VaShawn Mitchell has kicked off 2012 on a Very High Note. The Grammy Nominee was the biggest winner at the 2012 Stellar Awards bringing home 6 awards in major categories. His ground breaking release “Triumphant” is still a favorite and has held steady on the Billboard Charts. Read the rest of this entry »
James Fortune and FIYA celebrates their first #1 Debut. “Identity” debut at #1 on Top Gospel and Christian Charts, Number 1 on Independent Albums Charts and #7 on Billboard Top 200 Charts. This is a well deserved honor as James and his team worked very hard on production and promotion of this new album. Identity features artist such as GRAMMY Award Winning Monica, Fred Hammond, GRAMMY Nominee and Sunday Best Winner Le’Andria Johnson, Nikki Ross, and more.
Identity is Fortune’s 3rd Album and is an 18 track album of encouragement and inspiration. Be Sure to catch James Fortune and FIYA performing “Never Again” on the Stellar Awards set to air on GMC February 11th, check your local listings for times.
GOSPElflava congratulates Warryn and Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary) on the birth of their daughter Zaya Monique Campbell. The couple welcomed their third child on Tuesday January 24, 2011 weighing 6lbs and 12 oz. Both the mother and baby are resting comfortably.
Stay tuned to your TV’s as Mary Mary’s self titled reality show debuts on WETV on March 29th at 10PM EST and will continue each week at 9pm with 10 hour long episodes. The duo had a very successful 2011 with multiple award nominations and wins along with performances on major network specials.
Today, we direct our attention to Awesome God, a track from Maurette Brown Clark’s latest project, The Sound of Victory Read the rest of this entry »
If you haven’t done so already, you have got to hear Shifting the Atmosphere by Jason Nelson. Read the rest of this entry »
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Helen Jones, mother of gospel songwriter and choir conductor V. Michael McKay (pictured above), who made her transition on Friday, January 13th. Gospelflava.com joins with others around the country praying for the family in their time of bereavement. Funeral Services are as follows: Read the rest of this entry »
James Fortune&FIYA released their new project “Identity” through EOne Entertainment, Light Records, and the launching of James Fortune’s new initiative FIYA World Music. With producers like Aaron Lindsey, PAJAM, Ay’ron Lewis, and J.Drew Sheard it’s definitely a cutting edge and diverse project that Gospel music lovers will enjoy! Check your music media outlets and pick it up today!
GMC (formerly the Gospel Music Channel) has announced the World Premiere air dates for the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Read the rest of this entry »
Profile Feature: Neily Dickerson
Noted Work: Sparrow Communications Promotions Coordinator, Gospo Centric-Vice President of Artist Development & Promotions, Formed ND Co. in 1997. Popular soundtracks represented by the ND Co. include: ”The Prince of Egypt“, “The Fighting Temptations“, “Daddy’s Little Girls“, “Madea’s Family Reunion“. Marketing, promotions, casting, talent managment and talent producer of BET’s Sunday Best, label owner, artist management.
With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Neily Dickerson is definitely what we’d call a veteran in the game. Whether it’s artist mangement and development, public relations, marketing,or talent acquisition; Neily continues to master it all. She’s currently working on marketing and promotions as well as casting and talent producer on BET’s Sunday Best. She’s worked with noted producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Vicki Mack Lataillaide, Bebe and CeCe Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard, Ted & Sheri, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Vashawn Mitchell, and the list goes on. From her earlier days with Sparrow Communications and Kirk Franklin & The Family until now, she continues to be a force in the gospel music industry with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We caught up with her to find out what she thinks new artists need to know to be successful in the gospel music industry, and she shared some of her fondest memories of the Stellar Awards over the years.
GOSPELflava.com: You are a veteran in the industry and have worked with many of Gospel music’s standout artists. What are executives looking for in new artists/talent?
Neily Dickerson: The number one thing executives are looking for in artists new and established is a committment to their craft. Label executives want to know an artist is in the pursuit for the long haul, and are willing to persevere through the good, bad, ugly, easy, hard, fun, difficult, and everything that comes with “the biz.” The music business requires that you dig in and put in the hard work it takes to become a stand out talent. Too many artists have a sense of entitlement and want to achieve overnight success without putting forth the effort. When developing a foundation as a Gospel artist one has to remember that it is business coupled with ministry. So sticktuitiveness is required.
GOSPELflava.com : Tell us about your most memorable Stellar Awards Weekend Experiences.
Neily Dickerson:
1996 -God’s Property first Stellar Awards Performance. Had to do the following: get 30+ singers to wardrobe, make-up, rehearsals, fittings, hair, choreography rehearsal, meals, probably had to go to the studio. Then there was Kirk Franklin! Busy weekend, but it was GREAT!!! They sang “My Life Is In Your Hands”
2003 -My first Church Howse Music release, “Ted & Sheri…The Healing Starts Right There” received 3 nominations for: Group Duo of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Group Duo of the Year. They took home Group Duo of the Year, and Contemporary Group Duo of the Year.
2008 -ASCAP Stellar Award Reception I hosted and coordinated ASCAP’s first Stellar Event. A who’s who list of artist attended, participated, were celebrated, and were presented with certificates for their nominations. Attendees included: Kelly Price, VaShawn Mitchell, Sherri Shepherd, Jawn Murray, Coko, Clyde Duffie, Deitrick Haddon, Micah Stampley, Melanie Clark, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, Maurette Brown Clark, Craig Crawford, JJ Hairston, J. Moss, Paul “PDA” Allen, Walter Kearney, Darlene McCoy, Eboni Funderburk, Darius Brooks, Lucinda Moore, James Robinson, The 7 Sons of Soul, Pastor Rita Twiggs, Karen Clark Sheard, and many more, The saints were in the HOUSE!!!
