Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Negotiations

So, I get emails from Fox Broadcasting with news about tv shows and stuff like that. I guess it's one of the "perks" of being part of the Fox family. But I just got an email from Fox talking about the 2 hour Prison Break...that I watched 5 hours ago. Doesn't it kind of defeat the purpose to send out a "news" email AFTER the news has happened.

Anyway, moving on from that rambling.

I felt like I had a pretty solid grasp of the way record deals worked because of my experience before the show. I had had label interest and had built relationships for years. I thought I had been really close to record deals int he past, but now that my deal is a lawyer's once over and my signature away from being official, I realize how far I was from being actually signed. It's interesting...I was closer than most people ever get, but so far away.

Basically, when I finally decided what I wanted to do with a label (and decided to go with a label instead of doing my own thing), I then decided which label I wanted to be a part of. Once I made that decision, my management went to said label and began more formal discussions (when you're courting, you talk in general terms). At this point, the formal discussions talk about deal terms: production budget, personal advance, promotions budget, how many records, etc. Then, once the label gets an idea of what we're looking for, they send over a deal.

The label I'm signing with literally does 1 page deals. To put it in perspective, the deal I signed with 19 Entertainment after Hollywood week was close to 90 pages...and that wasn't even an actual record deal. Anyway, the 1 page deal basically breaks down the 90 pages to what's important. Anyway, the label sent over a deal outlining everything. They started off on the low side of things, knowing that we would negotiate up.

Over the last couple of weeks, the deal was negotiated, and I can honestly say that everything I've asked for in this deal, I have gotten. I got the production budget I wanted. I got the advance I wanted. I got the number of records I wanted. I got the promotions promise that I wanted. Literally, my label has come through in spades!

The deal I'm signing is a 3 record deal. It guarantees 2 with the label's option for the 3rd. So, America will definitely get 2 albums from Chris Sligh. I'm hoping that the 3rd is a no-brainer, because that will mean that we have been successful from a sales and/or touring standpoint. The thing that is nice about this kind of deal is this: most major label deals are 1 + 5 deals...this means, you're guaranteed to make 1 record and the label has the option for 5 more. Basically, you're tied up for what equals to about 10 years. With my deal, I'm tied up for about half that time. Now, you may ask why that's important.

Well, it's a double edged sword, of course, but like I said if I make it to the third record, it means we've seen some success. If we see enough success, it may be in my best interest 5 years from now to form my own indie label (or sign to my own label, if I already have one). Or I can possibly sign with a larger company. Or sign to a deal with the same label again, but this time with even better terms (and believe me, I don't know that the terms of the contract could get much better). So, it simply gives me options earlier in my career than a major label deal.

Anyway, I hope you can tell: I'm excited. I was in Wal-Mart with Sarah today (we were getting the oil & battery changed on Sarah's car) and I checked my email on my iPhone and saw the final deal...I was very excited. One of the things that is very exciting is that there is a budget for a documentary and different video stuff. A friend of mine named Ash Grayson will be coming in to film the recording process. Ash did all of Hanson's video stuff throughout their careers till now...and he did some really great stuff. I just watched a couple of documentary's he filmed and directed and got very, very excited about how cool this video stuff could be. Ash will also be directing my music videos.

So, I will be meeting later this week with the producer of my record (Brown Bannister) to decide when we will actually begin recording. We will actually be using a lot of my demos as the outlines for the actual recordings, so I've been making sure the tempos are right, the arrangements are right and the songs are right. Right now, a big thing I'm doing is going through and making sure every lyric is as great as I can get it right now. I'm taking each lyric and rewriting what needs to be rewritten.

I'm excited about this record. I think that we have a great possibility to sell a lot of records. Obviously, nothing is promised, but I couldn't have a better team around me, from my management, to players to producers. I'm pumped.

124 comments:

Carrie said...

I'm definitely glad you're guaranteed at least two albums. With so many people getting dropped from labels, it's good to have that. Is that something you were seeking out or it just so happened to be that way? Like you said, I know a lot of labels do the whole 1 record then if good more and if not, drop them and move on. If you didn't find that personally then you got lucky.

You've done a LOT of thinking about all of this and I've told you already that I'm more confident in your selling records no problem.

There was a lot more I wanted to say but my brain is just... dead right now. I was wondering if you'd write something. The blog was kinda dead today. But yeah, congrats again!

Carrie said...

Oh and sorry to be a big pain in the ass and comment twice but I just want to say this because it's important and I think needs to be said:

When making your music more marketable, I am hoping that your label won't want to change anything about your actual music/lyrics TOO much. I've seen too many great musicians get molded by mainstream markets to the point where they just weren't good anymore. Just stay true to yourself and what you believe, okay?

I'm not too worried.

Carmen said...

Chris,
OK, If you can't sleep then what better thing to do then come to your blog and read this! All I can say is that I am trying very hard not to wake up the rest of the house with all my squeels and screams of excitement.
Congratulations Chris!!!!! This is such fantastic news!! I am so excited and thrilled for you!!! You are doing it Chris!1 You are making your dream come true!!! Way to go!! You have got to be feeling on top of the world right now.
You know I can't think of anyone more deserving either. You have worked your ass off!!! And you know what, YOU ARE GOING TO SELL A TON OF RECORDS!!!

I love the fact that you are guarenteed two more records. This deal seems just so right for you in every way. And a video too! Yes! Yes! Yes! Can you tell I am doing the happy dance??!

Chris, it just is so awesome to see all of this happening for you. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us. For those of us who have believed in you from the first time we heard you sing, this is like the best news ever. There is nothing more exhilarating and awe-inspiring than watching someone realize their dream. Thanks for letting us in on the journey. It has been incrediable!!!

Now I am never going to get back to sleep!!

Carmen

Unknown said...

beautiful

Carmen said...

“Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”

Chris you are walking in the sunshine!

HstryQT said...

