Folks, I get into many discussions running Indieheaven.com and interacting with thousands of Christian indie musicians and artists. It amazes me how misguided some of these folks are. For example, here’s a discussion I had with one artist over on my Facebook profile (http://www.facebook.com/keithmohr) Its quite apparent to me to see why things are not happening for this artist. They expect things to be handed to them on a silver platter, and do not understand investment and returns.

Here’s how the discussion went:

Ann:
Honestly I’ve been writing and recording songs for 20 years and all it does is bring people to me wanting me to pay them for promotion…No one supports the arts anymore…They only want to get money out the artists now…No will promote your music unless you pay them to do it….Where’s the love of God in that…it just ain’t cheap anymore to be artist…you’ll save money if you don’t do it…LOL. I just do it cause I love it…and I believe God wants me to.

Keith:
Service providers should be paid for their service regardless if they are Christian or not. For example, if you have a leaky faucet and you call on “Jesus Plumbers” should they fix your leak for free because they love God? I don’t get that mindset. If anything, you should pay them double to support THEIR craft.

Why should they provide you services for free and why would you insinuate they don’t love God because they want to be paid? Thats a welfare mentality and runs rampant in the indie Christian music scene. Those who complain about this are the same ones who complain churches wont pay them to play. Whats up with that?

Most indies cant get traction because their content isn’t good, and people will reject it (especially the world) if it stinks.

Ann:
You know Keith…Service providers should be paid…but only if the artist is being paid…the problem is…No body is paying for music… Hardly no body will buy music anymore…If an artist can’t sell music or make money at it…they can’t pay the service providers…and most of these service providers want fees paid by the artist when the artist music is NOT selling.

I have would have no problem paying service providers if my music was selling…but it not…and neither is most other unknown artists…So they just pay fees and make no money off of there music…I wish the general public support unknown artists….but they don’t…They don’t listen to unknown music cause they think it would be more public if it was any good…but that is not the case….There’s lots of great music that people don’t take the time to hear or even give it a chance cause that artist has never been heard of…Just my opinion.

Keith:
That is not a rational mindset. For example.. If I am broke, but I need food..According to you, It would be OK for me to walk into Krogers, fill my cart with food, and tell the cashier.. “I know you love God, and I am a Christian, so therefore, I should be given this food..” That is not rational. Ann, you and all Indie artists are your own record label. And if you want to see an increase, you MUST invest. Now, that doesn’t mean only money.. it can be your time, your skills, craft. Making the music is STEP 1. Most stop at that step. Why? Because they think God will do the hard work for them. He won’t do that work for you. It requires obedience and sacrifice. It’s just the way it is. What you and many others have is called an “Entitlement Mindset.”

Maybe the reason why your music and most music isn’t selling is because it has no value to the consumer. If you are doing what you do for money, that is something you will need to figure out. I teach indies that professional vision = ProVision. Mediocre vision = mediocre results.

Ann:
I have no clue what you are talking about….”Entitlement Mindset” makes no sense to me…and I would work harder in the music field if I could…but I have to make a living at medical research cause music would never provided for me…but I also think medical research is another thing that is of God and what God wants me to do…bless ya Keith

Keith:
right, so you dabble at your music and expect huge returns. See, thats the issue. 4+4 doesn’t equal 8 million, but for Christian musicians, they think it should because God called them, they are special, and everyone should serve them. To tell service providers they can’t be paid because you aren’t being paid is quite irrational. Being a Christian is about being a servant, and trusting God for His provision. Again, that comes from having PROfessional VISION. It’s a combination of those 2 words. Just trying to help get the lights turned on for ya.

Ann:
I don’t expect hugh returns on my music…I just get tried of people coming after me and asking me to give them money to promote my music or put it on their webiste or blast it out to radio stations or things like that…I’ve done it to many times…it don’t sell my music or provide me any income…and they probably don’t even listen to the music they send out…they just want the money the artists will give them to send it out….They are in to make money…and that is fine…but I ain’t rich enough to give them what little I have.

