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As host for the World of Gospel Music what or how do you feel the (web site) contributes to the industry?

- Well, that's a broad question, and Deon I'll try to keep it short so we don't run out of Web space here (ha ha). Going straight to the point, our Industry is ever growing and ever changing. One thing that has always existed has been the lack of mainstream marketing, and that's a shame. With the expansion of broadband on the Internet, to well over 45 million households alone, we saw the need to reach out and become part of mainstream marketing and offer our music to the masses. Recently, I sat in a meeting with several other key Industry leaders where Bill Gaither was the speaker, he spoke about the early years of how Stamps Publishing Company saw rapid growth in sales by exposing Southern Gospel Music, not to just Southern Gospel Music Fans, but to the entire world. And for so long, in the world of Southern Gospel Music, all of our marketing and all of our efforts have been basically singing to the choir. So those who embrace the "WorldofGospelMusic.com" will rapidly see the true benefits as we lead the Industry into the 21st Century through this marvelous technology.

How is this different from the various marketing outlets that are already in place?

- Well, you could say, there's no comparison. Obviously, there's print advertising in a few noted publications, but I have as of yet to see unknown groups gain popularity from a one-dimensional marketing tool. Basically, what I'm saying is: promoters don't book, majority, if not all, radio stations do not play and people do not buy unless they've heard or experienced your musical abilities. Most are aware that over the last decade radio networks that play Southern Gospel Music have been offering special airplay packages. And believe me, I know firsthand about these packages, since I am the one that created them while employed for the Reach Satellite Radio Network, which is now named Solid Gospel Network. Overall, radio airplay can be a benefit to any and all groups. Without going in to any great detail, I would just say, evaluate all of your options and really know what you are purchasing if you're marketing plans are in this area. So, our website opens the door for audio, printed text, and most of all, video streaming upon demand. There is no other marketing avenue in Southern Gospel Music that meets this criteria.

 How do you feel about the first month's traffic on the site?

-Overwhelmed-without giving the numbers, let's just say it surpassed all other known Gospel Music sites with the exception of SoGospelNews.com. Our traffic was so heavy, that on day two, our server was temporarily shut down. A slight inconvenience, but a great problem! What other sight can boast about that?

Is the site designed to assist in gaining a group a chart position?

-Not exactly, but then again, I have never been one to chase a numerical figure on a printed page. I will say that the site gets strong traffic from the radio industry, i.e. disc jockeys and program directors. What else can I say when you couple visual with audio, the sale is almost always 100%.

Obviously there is a fee and since its video driven most-likely it will be steep?

-"WorldofGospelMusic.com" is a business; it's structured to make money just as the print media and radio networks. And No, it's really not more expensive, but just the opposite. As an example, an artist who participates in marketing themselves through this medium would have a video, coupled with an interview with all pertinent contact information for booking, website address and special points about their career/ministry. All of this information and their performance would remain on the site for 60 days coupled with banners placed on the artist's site and the SoGospelNews.com site. It all comes back to video on demand. I've yet to dial into a radio station and click my preset button just to hear the songs that I want to hear. Let's not forget, marketing in this fashion brings new fans. As I say time and time again in seminars that I present, fans will do three things: they will buy records, request your music, and buy concert tickets. After all, this is what will make you successful. You do not gain fans by having a print ad where you are pictured in front of your bus, standing in the water, or thanking them for requesting your song.

Speaking of Host. How about reiterating your credentials?

-This is the only part of the interview that I'm not comfortable with, but since you asked, I'll oblige. I came to Nashville twelve years ago after accepting the position as morning DJ and General Manager of the Reach Satellite Radio Network. This was not my first go-round with radio, as I spent many, many years in Country Radio during which time I was able to interview both legends and major driving forces in Country Music. During my Country Music tenure I gained firsthand working knowledge of the industry, but never lost the love for Southern Gospel Music. After several years of employment with the Reach Satellite Radio Network, I accepted an A & R position at a Southern Gospel Music Label and was able to work with many notable artists. While employed there, I began developing my skills for video, television and of course, keeping my feet wet with audio production. Being involved firsthand at a Southern Gospel Music Label, I was able to witness the lack of TRUE Marketing for this genre of music. It's always been that the little guy pays so the big guy can play. I've always had a desire to work with those talented people and to see them develop into a household name. After leaving my position as A & R Director, I became Director of Publishing at Cal IV Christian, the owners of Chestnut Mound Music. This catalog represents the backbone of Southern Gospel Music Publishing and contains songs from every major writer in this genre. After just a couple of short years as Director of Publishing at Cal IV Christian, I took a step of faith to become self-employed with my business partner, Jimmy Tarbutton. We were marketing groups and maintaining a weekly syndicated radio show, known as "Nashville's Gospel Music Review," soon groups began seeking our advice and contacting us to produce their recordings and videos. That's when we officially launched Three Hills Music Group, Inc. Since that time, our productions are constantly ongoing and our video television productions have reached new heights, that have gone well beyond the world of Southern Gospel Music and has a very strong presence in the corporate arena. That's basically it in a nutshell, after all Deon, you asked.

So what if an Artist does not have a video, can they still appear on the "World Of Gospel Music"

Although the site is an all inclusive medium, meaning it's the only website of its kind in Southern Gospel Music, that combines Print, Video and Audio;  it is possible to appear without a video clip. The production team behind the video clips that you see daily on the site are more than capable of creating something unique to spotlight a musical career.  After all, the site's main objective is to create awareness, to fans, church pastors and music directors, radio, promoters, and christian retailing.  Deon, I know this is not in response to your question of needing a video to appear on the show, but if I could, I'd like to reiterate something that is so important.

Now this is going to be blunt, so buckle up! For years, up-and-coming artists in Southern Gospel Music try to pattern themselves after their favorite group thinking this would lead to their success.  Many of them work so hard at emulating them, from little things they hear on an album to being on the same radio disc. Some artists who have visited the World of Gospel Music website are waiting until they see so-and-so (insert MAJOR NAME) before they can see the benefit of this style of marketing. I remember sitting and doing an interview with Hovie Lister about a year prior to his passing. I asked what made The Statesmen successful, he did not hesitate for a moment-they marched to their own beat and did not look at any other group and chase their career, they were focused on themselves.

Deon, thanks to you and SoGospelNews.com for allowing me to share a few thoughts about this exciting website called " WorldofGospelMusic.com ".  The lines of communication are always open if someone wants to chat, anyone can feel free to email me at host@worldofgospelmusic.com .

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