Sep 30, 2009
What do you need the most?
I have been working with Christian independent artists since 1997 full time, literally thousands of indies have come through my Indieheaven organization. I do my very best to help everyone, regardless of where they are in their music missions. Some have 10 CD projects out and tour full time and have great music and content. Some… well, some are trying to play all 6 strings on their guitar:)
One thing I have noticed is that all indies, regardless of their level are looking for something. It could be money, could be opportunity, exposure, bookings, radio airplay, you name it..
My question to you is what do YOU need in your music mission? Share with me your needs, I want to know how best to serve independent artists.
I’ll pick one responder to this post who will receive a free 1 year membership on my Indieheaven.com site. Thats a $240 value! And a FREE 1 year subscription to Christian Musician Magazine. Not too shabby! And, I’ll call you and talk with you about your music mission and see how I can help you!
All you need to do is leave a thoughtful and detailed comment to this post, make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you. Thanks for sharing your heart and needs with me!
Let’s Be Independent… together!
keith mohr
I think practical direction and encouragement is the biggest thing I need.
As a single mom, it is such a “struggle to juggle” all the details that need to be attended to. There’s music, creativity, practicing to continually better my skills, marketing, promotions, booking, oh and then working as much as you physically can to make sure the lights stay on. And, sometimes they don’t.
At times you can come so close to giving up, wondering why on earth God would call you to something that seems so impossible. Then, I’m reminded that even as Christ carried the cross, it fell down upon his back, and there was someone there to come along side of him that helped lift the weight off His shoulders.
Even Moses had support from Aaron and Hur for his tiring arms.
So, practical direction (so I’m prioritizing appropriately) and encouragement (for when I don’t know how I can possibly keep holding my arms up).
Thanks!
Kaci Allen
What we need as a band is exposure and bookings. We have been blessed to be able to have our own recording studio with top notch equipment. However, without any exposure we will only have a high quality project that never moves off the shelves. Our dillema is that we need bookings in order to get exposure and unfortunately without exposure we will never get booked! It seems like a catch 22.
Though we are a new group we haven’t been waiting around for someone to “discover” us. We are working with what we have. We have started by opening a free facebook fan page which is actually growing rapidly. We have actually sold some T-Shirts from it. We have also been running some facebook ads in conjunction with an email newsletter. Facebook ads are cheap and easy to create. We link the ads to an email newsletter sign up page. The idea is to pay a small amount for a website visitor and turn that visitor into a lifelong fan by creating a meaningful dialogue through the email address they provide. This actually brings up another topic, it is actually easy to stand out from amongst the crowd of indie artist just by responding to fans emails. it’s sad but true.
To gain exposure we have purchased a booth at a major Christian concert in our state (Oct 17, 2009) which will feature many very big acts. There will be thousands of Christian music fans and two major Christian radio stations in attendance. We sacrifice about $200 for a booth at the event but feel it will help us gain an audience by selling our music and collecting more emails from potential lifelong fans.
So to sum it all up in addition to the things we are doing on our end we would love to learn more about opportunities to gain more exposure through events etc…
Thanks
Keith for the post.
Mike
Trinity Takeover music
ttmpmedia.com
What do I need most in my music mission?
I could use more money, opportunity, exposure, bookings, radio airplay and some anti-aging magic. : ) But I honestly come back to the fact that it all boils down to I still need to be a better writer.
The money seems to come when I need it, the opportunities are pretty great for me, exposure is happening, bookings definitely are happening….word of mouth is still my most proven method! Radio airplay is starting and the anti-aging stuff…..NOT working – but I don’t CARE! I have a mission, a call and determination and I am not too old until I am in my coffin. But it still comes back to writing the tunes that are great melodies AND lyrics AND touch other people…….
That’s what I probably need the most……got the rest happening.
Keith, that would make a long list.
I waited until the high side of 45 to answer the call to write for Him. So TIME is one thing I crave. So many irons in the fire, so little time.
I could use better equipment. My full outlay is about $500, and a single-income family dad can’t afford much more than that for a hobby, even one he’s called to.
From a practical aspect of what an indie artist could use from an online service, I DO have some serious suggestions for you:
1. I could use an online critique for my songs (what’s good or bad, before they reach the ears of the common audience so I have time to clean them up).
2. A solid ‘How To’ area. That tells me how to record drums. How to get a better mix. When to apply reverb and how to use compression without killing my song. How to market my music, my band, get the word out. How to plan for and book gigs.
3. An open area people can come to to contact my band for gigs. Information readily available for them to see my current bookings, and a EPK like SonicBids does.
4. A Forum area for artists to get support, encouragement, etc.
5. A public want-ads area to advertise the need for a bassist or soloist, etc.
6. Online assistance with design for CD jackets and packages. (If you’re going to print your own, a template or two would be nice. They could go in a resource area).