Keith:
well, thats their business, what do you expect? We’re marketed to, and propositioned ALL DAY LONG everywhere. What offends you is that they are asking for compensation, when you are not being compensated for your music. That’s not their fault, is it? I get indies who come to me all the time asking me to visit MySpace to listen to their music and tell them what I think.. for nothing.. What they are really telling me is that my time to them is not valuable, and that I sit around all day with nothing to do and tell them what I think of their music. Sorry.. no can do. I will do this however, when they join my Indieheaven site. I value my time too much to give it away, plus, I serve my members of Indieheaven, who understand what mutual beneficial relationships are all about. Most dont get that.
3 minutes ago ·

William Added:
Keith I think you have it backwards. Why would an indie join your group if you wont take the time to listen to their music? I would want to join something that had the capacity to recognize my contribution before I joined not after. Personally I would never put you in a position to promote my tunes if you didn’t like it.

Keith:
William, Indieheaven is for ALL artists who see value in what WE provide them. We are a tool, like a shovel. I don’t dig holes for indies. I provide them an excellent shovel. Its up to them to dig their holes. However, I do enjoy helping artists who are helping themselves.

Ann:
Good point William….Artist aren’t doing well in music today….and we would like to be able to be heard…but can’t afford all the fees the service providers want us to pay up front…if they would just take procentages of our sales instead of making us pay regular fees than artists would have a better changes at getting started.

Keith:
Ann, how much are you making in your music mission today? What is 20% of 0?? Ann, you don’t come in contact with nearly as many indie artists as I come in contact with, and there are some who are doing very well. What are the keys to them doing well? 1- They take their music and mission seriously. They do not dabble at it. They are not lukewarm in their mission. 2- They are producing content of excellence. They don’t suck. 3- They understand that God requires obedience and they are spirit led. They seek God’s direction for their mission, but they don’t expect God to be their personal Genie or ATM card.

Ann:
The way they are setting it up now is mostly just taking money upfront from artists and than when they get no sales…The artists have to pull their music off sites cause it’s just costing them money in fees…Until the public starts paying for music again…artists are going to be hurting…

I feel like the internet will hopefully improve with time….and help music artists with the problem of free downloads and stealing of their work….but it’s going to take time….and the public has to be able to hear a song before they are going to be willing to pay 99 cents or something for it…I’ll get better…It already has gotten a little better.

Keith:
I bet you have no idea how much I have invested in my Indieheaven site. Hows $250,000 sound to you? Thats about what I have personally invested into the coding and infrastructure of Indieheaven. God didn’t drop that money in my lap, I earned it.

There are 2 ways an internet site can make money. 1- Membership. 2- Advertising. No one is doing anything for free, when it comes to working with musicians.

Ann:
I’ve said this to you before Keith and I’ll say it again…Just because you think something SUCKS…Doesn’t mean everybody in the world thinks it does…There are lots of songs I don’t like that other people love…So people’s opinion of what SUCKS means nothing to me…I don’t degrade other people’s art…but I do degrade people who make money off the artists when the artists when the artists make no money…The artists deserve to get paid as much as the service people do…and if the artist don’t sell anything than why should the service people get paid?…In that case they are just making money off a poor artist’s dreams….Just my opinion.

Keith:
If an artist isn’t getting paid, there are reasons for that. There are many, many artists who are paid for their music. I find quite a few christian musicians tend to not be teachable and argue rational thought process because they think God will do it all for them because they are “special,” and lump people and service providers in with that. Im my opinion that is irrational. I happen to earn PROVISION from artists I serve because I am worth it. I EARN it.

Keith:
People aren’t stupid Ann, they know what has value and what doesn’t have value. People generally wont tell an artist that they suck, but you better believe they are thinking it. See, people don’t think like God:) God can use even the worst content and someone out there will have a positive impact from it. However, those will be isolated cases. Sounds like to me you want widespread acceptance and resulting income from your content. Is it worth it?

