Is it just me, or is Myron Butler a bit underrated in the gospel industry?
He has released three reeeally good projects since his earlier successful days with God’s Property. He’s a great songwriter and producer. He produced and arranged the daylights out of the vocals on Marvin Sapp’s latest project, Here I Am. He brings innovative music to the table EVERY time.
But I don’t feel like he gets his due. His latest album, Revealed… Live In Dallas, should be higher on the charts. His latest single “Speak” should be gettin’ more spins at radio and could be heard more in churches.
I dunno… I just think that people lump him into a category with a bunch of other artists/groups with similar formats– but they’re not the same. At all.
Is it just me?
I'll have to agree. He is better than what his image seems to portray him. His first release still gets heavy play from me! Set me Free was a groundbreaking project to me.
Brotha...I was thinking the EXACT same thing on the way to work this morning. Though I didn't really like the mix on his second cd, the first one was AMAZING and this latest one is excellent as well. I was listening to Gospel radio thinking to myself, "Why am I not hearing his stuff on the radio more???" This is what's wrong with the Gospel industry in my opinion. Good music should be heard no matter who it's by or whether or not they're signed or indie. Mali Music for example has an excellent cd in stores and yet he gets like zero radio play. The insustry is stale, and something needs to be done to fix it. It's funny, because CCM doesn't seem to have that problem. I constantly hear new artists getting radio play and being taken on tour to open up for the bigger artists. It keeps things fresh.
I never bought "Revealed". Why? Well...the first single didn't grab me. I didn't dislike it. But, it didn't secure the CD on my "must buy" list either. I never heard the second single. So, I just forgot about the project all together. HOWEVER, I just listened to the clips on Amazon and, I must say, I was impressed! I'll be downloading this very soon. I think part of the problem, from what I can tell from the clips, is that the CD is missing a real party starter. I IMMEDIATELY bought Set Me Free and Stronger based on those singles, alone. Both singles received plenty love from radio. I loved the Set Me Free project...Stronger was just okay to me. I appreciate Myron's ministry because on top of being a great creative mind, he can actually sing, lol. Who would have thunk that would EVER be an issue in GOSPEL music, LOL...hmm...
BTW...get "Speak" on the Pundit Player, EJ. Maybe that'll help!
OMG. Dont you know there are "strong men" in the music business? He has probably refused to "play ball" with some of the "powers that be" and so they are trying to "sit" on his "light" .... The bible says we should ARISE and SHINE ... so that men may see our good works and GLORIFY GOD ... I believe Myron Butler is getting his credit in the right places ... let the church say amen?
I agree! MB & Levi will prob always be my fave choir due to the quality of the material and also their universal appeal. Each album has had a song for every situation possible and are projects that are timeless.
I totally agree. I can not, for the life of me, understand why "Speak" is not playing on the radio, in my area, more often. I heard it one day and had to look up who sang it, because they didn't announce it. I realized I had the cd and hadn't opened it yet. But as you said, all of his project are awesome. The lyrics themselves are enough to keep me buying his stuff. I guess we need to call our local radio stations and ask them to play his stuff so others can be as blessed as we have been.
OMG iAgree EJ. He is phenomenal. His talent is way above some other artists & the spotlight & Speak is such an awesome song! He is definitely a winner in my book. I'm a huge fan of his.
I totally agree with you!!!!!!! I've enjoyed all 3 of their records. I enjoy his writing, his vocal arrangements, & the sound of Levi! The industry & radio seems to give them no love. Sad.
The case of Myron Butler speaks to my larger issue with the gospel community and radio stations. I rarely listen to the radio because there is no variety of music. Whether it be 104.1 (Gospel) or 91.9(CCM), I'm in MD by the way, they have the same sad rotation of songs. Some songs aren't even current but from like 3 or 4 years ago. I know a lot of people tend to have favorite songs and artists in the gospel community because Christian Music is timeless. It has a great way of transcending time and capturing a moment. Many people want to hear their favorite songs that brought them through rather than expand their listen to something that can freshly inspire. Not that there is anything wrong with that but the average person who listens to gospel is not going to reach beyond the radio. I find music the dance ministry at my church and many of the songs that I find for ministry they people have not heard of. I think that the industry has to do a better job of promoting and artist exposure. There are so many talented artists out there that don't get the recognition. I think that there is a direction that many of the artists can help Gospel Music move toward. I want to see something more, hear something more, hear something different. I like the risks that Myron Butler takes and the overall arrangement. Give me gospel music that is not predictable. I don't want to be able to sing the next 4 notes all the time in the progression. Surprise me Gospel Music Community. Present something to me that is different versus me finding it on my own. Get in my ear!
