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WHAT’S INSIDE: INDUSTRY Q&A: Q&A with Connecting The Dots Mike Snider, William Morris Endeavor Executive with WME’s Mike Snider

News By Kevin Sparkman, Managing Editor, Celebrations CCM Magazine and Milestones As we emerge from the shadow of one of, Radio Movement if not the sporting event of the year—the Super Bowl—it’s only fitting that we reconnect Appearances with leading William Morris Endeavor in Film/TV executive, Association Board member, and resident athlete Mike Snider. Top Adult As always, Mike’s got a lot going on—but we Contemporary Songs were particularly interested in some recent moves that brought a slew of artists, and Top Gospel Songs exciting new opportunities, to WME’s table under his supervision. And just like the New Top Rock Songs England Patriots, Snider’s team is reloaded and ready to make another run. We chat with Overall Chart Toppers Mike about his current playbook, while also learning a little more about his passions off Top Artists the “field.” on Social Media Mike Snider (Continued on page 7)

Movement

NEWS Syntax Creative, along while profitably growing our respective Baker Publishing Group. This will mark with Merlin Network, businesses,” said Tim Westergren, founder the first time in his career that the music Sony Music and Universal Music Group, and CEO of Pandora. luminary will share intimate details of his recently announced the signing of direct personal journey, family life, & stories behind licensing agreements for recorded music In a music career that his most beloved songs. with Pandora. These landmark agreements spans an astounding create a win-win partnership between 30 years, Steven Curtis Gospel singer- Pandora and the music industry, opening Chapman is the most songwriter, up new revenue streams for artists and awarded artist in Janice Gaines labels, while paving the way for Pandora Christian music history. welcomed a to bring new products to market that Now, he is sharing healthy baby enable enhanced subscription services, his life story with his boy, Gabriel fuel new advertising opportunities and memoir, Between Nathan Gaines deliver unprecedented flexibility and ease Heaven & The Real on January 11, of use to listeners. The agreements apply World. The book, written with New York 2017. This is to Pandora’s business in the . Times best-selling author Ken Abraham, is her first child “This was a truly collaborative attempt to slated to hit shelves and all digital platforms with husband, EJ Gaines, VP of Marketing, find a solution that would support artists on March 7, 2017 with Revell, a division of Gospel.

