Who cares about gospel music videos these days? I don’t mean that flippantly, I actually want an internet “show of hands” if you care.
I don’t think I do. Not much, at least. But then, I don’t care much for music videos in general anymore…
It was one thing when Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video came out… a music video MEANT something. And for a decade or so to follow, people were creative and imaginative, making visual experiences out of something that was, at one time, purely auditory. For a time, we loved to watch music videos over and over again, to see cool shots, maybe even learn choreography. But now, seen it once, you’ve seen it enough.
These days, people treat music videos like another checklist item on the record label “to do” list. Even music television stations like MTV, VH1 and BET show more original programming than music videos. And if they do show a music video, you tend to only get a snippet of it, not the full thing. And that’s in mainstream music.
Glance over at the smaller niche genres, like gospel, and I really have to scratch my head at artists and labels who are so quick to make (and PAY FOR) a music video.
I think many gospel artists think that a music video means you’ve “made” it. But where, in the current state of our industry, do you think you’re making it to? It doesn’t necessarily translate to a wider audience or an increase in sales. And to the artist who says “I’m not doing it for those reasons… I just want someone to be blessed by the video footage,” I say “QUIT IT.” It’s a tool and it’s okay to view it as such. And given that it is one, it might do us well to assess whether it’s a wise tool in which to invest.
And once you have it, to whom are you showing it? The reality is that, for most gospel fans, the only time we CAN see a gospel music video on television is on Sunday mornings, between 10am and 12 noon. And guess where most gospel fans will be during that time? Church. So, artists and labels spend time and money to create a product that can generally only be experienced at a time when their core audience can’t actually experience it! Not wise.
And for those of you who’d say “but, what about getting it featured on gmc.com or posting it to YouTube?” Maybe. But I’m someone who sits in front of a computer all day. In fact, I make my living that way. And I’m not watching a music video. I might do it once, but I definitely won’t do it a second time.
I’m not writing this to gripe. Really I’m not. I honestly am serious and quite curious– who cares about gospel music videos these days???
But, EJ, my friend, you post videos up on your page all the time! LOL!
EJ, I think you are right about Gospel music videos. Mainstream videos aren't even being shown. For example, the rumor that was going around about MTV banning Lady Gaga and Beyonce's "Telephone" video. While it was just a rumor, most people were like "So what? MTV rarely shows videos anyway". The video STILL got 2 million views on youtube and other sites and is still a top vid on Itunes. In terms of Gospel videos, I don't know many artists who are still making concept videos. You may get a few of the "major" gospel artists who still make videos, but most aren't even investing in those. Most videos I see are the some-what cheesy, low quality videos from independent artists.
@Gospelman: oh yeah. :-( WELL! I ain't gonna any more! LOL Nah, I'm playing... you raise a good point.
*Shaking my head* I sure don't! Most gospel artists have a limited budget for it and, as a result, the videos are hokey and cheesy. I agree that snippets from live recordings are sufficient enough for Video programs and web clips, AND give a more realistic and heart felt vibe for the song.
For me I still care for music videos today. The videos that are out now have no boundaries and this generation is influenced by the things they see so Good quality Gospel music videos are really needed because it needs to be known how good God is with the music video format.
You're friends wit enough people in the industry. Ask em! :)
I personally love music videos! (Good ones anyway) I may be in the minority because I was a Digital Film major. I love it when a video looks good, makes sense, and adds to the music. I don't care if it doesn't make tv, I usually catch them online, and that helps me get acquainted with new artists or people I may have overlooked.
I have to say i still do care alot for music videos because i think it`s a different form of expression for the artist.Yes some videos are not done as well as they should but that form of expression i think is relevant for the industry,yes they cost alot of money but some good ones do come out. I think the Christian hip hop industry has done well with their videos and some gospel artists too.I am the kind of person who gets infront of a computer and actually looks up some good videos.