7. A solid links area that gave info on inexpensive equipment sales, other informational sites, other networking sites, etc.
8. A place to get radio play (I know you already have something like this in your Site, on the IndieHeaven radio). It would be nice to get connection info on radio sites that would be willing to play indie Christian tracks, as long as the quality would pass muster. Real online stations that have many listeners.
9. Information on area contests (songwriting or performing) with dates and links to sign up.
10. I won’t go further than 10 points, or the sermon will be too long. Lastly, I’d just say bundle all of this up in a single site and call it IndieHeaven.
Keith, hope this info is useful to you. I can tell where you’re heart’s been since the first time I got a newsletter from you. Thanks for all you do.
I need someone to lend an ear to my music that can do something about getting it to the right artist. I’m not into the gigging. I want to be a writer. I have written a lot of songs that I think have a lot of potential.
I have already done the touring stuff and I now have a responsibility at my church as the worship pastor. However, I still have a full time job because the church can’t afford to pay me. I want to make money doing what I love. Sell my music. I want to sell my songs to someone who will play them. Maybe you know someone who can lend an ear to my songs Keith. I think you do. I think you can do something about that to help me out. Don’t make me beg
I think there’s only one thing I really need to fulfill my music mission and that is to follow God’s heart and His leading. There is a song, “Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go.” That my friends is the bottom line in this ministry.
1. Prayers
2. Classes on setting up web and design
3. Prayers
4. Song Writing classes by people not trying to sell you something
5. Prayers
6. Encouragement
7. A small class of serious artists who can perform like 3 songs and then receive critiquing and then advice on creating moments without having to edit songs. Like a weekend working on putting shows together. Although I hope I already know. As I do teach this in my studio. Tom Jackson uses 1 band to show and teach from, if the class was small enough, each one could get at least 1 song worked on while others learned from them. I think a lot could benefit from this. I hope I know this already too, but ya never know.
8. Love
9. A producer willing to teach how to pick songs for CD’s, pick studio, pick players, etc; without trying to get you to use and pay them.
10. Oh ya more Indieheaven, as without indieheaven; an indie just ain’t got it!
As the “booking agent” for our family band (in our 4th month of fulltime traveling music ministry)there are several things that could really help me out.
FIRST off we need honesty from someone who knows. Are we really on the right track? Are our songs marketable? What areas of musicianship do we need to improve? How is our stage presence? Audiences give us praise and encouragment but we know they will not tell us the hard stuff. What do we need to fix? We need honesty from those who have gone before us, who understand what we are trying to do with our ministry and who understand music.
SECOND, I need advice on marketing our band. Everytime we play at a venue/church our hosts say “Wow if we had known you were this good we would have advertised you more!” and ” Now that we have seen you in person we wish we had __________! (fill in the blank with any of the following: invited another church, called the paper, had us do 2 sets etc) How do I generate this kind of excitement before we perform. I need to get advice on getting gigs and how to balance paying gigs and ministry ones. And I need to know how to present us..what are we? Nathan George told us we need to find our niche…we help discovering what genre we really are!
THIRD, since we are supporting a family of 8 on our music we need to know where to put our money…should we attend pricey conferences, try for showcase spots,join assorted affiliations…what will really help us and what is just hype? Which of the overwhelmeing number of options are worth the investment?
FOURTH, we need prayer and support. What we have done is really crazy, scary even- taking 6 musician kids on the rod, selling our home, setting out to see where God takes us and how he uses their music. But it has been amazing! Our faith is growing daily and we are seeing others grow as a result of our music. For example, today we got an e mail from a young man who came to his youth group Sunday night and was angry to see us there, He did not want to sit through a concert. He thought a “family band” concert was not how he wanted to spend his evening. Today he sent us an e mail asking for forgiveness for judging and sharing that it was the best concert he had ever attended. This is encouraging and scary at the same time. I see my kids impacting others for Christ with their music, yet they are so young themselves, it is big responsiblity for us as a family and we cannot do it without support and prayers. Thanks for reading!
Tracy
The willingness to say yes to whatever God puts in front of me, even if His path doesn’t look like what I think it should look like.
Time…I need more time!
We (9th Hour) have received many of the things that folks are asking for in this thread through our membership with Indieheaven. We have sold our music, we have received bookings, and we’ve gotten opportunities for radio airplay. We get a killer website (where I can control the content – but someone else does the programming). We get online tools to manage, promote, and communicate. Every show on our schedule is covered in prayer by the IH staff…I have the emails to prove it.
