Immerse 2012 approaching

IMMERSE, the Gospel Music Association’s Music Training Experience, is once again raising the bar in its content, offering attendees unprecedented access and guidance from some of the most influential and successful names in all aspects of the business.

The fourth annual event, to be held July 22-25 at Rocketown in Nashville, TN, provides up and coming indie artists, songwriters and future business leaders with unparalleled training, intimate concerts, professional feedback, networking mixers and individual opportunities to connect with music experts.  IMMERSE aims to continue to create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the attendees and professionals who seek to spread the Gospel through music.

Chris Erlanson, Chairman of IMMERSE explains, “No where else can an indie songwriter get one-on-one advice from the head of a publishing company, or young managers sit in on a discussion with the presidents of record labels.  IMMERSE has truly set itself apart in its ability to put the next generation of the Christian music industry face to face with the people who can truly open the doors for their ministry to thrive.”

An opening night worship event will be held July 22 to kick off IMMERSE and start participants with a time of inspiration and focus.  Featuring Christian music icon Michael W. Smith and a choir made up of artists of all genres, this Sunday evening gathering is a must-attend event, as veterans of the industry keep the focus directly on the Savior.

Monday evening features a concert that showcases some of the best diverse voices in the industry.  Remedy Drive, Shonlock, Jason Crabb and Chris August will be performing some of their most popular songs as well as sharing stories from their own experience as artists.

Daily Keynote sessions are interspersed among the sessions specific for each Artist, Song and Music Biz tracks, featuring business leaders songwriters and artists of all genres.  Keynote sessions include an Overview of the Music Industry, Identifying and Understanding the Gatekeeper, and a State of the Industry event.

Song and Artist seminars are lead by songwriters, publishers, artists and managers and focus on Staging and Performance, Writing Commercial Melodies, the Benefits of Co-Writing, Understanding Music Publishing, and Re-Defining Success.

Business track attendees will be inundated with real-life information and advice from the leadership who are actively working and advancing the genre of Christian Music.  Seminars and talk-back sessions include topics such as Branding your Business and Artist, Creating and Developing Artists, Building a Touring Business and Communication with your Fan base.

Participants in the reVIEWyou competition process are currently being reviewed and will be receiving their notifications of their performances during the week.  Even artists who did not meet the strict criteria for performance are given one-on-one access to publishers, songwriters and managers who are able to give individual advice and encouragement specific to their talent and ministry.

Always the highlight of the event, Wednesday evening features a concert, hosted by artist and radio host Jaci Velasquez, with the finalists from reVIEWyou, the event’s competition and feedback element. These artists and songwriters have completed the rigorous vetting process and have been selected to showcase their talents to both their peers and industry guests.  The artist chosen as the finalist of this concert will receive the chance to perform at Disney’s Night of Joy in September.

“Not only are we seeing new attendees, but we’re also seeing several registrants return from previous years,” continues Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of the GMA.  “Christian artists, songwriters and business people are seeing that IMMERSE is a very important resource of education, networking and a time to focus on building the careers of the next generation of Christian artists.”

Speakers, mentors and panelists include: Aaron Crisler, Aaron Manes, Adam Zinke, Allan Hardin, Amy Wolter, Andy Goerlich, April Geesbreght, Blake Bollinger, Brad O’Donnell, Brad Ross, Brett Manning, Brice Fitzhegh, Calvin Nowell, Casey McGinty, Cassie Petrey, Chaz Corzine, Chris August, Chris Erlanson, Chris McConnell, Chris Nichols, Cindy Wilt Colville, Constance Rhoades, Darien Southerland, David Garcia, David Moffitt, David Zach, Diana Stancil, Don Plythress, Dr. Randall Bayne, Ed Cash, Gabriel Combs, Hillary McBride, Jaci Velasquez, Jackie Patillo, Jason Miller, Jason Walker, Jayme Thompson, John J Thompson, Jeff Pardo, Jennie Lee Riddle, Jessa Anderson, Joel Lindsey, Joel West, Joey Elwood, John Clore, Jonathan Lee, Josh Lauritch, Josh Pauley, Josh Silverberg, Kenna Turner West, Lee Black, Mandy Parsons, Mark Maxwell, Mia Fieldes, Michael Farren, Michael W. Smith, Mike Smith, Mike Weaver, Montell Jordan, Nathan Walters, Paul Wright, Pete Kipley, Philip Morris, Rachel Barrentine, Remedy Drive, Sam Mizell, Sam Tinnesz, Seth Mosley, Shelly E. Johnson, Shonlock, Stephen Leiweke, Sue C. Smith, Tony Wood, Velvet Kelm, Wayne Haun and Wayne Leeloy.

For more information on IMMERSE, please visit online at: www.experienceimmerse.com, www.facebook.com/gmaimmerse and www.twitter.com/gmaimmerse.

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.