the blogford files

Yes, Thomas Nelson has made the introduction and first two chapters of their book, The Faith of Obama available to select bloggers via PDF.

This is a great introduction to the book and I’ve learned a lot (positive and negative) just from this little bit.  Check it out and look for a full review coming soon!

Download the PDF here—

I’ve been working on the new layout and branding for Tone Box Records for some time.  I wanted to get away from the word “records” and I wanted to become a complete outlet for indie artists.  When Tone Box was started in late 2003, we did it completely digital…  The physical CD/record store is slowing passing away and the majority of listeners are finding what they want online.  Record labels as we know them are having to completely change their approach to reaching listeners and selling music.

Tone Box Records has never been in the (red)-  we have made profit from day one and even better is that our artists have made more money than we have.  I’m cool with that.  I want artists to make a living doing what they love and are called to do!

With the site launch we’ll be looking for guest bloggers and writers.  We’ll also be setting up a resource page for indie artists with tips and inside information for online marketing and distribution.

Take a minute and check out the new site @  :  www.toneboxdigital.com

I’d love to hear feedback on layout and functionality.  Also, what else can we include to build the Tone Box community for indie artists?

**This post is a part of Watercooler Wednesdays @ Ethos!

The Faith Of Barack Obama hit Amazon today…  Should be a great book, I’m looking forward to reading it.  I hope that others will read with an open mind.  I know that many folks have an idea of his faith and lifestyle just based on the fact that he is a Democrat.  I personally think it’s time to get past the labels and look at the person, look at what they represent and how they live.

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson, has a great post today talking a bit about the book.  Read it here–>

*** Just got word that Thomas Nelson is sending me a copy to review and post about…  very honored to share some thoughts about this book soon.

Here’s some of the tracks I’m loving these days…  It’s amazing how radio (at least Charleston radio) misses this stuff-  oh, 96 wave, how I miss thee… (Charleston radio is a whole other post!)

Do yourself a favor and check out these artists, I’ve linked to their iLike.com page so you can check out the music:

• Carolina Liar - Coming To Terms :   I’m all over this album.  Very fresh.  Check the single “I’m Not Over“, huge hit potential.  The singer is from Charleston, SC (Carne’s Crossroads to be exact).  Glad to see the music scene isn’t completely dead here (even though he made it big in L.A.).
• Thriving Ivory - Thriving Ivory : It’s hard to describe this, it’s got some great 80’s ballad rock, but it’s modern and not cheesy… does that make sense? Check out the track “Angels On The Moon” It’s definitely worth a listen, you won’t be disappointed… perfect song arrangement.  It just continues to build to a huge track… love this song!
• Alkaline Trio - Agony & Irony :  This album rocks my face… The single is “Help Me”- amazing.  It’s Pop/Alt/Rock, heavy on the rock.  Great for driving or working too… especially if you want to do it fast.
• The Spill Canvas - No Really, I’m Fine : Another fine album, check the single “All Over You”.
• Hawthorne Heights - Rescue Me : This is their new single… a bit of a departure, well… maybe just something that happens to all bands-  a fresh sound.  The new album should own.  The single is available on iTunes…

What’s new in your world?  Share, share, share.

Drinking from the Cultural Watercooler today at Ethos…