Radio Promotions
Creative Promotions
Since launching in the fall of 1996, Wendell
Gafford and Creative Promotions have promoted
over 220 national Top 20 singles including more
than 20 #1 songs . Over 50 of these songs
are from independent artists!
Wendell Gafford is by far the best Inspirational radio promoter in Christian music.
Creative Promotions has a proven track record for success and he is a man of integrity.
My ministry has benefited greatly from Wendell's expertise and knowledge of radio."
Joel Engle, Worship Leader/Recording Artist, Spin 360 Records
"If it has to do with radio, Wendell knows it..."
Larnelle Harris, Grammy & Dove Award winning Recording Artist
"Wendell Gafford and Creative Promotions have done and incredible job helping to take ‘He
Will Pull You Through’ to number 6 on CRW and into the Top 100 songs for 2007!
Wendell's tireless efforts have paid off. He definitely has gone that extra mile in helping to
get out my ministry, music and message. It has truly been a blessing that he decided to work
with me. I look forward to a long relationship with him and Creative Promotions."
Curt Collins, Recording Artist, FSS Records
"When we begin the strategic planning for our artist clients, our first call is Wendell Gafford
and Creative Promotions. Utilizing an amazing alchemy of creativity, strategic planning,
network and digital promotion tools, Wendell and his team at Creative Promotions are
unparalleled in execution, follow through, and effectiveness. They are truly our promotion
partners."
Dennis Disney, President, D-Squared Entertainment
I truly believe working with Wendell Gafford has been one of the best decisions we have made
thus far in my ministry and I believe he is one of the greatest radio promoters on this planet!
It is because of Wendell's highest integrity, respect from programmers, devoted hard work,
belief and passion that my past 2 singles have reached chart success and we had my first Top
20 Billboard hit. He is a true and gifted promoter and communicator and he has shared my
ministry in the most creative and effective ways to the radio programmers. He is by far one
of the most valuable people on my team and I am so THANKFUL we chose Wendell and
Creative Promotions!
Laura Kaczor, Recording Artist, LifeThirst Records
Celebrating 15 Years
Christian radio together!
of bringing great artists &
www.creativepromotions.net • www.newchristianmusicnow.com
Phone: (616) 248-4175
wendell@creativepromotions.net
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion / Overview 2
Launched by Wendell Gafford in 1996, Creative Promotions has been privileged to partner
with Christian radio and promote over 220 national Top 20 singles, including over 20 #1
songs. Over 50 of these Top 20 songs were from independent artists! These songs have
charted on national charts published by Billboard Magazine, Christian Music Weekly
(CMW), Christian Radio Weekly (CRW), the CCM Update, Christian Research Report
(CRR), Radio & Records (R&R), and the PDAdvisor . (Note: The CCM Update, CRR and
PDAdvisor are no longer in print whille R&R is now the Billboard chart.)
Creative Promotions has a strong list of clients including
both labels and independent artists. Labels
include Stylos Records, Spring Hill Music , Discovery
House Music, Integrity Music, Maranatha!, M2.0
Communications, INO Records, Curb Records and
Doxology Records. We were the first to handle radio
promotions for such artists as Sara Groves, Nicholas
Jonas (Jonas Brothers), David Crowder, Paul Baloche
and Darlene Zschech/Hillsongs. You can visit the
Results page on the Creative Promotions Web site to
see a list of Top 20 songs and artists we have been
privileged to represent.
What makes our radio promotion unique?
In recent years it has become evident that it takes more than phone calls and faxes to promote a new single to Christian
radio. Though following up with programmers is still the cornerstone of any promotion to radio (you can't develop
great relationships through e-mail), Creative Promotions has developed creative and cutting edge strategies
using today's multimedia and Internet technologies to help introduce a new artist and/or singles to Christian radio.
See the next few pages to view details of how we can bring these resources together in promoting your next single.
What is the ultimate goal?
