Friday, March 7, 2014

The Songwriter’s Responsibility



One of my co-laborers in ministry was looking at my music catalogue and inquired why one of Black Gospel music’s best selling songs was not a part of my repertoire. I informed her that I was tired of the song.  The song was an awesome production of instruments and vocal expertise.  The problem was, the song did not make any sense.  It was as if the songwriter penned a bunch of random thoughts together and made it into a song.  The concept would have worked had there been check and balances in place by the songwriter, the artists, the producer, the record label, and the program director.  But the ultimate responsibility belongs to the songwriter, especially in the Black Gospel music industry. 

The Black Gospel music industry seems to be of the mindset that if a song saturates the airwaves and social media, issues and all, it will be a commercial success.  After all, a brand is involved so it must be good...really?  There is nothing more exciting than a “brand” making a star out of a someone who has had limited success as an artist.  So who is going to tell a brand that their song consists of random thought patterns, similar to someone who might be bi-polar?  Apparently no one who could make a difference.

The industry is extremely bold in its insult to consumers.  They allow songs to be sold and aired that clearly have issues that should have been fixed while in production.  I liken the Black Gospel music industry to a parent that gives a child a constant diet of sugar and fast food all of the formative years of their lives.  It’s a quick fix and unhealthy, “but everyone is doing it” and generates a lot of revenue.  We all know that vegetable and whole grains are better for you but those types of foods will never sell as well as fast foods and sweets.  I realize that many of the mainstream record companies and radio stations are only concerned about a song’s commercial success, but this is Gospel music.  It's supposed to be more than a melody, a beat, and vocal runs and riffs.

I am not alone in my belief that the industry as a whole is lacking in music for the purpose of ministry.  Aside from the songs for the Praise and Worship portion of our church services, we are limited in new music selections appropriate for Sunday morning choir ministry if we solely rely on mainstream radio programming.  Many Black Gospel chorale directors and music enthusiasts alike don’t listen to mainstream radio on a regular basis.  They are turning to online radio, YouTube, and streaming media sites such as SoundCloud and Spotify to find great music.  As such, more and more, Black Gospel industry brands are now hosting mainstream radio shows to attract listeners.  

Too many songwriters are cranking out so much watered down Gospel music that has absolutely, nothing to do with the Bible.  It is commercially appealing but it is not suitable for the church atmosphere.  It’s perfect for showmanship, but does nothing for the sake of ministry.  I was taught that Gospel music is supposed to edify, uplift, encourage, persuade, and console the listener.  That it sets the atmosphere for praise and worship, and for the Word of God to resonate with the hearer. 

We, who are blessed with the gift and anointing to pen the Word of God in song, should never be contributors to the indifference that laces the Black Gospel music industry.  We must walk in our call and continue to be responsible songwriters.

I bid you God’s peace, blessings, and much love.

8 comments:

  1. I'm not a Gospel Music songwriter or psalmist but I do know what I like. There is a lot of great Gospel music out there . . . On the other hand, there is a lot of Gospel Music that is just plain NOISE! Take away the beat and the musical instruments, then listen to the words. What you have leftover is: 'A whole lot of nothing'.

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    1. Thank you Tony! I do understand. There is nothing worse than sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. We must strive for excellence in music ministry. Thank God for the responsible songwriter that catches the ear of a knowledgeable choir master. Stay encouraged, there is still great music being penned and ministered!

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  2. make a joyful noise!! I am a gospel artist, but I like all kinds of music, i truly appreciate the music of Donald Lawrence, kirk franklin and mary mary, and how they combine the traditional gospel sound, with the modern sounds and rythms OF TODAY, to reach everyone of all ages! i am minister nate roz, of the gospel/inspirational band, NEW JAM REVIVAL!!!...WE JAM FOR GOD!!!

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    1. Hi Minister Nate! It is so nice to meet you. Thank you for your comments. God bless you and New Jam Revival. Know that I am praying for success in every area of your ministry. Continue to Jam for God!

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  3. I will be a silent admirer of this blog. I am still proud of you and remember our days with Le Esemble' Benet... hope I spelled it correctly....

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    1. Hi Maurice!

      There is no need to be silent. You have been in music ministry since...forever! Please feel free to chime in. I respect your unbiased opinion. And you did spell it correctly.

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  4. This is spot-on Sonja. I have to spend countless hours combing the web for songs with substance. Or go way back and dust off some music from back in the day. But I'd rather take the time to do that than to serve Gods people junk food that does not sustain us. I pray that I am always mindful of the call to be a responsible songwriter. Thank you for starting this blog!! Hopefully it can be a vehicle to raise consciousness for both the writer and the listener/consumer. Love you Daughter!!

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    1. Hey Daughter!

      Thank you for weighing in on this subject matter. It is a needed discussion. I stopped attending many musicals and choir anniversaries because of the "junk food" that was being served under the guise of ministry. I thank God for you and all co-laborers who take the necessary time to prepare a repertoire worthy of being called music ministry. Continue to walk in your call. God has gifted, anointed, and appointed you as a responsible songwriter. In the words of that prolific songwriter, Donald Lawrence, "The gift, it looks good on you and you wear it well! Love you more Precious Heart!

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