Dear GMA Members and Friends,

At the Gospel Music Association, one of our objectives is to best represent the Christian/Gospel music industry to both our immediate community as well as the culture at large – exposing our music and Message to a broader audience.  Part of this strategy requires that we consistently evaluate the tools we use as well as opportunities for innovation that will propel growth for the genre. 

Most recently, we have applied this desire to the GMA Dove Awards – our annual awards show celebrating its 44^th year by examining our voting process and procedures as well as category representation.  Through this process we’ve made a variety of improvements that we hope will ensure the integrity of the event and also raise its credibility.    

To best assess, we worked closely with our industry leaders along with the Awards and Criteria Committee – giving much time and thought to vet the final plan.  This plan was then presented to the GMA Executive Committee who in turn voted for approval.

Please take the time to review the changes carefully; noting that the submission process begins May 1, 2013.  You can find details for the entire balloting and submission process on www.DoveAwardsVoting.com.  Below are highlights of the most notable changes taking place.  

• Addition of three new categories to division one:  
    -  Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year
    -  Southern Gospel Performance of the Year
    -  Gospel Performance of the Year.  
• Addition of film category in division five, honoring their artist excellence and impact on culture:
    -  Inspirational Film of the Year
• In an effort to place increased emphasis on our musical genres and broaden inclusion as well as meet industry standards the following categories have been removed:
    -  Male Artist of the Year
    -  Female Artist of the Year
    -  Group of the Year 
• The following categories have been combined due to a lack of submissions: 
    -  Urban Recorded Song of the Year & Contemporary Gospel
    Recorded Song of the Year have been merged to create: 
    -  Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year
    -  Urban Album of the Year & Contemporary Gospel Album of the
    Year have been merged to create:
    -  Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year.  
• Revision of criteria for the Artist of the Year category.  In a best effort to most accurately reflect artists that have quantifiably had an impact on our culture the following criteria have been added to the voting process for this specific category:
    -  Artists included on the first round ballot shall be determined to be
    the top 20, highest-selling artists according to SoundScan  plus TEA sales. 

While we know that these categories and processes will continue to evolve over the coming years, our greater goal is to create an excellent event that celebrates community and brings awareness to the hope that we possess.  If you’re interested in participating in the submission and voting process click here to learn about GMA membership and qualifications ( http://www.gospelmusic.org/membership/apply-now/)

Lastly, I invite you join us on October 15, 2013 at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN as we celebrate another year of God’s goodness to us at the 44^th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Blessings,

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director
Gospel Music Association
Jackie@gospelmusic.org

Questions & Comments Regarding GMA Dove Award Balloting visit: www.DoveAwardsVoting.com or contact us at service@gospelmusic.org / 615-277-1376.  

GMA Dove Awards  Rules & Definitions Categories 1-7

ELIGIBILITY PERIOD: November 1, 2011 – April 30, 2013

CATEGORIES:  
Category 3 – Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year   NEW*
  -  Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Contemporary Christian genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music.  Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period.  (includes: Pop/Contemporary, Inspirational, Rock, Worship, Rap/Hip Hop)

Category 4 – Southern Gospel Performance of the Year   NEW*
  -  Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Southern Gospel genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music.  Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period.  (includes: Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country)

Category 5 – Gospel Performance of the Year Category  NEW*
  -  Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Gospel genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music.  Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period.  (includes: Traditional, Contemporary/Urban)

Category 6 - Artist of the Year  REVISED*
  -  An Artist is a soloist or group whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music.
  -  Determined to be among top selling artists based on SoundScan sales during eligibility period of up to two albums released within last three years.  One of which has to be released during current eligibility period.    
  -The top 20 artists determine by SoundScan will appear as an eligible entries on the first ballot.  

Categories 17.  Urban Recorded Song of the Year & 19.  Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
  -  MERGE to create:  Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year

Categories 29.  Urban Album of the Year & 31.  Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year 
  – MERGE to create:  Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year

Category 44:  Inspirational Film of the Year
-  All films must be certified as Dove Foundation Family Approved.
-  Titles will be feature films. Not shorts, preaching or teaching videos
-  The top 20 feature length DVD’s will be compiled within the eligibility period according  to SoundScan
-  Top 5 Nominees will be selected by “craft committee”.  The Craft committee will be made up of film professionals, including a Dove Foundation representative.  The committee will be selected by GMA with input from the Dove Foundation.

THE GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES RETURN OF THE LEGENDARY 
GMA DOVE AWARDS TO NASHVILLE, TENN., OCTOBER 15, 2013

GMC TV to Telecast Show from Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena

Marks Unparalleled Move to Fall for Gospel Music’s Biggest Night

Announces Addition of Feature Film Category and 
Food for the Hungry as Ministry Partner

NASHILLE, TN (March 19, 2013) - The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today the return of the legendary GMA Dove Awards to Music City for its 44th year of honors. For the first time in Dove Awards history, Gospel music’s biggest night will take place in the fall. This year’s show is on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 8 p.m. EDT, at Allen Arena on the campus of Nashville’s historic Lipscomb University and will be nationally televised on GMC TV.

