Follow Jesus's example at all times . Follow Jesus' (the Son of God) greatest commandment: Love God completely and everybody even if they treat you wrongly whether you know them or not. Jesus said "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Jesus says in John 13:15, "I have given you an example, that as I have done, so should you do." In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Ephesians 5:1 says, "Be imitators of God as dear children." Also many Believers are "empty, swept and garnished" (Matthew 12:44) by lukewarm Christian Doctrines. If you just go to church, you will be a weak Christian and trials will make havoc of your life. But if you go to church and read the Word every night, you will be a strong Christian. Most Christians do not read the Bible every day, so if all you do is go to Church you will be a weak Christian. A few Christian building passages are Proverbs 8:17-21. Psalms 1:1-3. John 14:21-27. James 1:2-8. I Thess 5:16-18. II Timothy 1:6-7, Hebrews 8:6,10. Ephesians 6:10-18. Proverbs 4:20-23.
http://www.wikihow.com/Live-a-Good-Christian-Life
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“Let Me calm the storms of life this day, says the Lord. For though there are things that would add excess pressure, know that there is a place in My throne room where tensions melt away and you shall feel relaxed and stress-free.
Prophetic Scripture:
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still (Psalms 107:29).
Sometimes life is a roller coaster of things to either complete or solve. Without realizing it, we can live under excess stress as we try to manage everything. The devil wants God’s people to unknowingly get caught up in the stress cycle. In John 16:33, Jesus said there will be tribulation. However, God’s people can have peace in the midst of it because Jesus is more powerful than this world. In other words, even in a stressful environment we can experience a supernatural calm from the Lord. It requires us to turn off our busy agenda sometimes and discipline ourselves to focus our minds only on the Lord. Without that, we will never experience reprieve from all the things that put pressure on us. The world practices all sorts of relaxation techniques, some good and others not so good. Yet their missing element is the supernatural element of the Holy Spirit that only comes from times of focusing only upon Him. So make sure today and every day that you are taking time
with the Lord that isn’t all about asking for help or trying to figure everything out. Have times where you do nothing but sit back, take a deep breath, and reflect on how wonderful He is. God will surely meet you there, and all your tension will be forced to melt away!
Prayer:
Father, I place my thoughts on You today. I choose to set aside all my needs, circumstances, and the questions that add emotional stress to my mind. I thank You that You are calming every storm today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Taken from The Daily Prophecy devotional book published by Destiny Image. For a complete collection of Brenda Kunneman's daily prophecies, click here to order The Daily Prophecy.
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A Guest Post by Linda Septien of Septien Entertainment
Vocal StrainWhat does Adele, John Mayor, Keith Urban, and Stephen Tyler all have in common! All their careers came to HALT from serious vocal problems. Singing is a sport and the demands we put on our voices can be similar to a serious marathon runner and the stresses caused from daily grind of muscles. Adele who sold more than 10 million copies of “21” cancelled 17 US dates in the middle of tour to have laser surgery because of two hemorrhages on her vocal cords.
In my practice, this is usually caused by pressing the cords night after night until they explode! The cords become SO fatigued from either pushing the voice or illness or doing both at the same time that the tiny blood vessels are at risk of breakage.
Steven Tyler ScreamingStephen Tyler had the same reported problem. After Keith Urban discovered a vocal polyp on his cords, he cancelled his 2011-12 “Get Closer” tour and has been asked to remain quite for 3 months. Three months? Wow…when was the last time anyone could do that? ……much less a singer who makes money with the instrument inside our bodies. John Mayor condition pre surgery was diagnosed as granuloma…trauma to the vocal fold due to incorrect singing over and over and over…He has now quit singing until later this year.
In my recent tour with Demi Lovato, I was amazed at how much she had to sing night after night. ………. songs, that required vocal dexterity with extensive range and loudness. My comment to her was that there was no way that any singer can sing night after night after night without resting every two days to regenerate vocal health. But since singers do NOT make money on recordings any more, one of their only revenue streams are tour support. Concerts are scheduled back-to-back to minimize costs but the golden goose is killed.
