Change Verses Shift
By: Demetrius Tolefree, Sr.
CHANGE…
In this hustle and bustle world that we live in, one thing we know is true…nothing is forever! Whether you like it or not, CHANGE is a part of life. As a musician, I’ve seen a major change in the church music format. In years past, as long as you had a great organist and a drummer, your band was complete. Throw in a decent guitarist and your church was considered “upscale”. Now in 2012, the organ player is now but an accompanist to the “Music Director” which in most cases is the piano player and the same guy who also pushes the “play” button on the MPC(drum machine) to keep the drummer from speeding up. Churches have changed to wanting/needing a complete band: piano, drums, bass guitar, lead guitar and oh yea, an organ player.
CHANGE…
As an Artist, I’ve seen change occur…now you no longer have to shop for a Major Label recording/Distrbution deal. Because 78% of music is downloaded through iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon or other digital music retailer. Consumers no longer purchase CDs from Walmart, Target or even the “Mom and Pop” gospel music store. Now people use their iPhone or Android phone and they download the music to their device and simply plug in their “Beats by Dre®” headphones or they plug the phone into the AUX option in their car.
CHANGE….
Who would ever have thought that terrestrial radio(AM/FM) would ever be challenged by this new wave of Internet Radio channels. With the evolution of Pandora, Slacker Radio, iHeart Radio, SIRIUS XM and others, it has made it a very competitive market. Internet Radio has a lot less overhead, which means less commercials. Mobile apps for your phone/tablet gives you your favorite music in the palm of your hands…and more opportunity for Indie Artists to be heard.
Thus the reason why we launched www.FreeDemRadio.com
In just one(1) year, FreeDem Radio has become one of the leading stations for Independent Gospel Artists. What sets us apart, we use some of America’s top Indie Artists as show hosts. They are able to relate to who is considered to be “hot/up and coming” and give them the platform to have their music heard by consumers, producers and other Artists.
CHANGE vs SHIFT
In a world that is ever changing, I’ve learned that being opposed to CHANGE could be a recipe for disaster, but embracing CHANGE allows you to move into a season of SHIFT!
S= See
H= How
I= I
F= Fit
T= Today
If you want to hear where Gospel Music is shifting to, you should take the FreeDem Radio challenge: “Give us one day, and you will love the FreeDem”
Demetrius Tolefree, Sr.
Download the FreeDem Radio app, available for Apple and Android
Contact us www.FreeDemRadio.com (888)406-1998 info@FreeDemRadio.com





