Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Coastal Media Group President, Rob Patz, Announces Purchase of Nashville-based, SoGoStage.com

TANGLE.COM ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH EMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP

EMI CMG DISTRIBUTION AND GAITHER MUSIC GROUP EXTEND RELATIONSHIP WITH LONG-TERM AGREEMENT

Two New Gaither Vocal Band DVDs Just Released

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – February 10, 2010 – EMI CMG Distribution and Gaither Music Group have agreed to extend their 16-year relationship that has already generated sales of more than 22 million albums and videos.  The  new, long-term agreement extends

EMI CMG’s distribution rights in all markets worldwide for all Gaither Music Group audio and video products, including the popular Homecoming series and music from artists such as The Gaither Vocal Band, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Lynda Randle, The Isaacs, Mark Lowry and more.

The deal also encompasses distribution for Gaither Music Group labels: Spring Hill Music, Coming Home, Slanted Records and Green Hill Music, whose rosters include Jason Crabb who just won his first GRAMMY Award for Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album for his solo debut CD. Other artists featured on the labels are DecembeRadio, Beegie Adair, John Tesh, Jim Brickman, Jaimee Paul, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Martins.

Gaither and EMI CMG have launched the newest chapter of their partnership with the release of two new projects from Gaither Vocal Band – the DVD releases “Reunited” and “Better Day.”

“EMI CMG and Gaither Music Group have enjoyed a rewarding relationship for more than a decade.  We are grateful for the confidence Barry Jennings and the Gaither team have expressed with this distribution agreement extension and look forward to many more years of success together,” said Bill Hearn, President and CEO of EMI Christian Music Group (EMI CMG).

“We do not take for granted the value of the long-standing business relationship we enjoy with EMI CMG.  It is exciting to begin another season working together with Bill Hearn and his talented staff,” said Barry Jennings, president of Gaither Music Group and Spring Hill Music.

Gaither Music Group and EMI CMG have enjoyed one of the longest and most prolific distribution relationships in Christian music.  Together they have sold more than 15 million albums and 6.8 million videos since the two companies partnered in 1994.  The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has awarded 112 gold and 70 platinum certifications for Homecoming videos, including multi-platinum certifications for “Billy Graham Homecoming, Vol. 1,” “Precious Memories,” “Old Friends,” “Ryman Gospel Reunion,” “Cathedrals Farewell” and “Turn Your Radio On.”

LeFevre Quartet Reclaims Name & Signs with the Beckie Simmons Agency

The Beckie Simmons Agency exclusively handles LeFevre Quartet’s appearance dates.  For more information on scheduling The LeFevre Quartet please contact BSA at 615.595.7500 or www.bsaworld.com.  For more information on LeFevre please visist www.thelefevrequartet.com.

Joseph T. Lee Renews Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – Heartwarming Records recording artist Joseph T. Lee has just renewed his contract with Southern Spin Entertainment.  The up and coming soloist has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment.  Joseph will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

“I’ve been very pleased with the work that SSE has provided for me this past year,” mentioned Joseph T. Lee.  “So many times, new artists can fall in the trap of investing their money into something that has no return.  SSE was a great investment for my ministry!”

Chris Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. said, “We’ve seen some really great things happen from Joseph this year, and we are so happy that we were a small part of that.  Joseph has a great big heart and a super talent to match it!  We are so excited about working with him again this year!”

Joseph has had a tremendous year in 2009.  He released his debut recording, signed a recording contract with the highly respected Heartwarming Records, and saw his first ever single chart on several industry radio reports all in 2009.

Joseph is currently preparing to record his debut album with Heartwarming Records.  More details on that will be released at a later date.

More information on Joseph T. Lee can be found at his website – located at http://www.josephleeministries.com .  Contact and booking information can be found at the site.

Fans are also encouraged to visit Joseph on ShoutLife by heading to http://www.shoutlife.com/josephlee .

Men of Music Sign Publicity and Web Publishing Agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Southern Gospel favorites the Men of Music have reached a publicity and web publishing agreement with SSE Group, Inc.  Through this agreement, the talented trio has gained exclusive access to all media outlets serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, in addition to advertising and marketing possibilities through this new partnership.  The Men of Music will also receive a newly designed webpage and media kit through this agreement.

The Men of Music have recently returned full time to the Southern Gospel community after a three-year absence from the road.  The group currently consists of Greg Colburn, Rodney Tyson, and Chris Walton.  The group is currently preparing for the release of their first mainline recording since coming off the road.