You so deserve to be pumped! :) It's great to hear that you're getting so much out of your negotiations. I think what's happening now is just the beginning of the blessings coming your way because you followed your heart throughout all of these big decisions. Remember back (awhile ago) when you weren't sure about going CCM or mainstream? Can you imagine any other way now? I'm so glad you went with your heart - great great things are going to happen Chris and I'm so excited to be here to watch and help out! :)

Woo hoo! What a great day!

Lori

Anonymous said...

So happy for you!

Elizabeth said...

Are you getting to bring on your HPF bandmates? Or is that something you can't talk about yet?

Cathy Storms said...

I am so excited for you. You are going to be huge!!!!
What a blessing for you and Sarah. So did you start screaming in Wal-Mart?
Congratulations to both you and Sarah. As I have said before, no one deserves this more than you.

Anonymous said...

It all sounds really great Chris! I'm happy for you. :-)

'...free from the generalized assumption of scarcity, a person stands in the great space of Possibility in a posture of openness, with an unfettered imagination for what can be.'
~Art of Possibility

You helped create this great situation to be and grow in, by believing you *could*. That to me is wonderful accheivement.

DJ in AL said...

Chris,

You can't see me right now (and that's probably a good thing), but I'm doing the "happy dance" for you!

It sounds like a sweet deal and I couldn't be happier for you.

You're really doing it, arent' you?


Sending you love from AL!

DJ

Kara Phillips said...

How exciting!! You sound so happy! And the deal sounds great! I am thrilled to know there will be at least 2 records, but I am sure we will be hearing from you for a loooong time! Congratulations Chris!!

risalea said...

Just goes to show that prayer, positive thinking, and oh yes, huge talent, wins out in the end!

Go, Chris! It's your birthday! : )

So proud for you! Risa

rosalee said...

Way to go, Chris!
Can't wait to hear the details. I'm glad we're guaranteed at least 2 albums and I'm happy that you are getting the terms you wanted.

Hey Ash -
Come to the 2008 Fro Patro Nashville Picnic (next summer). Maybe you could shoot some footage there for a Sligh music video. We'll all have our Fro Patro/Chris Sligh t-shirts on and we can spoof A Hard Day's Night all over again chasing him down. You never know - you might get some funny stuff or human interest material.

Anonymous said...

So GOOD to read this post from you! It reminds me of the verse that says God is able to do exceeding abundantly far beyond what you could imagine (very paraphrased). But you know it, I'm sure.

And shopping in Wal-Mart, even if it was just for car maintenance, is evidence that the Lord is answering your Empty Me prayer. The sweet life and wild ride has NOT sucked you into its vortex. Yeah! Although after your CD becomes Wal-Mart's all time best seller in a few months I would not begrudge you if you decide on one of those mobile mechanics.

I'm REALLY excited!!
Thanks for the free music industry education also.

~clarissaNaz

rosalee said...

Oh, and Chris - I hope that someone is preparing a press release to announce your record deal....

Lori -
We're waiting for the news!
Is it a Farley or a Fannie? (Notice how those names (first and last) just roll off the tongue (heehee))

HstryQT said...

Those names do, indeed, roll off the tongue. :)

Appointment is at 3:00 EST then it's off to dinner with friends. I'll try to find a computer tonight asap!

Unknown said...

Go Chris, GO!!! this sounds like a superb deal, and I'm glad you're learning so much.

What's the deal with documentaries? Is that a standard part of these deals? (i think I heard that another Idol is having a documentary done as well, which is what raised my curiosity) So maybe when you become a superstar and you get a retrospective, they can pull out all this archival footage of you in your first recording sessions... fun to think about, eh? :-)

Lori, very excited for you...

risalea said...

I was thinking about a one page deal vs. a ninety page one. Maybe that's the difference between a relationship based on trust vs. one that's trying to cover every technicality imaginable? At the very least, if you're paying your attorney by the hour, look at the money you've saved! Phenomenal! : )

Still smiling here in AR over your great news! And just love that you got the news at Walmart. It will make a great anecdote in your book! (that I'm sure you're writing) p.s. had a text from Amanda's mom that her anc numbers are heading up...don't know all the technical reasons that is good, but it is!

Cathy Storms said...

Oh man..You have a iphone? I want one so bad....

HstryQT said...

Able to stop back home before we head out again - It's a Boy! :)

Sorry Chris, even though you specifically asked Danny about naming the baby Chris --- it's a Teddy. No glares now. :)

We're very excited! And hey - we need more guys in the Fro Patro, right?

Carrie said...

Congrats, Lori! I was hoping you'd post it here before it got too late. I was kinda impatient.

HstryQT said...

Thanks Carrie :). Had to share with the Fro family. If Chris doesn't reply about it later on - he's losing his title of Cyber Godfather :).

rosalee said...

Congratulations, Lori! When the time nears, we'll have a "Guess the Baby's Weight" contest.

Risa - Here's a definition of ANC:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_neutrophil_count

Carrie said...

Haha, I wouldn't worry about it, Lori. He's pretty busy and hasn't even been replying too much around here lately. I asked a question way at the top about some stuff and yeah but It's all good!

I have such a bad headache. It was HAILING here earlier and the weather is making me feel not so good. I hope everyone else is warm and feeling better.

Carmen said...

Lori,
Congratulations!!! Boys are so much fun!!! And you are right, we need more guys in the Fro Patro.

Carmen

Cathy Storms said...

Congratulations Lori!!!
That is so exciting.

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Lori! My mother always told me how much easier it was to raise 3 boys :-)

Nique's Nana said...

Chris, you're pumped - we're all pumped too!

SIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Megan said...

Chris,
Have you watched the Hanson Doc "Strong Enough to Break" I'm assuming you did, but Ashley Grayson did an absolutley outstanding job with it. My best friend Sam made ma huge Hanson fan this year, and their stuff...music and documentaries are really incredible.