Ann:
No…I’m an artist who always wanted to do music…but always had people comming after me to give them money…and I have do it…because it was a dream to me…but I never made any money at making music…I only put into it…so when I put my music on the internet and get tons of emails from websites that want me to give them money to promote or send my songs to radio station…I have been there and done that…and it only took my money and gave me nothing in return…I have 3 children to feed and I’m trying to finish college…I’m not rich….I can’t keep doing that even though I want alot of people to hear my music…To me in order to do that people always want money from me…I guess you have to be really rich and really talented to in music…

Someday I’ll be a doctor…and I believe God wants me to be a doctor…it’s my calling in life…but I also believe God wants me to spread my music around cause it has a good message…but everybody wants money from me to do that…

You can even gets magazines to review your music without paying them…Sad really…

I have heard some of the greatest music of my life with wonderful messages that glorify God…That was never heard or played on the radio and never will be cause either the artist or whoever made it or supported didn’t have the right connections or money to put it out here…..Like I said….Sad

Keith:
I do understand your concern and you have a valid point.. however.. you know the old saying, “it takes money to make money.” It’s true.. if you want to see an increase in what you are doing, and be more successful at it, it takes an investment. The hard part is knowing what to invest in. First, you invest into yourself. That means your craft.. (songwriting, musicianship, grasp of the English language, etc.) Then, you have to invest into your content. (your music production, your pictures, bio, etc..). Then, you have to decide if you are going to promote and who to promote with. This is where many indies stop. They either think God will do ALL the promotion, or He’ll bring someone or something their way to promote for them. In 99% of the time, this does not happen. The reason is simple.. why would anyone invest into an artist who has not invested FIRST into themselves? Why would someone think someone else will do this for them? Thats delusional and irrational.

Keith:
Ann, you state you want to be a doctor.. GREAT.. I wonder if there will be some God loving college out there willing to give you a Free ride.. and if they do give you a free ride, will you value it? Imagine if you woke up one day wanting to be a surgeon.. you don’t grab a knife and start hacking at someones chest, you’ll kill em and you’ll end up in prison. No.. you go and get trained and equipped. However, I see many indies who can barely write a sentence, play all 6 strings of their guitar, and sing on key who think they should have millions of adoring fans, play main stage at the largest Christian festival in the world, and be on every radio station.. just because they are a Christian. Hello??? Whats up with that?

Ann:
I did it for years Keith…It can cause you to go homeless and starve to death…I went to college for music you know…and I couldn’t make a living at it…So now I’m going back to become a doctor and finish my PhD…Hopefully I’ll be able to feed my children.

I’m getting a PhD…for medical research…Music isn’t as stable as Medicine is….It’s hard to making a living in Music…There is alot of artists out there giving and giving and never making anything…You just have to do cause you love it…

Keith:
Ann, you might have made some bad decisions in the past, based on a desire to be someone famous.. I don’t know.. but you can’t lump every service provider in with the sharks that are out there. There are some who have a heart and a desire to serve artists. The disconnect is that indie artists ARE a record label, its their own label. And labels know in order to see an increase, they must market and promote their artists. The trick is this. how do they recoup their investment? Over 90% of the time, they do not recoup. This is why labels are going bankrupt. Labels these days need to be wise with their investments.. that includes money and the artists they work with.

Keith:
I agree, as artists, do it because you love it.. and be smart about what you do. Make sure to investigate service providers and phony labels that want to take advantage of you. And most importantly.. artists need to stop dreaming about being famous, and simply go and do what they love to do. If you enrich the lives of people, they will follow you. THis is why I tell indies to stop trying to land a whale (the music industry) and simply catch minnows (people). Those minnows will grow into fish, and they can feed you for a long time!