It's about time someone mentioned this! Ive always felt that way. Myron Butler has always been an innovator in Gospel Music. From his beginnings with DFW Mass Choir to God's Property, INC and Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation and ensembles, Myron was always the forefront man, creating a signature sound that's unparalleled. He (along with Candy West) is credited for the sound that Kirk Franklin has now. Marvin Sapp two latest projects should not only been credited for having great material but the craftsmanship, flawless creative execution and delivery of the backgrounds vocals should be noted as well, which was produced by Myron. Have you guys heard Ted & Sheri debut and last projects?? Myron Butler is all over that. With slick production and arrangements, Myron definitely shouldn't be classified with the rest. I dare to say he is a Walter Hawkins/Richard Smallwood of our era, in regards to his arrangements of vocals, music and songs. He embodies classic 70's soul, funk and jazz into Gospel, creating a sound and delivery that's matchless. Keep pressing Myron! Love your ministry & work!!! Also, EMI needs to step their marketing game up too. Not going go too much into this right now, but EMI saddens me when it comes to a promoting a project. They give it a month or two push before the release, release the project, maybe a month of push after the release and that's it! They tend to drop the ball and don't push as hard for their artists in a crippling industry. You have to be more creative in your approach. **SIDENOTE: I wish they would of keep Nikki Ross on "Run to the Cross". She nailed it at the live recording. It was awesome. Guess it was a label push to add Smokie in the studio. Also, Kirk didn't need to be added to the cut neither. His studio "cropped in" vocals wasn't needed and moreso didn't help in sales. Keep the live recording "LIVE" people!!!!
YEAH! Lol... And you ain't lyin 'bout the WACK gospel radio formats in MD. I don't even rarely listen...I don't listen to it at all! I listen to WEAA on Sunday Mornings (88.9, Morgan State...GO BEARS!)...and that's it.
Weird I was thinking the same recently...he is quite underrated and as Gospelfan mentioned he should have got a bit more credit for his contribution to marvin sapps last 2 albums cos the harmonies and BGV's really stood out
Myron's Speak...is one of the most anointed songs of the year! As a pastor it gives us the lift we need dealing with all types of people in our churches. We have to speak things into the atmoshere for God's presence to be glorified and the people of God edified. I love the ministry of Myron Butler! He's disciplined, a great writer, and a servant in this industry. It's not just you E.J. I dunno either why my brother isn't getting his just due; but when its all over--we're giving it to him!!
I agree 1,000%. Myron Butler is an INCREDIBLE producer/artist. I don't know if its the label he's signed to thats not marketing his music very well, or if he's indie. But all I know is Revealed was probably the best Gospel album of 2010. It was CRAAAAAAZY.
No! No! No! When are y'all/we going to learn to STOP WAITING ON OTHERS to tell us what to like and what we're to be exposed to?!!?!?? All of these record companies (gospel included) have what's called AGENDAS! So they promote who they want to promote for whatever reason(s) they want to promote. The Bible is still right: where your heart is is where your treasure is also. So I would advise everyone to STOP waiting for others to tell you what to do and study to show thyself approved by going out and discovering new music and when you discover an artist that you really like and you believe is worthy of attention, shout them out! Quit whining about these record companies! I didn't wait for a record company to tell me about Israel Houghton. I try to expose myself to new things on a regular basis and when I find something I like, I let people know, unashamedly and unapologetically.
I feel that his first album was exceptional. I wasn't to thrilled about his second album. But his Third album was definitely a must have. Overall he is underated as an artist.
Nice thread EJ, & a great compelling question. One I wrestle with almost daily. Myron is one of the most talented & humble people on the face of the planet. He & Levi have made 3 gifted bodies of work. Why they have not connected directly to people enough yet to purchase vs. acquire is a mystery. I still believe his season is coming. Until that happens....I must agree w/gospelfan. It's gotta be the record labels fault.
