The music industry is nothing short of treacherous, and while this is common knowledge, many still seek to pursue a career in music. When you go back to watch movies and television shows, you hear and see how people were taken advantage of. Artists who were used until they had nothing left, or in some cases, the experiences have led many to swear off making music period. If this is happening over in the mainstream arena, why don’t we expect it to be the same in the Christian music industry? The fact of the matter is, it happens and more often than we would like to admit. In reality it appears as if the only difference between mainstream and Christian music industries is that the Christian market talks about Jesus.
There seems to be a common trend as of late, where former Christian artists lay out just how they were taken advantage of during their time in the Christian music business. The first time I heard of this was back in 2014 from Je’kob’s Pocketless Souls II project where he repeatedly had negative things to say about Christian labels. He equated them to slave masters and said that these labels should be ashamed of themselves. Fast forward to the year 2016 and we are hearing similar subjects being touched upon. A couple of weeks ago Asaiah Ziv dropped a song on his SoundCloud account titled “Ether,” where he raps about things that made him mad. In this song he alleged that the label he worked with took advantage of him from a financial standpoint, even though he was only fifteen years of age at the time. There are a few other artists who have dropped names in songs about people they claim have done them wrong. While everything alleged can’t be confirmed, I’m of the mindset that everybody can’t be lying. My question then is: Why is this happening to so many artists?
My personal answer to this question is simple: ignorance. The Bible tells us that people perish from lack of knowledge and Proverbs makes many comparisons between the foolish and the wise person. It’s the same reason why celebrities and artists end up going to jail over unpaid taxes; they just didn’t know that it wasn’t taken care of. On the Christian side of things, I believe we have this issue because we have spiritualized the business part of music. We say that doing music for the Lord is not just music but it’s also a ministry. While this is true, we cannot forget this is also a business. Money is traded between people for goods and services rendered, while spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. I’m convinced that we focus on the skill, “calling” and anointing of artists and we leave the business aspect “in the hands of The Lord.” This is frankly; the most ridiculous and passive thing one can do in the name of Jesus.
I’m thoroughly convinced that we think the word “business” is a curse word worthy of censoring in the church. Talking bad of those who want to run church in a businesslike fashion, unaware the church has structure and function similar to many businesses. The Bible has a lot to say about how to run a business in both Testaments of the book. Somewhere in the Scriptures the text actually praises the “shrewd businessman,” but we want to assume folks motives if they model their music endeavor after a successful business template. I suggest that those artists, who really want to do this, find mentors to pour into them, read books about the music business, and even take classes on it. I would go as far as to say if music is your passion, why not get a degree in the music business? You get a wealth of knowledge and a degree; it’s just one of the paths to making sure you as an artist don’t get taken advantage of. There are too many talented individuals who want to use their talent for the Lord and His Kingdom, but are turned off due to the negative experiences within the Christian music industry.
The music business is messy because art and commerce are intertwined in such a way that one cannot function properly without the other. I want artists to be able to make music with a message and make money to further their artistic profession. I want you to think about artists who have had very public bouts with their management and their label, so you can see what not to do. Also labels and experienced artists, finding someone who is inexperienced in this industry is not a blessing. This is akin to you praising the Lord when someone dropped their wallet in front of you and you keep it. This industry needs veterans to pour into the up and comers, but it also needs the artists to do their due diligence and seek the knowledge out for themselves. With the internet and the accessibility to those involved in the industry, there is literally no excuse. The Bible tells us “above all thy getting, get an understanding.” This is the difference between to going to another plateau in music or becoming another disillusioned artist that walks away from the business completely.