Ann:
No…boy you put words that just don’t make sense….The music biz isn’t in good shade right now….Artists (even the famous ones) are having a hard time selling their music…and it’s always been that way…It’s usually a short ride even for the ones who do make it…I’m just tried of people trying to get money out of me…I’m not rich…but I still wish I could get a larger group of people to hear my music…and I don’t care if I don’t make any money on it…they dont’ have to pay me…just STOP trying to make money off of me…and other artist like me who arent’ wealthy….Just my opinion….

Music will never make me money…but it will bring people out trying to get mine….You don’t know how many people have contacted me asking me to give them money to do something with my music…All they do is take my money and run…

Keith:
Ann, just as FANS are your demographic, ARTISTS are service providers demographic. It’s just the way it is, and the internet is full of dreamers and wanna-be’s and sharks. It’s the perfect storm for grand delusions.

Keith:
So Ann, to wrap this up.. you are stating you find it sad that there are service providers out there who want to make income from their service, yet.. YOU are upset that YOU and other artists like YOU, can’t make money at their music.. What’s up with that logic?

let’s be independent… together!
keith mohr
president
indieheaven- [ artist profile | distribution ]
broken records- [ artist label ]
indie impact [ promotion | radio | booking | showcase ]
indie university [ education | articles | videos | conference ]
mohr management- [ artist management ]
————————————————–
Check out our other sites
inspiresong – [ songwriter resources | retreat | contest ]
ih news – [ indie news ]
————————————————–
networking sites
Be My Friend on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter!
Be a Fan on Facebook!

I have been a believer in Christ since 1986, which is half of my life. Now that I am older and wiser, I am learning a thing or two about the importance of relationships. Before I dive into my thoughts on the subject, I thought I would share about one particular relationship with the publisher of Christian Musician Magazine.

I read in the last issue, Christian Musician Magazine’s own Bruce Adolph is celebrating his 15th year in publishing. Congrats Bruce! That in itself is an amazing feat of extremely hard work and hard faith. These days, many print magazines are no longer being printed, some are available online, or they have gone out of publication. I am amazed at Bruce and the dedication he has shown over the years in his mission, his commitment to Christian musicians, and his extraordinary people skills. Way to go, Bruce!

I first met Bruce back in 1996. I was working at a music store in Harrisburg, PA and picked up the phone, ready to sell a keyboard or pro audio item to the person on the other end of the line. However, on the other end this time was a salesman. “That’s what I am,” I thought to myself as I listened to him sell me on the benefits of taking out an ad in an event guide for a Christian music festival called, Creation Fest. Bruce was very good at selling ads, he has that way about him!

I was familiar with the festival, having attended it several years before. As Bruce was sharing about the ad, my wheels started turning. I thought to myself, “Hmm, I wonder who provides the music gear the bands use on stage at the Creation Festival?” After Bruce finished his sales pitch, I asked him that very question. I shared that if they needed any help, I could round up what they needed, drive a truck to the festival, and set it up.

So, Bruce being the connector he is, hooked me up with the founder and director of the festival, Tim Landis. I called Tim right away and asked him about their gear needs. It just so happened that the source they had been using in previous years could not provide everything the festival needed. Great, let me help! So, Tim gave me his list, I got prices, and got the gig! I rented a big Ryder truck the day before the festival, loaded up the gear, and drove the few hours to Agape Farm.

After arriving at the festival, I met Bruce and we connected immediately. I made myself available to help Bruce at his booth, which made Bruce happy, because he was always super busy meeting people, schmoozing, and doing what Bruce does best, relationship building. Serving and building relationships are keys to blessings!

Ok, this story is getting long, but here is the cool point I want to share with you. Through meeting and serving Bruce way back in 1996, I met Charlie Peacock, who was in the next booth over from me promoting his “At The Crossroads” book, and whom I would have speak at one of my indie music conferences in Nashville 10 years later.

Little did I know the very next year, in 1997 I would get the call to again provide gear for Creation Festival, and that the festival would be moved to Hershey Park, PA because of flooding at the Agape Farm. Little did I know I would run into a representative for Tascam, Doug Gould, whom I had first met while working at another music store in Washington, DC 10 years earlier. Tascam provided recording gear to record the festival live. Another person I met that year at Creation Fest 1997 was Joe Battaglia, who asked me to mix down the live recordings. Little did I know those mixes would be used for a documentary shown on PBS called, “Message in the Music.”

