“Bell the Cat”

Just pretend Charlie is a cat. He’s so cute with his bell bowtie.

I am not very fond of cats. They are finicky and sometimes smell weird. Nevertheless, they are part of God’s creation. I do appreciate the allusion “Bell the Cat” because the proverbial cat has negativity associated with it, and the illusion of power. The cat may represent a life-controlling issue in one’s life. For the Christian, his enemy is like a lion, seeking who he may steal from, kill, or destroy.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

From the standpoint of a teensy mouse, stringing a bell around a cat’s neck is risky and daunting, but once done, not only will that mouse be warned when danger is near but her friends’ will also know. Too often, I have sat quietly, safe and complacent in the realm of my existence, when I’d do good to speak up for someone and against a wrongdoing, or even to simply label a negative feeling I was experiencing. Some silence seems innocent, like saving face when someone has hurt one’s feelings or tread on the waters of comfort, saying, “retreat further and maybe the issue will dissipate”. However, many a mother knows when her children are eerily quiet, they are ‘up to no good’. In a similar way, the pet peeves fostered in silence only grow more mischevous, robbing someone of joy and growth. The silence shackles and hinders resolution.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.  For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

When the bell is ringing, one knows it is time to fight or to run the other direction. But without any sound, you and those you love may be caught unawares and in danger. One might ask the question, “Do I lay down my pride in this life for a healing moment, for a bold, righteous statement that brings to light what others may assume or allude to in gossip, but never acknowledge directly.” For if a cancer is present, but the doctor never says a word, unbothered, it spreads and kills. Why not bother the cancer?

The most cherishable relationship the Christian has is with her family of believers. Yet, it seems conflict is more feared than losing the ties that bond our lifeline together. I am reading a book called “When Church Conflict Happens” by Michael Hare in which the author lays out common ways unaddressed conflict destroys churches. Avoiding conflict does not solve anything but compounds the very issues presenting, until silence cannot be kept any longer. So, who will ‘bell the cat’ before a massacre happens? Love is hindered when one is silent about life-controlling issues. God certainly is not silent about when He is not pleased with us, yet He still loves us.

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof,for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogantor rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Silence is usually a defense mechanism or a habit passed down or encouraged by those around us. The Word of God goes contrary to our habits and comfort zones. How does sitting in silence become unloving? Does resentment look like passive-aggressive behavior? Does silence foster a pattern wrongdoing in one’s life? One who passes time in resentment or fear, in their silence, refuses to bear the worthwhile burdens attached to loving people and instead engages in burdens entangled in sin & death.

Brothers,  if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:1-2

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:12-14

I love how Colossians 3:12 parallels 1 Corinthians 13 so well. The themes are to reject resentment, selfishness, and pride, instead take on forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Love is fruitful and not silent, it rejoices in truth. Imagine if people spoke up for the truth in love and gave witness to not only the joys of love but the burdens we also gladly bear for each other (Ephesians 4:15).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

Remember how Christ has found joy in loving us in the most difficult way! He died loving me and you. Christ exemplified how to ‘bell the cat’ when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Have you been drowning in a situation by keeping silence, when perhaps you need to tackle it by speaking the truth of God in love?

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - James 4:7

Enjoy a song I wrote called “Facing Lions”:

Facing Lions

Think fast fix your eyes on the goal til the end
The devil prowls around, seeking whom he may devour
Stand firm, soon you will learn the world's not your friend
Hold ground don't give up the fight
You're called to be a light

Here I stand in this jungle facing lions 
Who threaten all I believe 
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me

Fall flat face on the ground this life's not your own
Keep safe His Word in your heart, be careful never depart
Seek first the kingdom of God, He sits on the throne
Speak up and don't wait around, one day you'll give an account

Here I stand in this jungle facing lions 
Who threaten all I believe 
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me

I will rise on wings like eagles
soar above the lion's roar
with your Spirit, conquer evil
for Your hand has won the war

Here I stand in this jungle facing lions 
Who threaten all I believe 
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important

Here I stand in this jungle facing lions 
Who threaten all I believe 
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me
©2021 Copyright Gianna Elyse Carrasco

Love,
Gianna Elyse

Women in Commercial Music: Jackie Patillo

This is the promo image I use when performing in public. I created it with Canva.