Of course, the ultimate goal for getting airplay on Christian radio is so God can expand the impact of your music and
ministry. But what are the more practical goals, even from a business perspective? The ultimate goal is for radio to
open new markets where you can perform and minister in concert. As your concert ministry grows, so will your revenue
through paid performances and product sales. A bi-product of airplay (on reporting stations) is the open door it
creates for your song to climb onto a national radio chart which can add to your national exposure and impact. This
too can help in the growth of your concert ministry.
What stations do we include in our promotion packages?
We promote singles to stations that report to the Soft AC/Inspirational charts published by Billboard Magazine, the
Christian Music Weekly and CRW (Christian Radio Weekly). We can also expand our promotion to include key priority
non-reporting stations and networks around the country.
Inspirational Reporters:
From the start, the main focus for Creative Promotions has been to the reporting Inspirational stations. Currently
these stations report to the Inspirational charts published by Billboard Magazine, the Christian Music Weekly and
CRW (Christian Radio Weekly). We also service over 100 non-reporting Inspirational stations as a part of this package.
We have focused our promotion on the Inspirational reporting stations because they continue to add songs from
independent and small label artists. Currently there are 27 Inspirational reporters that represent over 185 markets.
Contents
Promotion Overview
page 2
Promotional Process
page 4
Radio Promotion Plans
page 5
Standard Promotion
(Soft AC/Insp Reporters)
page 6
Standard Promotion
(Priority Non-reporters)
page 7
Enhanced Promotion
page 8
Affordable Web Design
page 9
Other Services Offered
page 11
Information Form
page 12
Wendell Gafford with Paul Baloche
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion / Overview3
The reason we do not currently promote singles to the Christian AC and CHR reporting stations is because
they have consistently refused to add songs from independent and small label artists.
How can airplay on the Inspirational reporting stations help grow your ministry? Obviously, airplay on each stations
can open up new ministry opportunities and markets. For instance, if American Family Radio adds your song,
you will instantly be heard in over 70 markets across the country! Our primary
objective in promoting to the reporting Inspirational stations is to work
closely with these stations and their music programmers to help a song move
up the national Inspirational radio charts. Once a song enters the national
Top 25 (CMW/CRW) or Top 20 (Billboard), not only are you impacting
more markets but you also begin to build a story of national radio success
that you can use in your overall promotional strategy.
Though Inspirational reporting stations are open to playing independent and
small label artists, their singles must still compete with those released by the
major labels. Most of these reporters only have a current (i.e. new songs) list
of 15 - 30 songs with an average rotation of 20-25. On a typical week, most
of these stations have between 10-15 great songs to choose from (for a new
"add") but only have room for one or two new songs. Needless to say, the competition for space is very high. Because
of this, we are extremely careful about what songs we are willing to release and promote to the Inspirational
reporting stations.
Priority Non-reporters reporters:
Though our focus has been primarily on the reporting Soft AC/Inspirational stations, we also offer promotion and
follow-up to over 20 "Priority" non-reporting stations and networks. These Priority non-reporters impact over a
hundred stations/markets across the country. We also service a single to an additional 100+ Soft AC/Inspirational
non-reporting stations. We are able to monitor response from these stations through a special form that programmers
are required to fill out in order to access the song as a digital download through our NewMusicNow site powered
by Creative Promotions.
How can airplay on non-reporting stations help grow your ministry? Even though radio programmers and promoters
know the importance of a station being a "reporter," the average listener doesn’t know if their station reports to a
national chart and frankly, doesn’t care. They either like the station or they don’t. If they hear your song and like it,
that’s all that matters to them. They’re not concerned if it’s climbing a national chart as long as their station is
playing it!
There’s no question that gaining national exposure by having a song on the national charts is important. However,
these charts simply reflect airplay on the local level...the airplay that can help expand the impact of your music min-
istry. Though non-reporting stations may not report to a national chart, they are still able to make an impact by
playing your music at the local level. It’s through the non-reporting stations that a grassroots level of growth in
your ministry can begin to happen. We believe getting solid airplay on non-reporting stations can have as much
value as getting added on a reporting station. Success on a large number of non-reporting stations can also give an
artist momentum to help with further promotion to the reporting stations.
