A Good Song: Still Most Important Element

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These days a studio musician or producer can get absolutely lost in technology. Digital instruments and software rule the day and there is no point of return.

You get the latest version of anything now and it seems two days later it’s not cool anymore or you look like a square because you are still using it.

When I first began recording everything was tape to tape and took a lot longer, however, the creative process simmered and seemed a little more intense because of the time you spent with each song or groove.

Now with a click of a button you can muster up any sound you want, you don’t have to wait for a loop or a certain spot on the tape to stop and can see every digital photo of a note right down to every smack and breath a singer may make.

Sounds really cool right? Oh the convenience…

I must admit I really do love the technology available now and it even looks cooler than years past, however, if you are not careful something very important can be lost… a good song!

Yep, the whole point is to record a good song. Without a good song you can have the latest version of the space shuttle, it won’t matter.

Far too many producers forget what the point of recording is all about. My recording philosophy is, less is more. I generally will throw everything I can on a track that I think sounds good, but then I begin surgery and strip down to hopefully a good song or at least a solid groove.

No matter what they bring out next, these elements will never go out of style: melody, harmony, counter melodies, a hook, a great story line and the mood of the song.

Remember, the listener does’nt care if you record with Sonar or Reason software or care about what latest sounds you just bought, all they care about is the song and if you going to be a successful music producer, you better also.

Should Church Musicians be Paid?

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I spoke to a friend of mine recently and we got on the subject of musicians in the church, should they be paid or not? He mentioned to me that this would be a good subject to blog about.

So here we are..

My take is from the old school, you love the Lord, you love the church, you love the music and that should be enough. This is the traditional thought that reigned for years and that is where my heart is, however, I have greatly modified my views over the years.

The old school of thought is what I was raised on. I started playing the drums at the age of 10 years old, then a little bass at 15, a little keys ( i wish to this day I had taken more seriously), a little singing, songwriting, you name it, I played it in the church, mostly due to my mom being the youth choir director for years, the best experience in my life.

My pay was the experience and knowledge that I gained about music, not to mention my service to my church and the gold stars that gave me with God Almighty.

Was that enough? For me, Yes!

However, I have also been a paid musician in the church, at one time I was doing duty for two churches. I must admit without compensation, it would have been very difficult for me to see continuing , not because of the money, but the inconvenience of the job.

This is the argument that the contemporary gospel musicians are making and it is one I do understand having experienced both sides.

The musicians and the minister of music directors that work hard, find the songs, teach the songs, perform the songs and practice the songs are, lets face it, crucial to the churches atmosphere, reputation, mood and delivery of the word of God,  they set the table for the whole service.

The thinking is, in recent years, is that pastors have been compensated since the beginning but the work of music ministry in the church is under appreciated and takes just as much or more work.

My position on these agruments is basic fairness, attitude and motive. “”Do unto others as you would have them  do unto you”.

If a pastor knows a musician or music minister has given their life to the music, has a great attitude and the motive is to please God, if that pastor or church can compensate them, they should, that is fair. The key word is “If” , if they can compensate, some churches are not in position to do so.

My problem is, the guy that comes just for the money with no other agenda. Most in this category have a bad attitude and are short lived anyway and the motive is all wrong! They are called “musicians for hire” and they are only loyal to the top bidder.

I can’t totally blame the musicians who practice this, the churches are also to blame, this type of thinking has been allowed to flourish by many of them.

This is a debate that will continue for some time and may never be settled and it is one we should have.

The core values and principles of the churches weigh in the balance.

Lookng for independent artist, Independent music or Independent recordings? Visit us on our website: www.towerlightrecords.com

New Game: Independent Record Labels

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Remember making the cassette tape or dat tape?( depending on how old you are) or trying to know somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody, who you hope will at least listen to the music you submitted.

Somebody listens to it, they call you and say “we have some interest in what you are doing,liked a couple of songs”.

Now you have to wait to see if they really meant it and then wait for them to get back to you. Even if they do, they want to mold you into what they want and plan for the best interest of the bottom line because so much money is involved.

