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In this issue: Jennifer Reith, Bread of Stone, Nashville record producer Eric Copeland and many more !
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A Christian Entertainment News Magazine
“MACKIE” January 2013 Issue 2
Inside: Jennifer Reith – The 17 Year Old
Maryland Songstress
James Chappell III
Eternity Focus
Ashley Carpenter
Bread of Stone
And
Many More!!
Plus New features: Makin’ It Happen, Food 4 Thought,
B On The Lookout and Say What??
1
Note from the Editor
Welcome to MACKIE, A Christian Entertainment News
Magazine
MACKIE is about getting the word out on the ministries of
very talented Christian and Gospel Independent artists.
In each issue we will focus on the careers of some these
artists and the message they are all helping to spread
about our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Publisher
Taylor Bear Publications, a division of DOLERN
Media
Editor
Johnson/Payne
Contributing Writers
Johnson/Gerard/Payne
Business Office
PO Box 46762
Kansas City, MO 64188
816-343-8404 phone -1-208-379-6621 fax
MACKIE , a Christian Entertainment News Magazine is
published bi-monthly by Taylor Bear Publications, a
division of DOLERN Media. No portion of this magazine
may be reproduced in any form without written
permission.
Dedication…This project is dedicated to
the memories of Marion Maxcine Payne
(Aunt Mackie) and Arthur E. Payne Jr.
May We Never Forget…Our Angels
2
January 2013 Issue 2
What’s Inside…
13
6
4
17
4 James Chappell III
The Key to surviving the storm in Jesus Christ
6 Eternity Focus An up and coming group of Contemporary Christian
Recording Artist made up of four sisters
10 Bread of Stone
We have never set out to make a statement of ourselves
as artists
13 Jennifer Reith A 17 year old songstress
15 Poetry in Motion
17 Victory the Ambassador
18 Makin’ It Happen A look at Mr. Rick Mizuno of “Indies In Motion” Radio
20 Angela Donadio A Worship pastor at River of Life in Fredericksburg, VA
21 B On the Lookout
22 Jordan Biel An artist, songwriter, worship leader and speaker
24 Ashley Carpenter
She finds success in national ads, television, and even
small movie roles
27 Say What??
30 Food4Thought
3
KBAT Christian Radio, The Choice 2 Believe. Are U ‘N The Game?
Listen…KBAT Christian Radio
Watch the KBAT Commercial…KBAT Radio Commercial
Watch the Promo Ad…KAT Promo Ad
Hey, if you enjoy listening to great Christian music from Independent Artists, be sure to check out KBAT Christian Internet Radio!!
KBAT Christian Radio, The Choice 2 Believe. Are U ‘N The Game?
Listen…KBAT Christian Radio
Watch the KBAT Commercial…KBAT Radio Commercial
Watch the Promo Ad…KBAT Promo Ad
4
JAMES CHAPPELL III
“The key to surviving the storm is in Jesus Christ”
James Chappell, III got his start in music at an early
age of 4 years old, Influenced by his grandfather John
A. Harris who started it all, James soon became lead
on many of the family’s songs and at a very young
age you could find James at many church services
confidently moving all across the stage using the
powerful voice God gave him to lift up the name of
Jesus. During James’ high school years he won
various awards for musical excellence including best
vocalist at Bloomfield High Gospel Show in 1995, and
from 1997-1999 James helped his school gospel choir
in receiving many awards in various talent shows.
During his teen years Chappell’s talent grew even
more and James eyes were opened to how his God-
given talent could touch and change a life and
inspired James to dedicate his life completely to
Christ. From then on James began to write and
creatively arranged his own songs for the Harris
Family singers and for himself. James strives in
furthering his musical career and experiences through
his music and his never ending desire for someone to
find Christ as their personal Savior and serve Him as
well as reminding those who may already have a
relationship with Christ but may be struggling with
their faith, to never give up. Despite his own personal
storms, James continued to write and arrange music,
minister through his personal testimony and divinely
inspired lyrics, as well as performs Gospel music with
his entire heart and soul for the glory of God. James
aspires to continue the Harris musical legacy and his
life long dream since the age of 4 of continuing to
reach his fullest potential through Christ as an
inspiring gospel artist, and through his own personal
experience he wants to let the world know that only
key to surviving the storm is in Jesus Christ.
