Today’s Gospel music industry can be a complicated process to navigate for the independent artist. From songwriting to distribution to radio promotion to public relations to performance rights, there are so many aspects to the business side of Christian music and a successful artist needs to have knowledge of it all. The Excellence in Christian Music Awards, spearheaded by industry trailblazer Henry Harris, is taking the lead in training and educating the Christian independent artist, also known as CMIPs (or Christian Music Industry Participants). Providing the necessary tools for success in the genre, the Excellence in Christian Music Awards is based on a point system which mandates artists to complete workshops and seminars about the industry. Special recognition of this year’s graduates will take place at the ECMA Gala Celebration on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 6PM at the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church (610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C.).
Harris, the visionary of the ECMA says that the organization is like none other in the industry. “The ECMA is an education, motivation and recognition program which is different than anything else out there. This awards program is based upon completion of coaching and training seminars, unlike other award shows which are based on a voting component or distinguish nominees as Best New Artist and so forth,” shares Harris. The ECMA project represents a new era in the training, education, and development of Christian/Gospel music artists. The ECMA Gala will be a time to celebrate the accomplishment of the CMIPs. Host and performance information will be released soon.
Harris, President and CEO of Strategic Music Partnerships, brings over 20 years of experience in assisting the independent Christian/Gospel artist in further advancing their ministries. He is the former President of the Stellar Award Advisory Board (SAGMA) and has been an active member for a total of 8 years.
