The Future of CCM
November 22nd, 2008 by admin
Click here to listen to the mp3 of the seminar.
A few weeks ago, I travelled to Redmond, WA to teach a few classes at a The CMS worship music conference. ( http://www.christianmusiciansummit.com) Here are my notes from my session. Enjoy!
In this seminar, Indieheaven president Keith Mohr shares his take on the future of the CCM industry, and how an independent artist can succeed in this changing time. Here are Keith’s notes.
The word “Christian” is a noun, however, the music industry turned it into a verb.
We are in a time of change in many industries, music is no exception.
In order to explain the future, we need to look at the past, because we may just be headed back there.
The olden days
Traveling minstrels, played for donations, played anywhere.
The days of vinyl and 8 tracks
Not a historian- this is what I have read elsewhere
Mainstream labels had christian artists on their label. They did not create “christian” labels. They had artists like Larry Norman, Chuck Girard, Randy Stonehill, Barry McGuire. Hippies who wrote mainstream songs from a Christian worldview.
Christian labels came into existence when some well meaning business people created the first labels.
The labels were based on similar business models as their mainstream counterparts.
Then came Keith Green- Giving music away, bucking the system, the rebel.
The days of the CD
Labels worried they would lose $$$ because the copies sounded as good as the master.
They jacked up the price to cover potential losses, even though manufacturing costs lowered.
They made a lot of $$$ and they grew in staff, spent more money, which the artist had to recoup.
The Internet
Changed all the rules, opened up the distribution channel to artists.
Profit per customer issue
Less CD purchases
I-tunes- 99 cents / DRM- I-PODS (hardware)
Walmart- 79 cents No DRM- Loss leader
Many distribution points. No longer about going to the store.
Major music store chains went out of biz.
Today
Major upheaval in all major labels
Majors own Christian labels
Warner Stock at $3 per share
EMI sold to Terra Firma, they split the company into 3 divisions
Sony/BMG split- Stock lower
Struggling to survive, Survival??
Returns coming back.
The Christian SubCulture- Becky- Radio
Future
REFORMATION- the similarities between Martin Luther and Steve Jobs
More power to the artists, better be serious!
Passion and Excellence
credibility
Networking- Your net worth is known by the size of your network
TRIBES- Engaging the network and strengthening the bonds.
The New Model
A combination of commerce and benevolence.
Bi-vocational- Keep tentmaking job
Good jobs for musicians-
graphics, studio work, booking for other artists (cant be everywhere, so use the circuit to book others)
Local/Regional
Revenue Sources:
Music Sales- people buy music at concerts to show support.
Honorarium/Offerings
Affiliate programs: World Vision, Compassion, Covenant Eyes.
Donations: Christian Independent Alliance
Endorsements: Wrap a bus, trailer stickers, drum sticks..etc.
Professional Vision = Provision. Everything you do must be professional. If you can’t afford it, wait until you can do it right. One Shot at people, don’t blow it!
FAITH and WORKS:
Both need to be at 100%.
God does not make up for our mediocrity or slothfulness.
Creativity:
Create because you love to create, not for what you think you might get out of it.
Creativity is like playing catch with God. God doesn’t just give us songs, he throws inspiration to us. We are to catch it and throw back worship. That is playing catch with God. It is a partnership, just like our faith walk.
WRAPUP:
If you believe pursuing music ministry is what God wants you to do, by all means, do it.
Procrastination is the enemy of progress.
Don’t sit around thinking about doing it, don’t sit and wait to be discovered.
Create your Momentum, be an engine. Rev it up and go down the track!
Above all else, I encourage you to include Christ in your music mission!
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The Artist: Joe Jr. said on December 12, 2008
Great! Well said and cataloged in sections to understand each point. i would like to add along with your breakdown of the history of the Christian/Secular Record Industry that, as Christians, we have to power and ability to use our God given creative abilities to surpass the secular record industry. Not on the charts and awards, but in partnering with the Lord to bring lost souls into the kingdom with our unlimited talents. His reward is greater than Grammies & Doves, however as artist’s we all need to know that our peers and the secular record industry do marvel at how the Lord can take little to become much when we place our lives & gifts in his capable hands! I say to all my brothers & sisters in Christ; keep creating and allowing the Lord to refine your product and presentation for his glory, and you’ll be rewarded here and in his presence on that great day. Peace & Blessings in Jesus name. the name above all names! Thanks Bro. Keith for all your doing to enlighten & engage the Independent Artist for Christ.
allen willoughby said on February 25, 2009
Great stuff, we have discussed the same info many times. Keep Jesus first, trust Him, help each other, play with all your heart. Never compromise and have a good time walking with Jesus.