Lucero’s 2nd Annual Holiday Show
For the second time, Minglewood Hall will play host to Lucero’s Annual Holiday Show on December 22nd at 8 pm. Lucero has teamed up with the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCare, and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the show
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Released in October 2009, Lucero’s sixth studio album and major label debut, 1372 Overton Park, shows a turn towards the sound of Memphis soul that has long structured Lucero’s records. Beginning this fall, the band has toured in support of the new album with a traveling roadshow featuring Amy LaVere, called the Lucero Ramblin’ Roadshow & Memphis Revue.
Lucero chose to donate to MusiCare because it offers a safety net of support for music people in critical times of need. MusiCare covers a large span of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each situation is treated with honesty and discretion. MusiCare focuses the resources and concentration of the music industry on human service issues that promptly influence the strength and wellbeing of the music community.
You can purchase tickets to Lucero’s 2nd Annual Holiday Show at www.minglewood.com.
You can also learn more about MusiCare at www.grammy.org/musicares.
An Artists Guid…
An Artists Guide to 2012 Financial Preparation
2011 is wrapping up and those cold, slow winter months often end up being less full of gigs as everyone prepares for the holidays. “So how do I squeeze the most productivity out of December and prepare myself or my band for a big year in 2012,” you may ask? Well, we’ve put together a list to help you get organized and ready to tackle the year with a running start.
Tax Preparation – Though “taxes” may be among the most dreaded words in any language, there’s nothing worse than ignoring the tax man until he comes after you for big bucks (or at least more than you should have to pay). Here are a few things to get lined up to make tax season less painful.
1) Organize your receipts – There are a number of different ways you can reduce your tax liability. One is keeping close records of expenses that are “ordinary and necessary” for the production of income in your chosen business. Here are a few things to track: gas, hotel, food(you can write off 50%), van rental, gear related expenses(up to $100,000 per year), cell phone use dedicated to business
2) Keep track of your income sources – digital downloads, record sales, merch sales, performance money, licensing money.
3) Get Quickbooks software and use it! Make sure to separate business from personal expenses
4) Get band checking account and debit/credit card
5) Create a business entity – LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship – contact the MRC if you need a basic explanation on these. LLC is usually the safest and best bet for touring bands.
6) Have Show reconciliation sheet from the club signed by the manager that also shows your merch sales for the night. Sometimes an auditor will check these and match with a W9
7) Work on a budget for 2012 based on your numbers from 2011
8) Collect info on your 1099 contractors you have paid over $600 to in a calendar year. They must be mailed by Jan 31st!
9) Designate someone to be in charge of the bands finances. Ideally, that person is a business manager and/or CPA. At the least, one of you should be able to manage the Quickbooks and then hire a CPA to handle taxes at the end of the year. If you keep good records, the cost should not be high. You can also consider paying your taxes quarterly.
10) Get a book for Christmas to read while sitting next to the fire, something like: “Confessions of a Record Producer” by Moses Avalon, “Tour Smart: Break the Band” by Martin Atkins or “Money Music and Success” by Jeff Brabec
MMF’s PAT MITCHELL WORLEY NOMINATED AS BILLBOARD’S WOMEN IN MUSIC
2011 Memphis Executive Selected as One of Top People in the Music Business
Memphis, Tenn. — Billboard’s Women in Music 2011, part of its Power Players series, has released its annual list of female executives who “drive our business forward with vision, dedication and hard work.” Memphis native Pat Mitchell Worley, Director of Development and Communications at the Memphis Music Foundation is a 2011 nominee.
The Memphis Music Foundation proudly congratulates Pat MitchellWorley on her nomination in Billboard’s Women in Music,” said President Dean Deyo. “We have seen Pat Mitchell Worley devote her most of her professional life to music and the arts as she continues to work with her community to advance the business agenda of music in Memphis.”
“Billboard’s Women in Music acknowledges women in the music business with a range of achievements–at labels or publishing companies, in touring or TV, in digital or branding, and elsewhere–reflects the overall impact of all the women in our industry.” - Billboard, December 2, 2011. The full list is here: <http://bit.ly/BillboardWomenInMusic>
Mitchell Worley began her career at Memphis In May, in the media department for the city’s largest month of cultural events. She served a stint as on-air personality for Flinn Broadcasting’s alternative formatted station WDRE, broadcasting to Little Rock and Memphis and as music and promotions director at Memphis’ short-lived all-blues radio station WOWW in the mid ’90s. Mitchell has worked as an independent publicist and writer for Warner Brothers, Atlantic and RCA records.
