A recent article reporting on a privately hosted workshop on LDS music in the Deseret News Mormon Times, in my view, cites opinions from two sources involved in a narrow portion of what is left of the LDS music industry.

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