The Immigration and Naturalization service (INS) estimates that there are at least 10 million illegal aliens living in the United states, and the number is growing by about 500,00 per year.
Illegal immigration is a crime. Sneaking into the country (legally referred to as “Entry Without Inspection –EWI”) is a misdemeanor, but if repeated, becomes a felony.
The fact is that illegal immigration causes substantial harm to American citizens and legal immigrants, and it causes an enormous drain on public funds. It contributes to the dramatic population growth, overwhelming communities across America – crowding school classrooms, consuming already limited public housing and increasing the strain on natural resources like water and energy.
In California, pregnant illegal aliens sneak across the border to give birth in America. They are treated to the finest care (at our expense) and when they give birth their child is an American citizen, with all the privileges and rights that come with that honor.
In Tennessee, an illegal alien can walk up to the counter at the Department of Motor Vehicles and walk out with a drivers license, while an American citizen may have to produce up to 4 pieces of documentation to accomplish the same thing.
According to a recent poll (as reported by the Washington Times) 77% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to control the borders.
There is a reason that most of us are opposed to illegal immigration that goes deeper than crowded classrooms, and over-burdened housing and natural resources. It has to do with our human nature and the pride we take in our accomplishments.
The “Truth” is…we don’t like it when others try to short circuit the system and gain entry without doing things the right way. There is always a correct and proper way to do things, and when we’ve done our best to play by the rules, our human nature flares up when others try to sneak in. It goes against our nature to accept those who are not willing to play by the rules.
THERE IS A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN AMERICA AND THE WORLD OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC.
The correct legal definition of Illegal Immigration is EWI –Entrance Without Inspection.
Currently in SGM we are over-run with artists that are classified EWI – Entrance Without Inspection. We are no longer a professional industry. We have become an amateur industry that also has professional artists.
Before I go any further I want to clearly state my position.
I am not saying we don’t need amateur artists. We need all the new artists we can possibly get, they are our future. My argument is that amateur artists should not be put forth as representing the professional SGM industry.
You don’t make the mail room boy the CEO. You don’t put a high school freshman baseball player in the major leagues. There are many mailroom clerks that have gone on to become the CEO of their company and plenty of high school ball players that have gone on to become stars…but not until they were groomed and trained for the position.
In the Singing News Top 80 chart for the month of July, 45 of the 80 slots are occupied by amateurs, in my opinion. What we are saying to the world is… “These 80 artists are the best we have to offer…45 of them still don’t know how to sing professionally”.
Does this make sense to you? First of all, we don’t need a Top 80 chart. It only fuels the fire for the ego driven amateurs that would do just about anything to see their name on the chart. Billboard has a Top 100, but their market is huge compared to SGM...about like the difference between a basketball and a dime. It makes sense for them, but not for us.
WE NEED A TOP 20….PERIOD.
Now, if you’re an amateur artist that wants to get in the top 20, I say…knock yourself out. There are 20 slots, if you’re good enough to earn one of those positions, more power to you.
THE FOUR LANE HIGHWAY
Imagine an unguarded 4 lane highway between Mexico and the United States. How do you think that would affect our illegal immigration problem? I can tell you how. We’d all be speaking Spanish!
Well we have one of those highways in SGM…it’s called custom recording, and it is the primary reason our industry is in trouble right now.
Custom recording is a service that is vital to our industry when applied as it was originally intended, as a method for amateur artists and others to pay for their recordings and sell them over the table. The artists can make a profit and grow their business. Some will succeed to the point that a major label will pick them up, others will not.
The majority of custom recording is done by amateur artists. Some of these artists are selling enough product to be noticed by the major labels, but most are not and never will.
I believe history will prove that one of our darkest days was the day one of these custom recording companies decided to make a compilation of amateur artists and send it to radio. That was the day we turned what was a needed resource for amateur artists into a money making scam for custom recording companies.
Today anyone with a check book can sneak into our industry, (EWI), make a recording and send it to radio. There is no one watching, and no one protesting (except me), and even worse, no one that seems to care.
Currently, the majority of recording in our industry is custom recording by amateur artists. Their main goal is to get a song on the charts and “get their name out there”.
Recently I received a SG magazine in the mail. The magazine is 24 pages. There are 27 ads on those 24 pages, all by amateur artists, and they all say exactly the same thing, “Thanks DJs for charting our new single, “Song Title”.
It makes me want to scream!
THE SOLUTION
You know I never leave you hanging, so here is my solution to the problem.
Illegal immigration can be stopped in its tracks by doing one thing:
Ensuring that illegal aliens will not be able to obtain employment, public assistance benefits, public housing, or any other tax-payer benefit.