How can you include a focus on Priority non-reporting stations with your promotion to radio? 1) If we are promoting
your single to the reporting Soft AC/Inspirational reporting stations, we would recommend expanding that pro- promotion
motion to include our 20+ Priority non-reporting stations. 2) If we feel your single has potential to receive airplay
but may not be able to break through the stiff competition found with the reporting stations, you may want to consider
only promoting your single to these Priority non-reporting stations.
Celebrating 3 Top 5 songs with Wayburn Dean
Check out NewMusicNow
Powered by Creative Promotions
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion / the Process 4
At this point, you may be wondering where
the radio promotions’ process begins. Below
is an outline that will walk you through each
step:
Submit your CD to review: We’ll need
to review your CD to discover if there
are songs that would be strong singles
to release to either the Inspirational
reporting stations or the Independent
reporters.
We do ask for a $100 consultation
fee to cover our time reviewing your
CD. The fee also covers a 30 minute
(minimum) consultation session
when we will discuss your CD and it’s potential at radio.
Please fill out the radio promotions Information Form (page 13) included in this packet
and send this, your CD and a check or money order for $100 made out to "Creative Promotions"
to: Creative Promotions / Wendell Gafford / 3211 Giddings Ave. SE / Grand
Rapids, MI / 49508. Creative Promotions will also accept credit card payments through
PayPal for an additional $10 handling fee. Please e-mail Wendell Gafford at
wendell@creativepromotions.net if you would like to pay via credit card
Please give us a minimum of one week to review your CD before you follow-up with us.
It’s best to drop us an e-mail and we will schedule a phone consultation.
As we review your CD, we are going to be listening for at least two potential singles.
Christian programmers are not interested in the "one hit wonder" and neither are we. I’m
guessing you aren’t either. Creative Promotions will never require you to sign a two single
agreement but we want to know that there is the potential for you to build a long term
relationship with Christian radio programmers and their listeners. This is especially true
of promoting singles to the Inspirational reporting stations.
Once both Creative Promotions and you have agreed to move forward with the promotion of a
single, we will determine if the best focus will be on the Inspirational reporters or Priority
non-reporters.
The next few pages will outline the promotional process and specifically how Creative Promotions
will promote your single to radio.
Once a promotional plan is agreed upon, Creative Promotions will put together and send you a
Promotional Agreement to sign. The purpose of this agreement is to make sure we are all on
the same page as we launch the radio promotion of your single.
Note that full payment for the agreed upon radio promotion will be due at the signing of the
agreement.
Artists appearing at the Creative Promotions’ Late Nite @ GMA in
2005 included Larnelle Harris, Michael O’Brien and First Call.
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion / Standard & Enhanced 5
Overview
First let me emphasize the fact that Creative
Promotions does not simply "track" songs with
stations. We promote songs to programmers
through our relationship with each station and
through the multimedia tools we offer with our
promotional packages. Second, Creative Promotions
is not an "assembly line" promoter.
Though there are certain tools and strategies we
include with each promotion, we work hard to
customize a plan that works best for each artist
and song.
Creative Promotions offers two levels of promotion
These are the Standard and Enhanced level
of promotion. The best way to describe the difference
is that the Standard promotion is mainly
focused on the promotion of a single though we will, of course, work to introduce the artist as well.
Enhanced promotion is focused on the promotion of the single with just as much emphasis on introducing
the artist to radio and help that artist develop a stronger relationship with key programmers.
At the enhanced level, we are also able to offer an artist more time in the area of consulting and artist
development.
On page 6, 7 & 8, we will outline the promotion involved
with each level. Please note that we do not require
you to choose either the regular or enhanced level
of promotion. There is middle ground between the two
levels if you choose to only include some of the enhanced
elements in your radio promotion plan.
We want to create a promotional plan that works best
for you, your music and your ministry. Once you have
looked over the next few pages, please contact Wendell
Gafford at Creative Promotions (616.248.4175) with
any questions.
