Looking back, we have been doing this for over 15 years in my case but Ray Meleke is more of a veteran than me reaching over 20 years in an industry which seems to be more interested to sideline or spew out the exhausted.

Yeap, you've got it right, the music industry and to be more specific the Christian Music industry. Over a decade ago the search for a recording contract was paramount in our minds, with a contract break at some point which didn't come to much but hot air from wanna be executives. Lesson learnt!!

The Americans taught us something though, that is: there are two types of Christian Artists. The first simply wants to spread the good news and refer to themselves as 'ministers of the gospel come rain or shine. They have made their minds up that God is their source and if God uses the music to bless them financially or by other means then it's okay, because they believe aslong as they align themselves to God's purpose provision is made by the God who causes rivers to form in deserts and makes a way in the wilderness. The second Christian simply makes a living off the music and expects a compensation for any work rendered directly from the event organiser, church etc. This Christian treats their music as a very efficient business.

Why did I bring this up? Because over the decade Ray Meleke and I as owners of MnM Records, Writers and Producers we have come across many Christian Artist torn between the two, the result is always heart wrenching to watch. A highly skilled gifted artist despretly wants to serve the Lord with their gift but still needs to pay the bills. Honestly speaking, it's been much easier to work with artists who are clear about which camp they belong in because they tend to be more focused and set themselves realistic expectations based on their vision. This type tend to have longevity and have success.

The point of this article is to encourage Christian Artists to be honest with themselves and commit to their work with a single mind.

Authors:

Ray Meleke is a Christian Gospel Artist, Producer.

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