You take away the carrot…the rabbit goes home.
Now, obviously we can’t go around to all these custom recording companies and padlock their doors, although the thought has crossed my mind.
The answer is to raise the bar.
First of all, we only need a top twenty chart. This would ensure that the chart would more accurately reflect the groups that deserve to be there.
Secondly, we need about 10 or 12 of our best radio stations to be computerized and make them our charting stations. Our industry is not big enough to have all the reporting stations we have. This would hopefully make the top twenty list more accurate.
Now, having done these two things, I believe the problem would take care of itself. The custom recording companies could keep operating and making their pitch to the amateur artists. The artists could keep taking out their ads and sending songs to radio.
Everybody would be happy.
Except for the fact….that, with the bar raised….only the artists that are truly worthy will make it on the chart. TAKE AWAY CARROT…RABBIT GO HOME.
Brilliant!
As always, I welcome your comments,
God Bless You,
Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com
Author: Nick Bruno
| Author's Website: http://www.nickbruno.com/
Written: 08/01/2005
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Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Gospel Truth
Comments: 57
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Nick,
Nick,
I actually dislike the current system almost as much as you, Nick, but for entirely different reasons. It seems, to me, that with the current state of affairs a new artist can "custom record" their own CD, then go out and PAY a radio promotions company to get their song out to radio. All they need is cash. This bothers me. Where is the quality in such a "pay to play" system? Artists are being told how "great" they are because they're "paying customers."
I agree. If you have money you cand do anything in this business. That is the down point. We should be focusing more on talent. Some people have talent and no money, does that mean we can't minister!!! Also I would like the list of amateur artist to. Bless my heart, I hope that I am not one you are talking about LOL
I agree with the last two comments. The Lord has blessed with a talent, but I do not have money to go out and hire professionals (like thousands of dollars) to record. But I praise the Lord for the wonderful local recording company near me, and I am not trying to make it into any "scene", I just want to use what the Lord has given to me, to be a blessing to others and minister the word. I'm not in it for "name recognition" or "money making"...just praising God and pointing others to Christ.
I have an idea. Maybe us unknowns should form an Unknown Southern Gospel Association. Since some are not be good enough for Nick. He makes it seem like his company is the one and only best at making decisions about artist and if you go with him you know you are the best. If not you are a no good wannabe. I maybe taking this wrong, but that seems to be the case with all of his articles. I am not trying to be so critical Mr. Nick and I was not planning on posting anything since I had sent you an email, but why do you not go ahead and let people know which companies you are talking about. You do not have to say it in your articles. I would just like to know so we can stay away from them. You can email us a list. I have delt with a few record companies. When I decided to go with a certain company, the other one got mad and told me that the other one was not good. He still lets me know that he thinks the other company did not do me justice and is still trying to get me to sign with him. Could there be some jealousy among companies? Us unknowns just do not have the kind of funds that companies are wanting.
I agree with the gist of your argument Nick...that we're an amateur industry that happens to have a few pros. I take your word for it on the causes and perhaps taking the chart to 20 slots instead of 80 is an answer.
Nick, I agree with what I THINK you are trying to say here. One commenter above stated that the Crabb Family was once an ameteur group; that is true, but, as we say, "Cream always rises to the top".
Sister Betty! AMEN to your comments!
Nick,
The length of the chart is not the problem.. It's what the radio stations are playing. Until radio plays quality.. the amateur complexion of SG will remain the same.
I agree someone should pay us. That is how it is in secular and they are booming. WE are doing something wrong.
Right, Justin. I agree. I'm not saying we, as newer artists, shouldn't foot the bill when we're starting out. Maybe we should. But to continue this "pay to play" situation as the NORMAL modus operandi in the industry is just ridiculous. Then all the "wolves in sheep's clothing" posing as record companies, promotions companies, etc. will just be a gaggle of paid-off "yes men." Like Nick said in his famous Trojan Horse column, we have to check out a company's track record and their artist roster. If the "35 professionals" are using them, then that's a good sign. Good companies like Southern Spin and the Rick Hendrix Company are actually doing something positive.
I agree totally with your article, Nick. One question -- who determines when an amateur artist becomes professional? The record company, the radio stations, both? Can a professional group be weekend warriors? Or do you have to be full-time to be considered professional? Just a few thoughts. My hats off to stations like Solid Gospel (Nashville network), The JOY FM and Praise 96.3 -- leading stations in our industry who are doing it right, in my book -- playing only the good stuff.
Webster's defines an amateur as:
Way to go Sally...sounds as if a good definition of "amateur" would help in this discussion. Hopefully we are all seeking to improve our skills. As far as the money, I would hope that the majority of those in the ministry of southern gospel music are in it for more than just money. From what I'm hearing, there's not a lot of that to go around in this genre of music - even for the "professionals"!
