Take a listen to the BEST songs from our Indieheaven members! After listening to all songs on our popular FANFAVES CHART, we picked the TOP 20 SONGS for the month of July 2009. The bar keeps getting raised by our Indieheaven members! The quality is outstanding! You will love these songs!
Click the banner below to go check out the songs, the BEST INDIE SONGS found on INDIEHEAVEN! Listen and rate each song from 1-5 Stars. Make tomorrows hits, TODAY!
This week on NEW INDIE TUESDAY we’re featuring, Doug Mathis and 212. Doug Mathis and 212Praise is hungry to see the church take their worship to the next level. 212 is the boiling temp and that is where water changes from being “hot” to “POWERFUL”. 212Praise is on a mission to help the church encounter the Lord, and find the help they need in time of need. Some need saving grace, some need comfort, some need healing, some need to get moving! No matter the need, Jesus Christ is the Lord and the Answer and as we draw near to Him, He encounters us and, if we will allow it, He brings change. Whether it is in out soul, our spirit, or our body, Jesus can make it right… sounds like a good song… “Jesus Can Make It Right” Ok, now I have work to do… where is my guitar!
Go to Doug’s Indieheaven profile to listen and purchase this wonderful music! CD and Digital Downloads are available.
On Behind The Curtain Show #12, Dan Walzer interviews Matt Rizor, of Mateo Artist Management about the ins and outs of being a booking agent in Nashville TN.
I’ve been busy lately writing a book called MISSION:POSSIBLE. It’s something I have been meaning to do for awhile, but just haven’t had enough time, or desire, or both to get a “roundtoit.” However, recently, I have a new sense of urgency to write my book and tell my story. I recently hired a publicist to help me communicate the mission and vision of my Indieheaven organization. I have received quite an education on the importance of telling the story of your mission.
For musicians and artists, telling your story can open doors of opportunity, draw new friends and fans your way, and connect with people in a more personable manner. As we all know by now, music is everywhere. There has never been a time in history where music has been more embedded into the fabric of culture. Music is like water, if you are thirsty, you find a water fountain, press the button, and out it comes. Same goes for the internet. Everywhere you go, there is music to check out. There are more artists than ever promoting their music online. Everyone wants to be the next big thing. So, how does an artist stand out among the rest?
The answer is by telling your story. We all have a story. We are all part of His-Story. I know what you are thinking, “so what about my story, there isn’t anything about my story that people would like.” Don’t sell yourself short. Our story is our testimony. It is a documentation of how God has worked in our lives. By telling your story, you are being vulnerable, transparent, and authentic. And this is what draws people to artistic creatives these days.
I believe people are drawn to artists who are creating compelling content that breaks industry rules and serves others by enriching their lives. Songs can certainly communicate vulnerability, transparency, and authenticity to a listener. A blog, a post on a social network, or even a “tweet” on Twitter can also attract people to you, who can then turn into a fan of your music and engage you on a personal level. And engagement is the name of the game for anyone on a mission to increase the scope and breadth of their influence online.
I have seen this firsthand in my experiments on Twitter and Facebook. What I have found is that people will engage me as I share thought provoking posts, blogs, and articles. And this is what draws artists to join my Indieheaven organization, or someone to Indieheaven to see what it’s all about. Now, I am not the most language savvy writer, I joke that I took English as a foreign language in high school. And that’s OK, you don’t have to be a brainiac in order to draw people your way. Simply let what’s on your mind or in your heart to flow out. Most times, what flows out spontaneously is the sweetest nectar. It’s after nitpicking yourself that “analysis paralysis” sets in, and the sweetness of what you shared is lost.
So, let’s get back to telling our story. I have found it to be a challenging exercise to write my story in as few words as possible, yet with enough content to communicate the most important parts of my story. When sharing your story, stick to important events, and life lessons you have learned. Be careful not to go off on bunny trails and tangents that will cause people to tune out and move onto something else. Make the ordinary, extraordinary by the word choices and the cadence of your sentences. Be artistic, be creative, and be compelling! Don’t allow “you know who” to tell you your story isn’t important, and that people won’t care. You know where you know who can go! I challenge you to take time to write out your life story and share it with people. You might be surprised by the response. You just might gain some new friends, fans, and followers! Have fun and keep up the excellent faith-work!
