Atlanta, GA January 27, 2004--Society of Future Recording Artists & Songwriters, a program sponsored by 501c(3) non-profit org, Express H.O.M.E. Program, Inc. (Helping Others Magnify Education), today announced the launch of a critical study to seize the opportunity for consolidating information to establish a needed Georgia music industry resource. This comprehensive study will collect a variety of related data from eligible, talented Georgia-residents and Georgia-based music-affiliated organizations, associations, businesses, product and service providers all across the state.
โ€œWe have witnessed tremendous talent that virtually goes unheard, even on a local level, because of the lack of awareness of industry resources and professionals that are available,โ€ said Mill Davis, Director of SOFRAS, who is leading the research study. โ€œHighly sought after education about the industry overall, talent exposure opportunities and career development resources are plentiful in Georgia, especially in Atlanta, with it being a major entertainment hub. However, there is currently not a resource that brings the state's music and talent resources together in one central directory (online or print), so we are working to fill this void. This in turn, creates a tremendous market opportunity for providers targeting the hundreds of individuals that often seek these solutions, based on the numerous inquiries we receive. This will help to further stimulate Georgia's music industry economy,โ€ added Kevin Odom, co-founder of SOFRAS.
Through this study, the vast resource of major and independent music industry provider submissions and research materials will used to:
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Develop a Georgia music resource directory (online and print) and a talent registry database (online and print) with proposed semi-annual email updates
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An event announcement submission and posting service
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And other industry awareness and education focused activities
To join the official research mailing list, send an email to: Researchmailinglist@sofras.net. More information about participation as a researcher (open to high school and college students) and/or being considered for inclusion in the project can be obtained by contacting SOFRAS (in Atlanta) at 770-281-7286 (press 2#), via email: GAMusicResearch@sofras.net or via postal mail at SOFRAS PO Box 930274 Norcross, GA 30003-0274.
Other sponsors of the research study include En*Spirations Christian Network (www.Enspirations.com), a Black Clan, Inc. (www.ablackclan.com), HDQTRZ Digital Music Studios (www.hdqrtz.com) and Har-Bal (World's First Visual Music Mastering System - www.har-bal.com) along with team research analysts Shannon Leon, Tanya Redding, and Juz Cooper.
About Society of Future Recording Artists & Songwriters (SOFRAS):
SOFRAS serves the southern US Region as a source of independent music business education, research and referral. They develop and offer projects and events that foster personal career development inside and outside of the music industry, provide career-consulting services and talent promotional opportunities. Their mission is to offer these resources where exposure to them is limited or non-existent, with plans to expand internationally.
About Express H.O.M.E. Program, Inc. (a 501c(3) non-profit organization):
For over 22 years, Express H.O.M.E. Program, Inc. Executive Director, Jacqueline Bosby has utilized her skillful negotiation, organization, proposal writing and compassion to assist various communities, primarily at-risk youth.
Headquartered in neighboring Athens, GA., Express H.O.M.E. Program, Inc. has secured forty-eight, 30- minute spots for community programming pre month on Charter Communications Cable Network which shows in 3 counties and 9 neighboring towns during prime time slots. Express H.O.M.E. Program has dedicated Saturday programming โ€" 16 spots โ€" to youth/teen programs, produced by a Teen Advisory Committee. The staff continues to sponsor educational programs and most prominent to date are the annual Black Youth Heritage Expos which have grown from 1000+ attendees and participants to over 5000 in a five-year period.
Express H.O.M.E. also does holiday safety programs for the Athens Board of Education and a number of youth programs within the metro-Atlanta and Athens communities, offering activities to foster academic enrichment and youth empowerment. The organization has numerous commendations from local government officials (in Georgia and Illinois) and other business supporters that express their gratitude of the organization's enthusiasm and concern for today's youth.