I just re-read the column, and noticed one statement from you Nick, that may be what some of the commenters are focusing on: "In the Singing News Top 80 chart for the month of July, 45 of the 80 slots are occupied by amateurs, in my opinion. What we are saying to the world is… “These 80 artists are the best we have to offer…45 of them still don’t know how to sing professionally”."
Nick, you and I are just about in 100% total agreement on this one!!! I've been proclaiming, even on this list, for several years that there are too many groups trying to be considered mainstream top professional groups.
I'll say a hearty AMEN to that, Nick! I sing in an amateur group myself, we would never try to get one of our songs onto mainstream radio because we know that is not what we're trying to do. We have a weekend ministry, we aren't trying to make it into the big time. Talent-wise, we're pretty good, we just don't have the time to put the polish on that the professional groups "should" have and so often don't. Our ministry is doing just fine, and that's the way it should be.
Tony,
It is obvious to me that many of you who post here are oblivious to how SGM works in the professional realm. Someone above noted that secular artists are paid to record and SG artists have to pay...while the majority of SG artists foot the bill when it comes time to record, it is true only because the record companies know that they cannot recover the expense of the recording from retail sales. It's all about economics. If, as an "amateur artist," you prove that you are capable of moving enough product to make it worth the record company's investment they will consider adding you to the roster. Most artists on the roster of record labels such as Daywind, Crossroads, etc do not pay for studio time and musicians and some receive signing bonuses when their contracts are signed and renewed. Those bonuses have been known to come as cash or cash equivalents, cassette/CD/video items for resale, and on very rare occasions large ticket items like cars. But, once again, all of these things are based off of projected sales. If the company knows that they will re-coup more than they invest in the artist then they are willing to do what it takes to have the artist on their roster. Every contract has a recumbent clause that lays out what percentage of retail sales will be credited to the artists account. The expenses of the recording (including bonuses) are debited from that account, then the account is funded at the agreed upon percentage until (hopefully) there is a positive cash balance. Once a positive cash balance is achieved the artist begins receiving royalty payments on that particular recording. This is EXACTLY the way it works in the secular world.
Now, that's what you get for using spell check without proof reading....the word recumbent in the first paragraph above should have been "repayment"
Just a few potshots.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Sorry that you must have been having a bad day Nick. Most Southern Gospel Singers don't generate enough cash to be courted and signed by the folks that have set themselves upon a pedestal as one of the "biggies". Most groups or soloist are only recongized when they begin to generate enough cash that the "booking agent", "promoter" and "biggie record company" sees the opportunity to get into their pocket and get a share of what the singers are receiving. At appears to me that the "Message of God" is mostly being carried by the "little ones" in the Southern Gospel Music field, not the entertainers that are racking in the big "doe" at the major concerts pomoted by the "big" promoters and "big" (self-classified) recording companies. In closing, there is enough un-saved folks in this world for all singers to share with and it's not always "who is charting" or "who is the most popular" that is getting the message where it needs to be. Here's wishing you a nice day and I hope business improves in your neck of the woods.
I agree to a certain extent with this article. But I think Nick's attitude might be a little too hard nosed.
Boyd,
I cannot understand why it is so difficult for some people to admit that Nick is completely correct - SGM industry is flooded with people who have not taken the time to improve their craft and it is hurting SGM.
ooops.. didn't finish this sentence.. should say...
Dee,
I make a point of reading Nick's articles every month, and have yet to find anything major to disagree with.
I do agree that people with little talent should not be able to pay their way in. Even if you are not doing it profesionally, if you are singing for the Lord you should do your best. I am going to compare it to my local Fire Department. I have been a volunteer fire department for over 15 years. I do not get a penny for it. I get the same training as the full time professional firefighters. I have to maintain a certification even to volunteer. I work just as hard. The only differnce? The Title. This may be away of looking a professional verses
Opps!! My hand types faster than my mind thinks. I was trying to say that I have been a volunteer firefighter for over 15 years. Not a fire department!
Whew, Rhonda. Good comments, but was another ARTICLE necessary, instead of short post?
THANKS TONY!!
Nick you are not the only one who has been preaching this. I agree with you 100%. If we don't get the quality level higher no one should or will teake us seriously. Right on JOhn, you make vaild points as well. I agree that the top 20 chart would root out a lot of undesireable talent, but then again we have some very untalented folks getting number ones from time to time, so there is no way to predict the taste or lack thereof, of the southern gospel audience.
I love the singing news and what they have done for SGM, but how in the world an you have a chart that is accurate when it's produced two months in advance? Go with a weekly top 20 chart and make it a little more challenging with higher standards for a station to be considered a reporter.
