I start with a disclaimer: the title is somewhat disingenuous, as this is less about what every media person thinks, and more about me just venting about my pet Twitter peeves.

Now that you know the truth, feel free to close the browser down.

For everyone else, here’s how the story goes:

The title came to me totally out of the blue this morning, and – unlike much of the other ‘How To’ blogs I write – I’m starting and finishing this in a day (as opposed to several weeks).

Shout out to Matt Brooks, Angel Sonshine, Toni Bono and Ric Rocstarr for suggesting I actually write this…

This is essentially me moaning about things that get on my nerves about the way some people use social media (and Twitter in particular), especially when they are looking for me to help promote their project(s).

I’ll split it in two: ‘The Pet Peeve Tweets’, and the ‘Tweets that Make Me Go ‘Oooooooh’’

Final word: this is by no means a definitive list, just some random thoughts bouncing around my head all day today. Take it – or feel free to leave it.

The Pet Peeve Tweets

• Grrrrrr at the ‘Pay Me to Promote Me’ Tweet…

Don’t point me to your music purchase links. I don’t want your iTunes, Amazon or Bandcamp links. If you need my help to promote your music project or event, why in the world should I pay for the privilege???

• The ‘Production Line’ Tweet

Don’t add my name to your spam campaign on your Twitter stream…

Believe it or not, I actually read every tweet I’m sent. How I respond after checking out your page depends on what I find when I check out your profile in the first instance.

Spam tweets (a loose definition: when you send the same tweet to everyone you think will respond – including Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga) get no love from me.

• The ‘Spiritual Blackmail’ Tweet

We all do what we do based on the same book. You can safely assume we’re on the same page.

And – to employ one more cliché – strange as it might sound, we’re already singing from the same hymn sheet.  I actually find requests to retweet or respond to something because it’s ‘kingdom business’ quite irritating.

It’s why we’re here. We’re all doing kingdom business.

Tell me what you want without the thinly-veiled spiritual blackmail…

• ‘The Over-Familiar Tweet’

Social media is just that – social. Like you, I need time to get to know people and develop a relationship.

An out of the blue, ‘What’s good, fam?’ tweet freaks me out. My first instinct is almost always: ‘this is someone I must know from somewhere’.  I then find it very irritating to discover I actually don’t know you from Adam…

I’m pretty sure this is just me, though. Other people are surely more accommodating…

• ‘The Psychic Tweet (1)’

I’m tired of being tweeted a link supported with a ‘this will bless you’, or words to the effect. Tweet me by all means, but do let me make up my own mind, if you don’t mind…

• ‘The Psychic Tweet (2)’

Don’t tweet me with just a link and no supporting information whatsoever.  Chances are I’d have left my mind-reading machine at home that same morning…

• ‘The Hit and Run Tweet’

This is more irritating on Facebook, but I get it on Twitter as well:

Don’t pop up on Facebook chat, send me your link without so much as a ‘hello, can you believe this mad weather…?’, and then disappear, quite obviously on your long journey to spam everyone else that’s currently showing up in your chat window and/or timeline…

Tweets That Make Me Go ‘Ooooh!’

Yes, this is a moan post, but I thought I’d share some of the good practice I’ve also seen recently.

• The ‘I’ve put the work in’ tweet.

Send me to a dedicated press release or media friendly page on your blog or site, and you already have my immediate attention.

In other words: make a bit of an effort to present something that actually looks compelling and attractive (and not even necesarily in the visual sense).  See below for an example

• The ‘here’s some context’ tweet

Tweets that don’t just send me to your new video or website or whatever, but also explain why you’re sending me where you’re sending me get ratings.

Here’s a great example from Tearfund’s Twitter stream from 9th December 2011:

“Some Good News on International Anti-Corruption Day from Tearfund’s JustPolicy blog http://justpolicy.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/some-good-news-on-international-anti-corruption-day”

It’s all there in the one post.  Excellent.

Thank you, and good bye.

I’m off to check my @s on Twitter – if you want to, follow me at @UKGospel

Last Updated: 26 December 2011

I know we die-hard fans say this pretty much every year, but: 2011 was awesome for UK gospel music.

However, you don’t need a batch of rocket scientists to tell you that the very same thing considered the greatest asset of a predominantly independent scene – it’s very independence – is also usually its primary weakness.

Creativity in Major Vacuum

Somewhat ironically, that’s also a good thing because creative variety thrives in the selfsame vacuum created by the lack of major music companies promoting whatever they consider to be the latest music trend to bring in the big bucks – which in turn spawns countless bland clones looking to hit the big time.

