“The Perfect Mix!”

In order to achieve success in the gospel music industry a person has to have the right mix of things working in their favor. I have compiled a list of the things that I think are essential to succeeding and I could  care less IF you agree or not.

[1] CALLING/ABILITY: This is crucial. Have you been called by God to do gospel ministry? If NOT, it’s a wrap! Do you have the ability? In other words, Can you sing? Preach? Teach? Serve? If NOT, again, it’s a wrap!NO ability, NO ministry……

[2] HIT SONG/MESSAGE: This is the second most important thing. Can you imagine Smokie Norful without “I need you now” or TD Jakes without ” Woman Thou Art Loosed” ? It’s the greenlight of ministry. It all starts with a HIT song or message.  A HIT is evident…..let me give you some other examples, NEVER WOULD’VE MADE IT, TOMORROW, REASON WHY WE SING, WE FALL DOWN, all wrapped themselves around incredible ability and touched the world. Before you release your next album, sermon, podcast, blog or single check to see IF you indeed have a HIT song or message. It could change your life……………

 ” I could care less If you AGREE or NOT “

 

[3] PROMOTIONS: The wherewithal to let people know that you’re here and what you’re offering to them. It’s the ability to get right in front of the audience that you’re called to and have the ability to reach. It’s turning the light on in a dark room within their minds and causing them to say I resonate with what I am hearing. I do believe that you can get more out of a mediocre song with promotions, but IF you really want to see the power of reaching out to your audience, lock down on a HIT song….

[4] MANAGEMENT: The most successful artist that you see around the world in any genre of music are those that have management. Why?  Management keeps the artist “true” to their initial goals and intentions. Management sorts out those that have “hidden” motives. Management looks for trends and hot spots that need nurturing. Recognizes when you’re tired. Recognizes when you’re living under your true potential. Management is so awesome that God left the ultimate manager here on earth for us….The HOLY Spirit! He keeps us on task and focused on the goals.

[5] RADIO PROMOTIONS: I separate this from regular promotions. I think that in order to be HIGHLY successful, a music artist has to go to the radio stations and make it known who they are. I always advise a radio tour to those that I consult. I guarantee an artist this- If they will go and just speak with the radio announcers in their state they can have a strong awareness campaign in their front yard. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE! It could be the difference between 20 stations playing your music and 50 stations playing your music.

[6] GETTING IN FRONT OF FANS! Fan are what make ministries. Imagine “Woman Thou Art Loosed” with no women to loose……UGLY AIN’T IT! Remember that people are who you’re called to reach. Get in front of them and minister to them. The photo ”ops” with your favorite singer/preacher can and will come later. The money will take care of itself. If you can go and minister for just the expenses that it takes to get there, then do it….Your fans will see to it that you leave blessed! One of the things that you have to remember is that when times are like they are now, encouragement will go a long way in the eyes of those who are hurting and aching. Bless the fans…..

I love you,

Frank Henderson……Simple dude with a heart for the KING’s will. Copyright 2008…..Don’t get caught slippin’..

www.frankhenderson.org

My husband and I were recently blessed to have had our first child; a healthy 8lb 9oz baby boy.  We are very fortunate to have had a very strong support system, consisting of our family and community, to have helped us to transition back to our home so that we may care for our son.  With that said, being a new mother and father is amazing as I know many of you have experienced it a time or two! But, let me expound on this thought that I’ve been pondering for the past couple of weeks:  What can’t God do?

What comes to mind when you hear this….What can’t God do?  He can take all kinds of “seeds” and help us to grow them into powerful realities, turn abstract thoughts into concrete plans, pick you off of one pathway and suddenly place you on a totally different one…All Attributed to His Most Perfect Plan!  As I talk about “seeds”, I look at one of our son’s first ultrasounds when physicians could yet to determine that he was in fact a “he”.  I then fast forward to his first pictures that he took at the hospital as a newborn and I ask myself-“What can’t God do?”.  And so, as one really soaks in this question and applies it to life’s situations, we can begin to renew the hope that was once lost and consumed in the after thoughts of “Why can’t I do it?”, “What’s wrong with me and my life?”, or even “Why am I not as successful as I should be?” 

We have previously focused on key items that you need in order to prepare for success which included some things to consider before its actually game time.  One question asked was “what are your tools?”-some people have more than others.  Let me interject to say that for those of you that do incorporate a spiritual component as one of your tools, you are more than half-way there!   Studies have suggested time and time again that people who believe in a higher power or are “faith-based” tend to be less stressed than those who believe that they are in complete control of their life.  There is comfort in knowing that some being higher than us has control of our situations…It takes the pressure off of you and me!

It helps us to remain community-focused.  It allows us to want to help others and know that someone will lend a hand to us to some day.  So, what can’t God do? God can do everything…God can’t do anything that we don’t allow him to do.  In your relationships, careers, and communities, know that he can take “the seeds” and grow them into mighty trees.  The question now: What are your seeds?

Here is one of our seeds that God brought to fruition.  His name is Myles.

Wishing you and your community well,

Roslyn L. Warren, NCC
Sisters Walking In Christ