Southern Gospel Music vs. Bizarro Southern Gospel Music, The Gospel Trut

Jul

2008

Southern Gospel Music vs. Bizarro Southern Gospel Music

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Do you like Superman? Anyone who is a fan of Superman knows about Bizarro World. It’s a cube-shaped planet called “Htrae” – “earth” spelled backwards. Bizarro World has many of the same characters that Earth has – Bizarro Superman, Bizarro Lois Lane, and Bizarro Perry White. The main difference is that in Bizarro World, everything is the exact opposite of things on Earth. It’s good to be bad in Bizarro World. For example, Superman is good, Bizarro Superman is not. Bizarro “society” is ruled by the Bizarro Code which states, “Us do opposite of all Earthly things! Us hate beauty! Us love ugliness! It is a big crime to make anything perfect on Bizarro World!”

BIZARRO SGM

And so, I am happy to announce that I have the solution to SGM being dead last in every category…Bizarro Southern Gospel is taking over the industry.

We have Bizarro record companies that feel it is a crime to make a great recording.
We have Bizarro radio promoters who never really promote a thing.
We have Bizarro artists who refuse to admit they cannot sing,
And, we have Bizarro charts which don’t bear the slightest reflection of what is popular and what is not.

REAL Southern Gospel is the greatest music this side of heaven…yet we keep trying to change it. We are allowing the Bizarro World infiltrators to make it progressive, or country, or contemporary, or heaven knows what next.

I love listening to Southern Gospel Music when it is performed well. I love quartets, trios, duos, male groups, mixed groups, family groups, and soloists. Whoever is singing Southern Gospel Music is singing my song. I love it.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC! LEAVE THE MUSIC ALONE!

The reason SGM is dead last in every category is not because of the music. The music has stood the test of time. When people hear SGM performed professionally, they love it too.

The real problem is that the Southern Gospel Music Industry is really two industries... PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR.

PROFESSIONAL SGM INDUSTRY

I suppose one could argue all day about the definition of a “PROFESSIONAL.” To me, a professional group is talented at every vocal position, is full time, draws people to their concerts, and has good sales at their table and also at retail. You all know exactly what I’m talking about so there is no reason to split hairs over this.

We’re talking about groups like The Booth Brothers, The Inspirations, Gold City, Greater Vision, The Talleys, The Perrys, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, The Kingsmen, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, The Dove Brothers and others. NOTICE, I said. “And others”. These are not the ONLY professional groups – I’m naming a few who come to mind. These groups are all different in style but they are professional. They are making money, serious money.

I’ve compiled a list of professional groups and I find that there are about 30 groups, and I had to relax my definition of “professional” a little to get to 30.

These are the groups that draw people to concerts, to the bookstores, and to the National Quartet Convention. They are sought after by songwriters, promoters, talent agencies, and record labels.

If the President wanted to have a Southern Gospel concert at the White House, you can be sure the artists appearing would come from this list.

These artists record great songs written by talented and anointed songwriters

Concert promoters book these groups mostly through talent agencies that are also professional, like The Beckie Simmons Agency and The Harper Agency.

These groups are recorded by professional record companies, Crossroads, Canaan, Homeland and Daywind, to name a few, that make recordings to the highest industry standards. Then the companies market and promote the recordings through the print medium and radio, and also distribute the artists’ recordings to the retail market.

The important thing about this side of Southern Gospel Music is that everything, EVERYTHING, songwriting, promoting, booking, recording, EVERYTHING…is driven by the artists’ ability to appeal to the consumer, spiritually and materially. Songwriters, promoters, talent agencies, and record companies need artists that can help them make a profit.

The professional side of SGM is driven by the artists’ ability to MAKE money.

BIZARRO SGM INDUSTRY – NON PROFESSIONALS

The amateur side of SGM is driven by the artists’ ability to PAY money.

There is NOTHING WRONG with being new, with being an amateur. Every professional listed above started out as an amateur and worked hard to become a professional.

To me, the word “amateur” has two meanings:

1.Someone who chooses to do something for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.

