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.

Today I stumbled across a great article, which takes a God-inspired look at Hollywood. As Christians and believers aspiring to leave our fingerprint on society, with experience we also have learned that society can leave a fingerprint on us too, which in some instances is not received by many. For example the idea of Hollywood, and its stigma of being perverted and not an aid in a believers walk. This thought has caused many Christians to shy away from being affiliated with Hollywood and the entertainment industry. But what this article uncovers is bold Christians that view the industry as a Mission-Field rather than a Mine-Field.

The article which is very-thought-provoking is titled "Hollywood-A Mission Field?." The contents of this article pretty much expose that as Christians, we should not look at the industry as just a place where the enemy has run rampant, but look at it for what it is, which is a place of great influence. Seeing it from a place of influence, allows us to see how we can use it for the Glory of God, and overcome what ever the enemy or immoral behavior has polluted the media-waves with. Hollywood can be approached no longer as a thing that needs to be shut down, but a place to spread the good news, and relevancy of Faith/God's Love.

This fits so much with my concept of Fusion, and showing others that you can still proclaim faith while being relevant, creative, being well put together and all things in between. With Hollywood still being an untapped market for Christians, or a venue where Christian beliefs aren’t outwardly expressed, I can see where hurdles or hindrances can develop and shun people away from taking a stand. With that said, the article brings up a piece on how we all can help one another in this endeavor as a team. For the bible talks about how a House divided against itself cannot stand, so unity and a team mindset is needed in order for Christians to flood the entertainment industry. This will show others/inspire many that Faith is not obsolete and all can still hold strong to values without losing them. Dr. Phil Cooke encourages in his article that:

God certainly can work through the movie and television industry, but we need your help.

Here’s what you can do to make a difference in Hollywood:
1) Consider Hollywood a mission field. We don’t boycott or humiliate a village in Africa because they don’t understand Christian values, so why do it to Hollywood? Let’s begin approaching Hollywood as a mission field—people who are made in the image of God but need to know about His loving plan for their lives.

2) Support films with Christian values. It’s absolutely critical that Hollywood studios realize there is an audience for films with a Christian worldview. I would especially urge you to see these movies on their opening weekend, since that’s when studios make the decision about how long the film stays in the theaters.

3) Pray for Christians in the industry. Every day Christians are working in an often hostile environment in a heroic effort to write, act, direct and produce stories that celebrate faith in God. But we can’t do it alone. We need the help of every Christian to provide the kind of prayer support that will open doors, soften hearts and sometimes make a way where there is no way. Find out how you can help at www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org.

4) Understand how the media can be used as a tool for evangelism. Enjoying Everyday Life is a great example of a Christian program that crosses over to the mainstream audience. That’s because Joyce understands the power of media and how effective it can be for reaching the culture. Movies, television and the Internet are the communication tools of this culture, and if the church doesn’t take them seriously, we’ll lose this generation.

I am encouraged to know that what I aspire to do has a framework to fall into, as well as know that there are others out there that are standing with me. I hope this encourages others to be bold, and know that there aren't just closed doors when it comes to God but there are OPEN DOORS as well.

Be Encouraged,

~Morris