Wednesday, September 5, 2012

WHERE'S THE BUZZ?

I guess I’m more than a fan of Christian music.  I’m an advocate.  I do more than listen to it - I share it and promote it. There’s one thing that is noticeably absent from Christian music - buzz.

This morning on a competing station I heard the DJ talk about Jessica Simpson’s weight loss since giving birth. She’s on some new diet plan.

I read about the classic rock song by Thin Lizzy “The Boys Are Back In Town” which being used a part of the Republican's campaign. The singer is deceased - his Mom is angry.

Axel Rose is suing Guitar Hero about the use of Slash’s image to promote the game.

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” has been banned at Penn State football games.

Lady Gaga has a started a perfume line.

Maria Carey is a judge on American Idol

These headlines are less than a week old and like them or not, people talk about this stuff, like it’s added value to a song.  It’s almost like the songs are secondary to the artists’ lives.

In Christian music, we don’t have this kind of buzz. We don’t hear about artists launching perfume lines, or lawsuits, or DUI’s, etc. In fact, we don’t hear much at all, other than, so and so is on tour.

I suppose it’s good that Christian music is directing people to think about God rather than redirecting us to think about bad news and gossip. But isn’t there anything else going on, or do Christian artists just record and tour, record and tour?

As the manager of a radio station I am constantly thinking about marketing and involvement.  How can we promote LIFE 100.3?  And what else do we do, beyond playing music and giving away prizes.  Well, if you listen, there is always something going on - an event, a goodwill campaign, a talent search, a VBS blessing - something. And that’s why we do it - for station buzz. So listeners have another reason to talk about our radio station, then to listen, and ultimately to hear the message. But it begins with buzz.

I’m sure Christian artists have buzz that’s worth sharing. I just don’t hear about much beyond the music. But I do hear Christian music fans talking about secular music stories. Hmmm.

3 comments:

  1. Very good point Scott. I think the bog difference with Christian music over secular music is that we (Christian) point the direction to the messenger, not the message. (or the Artist) Recently I have taken an interest in the person who writes and records these songs and watch bio's and interviews on Worship Together. Maybe lIFE 100.3 and their DJ's is a good place to start some buzz about these Christian Artist's. You always seem to give some good background on the artist that you play on Sat.AM Retro Show. (nicely done, by the way). Maybe we the audience need to hear more about today's artists. May the BUZZ go on.

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  2. Since starting at Life as an Announcer, part of my thing is to find the "buzz" on Christian artists when I get my log file and start to type a script to use for the show. I have found already I am getting more familiar with the artists and what's happening with them, so this is a good thing! I agree, there needs to be more BUZZ about what Christian artists do - not to promote themselves over God or anything, but just what do they do besides record and tour? :)

    Andrew Robertson
    Announcer Rookie! :)

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  3. I think its begins with a mindset of acknowledging what christian artists are doing even beyond the songs, and realizing that it does actually matter. Unfortunately, I believe within the Canadian church we have downplayed the value of artists and therefore Christian artists have been afraid to be buzzworthy. The truth is, many of these fine artists are fighting human trafficking, advocating for marriage, performing on big stages, performing for charities, creating amazing projects, books, movies, and wouldn't you know it - some are even getting record deals and even having babies just like people in Hollywood lol. What's even more amazing about it all is they are doing it all for the glory of God, and that is powerful. Great post Scott!

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