I have learned so much from the practical to the technical interacting with fellow IH members on the Network. I have grown both spiritually and in my knowledge of the Christian music industry attending the last four CIA Summit’s.
So we need time….more time. Can you help with that Keith?
I need help with management, promotion and someone to master my recordings.
I need to remember that I am a temple musician. I can hope and dream all of this earth’s success but, my true success is knowing that even when I am practicing for a big gig with nationwide or world wide exposure that alone, is where God listens to me the most. When it is worship; just for Him. I wrote these songs for HIM. Sometimes, others sing along with me and we worship together, and that’s great. My need is for time to worship the Lord Jesus Christ while I am a music missionary.
As a part time songwriter, that has a number of songs that have worked at our own worship gatherings, what I would need is the following:
. help in critiquing my songs so that what I finish with is the best it can be for Him;
. help with the simplest way to produce a sample file. We have Bandinabox, Protools and various other bits of software, but not the time with a full time job, to put these things together in the best way; and,
. As I don’t feel led to tour or concerts as such, so finally it would be to assist with getting the songs out there, including the lead sheets etc. That is what I look for when I like a song I hear – something I can then play straight away to learn the song.
As an aside, I’d like to say how interesting the comments above are. Similar issues in some case, but just of interest to see what other ‘amateur’ musicians and songwriters go through. May God continue to bless and develop your ministries.
Have all artists/worshipers at a huge platform where we can all share our
experiences and music to bless others and each other. Money is very important, butgiving the glory to God is first.
He gave is our voices and talents and we just need to keep going forward, there is a plan for each of us.
I will love to see all artists in every level get together and worship the Lord in a large stadium. Encourage and help each other.
It is not a competition, it is a mission! to gain and save more souls.
Prayer and direction on what are the right steps to take before we get lost in the unknown.
I pray the Lord opens our eyes and hearts to understand why we were really chosen for this mission. Music saves!
Lilia
Your doing a positive and inspiring thing.
A guide. a consultant. a manager?
I recently took some time off (a year or so) from bands, gigging, leading, etc. During this time my wife and I were asked to plant a church in Buffalo, NY. Since that move almost a year ago, I’ve written more songs for the church and people than in the 6 year time in Nashville. I’ve put out a solo worship ep for the church with some of these songs. We use it as a ministry tool. I’ve been ask to and have started leading out again and I am beginning to see a response to these songs like nothing else.
All this is to say I thought I’d become a shepherd/pastor and the songs I write would only be for the church I’m in but I’ve seen them do so much more already and I have to pursue the chance that others might hear this music and be restored. So, I need someone/something to guide me in that process. I also believe that some of these songs could be used by other artists around the world. I believe I have a nack for this and would like to pursue songwriting for others as well.
Wes
Keith:
The thing I need the most is booking help. Last year, I scheduled 152 concerts. There is literally no time left to be creative, record new projects, etc. I love working the dates, the travel is not a problem, but scheduling is grueling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I need guidance. A manager to take me under their wing. I am learning how to set up gigs and sell my product, but I am looking for someone with more experance. I need a way to produce my product, money is always an issue with Indies and I am no different. I don’t want to be a Tomlin, Redman, or Crowder. I just want to play my old guitar and sing to God and produce a product that might let someone know that I have been there too, they are not alone.
I need more willingness to be obedient to my call. I need to leave the next year, the 5 or 10 years down the road to God. I need to surrender my plans for His and “grow where I’m planted.” If it’s in His will that I do this for a larger audience, He will make the way. That’s not saying I should sit around and wait for opportunities. I’m actively seeking those and doing what I can through Twitter, Facebook, my site and local events, to get exposure. But, in the end, it’s about Jesus and the focus has to be about serving and loving like He did.
I pray that I’ll declutter my life and world so that I can more easily hear His voice and I pray that I’m then obedient to what I believe He’s calling me to do.
I took a pretty big risk getting into this biz just a year and a half ago, as a stay-at-home Mom of 3. God opened a big door and I stepped through, got a top-notch production for my debut album – co-writers, Producers and session musicians who work with the big names in Christian music, but does that mean it’s better than anyone else’s music or ministry – NO. Me even telling you that is prideful. God asks us to do what we can with the gifts we have, right now, right where we are. I need more of that and not resting on my accomplishments (which aren’t mine in the first place). Glory to God that we get to be used.
call me old fashion, but i think that we just need good networking. the music industry, though weird and often backwards, is not much different than any other line of work. if you have talent and couple that with hard work, you’ll be successful. (note: successful is a very relative word). i think most of us indies aren’t looking for fame and to be big time, we just want to be full time. we want to make music matter.
to do so, we need good networking. this includes contacts for guidance and mentorship (people who have been where we are). we need good contacts to book the right shows, and hook us up with other indies who are touring. we need direction on how to sell ourselves. this list could go on and on.
bottom line: people make things happen, and none of us can do this alone. i’m a struggling musician who can’t even afford to use sonicbids right now, and i stay busy doing shows and paying college debt down. i do it by old-fashion networking. i would absolutely love to go to the next level, but i don’t have the contacts to do so, or a place to do it in. for now, i’m just finishing up my album and waiting for the next step…
and some good networking.