Congratulations on everything you're accomplishing!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Lori!
Either way, I hope the baby is born happy and healthy in every way. :-)
"Farley" does have a nice ring to it!

Cathy Storms said...

Chris~you mentioned you couldn't have a better team around you. How true....you have all of us on your team also...

DJ in AL said...

Lori,

Realized I hadn't put words of congratulations out here, (you know I hate to be left out)...so
congratulations again! Anxiously awaiting the birth of your new little Fro Patroer-Teddy!


Deb

Carrie said...

This is going to sound like the stupidest thing ever but I can't stop crying right now and I guess I just need some positive vibes. My cat had to go in for a proceedure (declawing that... I didn't want to do, but she's destroying my house so... yeah) and just thinking about it made me cry so I couldn't drop her off. I made my mom do it. I just came home and seeing my cat not here makes me sick to my stomach because, like I said, stupid me, but she's my life. I've had her since she was a baby and everyone KNOWS she's my cat just by how she acts with me. I know she'll be fine because even though she's kinda chubby and I was worried, the reassured me a million times before, but I'm not even allowed to visit her tonight and I can't even bring her home until sometime tomorrow. I have class, so I'm hoping I can work through getting her myself because I don't want my mom to get her without me. I'm such a mess right now crying my eyes out over a stupid cat that I'm sure is okay but she's like my baby and this sucks so much.

gdahimself said...

To Carrie
From GDA,

Your concern over your cat is not stupid and don't let anyone tell you so.

While there is alway some risk, you do need to calm down a bit because of the procedure she is having shouldn't be that big of a deal.
Remember you are trying to make living with her a nicer experience.

Try not needlessly drive yourself crazy.

GDA

corrected mistakes twice.

Anonymous said...

Aww Carrie-- now this IS an area of some expertise, I can offer!
*hugs*
I know it's really hard, when you have that kind of an attachment to an animal friend. You don't want them to be afraid, or be hurt or feel like you abandoned them. Putting your most precious possession in the hands of people who don;t care like you do, yeah, it feels always like a risk. But remember this--
She is in hands that will take care of her and keep her safe.

She will need some extra love and quiet and understanding when she comes home, because she'll have her wraps on her forelegs. Sometimes they just want to sleep for a day or two. Sometimes tho? You can't hardley stop them from wanting to walk around the house! and they LOOK PITIFUL-- so brace yourself. But some cats? Just like people, some are super resilient, and act as if they don;t know what happened. They shrug it off. Just be there to support her however you can...however she needs you to.

Make SURE you use either newspaper bedding, or those pelletted beddings for at LEAST three weeks. My cat got infected paws because I got lazy after a week or so...and that was not nice on my part. It's expensive and a pain, but well-worth it for kitty.

Just have faith she'll be recuperating in hospital, and darn glad to see you, when she does come home. (Anyone who loves animals, they will understand how you feel. Those that don't? Tough.)

rosalee said...

Carrie -
I know how you feel. I don't have kids(only grown stepkids). My birds are my children. I don't even like to travel because I don't like leaving them in others' hands. My oldest is 21. I raised two of them from when they were 2 and 3 months old. Another one I "adopted" when he flew into my backyard.(see avatar)

Try not to worry about her. I'm sure she's in good hands. Soon you'll have her back. Just pay extra attention to her when she comes home.

Unknown said...

Carrie, she'll be okay. I know it's hard to not be with her while she's having the procedure, but she's in very good hands. Vets love animals--that's why they do what they do. I was similarly freaked out when I had to take my cat to a dental specialist to get a tooth pulled. X-rays showed a more serious problem, so all his fangs had to come out at once. It was a shock to me (I'm one of those cowards who gets laughing gas just to have my teeth cleaned), and I felt like a brute. But the vet explained that animals experience pain differently than we do--they're just tougher and more resilient. My cat had one quiet day and shook his head a little, but he was spunky and talkative the next day and demanding his crunchy stuff within just a few days. She'll pull through, and she'll be so happy to come home to you and her own turf.

Cathy Storms said...

Chris~Are you going to the CMA's tonight?

HstryQT said...

Man, two days have gone by without a Chris comment and now he'll surely miss my news. *Shakes head at Cyber Godfather.* Hey, I'm not opposed to making the announcement again - It's a Boy! :) hehe.

It'd be cool if Chris is at the CMA's :). Be on the lookout for his fro!

Carrie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Carrie, bless your heart. You really are having the worst day ever, aren't you? Maybe tomorrow you'll have a different perspective on things. I hope people's words have been of some comfort during this difficult time, and maybe Lori's happy news could be a way to take your mind off your troubles?

DJ in AL said...

Carrie,

Don't take this the wrong way, but being pregnant for the first time and finding out what the baby is going to be, is well, uber exciting for the Mom to be and her friends. I'm guessing Lori feels like we are her friends and wants Chris and everyone to share her excitement. I don't think it says anything about her not being concerned about your kitty.

Just sayin.

Carrie said...

I'm obviously excited for Lori. I was one of the first people to congratulate her and refreshed the blog 400 times waiting to hear if it was a boy or a girl. I wasn't trying to be insulting but I also think patience is needed. Not saying I don't need to be patient as well, I know I do. I just want my cat home.

And yeah, I AM having a bad day. I won't lie. I cried all day long. Forgot my cell phone at home. Spilled soup in my $100 purse (I saved up for that and I never spend that much money on myself) and then I found out I might not get my cat home until Friday. Now I'm even more upset because everything I ever say here comes out wrong and I feel as if more people hate me than like me. Guess I was better off not talking at all.

SlighFan said...

Are you still with HPF, Chris?

risalea said...

Anybody spotted Chris in the CMA audience? Still looking here. And some cool Mary Kay ads. (one of the hats I wear...I've been a consultant for 19 years).

Lori, at least they know your baby is a boy. I remember vividly the first ultrasound I had with our oldest (now 27) and I was looking at it, trying to figure out which end was up and the doctor declared, "looks like a chicken!" They've come a LONG way since then. LOL (ultrasounds and hopefully, bedside manners!)

risalea said...