The upshot is a scene that’s as varied as it has potential to be interesting, although there’s no getting away from the fact that it also makes some of the really good stuff hard to find.

Hopefully that’s where I come in.

This series (I hope to do a few posts between now and the end of January 2012) will suggest some tunes for you to investigate.

Some of it will no doubt include stuff from my ‘Essential UK Gospel Tracklist‘ series, in addition to other new material I’ve come across throughout 2011.

Now that the intro’s out of the way, let’s get cracking.

Do let me know if I’ve missed anything…

The Best 2011 UK Gospel Tracks You Probably Never Heard

Name: Commission (find on Facebook)

Track: Gold Rush

Availability: Get it on Amazon MP3

Genre: Electro/Pop

Comment: when the current phase of UK gospel history is recounted, Commission will probably be very fondly remembered as unsung heroes.

Many of the current crop of high-profile young artists cite the sibling duo as an inspiration, and with good reason.  Commission’s music is always heartfelt, and often experimental.

‘Gold Rush’ (featuring stable mate MYM) is a harder edged Pop offering, its driving beat contrasting nicely with Icie and Bless’ measured vocal delivery.

Name: Mide (official website)

Track: Travellin’ Light

Availability: Get it on Amazon MP3

Genre: Singer/Songwriter

Comment: This instantly likeable, summery little tune is an excellent example of the ‘one man and his guitar’, laid-back Folksy/Pop-influenced songs in the finest tradition of people like Jack Johnson.

I’m a huge fan of its breezy, carefree vibe, and on the evidence of this track, Mide completely gets the genre’s musical and lyrical nuances.

Absolutely fantastic to see Black folk that can properly lock in on a genre that many attempt but few properly capture.

One for fans of  Bobby Bovell’s ‘Emergent EcleKtic’ and Lain’s ‘Brother Soul’ albums.

Name: Spiritual Blessings feat. Lisa Mayers (find on Facebook)

Track: Not Only Human (Remix)

Availability: Traxsource (Look for MoWz & Sander Reblessed Mix)

Genre: Soulful House

Comment: ‘Not Only Human’ has been around in a variety of versions for quite a few years. Originally written by mum-of-five Lisa as a soft, single-time RnB ballad, it was the Pop-House Remix that first garnered attention.

However, two DJ/Producers Remco Muis and Sander Van Wonderen, going under the name Spiritual Blessings got their hands on the superb vocals and re-released it for 2011 as an excellent Soulful House cut with a very attractive saxophone solo/hook.

I loved it pretty much the instant I heard it, making it my ‘Track of The Week’ on my show on Premier Gospel, where it got an immediate response from the listeners.

An excellent example of accessible Soulful House/Gospel/Inspirational music!

Name: J.O. (find him on Facebook)

Track: Praise To You

Availability: Preview on SoundCloud

Genre: Electro/Pop

Comment: I have no idea who J.O. is, save for the fact that his name is Jonathan Owusu-Yianomah.  He stuck a link to this track on my Premier Gospel Facebook profile wall.  According to his Facebook profile he studied Creative Music & Technology at Brunel University.

Once you get past the slightly thin intro on this track, it becomes a very strong piece of Electro Pop – definitely one to check out!

Name: Presha J (follow on Twitter)

Track: ‘Music’

Genre: Drum n Bass

Availability: Buy on iTunes

Comment: I like this because it’s ‘proper’ commercial Drum n Bass.  The kind you’ll actually enjoy listening to because The Confectionery‘s production strikes the right balance between credible and accessible, with none of that dark underground vibe hardcore types will have you believe this type of music needs.

Presha J’s lyrics are simple, honest and forthright, and the whole package serves as a great introduction to anyone wanting something fun and enjoyable but off the beaten path nevertheless.

Deserved greater exposure than it received.

Name: Monique Thomas

Track: ‘Daughter Shine’

Genre: RnB

Availability: Moniquemusic.com

Comment: Monique’s debut album ‘Unbroken’ is a very decent first effort, with some of my favourite songwriting to come out of UK gospel in recent years.

The final choice of track from this set was a toss-up between this and ‘Colourful’, but  ’Daughter Shine’ has had less exposure.

A proper ‘Christian girly inspirational’ tune that warrants investigating.

Name: Errol Mundle (friend on Facebook)

Track: ‘Your Excellent Name’ (version incorporating Zhane’s ‘Hey Mr DJ’ sample)

Genre: Contemporary Gospel/RnB

Availability: promo

Comment: a rare track (this version is not on the official release available on iTunes), but most certainly worth hunting down.

