NASHVILLE, TN. (GMA Announcement) - For hundreds of independent artists and professionals, the Gospel
Music Association has provided a new reason to attend GMA
Music Week 2006 – April 1-5, 2006 in Nashville, announced John W. Styll, president of the GMA. For the first time, GMA will host Indie Impact, a weekend program to kick off GMA
Music Week with classes and events designed specifically for independent artists and those with whom they work.
Indie Impact will be on Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, and will be followed by the GMA Music Week convention, which is GMA's annual gathering of more than 3,000 artists, musicians, songwriters, executives, media and others working or involved in the gospel music industry.
'Independent artists working in gospel music in this country greatly outnumber those that have established a career with a major label. The GMA recognizes the unique and valuable role of independent artists in our community and desires to provide them with an opportunity to grow and learn from professionals and from each other. It is our desire to serve all aspects of the gospel music community, so welcome all 'indies' and encourage them to take advantage of the resources available to them during GMA Music Week,' said Styll.
The sessions at Indie Impact will focus on issues as they relate specifically to artists who are not backed by a major Christian label or distribution company. The program addresses the needs of independent artists looking to be signed as well as artists who choose the independent approach to their careers. Highlights include 'I Heard It On the Radio – The Reality of How Songs Get on the Air,' 'Conventional Retail Distribution – The Reality of Getting Your Music in Stores,' 'Getting Gigs – The Reality of Being Your Own Booking Agent;' 'Digital Marketing, Promotion & Distribution' and 'Minding Your Business – How To Establish & Grow Multiple Revenue Streams.' Additionally, there are several networking and performance opportunities as well as a unique element to the program: 'Reality Checks,' where full-time independent artists will present their stories of finding success as an indie artist.
All information on the Indie Impact program and schedule as well as complete registration information can be found at www.gospelmusic.org or by calling 615-242-0303.
The 37th Annual GMA Music Awards will serve as the culmination of GMA Music Week 2006 on Wednesday, April 5 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. This event is gospel music's biggest night, as nominated artists and industry professionals are honored with gospel music's highest honor, the Dove Award. Hosts and ticket information will be posted at https://www.gmamusicawards.com in mid-October.
Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association (https://www.gospelmusic.org) is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.
