I'm attending the first Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference in Chesapeake VA this week. The conference provided a wealth of industry information. It was worth the sacrifice required to attend. During a workshop on distribution I asked the speakers to critique the packaging of my CD Meditations. They panned the picture saying it was too dark and that the blinds in the background needed to go. The convener said I was courageous for submitting my product to scrutiny. I just wanted some honest feedback from some industry insiders. Watch what you wish for, LOL. One of them liked the fact that my picture paints a very clear picture of what I do. The next presenter however said he would not put the sax on the cover because of radio's tendency to pigeonhole instrumental music for production purposes. I was already planning a re-release of Meditations and I appreciate the input. But ultimately I'm accountable to God. And to the people who 'get it'. No amount of repackaging will disguise the fact that I play the saxophone. And if they don't see it on the cover, would they not hear it once they start listening?
In the past month several well meaning (I guess) people in the industry have suggested that I need to alter my course, from not using the term 'Gospel Jazz' (see previous post) to not putting the saxophone on my cover picture. While the masses may not be ready to receive what I do, there are a chosen few who are. And I would submit that chosen few is more than the industry recognizes. It underscores, though, just how important each one of my supporters are. I appreciate you in the extreme, and I hope you will stay with me as I navigate a path towards getting you more music that will touch your soul.
Big up to Phillip Carter for convening the Independent Gospel Conference. It was packed with excellent information from some of the best and brightest in the industry.
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