For more on James visit his website…James
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Conversin’ Freestyle...Conversin' Freestyle
ModVinTique…ModVinTique
KBAT Christian Radio...KBAT
St. Patrick School and Church
The Driscoll School of Irish Dance…Driscoll School
LA Booking Agency…LA Booking Agency
Chapman Recording…Chapman Recording
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Eternity Focus is an up and coming group of Contemporary Christian Recording Artists made up of
four sisters; Alika, Danika, Janika and Lainika Seaman. Their newest album, Live the Lyrics, was
recorded at Dark Horse Recording Studios and Givens House Studios in Franklin, TN and was
released in 2011.
With the release of their first self-titled recording project in April of 2007, their tour schedule has taken
them to several states across the nation including Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado,
Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Tennessee, Kentucky
and Florida. Eternity Focus was also invited to compete in the National Fine Arts Festival for six years
(2001-2007). In August of 2007, their song Unmistakable (featured on their first album) was awarded
third in the nation at the National Fine Arts Festival in the Individual Songwriting Category. Likewise,
their song I Still Believe was awarded fifth in the nation in the Collaborated Songwriting competition.
Their second album, Nothing to Lose, was released in October of 2008. In August of 2008, Eternity
Focus placed in the Top 7 in the Group Artistry Category at the Gospel Music Association’s Music in
the Rockies held in Estes Park, CO. I Choose You (featured on their second album Nothing to Lose)
placed in the Top 20 in the Songwriting Competition at GMA’s Music in the Rockies as well. In 2010,
the group recorded album number three at Dark Horse Recording Studios in Franklin, TN. More Than
Christmas features their Christmas single Wonder which aired on over 600 stations worldwide in 2010
and 2011. Live the Lyrics is Eternity Focus’s fourth and newest album and was released in
September of 2011, this album features six originals and fresh arrangements of some of today’s top
worship music. By listening to the message of hope found in Jesus, their goal is that everyone will be
inspired to truly live the lyrics. They released the title track Live the Lyrics to radio in August of 2012
and has been added to Christian stations worldwide.
7
Alika loves pouring her passion for Jesus into singing,
songwriting and speaking. Her role as lead singer
comes naturally. She has been actively involved in
worship music ministry since her early teen years. At the
age of 17, Alika wrote her first song, Unmistakable,
which has received national recognition. “I love writing
songs. I’ve been challenging myself lately to make every
line epic, definitely more challenging but also more
rewarding.” With the release of the group’s first album,
Eternity Focus, debuting one month before her high
school graduation, the group started touring and God
has been using their music ministry in ways these girls
never imagined possible. “Since April of 2007 we have
an average of about five weekends off per year…” says
Alika, “It’s all God. We don’t really know how this has
happened but we’re loving every moment of it. My
favorite part would have to be talking with people who
walked into the service broken but because of the
message of hope found in Jesus that we share through
our stories and songs they leave with looking forward to
what God has for them today and tomorrow and it
makes it all worth it. I surrendered my life to Christ at a
Sierra concert (they were a girl group that was popular
in the Point of Grace era). I know that most people may
never know the name “Eternity Focus” but if one person
walks down the aisle and surrenders their soul to Jesus
just like I did all those years ago at a Christian music
concert, we have accomplished our mission. For me,
Eternity Focus is not about getting a label or singing on
prestigious stages, but impacting the world for Christ
one life at a time.”
ETERNITY FOCUS: A CLOSER LOOK
ALIKA SEAMAN, 23
I
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Janika adds her own personality and flair to the group. Though
she will never sing a solo, she adds an element of strength to the
sound of the group by reinforcing the melody, causing it to sound
as if there are more than just four voices. She also adds
interesting harmonies at times which increase the intensity of
your listening experience. As far as songwriting goes, Janika
plays the part of the detached critic. “They will bring me a song
and I’ll tell them everything that needs changed in it. I’m not in
love with the lyrics yet so I’m still objective and can say, “Cut that
line, it doesn’t make sense…” I’m also very simple so it helps
keep our songs relatable to every audience, not just people who
love poetry.” Though she never would admit it, most of the time
when the group is stumped, Janika will deliver a line that will
make the song come to life. She also plays bass guitar for the
group on tour. She graduated from high school in 2009.
Danika adds amazing sound with her clear low harmony vocals.