A few years ago any musician would have given their right arm to have half of this scenario happen to them.

Well things have changed significantly with the” Information Age” and the access to a global market via the internet.

Independent Record Labels are everywhere. Some good, some not so good, some are great!

The day of the huge monopoly, corporate driven record company is on it’s last leg. There will always be some form of it, but it will never be the same as long as technology is king.

So if you are a musician, songwriter, producer or artist, weigh all
of your options and know their are no more limitations..The sky is the limit….really!

http://www.facebook.com/tykeoliver

Towerlight Profile: Lady C

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Ever been to Hopkinsville,Kentucky?

Well, if you have’nt we’ll give you a real reason to stop through.

Her name is Lady C (Latonya Cushenberry), and she’s a Towerlight Records Gospel Rap recording artist you’ll hear a lot about.

Born May 26, 1977 Latonya Sowerby twin sister to a baby boy. Her mother told her she came into this world feet first, with her feet crossed,and eyes wide open looking all around. She grew up listening to the radio with her 3 brothers in the 80′s rap era.

Her dad would play records from his caribbean background and popular 60′s and 70′s music. It made her well rounded and interested in many styles of music, but there was something about rap that intrigued her. She would write verses with her older brother and he gave them all street names like the rap artists of the time.
 In order to keep her out of trouble her mother gave her her first pad and pen and told her to write poems to occupy her time. The fire was ignited that day and never stopped. Her first poem, “Jesus You’re the Light of the World” was converted into a song by her church minister of music.
The very idea of poem to song delighted her even as a child. She continued to excel in writing poems, short stories, and songs all through out her school age years.
Her young life was not without difficulties becoming a mother young and marrying at an early age caused her to grow up a little faster than most. She was a survivor of physical spousal abuse,divorce, and experienced being a single parent of 5 children while attending college. She found the love of her life, and added 2 more children to
her brood. All of the ups and downs in her life left plenty of material for her art form and the words are therapy, transferring life to pen, to pad.
In her 20′s she gathered with 4 girls from her church and formed a group called,
“The Promise”, singing popular Gospel tunes of the day in local talent shows
winning top places. The group soon realized that with their talent they should
be singing their own material. That is what they did and the New Year’s after
9/11 they debuted their first original song, “The Time”. It was instantly loved.
As time went on, The group continued singing originals incorporating Lady C’s
raps in some songs. 
It became apparent over the years that Lady C should do a solo project celebrating her lyrical art form She is currently working on her first solo project and continues writing poetry, as well as working on publishing her first book.
As an adult her poems and writings have been published in newspapers, church bulletins, and magazine articles. She has won several prizes and contests for her writing, as well as creating personal poems for birthdays, holidays, and weddings. She has created many song lyrics and still converts poem to song. That is one of the reasons rap is an art that she loves.
 
To her, it is poetry to music created to reach many. It is an art form she embraces with delight as she did from a child when her mother gave her that first pad and pen.
As you can see, Lady C’s story is an interesting one and should inspire anyone who is pursuing a dream.
At Towerlight Records we are striving to make her dreams come true through indepedent recordings, independent music and independent record label representation.
 
Check out Lady C on Itunes:

Music Producers Connection

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One of the most under appreciated skills in music today is still the music producer, which is amazing to me with the fame of Quincy Jones of Micheal Jackson fame, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of Janet Jackson fame and with some of the contemporary producers like Dr. Dre, Pharrell and Timbaland, it is still a career mostly behind the scenes.

But there is no question, you can have a great song, a great vocalist and great musicians, but without someone there to pull it all together, the potential of a great recording will not happen.

The music producer is not only responsible for making the artist feel comfortable with a song, they have to get the most out of the artist through the song to the listener, which is the trick.

The general public does’nt care how it happens as long as it happens. Making a song and a recording work for the masses  is hard work, tricky and you have to have a lot of luck.

Quincy Jones said of “Thiller” the number one selling album of all time, “there is no way we knew that album would do that”! That took a lot of courage to say but when you think about it, you never really know what a particular listener will like or not like.

