Independents... Time To Stand Up (Part 1)

Being an independent artist is the best thing next to slice bread. You record your own music and what YOU invest you get back most times double. Some of the greatest song writers are independent artist and rightfully so. Most indepents are a million people in one (booking agent, manager, record label, etc. We'll talk about that in another post.) If you are a independent artist or know one you should call them and applaude them today.

In spite of all the accomplishments of independent artist, we still get pushed to the back of the music industry bus. We are treated like step-children, foster kids, and Sunday's left overs. Doors of progress are often slammed in our face. Can someone tell me the logic behind this? Some of the most reputable music is recorded and performed by independents artist. Most of you can testify that even though you hear the "Major" artist on the radio, there are many "Local" artist in your city that you would perfer to hear. Who's going to speak up? How many of you hear your local artist on radio in your city? Not one spin..... two or three times a day.....not many.

There are many opprotunities for independent artist, but we must take advantage of these opportunities. Did you know that there is a certain number of air time required(BY LAW) that has to be allocated for independent artist? We must study to show ourselves approved. The music business is changing daily and we must keep up. It's more than just grabbing a microphone and singing. The bible says in business be men.

A great example is Mr. John Lakin of Columbia, S.C. John is the director for the choir Youth On A Mission. Not only does John write for his choir, but he also writes for other artist. One of his songs was featured on Ricky Dillard's album. That's business. Think outside the box and outside of your city. There is more to the world than your hometown. However, don't make the mistake most people make of putting there city and the other artist there down. The reason why I can celebrate John Lakin is because I am confident in myself. John could never be me and I could never him, but we can lift each other up. A house (Independent Artist) devided can not stand. We must form our own tours and support each other. That's the only way this will work. Stop being jealous of each other because God can't elevate us that way. As an independent artist there should not be one gospel artist in your city who's cd you don't have. What you give will come back to you. If you don't sow you won't reap.

There is another thing that is crippling us - we strive the attention of the so called "stars of gospel music." What does it mean if you are on a concert with Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Lee Williams, the Cantons, etc.? NOTHING!!!!!! Most of these people don't know you and don't care to. After the concert you are long forgotten. Grow your own fan base. There is someone who loves your music. Need and example? Lisa Knowles and the Brown Singers. Most of the videos you see of them on youtube was not posted by them. People enjoyed what they were doing and started posting their stuff. They were even nominated for a stellar. All on their own... no big record label. You can do the same. Notice how they are never asked by main stream gospel to appear on any shows. Why? Main stream gospel is intimidated by them because the brown singers don't need main stream for their success. How many watched the Celebration of Gospel? I would have much rathered seen the Brown Singers.

I hope no one is offended by the artist I just named. They were only examples. I don't know any of them personally. I just know us as independents. "Chil' guess who I'm on program with........ So what! How many CDs did you sell? How much did they pay you? Or better yet how much did you pay to be on the program?????? We act like the outside child who's father is letting us come over to play with our half siblings for christmas and then drop us off at the road like the school bus when he takes us home. Wake up artist.

This is just the beginning of my chat with independent gospel artist. Look for part 2 "What Every Independent Artist Should Have." Be Blessed!