Flourish

Written By Laura Jenney
Of Mindsweep Entertainment
8-11-08

There was no doubting, even for a second, that it would happen.
From the moment (friend, fellow music industry executive and client), Jason Clark, bassist for the smoking melodic metal band Dying Breed, out of Virginia Beach, Virginia, turned me on to 'America's Family Band' Flourish, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that their success in the music industry was inevitable. Flourish has all the elements (and more), to achieve major success in tact that any truly tight, professional, and exceptionally talented band could ever need to succeed in the music industry. There was no need to crunch a bunch of numbers, no need to consult a second opinion.

Forget all about the previous stereotypical 'family bands' of the bubble gum/pop persuasion that has come and gone before them, (and certainly with no disrespect intended towards those previous performing family acts which have gained incredible success in doing so). Nonetheless, the sensational and dynamic band Flourish in no way, shape or form fits into the stereotype of that mold, with the only exception of similarity being the undeniably cool concept of a family performing together as a team and band.

To perhaps best describe the high quality of Flourish's musical product in short order, is coined from the catch phrase of a classic commercial..."This ain't no greasy kid stuff!"

Even before I actually 'saw' who the members of Flourish were, and that they were in fact, a family band, I listened intently, with a music industry trained and analytical ear, (that can rival and surpass the hearing capabilities of even a Welsh Corgi), and was immediately impressed by their musical product of exceedingly tightly executed original music, (being performed by professional musicians of any age), complete with a very positive and universal message and vibe delivered up in a number of genres ranging from hard driving rock, alternative, and with a definitive 'punk' edge. 'Positive Punk', if one can imagine such a genre, lends further credence to the level of creativity and originality Flourish has to offer as a band.

What I first found striking above and beyond the norm when listening to tracks from Flourish's soon to be released, independently produced CD, "Flourish With Us", was the impressive amount of precision, skill and speed exhibited by Flourish's drummer, Chris "C.J." Schmidt Jr., as well as the very notable prowess and rhythmic drive from the band's bassist Amanda "Lou" Schmidt; (aged 12), as every music industry professional working either on or off the stage knows that any band is only as good as their drummer, as well as the fact that great bass players are worth their weight in gold. In the cases of Chris (C.J.) Schmidt Jr. and Amanda (Lou), both are exceptional; though no doubt, equally as impressive is the finesse and high quality of musicianship by ALL members of the band Flourish, complete with three guitarists, Sisters Jordan Schmidt, (Age 14), Stephanie Schmidt, (Age 17), and Dad, Chris "Shmiddy" Schmidt, Sr., and extremely talented Wife/Mom Shannon Schmidt on keyboards. Admittedly, even before I could quit pouting from being absolutely smoked as a drummer and percussionist by 9 year old drummer Chris Jr., (now a seasoned professional, and formidable force on drums at the ripe old age of 10), I knew I wanted to work with this extremely talented band, rea lizing their immense potential for music industry success, and thus, offered to do their very first wo rldwide press release.

...OF COURSE the response in the press was nothing less than outstanding, (Flourish's article being published in well over 100 very esteemed publications both nationally and worldwide), and people of all ages, from all around the world absolutely LOVED this band! (There was no doubting for even a second, that this would happen as well!)

At the very same time I was releasing Flourish's article/worldwide press release to my much appreciated alliances and connections within the press, I was also meanwhile, forwarding the article on to some very select record label and other esteemed music industry execs as well. And of course, instantaneously, Flourish was generating very positive and much deserved recognition with, and response from, some of the music industry's most elite execs. (It literally takes me longer to shop for groceries than it did to 'shop' Flourish out to interested music industry execs! Seriously, when speaking of the mindsweeping speed in which Flourish's popularity is gaining amongst both fans and music industry execs alike, no PR hype is needed, as the positive results and feedback has returned with a profound quickness!) And indeed, Flourish has been gaining music industry success...seemingly at the speed of sound ever since.

Just in time for the upcoming release of Flourish's much anticipated CD, "Flourish With Us", Flourish is currently working closely with none other than internationally renowned, and multi-platinum (14 to be exact), Billboard Award and American Music Award winning Producer, Andrew Lane, where Flourish was offered and signed almost immediately, to a management contract with 'Drew' Lane at the helm of their career under Drew Right Entertainment, Inc.

If ever there was a music industry match made in Heaven, it would be the pairing of executive/producer superstar Andrew "Drew" Lane with the band Flourish, as Andrew Lane is closely allied/affiliated to Disney/Universal, Warner Music Group, EMI and Sony/BMG amongst his many music and entertainment industry corporate ties; complete with professional credits for writing and producing on such largely successful endeavors and projects as High School Musical, The Hannah Montana Sound Track, B5, The Disneymania Soundtrack and The Bratz Dolls amongst his many notable accomplishments.

