Great musicians comprehend a song on the first look or first hearing, and when they perform it, they do so with all the feeling, intonation, phrasing, style and dynamics on the first playback, as it were. It is such a pleasure to work with the pros.

With a number of projects underway, the industry seems to be picking up a bit for the fall season. Sales at LDSMusicNow are higher than ever, so people still seem to want inspiring music. We are grateful that the genre has not disappeared, but is changing and returning.

Brand new albums just out include April Meservy’s Somewhere between Sunsets, and Todd McCabe and April Moriarty’s new My Redeemer Lives: Gethsemane. Both are excellent products coming out at a time when they are needed. You can sample them by listening to the speaker icon next to each song. Have fun!

- Greg Hansen

Artists who are serious will study their ways and stop looking to declining record labels for answers.

See the link below from the Deseret News.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700056227/Bouncing-back-and-forth-RubberBand-invents-its-own-musical-style.html?pg=1

What is left of the old record label model was represented by Russ Dixon and Bob Ahlander, one from R Legacy Entertainment, and the other from Deseret Book. Neither of those labels have been overtly active in releasing new artists or product for some time. Most of the recent releases have been compilations, mini-albums, or distributed product from independents. The workshop itself was sponsored by R Legacy, as part of a model to attract independents artists to advertise with that label’s appendages, in view of the demise of the Faith Centered Music Association.

What has been ignored is the entire world of independent artists, who have been the most successful over a span of decades. People like Pete Brienholt, Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, and others who have built careers by persistence and long-suffering were not represented.

What has changed in the industry is really not new, it is a return to the era of the 1950’s when independent artists were the only model; before the advent of major labels as we know them.

Today, independent artists are in the best position ever to become successful. The tools for distribution and promotion are at their fingertips. The biggest challenge now is standing out from the crowd. This area is where the counsel to be new and fresh from presenters at the workshop is valid and important.

But the label model is on it’s way out.

Greg Hansen

See the Deseret News Mormon Times article for more info:

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/15934/Breaking-into-Mormon-music-scene-takes-more-than-talent

The requiem as a compositional form started as a Catholic mass for the departed, then was later adapted to Lutheran, Anglo-Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox usage. Over the last hundred years, the requiem has become representative of a more generalized expression of longing for peace and solace, and a genre unto itself.

Wilberg’s judicious use of both time-honored craftsmanship and a near cinematic orchestral style makes his work accessible yet eloquent. The use of a four-chord unifying motif together with tasteful use of the Lydian scale gives the work an ethereal quality that evokes peace and a sense of timelessness in the listener. Impeccable counterpoint, implied extended chord harmonies, strong melodies, and competent orchestrations add to the overall solace inherent in the work. The program notes by Dr. Luke Howard provide a refreshingly intimate and excellent analysis.

Wilberg indicates that his work is indeed a “requiem for the living,”¹ making it completely applicable and appropriate to the doctrines of the restored gospel. Since the oratorio is the more accepted form of expression within the ranks the LDS community of composers, Wilberg’s Requiem represents a fresh departure from the norm.

Wilberg’s characteristic sincerity, his absence of ego, and his roots in a humble Utah mining town all add to the appeal of the work as a personal expression of the composer. Wilberg dedicated the score “in memory of loved ones passed”—no doubt a reference to his own life’s losses. Yet the work remains tremendously comforting and positive.

With his Requiem, Wilberg has demonstrated he is more than a nationally recognized arranger of folk songs and hymns, beloved by the Choir, his audience, and ecclesiastical leaders. He has risen to the stature of a composer of significant works, a formidable original artistic force of his own. Wilberg’s musical journey to the point of writing an original requiem completely sanctioned by his patron was an accomplishment of significance. Overcoming the label of an “arranger only” was a delicate task known only to a few in similar circumstances. Inherent difficulties arise with such a venture.

