Shaun Groves
Brody had just remarked in the elevator that at industry events like this people are always saying to him “We’ve met before haven’t we?”
Five minutes later the first guy we run into at Gospel Music Week says to Brody “We’ve met before haven’t we?”
Of course the answer is “No. No we haven’t. I’m Brody.”
Welcome to Gospel Music Week in Nashville, where scads of industry professionals and artist hopefuls flood the Convention Center and surrounding buildings for five days to learn, meet new folks, hear new music and pretend they’ve met each other before.
Brody and Brian and I were there this morning for two hours at an independent artist event. I’m on a GMA council that deals with independent artists and education and what not and apparently, at a meeting I was absent from due to a prior soft rocking commitment, I got recruited to teach this session this morning. Actually, I loved doing it and I’d do it again. The topic they gave me was why I do what I do – the perfect opportunity to speak about Compassion International and the difference partnering with them for the last little while has made in my life and work.
I talked about what we’ve been saved for and how we can integrate that into our music making. I talked about how God has gifted us all in a way that can be used to bring the “kingdom” to communities, to inspire the doing of God’s will here on earth as it’s done in heaven.
Then I hung out and talked to folks. Lots of folks. Lots of independent artists trying to figure out how to do what they do, why they do it, and how they can do it better. (They don’t realize, I suppose, that they know more about being independent than I do.) I walked away, after only two hours mind you, with a stack of business cards and about a dozen demos in hand. “Will you listen to this and tell me if you like it?” Phew, I’ve got a lot of listening to do.
And a long plane ride to do it on. I’m heading to Vidor, Texas to play a show tonight – waiting on our plane as I type. I’ll be back at Gospel Music Week on Monday to shake hands, learn, hear good music and pretend I’ve met people before.
Chad Jarnagin says:
Thank God you are going to be back for GMA…
Haven’t we met before?
Nancy Tyler says:
You were at GMA Saturday? Where are you going to be Monday? You’d told me you’d be at GMA Wednesday only. Good grief. Does Gabriella need to start drilling you on your days of the week again?
Shaun Groves says:
Well, I get back in town on Monday just in time for a Compassion International get together that night – a good chance for Becky to meet all the Compassion folks I get to work with.
I WAS at GM Week Saturday, like I said, for only two hours and then Elvised out to catch a flight.
…if you must have more details. ; )
Nancy Tyler says:
A young artist was telling me this morning that he was really encouraged by your indie talk. Praying that despite the drama and hairspray haze of the week, you’ll be encouraged too.
Shaun Groves says:
Maybe I’m a freak (don’t chime in on that one) but I really really like GM week. It has worn me out in past years but I genuinely enjoy myself most of the time.
It’s the one time of the year that I get to see people I like in the music business and hang out…even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Speaking of which, Nancy, I’ll see YOU Wednesday morning. Sometime. Still working on that.
Nancy Tyler says:
I like GMA Week once I get past my initial “I’m not good enough” feeling. I look around at the gorgeous, the cool and the powerful and remember I’m none of those things–I don’t even make a dime from the industry. And the “Why am I heeeeeeeere?” question kicks in. But then I’ll see an artist friend or label friend, a message board pal or somebody who listens to the radio show and I’ll remember. I’m here for them. And I’m here to learn how to make that little radio show better to serve all of them. Then everything makes sense again.
Ryan G says:
Wait…you actually listen to those CD’s?
It has always seemed like a waste of time for indies to go to those things unless you’re close. A bunch of people telling you the same thing you’ve heard all along,
Grovesfan says:
And WHY can’t we chime in on the “freak” comment above?
Nancy, do I need to come and whoop up on you for saying those negative things about a truly wonderful and inspirational you? When you get to heaven, the line of folks waiting to tell you about the impact you had on their lives will undoubtedly go around several heavenly golden streets! You ROCK!
Beth
Nancy Tyler says:
Thanks Beth. Thing is though, if I were always positive and safe for the whole family, I wouldn’t be real. If I don’t struggle out loud, people will get the impression that I’m an utter fake or worse, that I have it together beyond what they could achieve. And I don’t. I can be insecure sometimes and a diva other times. And sometimes, I can even be well-balanced and mature. LOL
At heart, I never forget my value in Christ. But sometimes, like the first couple hours at GMA, the hairspray haze can obscure my view of the One on whom I’m supposed to be fixing my eyes. Not real positive maybe, but it’s positively real.
Gaetano Buffa says:
Shaun,
Interestingly enough, I saw Brian twice, but never saw you…. of course with all the flurry of people going everywhere, it is easy to miss everyone.
Nathan Meier says:
Would you be able to post some music from the new artists that you met?
Who would you recommend at the moment? I’d like to find some new Christian music and thought you might have some good insight into bands that might not play on KZZQ out of Des Moines Ia!
Thanks,
Nathan