THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Maryland native Minister Phillip Carter and his Sounds of Victory ensemble releases debut CD, 'Songs of the Storm'

Maryland native Phillip Carter and his Sounds of Victory ensemble releases debut album, 'Songs of the Storm'

   *Minister Phillip Carter (Breath of Life Ministries) and his Sounds of Victory (SOV) voice ensemble releases debut national CD, “Songs of the Storm,” on Gussie Clyde Entertainment. GCE is his own record label and is distributed by Comin Atcha Distribution (CAD).

   “The last four (albums) were released regionally,” Phillip Carter said when asked why this album is his debut, when he has previous CD releases. “I learned so much after four projects...and did a DVD.”

   On the “Songs of the Storm” CD Carter said he was thinking about how to make us feel when we praise the Lord and that is exactly what I got from the album, that it was all about praising God. The voices of his ensemble are powerful with clear harmony. When asked about how he recruits for his voice ensemble (established in 1997) Phillip said, “their ages are from 15 -18. They are from my church, some from large and small churches, some from other environments...I saw them and saw superstars.”

   The Maryland native has a degree in music education and has worked as Gospel choir director for his alma mater (Bowie State University) and as assistant director for the Gospel choir at Howard University. His first album was released at the age of 22 and his first job was at the age of 12, playing piano in church.

   “The whole process was one big storm, trying to get from point A to point B,” Carter said about the meaning of the CD title “Songs of the Storm.”

   One of my favorite songs off the CD is “Praising,” this selection gives you the feeling of “sailing the storm” particularly because it is recorded over the track of “Sailing” by Christopher Cross.

   “I been hearing that song since the 80s,” Carter laughs when asked why he used that track. “As a musician I love (taking you to another place).”

   “Songs of the Storm” will take you through any of life's challenges with its music and lyrics. Some of my other favorites include “A Great Day,” “He Cares” and the foot-stomping “Rejoice.”

   To hear more from the album log onto www.SpiritCo1.com or www.SOVMinistries.com. 

Internet radio station owner, Ty Moore, offers 30 days air-time to ULMII talent showcase winners

   “I wanted to give new artists the opportunity to be heard. I know how hard it is for artists who don't have the means or resources to get them a step closer to their dream,” said Tyron Moore, owner of Hit Center Radio – an Internet R&B/Hip-Hop/Alternative formated radio station, about why he started his Internet station. “And considering how the average person with a single can't walk into a radio station to get their record played, I felt like an outlet was needed for those who want to be heard.”

   Ty has offered the winners (in vocal and songwriting) of the Uplifting Minds II (ULMII) national talent competitions this year 30 days radio air-time. Moore's first involvement in the national conference was by entering his artists in the talent showcase portion of the event (held in Baltimore and Los Angeles). Eventually, Ty became a judge on the panel and now he serves as a sponsor.

   In 2001 Moore created Sharp Eye Entertainment to manage and develop artist. His passion was in giving undiscovered artists the knowledge and the tools they needed to compete with mainstream artists. He also works as a scout for producers that have worked with Jermaine Dupri, Mya, Dru Hill, Jennifer Lopez and Keyshia Cole. In 2005, Ty launched Hit Center Radio, an online radio station dedicated to catering to world-wide listeners of Urban/R&B/Hip-Hop/Alternative music lovers. By 2008, Moore's Sharp Eye Entertainment added yet another arm to his company, a professional photography division, and as a result has added models to his managing clientèle.

   “As far as their music...make sure its professional as possible because the quality of their music represents them,” Moore stressed when asked advice on getting music on the air. “You'll have a better chance with independent broadcasters via satellite or Internet radio. But if you network with local Djs and/or get your material on mix-tapes, you can make a fan base that way...and your music possibly may get picked up by your local radio station.”

   Winners of the 2009 showcases (last date in 2009 is Sunday, October 18th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall Theater, admission is free) receive 30 days airtime from Hit Center Radio at www.live365.com/stations/hitcenter, as well as 30 days radio airtime from Spirit Radio (Gospel/Inspirational) at www.SpiritCo1.com; free legal consultation from Richard Jefferson, Esq. (www.fjlawcorp.com); free music track from multi-award winning producer VIP (www.DustDemAFF.com); free photo session from award winning photographer Gar Roberts; two weeks booking services from booking agent and artist manager Norman Gibson (www.GrayMountEnt.com); free vocal coaching from singer/voice coach Nadiyah Kareem (Superstar Entertainment), and 50% off Internet marketing and promotions services by Boosweet Records (www.Boosweet.com).

   For more on Ty's Sharp Eye Entertainment ventures log onto www.myspace.com/sharpeyeent and www.myspace.com/hitcenterradio. For more information on the Uplifting Minds II entertainment conferences or to register for the next talent showcase log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com.