As I have told my students many times…rock and pop singers have LESS problems than our fellow opera singers…they are shocked by this! As an opera singer, you are singing with a 400 piece orchestra behind you with NO microphone and after 3 hours of singing…well…the cords begin swelling, and then begin fighting the singer and then start beefing up for the next marathon. This can be good and bad…There are singers who can sing night after night and if they remain in good health they seem to have minimal problems with their cords. There are others in good health but two nights in a row and they are gone…gone …gone….You have to follow your body…some of it is just genetic and you are not going to change that. “I was finding myself working harder and harder to do what was once effortless, and having passed through puberty, I was surprised to hear my voice cracking.” Paul Stanley of KISS
Like ALL medical issues, prevention is KEY….and less expensive than surgery.
Ten Top Causes of Vocal Cord Problems
1. Repeated singing with no rests
2. Improper Nutrition
3. Smoking
4. Drug Use
5. Speaking over Noisy Environments
6. Improper voice training
7. Not enough lubrication before, during and after performance (the key is after!!!)
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“Know that the presence of miracles rests over you. Don’t look to the left or the right and wonder if it will ever come to pass, for the Spirit says it’s time to look beyond logical circumstances and be fully persuaded for a miracle!”
Prophetic Scripture:
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:21).
Abraham had within him the ability to believe in the miraculous without analyzing it. When God introduced Himself to Abraham in Genesis 12, He told him to move without even telling him exactly where to go, and Abraham packed his things without question. When God told him he would have a child, he believed what God said even
when he and his wife were past childbearing. Then when Abraham finally gave birth to Isaac, his son, God told him to sacrifice Isaac upon an altar. Abraham didn’t question; he immediately took steps to obey until God interrupted him. He did so because God already promised that Isaac would be the seed to produce many sons (see Gen. 21:12; Heb. 11:13). Abraham so believed God’s words that he expected God to even raise Isaac from the dead if necessary (see Heb. 11:19)! Abraham had no proof other than a verbal promise. He remained fully persuaded even though it took 25 years from the time God first mentioned it until Isaac was born (see Gen. 12:2-4; 21:5).
As you look for the miraculous things of God to occur, begin by believing God based on His verbal promises from Scripture. Keep rehearsing those promises in your heart. As you practice this just the way Abraham did, surely you will become fully persuaded for a miracle!
Prayer:
Father, I thank You that Your promises are reliable. I receive a miracle regarding _______________. I declare that I shall not be persuaded by circumstances but on Your biblical promises alone. I am fully persuaded for a miracle today! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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https://musicclout.com
Getting noticed as an unsigned independent artist is tough no matter what situation their in. Getting noticed by a people who matter is damn near impossible for most up and coming musicians, so this article will give you a few tips on how you can stand-out amongst the sea of other unsigned independent musicians in today’s music industry.
Having a Great Product
Hands-down the number one way to stand-out from other artists is to have a superior product. Making sure your demo/EP is the absolutely best it can be with both the writing and also the production should be at the top of any musicians list as with every release they put out.
Building a Solid Fan-Base
One of the first things A&R reps want to learn once they’re turned on to your music, is who else is turned on to it. A&R reps know that without the support of a large loyal fan-base, independent acts have a hard time making any real head-way with having an actual music career. So for independent acts, building and maintaining a large loyal fan-base should be a top priority in their overall strategy for getting noticed by A&R label reps
Get In Their Face
With well over five million independent musicians trying to make it in today’s industry, trying to organically stand-out is nearly impossible and sitting around waiting for A&R rep to knock on your door is most likely never going to happen. One thing technology did besides change the sales landscape for music sales forever, is to knock down the barriers previously in place before the rise of social media. Now, with just a few clicks of your mouse and a few creative words you can speak directly to the head of A&R at any record label regardless of the size. Independent artists should always put themselves in the face of any record label A&R that they have interests in signing with for all their releases or any other major event happening with their career.
