2007

The Role of Radio Charts and The Songwriter

On October 26th the Singing News Magazine dropped dozens of charting stations from their charting list. They have reduced their charting stations to 75 in an effort to more accurately present a relevant industry chart in their publication.

Whether you believe this to be a positive move or a negative one, the result for all songwriters is the same. We have to tighten our belts, and write better songs. There a are less than half the charting stations that there used to be. That means for your song to do well on radio, it almost has to be recorded by an established major label artist. And it must receive major airplay at these particular 75 stations.

This will greatly reduce the amount of non label artists charting a new song. And unfortunately for new writers, non label artists may be the only one's cutting your songs at this time.
But that doesn't mean you can't still carve out a place for yourself in the industry. It does mean that is going to be much more difficult to get your songs charted. Some of these 75 stations may very well chart an independent artist singing an unknown songwriter's tune. But it is not likely that many of them will chart it very high. And with fewer stations charting, the chances of that kind of a song charting on enough stations to make a top 40 list, are very slim.

The Singing News has formed the new Singing News Chart Advisory Committee. Two members of the Singing News staff, 9 record promoters and label presidents make up this committee. There is also one artist on the committee. The Singing News stated in a letter to radio stations that this new committee is building a new list of charting stations from scratch. The Advisory Committee has chosen to apportion the new charting stations by state, based on the number of concerts in the state, and the number of Singing News subscribers in the state.

These new charting stations will remain secret, as they have been in the past. If they ever let the word get out as to who these charting stations are, then every independent artist, songwriter, and record label would know just who to target with promotional items and phone calls. The last time I checked, there were about 600 stations currently programming Southern Gospel music. Now the entire industry is represented by these 75 elite stations.

I know that there are other respectable charts in the Southern Gospel industry who still use a much larger base of charting stations, but let's face it, the Singing News chart is the one that the record labels, talent agencies, and concert promoters watch. You can have a top ten song on three other national charts, but if you have not charted in the top 10 in the Singing News, then it is generally not even recognized as a legitimate hit.

Nothing has changed for the charting system in terms of airplay. The charting stations may be playing your song the same number of times that they play their #20 song, or even their #1 song. But if they do not write your song's name on the top twenty chart that they turn in to the Singing News, then the song has earned zero charting points.

The good news is that BMI and ASCAP still pay performance royalties according to the number of times the song was played, and not charting position. SESAC royalty distribution does follow radio charts, unlike BMI and ASCAP.

Now the question arises as to which plays a greater role in generating sales. Is it charting position, or airplay? That debate could go on and on for a long time between industry professionals, and still not come up with an absolute answer. In my opinion, charting position does help generate bookings for an artist. And since the majority of sales in the Southern Gospel industry is done across the product table at an artist's concerts, then it stands to reason that the higher charting groups will sell more product.

Unfortunately for the Southern Gospel songwriter, most professional label artists do not pay royalties on their table sales. They expect the record company to do that. The record company expects the artist to do it, since they have purchased their product at wholesale prices. Most artist's attitude is that the record company pays royalties on retail sales and internet downloads, therefore the royalties have been paid. But my educated guess is that Southern Gospel songwriters are receiving royalties on less than 40% of what is sold at concerts.
I learned about this problem in our industry over 15 years ago from the vice president of a major record label. And still, it has not been addressed in the industry. Perhaps that is because there is no Songwriters Union, and never will be. It is illegal for songwriters to form a union. It was made illegal in the early 20th century when songwriters received Copyright protection under the law. Most songwriters are just thrilled to finally get their songs recorded. Most writers I know are just thankful for whatever does come in financially.

As a professional writer, I know that I am going to have to step up to the plate and write better songs than I ever have. The stakes are much higher now. The available charting stations are much fewer, and there is a much smaller chance of landing a hit than there used to be.

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net

Mercy’s Mark

Mercy’s Mark was founded in 2003 by Garry Jones. Garry has over 27 years of experience in the gospel music. Garry has toured with Grammy Award Winning Ricky Skaggs and worked with various artists in the Christian Music Industry. He is most recognized as the pianist, arranger, co-owner and producer for the talented gospel groups Gold City and Signature Sound Quartet. During his tenure, Gold City was awarded "Group of the Year" six consecutive years and Signature Sound Quartet was awarded "Horizon Group of the Year" for 2003. Garry was honored to be featured pianist for the "Old Friends Quartet" which included Gospel Legends Jake Hess and George Younce and was featured on the "Homecoming Friends Tour" with Bill Gaither.

