It’s down to Amber Bullock and Andrea Helms as the finalists of this season’s Sunday Best on BET. Public voting opened this past Sunday, and we’ll know the winner this Sunday, September 4th. But, then what?
Sure, the winner will release her debut album on the Music World Gospel label, after Mathew Knowles struck a deal with BET to sign the winners of last season and this season. But after the buzz of winning dies down, and the album runs its cycle… what for the winner?
Big album sales? More performance opportunities? Big money? Maybe not…
The problem, as I see it, is similar across most talent competition shows– interest in the program does not equal interest in the winner’s album or long-term career.
We have cared enough to tune in, cared enough to comment, and we may even care enough to vote. It costs us nothing but our time. But to spend $10 on any one of the finalists’ albums is clearly more of a “vote” than even a fraction of the show’s millions of viewers are willing to make.
See, the audience cares, just not that much. So, the biggest challenge for the winners– and the labels to which they’re signed– is to make more of the viewers into consumers. It’s to make us fall so in love with the product– the artist, that is, not the show itself– that we stillcare even once a new season begins.
This is particularly important for Amber and/or Andrea, by the way, as I’m hearing rumblings that BET will start auditions for its next season sooner than ever, within the next month or two.
Which begs another question– does it even matter who wins? With the exception of Elder Goldwire McLendon last season, both the winner and runner-up have received album contracts. In fact, Crystal Aikin and runner-up Shari Addison released their albums on the same day in 2009.
So, maybe Sunday Best is more of just a fun weekly showcase of this nation’s homegrown gospel talent than a platform to become ‘the next big’ whatever. Maybe it’s just a resume builder, as opposed to the grand career launch pad that many think it is.
Don’t get me wrong– I enjoy the show and plan to tune in each season. Without question, Sunday Best is one of the most entertaining television programs to ever hit the gospel industry.
Word has it that Integrity Music’s hit gospel compilation project, Gotta Have Gospel, will be returning to stores with its 8th edition on October 5th.
The project features 24 tracks, with a bonus DVD of gospel performances and music videos.
The track listing? Glad you asked–
Disc One
1. I Give You Praise – Byron Cage
2. Expect The Great – Jonathan Nelson
3. All Of My Help – Hezekiah Walker & LFC
4. How I Got Over featuring Tim Bowman, Jr. – Vickie Winans
5. Nobody Like You Lord – Fred Hammond
6. Every Prayer featuring Mary Mary – Israel Houghton
7. I Will Lift – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
8. Your Name Alone – Stephen Hurd
9. Lord You Reign Forever – Crystal Aikin
10. Jesus – Kirk Franklin
11. Free – Rizen
12. I Gave It Up – J Moss
Disc Two
1. Trusting In You – Donnie McClurkin
2. Let The Word Do The Work featuring Brother Hahz – Donald Lawrence & Co.
3. I Praise You – Shari Addison
4. Get Up – Mary Mary
5. It All Belongs To You – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
6. The Master Plan – Tamela Mann
7. Bless The Lord (Son Of Man) – Tye Tribbett
8. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp
9. All I Need – Brian Courtney Wilson
10. Free – Darwin Hobbs
11. Your Will – Ken Reynolds
12. Trading My Sorrows – PAJAM
DVD Footage
1. La Buena Vida (Romans 8:31) – Ken Reynolds featuring Lucia Parker
2. I’ll Say Yes – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
3. Just Wanna Say – Israel Houghton
4. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp
Sooo, if you follow me on Twitter, you know that the 25th annual Stellar Awards weekend was ACTION PACKED.
