Do you like Superman? Anyone who is a fan of Superman knows about Bizarro World. It’s a cube-shaped planet called “Htrae” – “earth” spelled backwards. Bizarro World has many of the same characters that Earth has – Bizarro Superman, Bizarro Lois Lane, and Bizarro Perry White. The main difference is that in Bizarro World, everything is the exact opposite of things on Earth. It’s good to be bad in Bizarro World. For example, Superman is good, Bizarro Superman is not. Bizarro “society” is ruled by the Bizarro Code which states, “Us do opposite of all Earthly things! Us hate beauty! Us love ugliness! It is a big crime to make anything perfect on Bizarro World!”
BIZARRO SGM
And so, I am happy to announce that I have the solution to SGM being dead last in every category…Bizarro Southern Gospel is taking over the industry.
We have Bizarro record companies that feel it is a crime to make a great recording.
We have Bizarro radio promoters who never really promote a thing.
We have Bizarro artists who refuse to admit they cannot sing,
And, we have Bizarro charts which don’t bear the slightest reflection of what is popular and what is not.
REAL Southern Gospel is the greatest music this side of heaven…yet we keep trying to change it. We are allowing the Bizarro World infiltrators to make it progressive, or country, or contemporary, or heaven knows what next.
I love listening to Southern Gospel Music when it is performed well. I love quartets, trios, duos, male groups, mixed groups, family groups, and soloists. Whoever is singing Southern Gospel Music is singing my song. I love it.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC! LEAVE THE MUSIC ALONE!
The reason SGM is dead last in every category is not because of the music. The music has stood the test of time. When people hear SGM performed professionally, they love it too.
The real problem is that the Southern Gospel Music Industry is really two industries... PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR.
PROFESSIONAL SGM INDUSTRY
I suppose one could argue all day about the definition of a “PROFESSIONAL.” To me, a professional group is talented at every vocal position, is full time, draws people to their concerts, and has good sales at their table and also at retail. You all know exactly what I’m talking about so there is no reason to split hairs over this.
We’re talking about groups like The Booth Brothers, The Inspirations, Gold City, Greater Vision, The Talleys, The Perrys, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, The Kingsmen, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, The Dove Brothers and others. NOTICE, I said. “And others”. These are not the ONLY professional groups – I’m naming a few who come to mind. These groups are all different in style but they are professional. They are making money, serious money.
I’ve compiled a list of professional groups and I find that there are about 30 groups, and I had to relax my definition of “professional” a little to get to 30.
These are the groups that draw people to concerts, to the bookstores, and to the National Quartet Convention. They are sought after by songwriters, promoters, talent agencies, and record labels.
If the President wanted to have a Southern Gospel concert at the White House, you can be sure the artists appearing would come from this list.
These artists record great songs written by talented and anointed songwriters
Concert promoters book these groups mostly through talent agencies that are also professional, like The Beckie Simmons Agency and The Harper Agency.
These groups are recorded by professional record companies, Crossroads, Canaan, Homeland and Daywind, to name a few, that make recordings to the highest industry standards. Then the companies market and promote the recordings through the print medium and radio, and also distribute the artists’ recordings to the retail market.
The important thing about this side of Southern Gospel Music is that everything, EVERYTHING, songwriting, promoting, booking, recording, EVERYTHING…is driven by the artists’ ability to appeal to the consumer, spiritually and materially. Songwriters, promoters, talent agencies, and record companies need artists that can help them make a profit.
The professional side of SGM is driven by the artists’ ability to MAKE money.
BIZARRO SGM INDUSTRY – NON PROFESSIONALS
The amateur side of SGM is driven by the artists’ ability to PAY money.
There is NOTHING WRONG with being new, with being an amateur. Every professional listed above started out as an amateur and worked hard to become a professional.
To me, the word “amateur” has two meanings:
1.Someone who chooses to do something for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.
We have lots of artists in SGM who are “amateurs” by choice. They don’t have a competitive spirit; they just want to be a blessing. They love the music and want to get out there and get involved, but they don’t want to leave their jobs, so they go out and sing a couple of times a month and have a great time. Some of these groups are pretty good, and they desire to be the best they can be, but they have no illusions of grandeur. I work with many groups like this and I can tell you, I love it. It’s singing for the best of reasons…because you love it.