Little did I know that at Creation Festival 1997 I would meet a studio owner who had a great studio I could work out of, so I did. I stayed there for 6 years, and took over the studio and ran it on my own after his business went flat.

Little did I know then that six years later, in 2003 I would make the move to Music City, Nashville, TN and start a new indie music organization called “Indieheaven,” hold successful music conferences, and see the entire CCM industry be turned upside down 6 years later, in 2009.

Little did I know in 1997 that Bruce would ask me to write a column for this very magazine, one that I am still writing for! Little did I know Bruce would start his own conferences and ask me to teach at the main conference in Redmond, WA the past 4 years. Little did I know in 2010 I will be teaching at all of his CMS conferences!

Through that one seemingly insignificant phone call, taken in a small music store, would I find myself still enjoying the fruit from the tree, planted from the seed, I call “Bruce Adolph.” I could go on and on and on about relationship seeds in my life that have sprouted, taken root, and grown into a vibrant tree full of fruit. Fruit that has not only fed myself, but others. That is how you can tell fruit is good, by how many it feeds. The more it feeds, the better the fruit.

I can also share about seeds I have neglected, that may or may not have been planted, may not have taken root in fertile soil, that may not have been tended to during the sapling time. That may have been forgotten about when fruit appeared and not harvested. Fruit that withered on the vine and were eaten by birds. I wonder now what might have transpired had I cultivated those relationships?

Relationships are a lot like seeds, and produce fruit if we tend to them, nurture them, and even prune them from time to time. I encourage you to be open to planting seeds of relationship, and tend to those that have already sprouted. Do not forsake the most important relationship, which is with Christ Jesus in the center, and then the relationship with your family, and then people you know and who know you. I learned that lesson as well, there are rings of relationships, much like a bullseye. Concentrate on the innermost rings and do not neglect them.

You will find that God uses relationships to create His-Story, and Your-Story. Your story becomes part of history! The more relationships you create and cultivate, the more that happens in your life and mission. I have seen this first hand! So, what are you waiting for? Can you relate?
Keep up the excellent faith-work!
let’s be independent… together!
keith mohr
president
indieheaven- [ artist profile | distribution ]
broken records- [ artist label ]
indie impact [ promotion | radio | booking | showcase ]
indie university [ education | articles | videos | conference ]
mohr management- [ artist management ]
————————————————–
Check out our other sites
inspiresong – [ songwriter resources | retreat | contest ]
ih news – [ indie news ]
————————————————–
networking sites
Be My Friend on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter!
Be a Fan on Facebook!

Check out archived shows from “The Christian Independent Artist Show.” On each show, IU Founder Keith Mohr interviewed various industry experts and successful independent artists and also shared his thoughts on issues pertinent to the Christian Independent Music scene.

Show #1- Original Air Date: 9/14/2009 7:00 PM
Top 10 Critical Issues for Christian Independent Artists
On this show Keith Mohr shared thoughts on the Top 10 most critical issues for Christian Independent Artists who are on a mission from God to share their music and message with the masses.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show1.mp3

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Show #2- Original Airdate: 9/21/2009 7:00 PM
Interview with Naima
Our special guest on this show will be independent artist/creative entrepreneur “Naima”. She is a full time indie artist who works hard at her mission. Naima has also published a book about the mistakes she made building her music ministry. We’ll discuss what she has learned, and her thoughts on being a full timer.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show2.mp3

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Show #3- Original Air Date: 9/28/2009 7:00 PM
Interview with Bob Morrison of Chart Noise
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr will be available to take your questions, share helpful info on the Independent Christian Music Mission, and about the benefits of being an Indieheaven member. Keith will also interview live Bob Morrison of “Chart Noise.” Bob is a consultant and artist manager who has lots of music industry experience.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show3.mp3

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Show #4- Original Air Date: 10/5/2009 7:00 PM
Interview with Randy Cox- Publishing and Songwriting
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Randy Cox. Randy is a legend in the Christian music publishing industry, having formed MeadowGreen Publishing back in the 1980s. MeadowGreen was Michael W Smith and Amy Grant’s first publisher. Randy talked about what publishing is, how a songwriter can find a publisher, and what he is doing these days. Randy is a great guy and this is an excellent show!