We have lots of artists in SGM who are “amateurs” by choice. They don’t have a competitive spirit; they just want to be a blessing. They love the music and want to get out there and get involved, but they don’t want to leave their jobs, so they go out and sing a couple of times a month and have a great time. Some of these groups are pretty good, and they desire to be the best they can be, but they have no illusions of grandeur. I work with many groups like this and I can tell you, I love it. It’s singing for the best of reasons…because you love it.

Now folks, I want you to hear me loud and clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with weekend warriors, “newbies”, making custom recordings and getting out there and singing their hearts out week after week. Please understand me here. This is not the problem. Just like there is nothing wrong with me playing my heart out at softball two nights a week. But… if I try to get my softball team into the eastern division of the American League to compete with The Yankees and The Red Sox…now that’s a problem!

What troubles me is that you can understand how ridiculous it would be for my softball team of pot bellied aging men to try to play in the Major Leagues but you can’t (or maybe won’t) understand how ridiculous it is for an inexperienced group to try and do the things the pro groups do.

FAST RIDE ON A SLOW TRAIN TO BIZARRO WORLD

Which brings me to the second meaning for “amateur”.

2. Someone who is inexperienced or unskilled as in, “Hunting lions is not for amateurs.”

We have many, many artists who are inexperienced and unskilled in the craft of singing. The sad thing is that they don’t know it.

What they need is TLC and guidance but what they are getting is a fast ride on a slow train to SGM Bizarro World where you will find:

Too many “amateur” artists who are “legends in their own mind.”
Amateur record companies pretending to be big shot companies when they are nothing more than custom recording companies.
Amateur radio promoters who will never admit that they cannot possibly track all the songs.
Amateur periodicals with top 80 charts, knowing that probably 40 of the slots will be taken by amateur artists who will also buy ads.
Amateur talent agencies trying to book amateur artists.
Amateur radio stations playing anything that comes down the pike.

CONSUMERS ARE CONFUSED BY THIS SGM BIZARRO WORLD

They go to a concert and hear a professional group do a wonderful performance. The next week an amateur group comes to their church and stinks up the platform.

They hear a great song on the radio by a professional group followed by a group that sounds like a bunch of cats with their tails caught in the door.

They see photos of our professional groups, but they also see photos of amateur groups in ill-fitting suits with coat sleeves that hang 6 inches past their fingers.

To the world it’s all the same...it’s the same industry…Southern Gospel Music. The reason it’s all the same to them is because we have allowed it to be the same.

Every single person reading this knows that it is true. Yet, we turn our head the other way and allow it to continue, as though it’s not happening.

It’s all about the money. It’s the little groups with stars in their eyes that are funding SGM Bizarro World. As long as they are willing to keep paying, there will be a magazine, a promoter, and a record company that will gladly take their money.

ESCAPE FROM BIZARRO WORLD

So…how do we fix this mess?

My friends, the answer is so simple that it is profound.

ADMIT IT!!!!

Yes, that’s right…admit it. The first step in fixing a problem is to admit that there IS a problem.

Let’s stop “pussyfooting” around and start telling the truth about all this nonsense.

We all know what’s rotten in SGM. We know who is doing it, and why they are doing it…to make money.

Yet we all just stand around like fools and act like it’s not happening.

We allow representatives of these companies to join our various organizations, sit on boards, attend meetings, and vote on matters of great importance to our industry.

What we should be doing is identifying these folks and calling their hand. “Hey you, yes you… your company, your magazine, your station, your group, your organization is doing things that are damaging to our industry. You and those like you are not welcome here. Please leave!”

It is not right for companies and individuals who damage our industry to receive recognition from the professionals. By turning the other cheek to their unscrupulous business practices we are allowing them access to our side of the fence, when what we should be doing is throwing the bums out.

Listen friends, I’m not saying we should eliminate amateur SGM. We need amateur artists. It is from this pool of talent that the professionals of tomorrow will come. But the key word here is “tomorrow.”
When they earn, EARN, their way into the professional ranks, they will be welcomed with open arms. Until that time we need to do all we can to train and nurture them, and teach them how to become professional.

Anyone who rips off one of these “newbies” should be “tarred and feathered” and hung from the giant screen TV at the National Quartet Convention.

OUR AMATEUR ARTISTS DESERVE BETTER.

