This is our most frequently asked question... and there are a lot of answers depending
on what your real goals are.
No matter what your long-term goals are, you should start in your own circle, get
recommendations, and keep networking. Attend as many industry events as possible
-- and meet people! Take voice lessons -- nobody has "arrived" yet.
Develop a good concert presentation for your potential listeners and begin singing
anywhere and everywhere. Try to work original songs into your presentation. Have
business cards to let people know how to contact you.
What we do most often (and best) is offer production assistance and advice to help
make your project better in terms of overall recording quality based on the music
style and what A&R people, record companies, and other production companies expect
in material they review. Occassionally, different sources in the music industry
ask us for specific types of music and artists to place in various venues from local
tours to stage plays.
If you want us to review your current project, check out our Gospel Artist Search
page for information.
If you're asking this question, the answer is probably NOW. A demo is good to have
from the start. If you are singing regularly and people are asking for a tape/CD
then you should at least consider a professional demo project. This way you always
have something to present to people who are interested in what you're doing and
they something they can share with others who might also be interested. And, if
the quality is good enough, you can sell your music to your audiences and help support
your mission.
This is a major step and should be taken seriously. Recording is a very involved
process, and there are several factors to consider. You will need songs, musicians,
a studio... and if this is the first time for you, consider hiring a producer. There
are production companies that have "packages" to accommodate first-time artists
and make the process simply and smooth.
Define your goals and make sure that your project is on track with the goals you
set.
You should plan to record a quality tape/CD that demonstrates the range, style and
flexibility of your musical ability. This serves as the easiest way to present yourself
to potential listeners -- production companies, producers, musicians, etc.
There are several things that need to happen during the production process. More
specifically (but without too many details), songs are first chosen and reviewed
for style, content, and consistency. Each song is then musically and lyrically developed
to suit the style of the artist and the intended audience. Musicians are then selected
who can musically express the songwriter's vision as well as compliment the artist
or group. After that there is mixdown, mastering, and replication.
The process of producing a CD project is not difficult, but it is a rather involved
process... so always seek reputable, professional help to make the process as easy
as possible.
Don't be shocked by production prices. Studio rates vary quite a bit by geographical
region, equipment, services, etc. -- as low as $20 per hour to over $3,500 per day.
Therefore, consider a production "package" if possible. You might be able to find
a reputable company that offers production packages for a couple of hundred dollars
per song. Get demos of their previous work and even references to make sure they
can deliver what they promise in a quality demo recording.
If this seems expensive consider that a lot of time will go into producing a quality
demo -- dozens of hours per song for everything from beginning to end... and strictly
by the numbers, that isn't much.
Remember: as with most businesses and services, you usually get what you pay for.
You can... but you should never blindly walk into a studio without a plan and practical
experience -- you could possibly get "ripped off" very easily and still not have
a quality product in the end. Yes, experience costs money, but otherwise you will
pay now (while wasting time and money) and still pay again later to get the results
you desire. Plus, an objective set of ears is good to keep the project honest.
Definitely YES! Our website (for example) literally gets thousands of hits and several
hundred requests for music per week from around the world -- this includes requests
from major players in the record industry. If you want more exposure, the internet
works well!
Have good promotional material. Have a good demo and make yourself accessible. Begin
to work around local venues. Always ask for references you can use after you sing
at engagements to help boost you further.
Be original, be excellent, be in demand, and find some investors.
There are many resources available through many of the organizations that lend attention
to developing artists -- the performance rights organizations (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC,
etc.), independent studios, production companies, and other national organizations
such as GMWA.
Just like there are lyricists without musicians, there are also music arrangers
who need lyrics for their music.
Occassionally, Atlanta Gospel Productions makes referrals based on new project
requirements and information we receive through our Gospel Artist Search demos.
Send us information via e-mail about your music ministry goals along with potential
topics and areas you interested in learning more from a Bible-based perspective.
If possible, also include any dates or timeframes you are considering for your workshop.
We will respond with information that will hopefully begin the process of working
together and sharing in ministry.
Like many independent production companies, Atlanta Gospel Productions accepts
material from potential artists.
Check our Gospel Artist Search page for more details.
Yes, we have helped produce studio projects and "live" recordings outside the Atlanta
area. If you are interested in having us help you with your production please let
us know.
Find a studio or production company with good sequencing capabilities. The staff
of Atlanta Gospel Productions frequently writes music for songwriters and
lyricists who need help in this area. Check our Song Development page for details.
Your original work is copyrighted as soon as you complete it. However, to legally
protect and prove yourself (if you ever need it) you should register your songs
with the Library of Congress using copyright form SR. You an contact the Library
of Congress directly (or search online) for Copyright form SR. If you have unregistered
work we suggest that you register it as soon as possible.
No, we are not a "record label" in the sense of seeking artists to sign them to
a deal and then pushing them through the system hoping to chart a hit record. Our
focus is helping artists develop what they have so they can be heard and respected
for what they are attempting to offer to the music industry.
Other than artists we choose to feature on our website, we do not do any marketing
or promotion of artists or songs of any kind. There are many qualified companies
and organizations in the industry that handle those aspects of the music business
in a professional manner. We concentrate on developing music.
Honestly, that depends on how many reviews we are doing at the time. We try to respond
via "snail mail" within two months. (E-mail is MUCH faster.) However, please do not send
original (only) copies -- packages cannot be returned.
Talk to as many people as possible; preferably people who are somewhat successful.
Before spending any money check out all possible avenues. The Internet is a great
resource. Pay attention to everything!