It seems to me that we all need a “Come To Jesus Meeting” from the perspective of being able to walk away from it all. To give it all up…music, singing, writing…whatever…we must be deep down to the marrow of the bone ready to sacrifice it all for a relationship with Jesus first. Until we experience the genuine willingness to literally give it all up for just a moment with Him…how can any song we sing or any instrument we play be of any affect? I need…WE need…the ability to experience reasonable, rational, intelligent service and spiritual worship which is dedicating ourselves as living sacrifices. Jesus the Christ already gave it all…so whose turn is it? Singers, songwriters, musicians…it NEEDS to be our turn.
I hear ya Kaci, it’s tough, and being a single mom, wow.. I could not imagine.
One thing I know is that in order to really make a go at a full time singer/songwriter/artist career, a lot of time must be devoted to the pursuit. And nowadays, you are pretty much on your own and will be for 99% of aspiring minstrels. But like anything, if it is something you really want to do, and enjoy doing it, you will do it. My momma once told me, “keith, things are as important as you want them to be.” She was right! Also, your life needs to be set up in a way that affords you the time to pursue your ambitions. You need to be ready, willing, available, and able to really make a go of it. I bet it feels like taking an eye dropper and trying to fill an olympic sized swimming pool. It’s impossible to overcome the evaporation. But there is hope, do what you can do, but most importantly, keep your expectations realistic. You can’t expect full time returns for part time investment. It simply doesn’t happen that way. Of course, God can do whatever God wants to do in your life, so there is that possibility. What God is calling us to is obedience, and yes, sacrifice. He wants us to roll our stone so He can raise the dead. He wants our heart most of all, but He also loves our art! Keep going Kaci, you are good enough!
In order to accomplish any mission that God calls me to, what I need the very most (and specially right now) – is Renewal.
Renewing my mind daily in His Word, sitting at His feet being in His presence, praying His Word, communing and most definitely LISTENING!
What I need is to hear from Him and to worship Him. Give Him first place in my life following His direction.
-)
I need to be a friend and I need friends.
I need prayer, support, encouragement – Aaron and Hur would be great!
I need strength to fight the enemy’s attacks.
I need to never stop learning, growing and overcoming challenges in my life, music, songwriting and ministry, hence needing sound advice, teaching, and learning from those who have walked the walk.
…..and I need to finish my CD as so many are excited and asking when it’s done…
When I qualified into the semi-finals at Estes Park GMA in the Duo category I was ecstatic. I did not get into the finals because well…my husband really can’t sing and we had rehearsed only one song with a minimum of vocals for him to do. We didn’t think we would qualify to get into the finals so didn’t prepare a second song. Though we qualified, we found out that a duo is supposed to be two people singing. So we did our second song during the round for the finalists and they said nice but there needs to be two singers. So then I got to pass go and attend Babbie Mason’s seminar “So I didn’t make it into the finals.” That was the best seminar. She was so transparent about her journey at Estes Park. How she lost and was critiqued and she rode all the way back home in her car totally not happy. It was refreshing to hear an honest perspective from someone who then worked very hard and came back winning and earning a record contract. So to accomplish my mission I need clear instructions. For instance, a duo is two people singing. Got that! Second, if at first I get critiqued for my songs, personality, you name it,(or finding a duo partner to sing with me), I need inspiration and hope that I can get back up again and perservere with the calling the Lord has put on my heart. Three, I need to be in a place where I am reminded that heart and prayer are needed foremost than money money money. That serving Jesus really matters and does make a huge difference. Without this I will spend too much time comparing tour buses to my Chevy Tahoe(I live around one huge venue and Wolf Trap Park is not far), and hair and make-up artistry rather than heart artistry. I have met Amy Grant, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Guercio who produced Amy’s albums including Chicago, I opened for Selah, worked with Glad. Took part in Jesus Day at Hershey Park by some weird open door. Yes, we drove in with our Tahoe to the amazed looks of the gate people. We were the only Indie artists let in by someone kind enough to give me the opportunity. Everyone else drove in on huge tour buses.
Did I compare? No, I was amazed we had been let in to play! She didn’t know the difference between Indie and National. She said you do christian music, want to take part in Jesus Day? Petra played that day as well as Casting Crowns. I felt like the female version of Forest Gump. Mission, is unique I need friends to help me when it gets unexplainable to those in the world who stare down at your calling because well, you were not at the Grammy’s these year or the MTV awards. Most of all, I need to be where people remind me I have a heart so use it!
