This is a harsh reality and I don’t really have a way to sugarcoat it, so I’m just gonna type it– your music is new, but it’s not good.
And I don’t mean “not good” in the sense that it’s evil or doesn’t glorify God. I think God knows your musical heart and is pleased with your offering of praise. If you’re yielded to Him, He loves that, and I’ll prolly see you in Heaven. We’ll do lunch.
I’m talking about when you make it and try to SELL it…
See, I get lots of press releases, emails, tweets and smoke signals from artists and their camps– “NEW music”… “NEW single”… “NEW video”… “NEW artist”… “NEW mixtape.”
And all of it is incredibly true! It’s all NEW. And we, as a society, looove “new” things. We love having the new phones, the new apps, the new houses, cars and clothes. We even love having the new perspectives, new revelations and new points-of-view. Newness abounds and we eat it up. We crave it.
But, I think I’d settle for GOOD over NEW any day. And that’s particularly true in music.
From the influx of messages I get about how “new” something is, I fear that many are mistaking “newness” as the primary virtue of music.
When the adjectives used to describe your music focus more on its novelty than its quality, there’s a problem.
You “practically live” in the studio, huh? That’s not necessarily admirable. Sure, it means you’re able to constantly create, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re creating GOOD music. Of what value is it if we’re machines cranking out tons of goods that break after a couple of uses? How dope are we in the vocal booth, or mixing on the board, if our shiny new tunes lose their luster after a few spins, and everyone is on to the next “new” thing?
And this isn’t just for new artists– it’s for established ones, too. And actually, it’s not just about music– it applies to me and my blog, me and my work, me and my… whatever.
Let’s not allow our best “selling points” to be that the item is new. Let’s be able to say that, once tested, everyone agreed that it was GOOD.
Your music is only “new” until it’s not. But truly good music never grows old.
Is it just me?
Oh, it's DEF not just you! I was JUST discussing this very thing with someone yesterday. In trying to do a "new" thing, artists have discarded the elements that worked in the "old" thing. And, yeah, the "new" thing may impress me artistically and keep me on the hook for a bit...but it rarely has the substance to keep me there. Great points, EJ!
Young man, i know why I admire your work; you are honest, sincere, and keep it real. Yes, we get caught up in the term "new"; but where is the substance, the depth, the truth, and more importantly the message of Jesus Christ. As a new aspiring artists; i desire to have good music; the generation of today will purchase something new today and never wear it or listen to it again after one time. I can listen to an old classic everytime and get refreshed. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. Artists like Marvin Winans can take a hymn and turn out any new joint on the charts!
I couldn't agree more !! I reflect upon a mix-cd I made year that consisted of my favorite gospel songs. When I listened to it this past week, every Tye Tribbet song - got surpassed immediately but as soon as "I'm Encouraged" by Thomas Whitfield came on my soul rejoiced, because that is truly good music ! As my mother used to say "There's nothing new under the sun" so we're just repeating history at this point, and the assumption is that newer = better. and that simply isn't the case.
I agree with your sentiment in the most humanly way possible. I often imagine, in a hypothetical sense, what the scenario is like when these decisions are being made. I ask myself, does the artist really like this or that song or is it left to some executive A & R / producer to choose which songs make the cut. Moreover, when it enters my inner ear and gets processed by my brain, I experience a musical gag reflex; when the song is not to my musical taste of course. As a songwriter, I want to believe the best songs are written when the lyricist and musician are synonymous. In my songwriting process, if something sounds dissonant, or the flow is impeded, I stop writing until God, my creative passions, motivation, and inspiration, or some combination of the 4 are synchronized again. To me, part of what has always been the detriment of music and artists is money and deadlines. My other thought is that, when God sends the melody from above, the artists interpretation of that melody could be counted as a direct response to God, so it matters not what the pundits, spectators, and critics think, because that individual is getting their praise, worship, or communication on with God. My final thought is that, "New" has always been one of the greatest sales and marketing phenomenons, that will never change, but new could also represent a new style or genre that the "Good News" is being packaged in. J.Moss for example, Israel's "Love God Love People", the single "Fresh" all have computer generated elements that push the ears of the listener into a "new" musical dimension. It sounds like something that you would hear in a night club in Prague or Munich, not that I've ever done that, but I think you get the drift. Hey man, All things are made new. Peace and Blessings, Sekou
This is a very good blog!! I often feel that artist get hungry!! N sometimes can take the success of one album n then right off the back make another one and then just expect it to be "good"...and we as the buyers purchase it because of the history of that artist. For me, I have to research the album first, by listening. Because I don't have 9.99 to spare all the time. Lol. And we can tend to get caught up in that "pre-order" and a lot of times, that's how a lot of these folk make money. Is off pre-orders. You have no clue really what you're about to buy, and when you listen to it, it's just "new" and not good. Lately we have some of these artists making music and it seems to be repetitive. Why buy an album with 7 or 8 songs the same? That's "new" music....not "good"...
thanks.The gospel music industry this year has really disapointed me with their music.Apart from triplee and maybe two other artists,all albums according to me are new but not QUALITY!