Make sure and check out our NewMusicNow website! Creative Promotions is one of the few
Christian radio promotion companies with a strong website and internet presence. We use
the NewMusicNow site as the springboard for each artist for all of our online promotion. Go
to www.newchristianmusicnow.com!
Artists appearing at the Creative Promotions’ Late Nite @ GMA in 2008
included Dennis Jernigan, Curt Collins, Brian Bates, CO3, Wayburn Dean,
After the Chase, Krissy Nordhoff and Sarah Schieber
A visit to Moody Broadcasting in Chicago with Joel Engle
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion /Inspirational Reporters 6
Standard
Promotion
The Standard level of promotion to the Inspirational reporters will include the following:
Promote to reporting Inspirational stations. Promotion will include the following:
Digital distribution of single to reporting, Priority Non-reporting and select general non-reporting Soft AC /
Inspirational stations.
This will include all Soft AC/Inspirational stations that report to Billboard, Christian Music Weekly and
Christian Radio Weekly.
This service includes the writing of a "cover letter" that is included with e-mail to programmers announcing
the release of the new single.
Introductory "NewMusicNow" e-mail promoting single to all reporting Inspirational stations.
Bi-weekly calls to reporting Soft AC/Inspirational stations
Every 2-3 weeks you will receive a report on single showing its status at reporting Soft AC/Inspirational
radio broken down station by station.
Promote single on the NewMusicNow website powered by Creative Promotions (www.newchristianmusicnow.com).
This will include:
Artist will receive their own "Section" on Website which will include an audio stream of the single and the following
categories:
Meet the Artist – includes artist biography and other material that will help programmers become better
acquainted with artist.
Single category – includes song information (cover letter), song lyrics, feedback form and digital download.
Media – includes the following media elements:
A minimum of six (6) artist interview segments (to be supplied by artist based on questions provided by
Creative Promotions.)
A minimum of one (1) video segment. Videos must be edited and ready for one step conversion to the Flash
format used on Web site or available from a video sharing site such as YouTube. Note that there would be
an additional charge for further video editing.
Other media elements such as photos can also be included on the Media page and will be placed based upon
availability and promotional need.
Single will be included in a minimum of six (6) "e-mail blasts" from Creative Promotions.
Artist/Management is responsible to supply content for a minimum of four (3) "e-mail blasts."
Implement strategies to help connect artist and key music programmers
Work with artist to connect with programmers through e-mail campaign.
Provide phone contact information so artist can follow-up with key stations.
Digital Distribution:
Creative Promotions currently uses a combination of our own NewMusicNow website
(www.newchristianmusicnow.com) and the Play MPE digital distribution system for servicing singles to the
Inspirational reporting stations as well as 120+ non-reporting stations.
Duration of Radio Promotion is as follows:
Radio promotions as outlined above is for the "life of the single."
The "Life of the single" is defined as the length of time a single has before it becomes unlikely that additional
stations will be adding it to their current rotation.
Below is your financial commitment to the Standard level of promotion to the Inspirational reporters:
The fee for the radio promotion of single to reporting Inspirational stations for the life of the single is $2,200.
This amount includes digital distribution of single as outlined above.
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion /Priority Non-reporters 7
Promote single Priority Non-reporting stations. We currently focus this promotion on 20-25 Priority Non-report- reporters
that represent over 100 stations/markets nationwide. Promotion will include the following:
ers Digital distribution of single to Priority Non-reporting and select general non-reporting Soft AC / Inspirational
stations.
This service includes the writing of a "cover letter" that is included with e-mail to programmers announcing
the release of the new single.
Regular phone and e-mail follow-up to Priority Non-reporters every 3 weeks.
After each round of follow-up, artist will receive report showing the single’s status broken down station by
station
Promote single on the NewMusicNow website powered by Creative Promotions (www.newchristianmusicnow.com).
This will include:
Artist will receive their own "Section" on Website which will include an audio stream of the single and the
following categories:
Meet the Artist – includes artist biography and other material that will help programmers become better
acquainted with artist.