I haven't cared since I saw my first one and it was so insignificant that I don't even remember the artist or the story line. My question was always why do I need to see a video of a bunch of people singing either with no message or a weak one. Just do a live DVD with a good praise break, tender worship moments, and Jesus Christ Himself, and I'm sold.
I think there will always be someone who cares. What is passe to one person is often current to another. Anyone with a video camera can make a video. Youtube has proven that. When it comes to expense, I've seen excellent photographs taken with a drug store disposable camera by someone with a great eye for composition. Sometimes the adage, "You get what you pay for" is quickly spoken by people who demand top dollar, and have expensive tools, but deliver substandard work because they don't know how to successfully employ artistic elements and principles... Music videos aren't new. It's all art, art is subjective, and creativity is always relevant. However, when the name of Jesus is so intricately linked to a thing, many people don't leave too much room for creative license, and have a very difficult time reconciling the sacred with the artistic. As with all forms of Art, some people will love and applaud it, while others will consider it cheesy. Perhaps the decline in interest, if there really is one, is due to the fact that people listen to music--they don't look at it. Besides, it's disheartening to have experienced a phenomenal, well produced audio-visual presentation, only to be sorely disappointed during a live performance.
I think as long as Youtube exists, there will always be an avenue for videos. People are still watching them, there are music videos at over 50 million in views. So it's not totally extinct. I do agree that a live clip from the recording would be more cost efficient but what about artists who record in the studio. They need ways for visibility too.
I totally agree with you. They are rarely well done or even intersting enough to hold my attention. Thanks for speaking up!
I think there should and will be a great Gospel music video that stands out from the rest and is really good, annointed, and can bless someone. If it's a video with a great storyline and dialougue, it would be great. Plus Mary Mary has had some great music videos like Yesterday and I Worship You and Kirk Franklin Declaration (just to name a few). I still care that is if the video is good and has a meaning
If the artist is established or has a crossover hit, MAYBE. All other gospel artists, especially the ones just starting out, use the money you would have used for a music video, put in more work on your first single and travel to promote it!
It depends on who it is. Like MaryMary and BeBe & CeCe are on BET channels and VH1 Soul all the time. I'm a fan of all music & artistry and I gotta give it to someone like Lady GaGa. She's MAD Creative. I don't agree with a lot of stuff she does... But from a creative stand point she's a artist. We need more art driven ppl like her.
Obviously I'm biased because I work for gmc.com, but I will say that we get a lot of traffic from our videos online, so we won't stop hosting them any time soon. I also get to sit in on my company's screening meetings when we look at the videos to decide where to put them (or not put them), and I actually really look forward to that part of the week. It's a bonding experience for me and my co-workers, to say the least! We actually see some really high-quality videos. We've even added Whitney Houston's and it will show up during the 11 am to 1 pm block in a couple of weeks. We also see our fair share of BAD ones, but for every bad one there's one that gives me chill bumps. Granted these are across all genres within gospel & Christian, but we do see some good 'uns. Ledisi, Chris Searcy ("Addicted" - great, fun song and video from an indie), and an awesome new country duo called Coldwater Jane had everybody (and I mean everybody) in the room's toes tappin'. I can definitely see how the view is that they're passe, but I still love 'em and hope that our network always plays at least some.
i live videos..i hope they keep making them
For an up and coming artist a video can be a great marketing tool. You can do a quality cost effective video to build a fanbase and get your message out to people you may never meet in different parts of the country. Especially when you tag it to a mainstream artist. Its been proven...people have become famous off of youtube.
i thought i cared but after i read this article, i went to youtube to look for some gospel videos and realized that if it's not video of a live performance video, i'm not interested. most of the time, the "concepts" just don't work out for me. either they are not well thought out or the artist doesn't have the money to make it clear and it ends up looking cheap. examples i can think of: Byron Cage "Goodbye" (it could be that i just don't like the song) and The Pace Sisters video that BET plays every Sunday morning on Video Gospel, lol. It's Already Done Done or something like that?