I like this famous quote: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Folks, let’s stop doing “NOTHING.” Let’s start taking names and kicking tails. It’s time we reclaimed our industry. If you agree with me I ask you to help me. You can forward this article to anyone you think can help, pro group owners, professional record label heads, industry leaders, and your friends.

Remember… “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”

As always, I welcome your comments,

God Bless You,

Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com

Reader Comments

OK, Nick, why don't you go first? you are willing to name some "professionals" but are you willing to do what you advise in your article? How about naming 2 "amateurs" in each of those categories, Artists, Promoters, Booking Agents, Recording Studios, Magazines and Organizations. Surely you wouldn't ask us to do something you are not willing to do?

Commented by On 07/02/2008

Look at any other genre of music, and you have SEPARATION and LEVELS (although, thanks to shows like "American Idol" and "Nashville Star," the levels are becoming a little more blurred).

In country music, you have your local/regional artists who play the bars and festivals and release bargain basement custom records. They'd NEVER be on the Opry, and the only record deal they'd have would be through their own label they made up. Occasionally, they'll open for a national act, but they hardly EVER interact with the "big dogs."

Not only that, but the passion, and the DISCIPLINE is simply not there in gospel music anymore. Group members drive in from all corners of the state, load up and go sing. Any practicing is done in a sound check, if at all. Regularly-scheduled practices simply don't happen. I've played in a several local bands here in town, and their practice is a discipline, often lasting several hours, and picking apart each song.

Commented by Kyle On 07/02/2008

The article is exactly right. In many cases, in fact most cases the folks who come out to see the pros who do it for a living and calling put a dollar or two in the plate thinking they have done a good deed. You may do that for a local group but not for a group who makes a living at it. If people do not start putting a decent amount in the offering plate, it will be local groups only. After all, they get the good songs from the pros to butcher up. Folks are only supporting a handful of groups now.

Commented by On 07/02/2008

Hey.. Jim2, I'm also curious also about Nick naming names...but being the gentleman he is, I doubt he would use this forum to do so. I believe he meant that in the day to day interaction between INDUSTRY professionals there should be a willingness to admit and confront the truth.

Isn't that what he said?

To quote him, "We allow representatives of these companies to join our various organizations, sit on boards, attend meetings, and vote on matters of great importance to our industry. What we should be doing is identifying these folks and calling their hand. “Hey you, yes you… your company, your magazine, your station, your group, your organization is doing things that are damaging to our industry. You and those like you are not welcome here. Please leave!It is not right for companies and individuals who damage our industry to receive recognition from the professionals. By turning the other cheek to their unscrupulous business practices we are allowing them access to our side of the fence, when what we should be doing is throwing the bums out."

THIS IS A LOT DIFFERENT THAN SIMPLY SLANDERING SOMEONE ON A WEBSITE. Nick is too much of a nice guy to be that mean.... though it would be fun to read.

Commented by On 07/02/2008

OH.. by the way.. EXCELLENT article Nick.

Commented by On 07/02/2008

Yet another great article Nick!

I would say that from an amateur standpoint there are two divisions as well: "visionary" and "clueless". This is where there is a far greater discrepancy between talented and non-talented.

The "visionary" has an idea of what quality should be and strives to obtain that quality. The "visionary" understands where he is at and seeks outside help to improve. These "visionary" amateurs are necessary to minister to the small to mid-size churches that cannot afford the "professionals". The "visionaries" are necessary to help the small to mid-size churches stay connected to what is happening in SG. The "visionaries" are the bridge for many who don't know about SG to understand that it is more than "The Heavenly Highway Hymns."

The "clueless" go to open mics and have the elderly lady tell them how wonderful they are when they don't quite reach that high note. The "clueless" refuse any outside advice because somehow they manage to maintain a "schedule" and think they are fine. The "clueless" trio has nice individual sound but seldom fill a complete triad. The "clueless" quartet has good pieces but doesn't know how to get the most out of their parts to make a solid group yet don't seek the outside help to improve. They have their own studio and record but do not use an outside ear to make much needed adjustments. It is the "clueless" with enough money to buy their way into a "contract" and give the "visionaries" who hold out for the real deal at the right time a bad name. Is it really a "contract" if you are the one doing all the giving?