One difficulty in achieving respect as both an arranger and a composer is that arranging is commonly held to be something less than composing, as is the art of orchestrating. Newell Dayley, a composer and former Academic Vice President of Brigham Young University, once stated that “arranging is nearly the same as composing; the difference is that part of the work has already been done.”² Any accomplished arranger will experience some angst concerning the accurate perception of his work. To those familiar with arranging, the craft can become as rewarding and challenging as composing.

When taking a familiar hymn melody as a starting point, a competent arranger must address a number of critical issues: the traditions or “baggage” that particular hymn may bring with it in terms of audience perception, the cultural understanding of music within the society for which he is writing, the generational style vocabulary of that audience, and even the musical tastes of those employing him. The parameters of such a challenge have been the downfall of many a composer who insisted on art over effectiveness, atonality over western harmonic traditions, and who ignored any propriety toward the listener, subject matter, and patron. Wilberg has overcome—even moved well beyond—all of these issues so effectively over the last nine years in his position with the Tabernacle Choir, that he has earned the trust of both his leaders and his audience. Because of that trust, his original Requiem enjoys the position of being a significant, original contribution to the artistic achievements of the Choir since starting its own label.

It is a credit to Wilberg’s devotion and testimony that he has so effectively reached such levels with his humble genius and disdain of personal recognition. He is first to acknowledge former director Craig Jessop’s vision and encouragement for setting in motion the idea of Wilberg composing a full requiem, coming as a result of his commission to write an Inroit and Epilogue to Vaughan Williams’s Dona nobis pacem for the Carnegie Hall National High School Choral Festival. His Requiem now joins with Leroy Robertson’s Book of Mormon Oratorio, Robert Cundick’s Redeemer, and other significant contributions burned into the collective consciousness of Restoration art history.

Upon the framework built by those who have gone before, Wilberg has added both walls and roof to the LDS Church’s sole officially sanctioned musical voice. To date, few contemporary classical composers have enjoyed such broad commercial market recognition, except perhaps John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers. Since the Tabernacle Choir is an entirely unique artistic entity that could not be financially feasible in either a commercial or educationally sponsored setting, it also enjoys singular status in the world. Surely the actual role of the Tabernacle Choir director could not have been more effectively understated than in this published job description: “To provide missionary and public relations service through performances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, the Temple Square Chorale and the Bells of Temple Square, such service to include telecasts, recordings, tours, concerts, and other appearances.”³

Given these circumstances and his recent rise to full directorship, Wilberg now has the opportunity to continue to build village, castle, and crown jewels upon the foundational fires of momentum lit by former choir directors.

It would seem to be providential that the greatest potential of the organization should exhibit itself in this era—one of unsettled and uncertain world conditions. The voice of the Tabernacle Choir and Wilberg’s own future work can ring true as a vehicle for peace, comfort, and surety; as a light on a hill; and as a powerful musical voice of the Church.

Kerry is a great example of an artist who took something unique, worked hard at it, and created a niche for himself. He lives in Provo Canyon, UT-not a mecca location for yodeling arts-but even that didn’t stop him. He is a one-man show wherever he goes, and he does it well.

I once went back to Washington State for a vacation. We went to the local fair in Leavenworth, a small tourist town modeled after those in Switzerland because of it’s Bavarian heritage. Lo and behold, there was Kerry performing in the town square. We enjoyed seeing someone we knew from back in Utah.

Kerry is a great model for those who want to pursue music as a career. Listen to some of his work on our sample pages. You can download his albums from LDSMusicNow, or order physical cd’s from KerryChristensen.com.

Today, we’re excited to launch the release of a new feature, known as “We Recommend.” By simply browsing the website, our site will now make personalized recommendations based upon products you’re interested in. It’s a great way to find out what other music you may like to listen to. Check it out at http://www.ldsmusicnow.com/recommend

We look forward to continuing to roll out new features and changes to our site to help your shopping experience be the best it can be. Thanks for your continued support.

