This week’s American Idol was really full of drama! In fact, picking the top 24 finalists played more like a dramatic series than a vocal competition. They really know how to keep a person on the edge of their seat as they talk to the artists, letting them know whether they’re in or out. (Makes […]
Backstage at Bootcamp
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: Leave a Comment
Last weekend’s Onstage Success Bootcamp was a success! This 2-day sold out event was held at S.I.R. in Nashville, one of the area’s premiere rehearsal/showcase venues. Artists came from all over the U.S., Canada, and even South Africa. Attendees included Tré Armstrong (judge from Canada’s So You Think You Can Dance), Maddy Rodriguez (15-year-old disBAND […]
There Really is a New Music Industry!
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: 11 Comments
I just spent time in Los Angeles at the New Music Seminar. It started the night after the Grammys with the “After Grammy Jammy” party at The Roxy; then a sold-out, intensive 1-day conference at the Henry Fonda Theater. Having lived in LA, it was a trip down memory lane for me! Some background: the […]
Jason Crabb Wins Grammy Award
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: Leave a Comment
Kudos to Jason Crabb on winning this year’s Grammy for Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album! Jason’s self-titled solo album was released last June and debuted at #1 on SoundScan’s Christian/Gospel Christian Retail chart. The former lead singer for The Crabb Family, Jason was recently named one of the “Top 10 Artists To Watch in 2010” by […]
Jars of Clay Receives 8th Grammy Nomination
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: Leave a Comment
Congratulations to multi-platinum, Grammy and Dove Award winning Jars of Clay on getting their eighth career Grammy nomination! This year’s nomination was for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (“The Long Fall Back to Earth”). This is the band’s 10th album, and it debuted at No. 1 on SoundScan last April. Tom Jackson, having worked with Jars […]
American Idol: Do You Have a Story?
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: 4 Comments
As I sat down to take some notes on the latest episodes of American Idol, I realized the audition stage of the series is not so much about a vocal competition. It’s more of a drama, a bad comedy, or even at times a little like science fiction. (Some of the people auditioning must be […]
Francesca Battistelli – Grammy Nomination Feature Article
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: Leave a Comment
Francesca Battistelli, was recently featured on grammy.com as a result of her Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance (“Free To Be Me”) (see full article here). Both Tom Jackson and Amy Wolter, who have worked with Francesca on her live show, send their congratulations and best wishes as her career continues its upward climb! Tom […]
Tom Jackson at Post-Grammy New Music Seminar
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: 2 Comments
On February 2, immediately following the 2010 Grammy Awards, Tom Jackson and other major industry players will be teaching at the New Music Seminar (NMS) in Los Angeles at The Henry Fonda Theater. Leaders from across the front edges of music, technology and beyond will speak and share ideas during this one day music, networking […]
My Guarantee for Your New Year
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: 6 Comments
Happy new year, everybody! As 2010 begins, a lot of you have resolved to pursue your music and give it a good shot. You’re excited about the future. You have a vision for what your music career could be. I want to be a part of helping you fulfill that vision. I’ve been fortunate enough […]
Give Yourself Away
by Backstage: News & Shout Outs Greenroom: 1 Comment
A few months ago, I talked about Making an Emotional Connection Instead of a Pitch in response to a great article by Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby. Derek and I agree: it’s important to give your audience something of yourself to take home. This is the time of year when all but the Scroogiest of […]
Green Room Comments - Pass Required
Amy Wolter on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
Glad to hear this Vee. Yes, it’s a process and takes some...Vee Patrick on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
I have seen both you guys work at extreme conference last year...Amy Wolter on How Soon Should You Work on Your Show?
So happy you had the foresight to prepare for the 'what IF's'!...