This was our first time at GMA Week, the yearly event where most of the
Christian industry takes over Nashville. And yes, all we heard was true. To
meet artists and hang out with them was great, yet some of that industry
stuff left a bad taste in our mouth. So, as usual, we strive to give our
comments. Check cMusicWeb.com to see the feature along with our GMA Week
Photo Gallery.

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GMA WEEK PROPS AND FLOPS
by Kim Flanders

The year 2004 marked my first time in attendance at the Gospel Music
Association (GMA) Week. I have a lot of friends in the music business that
had attended in the past, so I had a small hint of what the adventures would
hold before I drove the twelve hours to Nashville. Most of those people are
radio and retail folks; my purpose, however, was different. I came as a
music fan, as someone with a desire to learn some more about artist
management and concert promotion, and as a member of the media.

GMA week is held every year in Nashville, TN and culminates with the GMA
Music Awards (originally the Dove Awards). It is a place for all facets of
the music industry to connect. I attended the MAPS track for Managers,
Agents and Promoters, while also squeezing in time for artist interviews.
Music abounds this week between artist showcase luncheons and more showcases
all around town at night. I did not make it over to Rocketown, but I heard
they were hopping with activity. There are many other outlets in the "Music
City" for all variety of music, signed and unsigned artists, to express
their craft to the masses.

I entered the week with an attempt to forget all expectations that loomed
around my brainwaves. A clear mind was my goal. By the end of the week, as
I made the trek home, I had many thoughts and ideas swirling about in the
synapses. Some good thoughts, some bad thoughts. Here is the recap as it
flowed out of my brain and onto the paper.

PROPS to RadioU and TVU (http://radiou.com/ and http://tvulive.com/) for
having a booth with no walls right at the entrance to one of the main hotels
of the event - what a way to be more radio friendly!

FLOPS to all the other radio stations that broadcast live from the event and
hid the bands behind high glass walls during the interviews.

PROPS to the GMA for the evening showcase of worship at the famous Ryman
Auditorium on Sunday night led by Michael W. Smith and Martin Smith with a
large choir of big time and small time artists. A small taste of heaven
that the attendees will not soon forget.

FLOPS to the GMA for not letting the guys from Rock and Roll Worship Circus
down in front, giving them some instruments, and allowing them to play as
well. Was the GMA just hiding them in the back because the band dressed
differently than the likes of Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman?

PROPS to Todd Agnew who, at the World Vision evening showcase, explained
that the GMA wanted him to play his popular songs, but he chose to introduce
us to some lesser known songs. I just love the non-conformists at the GMA
week!

PROPS to Tooth and Nail for sponsoring a late night showcase. TRIPLE PROPS
for Tooth and Nail artists KJ-52 and Jeremy Camp for scoring GMA Music
Awards for the first time ever! Some have speculated that Brandon Ebel,
President and CEO of Tooth and Nail records, has added more "radio friendly"
artists for more exposure. All I know is that Tooth and Nail deserves more
recognition for some of the best music out there!

PROPS to the GMA for allowing Pillar play during the awards ceremony. FLOPS
to the GMA for requesting that they perform the acoustic version of “Further
from Myself.” PROPS to Pillar for not giving in to their whims and adding
some rock to the song!

FLOPS to the GMA voters for granting Mark Hall of Casting Crowns the
Songwriter of the Year award. How hard is it for a youth group leader to
write worship songs? I know many that do, they just haven’t been signed
yet!

FLOPS also for the GMA voters to let Mercy Me win both Artist of the Year
and Group of the Year. Why? Can’t we spread the awards around a little
bit? And besides, wasn’t 2002 the big year for Mercy Me with their
mainstream success of "I Can Only Imagine?" Well, at least the GMA is not
opposed to the whole mainstream "crossover" thing.

As the final thoughts empty out of my gray matter, I will express that all
in all it was a good experience, and I would consider doing it again (as
soon as my bank account is back up again). I was encouraged throughout the
week by the little glimpses of thoughts and ideas that seem to be closing in
the gap from what people are listening to and what is considered “Gospel”
music.

Check out our gallery of photos from GMA Week 2004:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/gma2004/gallery.shtml

Read our comments on how to improve the Doves at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cmusicweb.com/features/doveimprovement


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Review: Downhere - Downhere
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/downhere/downhere.shtml


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SONGS TO BURN YOUR BRIDGES BY - PROJECT 86
They used to be backed by big-name Atlantic Records, but apprently Atlantic
had enough of their anti-worldly angst. So now they are just back on Tooth
and Nail and enjoying it. Expect the usual angry commentary with maybe a bit
more slick production.

UPSTAIRS - SHANE BARNARD AND SHANE EVERETT
The hardcore Shane and Shane fans have had this one for a while. Upstairs is
not the usual Shand and Shane fare and serves less as the third release from
the duo but as a collection of bonuses. And while it is a good disc, the
first two discs might serve newcomers better.


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