Greg and Jade Hansen
LDSMusicNow Founders

Sara Bethany Ham may be one of the first truly new artists to hit the LDS market in years. Youth and parents who have heard her debut album, Wanna Be Brave, seem to bubble up adjectives like a fountain- “youthful, fresh, vibrant, sincere, upbeat, and wholesome — just what we’ve been wishing for.”

Sara, now 22, has been singing for years, and has always wanted to perform music that would uplift and inspire people. She was featured as a soloist on Jenny Phillips’ theme albums, and toured with Jenny’s group. Sara’s warm, sincere and youthful voice is slightly reminiscent of Christian artist Nicole Nordemann. Memorable tracks include the title cut “Wanna Be Brave,” “Bring On the Rain,” “Awake,” and several new never-before recorded songs by noted LDS songwriters. It breaks the mold on what has gone before, yet is never inappropriate.

A Firm Mission

“I wanted young people to know they can still be cool without lowering their standards,” says Sara, who grew up in California . Her album is positive, motivating, and filled with powerful messages of faith, testimony and courage, with a sound both youth and parents will love. Look for it wherever LDS music is sold, online or in stores, or visit her website, www.SaraBethanyHam.com.

A New Label

Wanna Be Brave represents the first release of the new positive music label, Eagle Springs Records, owned by multi-award winning producer Greg Hansen and Pearl Award-winning engineer Steve Lerud. Eagle Springs produces music that is positive, refreshing, and multi genre-not necessarily tied to any single religion or sound. It is the next step of progression in music that appeals to a broad values-based audience. Its mission is to “create music that is excellent, edifying, and entertaining, leaving the listener better for having heard it.”

More to Come

The latest Eagle Springs release is a moving, beautifully orchestrated collection of original songs by veteran songwriter Julie Baird, entitled His Tender Care. Julie writes passionately, theatrically and emotionally, and the vocal credits read like a who’s who list of top industry performers-Jenny Jordan Frogley, George Dyer, Barry Hansen, Jeff McLean, Jessie Clark Funk, David Osmond, Daniel Beck, Summer Smart, and Crystal Thibodeau, a new name on the scene from Las Vegas.

Perhaps one of the most powerful songs on His Tender Care is a new version of “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” done in a completely fresh, original musical setting, that brings a renewed life to the message of the familiar poem.

Taken together, these albums represent a substantial new direction — a firmly committed move toward a new genre of positive music.

LDS Art

If you’ve been looking to expand your art collection, or merely improve the decorations within your home, we’ve got a great selection of beautiful framed and unframed LDS art featuring prophets old and new, temples, Christ, and more.

Visit http://www.ldsmusicnow.com/lds-art/ to see available products.

Music Accessories

Since many of you download and listen to MP3′s on iPods or other digital music players, you’re probably in need of products like ear buds or noise canceling headphones. LDSMusicNow offers products from Q:Electronics, enabling us to offer high-quality ear bud and headphone products starting at $14.99.

For those that prefer to download MP3′s and burn them to CD, we also offer CD DVD storage binders from the Bellagio-Italia Leather Company. These binders look great on a bookshelf, are expandable, and come in 3 different colors (Black, Burgundy, and Brown). Bellagio-Italia CD DVD Storage Binders are available for $19.99.

Visit http://www.ldsmusicnow.com/accessories to see available products.

Imagine being able to consistently get great ideas and solutions to everyday problems whenever you need them. To read Greg Hansen’s first article on learning how to seek creative inspiration, click here.

Last time we discussed some of the basics of setting ourselves up to receive creative inspiration. We identified living a noble life as a foundation, and grouped the creative process, inspiration, revelation, the Holy Spirit, mediation and prayer as part of the same whole. We discussed ascending levels of communication and had some examples of positive and negative effects of heeding the flashes of understanding that come to us.

This section gets into the how-to’s: the nuts and bolts of getting inspiration when you need it. It gives us the ability to take our day-to-day living to the next level, getting the understanding, ideas, and direction we need to be greater instruments of good.

