success. Another artist, employing the same approach, could have their personal finances devastated. Here are common ways I regularly witness artists, without utilizing knowledge, purpose, or expected outcome, recklessly spend and waste money in the pursuit of industry and commercial success. Waste #3: They purchase radio advertising to promote their product. Unless you understand radio advertising and have the money to truly make an impact, this is a big nono. The unspoken belief by many independent artists is ‘if I buy commercial time then they will play my music.’ Not so. You as an advertising client and you as an artist in rotation are two separate things and, typically, one does not affect the other. Clients pay for commercials to advertise a product or service. There has to be a certain degree of frequency for your commercial to be heard by a small percentage of any stations’ listeners. Most do not listen to a station 24-7. There are so many listening options and we are quick to jump to another station or a CD/iPod when we are not

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satisfied. Unless you purchase a lot of commercials to cover a large number of hours over several days or weeks, your commercial will not impact a significant percentage of your intended audience and will turn out to be a waste of money. A better way to spend your advertising dollars is to strategically place advertisements to promote your websites, appearances, and events so you can gain an audience. Their love of you (along with your marketing strategy and relationships) will help provoke the Program Director to inquire about your music and ultimately add it. Here’s a bonus. If you are looking to spend a lot of money and the Account Executive wants to keep your ongoing business, they can act as an advocate to secure you an on-air interview. If this happens, be wise and sell, sell, sell allowing listeners to fall in love with you and giving them all your vital information. You may not have access to that microphone again. Waste #2: They purchase cute promotional material that ends up in the trash. When independent artists prepare to release their product, they think of how they want their product to look. After that they begin the process of considering promotional materials like download cards, fliers, hand bills, 8x10’s, posters, postcards, t-shirts, pens and bookmarks. This is all swag (stuff we all get). They are items handed out to the general public, usually free of charge. They can create awareness of a new product’s release date, CONTINUED WASTE PAGE 19

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WASTE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 introduce an audience to a new name, or create consumer loyalty because everyone loves free stuff and usually remembers who gave it to them. The problem comes when Indies attempt to use promos as marketing tools to influence radio airplay. Keep in mind the purpose of promo items. They are to engage the public. The industry and the public are two different things and thus need two different approaches. Posters and bookmarks stuffed in padded envelopes with music for review usually ends up stuffed in a drawer, in the promotions closet, or in the trash. They are not appreciated or even needed to decide the merit of a song for airplay. All radio needs is the single for review and a relationship with you. Even the beautiful vinyl or plastic folders with the see-thru cover for the 8x10, slits for business cards and flaps stuffed with news clippings and bios and testimonials are wasted on radio. Nine times out of ten, all the contents are thrown away and the expensive folder (if kept) is used for something else. Printing costs, folders, photo duplication—all wasted. Radio needs the focus of a single and a write-up until they request more. Print media needs bios and other written material. Television needs your videos. No one needs your release date stamped “I’m Blessed” promotional bumper sticker. It will not determine the outcome of airplay and is money that could be spent somewhere else. In no way am I saying do no plan for and purpose for your promotional items. I am saying keep their plan, purpose and audience in mind. Waste #1: Many indies don’t make a budget up front. Many independent artists keep things running by using monies from their full-time jobs, personal loans, and/or investors who have bought into their vision. In all instances, the money is coming directly from you, the Indie. In the cases of loans and investor monies, those are funds that you will have to pay back. As an independent artist it is completely on your dime. There is plenty to lose. With that in mind, it has always amazed me how many Indie artists spend recklessly according to what they have or can get their hands on. They

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schedule their studio time around their paydays or their release around the date they will have the funds to order and ship product. There is no consideration of money for promotion or marketing, for example, because that is not a present and pressing issue requiring the money that is right there, right now. Money is spent as it comes in and spent without direction, focus or a logical expected outcome. By making a budget upfront an independent is forced to do a number of things. It makes you research what it will realistically financially take to accomplish your goals. What is the average for studio time? What should be expected to promote the product? Should elaborate logos and websites take up so much money? Are those t-shirts and posters a necessity to be factored in or a desire to be considered later on? Will I need to pay for other’s services as I build my team? When you make a budget, write the vision, and make a financial plan, you have done the footwork needed to set clear parameters to operate within. You also give yourself a schedule of expenditures so there are no financial surprises down the road. Overall, the chance of over spending, being over-charged, or when needed, not spending at all, will be slim. If you do not want to waste money, you must know where your money is going before you make one date for studio time. Know how much you will truly need before you schedule a meeting with an investor. Know what the industry standard is so you do not pay for subpar work or miss out paying for someone that could have made the difference in your success. Take the necessary time to ask questions of those who have gone before you, research, then make a budget FIRST. Wasting money can derail your career and hinder your success. Spend wisely.

Denise Hill is a veteran radio personality, programmer and consultant. She is also author of “INSIDE: What No One is Telling the Independent Gospel Artist” and “YOKED: Sex, Gin, and the Will

of God.” Denise can be heard on Sunday afternoons on Praise 104.1, Washington, DC.

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