@Easy i feel you on this one. Intrested in your opinion on other things as well. Would like to hear from you. Gospel videos do suffer from weak choices in terms of concepts. Even these live recording setups leave me wondering what was the person in charge thinking.
I needed a moment to figure out what I really thought about this particular blog entry.... So here's what I figured out: The idea/point of gospel music videos is the same as the gospel music as an income-generating industry in general: a day late and a dollar short. Music videos (in general) didn't become a popular thing really until after MJ's classic "Thriller". MTV would barely play music videos by Black artists until when, after Thriller? Anywhoo: the history needed to be discussed to share what's happening with gospel music videos now: 1) there's never been an established outlet for these videos to play in the past, and even with YouTube today, there's not a consistent following to generate income. The fan has to look for the video on YouTube versus a consistent place where these videos are shown. And in the age of the internets, there's too many places competing for folks' time and attention. So on top of all that, most of these videos, esp. the concept videos, are bad, poorly produced knock-offs of secular versions.... in other words, nothing original. I have a few concert DVDs but it's because for the most part, I buy pretty much anything these gospel music artists make (Israel Houghton and Fred Hammond, specifically). Everybody else? It's a BIG "eh".... YouTube doesn't make/keep anybody famous...well, maybe it does...because the quality standard for entertainment has been reduced to NOTHING. Sigh....
Your right TamTam.
Well, I have to jump in on this... I am an indie artist myself and last year I filmed my first Music Video. Most folk would think I was crazy for spending that type of money and not even be signed or have full distribution with a major label. But I am a proponent for expressing the true art form of film & music. Michael Jackson mastered that art and I admired that... So I still feel that Music Vids in Gospel still have it's place... It's a little disappointing that there aren't many platforms on TV to showcase great quality Gospel Music Vids, but thank God for YouTube... Now, I still have to publicly thank GMCtv for showing love to my music vid "Tell The World" (although they don't play it anymore :-(.....) It was a great introduction for me to the rest of the country.. I still have lots of work to do (currently working on filming my 2nd Music Vid) but I personally feel that there's still a place for QUALITY Gospel Music Vids'...
With the limited amout of outlets and limited finances, videos may not be a wise investment but they are a necessary sacrifice. If their message is going to reach the world, gospel music artists must continue to use a medium that can reach the unchurched. Few of the unchurched may be up early enough to hear the gospel music segment on their favorite RnB station on Sunday but few tune to a gospel radio station. A quality gospel music video on Centric or BET will capture their attention and express God’s love for them. Of course, finding a record executive to agree may be impossible but a video is not only a promotional piece but should be a witnessing tool. Artists face a tremendous challenge financing a quality video that represents the Kingdom with excellence. This is just a great opportunity to see God’s favor and provision.
i'm late... but point blank. Gospel music industry is SMALL. Record label budgets for quality music videos are SMALL or non existent. Because of these facts, outlets to play these videos are very few. I think sometimes we think the gospel music industry is as big as Hip Hop or something... its not, its a small genre that produces small revenue in the grand scheme. We have to be realistic, creating big budget videos is just not worth it. Be creative, utilize YouTube, pull out a camcorder and get to work. I've seen more creative videos for skits at my church than i've seen on Bobby Jones. Videos are not revenue streams... so until the industry gets to a point where it can splurg on videos like the secular market, creating small budget, weak videos are pointless. IMO
I will have to say that it depends on what audience you are trying to reach. For the younger generation, they watch youtube and other sites like regular TV. So I think you still have to make your presentation effective. I will agree that people are not being as creative as they were in the past but I think the change in the industry causes artists to be more cautious about how they spend their budgets. That's just my take on it.