“The Men of Music name has a long history in the Southern Gospel industry,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group, Inc.  “We are so excited to be partnering with such an established and credible name!”

Greg Colburn of the Men of Music said, “SSE has been a great force in this industry for establishing new artists and giving artists the momentum needed to go to the next level in their ministry.  Partnering with them was an easy decision for us to make as we are in this state of re-branding the Men of Music name.”

Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the 501c non-profit organization SSE Group, Inc.  The company is operated by siblings Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank.  The company currently represents artists, companies, and organizations in all genres of Gospel music – including the Dove Brothers, The Freemans, The Nelons, SoGospelNews.com, HisSong, Blackwood Gospel Quartet, Misty Freeman, Driven Quartet, the Diamond Awards, Branson Gospel Music Convention, Eighth Day, The Glovers, David Hill Trio, Sharron Kay King, Wendy Word + forgiven, Heavens Highway, The Pathfinders, 2nd Generation, Brothers Forever, Vertical Praise, and many more.

The Men of Music are currently booking dates and touring as a trio.  Churches, promoters, and individuals interested in scheduling the Men of Music for their ministry event can call the ministry office at (615) 562-5394 or (601) 573-4602.

The group is currently preparing to record their new release.  More information on that will be forthcoming.

The new Men of Music webpage is currently under construction and will be unveiled in the next few weeks.

Indie Connect To Launch Christian Musicians Club

Grand Master Fiddler Championship crowns new champion

The Grand Master Fiddler Champion for 2009 is Alex Hargreaves of Corvallis, Oregon. Tashina Clarridge of Rosedale, Mass., previously of Redding, Calif. placed second. The two-day 38th annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship is the nation’s championship event held at the International Bluegrass Music Association Fan Fest in Nashville, Tenn.
“This year’s event brought together some of the most talented fiddlers we have ever seen,” said Howard Harris, GMFC president. “Fiddlers came from across the U.S., Canada, the Czech Republic, and Japan.”
The Grand Master Fiddler Championship. Inc. is a Tennessee non-profit and a U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, formed to educate about and perpetuate fiddling as an art form and cultural treasure. Fiddlers competed for over $14,000 in prizes.
Hargreaves took home $2,000 in cash, the bronze Grand Master Fiddler statuette and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. This was his first Grand Master championship.
Tashina received $1,500 and a plaque. This was her fifth consecutive second place showing.
Competitors showed their talents amongst some of the leading performers in acoustic music including Mark O’Connor and his Appalachian Trio, Grand Ole Opry star Buck White with Roland White, Quebe Sisters Band, Sierra Hull and Highway 111, Alex DePue and Miguel De Hoyos, Billy Contreras, The All Star Campers and Buddy Spicher, Cathy Roberts and U.S. Streamliners, Fiddle Frenzy, Ashanti Floyd “The Mad Violinist,” Matt Barrett, Chris Morgan, and Matthew Davenport.
In honor of its founder, the organization presented the Dr. Perry F. Harris Award to Dolly Parton for her work in support of the traditional art of fiddling.
Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” served as celebrity host for both days of the event with a special appearance by WSM announcer Eddie Stubbs and Stuart Fryer, who hosted the accompanist contest.

“What wonderful shoes I am being allowed to walk in – Roy Acuff and Porter Wagoner,” he said. “Fiddling who has been so good to me, its an honor to be able to give back by encouraging another generation of fiddlers. The organizers Ed, Howard and Crystal deserve great praise for keeping a vital part of our musical experience growing.”
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EMI CMG SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AND PUBLISHING DEAL WITH TEEN MANIA’S NEW LABEL EE-TAOW RECORDS

Debut Artist Unhindered Releases First Album on Oct. 20

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 5, 2009 — Teen Mania Ministries’ recently launched label, Ee-Taow Records, has called upon EMI CMG to provide distribution and publishing for the new worship label which introduces its flagship artist, Unhindered, with the release of Be on Oct. 20, 2009.

Under the agreements, EMI CMG Distribution will provide worldwide distribution, including all physical and digital product sales in both Christian and mainstream retail markets and digital and international sales, according to Greg Bays, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution.

Eddie DeGarmo, president of EMI CMG Publishing also announced a joint publishing venture with Ee-Taow that includes all writers and songs signed by the new label, starting with Unhindered. EMI CMG Publishing will administer all copyrights, include exploitation for music, gaming, advertising and TV.

