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Local Gospel Singer's Dream Becomes Reality

A Winder resident has released her first gospel album.

• By Melissa Steele
• Email the author
• August 24, 2011

Aug. 16, 2011, was a big day for local gospel singer Sondra Watkins. It is the day that all her dreams came true — dreams that at times she thought might never happen.

That date was the release date for her new gospel album, “Let’s have Joy”, produced and distributed by Tate Music Group out of Oklahoma.

“I started singing when I was 3 years old, and wrote my first song at age 12,” said Watkins, who was involved in church choir at every opportunity and who has led several gospel groups in her community over the years.

As happens with many, life’s journeys took her away from her passion for a while, but one day changed all of that.

“I heard God speak to me and say that it is time for me to do what I was meant to do," she said. “I just held that promise close to my heart.”

And from that point on, doors began to open for Watkins. With her self-taught keyboard skills she continued writing songs. She researched the Internet to find music publishers, and eventually emailed an MP3 file of her song “He Will See You Through” to Tate Music Group.

Then the return emails came.

Tate Publishing liked what they heard and three short months later Watkins found herself on her first airplane trip to Oklahoma. The producers were open to her input on all levels, and together they recorded eight songs for her first album, “Let’s Have Joy.”

Rich vocals and gospel accompaniment are the hallmarks of Watkins’ heartfelt first endeavor. 

The single “That’s Why I Pray So Hard” is reminiscent of some of the ’60s girl group vocals providing dynamic background vocals and foot tapping ease.

“He’ll See You Through”, another featured cut off the album, rings true of traditional gospel tunes ages old. Watkins’ lyrics encourage listeners to hang on despite all odds, counting on Jesus to see you through. Her passion comes through in her lilting true notes and soothing vibrato.

“I Love To Call Your Name” starts with a lightly driving drum beat that you simply must tap your foot and bob your head to as accompaniment.

Those are just three of the featured songs available on Tate’s web page. All of the tunes are available at nationwide through the iTunes Store, Amazon.com or directly from TateMusicGroup.com.

Inspired by the gospel greats Jessie Patterson Jr., Shirley Ceasar and Mahalia Jackson, Watkins hopes to one day fill arenas and concert halls across the country. Meanwhile her closer to home schedule of appearances is available at Tate’s website, which also handles all of her booking and promotion.

“I plan to go as far as God will allow me to go,” Watkins said.

You Have To Get Noticed To Be Famous, Part 3: Play Shows

And in my final installment, we talk about that most dreaded of subjects. That feared, evil, awful practice of playing your music in front of people. (You may now gasp with horror.)

Today, Part 3: Play Shows

I'm serious. There are lots of artists out there that don't understand that they need to be playing shows like crazy before they even think about looking for a record label. If you've never played live, or don't, why would a label want to sign you? You wouldn't be making them money, or yourself for that matter. The most important part to get you started playing shows is to make a press kit. It doesn't have to be fancy, but a decent venue will want to see and hear you before they consider putting you on a show. Trust me, they won't just take your word for it. Also, designate one person in your band to be the only one who deals with booking shows. That way there is no confusion, no promises made that can't be kept, and no double bookings that you'll have to cancel (this relates to my previous blog where I talk about never burning bridges). In addition, keep in mind you're not going to start off playing Madison Square Garden or opening up for U2. You're not even going to start in the best venues. In fact, you'll be in small venues, opening for a more popular local band, on an off night. That's just the way it works. A venue doesn't want to take a chance on a band that's never played there before and doesn't have a huge fanbase. Slowly, over time, as you gain the venues' and scene's respect, you'll move on to better nights, bigger shows, and the bigger and better venues (no, that still doesn't mean Madison Square Garden). Something else to keep in mind is other local bands you play with. I remember when my band was first getting started, there were 2 other local bands that were well established that we became friends with. For a while, I'd say a good 75% of our shows were with at least one, if not both of those bands. Any time we got a show, we requested them on it, and vice-versa. So make some buddies in the local scene and your bookings will double.

