God bless you all. Thank you for all of the wonderful postings, inbox messages, encouragement and love that you have shown me here on my page. Words cannot express how much I appreciate all of you.  

I have heard from a number of people who have questions regarding how to make it in the gospel music industry. Unfortunately, time does not permit me to respond to all your personal inquiries, so I decided to post some information/advice on that subject for those of you who have questions.

There certainly is no one way to go about it. The fact of the matter is that everyone is not going to make it in the industry. This is not to discourage anyone, but to look at this realistically. You may NOT be predestined to make it in the gospel music industry. All of us are born for a specific purpose. Our very lives are preordained and predestined. I run across many people who are unhappy at their jobs, feeling unfulfilled and just depressed about their working environment. I always ask the question, "what is GOD'S will for your life? Is it the preached word? Is it teaching? Is it foster care? Is it medicine? Are you doing something just for the paycheck? Or is there something else that you really should be doing? Many times, fear paralyzes us and keeps us from stepping out on faith and doing what God has willed for us even when we are aware of what it is. There are so many forms of ministry. If you are a musician or a singer, is it your job/ministry to only minister and bless those who are a part of your church family? There is no ministry too small. When Paul talks about gifts, he is saying that we are all one body with different members. In other words, we all need each other in order to be effective. Some are preordained to work in the local church, while others are preordained to go into the field. So my first question is "what is God's will for your life?" The first thing to do is to seek out His will and what He would have you to do. In doing this, not only will you be walking in His will, but you will also be satisfied, happy and fulfilled in whatever that task is.

If you feel that God's will for your life is the gospel music industry, the first thing is to know your craft and know it well. I believe that we should give God nothing less than excellence. You need to be GOOD! Learn how to read music, learn vocal techniques and the art of "correct singing." Whatever it is that you need to do to be the best that you can be in terms of giving back to God what He has given you, by all means, do it! He expects us to develop those gifts that He has blessed us with.

Secondly, be sure that you are under a spiritual covering. It's impossible to minister to others, if you are not being fed yourself. Be under a good pastor with good teaching. Know the Word and study it. Make sure that you have an active prayer life. Understand that it's not about us, but it's about God using us to make a difference in the lives of others. There are no shortages of GREAT singers and GREAT musicians. The difference is finding ANOINTED singers and ANOINTED musicians. Your desire should not be to showcase or show others how good you are, but to bless and encourage others through ministry.

Be  unique in what you do. The industry doesn't need another Fred Hammond or Kirk Franklin. My gifted brothers have that part wrapped up. Be yourself! It's fine to be influenced by others. We all stand on the shoulders of someone. I certainly have a number of people who have been great influences in my musical life. But do not become a carbon copy of that person. Be original. The industry is looking for uniqueness.

Get as much exposure as you possibly can. Start in your church home. Get on local programs (for example: concerts, weddings, musicals, etc.) so others can hear you. PRACTICE!! In order to perfect what you do, you must have practice time, daily if possible. Get feedback from others on how you sound, write or whatever your gift may be. "American Idol" is a PRIME EXAMPLE of people who think they are more gifted than they actually are...smile. 

Attend whatever workshops that come to your area. If you can, attend some of the national workshops like Gospel Music Workshop of America, The Edwin and Walter Hawkins Love Fellowship Conference, The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, and others. Learn as much as you possibly can. Network with others. There is an annual periodical called Gospel Music Industry Roundup (www.gospelroundup.com)  which is contains a wealth of information about these conventions and others, as well as important facts about the industry. Again, try to learn as much information as you can.

When the time is right, consider a demo. Make sure you put your best work on it. You don't need to do more than three songs. But make sure the songs are diverse and represent a good variety of what you do. It doesn't have to be a fully-orchestrated, finished product. But make sure it is of excellent quality and shows exactly what it is that you do. Most of the record industry attends the national workshops. THAT'S the time to network. Have your business cards and have your demos. Get a press package made up with professional photos and bios. 

Understand that there aren't that many major gospel labels. However, if you are unique, and God has willed this for you, then you will undoubtedly succeed. Your gift WILL make room for you. Even look into some independent labels which is one way that a lot of people are going. There are some good independent labels that are looking to discover new talent. Again, check out the gospel music industry roundup. Learn as much about the business as you can. If management needs to be obtained, make sure that they understand MINISTRY, have a wealth of knowledge of the industry and KNOW key people. DO NOT sign any type of contract without first having it looked over by an ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER. Unfortunately, just because this is the gospel music industry,  it does not mean that there are not people out there who will take advantage of you when you are just beginning.  There are many horror stories...in fact, I  have a couple myself...smile. 

My dear friend, Donald Lawrence, wrote a BEAUTIFUL song entitled "Seasons."  Know that, throughout our lives, there are periods of change that we go through. I remember graduating from Howard University as a piano major, and knowing that God had called me to do music ministry. It seemed like all my classmates, who graduated with me, were getting all kinds of breaks in the industry. From record deals to writing for well known artists to even singing background for famous artists. Everyone that I knew seemed to be becoming successful in what I knew in my heart I was supposed to do. I remember feeling frustrated, happy for them, but just feeling left out and just wanting to do this music thing so bad. But there was a preparation period that I had to go through before God could usher me into MY season. He had to groom me mentally and emotionally, but more important, SPIRITUALLY for my predestination. Sometimes, you may get frustrated and you feel that it's not going to happen, but what God has for you IS for you. You have to be ready to receive it! If I had gotten to my season without being prepared, it could have been detrimental for me. So know that, those of you who KNOW that you have been called, have to go through a readying process. When He's done the work that needs to be done, then, like Donald says, you can "walk into your season." There are pitfalls, disappointments, and yes, politics. There is absolute HARD work, and all kinds of issues that come with doing this. You need to be prepared for the things that you may encounter so that you can have the spiritual strength to deal with them. Most importantly, you need to be at a spiritual place where you can be an anointed vessel for God. We need vessels who are going to make a difference in the world, to reach people that, many times, the church has not reached. But in order to do all of that, you've got to be prepared for what God has planned for you.

At any rate, I hope this will supply you with some insight as how to go about things. Again, I'm sorry I can't respond individually, but I really wanted to speak to the subject so that, hopefully, this will help in some way.

Thanks again for the love you continually show me. Please know that it does not go unappreciated. God bless you all!!

Love,

Richard Smallwood