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE AND TOTALLY LOVE MYRON BUTLER.. I AGREE SET ME FREE WAS CLASSIC AND STRONG WAS OK BUT REVEALED IS AMAZING. NOT BETTER THAN SET ME FREE BUT WAYYY BETTER THAN STRONGER. HIS REMAKE OF "TIME AFTER TIME" BY CYNDI LAUPER SEALED THE DEAL THAT HE IS A MUSICAL GENIUS!
I agree. His style is a lil different, so I think that's why his sales havent been as high. Also don't think his last 2 records have been as strong as his first. I really thought the song "Speak" would be the song that really takes him to a higher level of popularity (its a great song) but I guess radio is ignoring. With that being said, gospel radio stinks:-)
I actually had the privilege of working on Marvin Sapp's (Here I Am)record with Myron and we just recorded Tonya Baker's recording(from Kingdom Records) last month. I must say it was a dream come true. I was a big fan of Myron back since God's Property days up until now, and his musical versatility is phenomenol. Even though everyone didn't feel Stronger as much, I believe it still shows his ability to do different things(which these days are not always welcomed). But I'm telling y'all. You are in for a treat with this new Tonya Baker record. Look out for it. Myron is going to take over. Let's just support!!
I respect Myron Butler's input into the gospel industry. He is a genius, not only that..when you listen to Him, He has a great heart of servanthood and humility. i appreciate His music with Levi, but my problem has always been that their music are probably a little bit too complex.It's great to push the boundaries here and there, but really these days, people appreciate songs they can hum to...songs that they can easily grab and not figure out.For me,on the Revealed album,It was Speak and other songs.The others were great for good listening songs,but Speak was the only song that really cam through for me.
If you're a great gospel music fan...and great music lover,you'll really love the diversity and creativity in Myron's music. But for the average consumer, will it really connect or jump out to you?..REally?
Hey Parris...Nice to see you on here. Knowing how much you worked with Tye Tribbett,I'll be happy to see your comments on the post/blog regarding Tye Tribbett's new record 'fresh'
I am not a fan of him,but I like some of this songs. I would not say he is underrated, but he is not get the attention. he deserves.
I didn't know Myron had but out 3 albums. So yes he is very underrated, but y'all can't always Blane the recored label. It takes a lot of money to promote these albums. And sometimes you have to go outside of the label and promote yourself. Keep waiting on these labels and you'll see a lot more underrated artist. Where I live at NC I don't listen to the radio at all because it's always the same artist singing the same types of songs. And also some stations don't tell you who sings the songs so you may think it's another artist, that happens a lot here. I also I believe him and other artist being underrated has a lot to do with the industry not wanting to help and embrace these new artist, because they may feel like if the new artist are pushed to the front then artist who's music is not relevant in this day and age may be pushed out. And let's just be honest not everybody's music is relevant now and even in the secular industry some of the artist we had in the 90s are not relevant now.
I don't think that its just the Labels. It's the industry as a whole and its audience. A lot of people just don't take Gospel serious. And a lot of Gospel is just bland. Everybody is doing the same thing. No one wants to be different. Each album sounds like a continuation of one before. Gospel is just becoming played out. Yes the lyrics will always remain the same, because the Lord everlasting.... But styles are not. Lol... It's time to switch it up. I appreciate Moron Butler for his first album. It's was like a breath of fresh air. The soul in "That Place" & the energetic "Set Me Free". It was great."Stronger", was just ok.... And this new album is in my opinion following the trend of everyone else. Im sorry the Praise & Worship sound needs to be locked away or reinvented. It's funny cuz I remember when Praise & Worship was considered a white thing. Imo Israel & Fred is the ONLY two who does P&W right, and that's because they put their own spend on it. I will agree with the person who said that EMI is the pits. Poor Kierra Sheard :(. She is too talented to be handled that way. Not to mention what was done with CeCe Winan's last album. Ugh!
He is definitely not underrated. If he were underrated, he would not get the producing and other high profile jobs with noted artists. He is 'under played' on the radio. This could be changed with a few phone calls. He is outstanding.
I am definitely a fan of Myron, because he brings a good change to the gospel music game. I was a even bigger fan when I saw him in the live recording for his latest project in Dallas. One thing for sure is that he is a man of God that knows how to create an atmosphere for praise and worship in a refreshing way. I think people should and will support him and his music ministry...it's the REAL DEAL!!