An accomplished singer/songwriter, she extends her talents by
playing keyboard when on tour. “I love playing the piano… I also
like to write songs but I’m more of a co-writer. It’s great to be able
to collaborate with someone; usually Lainika. Her and I always
seem to write together.” Their song I Choose You was a Top 20
pick in the Songwriting Category at the Gospel Music
Association’s Music in the Rockies. She is featured as a soloist on
several of the songs she co-wrote. Her clear crisp voice holds an
element of purity that makes it stunning to listen to. Danika
graduated from high school in May of 2008. “I love using my free
time (which is fast slipping away) to develop the gifts God has
given me, both musically and in life in general.”
DANIKA SEAMAN, 22
I
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A
JANIKA SEAMAN, 21
I
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9
.
To learn more about Eternity Focus visit their website…Eternity Focus
Lainika brings her high harmony to the group which adds amazing
clarity and quality to every song. She has also excelled as a soloist,
singing on songs such as I Choose You and It Is Well. Her voice has
matured incredibly over the years. When Eternity Focus first recorded
their self-titled album which was released in April of 2007, Lainika was
just 12 years old. “It’s interesting to hear how it’s {my voice} changed…
It has a low tone to it, which is funny since I sing the high harmony.”
She plays acoustic guitar when on tour. Lainika has also stood out
nationally as a songwriter with her song I Choose You (which she co-
wrote with Danika) gaining national recognition. But probably her most
amazing work to date is her song God Are You There which has been
made into a music video and deals with the issues women face after
abortion. Featured on such sites as Worship House Media, Easy
Worship and Sermon Spice.com, this mini-movie has been used to
bring healing, hope and love to hurting, haunted souls across the world.
“Film has a way of breaking boundaries and barriers… I love using that
venue for Jesus. By making a music video that shows how much He
loves each imperfect person {and that’s all of us} we’re able to share
that message with countless people across the planet. God is so
awesome, the opportunities that He extends to each of us are endless;
forgiveness, grace, love, joy… I hope when people see the movie, they
capture the essence of who Jesus is and Who He wants to be in each
of our lives.
LAINIKA SEAMAN, 18
I
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BREAD OF STONE
“WE HAVE NEVER SET
OUT TO MAKE A
STATEMENT OF
OURSELVES AS ARTISTS”
11
Taking their name from a vision of their work as being 'useless materials', only made a blessing to others by Christ, Sioux City-based Bread Of Stone are that rare band that truly puts service and ministry before dreams of pop stardom. The band: Ben Kristijanto, Bill Kristijanto and Tim Barnes, founded 'The Light Project' - their ministry in Indonesia - and travels to that country annually to perform and fellowship with 'scavenger' communities, for whom scouring trash for recyclables that can be sold for cash is a fact of daily existence. The development of Bread Of Stone as artist's began simply - first with a calling received by the Kristijanto brothers' father (a minister) that the brothers should be involved in a music ministry. The brothers duly began taking music lessons and gradually worked in to performing in local churches. Today, having toured with a veritable 'Who's Who' of major CCM artists, including: Newsboys, Seventh Day Slumber, Superchick, Petra, Building 429 and others - all while maintaining their profile as an indie band solely at God's direction - Bread Of Stone has matured in their music and message, and returns with their new album 'The Real Life'. Wishing to release an album that truly captured their artistic vision, the band readily admits to being meticulous and demanding of themselves in the recording process. The end result of that dedication to independence as artists - and the refining of their craft - is the band's new release 'The Real Life'. A loosely conceptual album based on the band's belief that the world is caught up in a vicious cycle of trends, distractions and lies, 'The Real Life' is a response from Bread Of Stone that unashamedly declares that the 'real life' is as God intended for us - to be one with Him. Deftly incorporating rock, pop and praise, the album is the most definitive musical snapshot yet of Bread Of Stone and their ministry. 'We have never set out to make a statement of ourselves as artists,' says Bread Of Stone co-founder and vocalist Ben Kristijanto. 'We are able to do so only through God's Grace - we're Bread Of Stone.'