The opportunities presented to Flourish by Andrew Lane, include the vast expansion of Flourish's national and worldwide exposure, recognition and marketing via the organization of both national and worldwide touring, television and film projects, both on a national and global scale and by utilizing Flourish's talent to its full capacity as 'America's Family Band'.


Even beyond being the perfect match of executive and performers with the alliance of Andrew Lane and the band Flourish on merely a professional level, the alliance runs even deeper; as both Andrew Lane and all members of the band Flourish share a desire and goal to further utilize their collective and individual talents to support organizations making a positive impact within both our national and global communities, and are working together to inspire the return of strong family values and unity within society as a whole, via all possible mediums within the entertainment industry. Combining the efforts of the top notch corporate talents with Andrew Lane at the helm, and America's Family Band, Flourish delivering exceptionally high quality entertainment, we're talking about an unbeatable team and immeasurable success in the very near future from promoting much more than just outstanding musicianship, but presenting and promoting America's Family Band, Flourish as good will ambassadors on a global mission.

Fans can listen to tracks from Flourish's much anticipated, soon to be released CD, "Flourish With Us", watch Flourish's video "Simple Things", and gain further information on the steadily growing "Flourish Phenomenon" via the band's official My Space site at http://www.myspace.com/flourishmusic. If you have not yet experienced the immense talent of 'America's Family Band', Flourish, you owe it to yourself to do so, as we also know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are going to be absolutely amazed at the caliber of their musicianship, and of course, you are going to love them!

Purchasing for this outstanding CD will be available through iTunes, Flourish's official web site, (www.FlourishMusic.com), the band's MySpace site, (http://www.myspace.com/flourishmusic), and many other purchasing outlets as they come aboard.

Flourish's musical influences include such great acts as:
Good Charlotte, Reliant K, Switch Foot, Smashmouth, Blink 182, Green Day, The Ramones, Fall Out Boy, All American Rejects, New Found Glory, Panic at the Disco, The Ataris, Taking Back Sunday, Bowling for Soup, Third Eye Blind, amongst many others; and would in fact, make an outstanding choice as an opening/supporting act for any one of these stellar acts.

Currently, Flourish and Management are seeking and accepting dates for Flourish's upcoming tour to promote their sizzling new CD, "Flourish With Us"; as well as seeking and accepting corporate sponsorship to extend their tour beyond US borders to embrace fans worldwide. Flourish has expressed interest in possibly touring in such locations as Europe, Japan and other Asian destinations, Australia, Mexico, Central and South America, Canada, and any and everywhere fans demand. (If you are a fan of America's Family Band, Flourish, one can be a big part of the Flourish Phenomenon by calling your city's special event coordinators and area concert and festival organizers and requesting them to book Flourish in upcoming events. Want to enjoy a higher quality of entertainment? Be a 'positive punk' and demand it).

To book the ultra dynamic band Flourish, interested concert and festival promoters can do so by contacting Management at info@flourishmusic.com, or by calling 757-343-0749.

Fans be on the lookout for much more to come from 'America's Family Band, Flourish', as they rise to even greater success in the VERY near future. We the team at Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions will be glad to keep fans posted on updates of their further immanent success.
That is of course, if we can keep up!

The End.

Best regards,

Laura Jenney
Executive Vice President, PR, Press & Media Relations Specialist
Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions
Manager of Florida office, Booking Agent, PR, Press & Media Relations Rep T&T Management and Booking Agency
904-777-6057
VPofMindsweep@aol.com
Laura@tntbooking.com
Jcongalady@aol.com
- Mindsweep Entertainment

The Virginian-Pilot
© September 5, 2008
By Christy Barritt
Correspondent


The Schmidt family isn't one to sit around watching television together. In fact, they don't even know how to work the 52-inch plasma TV in their living room.

Instead, the room serves as a music studio where they have jam sessions together.

The family consists of dad Chris, 38, mom Shannon, 35, daughters Stephanie, 17, Jordan, 14, Amanda, 12, and 10-year-old son CJ. Together, they make up the punk pop band Flourish.

The Schmidts recently moved from their Greenbrier home and headed to Nashville, Tenn. They signed with a management company run by a Disney producer who's responsible for Hannah Montana, Lindsay Lohan and some of the hit songs of "High School Musical." Now, they're hoping to make it big on the tween scene.