Carrie Underwood just won female singer of the year. WOO HOO! And thanked the American Idol folks as well. I think that was nice.

rosalee said...

Risa -
She also thanked her fans - that was nice, too.

No sign of the Fro yet...

I was looking at Chris's Myspace site earlier this evening. My husband, who recently had a cataract operation came up behind me and said, "Oh, is that Sarah in the picture with Chris?"
So much for his eyes being fixed!(Well, he did remember that she is a blonde)(LOL)

risalea said...

LOL...that's funny, Rosalee! Hey, I'm in the same sad shape without my reading glasses!

That is nice that she thanked her fans. I do think country music folks are some of the most appreciative of their fans (outside of our Chris, of course). And their fans are some of the most loyal through the years. Kellie Pickler really touched me, how she had trouble getting through her song. She annoyed the heck out of me with that dumb country act she put on during AI, but she has really come a long way.

Carrie said...

thank you for deleting that anon thing. though apparently i deserve it.

ChrisSligh said...

Hey guys! I'm back!

Lori, congrats on Farley...that's exciting!!!

Carrie, sorry about your cat and for not catching the anon comment earlier. It's gone now. It'll seriously be okay. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

I went down to record for a Turner show called the Kitchen Sink...it's a new show that debuts November 17 on the Gospel Music Channell and will be played on (I think) GAC and other Turner-run music stations. Anyway, I sang with Kevin Max on our duet "Run On". I got to hang out for the last 2 days with Kevin and his guitar player Erick. Great fun. We got stuck outside of Atlanta for nearly 3 hours because of a bad accident. And we literally came within seconds of running out of gas...that's a story for another time...but it was an interesting day today.

Anyway, the show airs November 17 on the Gospel Music Channel and will be on other places soon after that. I think they said it'll be played like 15 times in syndication. So it'll be cool. They did a little interview and asked me about Shrek and had me do the accent. Very emberrassing to do in front of one of my heroes. But I pulled it out pretty good.

Chris

ChrisSligh said...

Slighfan,

I am actually not with HPF anymore. We will be playing a couple of shows together in the coming months, but HPF was in reality Adam, Cole and me. Cole is still in college and decided that a degree was an important thing, especially as I'm just getting this off the ground and Adam may do some shows with me, but is working hard on some stuff in Greenville with Don (the orchestrator) and doing some producing himself. So, we left on good terms.

Chris

Carrie said...

My cat is fine now, I called in and checked on her and I'm picking her up tomorrow. I'm fine just stupid and emotional.

Sorry I'm apparently such a jerk. I didn't realize. But in reality, I've never "fit in" here even though I try. So I'm sorry everyone if I come across rude but I'm really not. I think Chris can probably vouch for me in saying I'm not.

ChrisSligh said...

Hey...we all have bad days. You were having a bad day while Lori was having a great day...it happens. Don't be so hard on yourself. Seriously.

You fit in just fine.

Chris

Carrie said...

tomorrow will be better for me.

thank you for being awesome.

risalea said...

Cool, Chris!! I know we get GAC...I'll have to check on the gospel station. I'll bet it's great..when the camera comes on, it's like you just come alive. That's why I think you'd be a great actor. You're a natural.

I don't know how much time you got to spend in Atlanta or have spent there before (traffic is a bear even without accidents!), but it is one of my favorite cities. My sister lived in the area for years and I miss going to see her in Hotlanta! Ohio is just not the same. : )

Oh, update on Amanda...she is really redefining courage for me. I will never whine again about petty problems. Following her and her mom's postings in her journal have really opened my eyes to the incredible process involved in a bone marrow transplant. Her anc is way up today. Keep praying for it to keep climbing...that means the engrafting is taking place.

Dang, I didn't realize how late it was! I've got to leave at 7 am for the little town of Hazen and a classroom visit. Y'all don't do anything too exciting tomorrow while I'm out of pocket!

Take care, Risa

Anonymous said...

Awesome news Chris! I think the deal you signed sounds perfect.

Lori-Congrats! I'm almost as excited for you as I am for my sister :P My niece (first time being an aunt!) is only a month ahead of your little Teddy.

Carrie-There's nothing wrong with being worried and atleast you get your kitty back home tomorrow.

HstryQT said...

Thanks Chris! Cyber Godfather title is still firmly in place. :) And Teddy's kicking right now so he must approve.

Tawny, what is your sister having, and does she have a name picked out yet? I'll be super jealous of her having her baby a month before me! Congrats again to her :).

And guys, thanks so much for all the congrats from the past two days. I appreciate it! I know people have babies every day, but it's nice to be able to be overly excited with my Fro Patro friends, so thank you!

Anonymous said...

*huggles QT*
It's an exciting time for you--you enjoy it! Seems a million years ago I had mine, but it's a time you never forget.

We watched the CMA awards too last night, and we really pretty happy with the whole thing. Carrie winning made us thrilled for her--we just love her. It hit me as she was up there singing(better than EVER, IMO)and taking her awards, that it could be our boys from S6 next year collecting kudos and standing up, speaking to a nation. Sweet. Surreal, but sweet. :-)

There were alot of really touching moments last night. I'm glad so many of you were watching to share in it all.

Chris, I used to work at a truckstop, so I know what you mean about the accidents jacking things up. heh. Glad you had such a good night!

Cathy Storms said...

Lori~the name Farley is kind of growing on me. Are you sure you don't want to change it?
Chris~what a cool day you had. I hope we get that channel here.

rosalee said...

ROFL!!!
The Cyber-Godfather has already blessed him with his new "nickname". That kid is going to grow up very confused....
ROFL!!!
(Lori - I'm sorry for starting it...wanna change his name to Philip? - at least it's easy to remember...)

HstryQT said...

Rosalee then it'd be Philip Phillips :) hehe.