1 | GOSPELMUSIC.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 Movement

The nation’s largest outdoor Christian Heller provides keen insight on key items to re-imagine what you want your life music festival, Creation Festival Northeast, such as little advertised up-front fees, credit to be.” became the exclusive host for mainstream card fees, design fees, production costs, etc., media news outlet Vice Media as they that are often not taken into account when Celebrated singer-songwriter Michael set out to produce the documentary film initially budgeting for a new project. Combs has signed an exclusive publicity feature I Saw The Light on Christian music and marketing agreement with AG in the festival environment. Noisey, Vice’s Publicity, ’s premier full- channel covering the music and culture, service PR agency, the firm stated on Feb. traveled to the Creation Music Festival to 2, 2017. Combs has been traveling around film the documentary and catch a glimpse the globe for 27 years sharing Jesus Christ of the inner workings behind the Christian in song and testimony in his passionate music industry. The 35-minute piece is and humorous style. AG Publicity President produced by Vice’s Chloe Campion and Deon Unthank, stated, “I have watched hosted by Noisey’s editor-in-chief, Eric New Southern Gospel standout HIGHROAD Michael Combs through the years, as he Sundermann. Through conversations with was featured on TBN’s JUCE-TV on Jan. 27, has ministered in his own unique way. I’ve ® GRAMMY winning pop duo for KING 2017 with host Danny Gokey. personally been touched by his singing and & COUNTRY and rapper Andy Mineo— testimony. I look forward to working with along with speakers from the 50,000+ Tyscot Records and LuDawn Music, a him to reach even more souls for the Lord.” attended festival—the documentary takes production house formed by Billboard a thoughtful look at the world of Christian Magazine No. 1 songwriters Cheryl Fortune music, belief, growing up, and Jesus Christ. GoDigiPath, LLC (formerly known as and Lucius B. Hoskins, announced a Taseis Media Group) has entered into a business partnership officially on Jan. 29, CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) BEC Recordings 2017. The first project under this agreement agreement with FairTrade Services, LLC in announce is the debut by Cheryl Fortune, association with Provident Distribution, a the signing of tentatively set for a June 30, 2017 release. division of Sony Music Entertainment. The contemporary The first radio single is the invigorating new deal will provide exclusive worldwide Christian pop anthem “Fighters” which booms with a CBA distribution via FairTrade’s Provident artist Matty pounding drum line and a catchy chorus. Distribution alignment regarding all faith- Mullins to their “Tyscot Records is excited to join forces with based physical goods generated by the roster. As front the awesome production and songwriting various GoDigiPath label partners. The GDP man for the team of LuDawn Music,” says Tyscot Records label/studio clients are Aleho International popular President, Bryant S. Scott. Music, All Saints Radio, Angella band, Memphis May Fire, Mullins is no Christie Sound Ministries, Audiostate stranger to the industry. With the success CCM Magazine is 55 Entertainment, Black Lava Films, of his band, Mullins has been able to share excited to announce Clout Music Group, Dare Records, Emtro faith-based positivity with large secular that the upcoming Gospel, Key of A Music, Marquis Boone crowds all over the world. A single has been feature film The Shack Enterprises, Rebel Hill Entertainment, released with full-length project to release will be celebrated Scripture Music Group, Soul Tempo Music, April 2017. on its Feb. 15, 2017 Studio Caffè, T-Records, Tyscot Films, cover and will include Tyscot LOUD and Tyscot Records. WordCountry Creative Director Janine interviews with author Appleton married Justin Ebach, William Paul Young Urban Inspirational WordCountry Writer on Nov 20, 2016. Ebach and lead actor Sam Songbird and social is recently known for co-writing “When Worthington (Avatar, media sensation Bri I Pray For You”—a new single off of the Hacksaw Ridge). The issue will also feature (Briana Babineaux) upcoming soundtrack for The Shack—along hip hop up-and-comer Steven Malcolm launches her music with Jon Nite and Dan + Shay (Warner Bros.). and singer-songwriter David Dunn. video for the 22-year old singer’s heart-felt On Nov. 14, 2009, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) track “My Everything” Thompson II kicked his way into the on Centric cable record books. At age 61, he became the channel’s Lifted oldest football player in NCAA history and program this the oldest NCAA football player to score Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 between 6:00-10:00 a point when he kicked the PAT (Point AM EST. The song is currently receiving After Touchdown) in the second quarter airplay on Smooth Jazz and R&B radio of the game between Austin College and stations such as Sirius Satellite’s Heart Trusted business outlet INC.com recently Trinity University. On Jan. 31, 2017, he & Soul channel and WFSK 88.1 FM in featured indie contemporary Christian release his book, Kick Start: A Story Of Nashville. She also recently wrapped mainstay JJ Heller in an article breaking Overcoming Life’s Obstacles To Inspire production with singer Mali Music in down the unforeseen costs and down-to- You To Your Future through Clovercroft director Joel Kapity’s forthcoming earth realities of channeling a recording Publishing. Thompson says, “If my story dramatic film I Am Your Keeper that project through crowd-funding resources. says anything, it is that it is never too late will release in 2017.