Single category – includes song information (cover letter), song lyrics, feedback form and digital download.
Media – includes the following media elements:
A minimum of eight (8) artist interview segments (to be supplied by artist based on questions provided
by Creative Promotions.
A minimum of one (1) video segments. Videos must be edited and ready for one step conversion to the
Flash format used on Web site or available from a video sharing site such as YouTube. Note that there
would be an additional charge for further video editing.
Single will be included in a minimum of six (6) "e-mail blasts" from Creative Promotions.
Artist is responsible to supply content for a minimum of four (3) "e-mail blasts."
Implement strategies to help connect artist and key music programmers
Work with artist to connect with programmers through e-mail campaign.
Provide phone contact information so artist can follow-up with key stations.
Duration of Radio Promotion is as follows:
Radio promotions as outlined in this agreement is for a 4 month period.
The promotional period begins with the add date of the single.
If promotion to Priority Non-reporters is part of a promotion that also includes the Soft AC/Inspirational
reporters, or if the artist decides to add promotion to the reporting Soft AC/Inspirational stations, the period
of promotion to these stations will be increased to the life of the single.
The "Life of the single" is defined as the length of time a single has before it becomes unlikely that additional
stations will be adding it to their current rotation.
The financial agreement for services rendered is as follows:
The fee for the servicing and radio promotion of single as outlined above is $1.000.
Payment shall be due upon the signing of promotions agreement.
Standard
Promotion
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion 8
The Enhanced level of promotion may be added to a radio promotion to the Soft AC/Inspirational reporters,
Priority non-reporters, or both. The purpose of the Enhanced Promotion is to build upon the
Standard Promotion and includes everything listed at this level of promotion to the Soft AC/Inspirational reporters
(page 6) and/or the Priority non-reporters (page 7). It is a challenge to list everything that is included with an
Enhanced Promotion because we customize each promotion to meet the specific needs of an artist. With this in mind,
below are services we often include in our Enhanced Promotion.
Promote single on the NewMusicNow website powered by Creative Promotions
(www.newchristianmusicnow.com). This includes everything listed under the Standard Promotion (page 6/7)
and also includes:
A minimum of 10 interview segments (6 are included in the Standard Promotion)
A minimum of 2 video segments will be featured (only 1 is included in the Standard Promotion)
Artist will be featured in one (1) Creative Promotions Podcast
Artist will receive prime positioning with special banner add featured on the front page of the NewMusic-
Now website.
Implement strategies to help connect artist and key music programmers
Work with artist to connect with programmers through e-mail postcard and/or letter campaigns.
Provide phone contact information so artist can follow-up with key stations.
Coordinate personal greetings from artist to key programmers including video and/or audio greetings.
Note there would be an additional charge for actual editing and creation of content.
Set up station visits for artist.
This agreement includes a maximum of 10 visits to reporting Inspirational
This can include Soft AC/Inspirational reporters and/or Priority Non-reporting stations.
Note there may be an additional fee for Wendell Gafford to accompany artist on a station visit.
Additional Promotion can include
Develop special promotions or contests as opportunity arises.
Solicit and work to set up artist interviews.
Be proactive in developing other creative ways to promote an artist, their ministry and their single and
help artist connect with stations.
Consulting
At the Enhanced Level of promotion we are able to offer more time for consultation to an artist and/or
their management. This consultation can focus on:
Artist development and overall ministry strategy
Offering additional time for promotional planning and to assist an artist in fully understanding the radio
promotions process
Develop strategies and a comprehensive plan for taking full advantage of radio airplay
By adding on the Enhanced Level of promotion, I am able to more fully become a part of your promotions and mar- marketing
team. It will also open the door for you to more fully access the knowledge and experience we have gained over
keting the past 23 years of work in the Christian radio and music industry.
The financial agreement for services rendered is as follows:
Just as the services offered at the Enhanced level of promotion are flexible, so is the cost.