Keith Mohr
Keith is founder/president of Indieheaven.com, an organization for independent Christian musicians, song writers and artists.. For more info, visit: www.indieheaven.com. Keith also produces the Christian Independent Alliance Summit, a yearly seminar for independents to learn how to be better independents, together. For more info, visit: www.ciasummit.com. Keith also founded The Christian Independent Alliance, an organization who assists independent Christian musicians with fundraising for their music missions. For more info, visit, www.cialliance.org.
Follow Keith on Twitter: www.twitter.com/keithmohr
Take a listen to the BEST songs from our Indieheaven members! After listening to all songs on our popular FANFAVES CHART, we picked the TOP 20 SONGS for the month of June 2009. The bar keeps getting raised by our Indieheaven members! The quality is outstanding! You will love these songs!
Click the banner below to go check out the songs, the BEST INDIE SONGS found on INDIEHEAVEN! Listen and rate each song from 1-5 Stars. Make tomorrows hits, TODAY!
I had a great time this past weekend! I was invited to speak about the Future of the Music Industry at the Texas Christian Songwriter Association state conference. TXCSA founder, John Hershenberg contacted me on my FACEBOOK PROFILE. John and myself are like twins, we both enjoy networking and serving Christian musicians, performing artists and songwriters.
This was the first conference for John, and he did an excellent job putting together the event. The conference was held at the Texas Rangers Baseball Stadium in Arlington, TX. in an executive suite/skybox. When I learned where John was holding the event, I thought, wow.. very cool!
I love baseball and played through high school, some college, and was hoping to get drafted! In 1981, I pitched BP for the Baltimore Orioles after a long strike in the middle of the season. Check out a pic of me, when I was just 19.. Ahh yes.. the Glory Days!! Read a Blog about my baseball experience. I didn’t get drafted, I had hurt my arm and the powers that be were concerned I would not be able to keep throwing at 94mph.
Anyway, back to our story.. I flew from Nashvegas to Dallas on Friday, May 29 and John picked me up at the airport. What a great guy! Almost right away, he was telling me about an artist he is working with and a song I needed to hear. He let me take a listen to a new song he had produced for one of his artists, Stephanie on his indie label, FSH Records. I was very impressed with the song, the production, and Stephanie had an excellent voice.
John dropped me off at The Sheraton, which was right next to 6 Flags over Texas, and only a few blocks from the baseball stadium, and the new Cowboys stadium, which was very cool looking! After a quick check in, I walked over the the Rangers Stadium. Here’s a pic. What a cool stadium, and a gorgeous day!
I made my way up to the entrance to the executive offices and told the security guy my name and that I was on “the list.” Lo and behold, I was on “the list!” I thought, this guy John has it together, how refreshing! I took the elevator to level 3 and made my way to Suite 302. I walked in and, “WOW!” It was so cool. The suite was right behind the centerfield fence. The view of the field was INCREDIBLE! Check out a pic, this is NOT a postcard, this pic was right off my camera. You could not have asked for a more gorgeous day!
The Rangers were playing a doubleheader against the Oakland A’s, and watching the game from this vantage point was way cool! I loved the stadium, behind center field was a large open space, and they had a small baseball field where kids could hit wiffle balls and play a game. I thought wow, now THAT is a great way to create special moments for future season ticket holders. Very smart, those Texas Rangers! Check out a pic of what they have going on.
Rangers Stadium reminded me of “Oriole Park at Camden Yards,” I like the old style look of these stadiums. Oh, how I longed to run out on the pitchers mound and strike out some batters! I was thinking “what if..what if I were drafted back in 1981.. I wondered how different my life would have become. That’s for another blog! Check out the view of the right field stands.
Friday evening was meet and greet time, and I met about 50 attendees. Very nice folks, all of them. There were even a few of my Indieheaven members there! Here’s a pic of Jennifer Hildebrand, myself, and Debbie Rice of the group Faith:Refined.
After a wonderful mexican fiesta dinner, the meet and greet continued while the 2nd game of the doubleheader was played. The stadium was wonderful in the evening, after the sun set, the temperature went from about 100 to about 80 in 10 minutes! Here’s a pic of the stadium at night. Awesome!
And, since we were schmoozing and mingling, we grabbed a pic of myself and TXCSA founder, John Hershenberg.