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show4.mp3

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Show #5- Original Air Date: 10/12/2009 7:00 PM
Interview with Nathan Clark George- Full TIme Indie Artist
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Indieheaven member, Nathan Clark George about his music, life and mission. Nathan is a full time indie artist who travels the USA with his family sharing his music and message with many. Nathan shared about how he accomplishes his mission, and much more!

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show5.mp3

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Show #6- Original Air Date: 10/19/2009 7:00 PM
Social Media- Make it Happen for You!
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Theron Hatch from CIRQ MEDIA. We discussed the Wild Wild West, better known as the WWW and how, if you are smart, can broaden the scope of your musical influence.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show6.mp3

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Show #7- Original Air Date: 10/26/2009 7:00 PM
Music Production and Artist Development
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Creative Soul President, Eric Copeland. Eric is an in demand producer who does an excellent job developing indie artists and taking them to the next level. We discussed music production, artist development and much more.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show7.mp3

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Show #8- Original Air Date: 11/2/2009 7:00 PM
Branding and the importance of Content
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Christian Hildago, President of Navigation Advertising. They discussed the importance of branding, what it is, and how if done right can benefit the independent artist.

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show8.mp3

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Show #9- Original Air Date: 11/9/2009 7:00 PM
Interview with Full time Indie Artist- Jeff Steinberg
Indieheaven president, Keith Mohr interviewed Indieheaven member, Jeff Steinberg. (http://www.tinygiant.com) Jeff has been a full time touring independent artist for over 30 years! Jeff shared his tips and info on how he has survived this long!

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show9.mp3

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Show #10- Original Air Date: 11/16/2009 7:00 PM
Keith Mohr Interview
I interviewed myself on this show and shared about my recent trip to Seattle to speak at the Christian Music Summit. I also shared the latest info on My InspireSong Songwriter Retreat and my Indie University Indie Music Conference. Plus, latest happenings in the CCM Industry, Indieheaven and so much more!

You can also download it by right clicking this link and selecting “save as”.
http://www.indieuniversity.com/mp3/cias/show10.mp3

let’s be independent… together!
keith mohr
president
indieheaven- [ artist profile | distribution ]
broken records- [ artist label ]
indie impact [ promotion | radio | booking | showcase ]
indie university [ education | articles | videos | conference ]
mohr management- [ artist management ]
————————————————–
Check out our other sites
inspiresong – [ songwriter resources | retreat | contest ]
ih news – [ indie news ]
————————————————–
networking sites
Be My Friend on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter!
Be a Fan on Facebook!

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

Following explosive growth in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, the Christian music industry is now experiencing the same trials and tribulations as its mainstream counterpart. It is no secret what is causing this painful time in an industry that seemed recession proof until recently. Christian labels are struggling to maintain their established business model as consumers of Christian music are parroting what secular music lovers have been up to the past few years. They are not purchasing entire ten to thirteen song CD projects in order to obtain their favorite one or two songs from their favorite artist. Instead, they are opting to download single songs from one of many online distributors. This spells financial trouble for an industry whose model was based on approximately $7 profit per customer.