All music producers have had the experience, if they have been around a while, of thinking the song they are pushing and feel most proud of, not going anywhere, no compliments, no energy, no sales etc., however, this one song you almost did’nt make or you think is the worst you’ve ever done, everybody loves!

Music is in the eye of the listener….Independent artist and indie labels have to remember that fact.

So in summary,the person that is responsible for the arrangement, the sound, how long the song is, when it fades, the intro, the hook and the overall success of the song..his name is in little letters and the artist name is in big letters.

I would’nt trade it for anything!

Like the Music Producers Connection on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/tykeoliver#!/pages/Music-Producers-Connection/206387119411051

How to Start and Independent Record Label

Towerlight Profile: Ken Brumfield

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If you have been following some of the latest music presented by Towerlight Records, you know how excited we are about the artist-Ken Brumfield, a brilliant keyboardist and music producer that I have known for years and at one point in our lives collaborated together in music.

Years ago when I met Ken, he had the old ENSONIQ synthesizer, at the time a state of the art workstation. The way he mastered that keyboard and how quickly he could put together a masterpiece on one board was simply mind boggling to me. At that point I knew I had to work with him and we made some incredible music together.

Recently we caught up with each other again and I can’t tell you how excited I am about the future.

Born and raised in Milwaukee WI, September 27, 1965. Ken grew up around a musical environment, and soon became interested in learning as much about music as he possibly could. Some 10 years later, after birth, Ken studied piano, were he learned how to sight read, and then moved on to his own compositions at the age of 17, applying everything he knew about music to his songs.

At 25, he had the opportunity to play along side some of the best recording artists in the country. At 29, he signed to a local record company out of California, and became established in the field of music production, where he deliberated created many compositions for various artists. At the age of 30, Ken got married, and remains for the next 16 years. While implementing various projects in the studio for different recording artists, he has released 5 different CD’s of his own, strictly given over to Christian jazz.

Now at 46, Ken is working on a 6th album entitled (TRUE CONFESSIONS), scheduled to be released in the summer of 2012.

For the last 36 years, Ken has studied and mastered his craft, and continues to expound on it through his endeavors at Full Sail University, where he is studying to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in music production.

Topping the charts, at somewhat of an alarming rate of his own, Ken never gives up on a challenge, and continues to be stead fast in his accomplishments.

Look for upcoming albums and music by this great artist and Towerlight Records will be there every step of the way.

http://www.reverbnation.com/kenbrumfield

Towerlight Profile: Karyzthma

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There is a new kid in town that you may not have heard of but will soon, gospel artist singer,rapper and songwriter: Karyzthma or (Charisma).

He is the latest discovery of talent by music producer Ronald “Tyke” Oliver creator of Towerlight Records.

This 31 year old talent got started in music with R&B, which in of itself is a little different, as most start in the church and then become R&B artist, but in this case it is reverse.

This transformation took place in 2002 when Karly Robbins, his real name, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After enduring the shock of that news and the rehabilitation it took to regain his mobility, during this period he decided to strengthen his relationship with his creator and vowed to devote his music only to the Gospel field.

Karly joined the army in 1998, decided to stay and live in Europe and Germany. He says he performed on stage in clubs and learned a lot about the music industry. He says” It is very different over there, all of the music is all together, there are no boundaries”.

He also growing up sang a lot in church with his mom, which I imagine made it much easier to return to his roots in Gospel.

Influenced heavily by such acts as John P. Kee a veteran in the gospel field, but says he also loves Anita Baker and made it a point to say Ralphael Saddiq of Tony Toni Tone fame, had a big impact on his philosophy of exploring music to the fullest.

Karly is just concentrating on songwriting, producing and vocals. The tracks that I have received are full of smooth, funky and emotional gospel music that the masses are going to love once they are fully introduced to this new talent on Towerlight Records.

Look for an upcoming album by KARYZTHMA.. a fantastic gifted musician..It will be worth the wait…

Towerlight Review: M.Brownie/Forever Thankful

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I have listened to the debut single release by the talented music producer/songwriter, Matthew Brownie called “Forever Thankful”.