He'll definitely be Teddy, but you can call him whatever you want - like you said, he'll just be a confused little guy at the picnic! :)

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gdahimself said...

To Lori,
From GDA,

Whether your newborn is Phil Phillips or Teddy* Phillips at the picnic he still will be splashing around in a "Sea of Love".

Sorry I couldn't resist this.


* I assume it will formally be Theodore, Bully.

Anonymous said...

Theodore Farley Phillips-- it kind of rolls off the tongue, no??
;-)

--and GDA, that is such a sweet sentiment! Very nice.

Carrie said...

The animal hospital won't let my cat come home today so I'm obviously upset but whatever. I can't really do anything about that.

gdahimself said...

To Carrie,
From GDA,

Do try to calm down and cheer up.
Your driving yourself to distraction which is probably getting in the way of other things you could be doing today.

You said earlier that the hospital was probably going to release your cat on Friday.

Hinsley Ford said...

Chris, I am really happy for you. I was ticked when you left the show not only because you deserved to stay, but because I loved your voice in particular. When you left, my husband and I appeased ourselves with listening to the HPF video on Youtube. It's great to hear there is more to come from you. I can't imagine what this must feel like - to finally get a deal. I am 36 and writing my first book though I have been published several times in volumes of fiction and poetry, etc. But, my own book is my dream. It's a memoir about my unusual life - I grew up in an oxygen tent because I had no immune system, went on to graduate from Harvard, became homeless at 30 due to illness, and am now disabled/housebound/bedbound with a rare virus that is decimating my life, piece by piece. I could soon be homeless again, but above all, I need to get this book done, but doubt plagues my soul...like any artist. Anyhow, I'd be so happy if you could stop by my blog, The Oxygen Chronicles. www.theO2Chronicles.blogspot.com

Please come on by! Best wishes, Hinsley Ford

risalea said...

In case you missed it, a few of us shared Thanksgiving memories/traditions on the previous blog. Go back and catch up if you didn't see those and please jump in. I think it would do us all good to think about everything we have to be thankful for this season. I know I'm thankful for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Lori-She's having a girl and her name will be Amelia. We've decided that her nickname will be Emmmy :) She's due in 93 days! I have a feeling she'll be a little early but who knows. Will Teddy have a middle name or just Teddy Phillips? (Which sounds very cute btw.)

Carrie-That sucks, did they tell you why she can't be taken home yet?

Anonymous said...

Oops, one too many M's on her nickname lol. Unfortunately she won't make an appearance at the picnic because my sister won't be there. It would be really cute to have Amelia and Teddy meet though!

Anonymous said...

I love Chris Sligh's music and Jeremy Camp!!

just would like to know your thoughts on his music, Chris? would you like to tour with him eventually? I remember you going to the 4him concert, i saw them in concert too, @the Apple Festival in North Carolina with Kj-52, Skillet(LONG before they became who they are today)Also, i noticed they are sorta doing a cross over record with Christian and mainstream, is that what you are leaning to? Thanks for reading

Chad

rosalee said...

To pass the time, some Beatles mash-ups:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bEi9XScj1mc

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rRP4Daj9FGg

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iPLelay3zzA

risalea said...

Anyone doing something fun this weekend? My husband and son are heading to the woods, so it's a girls' weekend. WOO HOO! I'm going out tonight with my daughter and her friend. We have to provide info for a newpaper article about our mother-daughter League experience (it's not easy writing about yourself!) so we've got to collaborate on that a bit. I'm working at Holiday House selling cookbooks for my Junior League part of the day tomorrow. And I'm thinking about taking off for Branson when I get done to hit the Veterans' Day sales they'll be having at the outlet malls. (all men reading this blog are now snoozing, while the women are going, shopping, yes! LOL)

Hope y'all have some fun planned as well. Chris, hope you and Sarah have a super weekend. Risa

Cathy Storms said...

I'm going to a wedding on Saturday night. My sons girlfriends sister. There will be tons of cute fireman there so I'm really excited. Then on Sunday I plan to spend the day in my jammies watching football. Go Cowboys...The Colts are playing the Chargers so that one will be exciting...

HstryQT said...

Chris'll be at Rocketown tomorrow! Too bad I live two states away. :)

No big weekend plans. Attempting to cut the husband's hair tonight. Went out and bought clippers. I've never done it before so this should be an adventure. Wish me luck! Danny had the day off today (early Veterans Day you could say) so we ran around and did errands. Nothing else all weekend - that's a good thing :).

Hope everyone has fun with your various goings ons :). Go Colts! :)

Lori

Carrie said...

My kitty is home with her mommy where she belongs so I'm happy now. I'm sorry if I offended anyone the past week.

rosalee said...

Well, it's Friday night. Mellow out to this version of Stairway to Heaven:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HjXN3OLgoqs

Anonymous said...

Plans for the weekend: Bunko with the gals. Unless we break out the margaritas, in which case: Drunko with the gals. Whuu-huu!!

risalea said...

Loved that, Rosalee. Ah, shades of my youth...I think I was in 9th grade when that came out. And another Bunko afficianado! How do you play, Badcatholic? We roll for 1's the first game, then 2's, up to 6, then start again. We do that 3 times (18 games). Our group celebrates our 10 yr. anniversary together this coming April.

I had an unexpected surprise. My son and daughter-in-law came into town so they got to go out to eat with my daughter and I.

OK, bedtime. I have to cook something from the cookbook in the early a.m. to take with me for tasting at our cookbook booth. Night, all! Risa

rosalee said...

This is from MJ's -

Phil and Melinda:

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=IH893ST9

Melinda:

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=SWDPE0QL

Anonymous said...

Oh good! My comment is deleted because I say your songs are generic? I am stating an opinion. You can't handle that. Look at the music industry, if Britney cannot break 300k in her first week, it is safe to say a no-name with a small Christian label is not going to go anywhere with the album sale.

HstryQT said...