The Rangers ended up winning both games, and after the game ended, they had an awesome fireworks show. They turned out the big lights and shot them off in a parking lot behind the stadium. We couldn’t see most of them because they were behind us, but every now and then, they would shoot some off on the other side of the stadium. I opened the shutter and took a few long exposure shots. Check these out!
Check out this pic, the stadium glowed RED from the huge fireworks that went off behind us. Very cool shot!
After the fireworks were over, John had 14 attendees share their songs in an open mic. I had a great time watching and listening to everyone share their talent. I could tell this was a special group of people who simply loved to write songs and share them with others. Very refreshing!! These folks “get it!”
About midnight, we walked back to the hotel and I stayed up half the night as usual, catching up on email and taking care of Indieheaven business.
DAY 2- Saturday, May 31, 2009
Morning came too early for me, I like to get 8 hours of sleep a night, so my day usually runs from 11am until 3 am. This day, I only got about 4 1/2 hours of sleep. Arghhh!! And, I had to give a speech about the future of Christian music. I had not even started to put my thoughts down in writing. Oh my! It’s never good for me to “wing it.” I like to have at least an outline. My mind is like a speeding train, which eventually flies off the track, crashes and burns!
I walked back over to the stadium and grabbed a few cups of coffee and some doughnut holes and a little hotdog/wiener thingy. I grabbed my Macbook pro and want to a back room to start writing out my thoughts. As I listened to John start the day with worship, it was beautiful to hear attendees sing in perfect harmony. That always amazes me, even at my own CIA Summit Conferences, there is something extraordinary when God’s minstrels sing to Him. Powerful!!
After worship, John shared information about their organization, did some vision casting (which I love!) and whipped attendees into a frothy frenzy about his goal to have chapters all over the USA and world. I love world domination! Meanwhile, I am smoking up my keyboard as my outline was quickly becoming a book! I figured it’s better to have too much info than not enough and leave everyone in a daze after my sharing time:)
Which leads to my time to share. Before I started my talk, I grabbed my camera and took a picture of attendees. I told them to check out this blog to see my recap and their pic. Smart of me, huh? I have learned the ways of the force, Luke. Look at all these good looking folks, all eager to hear what yours truly had to impart. No pressure!
I asked John to put up a few pics from my thumb drive on the nice LCD Screen behind me. Never had that before, a Keith Mohr Multi-Media experience! Keith’s World, party time.. Keith’s World! (some of you reading this probably have no clue why I wrote that:) Here’s a pic of me in action! See that smile on my face? This pic is a miracle to me. I used to be PETRIFIED to speak in front of people. Nowadays, I LOVE to share what I have learned over the past 12 years as an “Independent Creative Entrepreneur.” I love how God calls the equipped and equips the called. You are seeing it in action!
Want to hear my talk in full? Here it is! Hope you like it. Let me know by leaving a comment!!!
The talk went well, attendees responding positively, and I felt I had shared the message they needed to hear, even though I only shared half of my teaching (hint to John, have me back next year to finish my message.) Actually, you can get my notes by clicking HERE. I started off my talk getting them to repeat after me, I - AM - GOOD- ENOUGH! I have found artistic creatives put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect, and base their self-worth on acceptance from others. That’s what makes them creative in the first place, but once they understand they are all good enough for God to use them for His purposes, the million pound weights they place on themselves are lifted off. Now, they are free to create simply because they love to create. How refreshing!
I also shared a lot of great info from the book “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Q Pink. Daniel explains we are moving into a new era, the conceptual era, and that creatives who impact culture via High Concept-High Touch will be the most successful in business, and life. Check out the book and buy it On AMAZON.COM.
After my teaching time, my buddy, live performance coach and all around wise guy, (I mean that with mucho respecto) Tom Jackson shared his thoughts and worked with a band live, in a space that was about 8 foot by 5 foot. He still was able to make em better! Amazing. Here’s a pic of Tom in action. By the way, Tom recently worked with Taylor Swift on her live show for 5 weeks!
After Tom finished his teaching time, it was time for Tom and myself to head down to the the area behind the center field bleachers for a refreshment and a brat. Wow, was that ever good! We had a great conversation about many subjects, including plans to have Tom and myself put together my next CIA Summit conference, and some regional training events. Sounds like a God meeting to me! We live in the same area, near Nashville, TN but rarely connect because we are so busy all the time. So, to connect in Texas Ranger Stadium was a real treat. Tom is a great person!