Now folks, I want you to hear me loud and clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with weekend warriors, “newbies”, making custom recordings and getting out there and singing their hearts out week after week. Please understand me here. This is not the problem. Just like there is nothing wrong with me playing my heart out at softball two nights a week. But… if I try to get my softball team into the eastern division of the American League to compete with The Yankees and The Red Sox…now that’s a problem!
What troubles me is that you can understand how ridiculous it would be for my softball team of pot bellied aging men to try to play in the Major Leagues but you can’t (or maybe won’t) understand how ridiculous it is for an inexperienced group to try and do the things the pro groups do.
FAST RIDE ON A SLOW TRAIN TO BIZARRO WORLD
Which brings me to the second meaning for “amateur”.
2. Someone who is inexperienced or unskilled as in, “Hunting lions is not for amateurs.”
We have many, many artists who are inexperienced and unskilled in the craft of singing. The sad thing is that they don’t know it.
What they need is TLC and guidance but what they are getting is a fast ride on a slow train to SGM Bizarro World where you will find:
Too many “amateur” artists who are “legends in their own mind.”
Amateur record companies pretending to be big shot companies when they are nothing more than custom recording companies.
Amateur radio promoters who will never admit that they cannot possibly track all the songs.
Amateur periodicals with top 80 charts, knowing that probably 40 of the slots will be taken by amateur artists who will also buy ads.
Amateur talent agencies trying to book amateur artists.
Amateur radio stations playing anything that comes down the pike.
CONSUMERS ARE CONFUSED BY THIS SGM BIZARRO WORLD
They go to a concert and hear a professional group do a wonderful performance. The next week an amateur group comes to their church and stinks up the platform.
They hear a great song on the radio by a professional group followed by a group that sounds like a bunch of cats with their tails caught in the door.
They see photos of our professional groups, but they also see photos of amateur groups in ill-fitting suits with coat sleeves that hang 6 inches past their fingers.
To the world it’s all the same...it’s the same industry…Southern Gospel Music. The reason it’s all the same to them is because we have allowed it to be the same.
Every single person reading this knows that it is true. Yet, we turn our head the other way and allow it to continue, as though it’s not happening.
It’s all about the money. It’s the little groups with stars in their eyes that are funding SGM Bizarro World. As long as they are willing to keep paying, there will be a magazine, a promoter, and a record company that will gladly take their money.
ESCAPE FROM BIZARRO WORLD
So…how do we fix this mess?
My friends, the answer is so simple that it is profound.
ADMIT IT!!!!
Yes, that’s right…admit it. The first step in fixing a problem is to admit that there IS a problem.
Let’s stop “pussyfooting” around and start telling the truth about all this nonsense.
We all know what’s rotten in SGM. We know who is doing it, and why they are doing it…to make money.
Yet we all just stand around like fools and act like it’s not happening.
We allow representatives of these companies to join our various organizations, sit on boards, attend meetings, and vote on matters of great importance to our industry.
What we should be doing is identifying these folks and calling their hand. “Hey you, yes you… your company, your magazine, your station, your group, your organization is doing things that are damaging to our industry. You and those like you are not welcome here. Please leave!”
It is not right for companies and individuals who damage our industry to receive recognition from the professionals. By turning the other cheek to their unscrupulous business practices we are allowing them access to our side of the fence, when what we should be doing is throwing the bums out.
Listen friends, I’m not saying we should eliminate amateur SGM. We need amateur artists. It is from this pool of talent that the professionals of tomorrow will come. But the key word here is “tomorrow.”
When they earn, EARN, their way into the professional ranks, they will be welcomed with open arms. Until that time we need to do all we can to train and nurture them, and teach them how to become professional.
Anyone who rips off one of these “newbies” should be “tarred and feathered” and hung from the giant screen TV at the National Quartet Convention.
OUR AMATEUR ARTISTS DESERVE BETTER.
I like this famous quote: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Folks, let’s stop doing “NOTHING.” Let’s start taking names and kicking tails. It’s time we reclaimed our industry. If you agree with me I ask you to help me. You can forward this article to anyone you think can help, pro group owners, professional record label heads, industry leaders, and your friends.