The typical fee is between $500 - $1,000 for the period of promotion as agreed to in the Standard Promotion.
Please note that this fee is in addition to the fee for the Standard Promotion to the Soft AC/Inspirational reporters
and/or Priority non-reporters.
Enhanced
Promotion
Creative Promotions
Web Design 9
The mission for Creative Promotions is to help
artists communicate their music and ministry.
Radio promotion has been a key way to make this happen.
However, for over a decade, we have also been assisting artists
in using current technology to help them communicate their
music and ministry in fresh ways. At the core of any artists
use of the internet must be a strong and current website. From
this website, the artist is ready to use the other online forms of
promotion like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Sonicbids and
Reverb Nation.
Some artists believe they can substitute a traditional website
with a MySpace, Facebook or Sonicbids page. Though a presence
on these social networks can be important, I don't believe
they should replace a traditional website. In fact, I believe not
having a website communicates that the artist isn't established enough to have a viable music ministry and career.
Social networking sites are also very limiting in the ways an artist is able to communicate who they are, how they
sound and what they offer. But why do so many artists choose to use social networking or online "press kit" sites (such
as Sonibids) as their primary website. I believe the answer is simple. Artist want to retain control of their content and
be able to easily update their "site" themselves and not be dependent upon a Web designer or "Web master."
For many years I offered a Web design service to artists. I developed some great websites and then when I was finished,
the artist would often look at me with that "now what?" look on their face. They didn't know the first thing
about Web design so that meant they had to retain my services in order to maintain their website. Sounds like a pretty
good deal for me but eventually we both became frustrated. The artist became frustrated waiting for me to add updates
to the site and I was frustrated because I had to open up all their website graphics and files simply to make a few
changes or add something new. Eventually I stopped offering website design altogether.
I thought about developing sites using a "control panel" approach. The idea is to build a website but leave certain areas
of the site the artist could change and update by logging into a "control panel." This control panel would give the artist
access to sections of the website such as their concert schedule and news page. The problem with this approach is
that I've seen few "control panels" that are user friendly. In fact, I've been hired by several artists whose sites were designed
by another Web developer and had a "control panel." It was so complicated they still had to hire someone with
knowledge and expertise in Web design in order to make the necessary changes and additions. There had to be a better
way! Actually there are two betters ways. Joomla and Wordpress. The choice is yours!
What is Joomla and Wordpress? In technical terms, each is a content
management software system that is Open Source (translated:
FREE!). This is software that is installed on your server. In simple
terms, it is user friendly Web design software that is extremely powerful, very intuitive and easy to
use. The bottom line is that we can design and build a powerful website to help communicate
your story, music and ministry and build it in such a way that, when we're finished, we hand the
keys of the site to you and give you the guidance and direction to take it from there. If you can
use a word processor (like Microsoft Word), you'll be able to keep your website fresh and up-to- date on
your own and without further expense.
Do you need a new website but don’t believe you can afford it? We’ve worked hard to make it
possible for you to have a great site that will give your music ministry the presentation it
deserves...and we can do it for less. How? We can give you a chance to purchase your new
website "off the rack"! Turn the page to find out more!
Introduction
(page 1)
Creative Promotions
Web Design 10
Here's what makes our Web design unique:
We have been working with Christian music artists for over 20
years so we know more than just Web design. We know how to help you
communicate your story, your music and ministry.
We design our websites, whether created specifically
for you or a pre-designed website layout, so that you
can easily add content to your site. We know how
frustrating it can be to have a great website but then
you're stuck with the need to pay someone else to
maintain your site. If you can work with a word processing
program, you can maintain a site that we
build for you. The bottom lines is...when we finish
your website, we place you into the driver's seat!
Options! We offer you options in your Web design
needs. We build your website so that you can:
Have us build a website that is customized for you
from graphics to layout and we can work closely with
you in communicating your story, music and ministry. After we are finished with the site, we will give you
training on how to keep the site updated and maintained with little or no help needed from us in the future.