Throughout the week, I’m gonna try my best to give recaps of the events that I attended (there were SEVERAL), but before I do, I wanted to post the full list of winners at this year’s award show…
Artist Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)
Song Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)
Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)
Female Vocalist Of The Year – Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)
Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)
New Artist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)
CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)
Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)
Producer Of The Year – Donald Lawrence & Daniel Weatherspoon, The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)
Contemporary Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)
Traditional Group/Duo Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)
Contemporary Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)
Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)
Traditional Male Vocalist Of The Year – Donnie McClurkin, We All Are One (Verity)
Traditional Female Vocalist Of The Year – Dottie Peoples, Do It! (DP Muzik Group)
Contemporary CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)
Traditional CD Of The Year – Shari Addison, Shari Addison (Verity)
Urban/Inspirational Single Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)
Music Video Of The Year – “How I Got Over” by Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)
Contemporary Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)
Traditional Choir Of The Year – Bishop Paul S. Morton & The FGBCF Mass Choir, Cry Your Last Year (Light)
Special Event CD Of The Year – The Clark Sisters, J. Moss & Kierra Sheard, Silky Soul Music – A Tribute To Maze (Barantera Music Group)
Instrumental CD Of The Year – Ben Tankard, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Verity)
Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD Of The Year – Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Big Picture (Cross Movement)
Children’s Performance Of The Year – Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & Oxon Hill High School Choir, Amazing (Yrome)
Quartet Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)
Praise & Worship CD Of The Year – Stephen Hurd, Times Of Refreshing (Integrity)
Recorded Music Package Of The Year – Denise Trotman for Donald Lawrence’s The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)
Stellar Radio Awards:
Internet Radio | http://www.ishoutforjoy.com Small Market | WEUP 1700 AM – Huntsville, AL Medium Market | Hallelujah FM – Little Rock, AR Large Market | WTLC 1310 AM – Indianapolis, IN Major Market | WLIB 1190 AM – New York City, NY
Lonnie Hunter of Praise 103.9 in Philadelphia was awarded with the Announce Of The Year Award. And the Central South Distribution REACH Awards were awarded to Vickie Hill (Saginaw, MI), Willie Mae MacIver (Dallas, TX) and Michael A. Davis (Memphis, TN).
I was surprised only by about two of these wins– I thought that Praise & Worship CD Of The Year would go to Israel Houghton. He really got shafted this year, because The Power Of One was one of the best albums to come out in 2009. The fact that he was only nominated in three categories, one of which was for packaging… c’mon. But, kudos to Stephen Hurd anyhow.
Second, I didn’t think Hezekiah Walker & LFC would walk away with Artist Of The Year. I really figured it would go to Donald Lawrence. Either way, I’m thrilled. I have loved Pastor Walker for YEARS and I couldn’t be more excited for him… he definitely deserved to be recognized and that album is an absolute favorite from the past year.
So, that’s THAT. If you get Gospel Music Channel, the show airs on February 28th at 8pm ET/7pm CST. BUT, it will likely air in your region before that… I’ll post the local dates and times when the Stellars post it… I can’t type all of that! LOL
And check back here throughout the week for my recaps– I went a lot of places, chatted with a lot of folks, and I’ve got LOTS to tell you. Deal? DEAL!
In the meantime, TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK of the winners!!!
Okay, people. Here’s the culmination of my chat with our vocalist extraordinaire, Melonie Daniels. If you missed Parts ONE and TWO, click here to catch up on what she’s had to say so far!
In this segment, Melonie shares a bunch of info about her vocal routine, what it takes to be a great background vocalist, her work at NYC’s Village Undergound, her transition from background to foreground as a solo artist, and what’s next for her. You don’t wanna miss it!
Ladies and gents, enjoy PART THREE:
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EJ: How do you prepare for a studio session? Like, how much rest do you get, what foods do you avoid, and all that?
MD: Well, that’s a biological thing and it’s an individual situation. There are those of us that are lactose intolerant, or allergic to citric acid, or whatever. You have to know what your body is capable of handling, what your allergies are…
EJ: And you don’t mean “allergies” like if you eat it, you have to go to the hospital, right? You just mean “allergies” in the sense that your body responds negatively in some way?
MD: Right. It’s not a blanket thing. I love the teachings of Lady Tramaine Hawkins, but her routine may not work across the board for everybody.
EJ: What does she do?
MD: She’s very protective of her voice. Wherever she ministers, she has to shut down the air in the entire place, she stays wrapped up. She can’t handle air conditioning. And there are several singers that do that. For me, I’m like “turn down the heat, turn up the COLD.”
EJ: Really?!
MD: I chew ice. I don’t have a problem with dairy products, but I can’t do orange juice because I’m allergic. So it really is dependent on the individual and knowing what your body can handle.
EJ: Know your instrument, people!
MD: Yeah, you have to really study yourself.
EJ: That’s funny cuz some people take themselves so seriously based on what they’ve heard… like “no, no… I can’t do dairy right now because we’re singing later,” when that may not even affect them in the same way.
MD: Right. When I’m ministering and they ask me if I want water, I’m like “yes, ICE COLD.”
EJ: Are you for real?
MD: *laughing* Yeah! I’m like “you got some ICE? Crack me up some ice!” But that’s just me.
EJ: *laughing* What does it take to be a great background vocalist?
