Pictured Left to right front row first: Front: Juan Baxter, Kala Moses Baxter, Tracy Morgan, Simone Henry, Phillip Carter – co founder, Minster Earl Bynum – co founder. Back: DJ Ronnie Ron, Kevin James, Doc Christian, Brodric Purvis, Pastor Lee Michael and Henry Harris
Chesapeake, VA — The 5th Annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference recently took place in Chesapeake, VA. Hosting the Independent Gospel gathering again this year was The Mount Church (The Mount) where Minister Earl Bynum serves as the Executive Minister of Music and Bishop Kim Walter (KW) Brown, is the Senior Pastor. It is also the home of the 2014 Stellar Award Winning “Contemporary Choir of the Year” Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir and those who gather weekly for Sunday morning and weekly services.
However their reach goes far beyond their walls thanks to their strong leadership and non-stop strive to change lives. This is also just one of many ways you could view the success of the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference that has now called The Mount home for five years.
It started as a vision by Phillip Carter who connected with Earl Bynum to assist in bringing together a few champions in the music industry to facilitate in the development and stirring of Indie artists in Gospel music. Who would have thought five years later, calls would be coming in from other major players in the industry of music to be guest panelists and session instructors. Carter and Bynum both say they are thankful at the growth of the conference that brought in over 100 registered Indie Artist alone from as far away as Arizona.
Gospel recording artist Monica Lisa Stevenson says “I have attended IGAA every year & every year I am amazed at the professionalism that is represented. I appreciate that they care enough to bring qualified panelist to address the Independent artist. I highly recommend this conference. Put it in your budget for next year to there.”
Some of the 2014 Conference speakers included Pastor Jerome Bell, Pastor Lee Michaels, Pastor Kevin Riley, Garrett M. Johnson, Tracy Morgan, Doc Christian, Broderic Purvis, Thomas Rollins, Andrea R. Williams, Henry Harris, Kala Baxter, Tami Rowbotham, Simone Henry, Juan Baxter, Javon Inman, Kevin James, Kendall King, Rob Mercer, Ike Owens, Rebert E. Person, Nate Sakany and others.
Bishop Kim Walter Brown (Pastor of The Mount) came through and gave encouragement to the conference attendees and industry professionals.
Bishop Brown stated that it’s because of the benevolence of The Mount partners, that The Mount Church is able to host such a conference each year.
A few of the classes that were offered included; Music Distribution, Independent Label Operation, Licensing & Royalties, Structuring Contracts, Marketing, Artist Branding, The REALity of Radio, Touring Across the U.S. and Abroad, Vocal Master Class, Radio/Marketing/Promotion for Holy Hip Hop Artists, Industry Facts & Myths, Artwork Fundamentals, Artist Development, Accounting and Tax Tips for the Independent Artist, Worship in a Dry Land, Publicity, and more.
Artists were able to display their musical gifts through nightly showcases as well as attend the prestigious Blue Mic Achievement Awards sponsored in part by BrothaOnline.com Plans are already underway for IGAA 2015, so mark your calendars now for July 9th, 10th and 11th. For more information about IGAA, visit http://www.indiegospelalliance.com
WHAT IS IGAA: Formed in 2009 by Award-winning Independent Gospel Artist Phillip Carter, the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance (IGAA) strengthens, motivates, and empowers the independent label owners and independent artists who believe in the power and participation of networking and trade. The IGAA is a leading source of education and mentorship for Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational artists. The Inaugural IGAA Conference took place in July 2010. Co-presented by Phillip Carter and Minister Earl Bynum, the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference educates Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational artists on the business of music, exposing them to the REALITY of what it takes to be independent in today’s industry. The Conference adjusts to the ever-changing needs of the Independent Artist. The 6th Annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference will take place July 9th, 10th, and 11th 2015 at The Mount in Chesapeake, VA.
5th Annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Proves Successful was originally published on praiserichmond.com
