I’ve Got Questions!, The Gospel Trut

Oct

2007

I’ve Got Questions!

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[23] Comments

I left this year’s NQC with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of lifelong friends, but I also left with sadness in my heart and a great many unanswered questions. I know the Lord will help me deal with the sadness, and maybe some of you can provide the answers to my questions. So this month, rather than providing answers…I’m going to ask the questions and count on you for the answers. Here goes.

1.Why don’t we just open a SGM checking account and make every group set up their checking accounts so all their money is deposited directly into the SGM account? Wouldn’t this save a great deal of time instead of going through the sham that many in our industry are foisting on our “newbies”?

2. Why don’t we just admit that the mindset of many in our industry is “What else can we think of to suck every drop of money out of our artists?”

3. Why do we have “talent” shows where artists pay for the opportunity to sing a song? Why call it a “talent” show if the only criterion is writing a check?

4. Can it be true that 30 “newbies” each paid $350.00 to sing for the Promoters Association?

5.What is the purpose of a showcase which has a room full of artists who paid to sing to each other? Is it too late to have a piano players showcase where all the piano players pay to sit and listen to each other play? Where do I send my check?

6. Is it possible that we now have 2 radio promoters for every group in SGM? How long do you think it will take for our artists to stop giving the Lord’s money to promoters who are promising to get them in the “Top 80”?

7. Is there some way we can send a heartfelt “thank you” to those periodicals that are continuing to give us worthless “Top 80” charts?

8. Can we gather together and send another heartfelt “thank you” to the custom record companies that make ridiculous promises to get groups to sign with them and never…never deliver on the promise?

9. Was someone lying to me when they told me there were booths at NQC selling pirated CDs?

10.Why should our precious “newbies” have to run this gauntlet of hucksters just to be in SGM?

11. Can we please educate our “leaders” and let them know that our marketplace should be the consumer and not our “newbies”?

12. Isn’t the Gaither Homecoming Tour proof that there is a vast audience out there for SGM? Don’t you feel that we could be reaching these people if we weren’t busy feeding on our young?

Am I the only one asking these questions?

That’s all I have to say this month. I’m sick of the whole mess!

As always, I welcome your comments.

God Bless You,

Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com

Reader Comments

On the topic of Christian artist fees, promoters not paying much, and so forth, I just attended a retirement dinner function for some friends who left their company. The workers' union and the company split the costs of the event. I could not help thinking later that no one there [those in the world] thinks it odd or excessive to pay a solitary Disc Jockey $500.00 or more to 'entertain' by playing music so that a few can dance; but some of my fellow Christian artists are asked to sing for free, or do sing for free, or some of my Christian promoter friends skimp on or evade paying anything to Gospel artists. And then there are my other Christian friends, who attend concerts and think that putting a couple of bucks in the offering plate is just fine. How many gospel soloists or groups are out there on weekends for gas money or less, and not being looked after properly by their hosts? Shameful. I understand that 99% of gospel artists out there, including myself, are not singing the gospel of Jesus Christ for money. If that were the case, 99% of weekenders would pack up and sell their gear. However, when 'the world' treats their 'artists' better, I just have to say, "I just don't get it!"

Commented by On 10/29/2007

Nick,

Your right! Not only is it sad, but down right disturbing. SGMA has lost it's vision. The music is for edification of our Lord, and a tool for evangelism to the lost. It's a travesty - what it has turned into. It's very discouraging to anyone who would even consider entering the SGM field. Who is at the forefront of the pillaging of the new artist ? Make them accoutable! For we fight not flesh & blood, but the evil principalities of this world.

What can be done ? What will be done ?

Bill

Commented by On 10/31/2007

Hey Nick, Have you ever given any thought to starting another quartet convention? One that would concentrate more on training and teaching, than on dollars and cents.This industry needs people like you, who really care about more than just your wallet. You might just be suprised how many groups would be willing to jump in and give a hand. It could be run more like the old Stamps Baxter Music Schools. There are still a few people in the industry that remember those schools. And might be willing to help someone like yourself that really cares. Give it some thought.

Commented by On 11/02/2007

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