On November 12, 2021, a gorgeous charcuterie board was set out for me and other ladies studying commercial music at the university I attend. The occasion was a Q&A presentation from Jackie Patillo regarding Women in the Commercial Music Industry. Jackie Patillo is the President and Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) which includes directing the Dove Awards. She shared personal testimony of her journey interacting with new artists, going through life's ups and downs, and lessons she has learned along the way. What a precious and intimate time we ladies had to discuss the inevitable qualms and rewarding joys as aspiring professionals in the commercial music industry!

What is important for women in Commercial Music to consider?

Commercial music is a male-dominated industry, but you should not use your femininity as an excuse (it is not an option underperform the men or play the victim). On the contrary, be ready to deliver. As hard as it may be, as cruel as it may sound, if you are a mother who wants to succeed in Commercial Music, you shouldn’t expect others to accommodate you or excuse you on the basis of your children. For example, be at each meeting and have your childcare in place. Maybe a softer way to put it is: you must be adaptable! However, women should also use their gift of nurture, letting their femininity also be an advantage.

***Perform EVERYWHERE! & record everything***

Look into pitching your song-ideas for tv & movies through sync licensing!

☆What it takes to be an artist:

•Leadership

•Vision

•Drive

•Something to say (blog, podcast, etc…) and that ‘something’ should serve people (something beneficial or that matters to them)

•Ask the question:

“Are people receiving what I have to say?”

The way record labels gage interest in your music, blog etc, is by analyzing you social media following.

The it-factor

There is an it-factor, which includes making sure one looks good as an artist. However, Jackie made some cautions against going over-the-top with one’s style. I won’t mention any names in particular, as what constitutes over-the-top can be subjective, but an example was extracted from the 52nd annual Dove Awards. The point is, people will recognize an artist with the it factor as soon as they walk into the room, even if they have never heard of them. It is not just the artist’s clothing, but attire/style certainly will contribute to overall…it-ness.

During the session, a young lady asked if singers are expected to play an instrument in the commercial music industry, to which Jackie Patillo advised it is generally a factor that a singer who can play at least one instrument and write songs has a head in the competition for sure. In fact, I gathered that it is almost essential to play an instrument in the commercial music industry nowadays.

She used the artist Doe as an example, as she can sing her song “Brighter” with guitar.

How to market oneself:

Getting on a playlist (apple music spotify etc.) is important

There are packages to help one get marketed as an artist

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17

Be On Guard

As Christians in the industry, there are spiritual things to consider. For example:

•Record labels do not cultivate ministries

•Artists should make time with God just as Jesus was intentional about stealing away to pray

•Nothing tests like success (don’t let it get to your head)

•God decides to use whoever he chooses (he is no respecter of persons: 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 10:34)

•We all sin & fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

Jackie Patillo has witnessed Christians in the commercial music industry fail to cultivate a strong walk with God. She warned the ladies about the aforementioned, recounting what she has witnessed and experienced personally.

I pray that you who are reading take heed and remember, in whichever field God places you, that you would only grow closer to Him and be a good steward in each season He grants to you.

I hope these notes were helpful!

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-21

God bless you,

Gianna Elyse

#womenshistorymonth

Ben Shive: Studio Piano and Producing

“I see it, I see it
I swear I do
I see extraordinary magic in you”
Ben Shive/Ben Rector

Bloganuary Challenge

What is your favorite part about yourself?

Perhaps, you have the following dilemma as an artist, or even as an individual discovering your purpose…that you have come to the point where there are bits and puzzles pieces of things you are passionate about, or a cacophony of skill-sets you have, or want to have, to the point that you are not sure how to hone in on your thing. Here’s the thing, there is something extraordinary within you, and me, and God knows exactly what that is. He placed it there, after all.

Ben Shive is one of those guys that has honed into his marketable skill as a producer and studio musician, yet, he also has some other notable skillsets that are not obsolete, and actually enhance his primary role, such as a poetic gifting he utilized to write one of the popular songs sung by Ben Rector (quoted above, “Extraordinary Magic”). Ben Shive did not say all of that, but I gathered it as a personal lesson from a talk he gave to my school on October 18th, 2021.