Garry has also produced award winning songs such as "Midnight Cry", "If God Be For Us", "For God So Loved", "Stand By Me" and the Dove Award winning "There Rose A Lamb". Garry has received an abundance of awards, been nominated for numerous Dove Awards, received rave reviews in Charisma magazine and inducted into the Alabama Hall of Fame. His television appearances have included The 700 Club, Acts Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Odyssey Channel, The Grand Ole Opry, John Hagee Ministries, and Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries.

Mercy's Mark is certainly one of the most exciting groups to come along in a while. What is the drive that keeps you guys so full of energy and fresh on stage each night? Is this something that comes natural with everyone, or do you really have to work at it?

It’s the love of the music and for the people we sing to. We don’t always have the same energy when traveling long miles. It’s during those times we rely on our sense of purpose and making a difference in someone’s life.

You recently hired new Lead singer Scott Allen to the group. Tell us a little bit about him. What does he bring to the group?

Scott is a gifted singer and devoted Christian man. He brings to MM a little different musical direction that has been very positive. Most everyone is comparing his vocal approach to singers who have bridged the gap between Southern Gospel and CCM. People like Michael English, Guy Penrod, etc. It gives the group a broader approach to style and sound.

Speaking of recently, you guys also went to Norway, to minister over there. I heard that you needed some noise canceling headphones for the trip. Fill us in on what that was like.

Norway was great. We had an awesome time over there and the people were just incredible. They are seven hours ahead of our time zone so on the flight over you better get as much sleep as possible. (Notice I said, if possible.) I’ll put it this way. The next time I WILL have a pair of those Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. Most of the people on the plane are unaware of your sleeping needs and have a lot to talk about…at full volume.

I think that Mercy's Mark has the perfect situation for performing on stage. You guys have totally adapted to singing with tracks, and yet when Garry goes to the piano, you still have that ability to become very intimate with the audience. How do you use that ability in your concerts and services?

It works very well when we sing the traditional quartet songs which the fans still want to hear. Most everyone still loves the convention style of piano playing with no tracks and just four vocals. However, I think it’s most effective when we are ministering to the people. The piano gives us the freedom to flow in the direction that we feel is needed. We may only want to sing a verse or one chorus of a particular song during a special moment depending on what people need to hear at that time.

What's the weirdest hobby that any and all of you guys have while traveling down the road on the big bus?

Hmmm. I can’t think of anything that would be considered something weird….maybe just weird somethings, or someone. Ha! Ha! Just kidding. I hope the guys don’t read this.

If tomorrow, Mercy's Mark had sang your last song, what would each of you be doing to keep food on the table?

Good question. We all have other business interest and don’t totally rely on MM for our living. I suppose everyone would continue working within those interests.

What did all of you guys do BEFORE you hit the road performing?

I have been involved with our industry for all of my adult life touring and or producing. Brent Mitchell was in the insurance business and Scott Allen was a construction contractor. Christian Davis was still in school. He started singing professionally very young.

Traveling full time singing the Gospel is a wonderful ministry with a lot of blessings, but leaving your families at home must be very hard. Many of our readers may not know just what sacrifices you guys make to keep presenting the Gospel every night. Would you mind sharing some of the sacrifices that you and other singers must make in order to do what you love to do?

They are many. Most people truly never see that side of things. Maybe one day I’ll write a book on the subject. Traveling as much as we do can be very difficult. especially when the bus doesn’t feel good and breaks down in the middle of the night or even worse, the wintertime. Missing the quality time at home is at the very top of the list though, more on the part of our families than us. I think our wives and children are the true heroes.

Our readers have inquiring minds. What's up the road for Mercy's Mark?

I hope not a wreck! Just kidding. At the end of the day whatever God desires of us. We will continue to sing and create music that will hopefully change lives until if and when he leads us in new paths.

Visit Mercy's Mark online at http://www.mercysmark.com

ARTILCE UPDATE

Open Letter From Garry Jones - Nov 14, 2007

First of all I would like to thank all the friends and supporters of Mercy’s Mark and those who have contacted me. There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Mercy’s Mark and honestly due to circumstances beyond my control the group has been temporarily unable to fulfill our scheduled commitments for the remainder of 2007. In the last few days I have been presented with many exciting possibilities for the future of Mercy’s Mark and am prayfully weighing each one. I ask that you would please continue to pray for the future of this group and I will keep you informed as things develop.

God bless you and thank you again.
Garry Jones
Mercy’s Mark

For contacting Garry Jones and Mercy’s Mark please visit http://www.mercysmark.com