Websites charging indie artists for CD exposure!

[Kenny G]

I just wanted to get a feel from everyone on an issue that's been raised regarding black gospel music websites who charge independent gospel artists fees to showcase them on their websites. Now I'm not sayin it's wrong I just want to get your opinion on the matter!

There is a gospel music website that is launching an indie network for unsigned artists. They want to charge you a $99 setup fee and $9.99 a month maintenance fees until Jan 2002 to showcase, host pictures and a bio in order to gain more exposure in the gospel music community.

Ok I'm not going to name the website that's about to start this program but I will say this much. When I began thinking about creating a website for gospel music enthusiates I did not seek to make money off of independent gospel artists. I wanted to create an atmosphere that was pleasing to all gospel artists. A place where independent artists could stop by and share information as well as promote their own individual projects. A place where they can get their new projects showcased and reviewed. Oh and by the way, I'm not the only one doing this kind of thing for new artists. www.nuthinbutgospel.com and www.contempogospel.com also showcase independent artists as well and I would imagine for free! I don't think they charge to review someone's new CD project or showcase them on their website!

Ok maybe it's just me but I kinda think I'm doing a service for the gospel music community as a whole!

What are your thoughts? ...please everyone chime in!  

[William]

Kenny g,

I think you are doing a fantastic thing for independent gospel artists. I am not a musician however I do know what its like to be taken for a ride. I'm sure that all the indie artists out there (although I don't see their responses here) appreciate all that you are doing for them.

Its not everyday a brotha' like yourself goes out of his way to share his talent and website realestate for some no name gospel artists that may or may not have what it takes to make it big in the gospel music industry.

Keep up the great work that you do and don't get sucked into trying to cash in $$'s on the backs of the indie artists who may not have the funds to do promotions and advertising themselves.

Keep the faith my brotha!

william

[pianoman]

Hey Kenny this is Jeffery Turner with J.T.Promotions Inc. Your right there shouldn't be a charge for inde to heard. Sometimes thet don't have all that money to pay for someone to review there music and still want play it. My artist are Candi Staton and Isaac Mullin and they are doing well. But every bit helps keep up the GREAT work and know that God sees all. I will even do what I can do to help you also. So just reach out. Happy Holidays and my God Bless you richly. Jeffery Turner

[Kenny G]

Hey Jeffrey,

Whatever you can do to get the word out that Gospel Crib showcases new talent on a weekly basis as well as keeps bios on each artist would be great!

Also, since you represent several gospel artists why don't you send us a promo package so we can get them on Gospel Crib as well!

Send to:

Kenny G
Gospel Crib
2975 Holly Springs Rd
Marietta, Ga 30062-6653

Peace and Happy Holidays!

KG:)

[test guy]

hello

[Rick Dirck PCAudioWire]

The cheapest method for getting any singer's or band's music out to a greater audience is by sharing them through the existing P2P sites. I realize that the reason for charging musicians to expose their music is because the site's bills need to be paid somehow. The pricing seems to be reasonable... at first glance.

The problem (and I do think it is a problem) is that even if a performer can afford the expense for one site... look how quickly the costs increase when you start talking about multiple sites. It is by using multiple sites, that your songs begin to build a following.

P2P sites are driven by music fans (Gospel is huge!) who seek the music they love and they are supported by (ech!) ads. But the music truley does flow for free and new Gospel is very much a part of it.

Sites that charge Indies will end up missing out on the kind of songs that are the products of unbridled celebration of the Spirit and are not driven by considerations of money and careers.

That's just my two-cents. But heck, maybe they know something I don't.

Rick D.

[Kenny G]

Rick, I see you feelin' me on this thang!

That's what I'm talkin' bout "unbridled celebration of the Spirit "

Gospel Music is bigger than us. If God wants his children heard...they will get heard..with or without us!

I'm out ...Peace:)

[Reginald]

Greetings To All...

My name is Rev. Reginald Marshall, General Manager at Gospel 106FM in Centerville, Texas. Gospel 106FM - KTCJ is a 24 Hour gospel radio station, currently operating at 25, 000 watts. I would like to personally invite ALL gospel recording artists as well as Record Company Executives, to send us your music for airplay review. We're Streaming "Live" over the internet at www.ktcj.com

Feel free to visit us on line and start enjoying the very best in gospel music programming. By the way, don't forget to sign our guestbook.

Sincerely,

Rev. Reginald Marshall
GENERAL MANAGER
1-866-845-0553
[e-mail]