Sounds simple, but it’s actually a lot of work and therefore a barrier that most independent musicians will never break through. So if you’re independent musicians and have a great work ethic and consistently follow these three simple steps, you’re very likely to get the attention of any record label A&R rep.
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By Dr. Charles Stanley
Ephesians 1:5-6
In Christ, believers possess everything they will ever need to live a godly, meaningful, fulfilling life. Your possessions include:
The acceptance of God: While so many people, including believers, wrestle with the world to "measure up," God’s Word says that He has accepted us in the Beloved. What peace it brings to know that God approves of us—not through anything we’ve done or can do, but through the righteousness of Christ applied to us when we accepted Him as our Savior.
He knew everything there was to know about you before you—including all your sins and faults—yet He still saved you. This is not a license to sin; to the contrary, it is liberation to live an obedient life before God.
Eternal life: This is qualitative, not just quantitative. Eternal life means not only that you will live forever but also that you have the Spirit of God living inside of you. John 17:3 affirms, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Can you think of a more precious gift than for God to dwell within your heart?
Access to God: Every other world religion commands a performance by the believer and offers no opportunity for a personal relationship with its deity. That’s because their deities do not really exist. But Jesus Christ lives, and we have access to God the Father through our great High Priest, to and through whom we communicate. It is because He lives that we can face tomorrow and can live truly godly, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
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For the full satisfaction which Christ made to the justice of God for the sin of man by the blood of his cross, for the purchases, victories, and triumphs of the cross, and for all the precious benefits which flow to us from the dying of the Lord Jesus.
Herein indeed God shows his love to us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8(ESV) that we might be reconciled to him by the death of his Son. Romans 5:10(ESV) In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 4:10(ESV) and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world; 1 John 2:2(ESV) that he tasted death for everyone, Hebrews 2:9(ESV) that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14(ESV)
We bless you that by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified; Hebrews 10:14(ESV) that he has finished transgression, put an end to sin, atoned for iniquity, and has brought in an everlasting righteousness. Daniel 9:24(ESV)
That he has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Galatians 3:13(ESV)
That God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do, by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, who by a sacrifice for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3(ESV)
That he was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; that upon him was the chastisement of our peace, and with his stripes we are healed; and that the LORD having laid upon him the iniquity of us all, Isaiah 53:5-6(ESV) it was his will to crush him and put him to grief.
http://www.matthewhenry.org/
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The great importance of the ark of of God is very clear.The ark was a symbol that God was present among His people, that His covenant blessing was resting upon them. It was the most sacred and glorious Instrument of the sanctuary; yea, the whole sanctuary was built for no other end, but to be as it were a house, an habitation for the ark (see Exodus 26:33). Hence sanctification proceeded unto all the parts of it; for, as Solomon observed, the places were holy whereunto the ark of God came. 2 Chronicles 8:11" (A. Saphir). We shall consider the ark in seven connections.
1. Its Significance.
The ark typified the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is so obvious that it is hardly necessary to pause and furnish proof. The other two arks that of Noah, in which he and his family found shelter from the flood; and that in which the infant Moses was preserved, plainly foreshadowed Christ Himself. The fact that the ark of the covenant was composed of two materials and of two only—the wood and the gold—clearly point to the two natures of our Lord: the human and the Divine. The fact that the two tables of stone were preserved in the ark, and the words of the Savior, "Thy law is within My heart" (Ps. 40:8) supply us with a sure key. The fact that the mercy-seat (where God received the representative of His sinful but blood-cleansed people) rested upon the ark furnishes additional confirmation.
