written by Tomilola Oyelakin
Would you like to take a sneak peek into the world of Travis Greene and write hit songs like him? My guess is yes. Well, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and a notepad and err…
Okay. Now I have your attention.
First off, I don’t know a thing about Travis, but I do know a bit about originality and credibility. No offense but, who says you need to write songs like Travis Greene or anybody else for that matter to be relevant or make a hit track when you can simply be YOU, – Authentic and Audacious.
You see, every music star out there today decided at a point in their lives that they needed to be original and that’s why they are. This is that point in your life to take the same decision. So before we dive in deep, you can just lounge with a hot cup of coffee or tea as you please and savor the digestive goodness of 1Peter 2:9.
Being a gospel music minister, you own your journey and you can only tell your own story so well, hence, carve a niche for yourself and quit desiring to be the shadow of somebody else (well, just so you know, a shadow is the best you can attain as long as you copy someone else).
Now I need you to follow me closely. According to 1Peter 2:9, the Bible says; we are and I like to say I am, that is, I’m not trying to be, I am already, so, ‘who I am’ is what I need to discover.
I AM A:
– Chosen generation
– Royal priesthood
– Holy nation
– Peculiar people
WHAT AM I TO DO?
– Show forth God’s praise
Let’s put it this way, 1Peter 2:9 says that I have been picked out from the crowd. I have a royal blood line so I’m an heir to the throne. Therefore, my speech, gait and coordination is parallel to elegance and finesse. Purity must also be found in me, not of self-righteousness but of the cleansing by the blood of the lamb.
Furthermore, I have in me a particular special ingredient that makes me, ME, and different from the rest; this empowers me to bring to the knowledge and hearing of the audience before and around me the fruit of my lips (His praise), – the songs in my spirit and the melody in my soul, – that I may draw others out of the darkness of sin and its consequences just as I also have been drawn into God’s marvelous light of salvation and eternal life. VOILA! This is it!
You are a special ingredient in the music industry and you must add your flavor to make your music taste great.
An easy and honest question to start with might be;
WHAT GOT ME INTO GOSPEL MUSIC?
Perhaps it’s your experience, testimony, call to ministry, hobby, or your love for God finding expression through music. Whatever you were drawn by should be fierce enough to be your drive. It should push you to give your best.
Once that is established, the next big question is;
WHAT INSPIRES ME TO WRITE OR SING?
This is where you must discover your special ingredient that makes you the amazing original version of yourself. But hey! You’ll never discover who you truly are and what your special flavor is outside the word of God. That’s the true mirror that reflects your genuine image. The word of God can lead you to areas of your life that pertains to your music ministry that you need to pay close attention to, likewise every other area of your life. The word is that real, so it becomes easy to decipher your uniqueness and build a brand around it.
POUR YOURSELF INTO YOUR MUSIC.
Your experiences are personal and so are your responses or reactions to them. When these reflect in your style, it exhibits your journey and displays genuineness and originality.
Be totally honest. Write and sing what you have experienced or what you desire to experience. You’ll do that with more precision and passion than simply taking great words and phrases from other people’s songs and putting them in yours. It’s always more believable, believe me.
UPGRADE YOURSELF.
Don’t merely improve on your musical prowess, build your relationship with God.
Learn to ask the Holy Spirit for help and expect to be led by Him. Be spiritually minded as out of the abundance of the heart, your songs will flow.
While some songs are written, some others are birthed in the place of deep fellowship with God.
You may have to rewrite some melody line and phrase in the song, but ultimately it makes it easier to write songs out of the box.
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS.
Set realistic goals and practice for vocal excellence, grow at your own pace.
There are a whole lot of materials on the internet that can help you, but be careful to practice under the guidance of a competent voice teacher or instructor.
As these curtains slide across, let me remind you that as a music minister of the gospel of Jesus, it is pertinent to PRAYERFULLY ASK THE LORD FOR A SONG. You’ll be amazed that He is willing to give you melodies from heaven that will shake the earth and bring down the father’s glory.
You are a part of this gospel music revival, lift YOUR voice!
Here’s to your celestial lyrical voice of rarity. It’s a wrap!
Cheers!
What do you think about these steps? I’ll love to hear from you in the comment section.
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Much love!