The family's musical journey began several years ago while at Greenbrier Mall. It was Christmas time, and Alpha Music had set up a stage in the center of the mall to showcase their instruments. Two of the Schmidt children wandered on stage and began to test the instruments - CJ on drums, Amanda on bass, and their dad Shmiddy grabbed an electric guitar. Before long, they all began playing tunes together and a large crowd instantly gathered.

"I heard people in the crowd saying to the guy who worked for Alpha, 'Are those kids with you? Did you hire them?' " said Shmiddy, who sings, plays guitar and writes the band's music. "They're like, 'No, it's just this family who sat down and started to play.' "

The family has always been musical, and Shmiddy and Shannon taught their children how to play various instruments at a young age. But until that day at the mall, music was just a fun outlet for the family to spend quality time together.

It was after that point that Shmiddy, a producer, entertainment attorney and owner of Renown Recording Studios, realized his family had something special to share with the world.

"I started thinking, this is a really good opportunity," said Shmiddy. "It was a novelty thing for those people to see a family playing music together, where for us it was perfectly natural, something we did every day as a family just to have fun. At that point, I realized not everyone does what we're doing."

A vision was born, but first, Shmiddy asked everyone if this is what they wanted to do.

"I wasn't going to force them to be in a band," said Shmiddy, a California native who moved to the area in order to attend law school at Regent University. "I've worked with bands for 13 years. My job is to help bands to get to where they want to go. I know the roadmap. I know if a band member isn't into it, it isn't going to be a success. Why treat the family any different?" Plus, these are my kids we are talking about, not entertainment clients. It just happens to be in their blood so they all jumped at the opportunity to do this officially as a family band.

With everyone excited and willing, they committed their time and resources to making the band work. And they chose the band's official name "Flourish".

"We wanted a name that had meaning to it, that stated what we stand for as a family," said Stephanie, who will also be dancing professionally with the Nashville Ballet. "Flourish means to grow in abundance together, and that's what we strive to do every day as a family."

The family, who cites their musical influences as Switchfoot, Relient K, Good Charlotte and the Ramones, put together a demo CD, and Chris began to tap into his music entertainment network.

It was a friend of a friend who helped land them a management deal with Disney Producer Andrew Lane. In Nashville, they'll record their album and spend their time rehearsing with some of the best performance coaches and musicians on the globe to develop their live show and prepare for major label showcases that will be secured by their new management.

Being in a family band has its challenges.

"We have little fights, but we get over it," said Stephanie, who plays guitar and sings background vocals. "We continue on our mission and remember that we're doing this to make a positive change in our world. We've learned to get along like any other normal family."

Shannon home schools all of the children, including Stephanie, who graduated this year. They also practice as a family five to six days a week for up to several hours a day.

Shannon developed a reward system to encourage everyone to practice on their own. She calls it the "Gig Bag."

"There are probably 200 little pieces of paper with money amounts written on them from 50 cents to $20," said Shannon. "If they work well together when we have band rehersal and practice for 45 minutes to an hour on their own then they'll be able to reach into the gig bag and get a little piece of paper and see what it is. "

"The most I've gotten is five bucks," said drummer CJ.

"No one can find the twenty," said Jordan, who plays guitar and sings background vocals.

Shmiddy said the system works well because it helps his children develop discipline.

"You can't push a string," said Shmiddy. "You've got to pull it. What we're trying to do is pull them into realizing how important it is to be excellent at your instrument if that is what you want to do. They all have the heart to play their instruments well, but discipline is a big part of taking something that is great to the level of outstanding. It's impressive for me to see how disciplined they've become without us having to press discipline on them. Instead, we're pulling them through."

Next year at this time, Flourish is planning to be on tour. Their mission is to bring youth and families good, clean entertainment that inspires their audiences to make positive changes in their lives.

"We want to be a positive influence," said Shmiddy. "We're a family who wants to share with other families. We want to perpetuate family values, but in a relevant way."

For more information, visit www.flourishmusic.com.



Christy Barritt, 651-6166

christybarritt@cox.net - The Virginian Pilot

Article by Laura Jenney
Of Mindsweep Entertainment
4-22-08


There are a zillion and one truly great artists and bands in the world today. That being so, the bottom line that determines who has what it takes to make it in the music industry is determined by which artist or band has the most marketing potential on a number of levels.

As a music industry exec, differentiating and assessing the highest margin marketing potential of a band is rather simple. We're looking for the exceptional. There's impressive, extremely impressive, and 'knock you off your desk chair' impressive. The latter is an extremely rare find, and I am very pleased to say, that I have recently encountered it. (Admittedly, I have only done so maybe three times throughout my entire professional career as a music industry executive.)