The bold move from spring to fall was an intentional shift by the Gospel Music Association to make this year’s esteemed event an unforgettable celebration of the message and artistry that defines the Gospel/Christian genre leading into the industry’s most significant retail sales season. “The GMA Dove Awards has a tradition of bringing our music community together to celebrate God’s goodness as a family and raising awareness for Christian and Gospel music,” says GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. The memorable evening will celebrate the impact Gospel music is making in the lives of countless listeners around the world through story and song. “This year we will not only pay tribute to the music and its makers, but we will shine a light on those who have experienced the music as a lifeline,” says Patillo.

In addition to once-in-a-lifetime performances, the show will also highlight the efforts of the industry’s artists who are using their platforms to champion causes greater than themselves. Food for the Hungry, which provides emergency relief and long-term development programs to help the world’s most vulnerable people, will be this year’s GMA Dove Awards ministry partner. The organization will help celebrate the efforts of the industry to communicate its message of hope and service.

GMC TV will telecast the ceremony to its more than 60 million households nationwide. “As America’s leader for uplifting entertainment, we are proud to be the exclusive home of the 44th Annual Dove Awards as they celebrate two of our most successful genres of programming – music and movies,” said Charles Humbard, president and CEO, GMC TV.

The city of Nashville is thrilled to see the prestigious awards show return to Music City, the hub of Gospel/Christian music. “The Christian and Gospel music industry plays an important role in the energy of our city’s music scene, and, as Music City, we are proud to welcome the Dove Awards back to Nashville,” Mayor Karl Dean says.

The GMA also revealed that it will add a feature film category in response to the rise in prominence and impact of inspirational films within the entertainment community. GMA has invited The Dove Foundation, known for its Dove Seal of approval for filmed entertainment, to participate in the development of the category and to ensure the creditability of this award.

“I am delighted that such a highly-respected organization as the GMA is recognizing Christian films,” says Dick Rolfe, Dove Foundation co-founder and CEO. “GMA has been a big part of my life ever since my years in Christian radio and television.”

Final nominees are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, August 22, 2013. Hosts and performers, along with ancillary Dove-related events, will be unveiled in the coming months. Only GMA members are eligible to vote in the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. To vote and further support this community, membership by March 30, 2013, is required. Visit www.gospelmusic.org to learn more about the GMA’s mission, along with details on member benefits and application information.

Tickets for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards will go on-sale to the public June 7, 2013. To view eligibility period and entry details, visit www.doveawardsvoting.com. For all other GMA Dove Awards information, visit www.doveawards.com.

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About the Gospel Music Association (GMA)
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615-277-1376. Follow the GMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation.

About GMC TV
GMC TV, (www.watchGMCtv.com) based in Atlanta, is America’s favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment. The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials along with gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The GMC TV brand is reflected in “Uplift Someone,” the network’s successful pro-social initiative. GMC TV can be seen in more than 61 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DIRECTV on channel 338, DISH Network on channel 188, and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter athttps://www.facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

About Food for the Hungry
Founded in 1971, Food for the Hungry provides emergency relief and long-term development programs in more than 20 countries to help the world’s most vulnerable people. Learn more by visiting www.fh.org. Social connections include www.facebook.com/foodforthehungry and www.twitter.com/food4thehungry.

For media inquiries, contact the GMA:
615-277-1376
press@gospelmusic.org

I worked for a company once that stressed the need to focus on “True North”.   Although it is a navigational term, True North also speaks to our everyday life and refers to something that provides clarity and direction.  “True North” is non-negotiable – a compass cannot help but point north – no matter what conditions or outside forces may be applied, the needle never veers.

In a similar fashion, our lives should mimic the compass.  Knowing what you are called to and the outcome you want to reach, requires single-mindedness, regardless of the conditions around you.  The Bible tell us to “write the vision and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:3).  I believe this is for our own good.  Sometimes in the middle of hard or stressful experiences we forget or doubt where north is but if we simplify it and put it before us always we can refresh and remind ourselves.   True North doesn’t wavier, it is consistent.

The current technological age, along with the nation’s economic climate, has forced many to look to the future with more questions than answers and our association is not immune to similar reflection.  Over the past few years the Gospel Music Association has undergone a refining process – and it had to start by rediscovering our True North.  It was necessary to evaluate everything with a resolve to make adjustments.  The task is not to change for change sake but to challenge ourselves and be open to see our blind spots and adjust accordingly.   True North is a guide for us to make the kind of intentional modification that line up with our purpose and goals.

True North for the GMA is about serving our past, present and future, by honoring our Gospel music legacy, celebrating those who are currently on the frontlines spreading the Gospel through music and educating our future Christian music artist and business leaders.  We  facilitate our artists, and the industry that surrounds them, by providing a climate of community, helpful resources and support.   How we best accomplish these goals will always evolve and I look forward to sharing some of our newest initiatives with you very soon.

I pray that you too will find your True North as you draw from the valuable principles of our faith to lead the way.

