Simon Cowell of SG Music

Hello Everyone!

2005-08-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! Sorry it's been so long since I've been online, I've had to do some traveling out of town so I'm trying to catch up now! You know, some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed! But I digress, good to see people are still talking on here......................this is; after all, a way that we can share our thoughts and opinions on how to make things better. I do have to say.....................that I'm embarassed to see that ONE person keeps getting a new name so he can try to belittle someone that has nothing to do with this blog. I'm going to take the high road on this one, but I know who he is and why he's doing it, shame on him..............anyway, so much happening in the big world of SG music.............................groups folding, turning buses back in, now the big one is Gold City is no longer going to have a band.............for the first time, EVER...................that is big news, but it does leave me to question this. They are going to travel with 4 vocals, piano and Doug is going to be the sound guy, so they are only losing Adam.......................why?????? Surely, they can come up with some way to keep 1 salary, if it were more, I'd understand that, but only 1????? Oh well...................not mine to question. Ah, here's a new one for ya............Kirk Talley, I'm so tired of listening to the debate..............................here's the answer, you ready????? it's called GRACE.............next topic............well, I see that our time is gone, I'll get to the comments you fine folks have left today as well. Talk to you again soon!

Well...................

2005-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok....................here it is. It's been a couple of days since I've been on and I wanted to get back into the thick of things. First of all, I have gone back and edited a couple of previous posts. I want to apologize to Shiloh, First Voice and His Grace.......................I should not have posted my comments. I have been a little harsh on somethings that I shouldn't have addressed them and I won't be as hasty anymore to jump on things, sorry guys.

But, there are some other comments that are still listed on this blog that I will not apologize for. Things need to be changed here in Texas for the sake of SG music as a whole. There has got to be something OR someone who is willing to set the bar for these groups to measure themselves by. That is why I'm posting on here, I'm honestly not trying to tear folks down, I'm trying to help. In some instances, because of whatever, groups w0n't listen to folks that do know what to do and I really want to help. Second of all, my real name is Wayne..............it's short for DeWayne.......................and that's all you get. I've been around here for a long time and have contributed into the success of a few groups around the area. But most of all, I'm a diehard Southern Gospel fan and that's where I get my credentials to say what I'm saying. I've been around the big groups, studied them, talked to them and traveled with a couple....................they are watching you.....................they are looking at what you do and most of them get a good laugh to see the presentations of the local groups. When you are part of an group, at all times.............even when you're not together, STAY PROFESSIONAL!!!!! People dont' want to see you act stupid on stage.......................if they come to see you they are expecting to see something worth while and it's your job to give them something good. If you don't you're doing nothing but breaking down the fanbase for decent local groups and even some of the professional groups.

I touched a little on the organizations a few posts back and I'm sad to say that there is NOT an organization out there that is truly helping groups get to the next level. I had at one point heard that someone was talking about one but it seems to have died on the table. If an organization is started it needs to be fashioned after the NQC. Any group should be able to come and sit up a product table as at NQC but the singing should be done BY INVITATION ONLY!!!! There should be a board of directors in place to set the standard by which the groups are chosen and invited. They could offer seminars during the day to help musicians or vocalist to learn to better themselves and someone could even work with groups to help improve their stage performance. Now I have to say it...................it's not fun but, the evening singings should ONLY be groups. If you go to any of the organizations in Texas....................every other singer is a soloist. I'm sorry, I know that each person has their own ministry and I understand that BUT, soloist are not usually a drawing card item. Your drawing card are good groups, consisting of at least trios and quartets and honestly, I'd have a LOT more quartets than trios!

Well, I'm off for today.....................I've given you enough to think about..................by the way, for those of you who keep asking for my name.................you've got my name..........it's Wayne..............you won't get the last but at least it's more than I've gotten from most of you! Have a great day!

That was quick!!

2005-08-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Happy Monday!!!! All that I have to say today is..........WOW!!! OTGH announced just Wednesday that they were losing Robbie and Jeff and they were talking to some exciting folks, then..........Sunday they announced they had hired Tony Jarman to take Robbie's place...................wow, no auditions, nothing................looks like they just went after who they wanted...................I mean, it's ok, he was doing solo work anyway........................but didn't he just leave L5 with throat problems???? L5 didn't sing him as high as OTGH will, unless they drop their tracks. Robbie was a machine and sang it higher than most tenors, he has that unusual kind of tenor voice, like an irish tenor. He's gonna be missed terribly! I hate see Pearles leave as well, I think the only one would could really step back in and pick up the peices is Christian.............who knows....................his quartet has never really flown well, so maybe. If it happens, you heard it here first!!!! :) Well, have a great week and we'll be chatting more later on!

Here we go again...........