Emily,
WOW, thanks SGN. What a concept.
Nick,
The word professional usually means that you make your living at whatever you do, however, that doesn't necessarily mean that your good at it. I think that professionalism is a mind set. There is no doubt that weekend warriors and regional artists can have the high standards and great quality and hold their own with the so called pros. I agree that radio has the responsibility to play quality music, regardless if it's the so called big groups or the local quartet that is striving to be the best. We get caught up in the words local group to often.
Jason said that "it is flat out arrogant to tell all aspiring Southern Gospel Musicians to keep it at the house." I would say that it is presumptuous of any artist to think that they should have a single on the radio if they have not produced at least three albums and don't work on their music for at least 20 hours a week (apart from concert time).
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Chuck is right. Reducing the number of slots on the airplay charts will not affect the sound quality of SG radio. The only way that will happen is when decision makers at radio stations develop a sense of taste in music quality...and listening to local SG radio, the future sounds pretty grim in that department.
Keith,
Many SG radio stations, especially the small mom and pop operations, were started with an agenda of one sort or other. It is that agenda that often governs what songs they play. I agree that SG radio stations have the potential to be the gatekeepers to filter out the bad music. However, professional radio stations would rely on the program director rather than the DJ to be the filter. It's usually this lack of central control that gives us DJs running a-muck. Be that as it may, as an artist, I cannot control what the DJ or program director chooses, but I can control what I put out and my expectations. If I create the best music I possibly can and I have realistic expectations about getting on the radio, I've done all I can do. The rest will take care of itself.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Nick, you sly fox, you have really opened up Pandoras box this time!
AMEN!! I totally agree with you Nick. Often I look at the top 80 list and I have never heard of half of the groups listed. However, I do feel that we could have a top 40 list instead of a top 20. This would allow the good amateur groups a chance to make it on the charts a little sooner. Also, chart listings should have some basis on record sells and not which group has the most money to pay their way to the top. There is no way that a group could release a new song to the radio stations and then it be listed in the top ten in the first month. This seems to happen to only a handful of the professional groups....and they are not necessarily the most talented.
Frances, you are assuming a few things here.
While I normally disagree with Nick on a lot of his writings, I must say he is dead on with this one.
I understand that the music industry as it exists today is mostly entertainment, even in Christian music. However, turning music into entertainment cheapens and corrupts it. Do you go to the Grand Canyon to be entertained by it? Or, do you go there to observe and admire its' beauty? The second choice, I'm sure. Conversely, the Grand Canyon is not changing and molding itself for the intent of pleasing an audience. It simply is.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Well Nick,
I am an amateur artist. I have much to learn, and I admit that. I have enough money to make CD-R's of music I recorded in my home studio (definitely not comparable to the big time). I am proud of my work. I would not, however, feel comfortable sending what I have done to radio, simply because I know that it is not good enough. It is the best I can do with what I've got, but it just doesn't compare.
There is no doubt the "business" of "professional" Gospel groups and artists has plenty of pressure.
Nick, the problem I have with your comment is that it's not only some of the "amateurs" out there who mabye lack some professional sound. There are groups out there who have simply been grandfathered in and are now "professional" I guess just because they have been singing for years. I know of several "amateur" groups who have a more polished and professional sound than some of your grandfathered in deemed professional groups. So if these seemingly feeble "amateur" groups can jump above your top 20 "professional" groups because they sound better great. Let's not hold them back because they have not been traveling for 20yrs yet.
Having worked with Nick as an artist and songwriter, I can tell you from experience that he is all about professionalism. He even helped me come up levels as a songwriter: gave me the first real and true constructive criticism. Those comments five years ago helped me to become a better songwriter, to the point that I cringe when I think of some of the fluff I played for him in demos. Also, he inspired me to continue honing my craft as a singer--in harmony. Anyone can try to sing the lead, but parts take work. Nick requires the harmony to be RIGHT on any project with his name on it. Working hard at making it as close to perfect as it can be? Gee, maybe he's actually a professional and not the freshman ball-player!
Promoters would go bankrupt if they had to rely on your so called "professionals" all the time.
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Nick - you're the man! Now if we could just get Simon Cowell to spend a week at NQC and parade everybody in front of him that thinks they can sing, it would probably take care of our problem very quickly!
I think Nick is right on a lot of things here. There is only one problem.. There is a huge difference in our industry verses the secular music industry. In the secular world, a major record company such as Sony, RCA, ect.. give signing benefits that include large amounts of cash. Also they agree to record the album and promote you for a period of time. If you flop and don't sale, you're done.
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