Breaking into the Christian music
Gospel music success requires business savvy
Saturday, September 23, 2006
DENISE FORD-MITCHELL
THE SAGINAW NEWS
Breaking into the Christian music industry isn’t as easy as most aspiring singers think, a former gospel radio disc jockey says.
It requires more than undeniable talent, said Chris Banks, owner of the Saginaw Township-based Alliance Marketing and Associates promotions agency.
The few artists who do make it in the business have one thing in common — business savvy — emphasized Banks, former longtime host of the top-rated Gospel Calvacade radio show broadcast on Sunday mornings on Saginaw’s WTLZ-FM, 107.1; and a similar show, years later on Flint’s WFLT-AM, 1420. He left the broadcasting business 15 years ago, but he maintained his ties to the industry.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who really think they can hand a demo tape to someone and that’s that,” he explained. “That may have worked back in the day, but that’s not the case today.”
To help Christian music wannabes, Banks will sponsor a free gospel music seminar and showcase from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, at Center of Attraction Outreach, 4375 S. Washington in Spaulding Township.
The seminar will feature presentations by gospel music industry insiders including entertainment lawyers, managers, promoters and new artists such as recording artist Vickie Farrie of Jacksonville, Fla.,
Each will discuss tips on breaking into the recording industry, answer questions and offer advice on how to get their work on radio stations’ playlists. A musical service, showcasing Farrie, begins at 7 p.m.
“There is so much talent in mid-Michigan,” he said. “I want to get the word out to people that they have an opportunity to actually meet and network with people in the business, so they can hear for themselves what they need to do if they are really serious about a gospel music ministry.
“It can’t be just something to do. The music business is just that, a business. So often you get very talented people in the business and they will only read the first page and no more of the contract. That’s what gets them into financial trouble.
“Unfortunately, there are so many artists in the gospel and secular music industry who have not made a dime off their hard work because they neglected to hire an attorney who specializes in entertainment law to explain what they’re signing. This seminar is designed to help them avoid the ‘been there, done that’ mistakes,” added Banks, who worked in the radio business for more than 25 years.
There’s a process to everything, he added.
“Yes, it’s a business, but it also is a ministry. If people aren’t really ‘called’ to this ministry and aren’t willing to work hard to perfect their craft and learn as much as they can, it’s not going to work.
“I had heard so many stories I knew it was time to do something. Sadly, everyone who is approaching people in the name of the Lord aren’t always looking out for that person’s best interest. This is a talent the Lord gave me so I am going to use it to help others get the exposure needed to open some doors.
“Hopefully, the church will overflow with people. However, if we can help just one person not go into the business blind, we’ve accomplished our goal.”
For information and to participate in the gospel-only seminar call Banks at 790-8604.v