In 1996 Mitchell Worley joined the staff of the Blues Foundation, where she oversaw the entire international nonprofit’s communications and educational efforts and helped produce events like the W.C. Handy Blues Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Awards, and the International Blues Challenge. In 2003, she served as interim executive director of the 3,000-member foundation. In 2000 hosted WKNO’s live coverage of the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Awards honoring Nelson Mandela. As an independent producer and presenter, MitchellWorley worked on projects from the Stax Music Academy’s annual Soul-A-Thon fundraiser, and the Memphis Area Music Awards to publicity projects for Willie Mitchell, Isaac Hayes and the BarKays.
Mitchell Worley has served as program director of the nonprofit MPACT Memphis where she spearheaded efforts to involve area young professionals in the cultural and political life of the city. Most recently, she worked at ArtsMemphis where she ran Bravo Memphis, an introductory arts patronage program for young professionals.
She is also a freelance music journalist, regularly penning articles for over a dozen regional and national publications including The Memphis Flyer. In 2011, she celebrated her twelfth anniversary as host of the Memphis-produced, globally syndicated radio show “Beale Street Caravan.”
Mitchell currently serves as Director of Development and Communications at the Memphis Music Foundation, a position she has held since 2009.
Blues Legend, J. Blackfoot, Homegoing Celebration
December 5th, 2011 (Memphis) — John “J. Blackfoot” Colbert, Jr. (b. November 20th, 1946) passed away quietly at a local Memphis hospital surrounded by family, friends and loved ones this past Wednesday, November 30th. Join us to honor this legend.
Wake
Friday December 9th @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
918 Looney Ave
Memphis, TN 38107
Memorial Celebration
Saturday, December 10 @ 11am
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
480 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
Funeral Services Provided by
E.H Ford Mortuary Services
3390 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
901-345-9958
It is with our deepest condolences and heavy heart that we share this news with the world as we send our prayers, love and strength to the family of Mr. John “J. Blackfoot” Colbert, Jr.
Visible Music College Christmas Party
The Visible Music College would like to thank you for your support by inviting you to celebrate Christmas with a small private reception at the pre-Rock n Roll Christmas Show! The celebration starts Friday from 6 pm to 7 pm, serving food and drinks on the third floor of the New Urban Campus at 200 Madison Avenue!
If you can’t attend the pre-Rock n Roll Christmas party they are also having a small private home concert Tuesday, December 6th in the Victorian Village area or Thursday, December 29 in Harbortown. The Visible Music College will serve food, some very special Memphis music, the Visible story, and an incredible 4x match for their move “Into the City.”
Chart-Topper Earnest Pugh Continues His Streak At #1 On Gospel Charts
Gospel Music Corner
by Michael Steven Moore, Memphis Gospel Alliance
Chart-Topper Earnest Pugh Continues His Streak At #1 On Gospel Charts
Inspirational psalmist Earnest Pugh has a tight reign on the #1 spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs chart. His song, “I Need Your Glory”, a gut-wrenching gospel ballad, has been sitting atop the charts for nine weeks now. The lead single from his latest release, Earnestly Yours, which also peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart, has been heard on almost every gospel radio station in the country. The song beckons for the glory of God and showcases the gifted singer’s multi-octave range.
Not only has the song helped the artist gain four 27th Stellar Award Nominations for Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year (for Earnestly Yours), but it’s also earned him a coveted slot on the upcoming WOW Gospel 2012. The compilation, consisting of two CDs, includes the hottest gospel songs of the year. The WOW Gospel series is one of the best sellers in the genre and is a feather in the cap of the artist who has seen his career skyrocket since his mega-hit “Rain On Us” hit the airwaves. Click for more.
Earnest Pugh got his start in gospel music singing with pioneer O’landa Draper in his hometown of Memphis. After the release his 2006 debut, he caught the attention of the industry with the hit, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up”. He became a household name in the genre with the 2009 release of “Rain On Us”, which charted in the Top 10 as one of Billboard’s Top Gospel Songs of 2010. The gospel crooner, who now lives in the D.C. area, has appeared on BET’s Celebration of Gospel and the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise The Lord” program. For more information about Earnest Pugh, log on to www.earnestpugh.com.
