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I've been a fan of someone or another for almost as long as I've been alive. As a fan, I've known lots of great times and fun…but I've also made every mistake in the book and learned some hard lessons. Most of these lessons, mistakes and occasional hard-won joys came from the world of secular music fandom, where singers and musicians are often seen larger than life, on a pedestal, their lives and concerns much different than those of us "common folk." Sadly, often by necessity, they are surrounded by bodyguards and people who don't encourage much of a direct connection with fans.

I'm a relative newcomer to the world of Southern Gospel music. In contrast to what I was used to on the secular side, the fan/artist relationship culture here was a revelation. I have never had so much fun and been so touched all at one time as a fan. I've been introduced to many new and wonderful singers. I've laughed, cried, prayed with people and had such meaningful fellowship I never imagined I would…mostly online. Here, my calling for supporting and encouraging musicians and ability to express it powerfully in writing has been embraced instead of discouraged. These artists have put a great level of trust in their fans. In this world, I've gone to artist website guestbooks and noted how much I liked one song, and more often than not got a response back. I wrote one line of encouragement to a family member of a legendary musician who was ill and I received a warm personal note in response along with a progress report. Musicians with thousands of people on their mailing lists send regular newsletters which communicate so warmly and personally, you would think it was going only to you. They share their lives, families, fishing trips, their successes, and their difficulties. When you respond with feedback, they enjoy it. This aspect of it is, to me, the greatest part of all: when we know of their struggles, we fans get to reach out a hand of support in times of trouble to those who have blessed us so much with their gifts. We have the privilege of giving back something in return and not have it turned away. Just like with everyday people, our friends, co-workers and family.

However, the flip side was also interesting. Occasionally, I found the same sort of behavior among some fans in the gospel world as in the secular: jealousy, competition for artist attention, putting the artist on the pedestal. At first glance, this was not the sort of thing I would have expected to find in Christian music circles. But I'm here to tell you that if you're not careful, it is indeed just as easy to get caught up in the moment in this setting and start losing the focus of what's most important: encouraging those sharing the message of God's word.

When it's done right, being a fan can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. It can even become life-changing, as it was for me when I relocated to Nashville from the Midwest, thanks to some friends I made via Mark Lowry's Senior Trips. A few years ago, I wrote and recorded an audiobook called "Treasures In the Tip Jar: the Art of Awesome Fan Support" in which I shared ways for fans and artists to support each other that I found to be effective. In the coming months, I'll discuss some of those topics here. I look forward to having you on the journey!
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Wendy Vickers is a writer, encourager, life coach, and speaker. Wendy offers resources, encouragement and support for musicians at her websites
http://wendyv.com
and
http://embraceencouragement.com

Reader Comments

I have been very impressed with the availability of most SGM artists to their fans. Instead of that impassable 'moat' between the artist & fan that is so prevalent in secular music, one can actually meet & talk to most SGM artists no matter who they are. I feel so much closer to the SGM artists. I look forward to reading your future articles, Wendy.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

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