Wow…good question, what do I need for my music mission. So many things come to mind, equipment,skills, networking….etc.
But, I’ll just speak from what my heart is telling me and how I’ve been encouraged by your website and resources.
A few years ago I would have probably answered differently, but since I had a visit to Nashville recently (won a radio contest) and since my time back and getting to know your Indieheaven resources, God has been doing a work on my heart.
I was able to visit Music City in August and well, I came away with things I never thought I would. First of all, I was overwhelmed with the “business” of music there and how everything could be so egocentric…believe me pride can be an issue in anyone’s life and to be honest it was scary to see how easy it would be to fall deeply into that sin. Also, which is weird, I was inspired to take a step of faith and continue to move forward as a Christian artist…this is where Indieheaven comes into the picture. Going through all these emotions and feelings and trying to decipher it all…I came upon some of your podcasts from CIA, and wow it clicked. My vision of a “Christian artist” and what God’s vision was, got together. Like you said, “Music Mission”….other excerpts…get out there…follow God’s leading…so many people are interested in “making it”, not in touching others with their music, to minister to others…
Anyway enough rambling, what I’m trying to say is, I’m at peace at staying local, in serving where I am, in being open to wherever God is leading me…sooooooo, how does this answer your question, I will answer with the only thing that comes to mind…
Christ’s love! So many times we try to do things through our own flesh, our own way, without the Spirit’s leading. I pray that Christ will continue to grow me and fill me with his love, a love that is willing to go that extra mile, to care more about what’s happening in a person’s heart than if they think I play good or look good.
I know that this is an ongoing thing, but you can have everything in place, all needs met, but no Music Mission will mean anything without Christ’s love in our hearts that will inspire us and allow us to be used by him, however he wills…
Thanks for the question…
Keith, honestly the only thing I can think of that I really need is more of God…more more more more more more…. : )
More time to dwell, worship,seek and to hear. No one can do that for me. When administrative burdens are shared or lifted in such a way that it helps me get back to that tender place in God — ministering to Him, this profoundly impacts my ability to persevere in a life of testimony. Don’t mean to over simplify or sound all super spiritual — but for me that’s where the rubber meets the road. Bless you for ALL YOU DO!
Keith,
First of all, thanks for asking.
It’s such a blessing to be heard.
I’ve been living in Nashville for about 8 years.
It’s been an amazing experience.
However, it’s been tough to connect all the dots.
Guess I really want to connect with the right people.
My heart is to share His love through music.
I love to share my songs, but also have a desire to give to those in need.
I’ve actually been volunteering for Alive Hospice for about a year and a half.
It’s been a life-changing experience. I sing for the patients each week.
I would really like to put together a benefit album for Alive Hospice.
All the proceeds from the album would go to Alive Hospice.
My greatest need for this project is connecting with the artists etc…I have specific people in mind, and would love to see this project come to life.
Thanks again for opening up this conversation.
Blessings to you and all you do.
Carolyn Rose Wilson
I need one more person to put in rehab.The person i am sponsoring is graduating in Oct.Waiting For God to send me the right one….and a little more faith.
What do I need in my music mission??
Boy, thats hard to answer and narrow down. I was reading what some of my indie artist friends wrote. Wondering what is on each of your hearts. Everyone is at a different place and season, maybe is the right word, in the music God has given them. I hurt for those who want to do more, and seem like your at a stand still. Those that feel you have to much to do. Maybe you feel overwhelmed. My heart goes out to you all! And I believe most of you are working pretty hard to accomplish what you feel God is calling you to do! May I encourage you and share, NONE OF YOU WILL GO UNREWARD FOR YOUR FAITHFULLNESS.
Anyhow, back to the question. I would like to reword that,,, What can Indieheaven do to help me in my music mission??
Boy, its hard!! If I look at others, that are doing more in music ministry, I could name alot, where I need help in. I could look at others here and maybe arent doing much at all, and think I am fine.
So, I cant measure where I should be, or what I should be doing by what others present themselves as, is how I see it.
So, what can Indieheaven do to help me??? I first want to say, Keith, you have done alot and offered us alot already, and thank-you for that!! And may I share, you can teach us alot, Keith, but its up to us to put to work what we have learned!!
So again, what can Indieheaven do to help me in my music mission?? Pray for me! I feel, I could have the best band in the world, go around the world and sing, have the best websight and do the best advertising. Win at contests, and have a fantastic voice. But like the scripture says,,,, am I just a clanging cymbol ?? ,,, or an instrument that may have sound to it, but no Spirit lead love coming out???