For More on Bread Of Stone visit their website…Bread Of Stone
12
…Donna Gray
…Heather Land
…Donna Gray
…Jackie Francois
…Jeanne Marie …Julia Sharpe
…Canopy Red …Redruth Band
.Briana …Anthony
Brewer
13
14
Born in Maryland, 17 year old songstress Jennifer Nicole Reith is a talented young singer fresh on the music scene. A contemporary Christian singer, Jennifer is a rare find - staying true to who she is as she makes music that she believes in. As she builds a devoted, ever-expanding fan base, Jennifer is quickly grabbing the attention of top industry names and turning the heads of critics. As a very young child, Jennifer was constantly singing and finding opportunities to perform, always knowing that she was meant to be in the spotlight. Growing up, Jennifer explored her early passion for music and performance by engaging in various creative endeavors, including involvement in church, school and community plays and musicals and staying active with various music projects and pursuits. Jennifer's love for music extends from her desire to share her gifts as she makes a difference in the world. To Jennifer, music is everything, as she feels music is the prime way to convey her beliefs and feelings, and that there is no passion or self-expression without it. Growing up listening to successful contemporary Christian singers with positive messages, Jennifer feels connected to the genre, knowing she can reach a lot of people with her fun and inspiring music style. As an artist, Jennifer is often compared to stars such as Francesca Battistelli, due to her distinctly relaxed and fresh style of music. With her songs, Jennifer hopes to inspire her fans to always stay strong and persevere, always giving everything your all. Although she is young, Jennifer has already worked with big industry names, having written and recorded her hit single "There You Are" in Nashville with the producers of the Dixie Chicks. As a young artist developing her sound and honing her skills, Jennifer is not lacking in talent. Her vocal abilities are strong and carry a naturally beautiful quality, and she delivers the lyrics of her music with a charming authenticity, causing critics and audiences to fall right in love with her. As an active teen, Jennifer keeps up with her school studies and finds time to commit charitable energy to various causes and stay involved with her strong church community. With her music career quickly taking off, Jennifer is staying busy with her music pursuits as she continues to develop and hone her strong abilities as an artist and keep close to her faith. Always maintaining her down-to-earth personality, charitable spirit and positive nature, Jennifer Nicole Reith is a young artist with all the makings of a contemporary Christian music role model. Keep your eyes and ears open for this new voice, as she is soon to be too hard to miss! Jennifer’s song “There You Are” was used for the promotional video announcing the first issue of MACKIE Magazine. Have a look here…There You Are. For more on Jennifer visit her website…Jennifer Reith Listen to her single “There You Are” ( Please note, this link will be valid until the next MACKIE issue)…"There You Are"
16
Poetry In Motion, Shown: Katelyn McCarter, Chrystal Rucker, Beth Champion Mason, Briana Scott,
Jason Ellsworth Band, Lori Harris, Calling Levi, Jordan Biel, Eternity Focus
17
C-Walk is the testimony of gospel rap artist, Victory the Ambassador. Explaining how
Jesus Christ baptized him with the Holy Ghost & Fire, took the c in his life that use to
stand for Crip, and changed it for His glory. The C now stands for Christ!
To learn more about Victory, visit….Victory
18
I i M Indies in Motion
A look at “Indies In Motion” Radio host Rick Mizuno
19
An artist is one who fully lives the passion,
vibrancy, and beauty he would seek to manifest
in his work, and Rick Mizuno is an artist in every
sense of the word—a true Renaissance Man.
His conga drums come alive under his hands,
enveloping audiences in untold rhythms of the
soul; the passion and love he has known in his
life is breathed into the pages he has authored;
he has inspired his listeners deeply by speaking
from the heart about his journey with his late
wife; and as CEO of his successful general
contracting firm RPM Development, Rick
masterfully crafts the transformations that have
beautified many homes. A musician since
childhood, Rick’s diverse musical career has
taken him from the stage and studios of the pop
scene, including radio and television, to clubs
where he has performed Jazz, R&B, Pop, Latin-
jazz, Reggae and more. As the author of two
books (the novel 50/50split, and the romantic
collection of poems and letters entitled From the
Heart of a Man) creator of the inspirational
audio CD Promises Kept, and keynote speaker
at several motivational engagements, Rick has
already touched readers and listeners
everywhere. Rick now continues his artistic
evolution as the host of LA Talk Radio’s Indies
in Motion, a program dedicate to supporting
and showcasing independent artists of all
genres. Learn more about Rick here…Rick
Recently, Rick had singer Katelyn McCarter on his
show, listen here…Katelyn Interview
20
ANGELA DONADIO
Angela is a Worship Pastor at River of Life in Fredericksburg Va. She also
travels extensively speaking and in music ministry, either by herself or
with her band. Angela grew up with music and graduated with a Music
Degree from Evangel U. She began a non-profit, Voice of the Voiceless,
where music sales benefit causes in Africa. She has performed with
Grammy winners Phil Driscoll, Dino K and David Baroni. She was recently
a finalist at GMA Immerse in Nashville and seen on God-beat.com and will
be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Jan of 2011 with WorldServe International
to raise funds for wells in East Africa.
