<![CDATA[
<bgsound src="The_Tennessee_Waltz.mid">
]]>
Messages From
Peggy Franck, Founder and CEO of the TCMA
Michael de'Bills, Executive Director
NACMAI VISION
Some of the goals of the TCMA and the NACMAI is the discovery, showcasing and promotion of emerging and aspiring country and gospel music artists, musicians and songwriters. Otherwise, these talented individual's chances of appearing in front of state and national country music industry personnel becomes less likely.
Membership is made up of country music organizations within the U.S. in addition to foreign countries. Newly organized and functioning associations and those which may form in the future are eligible for application. Each state and/or countries joining have full autonomy. They are networked in a concentrated national effort to carry out the above goals. The joint collaboration between the leadership and its membership with each of their resources, talents and expertise guarantee a level of success that in time will make the TCMA and the NACMAI into one of the largest and most reputable music organizations in the world.
The NACMAI and its affiliated groups itself with a leadership who's goals are in line with one of the organization's most important prime directives: To create an alternative way alongside the current music industry to promote, showcase and cultivate country and gospel independent artists, musicians and songwriters who face tremendous obstacles between them achieving national and international exposure. Instead of our association asking the artist, "How much money do you have?", we will be asking, "How much talent do you offer and how hard are you willing to work to get yourself ready for the marketplace.?" Through networking, the membership finds an organizational avenue which enables them to compete within the major marketplace.
When successful people such as our leadership work together to bring about the very goals we strive to obtain, it will be only a short time before we make a difference! By education, our membership learns the do's and don'ts of the industry. We prevent the stars of tomorrow from getting burnt today and thus, disable the illegitimate sources who undermine the industry and its reputation. By dedication, our leadership works hand-in-hand with its membership to insure proper training and artist development similar to other industries. By teamwork, the leadership and membership combine their resources that gives everyone a chance to succeed once they are ready!
From Peggy FranckCEO/Founder of the TCMA
MUSIC PROMOTION
Hello Once again. This time I feel it’s time to say something about music promotion, and how to do it. There seems to be more and more young people in the music business nowadays. Most of them don’t have a clue what country music is, but they can tell you where it’s going (or went, to be truthful!) It’s not hard for me to understand the big, "Why?" As the older country artist die off or quit the business, we have only the influences they leave behind to guide us, such as Hank Williams. How many young folks has this man influenced in country music or what about Patsy Cline? Someday we will hear some young Boy say Garth Brooks was his inspiration and made him want to get in the Business. Well it’s already happening. Just listen to the young crowd. Well there was a Country Music before Garth came along.
But Radio doesn’t think the older artist do much for ratings. And I share the same thoughts as others in the business by saying “ Video has had a lot to do in changing our world. You not only have to look good but also act a little to be a star. Being able to sing is not enough to be competitive." I wonder how long this will last, or what is next! Let’s say you’re a 15-yr. old. You have never lived in a world without TNN and CMT etc. or a world without Color Television, FM radio, or digital sound. I will have to say I think one of the things that makes country music hot today is the digital sound recordings, it has life, bright clear and the bottom line is “it just sounds Good“ and will be around a long time to come.
The ongoing shame of the music business is that, even as singers/artist become wiser to the biz, there seems to be an ever increasing number who at a moments notice will sign with the first company that shows interest. And most of the times live to regret it. I know of an incident that happens to a friend of mine. She released a single that achieved national radio airplay, but had absolutely no Distribution. She thought that since she could not afford distribution on a large level, it would be picked op by a major label. “NOT”. Well, by that time, the record was “ dying” on the air because there was no distribution to support it. It would have been useless from a business perspective for majors to even get involved.
This is called “the cart before the horse” If you are fortunate in getting airplay; you have just a few short weeks before it is dead due to lack of distribution. Do Not under-estimate the importance of any area in marketing. Before you submit your CD to the music directors at radio stations etc. you had better have enough coverage in distribution area to cover sales. You need a Business License, Business Cards, Post Office Box, a separate business telephone line, and other necessities to make it professional. The worst thing anyone wanting to make it in this business can do is to appear unprofessional in any phase or have a hit you can’t deliver to you fans.
It takes money to make money or should we say, “it takes money to lose money“. I read this in Finance 101: there are a few rules of thumb that should be followed when seeking investors in any entertainment project:
- 1. Make the investor realize this is a very high-risk investment. There is little chance of seeing a profit. Failure to do so is the same as fraud.
- 2. The investor should realize they may lose everything and should never put up money they cannot afford to lose. It is very sad to see someone put their kid’s collage money on the table, for a roll of the dice in the music biz., and then lose it all. Who is to blame for the investors’ kid not getting a new Maserati and having to go to a public school? YOU!
- 3. You be the Judge, Does the public need or want this project? Are you playing twenty dates a month? Do the Audiences at Gigs ask you for tapes? Can you sell 1,000 tapes off the stage bandstand in a year if they don’t sell in the record stores? Your girlfriend might think your great, but will she buy 1,000 CDs in you closet?
These are just a few things to consider if you really want in this wonderful world of country music. Till next time, hold your head up and smile.
I will see you at Competition/Showcasing in March '99. Keep Country, Country.
By Michael de' Bills
Exec. Dir. NACMAI & TCMA