That is my request. Pray for me! Pray that I will only go and sing where God truly wants me to share. That I will sing under the blessed annointing of His Spirit, so that the songs will not be a clanking cymbol, but a beautiful orchestra of praise to God! Pray for me! I dont want to get out there and sing and have the audiance leave with the thoughts on there hearts,,,, wasnt she good, but instead the thoughts, I could feel God in this place!!
Then in turn, those hearing will be blessed and moved, and maybe drawn a little closer to how real and wonderful and loving our God is!! Yah, just pray for me! ty!! Pam Sandness
I am learning that only God knows what I need. I am learning to totally trust that He knows what is best. There have been a lot of tears and a lot of power struggles over that, but when it comes right down to it I feel more peace and joy when I let go and commune with God more frequently. The future still looks hazy. I still wish I could see what it looks like and I confess those things to God. I am so glad He is merciful and gracious. That He still offers good things when I pour out all of my junk to Him.
What we need is to make music that brings glory and worship to God. We pray for songs that will minister to people going through hard times in their lives . . . and that God will keep us safe and use us when we are doing concerts or in the studio recording songs for our album.
We pray also that He continues to be with all of us in our ministry, with good health and knowledge of the direction form the Lord, especially for David, allowing him to continue to be one of the instruments in writing the message of his music for God’s glory.We are believing also for more opportunities to minister to the lost and those in need of prayer.
And after all that, we pray that He might bless our ministry financially and in David’s career path so that he might have the time and finances to make David’s second album for His glory alone . . . Solei Deo Gloria.
To follow God’s plan for my band. I need to be reminded that God is in control and He will put this band in situations and events as He sees fit. I have a tendency to get in the way and try to push it my way.
The FIRST thing I must do before each phone call, email, or letter sent is to pray! God has three answers – Yes, No or Wait! Of course YES is a no brainer, NO can be let downs for our human hearts ( get over it and move on), but WAIT is a tough one for us Indies! Through IndieHeaven I have learn a huge lesson that deals with WAIT and that is 1. Be in prayer 2. Build relationships
As a blues band, we have had some incredible opportunities in such a short time this band has been together. We have played all kinds of venues, secular festivals, fairs and churches. So, what I need is to be IN HIS WORD, FOLLOW and ACCEPT the Yes, No and Wait answers. Sure, having more bookings to pay the bills and the guys in the band would be nice, but those opportunities will come as I remain FAITHFUL to God, Stay in HIS WORD and TRUE to the MISSION of saving lives and souls to reach the ultimate booking – eternity in HEAVEN!
We are called to “walk the walk”, “stay on the narrow path”, “run for the prize” and at the same time “cling to the cross.” This is a hard juggling act for any Christian artist. We must spend time in our prayer closet and we must spend time spreading our message (art). In the past artists with a similar vision and passion used to flock together in one place. Today, our place is the internet. Sadly, it is a place full of empty rooms, false hope, false promises and pigeon holes that can suck all our time. What I need most in this mission, is a place where I connect with people who have the same vision, and a place with sound advice to keep me on the right path. A place for encouragement when the enemy beats me down, and a place to share my music and my message. A place that will help me stay on the right path. A place where the true Word of God comes first, and all else follows.
I keep hearing the Mercy Me song…”I’m finding myself at a loss for words” when I come before the Lord and I want to hear the Word of God speak into my life, into the music of HIS heart.
Music is God’s universal language and should speak to the mulitudes using real, relavant and be easy to comprehend. My hope and prayer is that this is occuring within all those who God has called to be today’s “Levites”.
Indieheaven, continue to bring real and relavant music to the spotlight so it can be heard!
Thank you!
Lisa
I need something very practical. As a singer-songwriter whose style is too complex for a simple piano/vocal treatment, I really need a band! Playing live is so important, and I want to, but I can’t see myself engaging an audience alone for an entire set. I guess I “need a little help from my friends”. My dream is a full group, horns, BGVs, the works, like MW Smith
but that is often what a major label provides a big-name artist.
Usually a band is formed by members who contribute somewhat equally and plan to bill themselves AS a BAND, with an understanding that it’s a fully mutual thing. As an indie solo artist, how do I assemble a backing band where it’s fair and rewarding for everyone? This is my biggest challenge right now.
I need a time machine… My current dilemma is that I’ve spent the last 6 years learning many things about being an indie artist, but I’m working with a group of friends in a new band right now – most of whom have never been involved in a band much less have any experience in being an indie artist, perfecting live performance, writing lyrics, running a ministry like a business, etc, etc. I wish I had a time machine so all my new bandmates could go back with me and learn all the things that have improved my own knowledge and experience, then jump back forward so we could all be on the same page. As it is right now, I’m doing my best to influence them, inspire them, lead them along but wish, as I’m sure most would, that things were going a bit faster.
