Americans complaining about the price of anything is ridiculous. We pay $2 or more for a cup of coffee on our way to work instead of brewing it at home, we waste electricity, water, and gasoline. We want what we want, when we want it. And we are going to complain about the price of a ticket for a charitable event?

If you can’t afford it, fine. But don’t complain about it. How silly. As for “the money could go to other charitable causes.” How much money do you think has been raised for charitable causes by the GMA and it’s supporters? A whole lot more than this dinner took in.

The part of the article that SHOULD ALARM US, is not someone providing a concert and setting a price that we aren’t happy with. It’s their price to set. It’s within their authority. STEALING someone else’s music isn’t in anyone’s authority, yet, this is a widely accepted CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

David said: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Regard, in this verse, means to prefer. If you prefer to live in a lifestyle of sin over fellowship with Christ, He does not hear you. If you live a lifestyle of STEALING, then you either a) aren’t saved, or b) have no fellowship with Jesus Christ.

So, sadly, so many Christians sacrifice real, honest, close fellowship with the Saviour because they’d rather STEAL music.

John Styll has stepped down as President of GMA, very potentially due to financial concerns of the GMA… and I hear that GMA Music Week lost money these last 2 years. So if this event can bring out those that can, and will, afford $1k to keep GMA afloat, then I, for one, am happy. Some of us little guys do benefit from the Association and gain much support from those that are the bigger guys.

While I have already seen this via GMAil and other GMA communications, I do appreciate that Shaun posted this article… We should all have some concern as to where the music industry is headed… with or without the GMA.. -G

My Christian music is an integral part of my Christian walk. There is nothing more powerful than singing and worshipping in spirit and in truth. So many people are reached by Christian music. Music is so powerful that God had the musicians go out *in front* of the soldiers when they went to war in the OT.

Jennifer & Beth…back in 1994 I was an anti-Christian, anti-God, everything-that-has-to-do-with-Christians-sucks worldly person. I wanted NOTHING to do with God. Then one night at 3am I saw a PFR video on TV and thought it was the first Christian band I’d heard that didn’t suck. I got their CDs. I started listening to other Christian rock bands. I accepted Christ a few months later.

When they said it had the power to change lives they weren’t talking about it saving anyone. They were talking about how it could reach out to people like me and draw them to the one who changes lives. In essence, the music did change my life because without hearing it I wouldn’t have opened myself up to Christianity and changed my mind on God.

One legislative issue tackled was music piracy. Not sure what the GMA contribution to policy was but I know they worked with the RIAA and others to combat piracy. The GMA studied the problem, researched whether there was a difference between the rate of piracy among Christians and non-Christians (nope) and what kinds of messages/programs would be most effective in stopping Christians from stealing music. Then they launch the “Million Wrongs Don’t Make It Right” campaign with Toby Mac, Stacie Orrico and I as spokespeople.

The GMA also puts on Gospel Music Week, which, until the last couple years, was heavily attended by artists and other industry folks – a one stop gathering of the entire industry. There were educational tracks there for promoters, radio professionals, retailers and indie artists. And signed artists could knock out a lot of press opps in one week, and perform for all the industry gatekeepers all at once. The event, along with the Dove Awards at the end of it every year, partly exist to raise awareness that Christian music exists and that it is more diverse and of a better quality than one might think.

I’m not sure that the industry we’re evolving into needs the GMA in it’s present form – as much as I love my friends there. But I think the GMA served the industry we once had well.

btw, I very much like John Styll, GMA’s president, and I think those of you I know would too. For one thing, he sponsors a few dozen Compassion kids and shines the spotlight on Compassion every chance he gets. He’s not a everybody-look-at-me leader. He’s humble and about advancing the industry, not his own recognition. He allows for a diverse set of voices at industry events: He’s given me a platform alongside signed artists and opposing viewpoints in the past. He’s not for a homogenous industry. He seems to truly champion diversity of style and thought – something the industry and the Church needs, in my opinion.

As an independent artist how does the GMA affect your career, ministry, life?