Have you ever wished you could ask your favorite Christian music artist a question?
Gospel Music Week doesn’t happen until April, but I’m already gearing up for the event, which brings together artists, media and industry professionals for a week of showcases, interviews and other fun stuff, all in the heart of Nashville.
I’ve attended for quite a few years and thought I’d try something fun this year: letting YOU be the interviewer! Between now and April 18th, when I leave, I’ll keep a running list of the artists that I have time scheduled with, and I want you to leave your questions in the comments section. Be sure to leave your first name, because I may video tape the responses so the artist can address you personally.
Even if you don’t see your favorite artist listed, still leave a general question. Not only am I still booking interviews, I’m attending some events where there are a lot of artists hanging out and mingling. So while I may not have a specific interview time with, say Hawk Nelson or Jeremy Camp, I’ll be having lunch with them.
Some of these artists are up-and-coming, some are veterans. (Haven’t heard, for example, if my interview request with Third Day is going to be accepted.) So take some time to check out the unfamiliar names – they may be the “next big thing.”
The week culminates in the Dove Awards; I won’t be attending this year. To be honest, media sits in the press room and while we get to see winners and presenters after they’ve appeared we don’t get to see the show. This year, I need to be home the next day so I’m skipping the event. But you can watch the event live, for the first time I think, on the Gospel Music Channel. (Usually, you have to wait to see it in syndication.)
Interviews scheduled so far include (list is constantly be updated as artists become available for interviews):

Thousand Foot Krutch
Phillip LaRue
Jaymes Reunion
KJ-52
The Glorious Unseen
Joy Whitlock
Mandisa
Chris Sligh
Luke Benward
Joy Lippard
Jason Crabb
The Wrecking
DreamPilots
Melinda Watts, Gospel Dream winner 2008
Francesca Battistelli
Big Daddy Weave
Virginia Hill
Press Play
Third Day
Phil Stacey
Fireflight
Israel Houghton
Jesus People filmmakers
Events:
Tooth & Nail luncheon and artist interviews (Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, and TONS more T&N artists)
Centricity artists dinner (downhere, Jaime Jamgochian, Daniel Kirkley, Lanae Hale, Andrew Peterson)
McCain guitar pull, artist list TBA
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