Dear Christian Music Industry (Part Five)
Dear Christian Music Industry,
This week my friend Phil did something a little out of the ordinary. It wasn’t completely unheard of and it’s not like it hasn’t been done before, but Phil decided to record a show, make a record and give it away. Did you hear about it?
Here’s the thing Christian Music Industry, some of you are listening now. Some of you are listening and I think I know why. I think you’re listening because of the simple fact that you are seeing results. You’re seeing results like the fact that in six days now, over 9,500 people have downloaded Phil’s record. Results like the fact that Phil’s site has had over 40,000 page views in the past six days. You’re seeing results like both of Phil’s previous records taking significant jumps up in the Top 100 Christian Albums on iTunes in two days. You’re seeing an album that is nearly a year old jump from number twenty-five on the chart to number ten, and a record that is over two years old jumping from number ninety-four on the chart to number twenty-five. You’re paying attention to that because you want those results.
There’s only one problem Christian Music Industry, and here it is. All of this didn’t happen because Phil has a blog. Do you know how many people in the world “have blogs”? See, most of you are still looking at blogs as something that kids that live in their mom’s basement, and collect action figures have. They are something that you talk about your cat on and what you had for breakfast. And if you’ve gotten past that spot, you think blogs are a “fun extra” that bands can have like buddy icons or something. You’re looking at it as an extra that fans will just feel blessed to have. You want to hear what I believe? I believe all of this happened because in the last six months Phil decided to engage his fans, create a community, involve his readers, and the result was something special. Phil was given the ability to blog well.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not so foolish to say that the only reason Phil’s record has done really well, along with his other records, is because of his six month old blog. Phil is an unbelievably talented musician, with a progressive label behind him, and it was only a matter of time before this happened, but there’s only so much we can attribute to coincidence, don’t you think?
Not enough of evidence for you? How’s this? Two days ago Bart Millard of MercyMe fame, (You’ve heard of him right, Christian Music Industry?) announced on their blog that his solo record called “Hymned Again” was available for pre-sale. He encouraged his readers to pre-order it and asked for his “blogging community” to help make a dent in the iTunes chart by ordering a record that no one thinks will do well. Wanna hear something funny, Christian Music Industry? It’s currently number nineteen on the Top 100 Christian Albums on iTunes. Not bad for a record that isn’t even out yet.
So there’s a few examples of why I think we should talk. It’s not that I think that I can do something magical for you and make you end up at the top of charts. If I could do that don’t you think I would be sitting there myself? No, I am saying that if you are getting the slight idea to start a blog because you’ve seen these results and want to give it a go, I might suggest blogging well. Just a thought.
Your Friend, Brody
yay Brody! Congrats on the results. The community part is key. People want community.
I think it only makes sense that bands create a following with a blog. Interaction with potential fans is really important. I believe it allows the fans to feel invested in the band as well as making them feel like they are MORE than just a listener. I love hearing that this is working.
Love this bro…love it!
To’ally brill as usual Brody
Hoorah!
Right on Brody. I just saw “Cannons” ranked #25 on Amazon mp3 Christian albums this morning and I was thrilled. Ten 5 star reviews (mine included). Way to go Phil and Brody!
http://www.amazon.com/Cannons/dp/B00138D230/ref=pd_ts_th_25?pf_rd_p=379452901&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=195244011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1GVJGZPX18ZDZ0RVESTE
thats awesome! wow. over 9,500! do you know what the ACTUAL number is? i would love to know! thanks. Ellie.
Great job Brody. I love what you’re doing.
Nice one.
Love the series.
Hey Brody, I’m commenting here so maybe you can prob Phil if you think this is a good idea.
I saw Phil at House of Blues Dallas, and watched the Live project online. Also, I’ve been listening Singalong for a few day (love it), and I have the same question over and over.
What I want to know is “How in the world does Phil get that wonderful, jaw-dropping, rich tone from his guitar?”
I think a great blog post for him would be to walk-through his entire set-up. I know he detunes his guitar, but what other tricks is he willing to share? Any pedals on the floor? Any effects being used back at the sound console? What strings does he use? What brand/model guitar?
I’m commenting something similar on his blog, but I thought you might be able to prime the pump, so to speak.
Keep up the fantastic work.
you go brody!
awesome!
Phil was brought to the public by the labels. Without that jump start, Phil would be like any other indie.. struggling to get heard.
Keith, good point. I agree about Phil’s jump start by the labels but Brody’s point is that by blogging, connecting with his fans, and giving away a free live album (excellent by the way), Phil’s sales on 1 and 2 year old albums are in the top 10 this week. “Cannons” is up to #8 on Amazon mp3 today. Deserving album, label released, but promoted in a unique way combining a free download with accessibility makes collectors want to support the artist even more. It does for me and puts Phil in a category with Shaun Groves and Derek Webb, which is pretty great company in my opinion.
Kevin,
true, true.. I love the idea of serving your fans and give to get marketing. Its how I have built my Indieheaven.com organization.
I also LOVE Phil’s music, nothing against him, or Derek or Shaun, but they are all a product of the labels, and if they did not have that credibility boost and marketing at some point in their career, they would be like so many of the indies I rub up against..
More power to the indie!
Keith
That’s awesome. I’ve downloaded but have yet to listen. Can’t wait.
I have been enjoying this series and your entire blog. Keep up the fine work!