Singer Earnest Pugh Recognized With 4 Stellar Award Nominations
Singer Earnest Pugh Recognized With 4 Stellar Award Nominations
For Latest Release, Earnestly Yours
By Michael Steven Moore
Artist Slated To Perform On The Stellar Telecast On Saturday, January 14, 2012
Earnest Pugh has been riding the wave of “I Need Your Glory” for months now. The gut-wrenching power ballad has helped to propel the singer to the top spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs Chart, eight weeks running. The song, penned by James Fortune and arranged by Pugh, is the lead single on the artist’s newest project Earnestly Yours. Heard on radio stations nationwide, the song and artist have caught the ear of the industry. The Stellar Awards Gospel Music Association, the entity that hands out the gospel music industry’s highest honor, has taken note of the vocalist and awarded him four 27th Annual Stellar Award Nominations: Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year (for Earnestly Yours). Pugh has also been tapped to perform at the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Grand Ole Opry inNashville,TNon Saturday, January 14, 2012.
The artist is thrilled about the recognition. ”Receiving these 4 nominations touches my heart in a special way for two reasons,” says Earnest. ”First and foremost, I totally respect all the nominees for their contributions to the gospel music industry over the last several years. Just to have my name called in the same sentence is an honor. Secondly, to be recognized by my fellow artists, fans, and supporters means that I have done something right and I give God all the praise, honor, and glory.”
The follow-up to the smash, “Rain On Us”, “I Need Your Glory” is further positioning Earnest Pugh as one of the greatest voices in gospel music. Spurred by the single, “I Need Your Glory”, Earnestly Yours took the #1 slot on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Chart (for digital sales) and the #1 spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart. Also, the single hit #1 on CoCo Brother’s National Countdown. Also, the video to the song has received well over 150,000 views.
Earnest Pugh got his start in gospel music singing with pioneer O’landa Draper in his hometown of Memphis. After the release his 2006 debut, he caught the attention of the industry with the hit, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up”. He became a household name in the genre with the 2009 release of “Rain On Us”, which charted in the Top 10 as one of Billboard’s Top Gospel Songs of 2010. The gospel crooner, who now lives in the D.C. area, has appeared on BET’s Celebration of Gospel and the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise The Lord” program. For more information about Earnest Pugh, log on to www.earnestpugh.com.
How To Reach Out To Industry Execs
November 9, 2011
By Minh D. Chau, Writing on Creating a Strong Community, Leveraging Social Networks, Industry, Music Business, Network, Networking, Professional Musician
Every now and then, I go on an open mic binge and discover new little spots and new artists honing their craft. There was this one girl who was absolutely amazing. I told her what I did and she started asking questions. Our conversation came around to how one can get the right exposure and further their career. I shared with her a lot of things, but one of them was about reaching out to industry insiders and building a professional network that will help propel her career forward. It’s not enough to play live. You have to also work hard at building your professional network in the music industry. Finding contact info is easy. There are directories and registries out there you can buy. However, there are some realities concerning industry people that you have to understand before you reach out to them. Or else, you’ll only annoy and alienate them. Here are those realities.
- They each have very specific objectives and goals. And you have to fit into them. Contrary to rookie belief, industry execs aren’t sitting around waiting for something awesome to drop in their lap (i.e. your awesomeness). They are business people. And business people always have something specific that they are looking for and are aiming to do. I read something interesting somewhere about Scooter Braun (manager of Justin Bieber and Asher Roth). He literally had a goal of signing and breaking a young boy singer, a white rapper, and a female singer. So he went out and worked toward that goal. He ended up with Justin Bieber (the young boy singer) and Asher Roth (the white rapper). I haven’t heard anything about a female artist, but I’m sure it’ll happen considering how driven Scooter Braun is. Point is, don’t be discouraged when you get rejected or ignored. It’s nothing personal. It’s business. Yes, sometimes, it’s because the music plain sucks (to them). But a lot of times, it’s because you simply do not fit into their objectives and goals. But, you have to keep reaching out and building your professional network until some relationships start clicking together.