Learn more here…Angela Donadio
21
Classically trained as a child, Tanya Thomas’ musical education gave her the knowledge and ability to blend different genres of music together to create an extraordinary sound unlike anything in Christian music today.
Working with Clifton ‘Mr. Notes’ Ellens since 2005, Tanya has emerged from her roots of an R&B artist and blossomed into a cultivated Christian Contemporary artist who finds a way to keep her sound relevant in the ever changing landscape of music. As a young girl she built up her vocal strength by singing in various churches and ensemble choirs, and in recent years has come into her own as a unique solo artist. Taking inspiration from everyday experiences like love, loss, and life lessons learned the hard way; Tanya’s songwriting is not only her personal expression and point of view, but its an avenue for listeners to view life from a new perspective.
Joining the AG One songwriting team in late 2008, Tanya has written numerous songs, hooks and ballads for various artists, and a feature on Akapela Jonz’s single “Mr. International.” Tanya’s songwriting knows no limits and her genres range from R&B and hip-hop to pop and country.
In late 2009 Tanya started writing for her debut EP, “Still Discovering,” released in July
2011. She made an early release of a cover of Switchfoot’s “On Fire” which has been well
received by fans. Gearing up to promote her debut EP, her goal is to be captivating
audiences with a fresh sound, while still maintaining the intimacy and connection that she
would in a small show or local coffee house. Tanya Thomas is an artist emanating
integrity and creativity, and her new EP is a breath of fresh air that you’ll definitely want to
take.
To learn more about Tanya visit her website…Tanya Thomas
B On The Lookout for…
Tanya Thomas
22
J
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Hi, my name is Jordan Biel and I’m an artist, song-writer, worship-leader and speaker. I’ve
also been a youth pastor the last 5 1/2 years but I just stepped out of that position in Aug. of
2010, to pursue God’s call on my life to minister in other churches around the nation in
leading worship and preaching. My prayer is that as you listen to my music and messages,
you’ll be inspired to love God completely as you realize how much He personally loves you.
My Vision for my life and ministry is that through my music and message, people will be
taken into the presence of the true, living God, Jesus Christ and there, we’ll enjoy His
presence, He will make us more like Him and He’ll send us out to do what He’s created us
to. We’re all created to give Him glory with our lives; our time, energy, efforts, career, etc.
God often works through us prophetically – giving people specific encouragement that
builds them up, confirms their calling or struggles or whatever God wants to say. We simply
feel that a vital, unique part of our ministry is to speak life into people’s situations and give
the specific word that will encourage them in their walk with Jesus – words that line up with
scripture and edify them as a person and edify the church.
I’m passionate about seeing people discover the specific area that God’s called them to and
that happens when we worship from the heart, enter His presence and open His Word. I’m
available to lead worship, play a concert or speak for your next church event, or youth
event. Just email me: [email protected] or visit the”Contact Me / Booking” page.
23
MY BACKGROUND
I was raised a pastor’s kid – yup, I grew up under the pews. Ok… chairs… it was our way
of being “relevant” at the time. I grew up with the most Godly parents a kid could ask for.
My dad was and is a man of integrity and who I am today is mostly attributed to my parents
and their influence in my life. There are so many other people who helped shape me as
well – Royal Ranger commanders when I was young, Youth Pastors and Leaders, mentors
in Bible College like Pastor Richard Crisco, Tony Hooper & Matt Anderson. The list goes
on. Our ministry exists today because of their sincere love and commitment to raise up
young leaders.
God called me into the ministry at age 14 at a youth camp called Big Prairie. I know –
sounds like some cheesy film Charles Ingalls would star on right? No; it was actually a
great camp for teens organized by the Assemblies of God in Ohio. I can’t tell you how God
moved on me in those meetings. The Holy Spirit set me aside for full-time ministry and I’ve
wanted nothing else since.