It is the typical significance of the ark which explains its pre-eminence over the other sacred vessels. Each of them pointed to same aspect of Christ’s work. or its effects, but the ark spoke of His person: they of what He has done, this of what HE is. It is the blessed person of Christ which gave value to His work. Today, in evangelical circles, the emphasis is placed on what the Savior has done for us, rather than on what He is in Himself. Scripture ever reverses this order. Note how in the typical ritual on the annual day of atonement, the high priest first entered the holy of holies with his hands full of sweet incense (Lev. 16:12), before he took in and sprinkled the blood (v. 14)—God would first be reminded of the fragrant perfections of Christ’s person, ere that which spoke of His redemptive work was placed before Him! Mark the order in the announcement of the Lord’s forerunner "Behold the Lamb of God" (first His person) which taketh away (second His work) the sin of the world," (John 1:29). So with the apostle Paul, "I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ (His person) and Him crucified"—His work" (1 Cor. 2:2). So again, in the apocalyptic visions: ‘I beheld . . . and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb (His person) as it had been slain"—His work (Rev. 5:6). Thus it was in this order of the Tabernacle furniture: first the ark which tells of Christ’s person, then the mercy-seat, etc., which point to His work.
The Ark of God is victory, it is peace, it is great joy, it is confidence, it is prosperity, it is everything good, also the Ark of God could bring sadness, condemnation, illness just the opposite of goodness. Since the Lord is working with us through the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, we should be very careful not to displease the Lord by our way or living or by the things we do. For our God is Consuming fire.
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I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God
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Role Of An Agent
If you want to succeed as a live act in the music industry, you will likely need an agent. Agents strive to find great gigs for their clients at good venues and earn a nice commission in the process. Although they are also often involved in commercials, television events, tour sponsorship and other areas, music agents don’t generally have quite the same status or influence as those in the film business. This article contains some useful information on selecting the right agent for you.
Fees
Agents should not receive income from any aspect of recording or songwriting (with the possible exception of film music) and they should NEVER ask for this.
In the US, music agents are regulated by the union AFM (American Federation of Musicians), which allow them to charge a maximum of 10% (it can be more in some instances, but agents should agree to this 10% limit).
Some agents will take a lower percentage at around 5% for artists who generate substantial revenues at concerts. This rarely happens for film and TV unless you are a big player in these areas. They may also offer a sliding scale where they drop their percentage as you earn more, which can work out really well for both parties.
It is very important you check what is right for your situation.
Negotiating A Contract
The agency will probably ask for 3 or more years, but you should only grant them one year. This way, you can ditch them if things don’t work out, or try to negotiate bringing their commission down if you start to really progress as an artist.
If you do decide to go for more than a year, make sure you have a clause in the contract so you can exit each year if they or you don’t meet certain targets.
Choosing An Agent
If you have a manager, you’ll only deal with your agent occasionally, meeting them at your gigs or to discuss setting up a tour. Most of the time, they will talk to your manager. You should feel confident in allowing your manager to find an agent for you, although you should make the final decision.
If you don’t have a manager, you should be very particular about choosing an agent as they will report directly to you. When you pick an agent, ask yourself, how hard will they work on finding great shows and concerts for you?
Are they powerful and well connected, with one or more major clients and happen to be extremely enthusiastic about you and your music?
If you’re a megastar, this should not be a problem, but if not, then it is very unlikely they will have a keen interest in working hard to find those lucrative gigs for you or your band.
Remember it takes more work to establish a new artist compared to one already at or near the top and which one do you think pays more?
Although you can find a reputable agent like this, it is rare and you may find it better to find a young and enthusiastic agent who will work day and night on getting shows and concerts for you. Check their credentials and find out if they come recommended from a trusted source.