International youth outreach organization Teen Mania Ministries created EE-Taow Records to develop the next generation of worship musicians and songwriters. Teen Mania’s founder and president Ron Luce heads up the new label along with veteran manager Tony Patoto (delirious). EE-Taow aims to provide its young audience with an authentic, relevant worship experience. Unhindered, the Atlanta-based band that has already developed a passionate following because of its participation in Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire events, Battle Cry gatherings, Xtreme conferences and Student Life camps is the label’s first signing.

“EMI CMG Distribution is known for its support of relevant musicians and ministries with the goal of positively impacting today’s culture,” says President and Founder of Teen Mania Ministries and EE-Taow Records, Ron Luce. “EE-Taow Records is excited to build on the momentum of their live events by making EE-Taow records available everywhere music is sold around the world,”

“Teen Mania is one of America’s most influential youth ministries and music plays a pivotal role in their mission. EMI CMG is honored to be their distribution partner to help Ee-Taow Records take its music ministry from stadiums to retail and digital outlets everywhere. We look forward to working with our retail and digital customers to get the music into the hands of youth all over the world,” said Bays.

“Unhindered knows how to create worship music that fuels a passion for God among youth and has already connected with a big audience thanks to Teen Mania and Acquire the Fire. We intend to work tirelessly to find even more opportunities for their music and are truly honored that Ron Luce and Tony Patoto have entrusted us to handle their publishing,” said DeGarmo.

Rock worship band Unhindered comprises Ben Smith (keyboards, vocals), Pat Barrett (guitar, vocals), J.R. Collins (bass), Christian Paschall (drums), and Ashley Dasher (guitar). Hailing from Atlanta, Unhindered’s independent release, City Streets (2005), sold more than 30,000 copies, creating a buzz among industry circles and garnering the attention of Teen Mania Ministries, where they soon became a fixture on the Acquire the Fire circuit and other Teen Mania events.

Produced by Scotty Willbanks (NewSong, Third Day, DecembeRadio), Unhindered’s debut album Be delivers compelling melodies, prominent hooks, energetic performances, and lyrics that are full-to-bursting with honest expressions of worship and adoration.

“We want our music to bring people into an encounter with God,” says keyboardist and co-frontman Ben Smith. “One of the biggest obstacles to worship is believers who are self-conscious. We hope that Be will encourage listeners to really feel free to worship.”

Despite being a debut artist for the label, Unhindered, with its relationship to Teen Mania, brings a sophisticated grassroots effort that means awareness among the potential consumer audience is higher than your typical new artist. According to Bays, this gives EMI CMG Distribution an established platform from which to introduce the band to retailers and consumers. The band, having already performed at almost every Acquire the Fire event in the US for the last three years, will play to more than 200,000 people at events in the coming year and a TV documentary on the band’s rising through the ranks of Acquire the Fire and the Teen Mania ministry is in production.

EMI CMG Distribution has included Unhindered in its NOW HEAR THIS CAMPAIGN and will promote the record with an aggressive $7.99 suggested retail price.

For more information, visit the following websites:
http://www.emicmgdistribution.com/
http://www.emicmgpublishing.com/
http://www.unhinderedworship.com/
http://www.eetaowrecords.com/
http://www.teenmania.com/

Faithful Crossings Renews Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Florida-based family group Faithful Crossings has just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The group has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

Tammy Sumner of Faithful Crossings said, “We have enjoyed working with Chris and Amy over the past year and believe that Southern Spin has been an asset to our ministry. We look forward to the coming year and working with them again!”

“Faithful Crossings has been a real breath of fresh air for our company,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. ”This is a group that has their act together, and we are so excited about working with them again this coming year!”

Faithful Crossings is still seeking musicians for the group. Faithful Crossings is looking for individuals who live in Central Florida and have a close relationship with Christ. Faithful Crossings currently does light traveling with the occasional extended trip. More information on the group’s traveling expenses and arrangements can be found out through direct communication with the group.

Faithful Crossings is currently accepting biographies, demos, and photos. The group is accepting them through email or regular postal mail. For more information, please email tammy@faithfulcrossings.com or call (352) 988-5611 or visit the group’s website at http://www.faithfulcrossings.com . (All applicants are required to fill out an application in addition to providing references prior to scheduling an interview).

Parties interested in mailing a demo can send any packages to Faithful Crossings, 15443 Markham Drive, Clermont, FL 34714 – though phone or email inquiries preferred.

More information on Faithful Crossings can be found at their webpage – http://www.faithfulcrossings.com. You can also visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/faithfulcrossings.

For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://www.southernspin.com .