I was passionate throughout high-school in seeing my friends come to know Christ. After
HS, I interned at a church plant, The Well, in Geneva, IL for one year before going to Bible
College. 2002-2005, I attended Brownsville Revival School of Ministry in Pensacola, FL
and received Associates of Arts degrees in Pastoral Theology and Worship Ministry.
After college, God lead me back to my home church, Rock of Grace Family Ministries in
Kinsman, OH, to serve as the worship pastor and youth pastor. After much prayer, in Aug.
of 2010, I stepped down from the youth ministry position to focus my life of my traveling
ministry of speaking and music and my business, NewChristianArtist.com. God has been
so faithful in leading us and equipping us for every good work to HIM be all the glory!
OUR MUSIC
Our Albums Include: Ready To Save You, Into Your Presence, Come To The Cross,
Driven & The Way You Move Me. You can go to the HOME page to hear full-length songs
and you can visit the CHARTS page to download FREE zip files of the chord charts for
each song in that album. I’m passionate about resourcing churches with new worship
music so feel free to use as many songs as you’d like. Please simply report the usage
to CCLI Visit our online store to buy physical products – CDs, T-Shirts, Books (pre-orders),
etc. To learn more about Jordan visit his website…Jordan
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Ashley Carpenter
Ashley Carpenter's story is like something you'd read in a novel. Small town Texas girl goes to the Big Apple, New York City, to become an actress and model. She finds success in national ads, television, and even small movie roles. You'd think that would be enough right??
But Ashley felt another call. She felt God calling on her life to use another talent He had bestowed on this lucky girl: a gift for singing. So she did was she always did, she looked for the best place in the world to follow her dreams. She sought our Creative Soul Records, a specialist in developing Christian music ministries, and she met with them in Nashville. Together they wrote and produced a stunning debut album, "Swimming Through Sunshine".
Now Ashley and Creative Soul are working to market the CD and songs, as well as Ashley's unique messages to women and girls, to the New York City tri-state areA, AND BEYOND.
MORE TO COME...
To learn more about Ashley visit her website…Ashley Carpenter
25
Mitchell Income Tax Service
2300 Main Street # 900
Kansas City, MO 64108-2408
Moma’s House…Moma's House
Illuminate Concerts…Illuminate
Concerts
2sDay Productions…2sDay Productions
KBLM The Moon internet radio…The Moon
Outpost Worldwide Video…Outpost Worldwide
26
TG Productions
1101 E. 76th Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-822-9414
Archbishop O’Hara…Archbishop O'Hara High School
Compassion International…Compassion
On A Wing And A Prayer…Winga
Behind the Scenes…Behind the Scenes
27
Eric Copeland is a producer, composer, and author and head of Creative Soul
Companies, which include Creative Soul Records, a production, consulting, and label
company for Christian independent artists and ministries, and From the Moment Music,
a Christian music publishing and songwriter services company.
A conversation with music producer Eric Copeland
MACKIE: How Long have you
been involved in the
entertainment business?
EC: Well, I used to go to
dances my father played
when I was a kid and watch
his band. Also, I was in
church choirs and marching
bands that traveled
extensively as a teen. But I
have been doing gigs
professionally (both live and
studio) since I was 18. In my
early 20s I lived in Chicago
and worked in several bands
and with vocalists, but it
wasn’t until the early 1990s
that I began to work
seriously as a producer for
artists. Since then it has been
a steady build of our music
production and artist
development business now
known as Creative Soul.
MACKIE: When did you
know that you wanted to be
in this business and what
was your motivation?
EC: I was always creative,
and just naturally made stuff,
whether it was songs, stories,
comics, drawings, or what
have you. I don’t think I ever
really knew what a “music
producer” was until the 90s
though when I met another
producer who worked in the
Christian music business,
and I began to see that
someone could do this for a
living. Since I started
seriously writing songs at 14,
my goal was to become a
working songwriter. I now
realize that dream, inside of
my production business for
clients.
MACKIE: Who has helped
you along the way and
inspired you the most?
EC: The aforementioned
producer helped and
mentored me very much. I
truly believe in the
mentor/apprentice mode
and mentor several young
producers now myself. My
parents were both musicians,
and completely understood
my passions and goals, so
they were a great help. My
wife of 23 years though has
probably been my most
faithful supporter though, as
well as challenging me to
keep things real and pay
attention to my home life
and family, and not just “the
music business”.