Chris and others, have you played Guitar Hero III yet? We're holding off on buying it until after Christmas (baby stuff must come first) - but we rented it today and we're having SOO much fun! I love that it's not 100% classic rock songs anymore, but also has some newer stuff (AFI, The Killers, etc, etc). So anyway, ya'll know what I'll be doing this weekend now!

:)

ChrisSligh said...

Um...not sure what comment you think was deleted...I haven't deleted anything for a while. And I don't remember a comment about generic songs.

Here's the thing, anon friend. You prove ONCE AGAIN you know very little of what you speak.

1) The number that gets bandied about a lot for my sales is 200,000. I never once said that this would be my first week sales. Not even close. My expectations for first week sales, if we can have a big single in the months before hand, is 15,000-30,000 if we're lucky. I say those numbers because for a CCM album, those are pretty close to what the average new artist with a big single gets in the CCM world. From there, we hope that the single has life and that the 2nd single starts to run up the charts about the same time. In the CCM world, you see the new artists (like in the mainstream) have 2-3 big weeks, then settle into an average week. If we have a big single to a huge single on the CCM side, the goal would be to sell 15-30K week 1, 5-10k week 2 and 3-5k week 3...on the high side, you're looking at 45k in the first 3 weeks, on the low side 25k. From there, the normal CCM artist will settle into a comfortable plateau, depending again on how good the single(s) is/are doing. We'll hopefully settle into 1-3k a week for several weeks, again depending on how the singles do. In the CCM market, the goal is to sell numbers over time...Aaron Shust, for instance was the New Artist of the year and had 2 #1 singles...he sold 250k over a little over 2 years. He never had a top 10 album on the top 100 charts. He simply sold steadily for 2 years. That's how it works in the CCM market.

2) My label is NOT a small Christian label. It is a small label, but it is a mainstream label that also has CCM distribution. And even so, I can go through the list of small labels that sell incredibly well: looks at Fueled By Ramen, Hawthorne Height's label, I mean the list goes on. So, again, you show your ignorance by assuming that because a label is small that it can't sell records. Our plan is to build a story with several singles on the CCM side and then try to crossover with some of the non-CCM songs on the record. Your mind seems to be in the old model of how music works. Major Labels don't sell records as much as anyone doesn't. If you get lucky, you sell records. Who knows how lucky I'll get.

3) You're talking about Britney. Though she is still a huge star, he star is not as bright as it once was. I think it's a poor comparison, especially between Britney and me.

4) I have no problem if you think that my songs are generic - there are a lot of people who think Daughtry's songs are generic and he's the best selling new artist of 2007. It's all opinion. Your opinion doesn't really mean anything to me. You are an anonymous commenter on my blog who doesn't have the cajones to give a real name and how you know so much about music. So, your opinion doesn't really mean a lot to me. The opinions that count are those of the people who I trust. You're not exactly in the circle of trust.

Finally, I don't delete negative comments if they are handled respectfully. Mostly, though, your comments (or other anons) are not kind while being negative. I'll leave your comment here up. If you curse at one of my blogger friends, I'll delete it or if you get nasty, I'll delete it. That's how it works here in my world. And this IS my world.

Thanks for stopping by.

Peace and love,
Chris

rosalee said...

Chris -

Anon's comment is comment #72 on the prior blog (Songs). That's why both of you couldn't find it....

HstryQT said...

Good find Rosalee - that clears things up a bit.

DJ in AL said...

I love the world of Chris Sligh, love it!

Rosalee-good eyes girl!

risalea said...

OK, Branson shopping trip not happening as my replacement at our booth didn't show up, and I couldn't leave the other girl there by herself. So, instead, finally got out about 3 and came home to rest up for awhile, then plan to head to a movie and dinner with my friend, Carol. (She went to the AI concert in Memphis with me.)
Next question...has anyone seen a good movie they'd recommend lately? It seems like for several months, I haven't seen anything that just strikes my fancy.

Chris, thanks for the mini-lesson on CCM sales. Anon served a purpose after all.(bless his heart)

Happy Saturday, folks! Take care, Risa

gdahimself said...

Anon apparently had time between supermarket opens to seek out new information to support it's predetermined agenda.

Is their any doubt it would find something negative to say even if all the songs were number one hits, current and golden oldies.

I dropped a comment with the assumption that it and mine would probably not be noticed by most people and be ignored if discovered.
Wrong!

The rebuttals and explanations make some of the postings worth their intrustion.

Gotta love that irony.

GDA

risalea said...

GDA, you're cracking me up. Hope you are having a great day!

Carrie said...

Hmm generic? Nah.

Anyway.

Amanda needs your guys thoughts and prayers right now. She was moved into ICU and needs everyone to pray she'll be out of it by Monday.

rosalee said...

DJ -

Well at least my eyes are in better shape than my husband's - he can't even tell the difference between Sarah and Kevin Max! (Maybe to him all blondes look alike - I had to explain to him that Sarah has longer hair (LOL))(Shhh - Don't tell Sarah)

There was a similar incident with an anon about 6 months ago where the anon thought that Chris had deleted his "negative" post and went off on another rant. It turned out that the post was still there, but just in a different section.

Carrie said...

Rosalee, that is too funny! Poor Sarah.

Carmen said...

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Rosalee, my husband made the same mistake as yours did. He has no excuse either because he has met Sarah. However, he can't see anything these days without glasses. Of course he is too vain to wear them all the time like he should.

Anyway, just wanted to share with ya'll that I had a chance to meet Jenna Bush on Friday. She was doing a book signing at the Jacksonville Library. She has a book out called Ana's Story. When I got my book signed and said hello, I gave Jenna a copy of TACOSB. She was supppose to heading home after her stop in Jacksonville so maybe she and her Dad are giving it a listen. Let's hope so.

Carmen

rosalee said...

Carmen -

Well, you just trumped my Peter Max episode! (LOL)
I have another copy in reserve that I will give away when the right person (or should I say, most famous/influential person) comes along....

