Page 29 - LDBD Magazine - Issue 23 - Apr May Jun 2018

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Eddrick Hodges — IRAA Awards

I can honestly say that I’ve been extremely blessed during my 34 years on this earth. God has blessed me with the
privilege of being a musician and to travel the world with some of the greatest artists to ever grace a microphone in
the Gospel music industry. I have had the opportunity to not
only tour with and produce for phenomenal artists, but I have
also been the visionary behind two tours of my own.
The “Family Affair” Tour included five artists of different
genres within the Gospel sector that I personally produced.
The tour was extremely successful with over 16 ministry
dates.
The “Music Psychology” Tour included a 15-city ministry
route coupled with a CD project that I produced featuring
original music from independent Gospel artists. I’ve also pro-
duced stage plays, television shows and authored a book enti-
tled, “How Did We Get Here,” that used my life experiences
as a backdrop to illustrate key life lessons.

Each time God gives me a vision, I relish at the opportunity to
glorify Him in a new and creative way. It seems that all of my
past projects has brought me full circle when I think of the
IRAA (Independent Recording Artist & Arts) Awards. God gave me the vision for the IRAA Awards years ago, but
it only began to come to fruition last year. Putting on an award show is a monumental task that takes a ton of plan-
ning, a dedicated team, and an eye for detail to ensure that everything is done in excellence.

The IRAA Awards is designed to give independent Gospel artists a voice and platform to be recognized for their
artistry and provide opportunities to enhance their ministries to the next level. As Executive Director of the IRAA
Awards, I understand that technically there can only be one winner per category. As much as I would love for each
artist to walk away with a trophy, I realize that is not feasible. So, that is why the award’s weekend is designed to
be about more than winning a trophy. The entire weekend is structured to assist artists in making connections,
providing relevant education and information, along with offering opportunities of exposure to push their music
ministries forward in a positive way. I truly believe that God has placed me in the position to provide a stage for the
independent Gospel artist to shine and excel. Ultimately, when the artist shines, we all win, and God is glorified.
In an effort to further expand these opportunities, we have launched Musick Lounge Online, which is an online ra-
dio and television platform that will serve as the official sponsor of the 2018 IRAA Awards. Musick Lounge Online
is yet another vehicle to provide additional exposure and opportunity for our independent Gospel artists. We take
our motto of being “the home for the independent Gospel artist” very seriously.
We want them to know and feel that this outlet is for them to continue to thrive
and grow.

I am truly excited about the position that God currently has me in. I am sur-
rounded with a great family and a very strong support team that values and un-
derstands that the work we are doing is about providing a legitimate platform
for independent Gospel artists that we can all be proud to be a part of.

LIVING Day By Day •Net LIVING Day By Day •Net Apr  May  Jun 2018 | 29 Apr  May  Jun 2018 | 29