I can’t recall the last time I posted something in the Buggin’ Me series. But this particular issue has really been buggin’ me over the past few weeks…
I get press releases all day, every single day. By way of background, GospelPundit.com is not a media source that re-publishes press releases– I decide whether I wanna talk about the topic and, if I do, I re-write what matters and put my own slant on it… I don’t cut and paste.
The purpose of press releases is to alert the press/public of some newsworthy event or occurrence. But lately, I’ve been getting several press releases that don’t just announce something– they announce something while making a dig at someone else. Some are implicit, others are downright blatant.
A few weeks ago, Label A and Artist A launched a very public feud by way of press releases. First, the label sent notice that Artist A violated his recording contract by recording for another label. Then, Artist A’s team shot a press releases in response, essentially saying “no, I didn’t… you’re trippin’.”
What surprised me was that my inbox was being made privvy to a dispute that had been brewing for months and suddenly spilled over into the public arena. And, because other media sites do simply republish press releases (especially the ”juicy” ones), the entire gospel community is now privvy to your drama. But now that we all know that… so what?
Another situation– three weeks ago, Artist P’s latest single hit #1 at radio and a press release was issued by his label. A week later, Artist Q’s single was #1 at radio and a press release was issued by his label. That’s normal– we get those all the time.
Last night, I saw another release from Artist P’s label, saying that his single is back at #1. It then went on to clarify that, in actuality, the only reason his single was even #2 last week (instead of staying at #1) was because of this factor and that factor. The press release sought to discredit the press release issued about Artist Q, so that we’d all understand what’s “really” going on and that Artist P still runs the show at radio. But again– now that we know that… so what?
I’m weirded out by it. It makes me wonder what matters most to some of the artists or their teams. It makes me wonder how authentic the artists are being, laughing with one another in-person, then swiping at each other with press releases.
In my opinion, there’s a way to give notice of your accomplishments without slinging mud. There is a way to build yourself up without chipping away at someone else.
I think, as professionals, we can do that. I think, as Christians, we’re called to. But maybe I’m just being naive…
What do you think?
I don't know why people think it is OK to put their business in the street. That is definitely unprofessional.
Tell'em why you mad, Son! LOL! Crazy... *running off to dig and figure out who you're talking about* LOL
@v4c - LOL! Me too! Hats off to EJ for not naming names and having integrity. Me? Not so much... :)
LMBO @ nia!
Well, you can't blame the Artists. It's the label and their publicists >> I'm sure Artist P and/OR Q are not sitting home monitoring the charts and writing press releases. Usually labels don't send the artists everyday press releases -- so maybe they don't even know their labels are being shady. So it's really a question of what's going on with and who are the gatekeepers of the industry.
Well said. And, I love the fact that you don't just cut and paste. Thanks for all that you do -
You know, normally I would not comment on things like this. But I've noticed the same things occurring. It's bazaar to me to see artists in the Christian community bickering back and forth at one another like the secular world. I agree. It makes you think, "Who's team are you really on? Are you doing this to be seen? Or for fame and fortune? Are you doing this for the kingdom of God? Most of the time the unsaid answer is Fame and fortune or to be seen. Anyway, the Bible says "seek ye first the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness and all these things will be added unto me." It's time we came back to that. If each artist became serious and did that there would not be any petty issues to deal with.
First of all as true Christians we need to remember we are in the same army and fighting the same enemy..unlike the world who competes. We should not be in competition with gospel songs but loving one another and praying that God will touch someone through the songs...and praying God will anoint one another to sing and bring someone hope, joy, encouragement and bring the presence of God down through a song. Christians should be singing for the glory of God, not to be full of pride and try in get some of the glory. Amen? Let's give the glory and honor and rating to who it truly belongs. For without him, you would not have a song to sing. And without the anointing you are nothing but sounding brass and tinkling cymbals anyway..talking loud but not saying nothing! Lets get in unity and do a mighty work for God.
yeah man, i was dissappointed that label put out the press release about the lawsuit. That's not something that the public really needed to know. All they were trying to do was to diminish his character. I hope they get it all straightened out...
Thank you Gospel Pundit for saying this. I totally agree with everything you wrote on this matter. I too received all those press releases and found them interesting, at best! Notice how both parties have "retreated" and its back to doing business as usual? Well, at least for now. Drama to be continued?....I pray not.
I agree that it is sad that this happens, especially in the Gospel Music industry. We are supposed to operate under a different standard. I have seen some of that news and I'm like, "It's nice that you are at #1, but your project has been out for 3 months." Unfortunately, that's how it goes in Gospel music. That being said, those types of news stories simply don't impress me. Thanks for shining a light on this issue. Maybe some of these artists will be convicted and turn to their labels and publicists and ask them to do better.
well said melly welly!!