Grace and Peace,

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director
Gospel Music Association

RYFO.ORG LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE PROVIDING PRACTICAL SERVICES
FOR MUSICIANS AT NO CHARGE

New Site Offers Musicians Easier Access to National Network and Increased Service Selections

San Clemente, CA – RYFO, whose volunteer network has served the needs of hundreds of touring musicians with free meals, beds to sleep in, care-packs, prayer, and counsel, has launched a revamped website. The new site allows easy access for artists and hosts across the nation to connect, with a mobile-friendly version of the site coming soon.

The innovative organization offers a variety of services at no charge and no obligation for touring musicians living their lives on the road away from their support systems. Additional services include laundry facilities, showers as well as spiritual support.

“RYFO was created to help the church love and serve these performers as a demonstration of Christ’s love” says Nick Greenwood, President of RYFO. “Artists are voices of culture, and what they are communicating is reaching the world. We must share the Gospel with the artist community.”

Founded in 2009, RYFO has gone on to serve over 1,000 touring musicians. Since November 2011 alone, the organization has developed 70 host homes, connected with 275 bands and facilitated nearly 150 host home stays.

“On behalf of the Gospel music community, the Gospel Music Association is excited to shine a light on what RYFO is doing to support our musicians.” says Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of the GMA. “It’s our privilege to endorse an organization like RYFO that offers such a practical solution.”

RYFO will continue to enhance services by rolling out new partnerships with mechanics, recording studios, stores, restaurants and other benefits in the coming months. Individuals can also visit the site to learn how they can become part of the RYFO Network and support through donations or by becoming a host home/church.

“We want to encourage the Christ-following music listener to be a ‘different brand of fan,’ says Nick. “Fans that not only like music but love the musician by serving them in practical ways.”

Visit the new site at: www.ryfo.org

RYFO Video: http://www.youtube.com/ryfonetwork

About RYFO:

RYFO was established in 2009 with the mission of making the Good News of Jesus’ love unavoidable in the music community by helping followers of Jesus show and share his love with musicians.  To date, its volunteer network has served the needs of hundreds of touring musicians with free meals, beds to sleep in, care-packs, prayer, and counsel.  www.ryfo.org

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For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Nick Greenwood

President and Founder, RYFO

(949) 683-3983

nick@ryfo.org

GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION Announces Partnership With LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES
to Present IMMERSE 2013

Held May 26-29 at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN,
IMMERSE Offers Unprecedented Training to Artists, Songwriters and Business Leaders

Nashville, TN – IMMERSE, the Gospel Music Association’s Music Training Experience, is pleased to announce it’s fifth annual event, May 26-29, 2013. In a unique partnership, IMMERSE will be held in its entirety at LifeWay Christian Resources corporate headquarters in downtown Nashville, TN. Registration opens today, January 17 at www.ExperienceIMMERSE.com.

This partnership was created with the attendee in mind. LifeWay’s 21-acre campus allows IMMERSE to be held entirely in one location, with more than one million square feet of space for concerts, conferences, networking events and meals. With easy access to Music City’s downtown sites and Music Row, IMMERSE offers an amazing educational experience in the heart of, what the New York Times has called, our nation’s latest “It” city.

“I am grateful to the leadership at LifeWay for opening their extensive campus to IMMERSE,” explains Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of GMA. “Their commitment to excellence and willingness to facilitate this conference is exciting.  This partnership is in keeping with GMA’s goal is to bring the music industry together to pour into the lives of our future leaders.”

IMMERSE is the only event of its kind where up and coming songwriters and business professionals can get hands-on training directed by industry leaders in literally every aspect of a music career. Staying true to the Gospel Music Association’s mission to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music, IMMERSE seeks to inspire artistry and commerce, while keeping it’s focus solely on Christ.
Programming for the 2013 event will include classes in music business, songwriting and artist development. As in past years, IMMERSE will offer unprecedented access to some of the most influential executive industry leaders in Christian music. Conference speakers, competition judges and live guest performers will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Last year’s successful reVIEWyou program will return for 2013 as well. reVIEWyou combines mentoring with a songwriting and performance competition, creating scenarios for writers and performers to receive feedback and on-stage opportunities. An impressive list of mentors and prizes are being secured, and will be announced at a later date.

“LifeWay is proud to partner with the GMA to present IMMERSE,” explains Mike Harland, Director of LifeWay Worship.  “The heart of our calling is to serve churches in their mission of making disciples that will take the Gospel to the world. We believe IMMERSE does that by equipping young creatives with the tools to spread the Gospel through music. We are thrilled to be part of it!”

IMMERSE 2013 will be held May 26-29 at the LifeWay Christian Resources Building, 1 LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234. Registration begins January 17, 2013 at http://www.ExperienceIMMERSE.com

About the GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.

About LIFEWAY:
LifeWay Christian Resources, established in Nashville, TN in 1891, is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, church literature, books, music, audio and video recordings, church supplies and internet services through LifeWay.com. The company also operates 160 LifeWay Christian Stores across the nation, one of the largest Christian conference centers in the country, and B&H Publishing Group, a leading Bible and Christian book publisher.

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For more information on IMMERSE 2013, or to schedule an interview with Jackie Patillo, please contact
Lori Heiselman
714-553-5181
Lori@BiscuitMediaGroup.com