Levels of Awareness

The following diagram shows the four levels of creativity, or awareness, that have been referred to since the time of the Greeks. It also corresponds to general phases of life. The lowest level is at the bottom of the pyramid, ascending to higher and higher levels as it goes up.

The first level, what I call Technician or modeling, is the most basic. The Greeks referred to this as the Beta level. This level of creativity is akin to copying and adapting another creative style or presentation. It is the level of a student practicing the basic techniques and skills needed to master a craft. By studying the masters in his field, he can extract what makes them great and imitate and alter them to lend a degree of originality. This lowest level is commonly mass produced in journalism, graphic art styles, photography, music and visual arts. It is rampant in marketing, car styles, clothing and just about any other field of consumerism.

This level corresponds to what we think of as a normal waking state of being. It is characterized by movement, activity, and surging thoughts. The mind is preoccupied and agitated, going from one thing to another in rapid succession. It is also a state of stress. It is associated with the things of this earth, and prevents us from getting true inspiration, thus we must copy what others have done because of our own shortcomings. It is actually not a state of being our spirits are accustomed to. Unfortunately, it is the state many people spend most of their lives in, not knowing any better, or only enjoying higher levels when those circumstances are created for them to be part of. The nuances of life and inspiration cannot be experienced unless the mind is relaxed.

The next state is called Alpha. It is characterized by internal calm and peace. One is free from tensions and anxiety, unconcerned with the body, and alert to feelings of the Spirit. This is the state that the temple experience is set up to bring. One can also experience it in nature, in a church meeting, or alone in meditation and prayer. This is the true level of normal existence for our spirits. The more time we spend in this level, the more effective and long-lasting will be our thoughts and actions for good. This is the level where much of my everyday composing takes place. I have found that I can do twice the work and have it be much better quality in this state than when struggling in the Beta level to produce something beautiful.

In the Alpha level, original ideas are frequent within a known framework: such as a song form, a landscape painting, or an editorial article. The parameters of the style are understood by the audience already, and the originality occurs within those parameters. It takes effort to get to this level on a consistent basis.

The third state is called Theta. It is reached in the moments before, and just after sleep. It is a place where many of our problems can be solved automatically by our subconscious. This is the area of spiritual dreams and visions. It is like a blending of self with all things. This state is where many of the great inventions, art, philosophies and discoveries of our age were conceived. With practice, it can be reached often as with Einstein’s understanding of the theory of relativity. One or two visits in a lifetime to this state, with the resultant information gained there, and people will call you a genius.

The highest state is called Delta. It is seldom reached in this lifetime, but to my understanding includes the ability to do miracles, such as the Nephites calling down famines, or breaking down prisons with earthquakes, or healing the sick with the power of a word. It is a complete blending of self with the spirit and power of the priesthood; and with the mind and will of God.

Examples of the Various Levels

The lowest level is familiar enough with most people that it needs no explanation beyond what has been given. The Alpha level includes many of people’s deepest spiritual feelings and experiences, like those you would hear of in a fast and testimony meeting. The Theta level is a nearly magical place, where the greatest understanding can be gained to the average saint.

I will typically be working on a project, and load the parameters of the project in my mind-such as: this needs to be a piece of music three minutes long, it needs to feel thus and so, and must be contained within an orchestra’s colors, and structured in a certain form. Then I will go to bed. In the morning, just as I wake up, I will have the piece complete in my head. My subconscious will have been working on it as I slept. But if not notated immediately, it will escape. That’s why it’s so important to act on it as soon as it comes. I have been able to use this process enough that I know when it is true inspiration, as opposed to some idea planted there by yesterday’s taco salad.

Other Ways To Prepare for Inspiration

I have found a few things that work for me, perhaps they may for you as well. I have paid attention to my body over the years, and have found myself to be most productive and rested in the morning. I have many friends who are most creative in the wee hours of the night. At any rate, knowing your best time of day for creativity can be very helpful. I get up at 5:00 am to write each day while the family is still asleep, the phones aren’t ringing, and it’s quiet and peaceful. By 3:00 I have no business being creative, so I do phone calls or non-creative administration tasks at that time.