Excellent head-nodding niceness to an absolute classic 90s RnB cut results in one of the most radio (and iPod) friendly tunes I heard this year.

Well worth the effort to track it down…

Name: Andrae ‘Melody’ Palmer (friend on Facebook)

Track: ‘Ghetto Gospel’

Genre: RnB

Availability: promo, available to stream on SoundCloud

Comment: superb, groovy RnB/Hip-Hop hybrid that – with the right promotion and marketing – should have a decent shot at being a UK gospel classic.

The bridge/middle 8 needs beefing up in my view, but it certainly doesn’t take away from the immediate, hooky nature of one of my favourite song discoveries on 2011.

I think you’ll like this one…

Name: Guvna B, Rhema, Tru 2 Da Name and A Star

Track: ‘Passion of Christ’

Genre: Grime/Street Music

Availability: Guvna Music Presents Next Ting 140 (get it on UKGShop.com)

Comment: If you’re plugged in to the UK street music scene then you no doubt know about this track.

A bold, contemporary retelling of events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion, over an uncompromising UK street beat produced by Skyboy Records’ Big J.

I first realised the crossover appeal of this song when I chose it as my ‘track of the week’ on my show on Premier Gospel earlier in the year – I had people who typically would not listen to Grime responding to it in a deeply personal way.  Says a lot for a Street song on mainstream radio!

Haven’t heard it?  You owe it to yourself to investigate this one…

Explore More

• Blog category: The Essential UK Gospel Tracklist
• Blog category: Downloads list
• Blog category: From Yinka’s Head

More updates soon...

Keen for Others to Succeed

One summer’s evening in July 2011 I logged on to Twitter just in time to catch a rant so passionate it reminded me of the fact that – aside from the very natural evangelical thrust of our calling – many of us in the UK gospel scene (particularly non-performers – publishers, event organisers, photographers, media bods and the like) do what we do because we’re keen to see other people succeed.

Which brings me to the guy you see below: Matt Brooks.

He, along with older brother Adam recently launched M-Brio Music, and in the short space of time it’s been in existence, (we’re talking just a couple of years), it’s become arguably one of the – if not the – most significant brands and media platforms in UK gospel.

Pure Gold

Like another of my previous posts based on a Twitter rant from a media personality (my Nigeria-based sister-in-law, Rhecks), the tweets were pure gold, particularly in terms of the advice it held for anyone looking to get the media onside, and working hard on their behalf.

So, on to Matt’s rant…

Anyone who’s spent more than 2 minutes in any sort of media capacity will probably recognise (and share) Matt’s frustration, which is why I thought it a good idea to crystallise those tweets into something that will help you if you’ve ever wondered why us media types are the way we are.

More importantly, they are absolutely crucial ‘How To’ steps to get your media contact completely tuned into your frequency, and at the same time let you into the thought process behind many a media type…

By way of context, you need to know that M.E.X is the recently launched M-Brio digital magazine that created a major stir when it launched, so much so that – quite naturally – loads of people wanted a piece of the action and be featured in it.

If you’ve ever wanted a radio or TV station, magazine, website or any other media platform to help with your project(s), then (in the ever-helpful words of Commission): ’Take Notes’.

Links for further reading at the end of the feature.

Advice: In the first instance - make sure your product is actually ready to go...

Matt’s Rant: I’m amazed @ the amount of emails & FB messages I get [from people] asking me to feature them in M.E.X & they haven’t released anything…

[They] Have no plans to release anything soon & tbh their singing/rap game is weak…

Advice: Step Up Your Game!

Matt’s rant: why would I feature u?  Pay ur dues & go get vocal lessons

Ur not doing anything worth talking about, [your] music is average @ best & [you] have put 0 work in when there’s others working hard for their vision

Advice: there’s no getting away from it – quality costs money.  Be prepared to pay!

Matt’s rant: it’s also funny when they say ‘I need u to promote this for me’ – Twitter, Facebook, M.E.X, m-brio music but don’t wanna part with £1 lol

Fact: we’re happy to help, but – for goodness sake, put the work in!

Matt’s rant: I’m all about giving people chances & supporting new & emerging talent but don’t be telling me u need to be on the front cover of M.E.X

I know everyone needs help & exposure but u’ve got to be willing to go & gig for free…

Advice: This is a marathon, not a sprint…

Matt’s rant: Guess what I’m saying is pay ur dues… Don’t start today & expect everything tomorrow… Work @ it! Prove urself, gain some credibility

Advice: the boy scouts told you this all those years ago: be prepared!