Check out a few pics I took while down near the bleacher seats.
While we were watching the game, we found out that Mark Hall, from Casting Crowns stopped by the Skybox to say hi to attendees. Sorry I missed meeting him. The band held a concert outside the stadium before the game. It was Christian day at the ballpark. Rangers beat the tar outta Oakland, 14-1.. See, prayer works! God was on our side!
Here’s a pic of Mark meeting attendees:
After the game, John had about 20 attendees share their songs in another open mic. Wonderful time of hanging out, talking with people, hearing their stories, encouraging them to pursue their passions and create not for commerce, but for service. The lights were going on! I saw many smiles as the evening ended at about 12:30am. I walked back to the hotel and crashed.
I flew back to Nashville this afternoon, had a good flight, read more of the book I shared about above, pondered, thought, looked at God’s creation 39,000 feet below me, and wondered what He is going to do in my life next? I have no idea, but whatever it will be, I’m ready for it! Thanks Lord for providing this wonderful opportunity to go into the world, to meet new friends, see old friends, and get excited about the future!
I do hope you enjoyed this blog and that it has encouraged you and enriched your life in some small way. Be encouraged. Be a blessing. Be real. Be good. Repeat after me: I - AM - GOOD- ENOUGH!
05-22-09- FRANKLIN, TN--Puckett’s Grocery, in Franklin, TN is excited to announce Rising Star 3 will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 7PM and will be held subsequent Tuesdays for 7 weeks. Each of the 7 preliminary events will feature up to 20 singer/songwriters. Audience members can cast their vote for their favorite songwriter, and a small panel of industry judges will also select their favorite songwriter. The semi-final round will be held Tuesday, July 14 from 7:00-9:00 PM featuring the top 14 singer-songwriters. At the final event, the Top 4 singer-songwriters will perform in the round on Tuesday July 21, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 PM.
The winning singer-songwriter will perform their songs in the round with other well known singer-songwriters as part of their prize. The winning singer songwriter will also receive $500.00 cash. As a special bonus at the end of each event, a well known singer-songwriter will perform several of their hit songs while votes are being tabulated.
Puckett’s owner, Andy Marshall states, “There is so much talent in this area. We at Puckett’s are proud to showcase some of Nashville’s best undiscovered songwriters who could be soon become a new rising star.” We had a great turnout for our first 2 “Rising Stars,” so I figured, let’s do it again!
Rising Star creator, Keith Mohr, president of Indieheaven.com says, “We have a blast with Rising Star 3, meeting songwriters and providing them a platform to share their talent. I hoped the event would take off, and it has! Thanks to all who come out to Rising Star!
Singer-songwriters, come to Puckett’s Grocery 120 Fourth Avenue South in Franklin by 6:00PM on Tuesdays to register for each preliminary event. Make sure to bring all of your fans, because they will pick 7 of the finalists! Everyone is invited to perform their song, bring your guitar and your best song (keyboard will be provided). If there are more than 20 songwriters signed up at a preliminary event, names will be drawn to determine who performs. At the end of each preliminary event, 5 names will be drawn guaranteeing them a performance in the following preliminary event. There is a $5 cover charge for all attendees, which will go towards the cash prize and event expenses.
For more information, contact Keith Mohr at, mohr.keith@gmail.com
ABOUT PUCKETT’S GROCERY
Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett’s has served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County. It has always been the place to buy some food, grab a good homemade sandwich and catch up on the day’s events in the world and at home. Andy Marshall bought the Leiper’s Fork Puckett’s Grocery in 1998. In 2002, Puckett’s branched out to start a formal dinner and music program. With all of the talented writers in and around town, this Friday night writers’ show grew fast with folks coming from all over to hear some of the finest that the industry has to offer in a cool, eclectic environment. Before too long, another opportunity opened up to expand Puckett’s to Marshall’s hometown and first love for community, in Historic Downtown Franklin. The music continues there, and the food is fabulous. For more info, visit http://www.puckettsgrocery.com
Join us on Tuesday May 19, 2009 at 9PM Eastern Time for a webinar. Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr will interview Larry Moshell, Director of “Artists in Christian Testimony, Intl
These organizations assist Independent Creatives with non-profit fundraising for their missions and much more. Musicians, artists, painters, writers, and missionairies have utilized ACT, Intl. for over 30 years.