This is the BIGGEST issue we face when trying to reach new congregations. They have had such horrible experiences they just don't want to take the chance with another group. We work hard to make our demo packet look professional, our music sound professional, and our stage presentation appear professional. You could call me a "visionista" who would like to eliminate this other group for the betterment of SG. Any ideas?

Commented by Leebob On 07/03/2008

JJ,
I'll admit I am not a faithful reader of this site, but it seems that every time I have read one of Nick's articles, it is about the same thing (not that there is anything wrong with professionalism and accountability) and I applaud him for his consistency and commitment to excellence in the industry.
That being said, he also constantly refers to these "phantom" evil people, an believe me, I've heard enough poorly produced bad singers to know it's true. But face it, the folks who are in it just to make money off of the newbies are not going to be fazed by a stern talking to and a finger waved in their face. If it's Lighthouse promotions, then say it's Lighthouse, if it's Heritage or Earl or SueAnn, say it. (I'm not an insider, so I just wrote some names I've heard, but Nick must know, or he wouldn't be harping on it for lo these many months) I'm not asking him to slander anyone, and I understand if that is the fear in this public forum, but I always thought if it was true, it wasn't slander.

Commented by On 07/03/2008

Hey Nick,

Just so will know, this is Lacy with The Glorymen. I always read your posts on this website. I will say I still think of a lot of you. But I feel I have to respond to this article.

Let me say when we perform live, I have abosolutely no problem getting on stage with anyone, I don't care who they are. Now when you get into the studio, things are different and many flaws are revealed when you are recording. However, if the producer does what he is supposed to do, these flaws can be corrected.

In 2005 we decided to record with Song Garden Music Group because you were the VP. That was our deciding factor. When the recording was completed, we never were satisfied. I listened to the finished product one time and have never listened to it again. That is how disappointing it was.

I have read many of your articles since that time and the striking thing is when you say don't allow this particular event to occur, it is exactly what you did to us.

After much prayer and conversation with my right arm, Wayne, we decided to stay with Song Garden after you left. I will have to say it is the best decision we have made to this date.

We just completed a new project with Song Garden on their Grapevine Label. David Staton produced the project and while I will say we had many hurdles to overcome, the final product was fantastic. Just to show the difference, the first project we did, that you produced, I have never listened to it again. The project David just produced, I can't quit listening to it, and it just the rough mix, it is not the completed mix. I can't hardly wait until we get it back. Also the songs, they are from many different writers. They are not songs that were given to several different artists to record, resulting in different groups with one label recording the same songs. Know what I mean?

Nick, while I still think a lot of you, I think you need to examine what you are saying, and practice what you preach.

The main difference between the first project we did with Song Garden and the one we just completed is when you were there, it seems all you were interested in was the money. The project we just completed with David Staton, he is interested in the artist. There in lies a major difference. That is why, in my opinion there is a difference in "Professional" and "Amateur" groups. We all, many times, have the same abilities, it is what the producer can make you do that makes the difference.

Nick, I don't mean this ugly but xometimes we need to practice what we preach.

Lacy

Commented by On 07/03/2008

I hate to see the kind of un-Christlike post that Lacy Pittman just posted. He closes it by saying, "I don't mean to be ugly", but what part of the post was NOT ugly, Lacy?

I think that Lacy was trying to be mean spirited. And who really cares that Lacy like David Staton better? What does that have to do with this column or the response? It's evident that Lacy has an ax to grind.. or maybe someone at Song Garden does.

And I'll say that I find Nick to be EXACTLY the opposite of the way Lacy describes him. I guess beauty - or lack of it - is in the eye of the beholder. I don't mean to be ugly, Lacy, but if you held and hold these things against Nick.. why didn't you email him privately? That would have been the Christlike thing to do.

Commented by On 07/03/2008

Having been involved in SGM for several years, I readily agree with Mr. Bruno. There are numerous groups and individuals performing at a sub-standard level and yet have a ultra-glamourized view of themselves that is beyond comprehension. I have become so weary working with individuals who have little, if any, musical knowledge, not to mention talent. I have friends who refuse to listen to SGM because of this and have turned to contemporary music exclusively. I continue to support many of the wonderful groups out there such as the Hoppers, Booth Brothers, etc.. My earnest prayer for SGM is they will raise the standard.

Commented by On 07/03/2008

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