As I observe people who are successful at what they do, I imagine what it must have been like to be just starting out, unsure of where God will lead them, and then I am encouraged. One day, even today, I will be walking out a purpose for which only I was designed. When you decide to take the dive and market one specific thing you are passionate about, you are not giving up the other passions, at least not completely. There are creative ways you will utilize all of what you are passionate about, and those little skills, ideas and characteristics you have, no matter how obscure and seemingly unrelated, to set yourself apart in your field of interest. Because those idiosyncrasies inevitably make up who you are. This is about thinking like an entrepreneur. Ultimately, however, you must surrender each desire and plan to God and ask for His direction.

That was a tidbit of encouragement to start off a series of posts based on presentations and interviews I have had with commercial music gurus. On deck are Jackie Patillo (Gospel Music Association), Leonard Ahlstrom, and a couple of folks from Michael W. Smith’s team. Disclaimer, I am sharing notes from the sessions I attended with them, thus, the words I share are mostly useful advices from the information they shared, non-verbatim.

Ben Shive

One major theme I got from Ben Shive’s talk was the importance of networking in a musical community where the people have shared values. He also mentioned listening to music with “a high musical IQ” He has been influenced by artists and groups (some even collaborated with) such as Rich Mullens, Mark Classen, Andrew Peterson, Ed Cash, Colony House Records, J.J. Heller, George Martin, Harry Connick Jr., Spike Jones, Paul Simon, Rick Ruben, and Dave Barnes. One of the most impactful opportunities was working with Brown Banister, his daughter Ellie Holcomb, Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith. Although Ben Shive’s background as a classically trained jazz pianist certainly helped land him excellent opportunities, he observed other important factors in play when it comes to playing gigs.

Here are some isolated notes for studio pianists/keyboardists as well as for aspiring producers:

Studio Piano

Be humble and have a workable/teamwork attitude, know when and what to play, remember what you play…

Do not rely on the instrument, but try to make a melody

Listen to things with a high musical IQ

Learn to be dumber with your playing keys, especially if you are trained classically/jazz because nobody needs that for most records. (think diamond chords, which is particularly encouraging, as you do not have to be impressive, just functional).

Keyboard as an arranger: voice lead, avoid the vocal line, and know where the melody sits in the register so that you can compliment the vocal line

Arrange as a keyboardist: Arrange on the individual instruments’ terms, think “What are these instruments doing?”

Dynamics: What did I do last? You have to remember what you did and change just when it is needed

Do the right thing at the right time, and remember, silence can be just as dynamic; listent to your band mates!

In session playing, be able to receive correction, and be able to hang with what’s going on musically (be skillful/astute as needed), chord on 1st try, and be able to play it back on repeat in the other room if needed

Have technical proficiency, good ear, and think like a part-writer

Do I look like a producer? I know I felt like an ice-cube. Note: do not try to be aesthetic in cold Virginia weather…

Production & Technology

Producers do not need to know everything, but they do need to know how to build a team, it’s just cheaper to know more and hire less. 🧐

Be there for the artist: make them feel like a queen or king; the artist needs a chance to be heard; Create rapport with your artist

Have processes in place that never waste money

Producers attract certain types of artists due to the producer’s style

Make one decision at a time, to find out what the artist is NOT

>rather than trying to adjust the whole band at once

>and having references from the artist is helpful, especially when they do not know how to communicate verbally what they want to hear

Any programming should fit with the style of the producer and the band members

Know how to get on the talkback mic, to help get good vocals out of the artist (include very specific instructions and a compliment, so that it is constructive)

If at all possible, try to have session players whom the artist knows

Be assertive, but aiming to please. There will also be a frank exchange of ideas occasionally

Think about tempo, key signature, feel, and form; have quality pre-production

You’re getting somewhere once you feel the emotion when you listen to the artist; “lights are on”

You do not have to be an audiophile, as being a producer is more about workflow

If you are using live piano, it should only be right before the MIX; find what you want to do on a piano sample as it’s easier to adjust before mixing.

Remember what you did last time, talk numbers, and shape the tones you play

As a producer, you will use: subtractive synthesis, juno emulator, oscillators, and signal chains (to shape tone with reverb and delay)

Bonus Note for Artists

You can make a record off of nothing

Play shows and build a following, then think about a budget for an album

Discussion

If you have any questions about the notes above, please comment below

And I would love to know, are you an aspiring or already established musician or producer? Could you add some tips or questions related to anything mentioned in this post? 🙂

Blessings,

Gianna Elyse

P.S. I am late for my second #bloganuary post, as it is now technically day three

#bloganuary2022