MD: Be teachable. Be very studious. And be quick about it. Have good intonation, memorization, good pitch… Ear training has a lot to do with it because you have to pick up stuff so quickly sometimes. And you don’t get a second chance a lot of times. Rehearsal is the only place where you can fool up and get away with it, but when it comes to performance, you’ve gotta nail it.
And that’s why a lot of background singers are losing jobs– because a lot of people now are keeping Pro Tools nearby and aren’t using background singers. You’ll never sound like what they have on the record because artists will either hire session singers that don’t travel, or they’ll do the vocals themselves. So, there’s no way to sound just like that.
Most of my life, I’ve done live stuff. I don’t sound exactly like the record, but I try to come as close to it as possible– to do the same inflection, the same words, and the same tone quality, if possible. I have the advantage of being like a mimic, especially from growing up and watching cartoons, because I could mimic the characters’ voices.
EJ: So, watch your cartoons, folks! *laughing*
MD: That was my thing. And even people’s speaking voices. You have to study those things in order to be effective as a background singer. And that’s why people keep getting called– they can give the singer certain nuances, they can give the artist something familiar. You may have a great voice, but if you’re not able to conform VOCALLY to what someone requires of you for that moment…
That’s the hardest part of background singing for a lot of people– conforming vocally. You have to, though. They called me at the last minute to do something with Ricky Martin 8 or 9 years ago. That next morning, I was on a flight and I had to learn five or six songs, three of which were in Spanish. I took French.
EJ: *laughing*
MD: *laughing* So, I had to take a crash-course in learning how to phonetically pronounce the Spanish lyrics. And then, you know how some Spanish artists have the mariachi-type, nasal sound? I had to adapt to that as well. So, you have to be a chameleon of sorts as a background singer.
You know, the Bible says don’t conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… that’s the only place I conform! *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* Right! I ask most of the background vocalists this when I interview them– can you assemble a dream team of background vocalists for me?
MD: Ummm… Jerard and Jovaun Woods. Blanche McAllister-Dykes… ummm… well, that’s a soprano, alto and tenor right there!
EJ: Aaaaaand you’re DONE! *laughing*
MD: See, that would be a great session. Working with people like Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood, even with Mariah… I’ve had the opportunity to sing, coast-to-coast, with some great voices. There’s a girl named Sharlotte Gibson, she’s on American Idol now singing background. She used to sing with Mariah and she’s incredible, one of the L.A. crew. Umm… the late Olivia McClurkin was a wonderful person to sing with.
EJ: I know.
MD: Oh my God. Incredible voice.
EJ: For real! I miss her. You know, in these interviews, I like to ask about how lucrative session work can be. Do background vocalists need a day job or can they be alright?
MD: They can be alright if they have a certain work ethic. There’s no job too small, no job too big. Pride goes out the window. It can range from doing a demo session for somebody and getting $250 to do it, all the way to doing a performance and getting paid $5,000 to do background with Madonna.
EJ: For one show?!
MD: For one show. It can be very lucrative.
EJ: Am I on the wrong side of this business?! *laughs*
MD: *laughing* That’s why I’m sayin’… If Sting, Elton John, Madonna and Cher… if any one of them wanna call me to put me on the road and I get $5,000 a show, guess who’s goin’?
EJ: *laughing hard*
MD: Me and my Bible! *laughing* But, like I said, there are certain criteria that have to be met before I can do that.
EJ: Right. No matter how much.
MD: Yeah, no matter how much. I’ve been offered hundreds of thousands of dollars and said “no,” because it didn’t feel right. It didn’t sound right to my spirit to accept it.
EJ: I understand that. I wanna get to your solo artistry in a sec, but talk to me for a minute about the Village Underground in NYC on Sunday nights. For those who’ve never heard about it, how would you describe what it is?
MD: Basically, it’s an open mic– anyone that wants to come up and sing can sign the list and sing, accompanied by the band LIVE… no performance tracks. And it’s just somewhere to let your hair down and enjoy music without being threatened by what you believe or don’t believe.
There was a time that we did, one Sunday a month, a gospel night. But because we were in what people call a “secular” place (a bar), the owners complained because they were losing money. *laughs*
But there’s a responsibility involved in invoking the presence of God. We were literally changing the atmosphere. And they said they were losing money at the bar because we were singing gospel music. We were forced to discontinue the gospel night, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped singing gospel music. At any time, in that venue, someone may come up and sing a gospel song. If it’s true to that individual, spirit recognizes spirit, and whoever’s in there will hook into it and we will have a worship moment in there that’s better than what you can find at some churches.
