what is the spotlight?

In my role as VP National Promotions and Label Relations for Entertainment One, I look at a lot of data. One day, after observing a number of things, I asked God to reveal to me, my portion. What can I do? What am I supposed to do? How can I push us forward? I want to make a difference. My simple ask always is: Show Me, Use Me, I want to be a solution and help the gospel music genre BE all that it needs to and can BE. I have a responsibility. 

The Gospel music genre is rich, steep in history and as many new styles emerge, no doubt, will have a bright future. It's a future reimagined, especially when it seems that much of what use to work, (because of many factors), no longer will.  The Gospel music genre is represented not just by talent, but it's an extension of our faith; my faith. I have a responsibility. 

The music industry continues to change, and it's changing at a rapid rate. I am in contact with a lot of artists and receive music daily. Many of them are looking for a record deal sure...but I am finding that more of them (because of the climate), are looking for answers. For years now I've positioned myself to be approachable and willing to talk to anyone, but I felt at this time, specifically for the gospel genre, something different needed to be done. I have a responsibility. 

The Spotlight was created from my heart, around the bible verse that I believe most embodies me and this mission: Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Spotlight is a platform, seeking to be a light, giving exposure to artists, so awareness can be brought to their names, projects and music in hopes that they are able to widen their audience, as we encourage gospel music consumers EVERYWHERE to research them, support them and buy them. 

It didn't take long to see how necessary it is, to expand the vision for The Spotlight. Coming soon will be The Spotlight Concert Series and The Spotlight Conference and Retreat. 

We can't just paint the car and shine the light on the car without acknowledging it's missing doors or tires. Neither can we put new tires on the car and never put gas in it, a new battery in it nor wash the car. We understand that for optimal performance, the car depends on multiple pieces, in entirety and all entirely to "work together" in order to effectively and efficiently move.  

This is the season to share, not silo.  This is the season where collaboration is currency. This is the season where our strength, power and future, not just in music but in our everyday lives, depends on our ability to believe and the belief requires that we come together. 

To this end, The Spotlight will also shine a light onand celebrate the entrepreneurs, executives, managers, stylists, promoters, venue owners, photographers, and those who work behind the scenes to make things happen. In order to celebrate them, you need to see them, and once you know them, you too can support them. It takes us all of us to do our part. We have a responsibility.