No, it's not just you, and you are not being harsh. In fact, you are on point!
There aren't enough groundbreaking new artists to me. I know they only come around every now and then, but most of the better gospel artists have been around for 10,15,20 years now. It's time for a fresh new sound from a new artist.
All I can say is amen. It will save a lot of energy, money and disappointment to push back and make solid adjustments. Thanks for the post.
I have to agree. Alot of of styles of music have melded into such a hodge podge of sound in an atempt to create the next "new" sound that true artistry is lost. The compilations of styles isn't completely a bad thing because some good music has come from it (see www.totallydedicated.net). The problem is when Gods anointing leaves the music. People get so wrapped up in fame, cd sales, A&Rs and the like, that they loose Gods anointing in an effort to put out as much new music as possible.
I have to agree. Alot of of styles of music have melded into such a hodge podge of sound in an atempt to create the next "new" sound that true artistry is lost. The compilations of styles isn't completely a bad thing because some good music has come from it (see www.totallydedicated.net ). The problem is when Gods anointing leaves the music. People get so wrapped up in fame, cd sales, A&Rs and the like, that they loose Gods anointing in an effort to put out as much new music as possible.
GOD Knows! You aren't alone in feeling this way. Gospel music today? Is DEFINITELY NOT what it used to be. The key word to the distractions of a gospel artist, ministering music is that downfall word ... commercialism vs. secularism. The process of God's creativity is hindered, & compromised by an out of touch music industry only concerned with money marketable value. The music suffers! I will admit some times the individual artist get's in the way of GOD'S creativity by following their own personal tatse. Honestly? Gospel singers. I'd rather hear a song which is divinely inspired interpeted through the holy spirit; opposed to artsit personal craft. It just doesn't deliver ! Seen recording sessions in progress live, & studio, where unfortunately the anointng gets erased out of the song before we even here the final product! Rather hear what GOD has given you the artist to say, opposed to an idea of what you feel! Gospel music has become more image orientated, trendy, commercially secularized, and over produced! I'd stick to night clubbing for entertainment! These are serious times for all. Folk seeking help wanting answers, their burdens lifted, spirits enlightend, & to be encouraged!
Well Said!
When you read my mind like this I start to wonder........ The truth does hurt sometimes, but it can work to your advantage if applied appropriately. This was one of the most constructive forms of criticism I have heard this week. It reminds me of when my instructor told me to revise my work in an area where I wanted to be finished and gaining. I had thought about the headache that went into constructing the project in the first place. The last thing I wanted to do was look back and realize it was not acceptable. Unfortunately, the only way to improve is to identify weaknesses and address them. I am in agreement with Pundit on this one: Go back to the secret closet, the studio, or wherever you meditate and develop music that people need in their lives. I tried to explain the components of quality music to someone before. 1. It is timeless. You can imagine yourself playing it again 10-15 yrs. from now. (Ex. Is my living in Vain?) 2. The lyrics are actually true words of wisdom, not just singing about some junk you own or what you wear now. (Ex. Tremaine Hawkin's version of "Changed") 3. You can feel it having an effect on you....immediately. Not after you have played it so much you start to adapt or convert...LOL. Now you hear people saying "It grew on me! What?????? (Ex. Marvin Sapp's "I Am Thirsty") I was so floored when he slowly went into "I Need Thee" 4. You can imagine presenting it to a King. Hello? I thought that gospel music was a praise to God or a tool to repair and enlighten the soul. (Ex. Kurt Carr's "For Every Mountain") Put your best forward, or like someone stated: Whatever you do, do it so well that no man living, dead, or yet to be born can do it better than you.
what's this??? i guess even in God's kingdom some animals are more equal than others. Make what you want of that as you will. What epitome of good are we considering? and to who's standard. If you answer these questions within first, before you attack a concept of music that although may not subscribe to your PERSONAL gratification may be an actual blessing in the walk of faith of another. Let God be the judge and to each man his own. LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE peace
@jesus lives: you sent me some "new" music, didn't you? LOL just playin'. :-) For the record, I prefaced the entire post with "and I don’t mean 'not good' in the sense that it’s evil or doesn’t glorify God. I think God knows your musical heart and is pleased with your offering of praise." With your comment, you've backtracked to an issue that I already said is NOT the point of my post-- perhaps for the sake of being argumentative, or perhaps because I didn't communicate it effectively. We're more than entitled to say whether something is "good" or "bad" to us when we're being asked to purchase it. We don't have to do so rudely, but I'm not required, in Jesus' Name, to buy every album that comes out simply because it might bless someone else. That's absurd. Absurd. LOL
I have nothing to add other AMEN!