Ever since God started my journey in the worship ministry. I continue to be amazed by his hand on every single detail of my life. Then he put this CD project literally into my lap – moving me to another level of reaching the world with his words, IH (Keith) has been such a blessing in this journey! Although I don’t know Kaci, I feel we are such sisters – not only in Christ but our daily lives keeping it all together as a single parent. She says so many words that ring true in my life as well.
Ever since the recording project God has put such a strong driving desire in my spirit to leave no rock unturned and to reach the world with His message…so I press on as much as I can, but miss so much!
To have a Godly mgr/promoter/backer/publicist
(is that too much for one person lol?) believes in what God has called me to do and helps me with everything! That my friend would be a dream come true!
Keith -
A ton of inspiring ideas abound just in all these replies! And it is very comforting to know we’re not alone in our quest for service or seeking His will. Specifically, I’m narrowing down my own material needs as the years tick by:
1. A prayer team
2. Industry contacts and someone to help me ’setup’ my business/ musical life: Accountant, Lawyer [I think I have one], a Booking Agent for churches/ classical music.
3. People/ volunteers to help fund-raise for a CD or two – as you know, most of my music requires large forces or expensive instruments (like, a percussion ensemble).
4. People/ volunteers to help fund-raise for each project’s promotion package.
5. Prioritizing the myriad of projects and skill development.
I believe my church is very supportive in helping me seek His kingdom, and I do believe that everything He wants to happen will follow as a result. But not without effort!
The power of a song is unmesasurable…
What I need from IndiHeaven:
Is to know a great song when I hear one.
To know how to put the parts of the machine togather so that the engine will take us to a point in time in our mind. So “we all” can paint our own images on our hearts canvas.
In short words “how to write a great song”
Keith I beleve that this is what it will take to reach all my goals.
Plus I beleve this is what it takes to reach all people.
One thing I’ve found in my years of being a worship leader in various church homes, is there is a lack of support for almost anything ORIGINAL.
Even in the most contemporary services they only want what’s already out there on the radio. I’ve tried out a new worship song before and actually had THIS happen: Tried out a song of mine called “Praise And Glory” once. Everyone caught on as it was easy melody. Afterward the pastor comes up and says “I liked that new song, who does it?” I said, “It’s mine.” His demeanor changes and he says “..Oh..we’ll we shouldn’t be doing that, we need to stay with what people are familiar with.”
So a lack of support for artistry in the church is prevelant. I wonder how people like Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman actually end up being successful and having an impact for Christ with this being such a dominant way of thinking? I’d love to ask them!
So, maybe it’s just in my area of the country, but I would say more support for originality and artistry in your own church home would be what I would love to have.
Hello and thanks for the post on Facebook regarding the question – what I need MOST for my Music Mission? Essentially, what I think most is direction / advise from a professional in the industry. I seek after and follow God/Jesus/Holy Spirit with the desire that the songs He has given me touches those that hear them. I can go into the studio and record the songs I’ve written, I can promote the songs via airplay, reviews, compilations, etc. I can get the gigs… but, again, advise and direction from a professional with a Christian worldview who is active and successful in the industry. Thanks for reading… In His service, James
Prior to October 2007, I had no idea the next two years would bring about almost five albums. It was as if God said, “Mark, here is what I want you to do from now on Higher Order Language Works.” The songs came in a torrent of creativity as I fiddled with new chords and musical ideas. The ironic part is that I had these songs but did not know how to record them, play them, or sing them. This was what I was supposed to do? Jump into something I have no history in but have an aptitude for? Weeks of fervent prayer followed as the songs kept coming. My prayers were answered as I devoted attention to software, scales, and voice practice so I could record what I played, played what I heard, and sing more than three notes in key.
The RESULTS: 11 of the Top 15 most favorite songs on ASCAP Community are Holworks songs:
http://community.ascap.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=27521&mediaType=audio&sortType=favorite&includeAudio=on&d-7095067-p=1
That leads me to what I need.
WHAT I NEED
1). Resources – the people kind, you know, people who can play in pocket; people who can record the sound being produced; people who can market; people who can distribute – resourceful people
2). Resources – the place kind, you know, a studio to record albums in, a place to play music in where people come to watch and listen, and a place to practice where I can envision possibility.
3. Resources – the money kind, you know, cash enough to be able to take care of all the first two, enough to take care of my promise to God, and enough to allow me to live to repeat the process.
Guess that sums it up. I believe in me. Others do too despite porch song production.