All in all, it takes a long time and a lot of hard work just to make a dent in the local scene, let alone, get a label's attention. In the end though, all that work will make you a better band/artist, and the better a band or artist you are, the better that's going to make you for a label, particularly an independent record label, specifically Tate Music Group (shameless self-promotion). So what are you waiting for? Hop in the band van and get going!

You Have To Get Noticed To Be Famous, Part 2: Getting Out There

Welcome back, it's time for another edition of "You Have To Get Noticed To Be Famous." It's everyone's favorite blog-in-3-segments-about-how-to-get-your-band-noticed-written-by-a-Tate-Music-Group-A&R-Rep!

Today, Part 2: Getting Out There

Once your band has an identity, you'll want to get your band out there into the public eye. More important than anything, is to know who your audience is. I know that you think your band can appeal to everyone, and I'm not saying that you're wrong, but to start out you need a target audience. A niche if you will. Target the people you KNOW will listen to your music; the people that dress like you, like the bands you like, and go to the shows you go to. This is the most readily accessible fan base for your band starting out. Also, think about your music itself. Why did you write it? What inspired it? There are more than 200,000 independent artists on CD Baby. The bestsellers all have specific stories that tell how they got to where they are. One artist stuck out to me in particular. This artist was not only inspired by, but actually wrote an entire album about sailing. Sure, the album content itself isn't going to skyrocket her to stardom, but she got her album reviewed in a popular sailing magazine, and sales went through the roof. Notice what she did. She marketed the album to the specific niche that she knew she would have a market in by contacting a magazine that appealed only to that niche. A music review in a music magazine, even if it's good, isn't going to do much, if anything for you. If you can put it somewhere that your audience will notice it and it will stand out, then you've got something, particularly if it's a non-music publication, website, etc. Another example is using specific inspiration and marketing it back. I know of a band that was playing a card game at a party one night. The card game led to an eventful night which inspired a song. The band then sent the song and story to the company that created the card game. The company ended up asking if they could post the song on their website. Within a few months, that track alone (keep in mind it was brand new when they gave it to the website) had been downloaded over 5,000 times. Lastly, start piggybacking! Piggyback an artist by covering their song in a very original and new way (with all the appropriate licenses of course, which I will get into in a later post) or even by writing a song ABOUT another artist (I’m not saying you should bring slander or libel into the equation). This will help you appeal to another artist's already established fanbase. There's also the strategy of piggybacking tradition. Look at The Dropkick Murphys. There's not a single Irish or St. Patrick's Day event (or Boston sporting event) that you can go to without hearing something of theirs played. Lastly, piggyback a trend. Need more info? See: Fall Out Boy.


Next on the docket? Playing shows.... Ooh, aah...

TMG Artists Working Hard!

Tate Music Group artists Johnny Moore and J.J. Thomas know how to make things happen. They haven't released their albums on TMG yet, but are out there playing shows and doing there thing anyway. We here at Tate Music Group have great admiration for what these guys are doing and all the hard work that they're putting into their careers. All you artists out there looking for a record deal, THIS is how it's done.

You Have To Get Noticed To Be Famous, Part 1: Branding Your Band

Hello again friends. I'd like to address an issue this week that, as an A&R Rep, I run into on a daily basis. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a bombshell. This is probably the biggest and most important information you can have when pursuing a career in music. This is mind-bending, life-changing news:

There is no such thing as overnight success.

Wait, wait, wait. Don't run away. I know what you’re thinking, "That mean man is lying! I've seen the movies and award shows! I've read the magazine articles!" The truth is, though, it just doesn't work like that. An example I always like to refer to is The Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. They always have this category called, something to the effect of, "Best New Artist." Well there's not a single time that I've seen anyone in that category that I hadn't heard about 5 years earlier, or already owned 2 of their albums. To achieve that kind of success, you're going to need a record label. To get the attention of a record label, you'll need to do a lot of hard work in 3 major areas, which I will be discussing over the next few days. 