Hi EJ... I sent you some "New Music" ...LOL on the "New Life" CD... have you listened... Is it New and Good or is it just New??????.... I'm just asking :) Love and Peace Brother... Evangelist Dorothy Mitchell...
Wow that was a great write up EJ! I've been thinking the same thing. Some songs stick and are such a blessing, and others are just sang or played for about a year never to be heard again. For example "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood and "Thank you" by Walter Hawkins are songs I hear all of the time. Our music has evolved with more singing techniques and better sound quality recordings but...So I feel ya.
EJ very interesting blog. I can image being a gospel journalist all the music you are given. I think you have a great job the ability to objectively critique and tell the truth. I get kind of uneasy when I hear "gospel" artist say they are going to perform or do a "show"...I wish they get back to stuff like lets go get some souls. The pen is a powerful tool. you are showing how powerful this keyboard is now. Continue to tell the truth and let God use you for your known purpose for his kingdon.
In my previous assignment as a gospel music dj...I received NEW music all the time along with the not-so-subtle hint that this particular offering was anointed to blessed people so it should be played immediately and placed in heavy rotation. However most of the time the offering was nothing more than a continuation of the last album or latching on to the new trend; riding it out until one is able to be successful enough to release more albums. Even with the so-called MAJOR artists, when you look around lately, projects have become yearly reminders to people that "HEY I'M STILL SELLING RECORDS SO DON'T FORGET TO BUY MINE...AGAIN!" Gospel music is my primary source of, and yes I'll say it, entertainment. Secular music and mixing secular and gospel is unappealing to me. So as I search through the current crop of gospel music trying to find GOOD music that connects to me spiritually, I'm constantly bombarded with music that is self serving at best and dishonors God at worst. Plus to top it all off....ITS NOT GOOD! At least not compared to previous offerings. Gospel mainstays are simply that....."staying" in the mainstream. Not progressing or breaking new ground...just coming with "something new". When in reality...like the bible says....there is nothing new under the sun.
As an artist (writer, director, singer), I don't believe living in any vacuum contributes to your work. "Living in the studio," being immersed in academia, or just being constantly surrounded by other "creatives" can stunt you to a point where you just THINK you're creating something new because no one in your camp has heard it yet. I know you must get goo-gobs of all kinds of stuff. I admire your site and a few others for bringing us fresher music than what is in heavy rotation on the major stations (HELLO! Stop playing music from "Sister Act") but most of all, I come back because what you share with us is good. Thanks so much!
Dude this is a phenomenal post! I agree 110%. Having been in the music Industry for a while now, I notice a whole lotta' people flooding the Industry with new music but it's not all good! Sometimes the old stuff is better than the new just because it's good. I think the Industry is more about the business than the art. What I loved about music back in the day growing up (not just in gospel) was the fact that Artists were artists. Because of the way media is now and the web boom, anyone can call themselves an artist. But being a visual artist, the thing that makes someone an artist is their signature, something that noone else can replicate. Nowadays, if somebody does something hot, then everyone jumps on the bandwagon and does it. But very few have a signature sound. I believe true artists are first about the art (Giving Glory to God with it-of course) and then the business second.
I agree, as Christians it should be different in our camp
"And I don’t mean “not good” in the sense that it’s evil or doesn’t glorify God." This is the FIRST and MAIN reason that the majority of today's so-called "gospel" music is NO GOOD. ON TOP of the fact that it's barely new, e.g., novel, innovative, cutting edge, original. I mean, I know nothing new is under the sun, but the sampling (esp. from non-gospel music), the auto-tune, etc. In a word, the state of gospel music today has become BASTARDIZED. The definition of bastardize from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bastard... 1: to reduce from a higher to a lower state or condition : debase 2: to declare or prove to be a bastard 3: to modify especially by introducing discordant or disparate elements
This post sounds a lot like the things our "stuck in tradition" church folk were saying 15 years ago. We ignored them, didn't listen, told them that GOD was doing "a new thing" and called the church old & out of date. So we went out and imitated every cheesy gimmick and image secular music had to offer and treated ministry like it was a commodity to be manufactured on an assembly line and sold in the marketplace like a cheap toy during the holidays. It feels like Gospel music in a can, buy 1 get 1 free. It's such a formula now. All of the things that make today's secular music stale are now in Gospel. It's funny how all the things those old church folk were saying back then make all the sense in the world now. Maybe next time, we'll actually listen.