As I close, I offer this prayer, “What can I do now Lord? I have prepared all that you have asked of me. I am standing in waist deep water almost afraid to take another step. Here is where you must carry me or let me drown. You know what is in my heart. I am prepared to drown.” Amen
What I need right now is time to work on my music/mission and a band to work with. It is hard when you work full time. I’m a first year music teacher and the job (plus homelife) takes up a big majority of the day. I would just like to be able to get myself up and running!
Very new to this “game” even though this last year has been a whirlwhind of playing churches and youth groups in NC and SC. My church has asked me to consider being the music director and I am still waiting for the Lord to make it known. My main need right now is to get “I Believe” in front of somebody who can do something with it. Everyone who has heard it seems to be touched by it’s simple message. I know that it would sell good if I could just get it out there. My disease keeps me limited physically on hitting the road so I do with what I have. Keith, thanks for who you are and what you do.
Hey! I need a MAJOR divine benediction…I am a restart in performance music. Been in a songwriting phase for several years, honing in, attending songwriter’s conferences, taking some courses at SongU.com, some co-writing. And my music ministry drive is in connecting with people in their everyday life-struggles. Therefore, my music is a mixture of ‘lifesongs’ done in sort of a Country Story/Ballad style, to more strictly Christian P&W. In the middle of getting an acoustic project done and ready to sell/distribute. Then (hopefully) I will be ready to do some live work again. But local and regional venues will need to be sought out. I’m praying for (literal) direction to those places! And confidence I can still connect with people in these intimate settings, staying real, and touching their lives with understanding and hope….all this from my lips to God’s ears.
What do YOU need in your music mission?
Thanks for wanting to hear from fellow indie artist. This is a great forum. Testimony is a great motivator. We can see that other fellows in the ship(Fellowship)are in the same place. We are not alone.
I am in need of strength to over come the fear of rejection. I am blessed to sing of God’s glory but at times in fear of being rejected. I sing from my soul and give all I have but will anyone feel that passion and love I have for the one who saved me? I know as a seed dropper I can not save anyone – I just want to do the best job I can.
I also need to know how to get bookings- Where do I go? Or is it more like who do you know? I thought that knowing Christ was all I needed.
Just pray that I keep on the path of the righteous.
God does bless – How do I know? – Listen to the music
My Vow
Comment: Ok its a holiday and I have a minute, I just read a message in indieuniversity. asking what I want to do with this music that the Lord has given me. My music is a little differnt than most only because God is giving me music for the Word, I put scripture to music. I am not sure how to get this music to the Christian public, here in our area people that hear it and have bought cds from me unprofessionaly recorded always say others need to hear it. that is why I joined inde for some exposer, and I have put it in other places as well. I work in the prisons where most of this music is well received and sung by inmates and guards as well, some even say they wake up singing it, praise God but this is a captive audience, and believe me worth every minute of my time and effort. I dont have a lot of time for other things, and I believe that taking up my cross (Mat. 16:24-27 one of my songs) although hard for me at times is the most important thing that I can do for the Kingdom of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heaven is most important to me, but I do believe this music that God has given me is supposed to be heard, so that’s my story and I am sticking with it. Is my time and investment with indieheaven well spent? I believe so, no matter what, I have enjoyed all of the artists I love listening and voting for these great, and I believe Christ’s Spirit annointed artists. Pastor Mike (Phil. 1:6)
An Indie career road maps template
Prayer, guidance, finances, management to be able to make the right decisions on where to go next. A simple good looking website, (:
And more prayer!
I need a better voice. I think I do ok with music and lyrics, have been songwriting for quite a while. But my sense of vocal pitch is painful and there is no warmth to my voice. If I had a semi-decent voice, then lessons could probably make it better, but I’ve heard that if ya ain’t “got it”, ya ain’t gonna get it. Ya gotta have it, to improve it – or so I’ve heard. I’d love to find out I’m wrong, but pessimistic at this point.
The favor of the Lord… Any band, artist, ministry, etc. that has the word “Christian” in it, must by definition, be birthed and directed by Jesus. Though this is stating the obvious, I believe we need to continue to keep this in mind, as the business and music industry aspects of what we do can easily overshadow one’s focus on being individually directed by God, and in praying for and being led into opportunities/connections that flow out of that. Obviously, God uses the means of promotions, websites, concerts, etc., but if we, as the artists lose our personal focus on day to day communication/direction of the Lord, we have lost everything… On a related note, I heard recently that a major Christian speaker said something like “don’t pursue God’s vision, pursue Jesus”…. This isn’t supposed to be simplistic or preachy – but it is amazing to me that I (still) found that to be a deep revelation – even though I ‘knew’ it already… In a word, it is easy to get side-tracked from our relationship with Jesus, in pursuit of serving him through music…