I wish I could see more Gospel video's...I want to see visual to the songs that we hear..I think some really tight concepts could be interjected...I think if they could get played at a better time that would help..but I would like to see more..even though you say its not cost effect...it could be soul saving effective...thats just my thoughts
YEA TODAY NOBODY CARES ABOUT GOSPEL MUSIC VIDEOS.PEOPLE ARE TO BUSY GOING TO CHRUCH ON SUNDAY TO WATCH THEM.AND IT COST TOO MUCH MONEY.AMD GOSPELMUSIC IS ABOUT PRAISE AND WORSHIP.NOT ABOUT ENTERTAINING.SO ALL THE PLOTS AND STORY LINES JUST TAKE A WAY FROM ENTERING IN. THE BEST WAY TO GO IS DOING A DVD OF EXCELLENT QUAILTY.IF YOU DO THAT PEOPLE WILL MORE LIKELY WANT TO BUY IT AND ASK FOR IT AS VIDEO ON GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNELS LIKE GMC. BET WORD NETWORK ETC. PLUS LIVE DVD RECORDINGS ARE JUST PLAIN AND SIMPLE BETTER TO SO.IT SHOWCASE PRAISE AND WORSHIP AND THE ARTIST INTENSITY AND HEART. WELL THATS MY 2 CENTS. PEACE AND GOD BLESS
I do not care about MAINSTREAM gospel music. Quite frankly, Christian Contemporary Music, for me is just a little more creative. Gospel music has lost it's way and I'm not sure that our culture can bring it back. Gospel music used to be about God....now gospel music has become fodder for self-help and self-empowerment, which is not the purpose of the gospel. Now we have all these sub-genres....Neo-Soul Gospel, R/B Gospel, Holy Hip Hop, etc. All of these gospel artists, musicians, and ministries....IS ANYBODY GETTING SAVED???? Or do you see what I see....things are getting worse. For the past several years, I have supported local gospel music artists and ministries in the St. Louis area. Artists I can actually talk to and see regularly and whose ministries I can monitor. I'm tired of giving my 15 dollars to Kirk Franklin only for him to buy another shiny suit or Ricky Dillard and get "drop it like it's hot" performances on stage. I'd like to support artists who actually help ppl with their music....those who do concerts in prisons, homeless shelters, CHURCHES THAT CANNOT PAY 25,000 DOLLAR HONORAIUMS, etc. What are some of these folks doing gospel for????? As far as gospel videos, there are children starving in Haiti....why are God's people spending tens of thousands of dollars on videos when somebody out there needs food. Gospel music and its fans have lost their priorities!
@EJ: I love to watch concerts recorded live as videos, but I am not sure if you are placing that in the category of gospel videos described in your post. Many of the videos with a plot and actors do seem to be missing something. I can always imagine a better presentation and actors with more talents after I view one. One video with Tonex banging on fences with long bangs had me cracking up for hours. I am still wondering, "What in the world was THAT?" lol I can relate to the redundant, absolutely redundant pattern of showing the main character in a new way by the end of the video. However, I did like J Moss and 21:03's production with the camera vibrations and the band instruments-current, realistic, and exciting presentation. I downloaded and purchased that one from Itunes. The Clark Sister's most recent live recording on DVD that came with the cd was a treasure. When I purchased that one it was the last copy in the store, and I do not believe in coincidences. That was a divine moment when I snatched it up. I share that video with coworkers. It came with an interview at the end-sooooo absolutely special! I loved it! Yeah, there has to be more creativity involved, or just show the artist doing what they do best and retelling why. I was very pleased with Marvin Sapp's recording. For better videos, they could try working with those directors of major plays, such as David Talbert. I admire the way that he coordinates a gospel selection within a scene for a play. The videos should be placed in the cd for sale as a bonus video. That way, the target audience is reached through a better form of advertisement. Everyone loves a bonus. Some may purchase just for the bonus (I have several times), but then again I am the gospel music librarian at my church. One type of video that needs to be removed ASAP are those gospel videos showing rap artists with their clothes hanging off. After the famous presentation on American Idol called "Pants on the Ground", how can these artists continue to make videos for the Christian audience in that attire? My laughter grows louder with each viewing!
i do care and i'm glad they make 'em and i hope they don't stop!