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