MACKIE: What are some of
the highlights of your career
so far?
28
EC: Highlights continue
daily. Since I work with
independent artists, every
project and ministry we
assist is a highlight. We’ve
seen countless lives touched
and saved from the work we
do for artists. To be honest,
the ability to be here in this
point in my life, making a
good living in this work after
20 years while others are
trying to find work is
probably the greatest
highlight. I also have been
blessed to pursue personal
projects recently that have
done quite well.
MACKIE: Have you received
any special awards or
achievements?
EC: We have received a few
awards here and there,
including national Tellys,
and many of our artists have
received awards from various
contests. But our greatest
achievements are what we
create every day. We
consider each album that we
finish, each ministry we help
establish, and each creative
artist we help grow our finest
achievements.
MACKIE: Do you have any
special events, shows / gigs
coming up?
EC: We are working on a
very special project called
“We Are Creative Soul” that
features 15 of our artists and
is a celebration of what we do
here in Nashville. We are co-
producing it with legendary
producer Phil Naish (Steve
Curtis Chapman, Point of
Grace), and it is a very big
project with a bunch of new
music. It will be a audio,
video, and graphic project
and should be completed in
the next few months. We’re
really looking forward to it.
MACKIE: Where do you see
yourself in the next 5 or 10
years?
EC: I would imagine I will
be close to where I am now,
still serving artists and
growing ministries.
However, I also know that
moving into higher realms of
creating is my personal goal.
New personal projects,
books, and developing ideas
has always been my passion.
Creative Soul is running
more smoothly, and I could
see one day handing the
reins to someone to continue
this work and putting my
entire focus on new creative
projects. But I love teaching,
coaching, and leading, so
that will likely be part of the
next life also.
MACKIE: What would you
like your legacy to be?
EC: I think we have already
been instrumental in leading
the new industry of
independent Christian
artists, helping establish a
new music business order.
No longer is the only way to
be a working, worldwide
ministry is to get “signed” to
a label deal. Artists can
follow God’s lead and get
started, and make a very high
end project and promote it to
the world, and that is what
we help people do.
MACKIE: Do you have other
interests?
EC: I also write fiction, and
am an avid sports fan,
especially basketball. I play,
watch, write about, think
about and crave basketball.
Love the NBA, but get it
honestly since I was born
and raised in the hotbed of
college basketball,
Lexington, Kentucky, home
of the Kentucky Wildcats. I
also love to read, play PS3,
and watch entirely too much
TV.
MACKIE: Any special words
of encouragement or advice
for our readers?
EC: No matter what your
dream is, no matter what the
longings of your creative
soul, work tirelessly to
achieve them. Spend time
working on your creative
talents, no matter what
anyone says or does to
discourage you. God gave us
these gifts to use for His
glory, and we have a
responsibility to use them in
that way.
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EC: If you can’t do it yourself, find someone to mentor you, to talk to, and to guide you. Talk with your
pastor, your creative friends, or come talk to us. But go after it. You probably already feel the Holy
Spirit telling you, leading you, and prodding you to do this. It’s not about fame or fortune, but doing
God’s work through the talents He has given you.
Get to work!
To learn more about Eric Copeland visit his website…Eric Copeland
Creative Soul…Creative Soul Productions Creative Soul Records…Creative Soul Records
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Food 4 Thought
Today is the first day of your life
Live it as though it were your last
Take each step with considerable consideration
Let life live and that that ceases to exist prevail elsewhere
For all are beautiful in their own existence
And that is as it should be
Be merciful and humble and always stay reassured and positive
Follow your spirit for spirit truly exists
And only those that believe can ever achieve their niche in life
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a
resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all
mysteriesand all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have
love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I
may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1
1 Corinthians 13:3
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You can find it here as well as all other issues…
Joomag Issuu Calameo
So ya didn’t catch the
first issue of MACKIE
huh?
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c.p. 2013 MACKIE, a Christian Entertainment News Magazine
MACKIE, Christian Entertainment News Magazine is a division
of Taylor Bear Productions, a DOLERN Media company.
Be sure to check out the Dreamin’ Out Loud
Entertainment Newsletter which has tips on radio
stations that play indie artists and
more…Newsletter