EJ: Why do you think it’s become so popular? It’s even been featured on Bobby Jones Next Generation as the place to be in New York.
MD: It is an outlet for people, especially in this new generation, to be “in the world, but not of the world.” Because you can be in a place, and not be a part of what’s going on in the place. But that comes with a level of maturity in your walk with Christ.
I’ve heard people emphatically say “I will NOT” or ”I cannot be caught in a place like that.” Those were the words that were used.
EJ: Really?
MD: Yes. But on the flip side, Martha Munizzi comes down, Israel comes down, Lisa McClendon has called me to get information, Shari Addison and Crystal Aikin were there a month or so ago.
EJ: Yeah, I haven’t been in years, but it’s great. My wife and I are coming soon!
Listen, I wanna chat about your transition from background vocalist to artist. First, is it hard to do and, if so, why?
MD: Ummm… a lot of times, it’s an insecurity issue… not feeling adequate to deliver. Comfort zones– you feel safe in a group, in the back. I’m speaking all from personal experience. Not feeling like you have anything to convey to the general audience…
But mostly, it boils down to insecurity. Everyone has a purpose because God put us here with purpose. It’s up to the individual, in their walk, to recognize the purpose that God has placed in them and to walk in that purpose. And that can be difficult.
EJ: Amen. But you went for it… a coupla years ago you released your long-awaited solo project. Talk to me about your album,Live In Concert.
MD: It started as a conversation with my pastors. And the church invested in me. And September of 2006 was the result of that investment– we recorded a CD. They just sowed into my life.
EJ: That’s great.
MD: Yeah, so that’s how the record got done.
EJ: Who wrote and produced it?
MD: Stanley Brown produced the music with Nathaniel Townsend III, the drummer. I got to handpick everyone.
EJ: How do you describe your style of gospel music?
MD: The CD’s style is as eclectic as I am. You can hear “Glory After This,” which is straight churchy, or “My King,” with intricate harmonies and chord structure, kinda gospel-jazz. I’ve got a song on there called “Kingdom I,” which has a neo-soul kind of vibe.
EJ: You workin’ on another album?
MD: Umm… still planning stuff out. Not actively working on it yet, but just thinking. There are so many different directions I could go in, because of my musical influences. I would love to do a “big band” gospel CD… I would love to do a neo-soul set, unplugged… I would love to do alternative-sounding stuff, because I’m a student of music, not just gospel music. To me, all music is God’s music, honestly.
So, I have so many ideas that I have to narrow them down to get at least the NEXT project out.
EJ: I was gonna say “we will take all of the above, thank you!”
MD: *laughing* That’s enough material for three more projects. I would even love to do a CD of love songs for gospel folks who are uncomfortable buying Luther [Vandross], or Joe or Anita Baker… or Jill Scott.
But, then again, you have to contend with the critics who say that it doesn’t glorify God…
EJ: Ewww… well, please contend! I think that would be great. Either way, I’m looking forward to it.
MD: We’ll see.
EJ: Well, that’s it for me. I have REALLY enjoyed chatting with you and I appreciate you for taking the time to do this interview.
MD: Thank you!
EJ: No doubt. I’ll talk to you soon.
MD: Okay, bye.
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And, that’s THAT! You can learn more about Melonie (and buy her bangin’ album) at her website, http://www.meloniedaniels.com/.
Sooooo… what did you guys think of the interview series???
Oh, and as a parting gift, here’s the Melonie clip for this segment. It’s an audio clip of a KILLER track from her solo album, entitled “Glory After This”:
Who saw 106 & Gospel on Sunday? It was pretty darn good, I think.
Mr. Del was on there, rappin’… I didn’t care so much for that, but that’s mostly cuz I’m not a big gospel hip-hop person. But I LOVED his interview– he gave his testimony about getting out of Three 6 Mafia and the gang situation in Memphis… very inspiring and great for youth (and adults, actually)!
And you KNOW I enjoyed some shufflin’ and squallin’ from Shari Addison, singing “Please Make Me Better Lord.” That woman can GO and she KNOWS it. Plus, she did a great interview– nice and bubbly personality. Fun stuff.
Word has it that the release party for Donald Lawrence & Co.’s new album, The Law of Confession, Part 1, was OFF THE CHAIN last night.