Would you like some great tips on how to write a song and compose music in any style? Download a FREE 10-page guide on "5 Essential Elements On How To Improve Your Music Making In Any Style" at http://make-music.net
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Juochi / Blog
How to Live a Good Christian Life
Follow Jesus's example at all times . Follow Jesus' (the Son of God) greatest commandment: Love God completely and everybody even if they treat you wrongly whether you know them or not. Jesus said "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Jesus says in John 13:15, "I have given you an example, that as I have done, so should you do." In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Ephesians 5:1 says, "Be imitators of God as dear children." Also many Believers are "empty, swept and garnished" (Matthew 12:44) by lukewarm Christian Doctrines. If you just go to church, you will be a weak Christian and trials will make havoc of your life. But if you go to church and read the Word every night, you will be a strong Christian. Most Christians do not read the Bible every day, so if all you do is go to Church you will be a weak Christian. A few Christian building passages are Proverbs 8:17-21. Psalms 1:1-3. John 14:21-27. James 1:2-8. I Thess 5:16-18. II Timothy 1:6-7, Hebrews 8:6,10. Ephesians 6:10-18. Proverbs 4:20-23. http://www.wikihow.com/Live-a-Good-Christian-Life
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Relaxed and Stress Free: By Brenda Kunneman
“Let Me calm the storms of life this day, says the Lord. For though there are things that would add excess pressure, know that there is a place in My throne room where tensions melt away and you shall feel relaxed and stress-free. Prophetic Scripture: He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still (Psalms 107:29). Sometimes life is a roller coaster of things to either complete or solve. Without realizing it, we can live under excess stress as we try to manage everything. The devil wants God’s people to unknowingly get caught up in the stress cycle. In John 16:33, Jesus said there will be tribulation. However, God’s people can have peace in the midst of it because Jesus is more powerful than this world. In other words, even in a stressful environment we can experience a supernatural calm from the Lord. It requires us to turn off our busy agenda sometimes and discipline ourselves to focus our minds only on the Lord. Without that, we will never experience reprieve from all the things that put pressure on us. The world practices all sorts of relaxation techniques, some good and others not so good. Yet their missing element is the supernatural element of the Holy Spirit that only comes from times of focusing only upon Him. So make sure today and every day that you are taking time with the Lord that isn’t all about asking for help or trying to figure everything out. Have times where you do nothing but sit back, take a deep breath, and reflect on how wonderful He is. God will surely meet you there, and all your tension will be forced to melt away! Prayer: Father, I place my thoughts on You today. I choose to set aside all my needs, circumstances, and the questions that add emotional stress to my mind. I thank You that You are calming every storm today. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Taken from The Daily Prophecy devotional book published by Destiny Image. For a complete collection of Brenda Kunneman's daily prophecies, click here to order The Daily Prophecy.
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How to Prevent Vocal Cord Damage
A Guest Post by Linda Septien of Septien Entertainment Vocal StrainWhat does Adele, John Mayor, Keith Urban, and Stephen Tyler all have in common! All their careers came to HALT from serious vocal problems. Singing is a sport and the demands we put on our voices can be similar to a serious marathon runner and the stresses caused from daily grind of muscles. Adele who sold more than 10 million copies of “21” cancelled 17 US dates in the middle of tour to have laser surgery because of two hemorrhages on her vocal cords. In my practice, this is usually caused by pressing the cords night after night until they explode! The cords become SO fatigued from either pushing the voice or illness or doing both at the same time that the tiny blood vessels are at risk of breakage. Steven Tyler ScreamingStephen Tyler had the same reported problem. After Keith Urban discovered a vocal polyp on his cords, he cancelled his 2011-12 “Get Closer” tour and has been asked to remain quite for 3 months. Three months? Wow…when was the last time anyone could do that? ……much less a singer who makes money with the instrument inside our bodies. John Mayor condition pre surgery was diagnosed as granuloma…trauma to the vocal fold due to incorrect singing over and over and over…He has now quit singing until later this year. In my recent tour with Demi Lovato, I was amazed at how much she had to sing night after night. ………. songs, that required vocal dexterity with extensive range and loudness. My comment to her was that there was no way that any singer can sing night after night after night without resting every two days to regenerate vocal health. But since singers do NOT make money on recordings any more, one of their only revenue streams are tour support. Concerts are scheduled back-to-back to minimize costs but the golden goose is killed. As I have told my students many times…rock and pop singers have LESS problems than our fellow opera singers…they are shocked by this! As an opera singer, you are singing with a 400 piece orchestra behind you with NO microphone and after 3 hours of singing…well…the cords begin swelling, and then begin fighting the singer and then start beefing up for the next marathon. This can be good and bad…There are singers who can sing night after night and if they remain in good health they seem to have minimal problems with their cords. There are others in good health but two nights in a row and they are gone…gone …gone….You have to follow your body…some of it is just genetic and you are not going to change that. “I was finding myself working harder and harder to do what was once effortless, and having passed through puberty, I was surprised to hear my voice cracking.” Paul Stanley of KISS Like ALL medical issues, prevention is KEY….and less expensive than surgery. Ten Top Causes of Vocal Cord Problems 1. Repeated singing with no rests 2. Improper Nutrition 3. Smoking 4. Drug Use 5. Speaking over Noisy Environments 6. Improper voice training 7. Not enough lubrication before, during and after performance (the key is after!!!)