- Timing is everything. It’s not just about fitting into their objectives and goals. It’s about fitting into their objectives and goals at the moment. As with anything in life and business, there are times when you need certain things and there are times when you simply don’t. We work with what’s useful to us in a particular moment. Well, industry execs aren’t any different. If you’re not useful for the moment, they really don’t have time to deal with you. Really. They LITERALLY don’t have time. You’ll be amazed at how many things they are juggling at one time. I remember landing a film/tv licensing agreement for an album because one of my team members email that company at the exact time they were looking for music like mine. I can tell you, we were reaching out to people regardless of being rejected or ignored. Then, something clicked! Timing has a lot to do with persistent effort. Mainly because persistence will always catch up to right timing.
- They have a special disdain for neediness. You know that vibe you get when you know someone just wants something from you. That look in their eyes? The things they say? It’s horrible. Most of us are uncomfortable with it. Industry execs aren’t any different. If you have something you want them to check out or listen to, keep it short and sweet and let the chips fall where they may. “Hey, I’ve got this new track. Will you check this out when you get a chance to see if it fits with anything you’re looking for or working on? Thanks! If you need anything, let me know.” Done! Move on.
- They like gifts, but more so, givers. After all, who doesn’t? Really, it’s about how willing you are to be useful. Yes, to be used. Some say, “I hate being used.” I say, “Use me, please.” Then, I’d work hard to make myself indispensable. Whether you’re an upcoming artist or aspiring exec, be willing to be used. Russell Simmons, in his new book, Super Rich, shared an amazing story about the early days of Lyor Cohen (the much-respected CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group). Lyor was doing concert promotion on the West Coast when he first connected with Russell Simmons putting together and promoting a hip-hop concert. That show went well, but a little later on, his concert promotion venture basically failed. So, he got in touch with Russell Simmons wanting to work for him.Lyor Cohen flew out to New York to meet with Russell Simmons. During the meeting, a situation came up where the tour manager of a hip-hop group went awol, completely missing. And the group was supposed to leave that day for a European tour. Lyor, without hesitation, volunteered to do it since he could. He didn’t worry or care about being paid, didn’t even ask. Just volunteered. Russell agreed. Lyor, with his unpacked bags, immediately went to meet the group and took them on tour. He did such a phenomenal job that Russell had no other logical conclusion but to bring Lyor on as part of his team. Working with Russell Simmons led to the executive rise of Lyor Cohen to one of the most important posts in music today.
The moral of the story is: Be a giver! Have the right spirit about you. Don’t have the grimey, needy spirit about you. If you worry more about being paid than being useful, you might as well quit now and stop wasting your time. Even if you have an ounce of a career, it wont last. Industry execs love givers and hardworkers. Those kind of people are indispensable.
- They’re not your filters. They are the industry’s filters. This is an important thing to understand. Too often, people reach out to industry execs with really sub-standard materials (music, marketability, career-advancement). Before you reach out to an industry exec, your stuff needs to pass with flying colors to your family, friends, and strangers who aren’t in the music industry. (Given that you demand absolutely honesty, even if it hurts, from them.) Hone your music, persona, and get some things going for yourself before you reach out to anyone in the industry. They’re not there to be your filters. They’re there to do what’s best for their business – they’re filtering for their business. Don’t use them to find out if you’re good enough. It doesn’t work that way. Prove you’re good enough by having a fanbase, by having things going for yourself. Have some real value. Then, see if your value can bring increased value to them and what they’re trying to accomplish.
- It really is all about relationships. This shouldn’t be hard to understand. The music business isn’t any different from any other business. You want to succeed? Build your professional network. It takes years to have a significant, valuable professional network in any industry. When I first started out, the first thing I did (after making good enough music) was go to industry events – to “catch the spirit of the industry” and to meet people (those who are up-and-coming and those who are more established). When you’re an artist, it goes without saying that you should be playing out live (or having your dance music spun in clubs). But if you’re not also working to build your professional network, you wont have a real substantial career. I’ve shared this story before, but I’ll share it again.Moby was once asked why he succeeded in such a spectacular way while others did not. He answered by saying that while others were running around town promoting their gigs, he was out networking and meeting industry people that could propel his career forward. Build your professional network. This is second only to honing your craft. The relationships you have will make or break your career, whether as an artist or as an aspiring exec.