As always we enjoy hearing Neily’s perspective and look forward to seeing her next week! Check in later this week for more Industry Insiders for our “Road To The Stellars” series. We are just a little under two weeks away!!!
Profile Feature: Gerard Bonner
Noted Work: Co-founder and Associate Editor of Gospelflava.com , hosted an entertainment news segment called “The Gospel Beat” in various markets, served as a radio personality at Rejoice 100.9 radio for 5 years, which also received Stellar Award nominations during his tenure. Launched Bonnerfide Radio in September 2009, which is a 2010/2011 Stellar Award nominated Internet Radio station and airs 24 hours a day/7 days a per week. Winner of the 2o10 GMWA Crystal Mic Media Award, 2011 Central South Distribution REACH Anouncer’s Achievement Award, and honoree at the InSight For Initiative Inc. Genius For Men Honors. Bonner has hosted a myriad of industry events and is hosting the Bonnerfide Radio Anniversary Party for the 3rd year during this year’s Stellar Awards Weekend.
Gerard Bonner has been involved in the Gospel music industry for 15 years. He has been able to blaze a trail in the Internet Radio medium garnering over 1 million downloads of Bonnerfide Radio broadcasts and paving the way for independent artists to be placed on an equal playing field with major artists. He is one of five co-founders of GOSPELflava.com and continues to build the legacy of the site, while also establishing Bonnerfide Radio as a mainstay in the world of radio. Bonnnerfide Radio provides a variety of music, life enrichment programming, and partners internationally bridging the gap between America and the UK with God inspired music. We caught with him to get his take on Stellar Awards weekend and what he thinks artists, and those breaking into the industry should know.
GOSPELflava.com: Where are some places that you think new artists/musicians should be during Stellar Awards weekend?
Gerard Bonner: Stellar Awards weekend is a time when everyone that you need to connect with in the Gospel music industry are extremely accesible. It’s a great place to be for up and coming artists. The Urban Soul Cafe event will happen on Thursday and Saturday Nights. It’s a great place for independent and major artists to be. On Friday night you have the Stellar Awards Pre-Show, which is a free event and a great place to meet publicists, managers, executives etc. They should definitely consider the Bonnerfide Radio Anniversary party. It’s a different style of showcasing great up and coming and established talent. Anyone you can think of in the industry may be there, and you also get to enjoy some of the industry’s hottest artists. The Stellar Radio Awards is a great place to be because you have the who’s who in Gospel radio at that event. It’s a key place to meet and become more familiar with those that will be intergral in the success and visibility of an artist.
GOSPELflava.com: What would you say executives are looking for when considering new artists?
Gerard Bonner: Presentation is extremely important. You have to make every opportunity to market yourself count. Clear communication of your message and purpose are essential. They want to know that you are able to market yourself, are business savvy, and have a fan base. Do you have a following? Are there people around you that believe in your vision? I would suggest that new artists know their venue and audience when given a chance to showcase their talent. It’s important to know who you are trying to connect with and how to most effectively do it. Making sure that one’s recording material is physically and musically aesthetic is key. For example, if a radio personality or executive is handed a demo that has no contact infomation, or looks poorly constructed, it is a direct reflection of the artist. Being nice and not overly aggresive is always a plus as well as being able to effectively network. It’s important to build relationships with people that are influential in the way that you are looking to be. One’s personal interactions play a huge role in how they are received when considering their talent. Follow up is also very important. Know who you are talking to, what they do, and how they fit into yourin your network as an artist.
GOSPELflava.com: Tell us what you enjoy about The Stellar Awards weekend and Nashville.
Gerard Bonner: Over the years I definitely have enjoyed The Stellar Awards taping. I particularly like the things that typically do not get to air. There are lots of great perfomances, tributes, and lots of folks coming together in a positive way. My favorite event during the Stellars weekend is the BMI Trailblazer’s of Gospel Music Awards. There are groundbreaking perfomances and some great moments happen during that event. It’s one of my all time favorite events. Some of the ancillary events that happen are also great. Last year there was a great concert featuring independent artists as well as some labels that host showcases of the artists on their roster. The Stellar Awards weekend provides an opportunity for the gospel music community to come together and celebrate one another. When it comes to food in Nashville I enjoy Monell’s and Pancake Pantry, you even run into folks there!
GOSPELflava.com: Tell us about one of your best Stellar Awards memories.
Gerard Bonner: In 2009 Donald Lawrence won the “Artist of the Year” award and he decided to sow his award into the life of Tye Tribbett. Kirk Franklin followed up with some amazing words of encouragment and spoke about how people hold on to things and how they don’t let those things go. These events seemed to be the catalyst for catapulting Donald Lawrence in a different direction. After that we were introduced to the amazing project “The Law Of Confession” and other ventures that have distinguished him as such a successful example in this industry. Those events also seemed to shift the direction of the Gospel music industry. Then there was the spawning of social networking, which made room for new people and new ideas. We now see more new and an ecclectic array of artists being given a platform.
We hope you were able to grab some great points from our chat with Gerard Bonner. We have a few more profiles on the horizon as we gear up for the 2012 Stellar Awards on January 14th, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. Keep checking in on the site for more.