Such was the case when Jason Clark, bassist for the fast rising and hard rocking, alternative and metal band Dying Breed, (of Wakefield, Virginia), turned me on to the band, Flourish's music, (from Virginia Beach, Virginia), via their MySpace site. (And you know, for a member of one of the absolute hottest up and coming acts in the music industry to seriously and enthusiastically inform a well connected music industry exec about promoting another band, and turn them on to their music, then those artists must be pretty hot, and definitely worth a listen.

While visiting Flourish's MySpace site, before I could even scroll down to see the band's photo or to read Flourish's bios to further check them out, I was immediately impressed with very tight and solid guitar and bass work, and extremely tight chops from a drummer that was 'on it' like I-95 going South, and like Sioux on Custer, laying it down like greased lightening in their song "Simple Things". I was equally impressed by an undeniably widely marketable musical product from the extremely high quality of the musicianship by ALL the performers in the band Flourish, and the positive universal message within their lyrics, and without question, from the upbeat vibe of Flourish's original music. (Indeed, very cool stuff that had me rocking at my desk.)

When I scrolled down the page of Flourish's MySpace site to take a look at Flourish's photos to see WHO exactly these exceptionally talented musicians were who were delivering this extremely tight and positive sound, I almost fell off my office chair! (No easy feat, as I listen to a vast amount of music from multitudes of great artists of all genres on a daily basis.)

Surprise! That impressively skilled drummer delivering those challenging chops was none other than 9 year old, (at the time of recording the tracks), Chris "CJ" Schmidt, Jr. (now 10)! Those super solid, hard thumping bass licks, (and vocals), were performed by his sister, Amanda Schmidt, (Age 12)! Those tight and crunchy guitar licks and vocals were by sisters Jordan Schmidt, (Age 14), Stephanie Schmidt, (Age 16), and Dad, Chris "Shmiddy" Schmidt, Sr! And of course, the very lovely and talented Mom, Shannon Schmidt on keyboards!

Without question, what the band Flourish is accomplishing as both musicians, creating a very highly and broadly marketable music product, also as a family, and as examples of excellent parenting and social upbringing, creating a very viable 'family business' in the process, while inspiring and carving a path that others can follow if inclined, is beyond cool and impressive on so many levels! Not only was I impressed, I was inspired, and even quite moved.

From the perspective of a music industry executive, it's a no brainer that the band Flourish's potential for the marketing of Flourish's CD's, concert ticket sales, (especially featured at festivals and major theme parks everywhere), the potential capital to be gained from media appearances, DVD sales etc., is like nothing less than discovering music industry gold! Really...what is more marketable than an extremely talented virtuoso? An entire family of them, making great music with an extremely high quality of musicianship, working together as a team, with the true solidarity of a family, with great and equally talented parents at the helm, delivering a positive message and inspiring others! On a personal level, I applaud Chris and Shannon Schmidt for their sheer genius as both parents and professionals.

The brilliance of Chris and Shannon Schmidt as both music industry professionals and as parents doesn't stop there, and is even greater far reaching. Father Chris Schmidt, Sr. is a successful music industry attorney at the prestigious and respected firm Christopher Alan Schmidt & Associates PLLC, and together they own Renown Studios and Renown Entertainment Group of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Mom Shannon home schools this tribe of great performing virtuosos, making touring possible year around for the band Flourish, without missing a beat (no pun intended), without interruption with either the band's tour schedules and without compromising the education of their children. Working together, they have created the ultimate working and family environment, making it not only possible to embark on the ultimate family adventure, but also to live their dream, while teaching their children a very viable trade, while making money, with the very real and distinct possibility and potential of achieving the highest measure of success in the music industry. Adding also that the eldest sister Stephanie lends her already award winning expertise in dance and choreography to the band's live performances.

And though yes, there have been other families that have reached incredible margins of success in the music and entertainment industry working together, (and I applaud them as well); however, Flourish, frankly and in my professional opinion, with the right promotion, indeed has the potential to far surpass former margins of success, as truthfully, Flourish's caliber of musicianship excels and far surpasses that of the previous family oriented music industry pioneers that have come and gone before them. (Very well executed 'catchy' commercial rock and roll that has the ability to appeal not only to today's younger generation, but also to connoisseurs of excellent rock and roll of all generations.) ..."This ain't no greasy kid stuff."