Matt’s rant: if ur gonna approach media… Please have a bio, if it’s an event or new release, have a proper press release etc…

Advice: for goodness sake, don’t ruin it for everyone else. If you won’t take the opportunity given you: step aside!!!

Matt’s rant: Come correct, trust me, it’s makes a massive difference.

Offered someone some help to promote an event, gave them all the tools to write a press release (step-by-step) & then I’d work with that & also send it to media personnel for them & help get it coverage…

2 weeks later, I’m still waiting & I refuse to send 1 sentence on to media personnel I respect & know are professional…

Because of that an opportunity for a small but impacting campaign has gone. it’s sad really but we’ve gotta change our mentality man…

And, to note: (before  you start thinking we’re all big-headed, prideful idiots)…

Matt’s point: I’m nobody, I’m still new learning media & stuff but I’m trying to do it right. Do all u can to do it the right way, that will give u favour.  Not tryna be harsh, just showing another perspective.

Matt’s suggested helpful resource: If u need help with biographies & press releases go to M-Brio Press Kit (MPKit)

Advice: we work hard to produce something that’s compelling.  That’s probably why you came to us in the  first place – a  little acknowledgement of that won’t hurt.

Matt’s rant: Sometimes it just makes me sad, when I’m approached in ways that be honest lack respect, not for me (it aint personal) but for media.

Advice: be interesting!

Matt’s rant:  so please, if u wanna get ‘featured’ etc: have a story, something interesting… A USP (unique selling point)… It goes a LONG way

Advice: never, ever – ever - have me pay you to promote you.

Matt’s rant: Oh… This one makes me laugh. ‘Can u review/feature my single/album? Here’s the iTunes link’ LOOOL - #SarryBaaarse …

And, yes, we realise there are many great apples in the basket too… 

Now… I’ve said this but there are many guys who are trying & succeeding in being professional in their approach to media, etc..

And finally: at the end of the day: we understand. We’re human too…

Matt says: so to everyone who’s doing the best u can, I appreciate u. Know it’s not easy especially when ur a creative & don’t know about that stuff

It’s a pleasure to work with u & learn about how to constantly improve our game together. I still make mistakes too – a lot actually lol

Explore More: M-Brio links

• M-Brio Music – website
• Mexmag: M-Brio’s digital magazine – IReadMex.com
• M-Brio Press Kit – MPKit.com – advice on press releases, etc

Explore More: Other Links

• Rhecks is a Nigeria-based media personality – follow her on Twitter
• Read Rhecks’ rant: 16 Tweets to start your radio and media career
• More helpful media and promotion tips – see the How To and Top 5 Tips

Preacher Boy Entertainment recently announced their latest signing, Tru2DaName.

Preacher Boy is already home to some of London (and the UK’s) strongest selection of Street music talent.  The  management roster currently includes artists like Jahaziel, S.O., E Tizz, New Direction Crew, G.P. and DJ Leah Logan.

The 24 year old states: ‘I’m very excited about joining some of the elite artists in the UK, following in the steps of my brothers Jahaziel and E Tizz’.

“We are happy to have Tru2DaName join the team especially as we begin to expand, he represents the new generation of Preacher Boy Entertainment. He is a great talent and gift to the Body.

I’m looking forward to seeing what The LORD will do’. Says Charisse Beaumont, Preacher Boy Entertainment CEO

Tru2DaName who is also part of the ForeRunnaz syndicate which includes Jahaziel and E Tizz, is currently putting this final touches to his new mixtape entitled ‘Yours Truly’ out on November 11th 2011.

EXPLORE MORE

• Twitter.com/Tru2DaName
• Facebook.com/Tru2DaName

Forward Friday Freestyle

‘Hard for the King’ ft. J Dolph

Need it Daily RMX

(Reproduced from a press release)

His influence on the UK gospel Hip-hop scene in recent years certainly can’t be overstated, and he’s also without doubt one of the scene’s most respected international ambassadors.

The buildup to what promises to be an incredible event has been high-grade and consistent, and this Tuesday sees another layer in the campaign executed as the release of  ’Changed My World’ featuring long-time collaborator Copeland Green is announced.

EXPLORE MORE

• Get the download and full event details at Tryumf.co.uk
• Follow Tryumf on Twitter
• Buy Tryumf’s music on UKGShop.com