If you know the history of this Stellar Award winner and co- writer of the gospel hit “Never could have made it”, music phenom and master keyboardist with perfect pitch, you are not surprised that he has hit a bulls-eye with this music production.

As soon as it comes on it is obvious that the production is superior with slick sound effects, warm synths and an interesting intro only those that know what they are doing could conceive. Then it goes into this fantastic groove, packed with a fun bouncy beat that captures your ear right away. Just as your head is bop-pin to that, he breaks it down into this melodic piano that is just well..wonderful.

I also immediately felt the spirit of God throughout the song and had the feeling of thankfulness, which is the whole point that Matt is making..

You have got to download this GEM right away. If you want inspiration mixed with thought provoking music YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT TUNE.

“Forever Thankful” is God sent..Thanks Matt.

Download this tune at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forever-thankful-single/id503899497

Look for a full interview of Matthew Brownie coming soon!

Houston’s Death: a reminder of the Pressure

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What a phenomenal voice.. there is no doubt Whitney Houston’s vocal chords were the best in the business, however, the word business is what i’m focusing on. The music industry is overrun with sharks, accountants, lawyers, promoters and just downright evil people that do not have the best interest of the artist in mind. Of course not all people fit this category in the industry, but far too many people do, especially those surrounding the types of stars of Whitney’s status.

Millions and millions of dollars come into play and we all know – the love of money is the root of all evil. This is not to suggest that the artist themselves do not bare some responsibility of the choices they make for their lives, however, most of them that get thrown into stardom are not made aware of the pressures that go with that type of fame and fortune.

This writer personally would rather make less money and have no where near the fame if it means I have to compromise first my artistic freedom and the quality of my personal life.

This is one of the reasons I believe that independent record labels and independent artist are growing in popularity. It is far less pressure and much more freedom and control over the final product. It may not be as lucrative, but what difference does it make to have millions of dollars but can’t enjoy it or worse lose your life in the process.

Whitney’s music will be here for hundreds of years to be enjoyed all over the world, it’s just tragic that she is not around to enjoy it as well.

Towerlight Profile: Chris Brownie

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Recently, a real good friend of mines family member, has just moved to my hometown and I anticipated him coming because I hadn’t seen him since he was a little kid.

He is now 27 years old and of course mature beyond his years.

I checked their churches website where he attends and is very active in the ministry, as I thought about visiting.

I see a music button to click, so I go there and see a photo of Chris and some music tracks to click.

I click a track, listen to several others, and my mouth dropped to my knees!

AMAZING music!! tight beats, melodic sounds, great hooks and smooth grooves- I became an instant fan!

The next day I spoke with Chris and he was amazed that I was amazed. My first thought was he was just being modest, but the more I spoke with him it was apparent that he had no idea how good he really was.

Enough about my feelings and shock…This talented gospel songwriter and track master started at the age of 11 years old although this almost didn’t happen as one of his brothers wanted him to explore other instruments due to his oldest brother already being accomplished on the keys.

(by the way – his oldest brother is an accomplished award winning music producer and songwriter…get to that in another article.)

It is very obvious to me that Chris is just a true lover of music in it’s purest form. He says ” I’m very eclectic musically, I love all kinds of styles and genres.

Some of his earliest influences were his older brother Matthew, Ben Tankard a popular gospel jazz artist and he made it a point to mention George Benson, specifically the- Breezin Album, which is a classic.

Chris is currently working part time with some new Alesis equipment his father ( a pastor and former music producer also) has just recently purchased, which I hope will lead to more music.

Chris has aspirations as time will permit, to work with other artist in the near future, produce more great music and launch more of it in cyberspace for potential fans to have access to it.

Tyke to Chris…I am here to make sure that happens!!

VIsit Chris on Facebook

watch?v=0NAXopy2jDY&feature=autoshare

http://www.facebook.com/tykeoliver#!/profile.php?id=764914342

Music tracks by Chris:http://www.rehobothnewlife.com/MUSIC.html