Here is my 2009 WAJ Questionnaire answers. Only two more days until we head to Saint Louis for the big event. Hope to see you all there!
PRODUCER QUESTIONNAIRE – 2009
1. (From 2009) Briefly, tell about your journey as a music business pro. Who was influential in helping you get your foot in the door?
It really started by me going to Belmont University. I met most of my contacts for about the first 10 years of my career there. I was roommates with Dann Huff my sophomore and Don Koch my senior year. That doesn’t even touch all the other people now working in the industry that went to school there while I was there.
My first playing gig was with Farrell & Farrell in 1983 while I was still in school. They introduced me to everyone at the Benson Company and Benson Publishing. That started a long relationship with everyone there. Not long after that I met Sue at Benson.
2. (From 2000) Who were some early influences on your musical taste?
OK so my earliest was the Beatles and the Monkeys. Then came the Partridge Family but I won’t say anything else about that.
True influences were the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Jim Croce, George Benson and Earth Wind & Fire. Pretty diverse group.
Christian music came a bit later with Truth, Pat Terry and Phil Keaggy.
3. (From 2001) If you weren’t in the music business, what would you be doing?
Probably some sort of relational ministry. Maybe a restaurant owner.
4. (From 2002) What would you change about the Christian music industry if you had the power?
I would like to see it more ministry oriented as opposed to just following the secular music business model.
5. (From 2003) How did you get your current position?
In 1991 I made the jump from session player to producer really by just making the decision that no one was going to call me up one day and tell me that today you are a producer. I had to make that decision on my own. I sold most of my guitar gear and started buying recording gear. I then started doing demo’s and independent records for anyone who would hire me. I had already built a network of relationships in the industry so I just started there.
6. (From 2004) What happens in a meeting with someone whose project you are going to produce? How do artists usually find you or how do you find them?
This is a big question. The initial meetings are about me finding out really who the artist is, what is their passion, what is their mission and who do they see as their audience. From there I try to guide them on producing the best possible CD that will facilitate those goals.
Many of the artists I find are through events like WAJ or GMA type events in which I teach or judge. Others are just word of mouth or friends I have networked with.
7. (From 2005) What are the qualities you look for in an artist or writer that makes you interested in working with him or her?
First I look for a true heart for ministry. Then I look to see if they already have a ministry in place or are they looking for me to “make” them one. After that I look at talent and personality. I must determine if we would be a good fit not only from a musical prospective but from a personality prospective.
8. (From 2006) What’s a typical day like in your job?
The great thing about my job is that it is different every day depending upon what part of a project I’m on. I might be writing and looking for songs. I might be working on arrangements or demoing the songs I’ve written. Then I might be tracking at another studio or working on overdubs. After that I’m doing vocals & bgv’s then tuning vocals. Finally I’m in mix mode.
If I’m not working on a project I’m trying to find the next one. Not to mention emails, accounting, studio maintenance, returning phone calls and still trying to be a good husband and father.
9. (From 2007) What is the most desirable character quality of an artist or writer wanting to “make it”? What is an instant turn-off character quality of an aspiring artist or writer?
Being humble, and that is a tough one for people who want to be artists.
I think anyone who thinks they have it all figured out and is not teachable is my pet peeve. I’m still learning every day and I KNOW I DON’T have it figured out.
10. (From 2008) At what moments have you most clearly seen God’s hand in your career.
This is a bit different than last year but at the end of the day when I go to bed and I think back that I got to do exactly what I believe God wanted me to do that day and be able to support my family while doing it I know God’s hand was at work!
11. (From 2009) Since this is your first year at Write About Jesus, what are you expecting from the workshop?
4th year but who’s counting. Probably losing my voice again by the end because I have had an opportunity to share with all the WAJ-ers a bit of my experiences in the Christian music ministry.
12. (From 2000) What’s one song that’s had a major impact on you? Why?
OK this may be cheese but This Old Guitar by John Denver. The lyric inspired me as a young writer in my early teens and the chord progression helped me as a guitar player back then.
13. (From 2001) What would people find most surprising about your job?
How much of my day often has nothing to really do with music.
14. (From 2002) Given that this has been a tough year for many in the Christian
music community, what songs have ministered to you personally?
Some of the worship songs we sing at our church like: God Of This City
15. (From 2003) What are the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards in your work?
Challenges are making sure I don’t become a workaholic, getting burnt out and leaving enough time for my family.
Rewards are seeing my artists ministries prosper and getting to do what I love for a living.
16. (From 2004) What are the basics you require for doing your job?
Patience. compassion, a musical ear, creativity, organizational skills & people skills. That’s a start.
17. (From 2007) What is your favorite pair of socks and what is it that makes them special?
I used to have a pair of Disney socks with Goofy on the side. He’s kind of my role model. I think they are in the rag bag now.
18. (From 2005) What have been some of your proudest moments this year?
Seeing my artist and WAJ alum Chris Filer sign his first record deal with Lofton Creek Records this year.
Celebrating 14 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Karen is a big one.
19. (From 2006) How many songs do you listen to each week?
Wow, if I’m searching for songs for a project like I am now and judging a songwriting contest like I do in Franklin could be over 100.
20. (From 2008) Do you have a current favorite author whose work inspires you?
Oswald Chambers always does on a daily basis.
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