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Fully Persuaded for a Miracle-By Brenda Kunneman
“Know that the presence of miracles rests over you. Don’t look to the left or the right and wonder if it will ever come to pass, for the Spirit says it’s time to look beyond logical circumstances and be fully persuaded for a miracle!” Prophetic Scripture: And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:21). Abraham had within him the ability to believe in the miraculous without analyzing it. When God introduced Himself to Abraham in Genesis 12, He told him to move without even telling him exactly where to go, and Abraham packed his things without question. When God told him he would have a child, he believed what God said even when he and his wife were past childbearing. Then when Abraham finally gave birth to Isaac, his son, God told him to sacrifice Isaac upon an altar. Abraham didn’t question; he immediately took steps to obey until God interrupted him. He did so because God already promised that Isaac would be the seed to produce many sons (see Gen. 21:12; Heb. 11:13). Abraham so believed God’s words that he expected God to even raise Isaac from the dead if necessary (see Heb. 11:19)! Abraham had no proof other than a verbal promise. He remained fully persuaded even though it took 25 years from the time God first mentioned it until Isaac was born (see Gen. 12:2-4; 21:5). As you look for the miraculous things of God to occur, begin by believing God based on His verbal promises from Scripture. Keep rehearsing those promises in your heart. As you practice this just the way Abraham did, surely you will become fully persuaded for a miracle! Prayer: Father, I thank You that Your promises are reliable. I receive a miracle regarding _______________. I declare that I shall not be persuaded by circumstances but on Your biblical promises alone. I am fully persuaded for a miracle today! In Jesus’ Name, amen. -
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3 Simple Tips for Getting Noticed In Today's Music Industry
https://musicclout.com Getting noticed as an unsigned independent artist is tough no matter what situation their in. Getting noticed by a people who matter is damn near impossible for most up and coming musicians, so this article will give you a few tips on how you can stand-out amongst the sea of other unsigned independent musicians in today’s music industry. Having a Great Product Hands-down the number one way to stand-out from other artists is to have a superior product. Making sure your demo/EP is the absolutely best it can be with both the writing and also the production should be at the top of any musicians list as with every release they put out. Building a Solid Fan-Base One of the first things A&R reps want to learn once they’re turned on to your music, is who else is turned on to it. A&R reps know that without the support of a large loyal fan-base, independent acts have a hard time making any real head-way with having an actual music career. So for independent acts, building and maintaining a large loyal fan-base should be a top priority in their overall strategy for getting noticed by A&R label reps Get In Their Face With well over five million independent musicians trying to make it in today’s industry, trying to organically stand-out is nearly impossible and sitting around waiting for A&R rep to knock on your door is most likely never going to happen. One thing technology did besides change the sales landscape for music sales forever, is to knock down the barriers previously in place before the rise of social media. Now, with just a few clicks of your mouse and a few creative words you can speak directly to the head of A&R at any record label regardless of the size. Independent artists should always put themselves in the face of any record label A&R that they have interests in signing with for all their releases or any other major event happening with their career. Sounds simple, but it’s actually a lot of work and therefore a barrier that most independent musicians will never break through. So if you’re independent musicians and have a great work ethic and consistently follow these three simple steps, you’re very likely to get the attention of any record label A&R rep.