Similar to option 1 but we'll save you money when you use one of our pre-designed website templates.
Similar to option 2 but we'll save you even more money by setting up the basic layout of your website, give
you initial "Do-it-yourself" training so you can fill in all the sections of the site yourself.
If you want to set up your own website using either Joomla, Wordpress or Drupal or traditional html design,
you can still purchase one of our templates to get you off and running.
These are just the main options that you can take advantage of. Ultimately, we can work with you to help
you get the website you need at a price you can afford!
FAST! With our pre-designed layouts, we can help you get your new website up quickly.
Why can a pre-designed website work for you?
You want a website that is unique to you and your music ministry and we understand that. However, most artists
need to communicate the same things. You want people to know your story, the chance to share your heart
on a regular basis, you want visitors to hear your music, to know when and where they can see you in concert or
experience a live event, and to be able to purchase your products. Our pre-designed websites give you all of this
and more. We decided there's no need to go back to the drawing board for each new artist website we create. Why
not create a standard pre-designed website that includes these basic needs that each artist shares. Your needs will
be met and you'll save money at the same time.
Of course, we can take this standard pre-designed website and customize it to your unique needs through the color
scheme and by adding sections that are unique to your music and ministry. Will this add to the price? Yes, but because
our base price is less that what you'll likely spend elsewhere, you can still save money while getting the exact
website you need.
Whether you need a basic site to help promote your music and ministry or a more complex Website that is multimedia
rich, interactive and has all the "bells and whistles," we can do it at a price you can afford. Just think options! Lots of
options! Want to find out more? Go to our demo site at www.creativepromotions.net/demo. You can also contact
Wendell Gafford at (616) 248-4175 or e-mail wendell@creativepromotions.net.
Website design
made affordable
Check out our online Demo site! Go to:
www.creativepromotions.net/demo
(page 2)
Creative Promotions Other services offered 11
Our passion is helping an artist communicate their story, music, ministry, passion for
God. Below are some specific ways we can help but we also specialize in working with an
artist to develop new ways to communicate their ministry using today’s technology.
Along with radio promotion and web design, we also offer:
Consulting & Management
Artist consultation focusing on overall ministry direction
Music consultation - ready to help you make sure your next project is ready for
radio.
Artist management and guidance
Multimedia Design & Marketing
Develop and design "InterActive Press Kits" – We bring together all the elements
of a traditional paper press kit with today’s multimedia elements and
present it as one complete package.
Multimedia Bio Web pages – We bring an artist biography page to life with
photo and video elements that compliment their written bio. This page can
really tell an artist’s story!
Graphic design and layout for flyers, print and banner adds, postcards, letterhead,
business cards, etc.
Development of multimedia CD-ROMs
Newsletter layout and design
Traditional Press Kit design
Video editing including the development of electronic press kit videos
Video CD-ROMs with full menu interface
Promotional DVDs
Audio production including concert and album promotional spots and artist
spotlight segments
Podcast production and distribution
For more information on how we can assist you in one or more of these areas, please
contact Wendell Gafford at wendell@creativepromotions.net or call (616) 248-4175.
Creative Promotions
Radio Promotion / Information Form
Please take a moment to fill in the following information. This will help us get to know you and your spe- specific
needs better and help us move forward in the promotional process.
Specific Artist Name
If artist is a band,
please list members
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Cell Phone
E-mail address
Web site
CD Title
Producer
Release Date
In what radio format do you believe your music would best fit?
(Circle all that apply.)
Inspirational AC CHR Rock Country
Please share details of any radio promotions and/or marketing that has already done in promoting the
release of this project:
What other information would you like us to know?
Please return this information form with your initial consultation payment and CD for review.
12
Creative Promotions
Who we are 13
Wendell Gafford Gafford, President/Founder
The year was 1994 and Wendell Gafford was Music Director at Elkhart, Indiana’s
WFRN, one of the nation’s leading Inspirational reporters. He had been at the
station six years but felt like the time had come to seek new opportunities. But
where would the Lord lead?. "I remember seeing a job opportunity in the Christian
Research Report about a job opportunity with Integrity Music for a Manager
of Radio Promotions," recalls Wendell. But the job meant a move to Mobile, Alabama.