I’m sure there are more realities that could be covered, but I feel like these are the most important ones to understand. In the words of Dale Carnegie, “speak to the other person’s interests” in everything you do…especially when it comes to reaching out to industry execs. And in the wise words of Jesus, “the greatest among you will be your servant”. How well can you serve someone else’s purpose? The better you can, the better your career will be.
Indie Memphis Music Films
Losers Take AllLosers Take All is a comedy in which following “The Fingers,” a fictional punk-pop band inspired by The Replacements. In 1986, “The Fingers” were riding a bumpy rollercoaster, slipping up and stammering their way in the exact opposite direction of predominant fame. They are faced with the out of the ordinary “big break” of perpetrating the topmost indie rock sin: selling out. They ask themselves multiple questions and find themselves confused between the decision to become mainstream or stay true to indie rock.
Better than Something: Jay Reatard Saturday November 5 @ 10:00pm Playhouse on the Square
“Better Than Something: Jay Reatard” may be the best rock doc since “Dig” – IFC News. The enigmatic punk rocker gets a posthumous profile. This film is a forlorn, cheerful, and inspiring documentary about a young man who died just at the point of him overcoming his demons. This film is a combination of interviews with astounding performance footage dating back to Reatard’s teenage years. “Better Than Something” traces Reatard’s morph from the heedless rage from his adolescence to a point that equates to peacefulness as he got older.
Stepping: Beyond the Line Saturday November 5 @ 11:15 Studio on the Square
Explore the art of “stepping” in an original documentary by Dr. Dee Garceau, professor of history at Rhodes College. The film highlights current practices and stepping rituals through the eyes of students in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the umbrella organization for historically black sororities and fraternities. MRC member Steve Selvidge is the soundtrack producer.
Black Rock Revival: Mission Control Saturday November 5 @ 4:30 Studio on the Square
Follows the Memphis Rock group Black Rock Revival as they record their latest CD, Mission Control. The group discusses their journey putting the band together, overcoming the stigma of black rock musicians from past to present, and putting their stamp on rock music.
Beat Boxing: the Fifth Element of Hip-Hop Sunday November 6 @12:20pm Studio on the Square
Human Beatboxing has become a global phenomenon, which is organized and celebrated in the annual Beatbox Conventions and through Beatbox Competitions, that are being held in an increasing number of countries every year.This documentary aims at providing a full picture of this incredible art form starting with its genesis within Hip Hop Culture and continuing with its further developments and its use in various musical fields in several countries throughout the world.
Doc Shorts:
Blind Mississippi Morris Saturday November 5 @1:30pm Studio on the Square
Fanning the Fire Saturday November 5 @1:30pm Studio on the Square
Upcoming Events for Memphis!
Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. Tour
On October 26th, internationally-known R&B star, Chris Brown, will be playing a sold out concert at the FedEx Forum at 8:00 PM. Memphians have been awaiting the award-winning artists F.A.M.E. tour since tickets went out in April. Brown will be joined by artists Tyga and T-pain. The audience expects to be wooed by Brown’s alluring voice when he sings popular songs like “She Ain’t You,” “Look at Me Now,” and “Yeah 3x.”
Paul Simon Fall US Tour
The Mud Island Amphitheatre will play host to legend Paul Simon. Simon being a winner of 13 Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award, an inducted member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,, and selected as one of the “100 People Who Shaped the World” by Time magazine, will start his concert at 7:30 PM. Get your tickets now while they’re still for sale! Tickets may be purchased at the Mud Island Box Office, at all Ticketmaster Outlets, by phone at800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com
Taylor Swift Speak Now Tour
Music superstar Taylor Swift publicized that in reaction to dedicated fan requests she will be stopping at theFedExForum on Sunday, Oct. 30. Swift, who is nominated for four Academy of Country Music Awards – including the evening’s biggest honor, the fan-voted Entertainer of the Year Award, will be performing on two different stages, warranting complimentary reviews from critics. David Nail, Nashville native, will be opening for Swift. Grammy Nominee for Best Male Vocal Performance, Nail will be singing songs from his recently released album “I’m About to Come Alive.”
Hypnotize Minds Halloween Bash 2011
This year Halloween at the New Daisy will be filled with great local artists like Lil Wyte, Project Pat, C Hustle and Alwayz Grindin Entertainment, and much, much more! General Admission will be $21 for all ages! Doors will open at 9:00 PM. Buy your tickets by phone 1-866-468-763, at ticketweb.com, or at the door on Halloween!
