Those called to music ministry often wonder what it takes to have a successful ministry. The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference was created to provide these artists with the much needed tools for success. Now in its 6th year, the conference is scheduled to take place at The Mount in Chesapeake, VA, from Thursday, July 9th – Saturday, July 11th. This year’s event features new classes, new facilitators and new opportunities for artists.
Co-founded by renowned independent Gospel artists and industry veterans Phillip Carter and Earl Bynum, the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference is the only one of its kind in the sacred music business. Carter says, “This year’s conference promises to be like none other. We have expanded our selection of classes. We are excited about the ministry and the class that VaShawn Mitchell will be teaching as well. The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance (IGAA) Conference is a boot camp for serious, ministry-minded artists who want to learn the business side of the Christian/Gospel music industry”.
Earl Bynum concurs and says, “The IGAA Conference is designed to assist indie artists in becoming greater in their craft and more knowledgeable about the music industry. It also helps to connect artists with movers and shakers who can help direct the course of their artistry”.
This year’s event includes a General Artist Track which includes workshops such as “I Want My Song Played On The Radio, Now What?”, “Successful Marketing and Promotion On A Limited Budget”, “Developing My Image”, “How Can Crowdfunding Work For You?” and “Taking Care Of Your Voice and Your Temple”. The Elite Artist Track, targeted to already established indie artists, features seminars such as “Let’s Make A Deal: Creating Partnerships”, “Changes In Policy and Industry That Could Affect Your Career”, “Legal, Accounting and Tax: Staying Out of Trouble” and “The Awards: Stellar, GRAMMY, NAACP Image and Dove”. In addition to the numerous classes, on Wednesday night there will be an opening reception and on Saturday, the Alliance will be debuting the IGAA New Music Seminar, a presentation of new music to conference attendees, choir directors and musicians.
Top industry names will be featured as conference facilitators including VaShawn Mitchell, Garrett Johnson, Esq., Henry Harris, Neechy, Thomas Rollins, Malcolm Williams, Nate Sakany, Tami Rowbotham, April Washington-Chandler, Tracy Morgan, Brodric Purvis, Simone Henry, Nelson Jacobsen and conference organizers Phillip Carter and Earl Bynum.
In addition to the list of illustrious industry teachers, attendees can win a prize package of indie artists’ necessities: 30 hours of studio time, 2 national distribution contracts, one month of free radio promotion, a nationally-syndicated radio interview and much more. In order to be considered for these gifts, attendees must sign up for one of the nightly showcases – the Rising Star Showcase on Thursday night, the Gospel Blue M.I.C. Achievement Awards on Friday night or the Tidewater Showcase on Saturday night. Those who sign up will automatically be eligible to receive one of these valuable prizes. IGAA is also giving away a free trip to the 2016 Stellar Awards which will be given away during the Gospel Blue M.I.C. Achievement Awards. For more information on the showcases or classes or to register, log on to www.indiegospelalliance.com.