2005-08-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

It seemed like last year around NQC time, we went through a major overhaul of tenors. Everyone seemed to start losing tenors and refilling.................are we starting again???? Two of the best tenors in the business are stepping down to go other ways, Frank Seamans of L5 and Robbie Hiner of Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet. I hate to see them both go but understand they both have a commitment to their families and need to follow the leading of the Spirit. Both of these men are class acts and I hope that the guys coming in behind them understand the big shoes they are both leaving to be filled. Who's next to go? Who are the candidates to fill their spots? Any thoughts?

New day, same thoughts

2005-08-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you had a chance to read Nick's link that I left yesterday or not but it makes a lot of sense. I love his quote:

"In the Singing News Top 80 chart for the month of July, 45 of the 80 slots are occupied by amateurs, in my opinion. What we are saying to the world is… “These 80 artists are the best we have to offer…45 of them still don’t know how to sing professionally”.Does this make sense to you? First of all, we don’t need a Top 80 chart. It only fuels the fire for the ego driven amateurs that would do just about anything to see their name on the chart. Billboard has a Top 100, but their market is huge compared to SGM...about like the difference between a basketball and a dime. It makes sense for them, but not for us."

This is not eye opening to those of us that know the realistic side of the business. Most people who are trying to get into the biz is either too blind or dumb to see it. It has always made me chuckle when I hear local or regional groups say, "We just signed with 'such and such' label". Woo-hoo.........so you signed a contract for them to produce an album for you and for YOU to pay for it.................way to go, so what???? This is what Nick is saying............anyone with the right amount of money can get in and record a great album, the bigger studios even have the capacity to digitally make any of your vocals that might be sharp or flat perfect. They can make anyone sound, decent.............case and point, Ashlee Simpson..............but when they hit the road.............ugh!!!!!! This way is cheating to me. There has to be someone or some way of measuring true talent and not the checkbook quartet! This is why I"m here................this is what Nick is saying.......................it's the no talent groups that are destroying our industry...................they are making it hard for a actual talented group to make a living on the road or good up and coming groups have to struggle more to get to where they should be. I saw a group one time, that was up and coming and charted a song but could not travel to the dates to promote the song...................why in the world would you send a song to chart in an area that you can't afford to travel to???????? Ah, back to the ego again.....................it seems to be a resounding issue in our industry! Bottom line, if you can't tote the mail, stay home!!!!!

Nick Bruno's Comments.....check it out!

2005-08-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Post from Nick Bruno. Pretty eye opening. The ideal of the illegal aliens might be a little over the top to prove his point but hold on, he'll get there!

http://sogospelnews.com/index/articles/comments/4268/

I'll have more to say tomorrow!

Monday, Monday............

2005-08-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Ah, the excitement of a new week, the smell of Starbucks in the morning and another day of just trying to live through to the weekend!!!! It was quite an eventful first week for my first week of blogging! It's fun to be able to share my thoughts and hopefully help to make a difference in the way some think of their presentation. I was very sorry to hear of the fire at Central Baptist Church in Irving. The Crusaders Trio had booked Poet Voices in for this past Saturday and had to cancel them due to a fire in a bathroom, the PV offices said they had a lot of smoke damage in the church. Fortunately, PV was able to be rebooked in Quinlan quickly. I put in a call to the church this morn to make sure that everyone is ok and see if donations were needed to help rebuild the damage. You can contact the church as well, the website is: www.centalbaptistirving.com . I got to take in a couple of couple singings this weekend, on Saturday night I went to the GMMA meeting..........the featured groups were Amazed and Southern Joy. It wasn't too bad, just a couple of thoughts, Amazed really needs s third singer and Southern Joy needs to lay off the Gold City material, it's too high for their upper end guys!!!!! Then on Sunday, I got to go see Harmony at 2nd Baptist Church in Dallas. They did a nice job, I think that the new tenor is going to fit in . He still has a way to go yet, but he'll get there. It's kinda hard to get used to a new sound when you're used to the old one but I think give them some time and they will gel just fine.You know, it's so important that we support our traveling ministries. It has made me SO mad over the years to see folks, especially Christians, go out and spend $20 or more on tickets to see a secular act but then maybe put in a dollar when the plate is passed for a traveling group! (Still, there are some that $1 is WAY TOO MUCH, but I won't touch that one today!) These people are out there, just like the secular acts, leaving the comforts of home and family and traveling; not only so that you can be entertained with their program but in some cases that people can be ministered to and lives can be changed. Most of these folks have lives away from traveling and for them to keep going they need support from you and your money. The old song, "Excuses" really still rings true, you can go and scream and shout for your favorite ball team, but throw your neck out of socket on Sunday to turn and see who just said, "Amen"! Or, you'll spend your hard earned money for expensive playoff ticket to sports events but just throw in a piddling for a group. Shame on you!!!!! If you don't want to support a group, don't book them, don't go see them! Don't think that the only way to support is to buy a cd or cassette, that money helps but it's also paying off that new project that you're enjoying in your car or home! I know that I may sound harsh on some things but how would Simon do it? I'm just trying to help make a difference! Have a wonderful week!

