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.