This is the question I probably get asked most often. Christian artists typically start out singing in their local church, and will often become a favorite regional artist in their hometown and surrounding cities. They put together a CD, book themselves into other churches and venues, and at some point, they begin to think about trying to break themselves nationally. So how do you know if your music is ready for the national stage? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
1) Is my music radio-ready? If you don't know the answer to that, its probably not. Most artists have home-made cds that may be acceptable in concert, but are not ready for a national radio push. Sometimes it may be possible to simply take what you have and get a good mixer to fix things. But most of the time, you need a professional producer to not only bring out the best in your musical style and vocal quality, but also to help you with songwriting and overall focus of your ministry. We highly recommend Paul Marino (http://www.paulmarinomusic.com/). He has a passion for independent artists, and has helped launch the national careers of several indies. We also recommend Creative Promotions, an independent radio promotions firm. Its owner, Wendell Gafford, is truly one of the top experts in Christian radio airplay and his knowledge and input can help an artist achieve a hit radio single on the national charts. Visit http://www.creativepromotions.net/ for more info. (In both cases, feel free to drop my name!)
2) Is my website ready for prime time? The good news is music downloading has leveled the playing field. With the right marketing and publicity campaign, indy artists are capable of selling just as much music over the internet as Steven Curtis Chapman or MercyMe. The RIAA has already designated a "Gold" status category for a song that gets a certain number of downloads. Your website needs to be compelling, yet user-friendly. You need to have both single songs and complete cds available for download. Your website is your storefront, and should be a central focus to getting your music to the masses.
3) What's my story? Even if you have the most fabulous voice in the world, people connect to singers on more than just a music level, especially in Christian/gospel music. They want to know who you are, what you've been through and why you sing Christian music rather than something else. You can SING, but what can you SAY to people? Your testimony must be genuine and sincere; people can spot a phony a mile away.
4) If I have a great cd, I can just pitch myself to magazines and tv shows. Why do I need a Publicist?" You can certainly try. But more often than not, unless it comes from someone the media knows and has worked with before, it will go into File 13. The media gets hundreds of pitches every week, and yours will be one of many. Publicists help legitimize your ministry because the media knows us. Our company has worked with the Christian media for 20 years, and they know if we pitch them someone, its because WE have done our homework and know the artist/author is a good fit for them.
Obviously, these suggestions require heavy monetary and time investments, and that's certainly not feasible for everyone. But if you're a successful regional artist, your ministry is no less valid and no less appreciated than someone who has a national appeal. God needs Generals, but he also needs Privates on the front lines, and He may be calling you to a specific area for now. As the age-old saying goes, "bloom where you are planted."
To learn more, visit: http://www.christianpublicityservices.com/.