Today, Part 1: Branding Your Band

Establish your band's identity. It's important to give your band a single identifying image and sound. Branding your band means you will need a band name. Never underestimate the importance of this. There are bands I've overlooked simply because they have such a horrible name. You will need a font to use for your band name. Next, a logo; everyone who thinks of the Grateful Dead can see the Dead Head or the bears, Van Halen has their winged logo, The Rolling Stones have The Tongue, Aerosmith has the stylized A, and Dave Matthews Band has the Fire Dancer. Also, pick a color scheme, a single promo photo that you use predominately. In addition, your writing style needs to match your image, and you'll need a website/social networking site that conveys that image. Lastly, establish a set of artists you admire and that influenced you. Yes, I know you're all "beautiful, unique snow flakes," but come on. There are only so many notes in the scale. Aside from the reality that no matter what you do, you're going to sound a little bit like someone, it helps tell people out there looking for new music what your band sounds like instead of just listing, "a fusion of indie rock, prog, country, goth, and glam." (Yes, I've seen it.) If people like Radiohead, and you list Radiohead as an influence, they'll most likely give you a listen. The last and most important part of branding your band, is repetition. Make stickers and put them everywhere. Hand out flyers night after night at the same places, or outside a bands show that you would fit well with, or a venue that generally hosts your kind of shows. Have a relentless internet presence. Get on Facebook and constantly update people as to the goings-on of the band. Make your band a brand, and burn it into peoples' memories.


Join me later this week and I'll tell you how to put that wicked new brand to work!

Tate Music Group Artists Nominated For ICM Awards!

We are very excited for 2 of our young artists - Abbey Gregory and Voices of Glory - for their Inspirational Country Music Award nomination. They are both nominated in the Youth In Music category...which makes it difficult to hope that one of them wins (which means the other wouldn't). But that is a problem we are happy to deal with! Congratulations to them both! Already winners in our book!

Here is the official press release:

ICM FAITH, FAMILY AND COUNTRY AWARDS: FIRST ROUND CATEGORY NOMINEES FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR PRESENTATION IN NASHVILLE OCTOBER 28TH

SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER WILL BE FIRST TIME HOST OF ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT


Nashville, Tenn. (July 31, 2011) – The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards first round nominees were today announced in Nashville. Presentation of awards in 22 key categories for the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The ballot, voted on by membership, includes a stellar array of major names in a broad range of categories that include entertainer, artist, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo, musician, radio personality, radio station, film, and television honors. Major artist nominees for this year’s awards include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys, The Band Perry, Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, and George Strait. Film honors presentations include a competitive field highlighted by family rated major box office contenders including Toy Story 3, Secretariat, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader.

Top 5 finalists in all categories will be announced on August 30th culminating in the October awards presentation announcements.

The 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards continue as the highpoint finale of Inspirational Country Music Week, an event presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association. This year’s planned schedule will run October 24-28th in Nashville, and as in past years will draw a broad cross section of industry, music fans, broadcast media, and artists in a well-orchestrated showcase of music and seminar related activities.

ICM-Association Executive Director Jason Higgins notes the organization’s ongoing commitment to the Nashville origins of the annual event. “We are very pleased to have the Millennium Maxwell House as the host location of the week’s event, as well as the historic Wildhorse Saloon as a setting for a planned Appreciation Luncheon to be held during ICM Faith, Family & Country Week for media and participants. Combined with the awards presentation for the first time this year being held in the incomparable setting of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center we feel we are showcasing a real commitment to all that makes Nashville ‘Music City’.”

Youth In Music

Abbey Gregory
Aubree Bullock
Calina Boggs
Candy Boggs
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Tommy Brandt II
Voices of Glory