My husband met Sarah, too. Apparently the beard and tattoos in that pic on Chris's Myspace site didn't faze him!

rosalee said...

Oh - BTW - Something from MJ's - Gina had a small gig in a mall today:

http://www.laurelparkplace.net/shop/laurel.nsf/whatsinstore

rosalee said...

One more thing -

Yesterday I gave MJ a heads-up on Chris posting his appearances. She now has his Nov 17th Gospel Music Channel appearance and Dec 6th benefit luncheon appearance up on her site under Appearances. I will be updating the fansite closer to the actual dates.

gdahimself said...

For the benefit of the Kelly Clarkson fans, this may be of interest to investigate: http://musicbox.sonybmg.com/videos/kelly-clarkson/dont-waste-your-time

GDA

lara said...

chris - haven't been around too much lately, but i definitely wanted to say congratulations on getting a deal you're really happy with. that's awesome. best of luck in the studio! :o)

-LLL

risalea said...

Hey, if I give a copy of TACOSB to Bill C. next time he comes home, does that trump Jenna Bush? LOL I guess only if you're a Democrat!

I saw a really quirky little movie tonight with Ryan Gosling called "Lars and the Real Girl." If I tried to explain it, you'd go, "huh?" so I won't, but it was good. Funny, and a couple of places where it brought tears, and just a very different story. I saw it at Marketplace where they bring the smaller, independent films to LR, and that has been where I've seen the best films in the last year.

Thanks for mentioning Amanda, Carrie. She was having trouble breathing due to the steroids she is taking. However, on the bright side, her anc number is WAY up even more and that is a good sign. Continued prayers are needed and appreciated. And please add a prayer for her mom, Tammy. She has a lot on her plate, being the caregiver.

Take care, Risa

Cindy said...

Woohoo! Go you! :]

Anonymous said...

>.< That's all I have to say about the 2 comments above mine.

Did anyone watch TNGAB last night? I was shocked that the 2 bands I felt were the worst actually had the lowest votes. My favorite is Sixwire. They're not the most exciting band on stage but I think they're great. I actually like Light Of Doom *Hides*

Carrie said...

Oh man.

HI TAWNY. SUP WIT U?

Anonymous said...

HI CARRIE. NADA, CHILLIN U?

Are you ready for some football? I'll be sitting on my couch watching the Dolphins lose, fun stuff. We'll win 1 game eventually.

Carrie said...

HAHAHAHA I can't even discuss football because my team sucks so bad. Whenever I hear "Buffalo Bills" I cringe. I'm sure we're probably the biggest joke ever to every single NFL fan in existance.

Anonymous said...

The Bills are 2nd in the AFC East. Granted that's because the Jets and Dolphins are a combined 1-16, can't get ANY worse than that! You may say 0-17 is worse but the Jets and Dolphins played eachother once so far, so they actually can't get any worse.

Lori-I love the picture of Teddy! My sister is getting those 4-D pictures done of Amelia next weekend so I'll post one of those when we get them. She'll be 28 weeks next saturday.

gdahimself said...

To Anon,
From GDA,

Whatever Chris or Britney do, you seemed to make a point of staying misinformed every way possible, then sharing your unending and willful misunderstanding.

I'll give you credit for persisting in making yourself look mean spirited, dumb, and pathetic with uncommon vigor that could be better spent on self improvement or something useful in life.

You could, to paraphase the old TV cliche, change websites or turn off you PC if don't like something but obviously you need any attention you can get even if means acting like a festering splinter awaiting extraction.

Sad.

Carrie said...

I guess you have a point but considering every time the Bills made it to the Superbowl (which I know not many teams even have) they bombed it. If they get far, they'll just screw up so I'm not even rooting for my team haha. Way to be optimistic, I know, but I'm a hockey girl.

I have no baby pictures just my cat. But she is my baby to me? :p Her Birthday is on Nov. 27 so she's going to get spoiled.

Anonymous said...

I know where you're coming from. The Dolphins were that way when we were actually good enough to make the playoffs. The only goals I have for the rest of the NFL season is for the Dolphins to win ONE and the Patriots to somehow lose one. Hockey is pretty cool. I haven't been to a game in a while but I'm a Panther fan. We're semi decent this season.

HstryQT said...

Thanks Tawny! I'm looking forward to seeing your sisters 4D pics. We're not doing them; but I think they're really cool. I'm 21 weeks now (about 5 1/2 months) so I'm about 6 weeks behind your sister :).

GDA you make good points, but don't forget that Chris asked us to ignore the hateful posts until he can delete them.

:) Happy Football Day!

risalea said...

We're more into college football around here. And Arkansas got stomped, tromped, and kicked to the curb by Tennessee yesterday. Chris, are you a Vols fan? If you are, love ya' anyway! : )

OK, running late for church. Later! Risa

rosalee said...

Phil Stacey has signed with Lyric Street records (watch the video):

http://www.wkrn.com/nashville/news/idol-alum-melinda-doolittle-raises-money-for-franklin-theater/127926.htm#top

Lori - Love the new avatar!

ChrisSligh said...

Thank you for stopping by anon.

But

1) I never talked about my sex life on the internet. I did however mention getting busted by the American Idol staff for having my wife up to my hotel room. Mentioning 1 sexual experience with the "deed" not even being the point of the story is hardly talking about my sex life on the internet. Talking about one's sex life usually includes details of what and how it's done and how often. There were never any details. Just a mention in passing at how silly some rules on AI can be.

2) As GDA, your ignorance is blissful to watch. It's actually somewhat funny. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt that you are actually intelligent enough to know that there is not internets...it is a singular word. I'm also assuming you are smart enough to know how stupid you sound when you stop by. So, I don't need to tell you that.

thanks for stopping by. Once again, you are welcome any time. It'd be nice to have you be somewhat respectful...'cause I'd like for the proof of your ignorance to be able to stay up on the blog.