Remember… “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
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: 07/02/2008
| 
Category: The Gospel Truth
Comments: 52
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Hey.. Jim2, I'm also curious also about Nick naming names...but being the gentleman he is, I doubt he would use this forum to do so. I believe he meant that in the day to day interaction between INDUSTRY professionals there should be a willingness to admit and confront the truth.
OH.. by the way.. EXCELLENT article Nick.
Yet another great article Nick!
JJ,
Hey Nick,
I hate to see the kind of un-Christlike post that Lacy Pittman just posted. He closes it by saying, "I don't mean to be ugly", but what part of the post was NOT ugly, Lacy?
Having been involved in SGM for several years, I readily agree with Mr. Bruno. There are numerous groups and individuals performing at a sub-standard level and yet have a ultra-glamourized view of themselves that is beyond comprehension. I have become so weary working with individuals who have little, if any, musical knowledge, not to mention talent. I have friends who refuse to listen to SGM because of this and have turned to contemporary music exclusively. I continue to support many of the wonderful groups out there such as the Hoppers, Booth Brothers, etc.. My earnest prayer for SGM is they will raise the standard.
"Folks, let’s stop doing “NOTHING.” Let’s start taking names and kicking tails."
I disagree with you Mr. Murray.
I am with songwriter on this one.
I assume that this group worked directly with Nick the whole time, and not that he was only a part of the process with several others.
I went to this group's website to find some clips or something so as to make a fair assessment. There were not any so I emailed for someplace to go to hear them. There wasn't a direct email link, just a form to fill out that in my opinion was not done very well. I left a comment asking for a link to their music and also that they needed a new webmaster because the colors were not web-friendly.
Anyway, my point is that if someone is going to attack someone's integrity to this extent publicly be sure they can back it up. Before I comment further I hope to hear something of this group. I have my theories, but need some questions answered first.
Ransomed
Go therefore, and teach all nations,...
I can imagine what Mr Pittans group must sound like. If you dont have the voices that are professional enough, Gaithers bunch couldnt make you sound good.
My vote is with songwriter on this.
I have no idea what Pittman's group sounds like. I was merely observing the irony of the whole situation.
Well, I continue to disagree with you and I believe you are missing my point.
After my initial post, I had no intention of responding any further. Some of the posts do not even deserve a response. However, I am responding to Songwriter.
I do know Nick, yes. That's why I read his column every month -but that's not why I made my comments. Someone with his long history in SGM and stellar reputation does not need to be defended.
Nick, I always enjoy your articles and appreciate the way you lay it all on the table. Just to show a parallel, I am a cabinetmaker by trade and have been involved with this industry since the late 1960's and have been plagued by the unprofessionals who are infiltrating the industry. I am retired now due to a disabling injury, but before I left the industry, I was having to bid against these same people who were cutting prices and getting some jobs. I even had some of the people who gave the jobs to some of these people call me later to "fix' some problems left by the other cabinet makers. I even had one job where I was beaten on the bid, where I provided the materials for the other person to do the job, who was doing it for "$200 less than whatever" I bid. He mishandled the oak and it was never the same, because he let the moisture content rise to a bad level before using it. So, there are those in every industry. They will always be with us. They will probably never realize why they never made it. They will just wake up one day and see that there is no place to sing anymore. So I say just let them sing. I will listen to whom I want, will support whom I want, where they be local, pros, regional or whatever. We had a group at our church, who were real favorites of our church this past weekend. One of the singers introduced a song he had written called"Down on her knees". and said it was more a contemporary song than S.G. I told him after church not to put labels on them, to just keep writing songs like that, and it didn't to be placed in a genre, just sing it.Billijoe
Sir:
A great article, Nick.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
Sir -
Lacy, I have to agree with songwriter. You seem to have a personal chip on your shoulder with Nick. These types of problems should first be handled privately, not on a public forum.
Most professional projects cost in the $50,000 range. I don't know, but I would bet that you and your group didn't spend that much money on your sessions. You spent four days on your last project. Was that four days on vocals, which would be 36 hours, or was it four days for the entire project. If it was four days on the vocals, did you pay the same price for this CD as you did the one Nick produced for you? You made mention that you haven't been singing Bass that long. Is it possible that you have actually improved on your Bass singing to the extent that it would have made a better project? I notice that you do not have any music on your webpage, except for a poor quality video, so it is very hard to determine if your sound is as good as you think it to be.