2 | GOSPELMUSIC.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 Movement

Feb. 21, Geoff Moore American Family Radio, a expand existing ministries and listener supported broadcast developing new ones through Feb. 25, Armond Morales ministry of The American Family The Bridge of Hope, Inc, the () Association, has promoted parent non-profit corporation of Jim Stanley to the position of 88.7 The Bridge radio station. of general manager for AFR. Mar. 5, Dove Award winning band, KLTY/ has added John The Afters, have been chosen WAKW/Cincinnati (STAR 93.3) Hudson to mornings alongside March 9, Joanne Cash as the February Fox Sports welcomes Taylor Morgan to veterans Frank Reed & Starlene Artist of The Month. As a the team. Taylor comes to Stringer and DFW traffic with result, songs from the band’s March 12, Randy Stonehill Cincinnati most recently from Gail Lightfoot new album Live On Forever WCQR/Gray, TN where she were used 5 times throughout March 15, Todd Agnew co-hosted the morning show. KSBJ/Houston President the Fox Super Bowl coverage Taylor will handle afternoons and General Manager Tim and are actively being utilized and promotions for WAKW. March 16, Bryan Duncan McDermott celebrates 25 during various sporting events years of service this month. throughout the month. Salem Music Network’s McDermott has served in both March 23, Phil Keaggy “Singing News Radio” has added roles at KSBJ since 1992, making Love and the Outcome several new affiliates in the past him the longest running announce they are expecting RADIO month including WZAP/Bristol, General Manager at any baby number 2. VA; KMMJ/Grand Island, NE and major Houston radio station. Air1 adds the new night show WXYR/Monticello, KY. In the Priceless the movie is available “Mike and Lauren Afternoon past 18 months the network Radio Movement Provided by HisAir.net on DVD. Show.” That’s former night has seen an 87% growth in the personality Lauren Lee teaming number of affiliates. up with Mike Wilson. Wilson was TV APPEARANCES BIRTHDAYS previously APD/MD/afternoon WKNZ/Harrington (88.7 The air talent at KNTY/Sacramento. Bridge) has announced long time air personality Denise and Feb 3, John Schlitt; Mike Rogers perform with Chance the Provident Label Group is Harper is joining the staff in a (Brian Free & Assurance) Rapper live on the 59th Annual adding a new member to the newly formed full-time position. GRAMMY® Awards. radio promotions team. Lindsay Harper will become Sr. Director Feb 4, Susan Peck Jackson Crane joins the team on March of Content Development and (Karen Peck & New River) 6th from KLOVE / Air1 where she Ministry Services – overseeing has been leading promotions all programming and online Feb. 20, Brian Littrell and events in Indianapolis. content, while also helping

2017 GRAMMY® Winners

Congratulations to all of this year’s Christian & Gospel GRAMMY® winners!

BEST GOSPEL BEST BEST BEST BEST ROOTS PERFORMANCE/SONG CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM CHRISTIAN MUSIC CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SONG ALBUM

“God Provides,” Thy Will,” Losing My Love Remains, Hymns, Tamela Mann Hillary Scott & Religion, Hillary Scott & Joey+Rory The Scott Family Kirk Franklin The Scott Family

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TOP 20 ARTISTS ON FACEBOOK TOP 20 ARTISTS ON TOP 20 ARTISTS ON INSTAGRAM

Tercer Cielo 17,298,402 Ricardo Montaner 7,984,003 1,433,942

Jesus Adrian Romero 10,972,478 Juan Luis Guerra 6,856,005 Erica Campbell 1,328,629