[Sidebar: The album dropped yesterday. Did you get it? Have you HEARD it? What are you WAITING FOR?! Click here for an advance listen and buy it!]
The shindig was held in Chicago at Hotel Sax. Among those in attendance were, of course, D. Lawrence & Co., Ricky Dillard, Shari Addison, Percy Bady, Walt Whitman, and on and on and on. The night included a performance and all manner of fun and fraternization.
And I’m sick, chillin’ in New York.
Oh well! Here’s to vicarious living! Special thanks to my top-secret roving photographer for the quick pics!
Well, excuuuuuuuuuse me, gospel consumers! Y’all flipped the Billboard charts upside down, huh?
Look for the chart on the sidebar to your right. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Heather Headley’s gospel album debuts at #1, bumping Mary Mary to #2. But Marvin Sapp sat at #2, so you’d think he’d now be #3, right? Noooooo… The #3 spot was nabbed by Crystal Aikin’s debut album. Marvin Sapp is now at #4. And who’s following closely behind him at #5? Shari Addison!
Three new artists (I’m counting Heather Headley as “new” to gospel) have debuted in the top 5 in their first week? Impressive.
And, as an FYI, Heather Headley is also #1 on the Christian chart and #6 on the R&B chart. She’s kinda not playin’.
If you find a major gospel music weekend, you’re probably gonna find an Urban Soul Cafe event. They’re put on by Carlos Hale & Preacher Kid (aka “PK”). This particular one was held at B.B. King’s.
The event was honoring Jacky Clark-Chisholm, whose daughter, Angel Chisholm, sang the daylights out of a tribute song. Can we… uhh… get an album from you?
I wanna highlight TWO indie artists who performed that night and who are incredibly gifted. I hope you’ll check ‘em out cuz they represent some GREAT music in the underground scene. Jai is a phenomenal musical powerhouse, with tons of personality and charisma to boot. Check out her MySpace page (better than many MAJOR recording artists) by clicking here. Then, there’s J.R., another gifted writer, singer and performer. His MySpace page (also phenomenal) is here. Make sure you listen to “Not A Slave” from him. Both artists are St. Louis-based and have a refreshing sound. Jai sounds like Missy Elliott merged into gospel and J.R. is like an Outkast meets gospel, but both are original and creative and unique and… just GREAT. Check them out. Plus, I met both of ‘em and they’re confident, but humble, which is great to see. I may try to feature them at some point.
Okay, back to the show… a bunch of Zomba Gospel artists were also in the house and performed: Kirk Franklin with Da T.R.U.T.H., 21:03, Crystal Aikin and Shari Addison.
All in all, the show was fun, but crowded. Somehow, I ended up sitting next to Kirk Franklin, which meant A LOT of fans coming over and speaking, and even more fans coming over and ACTING like they’re doing something else, but really just staring and being weird. I left with the Zomba Gospel folks, and it was laaaaate… like 2am or something. EXHAUSTING, but a great way to end the day!
Make sure to check back for photos in the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery! And get ready for what happened on Saturday, the day of the show!
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Verity, I am able to provide y’all with ADVANCE MUSIC! I’m gettin’ all official and what not…
Follow the links below for the exclusive online listening parties, where you can listen to the ENTIRE albums (yes, folks, all the way through) of BET’s Sunday Best winner, Crystal Aikin, and the runner-up, Shari Addison.
I’m torn between which album I like the most, but I’m prolly leaning toward Shari Addison’s project. Crystal Aikin’s is great (and she’s SINGING on it), but I love the nostalgic, Chicago-style gospel vibe I get from Shari Addison’s (she captures the CLASSIC sound of gospel unlike many in the game right now).
Listen to the albums and tell me what you think. And, by the way, BOTH albums are in stores tomorrow, January 13th. PICK THEM UP!
Click here to listen to the full album from Crystal Aikin!
Click here to listen to the full album from Shari Addison!
EJ: How do you prepare for a studio session? Like, how much rest do you get, what foods do you avoid, and all that?
EJ: *laughing* Right! I ask most of the background vocalists this when I interview them– can you assemble a dream team of background vocalists for me?
EJ: Amen. But you went for it… a coupla years ago you released your long-awaited solo project. Talk to me about your album, Live In Concert.
Word has it that the release party for Donald Lawrence & Co.’s new album, The Law of Confession, Part 1, was OFF THE CHAIN last night.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I’m gettin’ all official and what not…
Click here