"I thought there’s no way I was moving to Alabama. I remember throwing
the CRR away and not thinking any more about it until I received a call from Integrity
Music a week later. Obviously God felt I needed a little more heat and humidity
in my life."
Wendell and his young family made the move to Mobile, Alabama and he became
Integrity Music’s first Manager of Radio Promotions. In 1996, God called Wendell
back into Christian radio as the Program and Promotions Director of the Praise FM network in central
Minnesota. It was that same year that Wendell launched Creative Promotions, the radio promotions
and marketing company that just celebrated its eleventh anniversary. In 1998, Wendell left his position
with Praise FM to pursue his work with Creative Promotions on a full-time basis.
In 2011, Wendell Gafford celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of Creative Promotions, the radio promotions
and marketing company he started shortly after leaving Integrity Music in 1996. Since launching
Creative Promotions, Wendell has promoted over 220 national Top 20 singles to Christian radio including
over 20 #1 songs.
Over the years, Wendell has worked with many labels including Integrity Music, Curb Records, Stylos
Records, Maranatha!, Doxology Records, INO Records, M2.O Communications, Spring Hill Music and
Discovery House Music. He has also had a heart for the ministry of independent artists. Of the 220
plus national Top 20 singles Wendell has promoted, over 50 have come from independent artists.
To see the current line-up of artists Wendell Gafford and Creative Promotions are promoting, go to
Along with a focus on radio promotions, Wendell also offers other artist resources including multimedia
design and marketing, artist management and consulting. "My passion is helping an artist communicate
their heart and passion for ministry using today’s technology," comments Wendell.
Wendell now resides with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
introducing
Wendell Gafford
Creative Promotions
Glossary of Terms 14
It’s very easy to start rattling off radio terminology and lingo and leave others behind with a bewildered look on their
face. We don’t want that to be you so we have listed some of the terms used in this information packet. We hope this
will make it easier for you to have a full understanding of what we are talking about.
Add: The term used to describe a station adding a new song to the current rotation of songs.
Current playlist - This is the list of new songs a station plays.
Format: Refers to the type of music a radio station plays. There are currently three (3) primary formats in contemporary
Christian music. Though these can be difficult to define, here’s our best attempt:
Inspirational: These stations typically play a softer style of music and are more song oriented than
artist oriented. This means they are more likely to play a new, unknown, independent artist if they
feel the song is great. These stations also tend to have more focus on a song’s lyric and message. Often
times, Inspirational stations will have a mixture of music and teaching programs. They are trying
to reach an older demographic, usually between 40-60 years of age.
Adult Contemporary (AC): These stations play more of a pop, Top 40, style of music. They tend to
be more artist focused which makes it very difficult to get an independent artist played on these stations,
especially the reporting AC stations. Though these stations certainly care about a song’s message,
they are not as message oriented as the Inspirational stations. Though many AC stations still
carry some teaching programs, they tend to play more music than the Inspirational stations. AC stations
are trying to reach a demographic between 25-55 years of age.
Christian Hit Radio (CHR - also called Contemporary Hit Radio) - This format is aimed at an audience
between 12-35 is is more aggressive / rock sounding than AC. Like AC radio, this format is very
artist oriented and usually looks to play songs from the artists considered to be the "hottest" in Christian
music at the time. Some CHR stations lean toward the AC side while others lean toward a more
rock sound.
Non-reporting station - These are stations that do not report their current airplay to the primary national Christian
radio charts.
Reporting station - These are stations that report the weekly airplay of their current singles to the national Christian
radio charts. Currently, the two primary charts are those compiled and published by Billboard Magazine and
the Christian Music Weekly.
Servicing music - A term equal to "sending music" to radio stations. Currently this is done primary through digital
distribution but can also be done by sending stations music on CD, either as a CD single or compiled together
with other radio singles.