Too Much?????

2005-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I heard feedback yesterday from someone saying that even though they may agree with the comments that they may have been said a little too sharply. I understand that though and don't mean to be but somedays it just comes out that way. Basically, I"m tired of seeing egos in groups destroy what should be a good environment. A lot of groups can't work together because they actually believe they are better than everyone else, does it really matter? If you are in the same state and singing the same dates as each other, it doesn't put you on a differnet plateau. You may have a sound that different folks prefer but that still doesn't make you better, you have your caviats and others have their cavats. For instance, some people prefer the Kingsmen, some don't, some Gold City, some the Cathedrals, Some the Crabbs, etc. It all goes by a certain fans thoughts and what sound they enjoy. You know, I like Siganture Sound as a group, they have one of the best bass singers on the road today, their blend is good and Ernie has done a great job in marketing them, BUT, I hate the spikey hair and short tie look, it' s too much for me. I personally don't think it professional to portray that but it's their signature and has made a name for them! EVERY group should strive to maintain a very high level of professionalism!!!!!! I'm tired of the local groups that are "part-time" or "full-time" being mediocre!!!!! God expects us to perform at our best! In saying that, it takes a LOT of time and a LOT of practice to get there! You don't just "throw something together" and then blame God for it by saying "well, we may not be good, but we're gonna make a joyful noise!" Come on people! Are you really that stupid?????? If you can't do it for the right reasons and can't do it well, do everyone a favor and don't do it at all!!!!!!

Simon to the Rescue!!

2005-07-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Look..........up in the sky...............it's a bird..............it's a plane..................nah, it's just me. If I ever get down and have a bad day I have a special spot on the web that I go to pick myself up. That special place is www.heavensound.com . This site gives off info on singings and groups, well...............maybe too much on some! You see, this industry needs someone like a Simon Cowell to bring them into reality. If you look at each individual groups info, you should really get a good laugh on some. I love looking at what the group stands for and then looking at pics....................one group talks about how that God is so good and has blessed them so then you look at their picture and the man in the pic is really frowning. His suit does nothing to accent the outfits of the ladies.....................don't they realise that picture is the first impression???????? Does it take a rocket scientist to explain to these people how to market a group??????? If you're talking of spreading the love of Jesus, don't you think the pic would be better if everyone smiled and looked nice together????? Then, where do some of these people come up with names for their groups??????? I had to be in a drunken frenzie, because people in their right minds would never have picked it!!!! My favorite thing is though, the meeting the groups and seeing the attitudes and egos they possess. There are groups are out there for the right reasons and I would go hear any of them at anytime. I hope that a lot of these others can learn something from them and turn their groups around. A lot of the groups I named could be really good groups if they'd just drop the ego and enjoy where they are and not have to compete with everyone else or be "better" than everyone else. To be perfectly honest, this is why it's so hard for ANY SG group to be in Texas, whether fulltime or parttime, there is a mediocore or bad group on every corner and they are destroying any opportunity for actual good groups. That's why I'm here, it's time to correct the decline!

The Joy of the Organizations

2005-07-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ah, what a pain! It's always fun to attend the little peon meetings like, Texas Southern Gospel Music Association (TSGMA), Fellowship of Christian Musicians (FOCM), Be Ye Kind One to Another (BYKOTA)................(by the way, who in their right mind came up with that one???????), the GMMA, which I still don't know what that one stands for; anyway, and have to listen to your "friends" talk about their travels knowing that most are lying to make themselves feel better. If they are in it for the right reason there should never be any competition or back-stabbing present. You should never have to listen to how many dates they sang last year or how much money they made.......................which is usually a lie!!! If you've been anywhere in the biz you know that you don't make a ton of money in SG music unless your last name is Gaither!!! These organizations do absolutely nothing for a traveling group except make the good ones miss out on weekend dates just to get to sing one, or if their lucky, two songs and make no money to keep their expenses going..............wow, I'm gonna rush right out and join them one of them!!!!!! Also, the fan base does not attend these meetings unless they are totally tone deaf!!! If you have 60 groups or soloists singing (another joy.........soloists, they always pick the longest, slowest song they can possibly find!) and out of the 60, you might actually hear 5 acts that actually have talent. The last meeting I went to I could name on ONE HAND the groups that I might walk across the street to hear again! You should earn extra stars in your crown everytime you hear a group say.........."Well, we know that we're not that good but we're just here making a joyful noise for Jesus" Trust me bro, that ain't joyful! So do us all a favor and stop! If you want to sing, join a choir where they drown you out!!!!!

Welcome to my site!

2005-07-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my site on the web! After a lot years in the SG music field, I've had enough. I've grown tired of little no name, no talent groups that are so arrogant and think they are better than everyone else! So, I've created a site to deal with them. If you know of someone that I don't talk about, message me! I look forward to talking to everyone soon!