Fuzed Gospel

Preface:
Gospel music as we know it has become more than just church hymns but has expanded to include: Urban Worship, Rock, Contemporary, etc...reaching millions of different people worldwide. Recognizing these various sounds birthed the concert theme Fusion of the Genres which being the president of Gospel United, a college organization, I helped introduce this concept to the TCNJ campus two years ago. This past years Fusion concept had the focus: A Love Defined. This expansion is something that my friends and I felt would highlight the fact that through different expressions and experiences, we have all encountered the love of God. As each artist and each individual shares that love experience, we get the full scope of love and it becomes "A Love Defined."


Well how does this apply to what I am doing now, well since i graduated from undergrad, I want to take this Fusion concept to a whole new level. A level that bridges together "Artists of the Faith" from various genres within Gospel Music. I find that there is a growing trend of a generation seeking to express themselves, be creative, be fresh, relevant, while at the same time holding strong to their faith. Faith being a sketchy topic these days and even coined "uncool," hinders a rising generation and potential interests from even wanting to consider wearing faith on their sleeve. There are avenues that showcase different artists, but none on the level where they seamlessly blend various sounds together on one platform or even harness the creativity an artist has to offer.



This Fusion concept is my offer of an alternative, to where sketchiness is thrown out the window, relevancy is ushered to the forefront, and creativeness is boldly seen...all while professing Faith, and a passion to show the Love of Christ. Even in the midst of all that, I want this concept to also show how faith is a one stop solution in not suffering or struggling as humans, but a key asset in providing a solution to get through life's wave of circumstances. This does seem like a high mountain to climb, but from what I've experienced and the passion that is brewing within me...makes the mountain worth the climb...

Negotiation:
This year I have been given the opportunity to take Fusion of the Genres to another campus, which is huge. I am beginning to see a demand for this Fusion concept. Now more than ever I am being forced to have a sharpened plan for what the concept will be, who is coming, and who can we actually afford to come. With my experience since this is a concept that deals with faith, and spiritual morals, I find mutual benefit sits well when it comes to negotiating.

Bottom line I am working with a tight budget, while having a HUGE Vision. So where money can’t pay, I offer value in other areas (i.e. vendors, exposure, merch sales). I have had some big names come out to my event to minister, but the heart of I’m trying to do is for up & coming talent, that are on the brink of hitting it big, mixed with [inter]national talent. The value of exposure may not be too appealing to those who are already established, but for those that are making their way, they most likely will find an interest where money can’t pay. The artist and I, mutually benefit by them getting exposure and I having talent to put on the line-up.

Also affiliation plays a key role in my negotiation process with artists or their agents. It usually is a big help when I am able to share that I have worked with someone they know or have heard of. It adds almost an open door with the artist, and at times justifies them making an adjustment to their honorariums.

There are various things that tie into negotiation but I feel mutual benefit and affiliation have been the most important pieces that work for what I am trying to do with Fusion. I know Fusion is going to be picking up in the future, and am sure that I my experience with negotiation will continue to grow.