With the music industry undergoing massive change, independent Christian musicians and performing artists now have 3 excellent organizations to help support their missions, Indieheaven.com, CIA, and ACT, Intl.
This webinar is free for everyone! You can either call in to listen via on a phone, or listen online and post questions, take polls and much more!. Hope to see you on the webinar! REGISTER NOW!
You can either call in to listen via on a phone, or listen online and post questions, take polls and much more!. Hope to see you on the webinar!
This week on NEW INDIE TUESDAY we’re featuring, Matt Hybarger & Kaleo. A collection of songs crafted by Matt Hybarger and Producer Michael O’Brien featuring some of the best known names in Christian Music both past and present. God’s message of hope and help is communicated in several genres of music by an eclectic group of outstanding singers.
The CD includes EYES ON YOU - an energetic tune featuring MICHAEL O’BRIEN, reminding us that even when things seem to be slipping away, we can know where we’re headed by simply keeping our eyes on Jesus. The song was written by 2008 American Idol songwriter winner, REGIE HAMM, Michael O’Brien & Matt Hybarger
PICKING UP THE PIECES - a brand new, updated sound to the ARCHERS classic. Featuring ALLEN ASBURY- An exortation that when our world falls apart, Jesus is right there.. picking up the pieces of our lives.
RUN TO HIS ARMS - this song by MATT HYBARGER makes the simple statement that regardless of what may have caused our brokenness, whether it was sin, or outside circumstances, the answer is the same… run to Jesus.
WHEN LIFE GETS BROKEN - a gentle melody with powerful lyrics and beautiful harmonies featuring RUSS LEE & MICHAEL O’BRIEN to encourage all who are facing grief that Jesus is right there with you and knows just what you need.
CALL ON YOU JESUS - an R&B/Gospel exhortation to call on the Name above all Names in your time of need. Featuring CLAY CROSSE.
THROUGH HIS EYES OF LOVE - Voted as one of CCM’s All Time Classics, STEVE ARCHER’s signature ballad is given a brand new life 25 years later in a beautiful duet with MICHAEL O’BRIEN.
NEVER ALONE - This outstanding new duet features MATT HYBARGER and KELLYE HUFF with another reminder that no matter where we find ourselves, we are never alone. SOMEBODY CARES - a new R&B style remake of the MICHAEL O’BRIEN song.
WHEN YOU COME TO THE CROSS - Matt Hybarger prompts us to remember what Jesus meant when He said “whosoever will believe” as we take the Gospel to the world.
THIS IS MY STORY - THE KATINAS hit this new version of an old standard out of the park! The seamless harmonies and soaring leads bring new life to this timeless classic.
HE’S GOT THE WORLD TAKEN CARE OF - DAVID & THE GIANTS join with Matt Hybarger to bring this CD to a rocking conclusion with the statement that no matter what, God is in control! Contained within these 11 songs is a constant reminder, based on the Apostle Paul’s words to the church at Rome.
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. It can be most difficult to take hold of this awesome promise when waves of pain and suffering are crashing over our heads. But that is exactly when we truly need to stop and reflect on the truth they offer, that God is always with us and ready to help, even… When Life Gets Broken.
Go to Matt’s Indieheaven profile to listen and purchase this wonderful music! CD and Digital Downloads are available.
I love baseball and played through high school, some college, and was hoping to get drafted! In 1981, I pitched BP for the Baltimore Orioles after a long strike in the middle of the season. Check out a pic of me, when I was just 19.. Ahh yes.. the Glory Days!! 
I asked John to put up a few pics from my thumb drive on the nice LCD Screen behind me. Never had that before, a Keith Mohr Multi-Media experience! Keith’s World, party time.. Keith’s World! (some of you reading this probably have no clue why I wrote that:) Here’s a pic of me in action! See that smile on my face? This pic is a miracle to me. I used to be PETRIFIED to speak in front of people. Nowadays, I LOVE to share what I have learned over the past 12 years as an “Independent Creative Entrepreneur.” I love how God calls the equipped and equips the called. You are seeing it in action!
BTC host Dan Walzer was out in the field at the 6th annual 