Did you hear how bad your first CD sounded before it went to press? Did you say something about it?
Even with the world of ProTools, only so much can be done to correct pitchiness and shaved tones.
You have made some bold accusations against Nick without evidence, like putting your CD on your website so others could be the judge as to if it was Nick's fault or just a disgruntled artist who isn't as good as they think they are. I'm not saying that you are a disgruntled artist, I'm saying that we can't tell because you have just made accusations with no evidence.
I must admit though that I get a little suspicious when someone tells me that they can't stop listening to their own CD. Most people have the same reaction to some extent of not liking how they or their CD sounds when they hear it. It's common nature not to like the way you sound. That's why, if you are going to make accusations like this, you need to give us something to hear so that we can tell in an unbiased way.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
Thanks Deon,
Well..thanks Deon. Appreciate that.
Unfortunely a lot of amateur artist will remain amateur artist because we do not have $50,000.00 to spend on a project. When I recorded my second cd, The budget that I had only allowed me to have 6 hours for the music and 6 hours for the vocals. When I did my vocals I ended up using only 4 hours. You are rushed through when you do not have the budget that will allow you to spend a great deal of money on a project. If you do it right, It can sound as good as the 50,000.00 cd. Even the most talented people have a hard time in the studio. That is why they spend hours on a song. A lot of people learn the song in the studio. Artist that do not have the budget to do this need to take the music home and practice it to death for at leat six weeks so the can get good quality with the six hours they have to record. I agree that there are companies that a ripping off people with no talent.
As usual...Good article Nick! What you are explaining has been going on since the 80's.
Great article, Nick!
WHAT? Are you people nuts. Nick asked for people to be honest. Why is it the few loyal readers of Nicks mush are ticked it actually worked against him. you all should be ashamed for bashing Lacey for doing exactly what Nick asked of him to do. Nicks articles always bash folks for helping or taking the new artist down the road...But, its all working in his favor because thats all that he produces.Its a sales pitch guys. Nick writes as a savor of the little guy...and the little guy flocks him for help. I am not ignorant to his practices. And everyone should be ashamed for turning on Mr Lacey....if Mr Lacey had outed someone other than the writer of the article <Nick> everyone would have praised Nick for his pre tar and feather conventio....But it happened to bite him and now you all are angry. No artist in southern pays 50,000 for an album. Lacey stated he paid the same amount with David Staton and got a smooth deal-So it wasnt the money- it was Nick.
Simon Clayton has twisted the story around. I will stick with Nick.
Mr. Simon, I'm not sure who you think is nuts, but it's no one here. Seems you forget that there are two sides to every argument and only one side was given here. It was obvious that it was a personal attack on Nick, and not an addition to the article. As I stated, Mr. Lacy made his rant without any evidence. We were not privy to hearing what he thought was terrible as opposed to what he thought was perfect. I don't believe that anyone "bashed" Mr. Lacy, however we do have every right to question him about the situation.
So, no one should be ashamed and many groups DO pay $50,000 for CDs in SGM.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
First of all, I have nothing against Mr. Pittman. I don't know him, but he seems sincere enough. He is my brother in the Lord.
I would like to expand on Mr. McCammon's comments. Maybe we need to focus on being the best gospel quartet performers we can be and not worry so much about how to expand our music market share. When gospel quartets were on top during the 50s and 60s, the popular music of the day (that which was selling the most) was the music of the doo-wop groups featuring high falsettos and low basses. During the 70s the music was still featuring part-singing and a lead feature with background vocals. Listen to the music today. With the exception of an occasional boy-band, you don't see groups harmonizing and making it big in pop music.
Maybe SG is more comparable to barbershop quartets. Those pro guys (and gals/the Sweet Adelines) are wonderful! Incredible harmonies and showmanship. Anyone who hears them usually genuinely enjoys their experience. However, they do not seem to be gaining a larger share of the market. They are content barbershopping and doing a great job at it.