Chris

ChrisSligh said...

For those of you who are wondering.

I told a story somewhere else (and I'll flesh it out more here) about how when I was on the show, they had a rule that no one could come up to your hotel room. Well, Sarah and I went, at the beginning of the show, 6 weeks without seeing each other. So, when Sarah came into town, obviously Sarah and I wanted some alone time. Blake and I worked out a little program, and he would go hang out elsewhere and call me when he was on his way back to the hotel just to give a heads up. And Sarah and I would hang out with Blake and other people up in our room.

Anyway, at the hotel we stayed at, there was a huge lobby and a back elevator at the back of the hotel which, if you had a keycard, you could go up the backway. So, they had security guards by the main elevators, so I would go up the main elevator, Sarah would come up the back way and we'd meet at my room. I say we did it, but nearly everyone else did the same thing...Rudy was married, Sundance was married, Phil was married and the hotel was expensive enough that at that point our wives couldn't exactly stay in the same hotel. And it wasn't just wives, either...who wants to hang out with friends in the lobby of a hotel? When my friend Don was out in L.A. I snuck him up to my room the back way.

Anyway, we got away with it a couple of times, but apparently someone recognized Sarah and told the security guards. Sarah came up the back way and as I'm heading to my room and one of the security guards is poking his head around the corner of the hallway talking in his walkie, "I've got 'em! I've got 'em." I turn around and coming down the opposite end of the hallway is another security guard, literally running down the hallway, out of breath, saying in his walkie, "I've got 'em! I've got 'em!" And then the person we called our babysitter (basically the PA in charge of making sure we get to where we need to be) came down and chewed me out for having Sarah up to the room and told her to get out, then chewed me out for 20 minutes telling me that she had to call Nigel and Patrick and everyone all the way to the top and that I was in big trouble.

Over having my wife to my room! The reason they made the rule is that apparently guys in past seasons have had hussies off the street up to their hotel rooms and had allegations that no one wants to deal with. But there is a huge difference between a wife and some girl off the street...and when we moved to the apartments, they changed the rule to say that wives could come up to the rooms whenever we wanted. I think in the past there just hadn't been a lot of married people, so they didn't know how to handle the spouses as opposed to girls off the street.

Anyway, that's what our anon friend was pissy about.

Sorry about that...in retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have used the word sex, but I mean, we're adults here...married people do the married deed. I showed Sarah the post at the other place and she asked, "What's the problem? You didn't talk about our sex life." So, if she doesn't have a problem, I don't have a problem.

She's all that matters to me. Again, anon, you're not exactly in the circle of trust.

Chris

gdahimself said...

To Chris Sligh,
From GDA,

"As GDA, your ignorance is blissful to watch." having read this in context, I assume/hope it doesn't mean what would as free standing statement.
It would be satisfing curiousity to see how it was supposed to read.

ChrisSligh said...

GDA,

Sorry...I meant to say

As GDA was saying....

LOL...sorry. Typed too fast.

Chris

ChrisSligh said...

Ah, anon, thanks for coming back.

I erased your comment. Sorry. It was disrespectful.

1) I only call out ignorance, when ignorance is displayed. For instance, when someone comes on and tries to tell me why I won't be successful, using reasoning that is ignorant, i will call them ignorant. When someone comes on and claims that I "came on" to Blake, then I will call them ignorant because they are ignorant.

2) You said: "We already know about when, where, with whom, and consequences. That's too much information. I am sure your wife is thrilled to learn that."

Look at my last post that I wrote before reading your comment. She has no problem with it. You and people like you seem to enjoy trying to find something wrong with what I say. No one else seemed to have a problem with it. Again, the whole circle of trust.

3) Again, I did not talk about my sex life on the internet. I told a story of a stupid rule. Sex wasn't even the point. I shouldn't have to explain this to you, because I am assuming you're smarter than this...but if I tell a story about a bank robbery and mention, in passing, that the bank robber farted during the robbery, you won't think that the story was about the fart. The story was about the bank robbery. The same thing here.

4) I haven't posted about Blake in months. I'd say your obsession with Blake is pretty creepy. The story is mine to tell because I was there. Kristi wasn't just staying in Blake's room...she was also staying in my room. And of course, there was nothing improper going on...do you really think that I would be in the room with that going on? Use deductive logic...it's not that tough.

Thanks for stopping by. You're always welcome.

Chris

ChrisSligh said...

Also, does anyone else find it hilarious that I am told that my obsession with Blake is creepy while obviously overlooking the fact that the anons have a creepier obsession with me?

Blake is a good friend. And I hope he will always be a friend. I don't have to be obsessed with someone who returns my phone calls. Obsession is for losers who don't have anything better to do with their lives than find crap to get pissed off about on the internet.

Chris

ChrisSligh said...

Oh,

LLL...it's good to see you! I haven't heard from you in a while.

Also, you know who I was thinking about yesterday? I miss sandmoran and Kay (steve-o-meter).

Someone did a haiku last night and it brought me back to the early AI days.

I wonder how those guys are doing.

Chris

Carrie said...

WELL THEN. I pass out and miss it all haha.

Glad it's resolved though.

HstryQT said...

Chris I passed your message along to Kay and Sandy. I miss them too - I had gotten quite close with them both! Hope we can get some more Slighku soon. Sandy's the best at it!

Lori

DJ in AL said...

GDA,

You were spot on with your comments. If you don't mind, I'm going to use "your ignorance is blissful to watch".

DJ

gdahimself said...

To DJ,
From GDA,

"your ignorance is blissful to watch".

I didn't actually say this, rather wish I had. This is Chris' concise and rather elegant interpetation of my remarks.

Your going to have direct you inquiry to him.

12:11 PM

DJ in AL said...

GDA,

Ah, I misread. Well it sounded like something you would say nevertheless!

Chris, think I'll use it if you don't mind.

DJ