Presentation Type
Oral/Paper Presentation
Abstract
Christian/Gospel music was the fourth-fastest growing music genre in 2024, and many artists are seeking to enter the Christian music industry. This research seeks to examine the exploration of live music opportunities for Christian music artists in the developing stages of their careers. Every musical artist’s career consists of about five sectors: Songwriting/Publishing, Recording/Releasing Music, Live Music, Merch, and Sync (Film/TV). While parts like Songwriting and Recording are very accessible for new Christian artists, it can be challenging to know how to best approach the Live Music sector, one of the major sources of income for any performing artist. There are legitimate questions to address and obstacles to overcome: • What venues and events book artists who don’t yet have a large fanbase? • Which venues are receptive to faith- based music? • How does an artist get booked at these venues? • What do gatekeepers look for in new artists? This report aims to answer these questions through interviews and discussions with CCM artist Natalie Grant, independent artist Trulah, a concert promotor, and founders of community-based live music events. My findings include the importance of saying “yes,” active community involvement, and viewing artists’ careers through a spiritual lens, among much more. This research will serve as an initial guide for developing Christian artists, offering resources, advice, and ideas to help them better navigate the live music sphere of their careers.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jenny Snodgrass
Recommended Citation
Crites, Camille, "Developing Christian Artists: the Live Music Sphere" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 186.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/186
Included in
Christianity Commons, Music Business Commons, Music Performance Commons, Performance Studies Commons
Developing Christian Artists: the Live Music Sphere
Christian/Gospel music was the fourth-fastest growing music genre in 2024, and many artists are seeking to enter the Christian music industry. This research seeks to examine the exploration of live music opportunities for Christian music artists in the developing stages of their careers. Every musical artist’s career consists of about five sectors: Songwriting/Publishing, Recording/Releasing Music, Live Music, Merch, and Sync (Film/TV). While parts like Songwriting and Recording are very accessible for new Christian artists, it can be challenging to know how to best approach the Live Music sector, one of the major sources of income for any performing artist. There are legitimate questions to address and obstacles to overcome: • What venues and events book artists who don’t yet have a large fanbase? • Which venues are receptive to faith- based music? • How does an artist get booked at these venues? • What do gatekeepers look for in new artists? This report aims to answer these questions through interviews and discussions with CCM artist Natalie Grant, independent artist Trulah, a concert promotor, and founders of community-based live music events. My findings include the importance of saying “yes,” active community involvement, and viewing artists’ careers through a spiritual lens, among much more. This research will serve as an initial guide for developing Christian artists, offering resources, advice, and ideas to help them better navigate the live music sphere of their careers.