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What we need to live godly, meaningful, fulfilling lives
By Dr. Charles Stanley Ephesians 1:5-6 In Christ, believers possess everything they will ever need to live a godly, meaningful, fulfilling life. Your possessions include: The acceptance of God: While so many people, including believers, wrestle with the world to "measure up," God’s Word says that He has accepted us in the Beloved. What peace it brings to know that God approves of us—not through anything we’ve done or can do, but through the righteousness of Christ applied to us when we accepted Him as our Savior. He knew everything there was to know about you before you—including all your sins and faults—yet He still saved you. This is not a license to sin; to the contrary, it is liberation to live an obedient life before God. Eternal life: This is qualitative, not just quantitative. Eternal life means not only that you will live forever but also that you have the Spirit of God living inside of you. John 17:3 affirms, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Can you think of a more precious gift than for God to dwell within your heart? Access to God: Every other world religion commands a performance by the believer and offers no opportunity for a personal relationship with its deity. That’s because their deities do not really exist. But Jesus Christ lives, and we have access to God the Father through our great High Priest, to and through whom we communicate. It is because He lives that we can face tomorrow and can live truly godly, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
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Thank God for the Cross of Christ and All Its Benefits
For the full satisfaction which Christ made to the justice of God for the sin of man by the blood of his cross, for the purchases, victories, and triumphs of the cross, and for all the precious benefits which flow to us from the dying of the Lord Jesus. Herein indeed God shows his love to us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8(ESV) that we might be reconciled to him by the death of his Son. Romans 5:10(ESV) In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 4:10(ESV) and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world; 1 John 2:2(ESV) that he tasted death for everyone, Hebrews 2:9(ESV) that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14(ESV) We bless you that by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified; Hebrews 10:14(ESV) that he has finished transgression, put an end to sin, atoned for iniquity, and has brought in an everlasting righteousness. Daniel 9:24(ESV) That he has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Galatians 3:13(ESV) That God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do, by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, who by a sacrifice for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3(ESV) That he was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; that upon him was the chastisement of our peace, and with his stripes we are healed; and that the LORD having laid upon him the iniquity of us all, Isaiah 53:5-6(ESV) it was his will to crush him and put him to grief. http://www.matthewhenry.org/
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The Ark Of God And It's Effect In Your Life
The great importance of the ark of of God is very clear.The ark was a symbol that God was present among His people, that His covenant blessing was resting upon them. It was the most sacred and glorious Instrument of the sanctuary; yea, the whole sanctuary was built for no other end, but to be as it were a house, an habitation for the ark (see Exodus 26:33). Hence sanctification proceeded unto all the parts of it; for, as Solomon observed, the places were holy whereunto the ark of God came. 2 Chronicles 8:11" (A. Saphir). We shall consider the ark in seven connections. 1. Its Significance. The ark typified the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is so obvious that it is hardly necessary to pause and furnish proof. The other two arks that of Noah, in which he and his family found shelter from the flood; and that in which the infant Moses was preserved, plainly foreshadowed Christ Himself. The fact that the ark of the covenant was composed of two materials and of two only—the wood and the gold—clearly point to the two natures of our Lord: the human and the Divine. The fact that the two tables of stone were preserved in the ark, and the words of the Savior, "Thy law is within My heart" (Ps. 40:8) supply us with a sure key. The fact that the mercy-seat (where God received the representative of His sinful but blood-cleansed people) rested upon the ark furnishes additional confirmation. It is the typical significance of the ark which explains its pre-eminence over the other sacred vessels. Each of them pointed to same aspect of Christ’s work. or its effects, but the ark spoke of His person: they of what He has done, this of what HE is. It is the blessed person of Christ which gave value to His