One other personal note. I'm involved in convention-style music. As much as we reminisce about "Heavenly Parade" and how fun that was to hear/sing, no one seems to want to tackle that style of music anymore. Still, I enjoy the writing such songs. By doing so, if that becomes my only role, I'll never gain popularity as a songwriter outside a handful of people no matter how good I might get at it. As far as pro versus amateur, I think of Bill and Gloria Gaither as teachers HAVING to leave their profession in order to keep up with the demand for their music. I am a teacher and have yet to have demand for my music take away from my day job! To give up my day job and try to force it would likely be catastrophic. It all goes back to what is popular...what the people WANT.
http://www.susanjonesonline.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/susanjones
http://www.myspace.com/srwjones
I can't say that I have been a long time reader of Nicks column...but I can say that I have read every one of them since I came across them.
Jbari,
Send me $500, and I'll give you a list of individuals in the industry who are trying to take your money. For $1000, I'll also tell you who isn't. If anyone else wants the same info, just remember, you must act today. It's only going to be offered for a limited time!!
(If it works out as well as I hope, I can retire early!)
- - - - -
Ignore all I just wrote, of course. You are dead on target with your suggestions and questions.
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.”—-Mark Twain
Could it possibly be that the difference in the Glorymen projects is 3 years of experience ?
jbari,
Jim2:
There are very few people who I would trust to produce a project on our group, mainly because we are blessed to have veteran, seasoned talent within the group, that know recording backwards and forwards. One of those people I would trust is Nick Bruno. I have often wondered what could be learned from someone outside our group. My old buddy Terry Blackwood would be another I wouldn't mind working with. But trust me, there are very few inside southern gospel that I would give free rein to.
Gospel music needs to be about making money and earning a living again. That way the singers could actually stop lying on the stage when they say they aren't doing it for money. We might actually have groups that can pay their members what they're worth and keep em on the bus.
Nick,
Hello Everyone. I have read alot of the posts and I have to say, I see both sides. I think it is a little strong to say The gentlemen was Un-Christ like or mean spirited about his Recording with Nick. If thats what happened then the man has a right to voice his opinion. But in my humble opinion, Nick is very talented, and has produced some great recordings, I sure everyone can agree with that. The only thing I tend to disagree with is, what can he do to further a groups success. Yes he can make them a great recording but I think that is it. Other than that you try to make the best music you can, book dates, and go sing. I know there is alot of things groups try to do like Radio Promotions,Record company, Booking agents but what will these things do for you other than take your money. There has been alot of groups shut down out there and I think if there was a magic solution there would be groups standing in line. I think it is pretty simple. Make good recordings and if you want to be full time, quit your jobs and book 200 plus dates.
We have three "homemade" cd's. The first one we felt was good for a first project on our budget but we were not satisfied. On the second project there was a marked improvement over the first, both in the vocals and the mix, partly because I pulled my self out of the mixing process. The third project was better than the second because we were doing what we were supposed to do...improve.
I am amazed that Mr Pittman has submitted a retorical. Once again! Mr Pittman, read Nick's article once more! You sir are speaking out for "The Bizarros".
As to Nick's article, Yes and No.
What an interesting article. I suppose based on this article I am what Nick reffered to as an amatuer. I am one of the oweners and operators of Chapel Valley Studio and very proud to be a part of many artists lives and ministries. With that out of the way I will say this....
Mr. Roark,
I will admit that I have not read all of his articles. In fact I rarely read anything in SGM music I find it to be redundant. Please allow me to point out that I was NOT offended my Nicks article. I do Get his point. I am just not sure that we are all clear in the matter of who is cheating and lying to whom. He mentioned Crossroads as a reputible company that would do a REAL recording. Unfourtunatly they are among those who will record anyone who will pay the right amount of money. I am not saying that they are wrong or right in doing so they are not on this post to deffend themselves. I do believe that there are cheaters and liars taking peoples money when they have no chance at a real career but I do not think it is limited to the Amatuer market. There are many so called Pro record companies that are cheating and lying as well.
By the way Nick, I get the Superman analogy.
Well then I think we basically agree. I think he supports and applauds and encourages groups who want to make a record. He says he does custom albums all the time. I think his problem is when a new group makes a custom album and the record company LIES to them and tells them all kinds of pie in the sky kind of things - and their ONLY intent to is to take the group's money because the group believes that soon they will be the NEXT BIG THING. And SO I think he just tries to WARN newcomers.
I believe there could be some record companies out there that sign the small groups to a $18,000 project to help fund their top groups $60,000 project.
On the subject of not being able to sing, Country Music has it bizarros too. Just watch the CMA awards sometime! Sad thing is the general public buys the stuff anyway.
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