THE “NEW†GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY!
June 1, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Gospel Today Features, Music, Music & Entertainment News
CeCe Winans was among the first major artist to announce a label venture.
By E.J. Gaines
The current economic state of the gospel music industry has had some people a bit concerned. The ambitions of a once commercially promising marketplace have been overshadowed by dreams that now seem a bit harder to reach. Budgets have been cut, staffs have been downsized, and recording contracts have not been renewed. On nearly every hand, artists, musicians, labels, industry professionals and consumers are wondering what will come next for our beloved industry, and the genre of music that it supports.
At the outset, it is important to note that most of the difficulties facing the gospel music today are not actually unique to the Gospel genre. The entire music business is being forced to change the way it does business. As such, a new set of expectations must be managed. The dawn of the digital era and changes in consumer behavior are just a couple of factors among a full cast of characters that are significantly impacting the ongoing music business drama.
In light of the changing Gospel music marketplace, perhaps doom and gloom are not the final forecast. Vestiges of hope on the horizon include the possibility of strategic and needed realignment. Gospel music was always purposed to carry God’s message to the masses; somehow, this mandate may have been muddied by multiplatinum sales and million dollar deals. Maybe the aftermath of Gospel’s economic storm will yield a bevy of smaller, more Kingdom focused companies some may even be ministries.
Before we can fully understand the significance of where we are and, potentially where we are headed, we must understand our past, from a business standpoint. — Read full story in May/June 2010 issue of Gospel Today!
It maybe that God is trying to tell the Gospel Industry something, years ago it wasn’t all about the money , but it has gotten that way in this day, you can hardly afford some of the gospel Artis now they charge anywhere from ten thousand to twenty thousand dollars Just to do maybe 4 or 5 songs, and they mostly come to perform, not give God the Glory, be to get the glory for themself. That’s why people are not getting Save today like yesterday through song, they are singing but no anointing. I hope that the artis willl open up their eyes an see that what they are doing Is not in the will of God he freely gave you the gift of song, why do you charge us so much for the gift you got for free?
i understand what the Sistah is saying..however Preachers are also getting paid..and they should..it takes money to make it in this world..and they are doing the same as the ministers of the gospel in song or in Preaching….Telling the message that ‘Jesus Saves’. Once one is on contract with major record label, they r obligated for a few years, at the most, to be paid and the company gets a large portion of the monies as well..so all of the moines don’t go to the Artist. Now as an Independent contractor, they may not expect as much because all the monies go to that Artist. There are other God- given talents out there besides in the music field..how about those who are naturally talented in dress making, natural hair care etc..they too want to be paid..and they should. And especially those who put God first in paying tithes and offerings from what they recieve
Re: Sis Anna’s comment: Why is it that anyone who chooses to use his/her gifting in a spiritual rather than secular manner is expected to labor for a penance if anything at all? Many of the artists on secular labels got their start in the Church and honed their skills against the backdrop of an encouraging faith family, yet they ultimately chose to pursue jazz, r&b, hip hop, etc. Why? Most probably because of the greater potential these genres present for financial and other personal reward. Furthermore, even we Christians have no problem paying whatever the cost to own their CDs or attend their worldly concerts. If all of us are the result of God’s masterful creativity, should not then Beyonce also sing for free? Usher? Patti? John Legend?… Like these secular artists, gospel singers’ art is also their vocation– their livelihood. When we buy into their craft, they are not only being compensated for the simple time elapsed during a concert, but also for their preparation, training, travel, wardrobe, absence from home, stage crew, personal staff, insurance against sickness and injury, and other related incidentals. And, finally, yes– they do perform. That’s what we expect for our hard-earned money– a good show in addition to God-given talent. What does it say about us that we are always looking to someone else to “bring the Spirit” when it already dwells in each of us. If I can extrapolate, perhaps the natural extension of this thinking is to expect Christian writers, publishers, actors, doctors, athletes, teachers, drivers, etc. to forego market-based compensation because their skills and talent were a free gift from the Almighty. For the record, I am in no way affiliated with any gospel artist or the gospel recording industry. Agape.
I agree with the prior comment. Much of the Gospel Music industry has become more of an arena of competition and money. It’s all about (me)them and (my)their performance. The prices and expenses imposed upon ministries/Churches to consider inviting Gospel music artist to be apart of Kingdom building (worship)potentially bankrupts the assignment. Don’t get me wrong, I believe we should bless those gifted with talents and serve with a kingdom agenda, not self promotion or glorification. However, I also believe that their gifts were given to serve and minister unto God’s people. I don’t negate or discount the expenses that go along with recording, marketing, staff, materials, travel, etc. Just as God opens doors and makes room for our gifts, He is faithful in suppling all that we need, He also promised in His word provide Good measure, press down, running over shaken together…….. The Kingdom is ours to possess, and our ultimate goal should be as His; that all be Saved.
New artist and seasoned artists often conform and write songs about what they want the Lord to do for them, instead of our reverence to him for what he has done and the strength he provides. I love worship! It takes me to a place of edification, glorification, and santification. If the body could just come together “One Body” for the assignment of building God’s Kingdom. What a time, what a time, what a time.
I thank God for our artist. But if we could just renew our focus.
It maybe that God is trying to tell the Gospel Industry something, years ago it wasn’t all about the money , but it has gotten that way in this day, you can hardly afford some of the gospel Artis now they charge anywhere from ten thousand to twenty thousand dollars Just to do maybe 4 or 5 songs, and they mostly come to perform, not give God the Glory, be to get the glory for themself. That’s why people are not getting Save today like yesterday through song, they are singing but no anointing. I hope that the artis willl open up their eyes an see that what they are doing Is not in the will of God he freely gave you the gift of song, why do you charge us so much for the gift you got for free?
I understand what you are saying, but this is not always the case. My nephew, Michael Killen, is a new gospel artist here in Nashville, Tennessee. He will release his first cd this weekend. He has decided to have his listening party/a free concert at Centennial Park. The concert is open to the public. Nashville is going through a disaster recovery and we still need to praise God while we are going through. His ministry is about soul saving. He wants to give back what God has given him before he makes the money.
Just maybe everyone is right! Anyone 21 and over not living with there mother knows that if you want to do something it will take money. So of course to do anything on a large or national scale unfortunately it will take more than a free will offering. However I also beleive that God is most definitely sending a message and I don’t think it’s concerning money but more the intent of the heart. The main focal point of Gospel Music should be about the God we serve and to reach those that don’t go to church. Me being involved in Gospel music and church for most of my life I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly regarding money and ministry. Some people that are in ministry are concerned on how there going to get there; you have to buy the plane ticket which is fine, but some say ” I’m only coming on a private jet”! Some ask “how many people do you plan on attending and is it ticketed”? To make sure they get there fair share of the proceeds. We can pick apart at these demands some say there fair some say they’re trying to “pimp” the church. While we look at the demands, God is looking at the heart. I feel that alot of “Mega Preachers” and “Mega Gospel Artist” has lost genuine intent which is kingdom building! I pray for the gospel community at large, I have faith enough to KNOW that eye’s haven’t seen nor have ears heard, niether has it entered into the heart of man the GREAT things God has instore for his people!!
well all have said well, the truth is to focus on the plan God have for us
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