Thalles Roberto 9,031,496 Thalles Roberto 1,295,128 1,059,269

Alex Campos 7,657,513 Kirk Franklin 1,154,125 Tercer Cielo 921,527

Juan Luis Guerra 7,595,155 Lecrae 1,127,440 Kari Jobe 908,426

Marcos Witt 6,121,715 Hillsong United 1,117,396 Tamela Mann 878,701

Lilly Goodman 6,065,065 Jesus Adrian Romero 1,101,816 Lilly Goodman 833,696

Hillsong United 5,736,443 Marcos Witt 1,056,741 Jesus Culture 832,793

Ricardo Montaner 5,370,763 Alex Campos 1,053,965 Marcela Gandara 822,931

Don Moen 5,241,772 937,811 Marcos Witt 781,332

Skillet 5,234,868 Tercer Cielo 903,865 Christine D’Clario 742,694

Marcela Gandara 4,695,073 Marcela Gandara 693,655 Hillsong Worship 729,052

Casting Crowns 4,645,398 Lilly Goodman 682,424 Alex Campos 691,494

Hillsong Worship 4,372,200 Kari Jobe 665,429 Bethel Music 688,961

Danilo Montero 4,184,528 Marco Barrientos 658,991 Hillsong Y&F 643,488

Mary Mary 3,804,279 Danilo Montero 629,088 Marco Barrientos 609,506

TobyMac 3,751,073 TobyMac 593,598 Danilo Montero 605,486

Chris Tomlin 3,439,301 Jesus Culture 573,885 Miel San Marcos 559,496

Marco Barrientos 3,400,490 569,072 Tasha Cobbs 558,998

Daniel Calveti 2,898,673 Michael W Smith 546,034 548,218

4 | GOSPELMUSIC.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 Top 20 Adult Contemporary Songs

ADULT CONTEMPORARY PROVIDED BY CMTA

RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE

1 Zach Williams Chain Breaker 11 Micah Tyler Never Been A Moment 2 Danny Gokey Rise 12 Ryan Stevenson Eye Of The Storm 3 King Of The World 13 One Sonic Society Great Are You Lord 4 One Step Away 14 Dry Bones (Come Alive) 5 Chris Tomlin Jesus 15 Hillsong Worship What A Beautiful Name 6 We Are Messengers Magnify 16 Testify 7 Big Daddy Weave The Lion And The Lamb 17 Mended 8 TobyMac Love Broke Thru 18 Jonny Diaz Breathe 9 Hillary Scott Thy Will 19 7eventh Time Down God Is On The Move 10 for KING & COUNTRY Priceless 20 Christ In Me

BDS ENcore Format Playlist Report Date: 2/13/2017

Top 20 Gospel Songs

GOSPEL PROVIDED BY CMTA

RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE

1 J.J. Hairston/YP You Deserve It 11 Damon Little I Won’t Be Defeated 2 Donnie McClurkin I Need You 12 Howard Gospel Choir Glorious God 3 VaShawn Mitchell Joy 13 GI Pray And Don’t Worry 4 Tamela Mann God Provides 14 Todd Dulaney Victory Belongs To Jesus 5 GEI/ Hang On 15 Tim Bowman, Jr Fix Me 6 Father Jesus Spirit 16 Jekalyn Carr You’re Bigger 7 CeCe Winans Never Have To Be Alone 17 Fantasia I Made It / Ft. 8 William Murphy Arise (You Are Good) 18 Brian Courtney Wilson I’ll Just Say Yes 9 Kirk Franklin My World Needs You 19 Kim Burrell I See A Victory / Ft. Pharrell 10 Rev. Luther Barnes God’s Grace 20 Charles Jenkins Winning

BDS ENcore Format Playlist Report Date: 2/13/2017

5 | GOSPELMUSIC.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 Top 20 Rock Songs

ROCK PROVIDED BY CMTA

RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE

1 Out Of This World11 Free / Ft. Diamone 2 Thrice Black Honey 12 XXI Way You Love Me 3 Graceful Closure Unknown Land 13 Danger Scene Drive 4 Knox Hamilton Washed Up Together14 Lecrae Blessings / Ft. Ty Dolla $ign 5 VERIDIA Still Breathing15 Skillet Feel Invincible 6 Paper Route Chariots 16 Fallstar Radio (NW Hesh) 7 I Can’t Quit / Ft. Reconcile 17 Citizens & Saints Faith 8 Grasslands Fame / Ft. Ryan Kirby18 Disciple Erase 9 Hollyn Can’t Live Without19 Project 86 Sabotage 10 Wolves At The Gate Flickering Flame20 House Of Heroes Feel