Having regular, big blocks of uninterrupted time is also key. Doing it consistently gets the creative ship moving and gaining greater and greater speed. Too long of a lull between creative sessions results in that much more effort to get the big ship moving again.

Regular breaks are helpful, as well as a hobby that is completely different than the creative activity. That is why I enjoy riding and working with our horses as a diversion from the intense writing time I do each day.

Do the creative work at the same time and same place each day. The mind gets used to the environment being a place of creativity, and so makes it easier to slip into the zone as soon as you sit down.

Things that hinder the creative process are sickness or fatigue, relationship troubles, grudges held against someone, or other
barriers that tie up our spirits.

David O. McKay made a statement indicating to me his understanding of this process:

Brother Faust has also listed nine suggestions for more fully receiving the blessings of the Spirit:

1. Live so we can merit the guidance of the Spirit.
2. Never be complacent and always try harder.
3. Excercise more faith.
4. Purge ourselves of personal aggrandizement.
5. Beware of pride and flattery.
6. Be humble and submissive.
7. Always try to act to promote that which is good for others.
8. Learn to enjoy then fruits of the Spirit.
9. Do works of righteousness.

With careful evaluation of our individual situations and circumstances, we can increase our ability to solve problems, gain deep spiritual insights, and create uplifting works of art. Each of us can benefit from even a start on this Creative Journey.

After twenty years of writing music on a daily basis, I have found that
getting inspiration is more a matter of consistent preparation than
sparse, singular moments of illumination. Receiving inspiration is, in
my experience, a learned skill that can be practiced and perfected,
rather than some elusive, uncontrollable mystery. Since I have had
to learn to get inspiration to create music for so long to provide for
my family, I have had terrific motivation to “get spiritual”.

Set Yourself Up for Success

First of all, it is important to understand that the creative process,
inspiration, revelation, the Holy Spirit, meditation, and prayer are all
part of the same whole, and there is no substitute for the basics of a
noble life rooted in Christ-centered behavior. Our lives must first be in
harmony with gospel principles as much as possible.

The belief that each of us is original, unique, and has something
significant to say and do is fundamental to receiving the level of
consistency of inspiration I am referring to.

I believe we are inspired 95% of the time, but do not take the time to
listen or follow what we’re told. Inspiration is there for the taking, as
much as we want it, if we learn how to get it.

Levels of Communication

In this existence, there are ascending levels of communication with
our fellow beings. The illustration below shows “Body Language” at
the bottom, and progresses in potency to the highest level, that of a
visit from Christ. Speech has the ability to bring the Spirit, but music
can transcend language, and combining visual and aural senses and
music together in film is even more potent. The Holy Ghost can sear
its influence into our very consciousness, while a visit of Christ
requires a near-transfiguration of the body.

An Example of Undeniably Clear Inspiration

As a freshman at Rick’s College enrolled in the music program, I was asked to conduct the music for one of the weekly devotionals, an honor usually reserved for professors. I suppose my teacher thought I was a reasonably good conductor, as I was taking his conducting class at the time. Of course I was flattered and humbled at the prospect of conducting a congregation of 6000, with a visiting General Authority as the speaker.

I found myself in front of an imposingly large audience, but managed to conduct the opening hymn reasonably well without incident.  As I sat down following the hymn, I felt a wave of reassuring confidence.

I found myself in front of an imposingly large audience, but managed
to conduct the opening hymn reasonably well without incident. As I
sat down following the hymn, I felt a wave of reassuring confidence.
The General Authority’s talk was wonderful, and the Spirit was
present. The time came for the closing hymn and prayer. The
program listed the song as Abide With Me. I found the page and went
through the hymn in my mind.

As I got up to begin the song, the organist began to play the
introduction to Abide With Me, Tis’ Eventide. Either she or I had the
wrong hymn! There I was, with two seconds before the intro was
over, to find the right page. In the days of the old blue hymnal, those
two songs were not next to each other as they are now in the green
hymnal. Maybe this story is why that was changed! There was no
time to turn to the index in the back and find the right page. What
could I do?

