Mark Mohr's 12 Gospel Reggae Artist New Years' Resolutions
Jan. 7, 2009 - Hey guys, I got inspired tonight and wrote my top 12 suggested New Years' Resolutions for Gospel Reggae artists. They are in no particular order and are tongue in cheek. I am not trying to hate on anybody, they were meant to be both humorous and thought provoking--Enjoy!
1. I will release an album this year. No longer will fans have to wait years in anticipation for my product. I will not hold a launch, release party or even announce the release date until I actually have the manufactured CDs in my hands.
2. I will keep every single CD that I have ever recorded in stock at all times. I will sell them to distributors, webstores and at my merchandise table. (This is how artists make money!)
3. I will not rely on CDs as my only source of sales income. I will make all my albums available for digital download (on GospelReggae.com, iTunes, etc...) and print shirts, hats, stickers, etc...
4. I will pick ONE original artist name that is spelled correctly and stick with it from here on. No more AKA's or kindergarten spelling! (After all, it's your name, not a text message!)
5. I will do every single show I can in as many countries and possible and not let my rider (contract) or sense of entitlement keep me from fulfilling the Great Commission.
6. I will stop wasting my time waiting for MySpace pages to load and finally join the FaceBook revolution. (Facebook blew past MySpace in visitors from across the world back in April and the gap continues to widen).
7. I will not do a song with a secular artist just to boost my career. (Ouch!) I cannot honestly promote an artist that uses the Lord's name in vain. If God calls me to sing with a mainstream artist then it will be on a subject that both of us can agree on. I am not compromising my faith by splitting verses with someone who sings about God one minute and then slackness or gun-talk the next. (I had no one in particular in mind when writing this).
8. I will do more than just sing about stopping the violence; I will pray for it and act on it. I'll perform in prisons, visit juvenile detention centers and reach out to at-risk youths as often as possible. I will reach them on their own level with a message of hope and salvation. (Only after someone is saved will true regeneration take place).
9. I will not be a band-wagonist. I'll come up with original lyrical ideas and new rhyme schemes. Behind me are the days of burning fire on gays, dissing Rastas and killing demons. I will sing songs with conviction because God has given them to me, not because everyone else is doing it. From here on I will only write songs with substance that are Scripturally correct and truly reach the lost with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).
10. I will do just one photo shoot where I am actually looking at the camera with a smile in my eyes. I won't wear fake bling, dark sunglasses, big logos or a scowl on my face--after all, I am not a gangster. (But please no photos that look like you are praying or with your hands raised in the air. You don't have to prove that you're holy--we believe you!)
12. I will stop using Autotune to cover up the fact that I cannot keep a tune. I will learn how to sing every note correctly in the studio. This way I will actually sound like my album when I perform in concert! (People pay good money to hear what your voice really sounds like--not the effects of some overused computer plug in.)
13. I will agree on calling the genre "Gospel Reggae" and unite with all other artists under the same banner setting aside all differences for the sake of the Good News. (See Philippians 2:2) "Because the Gospel must be first!"
============================================
None of these resolutions were intended to offend, but rather provoke healthy discussion. If they got a rise out of you then great! I want to hear your opinions on this matter (whether you agree or disagree). I have posted this writing on the GospelReggae.com blog (which is ironically in MySpace). Simply visit the following link and click on the BLOG link:
http://www.myspace.com/gospelreggaemusic
While you are there please make sure that you add us as one of your top friends. Let's forward the genre of Gospel Reggae together!
We put the Gospel First...
Swimming in His Grace,
Mark Mohr
GospelReggae.com
Lion of Zion Entertainment
Christafari
The Positive Music Agency