BDS ENcore Format Playlist Report Date: 2/13/2017

Top 20 Overall Songs

OVERALL PROVIDED BY CMTA

RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE RANK ARTIST SONG TITLE

1 Zach Williams Chain Breaker11 Hillsong Worship What A Beautiful Name 2 Danny Gokey Rise 12 Casting Crowns One Step Away 3 Natalie Grant King Of The World 13 for KING & COUNTRY Priceless 4 TobyMac Love Broke Thru14 Ryan Stevenson Eye Of The Storm / Ft GabeReal 5 Lauren Daigle Come Alive (Dry Bones)15 Big Daddy Weave The Lion And The Lamb 6 We Are Messengers Magnify 16 Hillary Scott Thy Will 7 NEEDTOBREATHE Testify 17 Matthew West Mended 8 Chris Tomlin Jesus 18 Tenth Avenue North I Have This Hope 9 Micah Tyler Never Been A Moment19 Jonny Diaz Breathe 10 One Sonic Society Great Are You Lord20 7eventh Time Down God Is On The Move

BDS ENcore Format Playlist Report Date: 2/13/2017

6 | GOSPELMUSIC.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 Your artist roster is growing enjoyed a much deeper reach into Any specific opportunities of late significantly—especially with mainstream America than some other that have involved one of your last year’s acquisition of Elite genres and thus leads to new and roster artists? Talent—can you tell us more exciting opportunities for crossover in Snider: about that acquisition? sponsorships, television, film, venues, As you know, our company specialty events etc. acquired IMG a few years ago, which Snider: When we sat down as a brought several new and exciting department and looked at our We are certainly thankful that you opportunities together on the sports long-term growth objectives, we occupy a seat on our Board, what side. It is truly remarkable to see what immediately knew that we wanted are some natural ties between your WME|IMG accomplish together, and day-to-day dynamics with WME to bring Mark Claassen on board. we knew we wanted to be a part of and your relationship with us? Not only is he an experienced agent that. Faith and sports seem to fit so with an established roster, but he is Snider: I would say that the most well together. Lots of our artists are also someone that we respect very valuable benefit that I see day in friends with professional athletes, much. Along with several new clients, and day out at WME is the people. and lots of our professional athletes Mark also brought with him a fresh Community is a huge priority for me, are believers. We actually have a few perspective and new and exciting and as an Agent at WME, I have the really cool upcoming events in the ideas. We are definitely a stronger opportunity to interact with the best works, so be on the lookout for those team with Mark on board, and we are and brightest agents and executives to be announced soon. excited about what the future holds. across all genres of the music Super Bowl 51…your thoughts/ business. Similarly, as a member The roster is also growing in musical reaction?! diversity, what does this mean for of The , Snider: To be honest, I did NOT see your endeavors moving forward? I get the chance to work with some of the best artists and professionals the Patriots coming back from that Snider: Being diverse has always across the board. For me, it is all far behind. I truly believed that the been important to us. Expanding about connecting the dots—connecting game was over at halftime. What a into the gospel music realm has been people with ideas and connecting great game, though! I’m glad that I was something we have been planning for artists with opportunities. wrong—it will go down as one of the a long time. This has been challenging, most epic Super Bowl’s in history. We know that you were a star and we’ve had to think outside the athlete in high school and college. Who are your favorite teams and/or box and adapt for different needs. What kind of sports do you enjoy who do you root for, etc.? We’ve learned that we need to offer in your free time now? a lot more than just booking shows, Snider: Titans, Oakland and we’ve done a great job of coming Snider: “Star” may be a little bit of Raiders, Portland Timbers, and all together as a team and finding unique a stretch, let’s just say, “I was on the things Oregon State Beavers. opportunities for our clients. team!” Now days, I play some golf and I try to run a 5K every now and then. Have you read any good books lately Specifically, what unique strengths And, of course, I still get out and throw and/or recommend a good book? do some of your more traditional the football with my son. I hope Snider: gospel artists, in particular, offer I just finished Tosca Lee’s to always be able to do that, it’s one for you? new book, which is part of a series I of my favorite things to do. really like. I am always reading, but it’s Snider: I know I just touched on Speaking of sports, tell us your usually something like Jack Reacher or this, but it bears repeating—gospel thoughts on the continual collision anything David Baldacci. Love Does by artists offer us diversity on our between sports and music and the Bob Goff…wow. If you’re reading this, roster. Gospel music has traditionally opportunities it can offer. Bob, thank you!

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