Music piracy has also affected the Christian music industry hard, as millions of dollars of music have essentially been stolen via illegal downloading from file sharing sites. What perplexes many in the CCM industry is that this is being carried out by Christians who think nothing of violating the law in order to enjoy their favorite song. This has led to an erosion in all facets of the Christian music industry as recording and marketing budgets have dried up, artist development is no longer prevalent, and the signing of up and coming artists has all but ceased. In addition, artists have discovered they no longer need record labels to record their music and reach their fans. It spells financial disaster and a drastic change in the music business. Many industry personnel in Nashville, TN have been asking one another who will save Christian music. The bottom line is this, the Christian music industry needs a miracle to continue to exist in its current form.

I asked some people over on my Facebook profile what they thought of the Christian music industry and who will save it. Here are some responses:

“Perhaps there is a need for folks to stop trying to write “Christian Music”, and focus more on being “Musicians who are Christian”. Far too much CM these days sounds so contrived and plastic. If you are a Christian, you know the truth, that should come out naturally in everything you create, without it being trite. It’s the only genre of music categorized by it’s lyrics, and 90% of the time, I can tell you exactly what a certain band will sound like…it’s become way too formulaic. Get back to the music, create awesome, original and challenging music. Other wise you might as well just do poetry recitals.”

“Whatever the secular music industry finds successful, is inevitably going to make it’s way into the CM industry. If your sound is the one that fits the mold of what folks are buying these days, you’re in like Flint.”

“The whole format needs to be redefined and is in dire need of an overhaul. Nashville continues to release unexciting and underproduced material, “contemporary Christian?”, and many “Gospel” artists sound 30 years behind the times. Why are they two separate genres? Isn’t the subject matter the same? Shouldn’t “Christian artist” be a calling first and a profession second?”

“The Gospel music business has become nothing more than a business with many people involved in it. I am sick of hearing the same type of music on the radio over and over. There are too many Christian stations who play our music and don’t have to pay royalties, making it almost impossible for the indie artist to survive.”

“The real question is what is christian music. I believe God is in everything. Its not my job as a christian or musician to bring the gospel to someone but to enlighten them to the fact that God is already there. So therefore if God is in everything than cant we call every type of music christian music?”

“I heard it once said by a so-called professional that we as Christian songwriters needed to keep it simple and not go deep. This opposite Jesus in so many ways. I’m still trying to figure out everything He said and as He said, “Knock (and keep on knocking) and the door will be opened to you”. Truth is not so simple all the time. Perhaps we need messages that make people think instead of so much fluff.”

“Saved or re-invented? We need more pioneering artists (i.e. truly INDEPENENTS) who are willing to break the mold musically and lyrically, say something that’s actually truly profound and speaks the world’s language, a “new” song. The question is also, “Do the listeners have ‘ears to hear’ something that’s out of the box?” It’s tough to retrain entire demographics of listeners.”

“Imho, the first step toward healing is realizing there is a problem. Christian music as an industry won’t be “saved from itself” til it realizes it needs to be. It seems like many can easily confuse the gift with the call. As an artist, it is very easy for me to become very gift focused and lose sight of the call, which is to glorify God, and touch lives. When your focus is on marketing and profits, the mission gets compromised. Don’t get me wrong, there is a stewardship requirement, and the workman is worthy of his hire, but when self perpetuation and $$$ rise from second to first, the priorities are askew. I can’t speak with authority on this, but I have heard that the business model is very similar to the secular music indusrtry business model, and that in fact many Christian lables are now subsidaries of secular labels. It may be that like the Laodaceans, the industry doesn’t see thier true circumstance through the trappings of “success.” You can’t serve 2 masters.”

“I think what might save Christian music is a shift in the Christian socially conscience paradigm and that may have to occur necessarily through something earthshaking enough to shake us out of our comfort zones. I believe there is coming soon an earthshaking economic condition (worse than today) whereby it will force us to rethink many things.”

As you can see, people are passionate about this topic. There were many more responses to this question. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out the next twelve to 18 months. In any regard, let us be in prayer for the people involved in the Christian music industry, from executives at the labels, to the artists who are signed to labels, and the many thousands of independent artists who are looking to the industry as their future source of exposure, opportunity, and credibility.

Let’s Be Independent… together!
keith mohr