I thought quickly: “Let’s see, one is in 3/4, the other in 4/4,-ok, I can
do this”, so I closed my book and set it down on my chair. I began
conducting as if nothing had happened, trying to lead with assurance,
and watching the audience’s mouths to get the words.

A Horrifying Thought

After the second verse, I was beginning to feel like I was going to get
through this just fine, and not make a fool of myself after all. Then an
absolutely horrifying thought came to my mind: How many verses are
in this song?

If there were three verses, and I kept going to a fourth verse, I would
look like an idiot. If there were four verses, and I stopped after three,
I would look like an idiot. There was no way out! I was doomed to be
the biggest fool in conducting history!

As we began singing the third verse, I wracked my brain for what to
do, all the while smiling and conducting away as if nothing were
happening, I was tortured with panic and began saying a silent prayer
- ”O Lord, pleeeeez help me out of this mess!”

A Voice In My Mind

The singing continued to about halfway through the third verse, when
suddenly a voice came into my mind, as clear as could be, that said:
“There are always people who put their books down early on the last
verse.”

I was saved! Sure enough, I watched the congregation, and about a
fourth of them closed their books on the last phrase before the song
ended.

I finished the hymn, sat down for the closing prayer, and afterwards
my teacher came up and shook my hand, congratulating me for
“memorizing the hymn.” He also gave me an A in conducting class. I
never told him what had really happened!

This was a great example of direct revelation that was undeniably
clear.

An Example of Not Following Inspiration

In Paraguay in the depths of my mission, there was a neighborhood that had a retired military officer who still had his gun. He was an alcoholic, and was known throughout the neighborhood for his nastiness, shooting  other people’s chickens and dogs that came onto his property. The member family across the street warned us not to knock at his gate, because he hated the missionaries.

He emerged from his hut, drunk as could be, swearing and cussing at
us with words I didn’t even know existed in Spanish. Calling us every
sort of name imaginable, he approached us at the gate.

My ears were burning with his language, and I will admit, I did not
remain calm as the Spirit was telling me to do. As soon as he
paused for breath, I told him in anger:

“Que tenga felizidad in su vida miserable!” (I hope you will be happy
in your miserable life.)

He exploded in rage and began shouting:

“Where’s my gun? I’m going to kill these missionaries!”

As he ran back to his hut to get it, we started walking very quickly
away from the gate. His wife panicked and started shouting:

“No! No! Don’t do it!!!”

We could hear all this commotion going on, and my junior companion
said: “Let’s run!!” But this time I listened to the Spirit and said: “No,
just walk calmly, as if nothing were happening.”

He roared over to the gate, screaming how he was going to kill us, all
the while the wife shouting “No! No!” as the neighbors started rushing
out to see what was happening.

Inches From Death

He lifted his pistol and fired at us. The bullet went inches between
our two heads. Just after it passed, we rounded the corner to safety.

If I had followed the Spirit to begin with, and not gotten angry, I would
probably not have put us in such danger. We reported it to the
mission president, and he told us not to go in that area again for
awhile. Duh. The only hard thing about that was not seeing the
member family across the street.

After a time, we snuck though the back way over to the member
family to get a report on what had happened. The man had been
taken sick, and was lying on his bed for days, apparently near death.
The predominantly Catholic neighborhood banded together and told
him this was his punishment for shooting at the “servants of God”.
He became repentant, and sent word via the members that he
wanted us to come and give him a blessing. We came and found him
pale and helpless, barely able to speak.

We gave him a blessing, and within a day he was completely healed.
Unfortunately, he returned to his drunkenness, and did not join the
church, but he did stop shooting other people’s chickens.

This was a good example of not doing exactly as the Spirit dictated,
by letting myself get angry. I’m glad the Lord still worked through us
in spite of my stupidity.

Next time: How to Be Inspired on Demand (part two).