Of course, we the family team at Mindsweep Entertainment are certainly willing and game for working with the band Flourish to give them the press and media promotion this 'fall off your chair' exceptional band deserves, and to turn the world and fellow executives on to both the outstanding musicianship, broad spectrum marketability, and positive message that Flourish delivers. In addition, I will be turning on friend and fellow executive, Tony Saldano, CEO of the esteemed T&T Management and Booking Agency www.tntbooking.com, (as I am a booking agent at T&T, as well as the manager of T&T's Florida office), to Flourish with a strong recommendation for signing; as well as turning the legendary and Hall of Fame radio promotions executive, Ken Pearson of Blue Springs Music Group, and a number of top record label executives in affiliation with all the above connections, concert and festival promoter connections, and media connections on to Flourish, via e-flyers containing this article and the publishing results thereof.

So no doubt, the band Flourish deservingly will soon be flourishing in a big way in the very near future. Do not be surprised to find Flourish reaching super star status in before long, as this exceptional band certainly has everything it takes, (and more), to reach the highest measures of success within the music and entertainment industry.

Flourish is set to release their entirely independently produced debut CD, "Flourish With Us" (recorded at their own studio, Renown Studios), in the very near future. One can check out and experience the high energy, rock solid musicianship that the band Flourish has to offer on this truly outstanding upcoming CD for yourself by visiting their MySpace site at www.myspace.com/flourishmusic. Flourish credits co-producer David Baldi with several of the punk-rock influenced tracks originated by the talented guitarist/producer who also tracked/engineered and co-mixed portions of the album.

The concept of Flourish's 'radio ready and perfect' CD, "Flourish With Us", and their mission as "America's Family Band", according to their MySpace site, is "to reach into the lives of individuals on a personal level, no matter what age, to help those willing to let down their guard, if only for a moment, to realize their full potential in order to flourish as their Creator has intended. Having fun and enjoying the journey is just part of the flourishing process." ...Very cool indeed.

Purchasing for this outstanding CD will be available through iTunes, Flourish's official web site, (www.FlourishMusic.com), the band's MySpace site, (www.myspace.com/flourishmusic), and other purchasing outlets as they come aboard.

Flourish is also gearing up for a tour to promote this exceptional CD after it's release. At present, Flourish is seeking and accepting both dates for this upcoming tour, dates for media appearances, as well as sponsorship for the tour, as they would love to tour as much of the the US as possible, and extend their tour, (as well as the band's positive message), to the world. Flourish is willing, and would love the opportunity to perform in Europe, Japan and other Asian destinations, Australia, Mexico, Central and South America, Canada, and beyond, and are looking forward to embracing fans wherever fans demand.

Fans of Flourish can also experience the Flourish phenomena by video available on YouTube; through the release and independently produced video (Renown Entertainment Group/Scott Hansen Productions) of their single "Simple Things", which is without a doubt, true 'hit quality material', and has the potential to greatly increase the promotion of CD sales. You can view the video at www.youtube.com/flourishmusic

Flourish's musical influences include: Reliant K, Switch Foot, Smashmouth, Blink 182, Green Day, The Ramones, Fall Out Boy, All American Rejects, New Found Glory, Eric Clapton, Panic at the Disco, The Ataris, Taking Back Sunday, Bowling for Soup, Third Eye Blind, and others. Though not particularly mentioned as an influence, Flourish's song "Temporary Youth" reminds me in style, quality and sound of REM.

One thing I truly respect about the band Flourish, is there is absolutely no pretension in their message. Their positivity is not just a persona, nor a brilliant marketing idea, as this contagious positivity is part of the spirit of the members of this family and band, and is part of who the members of Flourish really are. Not only does the band Flourish deliver a much needed positive message, the members of the band Flourish are active in making a difference for others in need in their community. The Schmidt Family has organized and promoted a number of community concerts with 100% of the profits of those events going toward helping young teens and their newborn babies at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Father, guitarist and vocalist Chris Schmidt has expressed the desire of the band to utilize their talent and marketability on a broad scale to make a larger impact through their music, as the band would like to embrace donating a number of events via benefit concert appearances to create awareness and address a number of family related issues to make a positive change in their community, throughout the country and worldwide. Considering this fact, and the high caliber of Flourish's musicianship and the marketability on all levels of their musical product, makes Flourish not only that rare, exceptional 'knock you off your desk chair' band, but the same as individuals as well.

Together Flourish is proving true much more than the old adage that "the family that plays together stays together". But in the case of 'America's family band' Flourish, they have the ability to inspire others, make a large scale difference in the lives of others, and 'totally rock the music industry together'. Look for them to do just that in the very near future!

The End.


Best regards,

Laura Jenney
Executive Vice President, PR, Press & Media Relations Specialist
Mindsweep Entertainment - Mindsweep Entertainment