work. Today, in evangelical circles, the emphasis is placed on what the Savior has done for us, rather than on what He is in Himself. Scripture ever reverses this order. Note how in the typical ritual on the annual day of atonement, the high priest first entered the holy of holies with his hands full of sweet incense (Lev. 16:12), before he took in and sprinkled the blood (v. 14)—God would first be reminded of the fragrant perfections of Christ’s person, ere that which spoke of His redemptive work was placed before Him! Mark the order in the announcement of the Lord’s forerunner "Behold the Lamb of God" (first His person) which taketh away (second His work) the sin of the world," (John 1:29). So with the apostle Paul, "I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ (His person) and Him crucified"—His work" (1 Cor. 2:2). So again, in the apocalyptic visions: ‘I beheld . . . and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb (His person) as it had been slain"—His work (Rev. 5:6). Thus it was in this order of the Tabernacle furniture: first the ark which tells of Christ’s person, then the mercy-seat, etc., which point to His work. The Ark of God is victory, it is peace, it is great joy, it is confidence, it is prosperity, it is everything good, also the Ark of God could bring sadness, condemnation, illness just the opposite of goodness. Since the Lord is working with us through the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, we should be very careful not to displease the Lord by our way or living or by the things we do. For our God is Consuming fire.
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Live A transformed Life: Romans 12-1-2
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God
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How To Avoid Serious Mistakes When Choosing An Music Agent
Role Of An Agent If you want to succeed as a live act in the music industry, you will likely need an agent. Agents strive to find great gigs for their clients at good venues and earn a nice commission in the process. Although they are also often involved in commercials, television events, tour sponsorship and other areas, music agents don’t generally have quite the same status or influence as those in the film business. This article contains some useful information on selecting the right agent for you. Fees Agents should not receive income from any aspect of recording or songwriting (with the possible exception of film music) and they should NEVER ask for this. In the US, music agents are regulated by the union AFM (American Federation of Musicians), which allow them to charge a maximum of 10% (it can be more in some instances, but agents should agree to this 10% limit). Some agents will take a lower percentage at around 5% for artists who generate substantial revenues at concerts. This rarely happens for film and TV unless you are a big player in these areas. They may also offer a sliding scale where they drop their percentage as you earn more, which can work out really well for both parties. It is very important you check what is right for your situation. Negotiating A Contract The agency will probably ask for 3 or more years, but you should only grant them one year. This way, you can ditch them if things don’t work out, or try to negotiate bringing their commission down if you start to really progress as an artist. If you do decide to go for more than a year, make sure you have a clause in the contract so you can exit each year if they or you don’t meet certain targets. Choosing An Agent If you have a manager, you’ll only deal with your agent occasionally, meeting them at your gigs or to discuss setting up a tour. Most of the time, they will talk to your manager. You should feel confident in allowing your manager to find an agent for you, although you should make the final decision. If you don’t have a manager, you should be very particular about choosing an agent as they will report directly to you. When you pick an agent, ask yourself, how hard will they work on finding great shows and concerts for you? Are they powerful and well connected, with one or more major clients and happen to be extremely enthusiastic about you and your music? If you’re a megastar, this should not be a problem, but if not, then it is very unlikely they will have a keen interest in working hard to find those lucrative gigs for you or your band. Remember it takes more work to establish a new artist compared to one already at or near the top and which one do you think pays more? Although you can find a reputable agent like this, it is rare and you may find it better to find a young and enthusiastic agent who will work day and night on getting shows and concerts for you. Check their credentials and find out if they come recommended from a trusted source. Would you like some great tips on how to write a song and compose music in any style? Download a FREE 10-page guide on "5 Essential Elements On How To Improve Your Music Making In Any Style" at http://make-music.net
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