Wednesday, June 4, 2008
I am
sorry for the delay, but things have been so busy lately. Since I am a
teacher, May is always a busy time for me because I have to clean up my
classroom, finish up the end-of-the-year paperwork, and complete the
report cards. Only by God’s grace, have I finished the 2007-2008 school
year; and, I am now on summer vacation. YEY !!!
I would
like to personally thank all of you who are helping to spread the word about
my ministry. As an independent artist, I can’t tell you how important
it is to have support from friends, family, fellow Christians, and the community.
Independent artists don’t have the deep pockets that the major record
labels have, and often are not supported by radio stations. Because of
the potential revenue gained in advertising, many of the radio stations
are now spending more of their air time playing nationally known artists
and nationally ranked songs. As a result, this has turned into a public
relations nightmare for independent artists around the globe. Receiving
airplay and getting your name out, as an Indie artist, has become increasingly difficult.
Since releasing my CD, I have learned many valuable lessons; and, I have
learned to appreciate things that I didn’t necessarily appreciate
before. First and foremost, I now support other Indie artists. Now
that I see how difficult it is for independent artists to promote and
continue their work, I have an appreciation for their efforts. Prior to
releasing the CD, I wasn't familiar with even the term "Indie artist". Websites like
http://cdbaby.com and
http://www.IndieRhythm.com are set up
exclusively to promote the music of Indie artists.
Next, I
appreciate radio stations that still have a heart for local talent and
independent artists. I do realize that many of the smaller radio
stations have now been bought out. Therefore, the focus tends to be
more on a national level. Despite the setbacks elsewhere, WTWG (1050
AM), here in Columbus, MS, has gone out of its way to promote my song by
including it on a pretty regular rotation. People are saying that they
have heard my song played while driving to work, getting their hair
done, and even on the job. Now that I understand the risk involved in
dedicating air time to local artists, I have grown to greatly appreciate
this station and all of their dedication to the community.
WMUW is
the radio station for Mississippi University for Women. Even though it
caters primarily to a college environment and my song is in the
Christian genre, they played it on the air. Being a “W” alum, I have
come to appreciate our radio station all the more. Commitments like
this do not go unnoticed and I greatly appreciate them for their
efforts.
As you
can tell, things have been quite busy; but, it has still been fun.
Besides working on radio airplay, I have also been in the process of
lining up concerts and speaking engagements. You can always check
my calendar right here on my website to remain current on my
whereabouts. On July 11, I am scheduled to share my ministry with New Zion M.B. Church in Steens, Mississippi. I will be at Shiloh S.D.A.
Church in Greenwood, Mississippi on December 6 to deliver the Women’s
Day message; and, I will be in concert that evening.
Last,
but certainly not least, please be mindful to not let people “dub” my
CD. I know that there are people who are going to do it anyway; but,
please remember that my ministry is financially supported primarily
through CD sales. If you are a supporter of what I am doing and
appreciate my ministry of music, please purchase the CD and encourage
others to do so. It takes people like you to help Indie artists become
known. As I mentioned before, I don’t have the record label or the support of most radio
stations. So, if you’ve been blessed by the ministry, please share it
with those in your community. Thank you so much for your interest in
and support of my music ministry.
May God
Bless You,
Shondolyn Young Richardson
Psalm
37:5
(NIV)
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it
to pass.
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