Allen C. Paul's Blog, page 22

Secrets of Effective Music Marketing: How to Apply Smart Strategies and Get Noticed w/ Dre Marshall, Executive [TGGS 81]

Is successful music marketing and promotion all just a game of luck, going viral or being ‘connected?”

Is it possible for independent artists to get the word out about their projects without a ton of money or a huge team? 

According to executive, producer and creative consultant Dre Marshall, it's not luck at all. He claims that any independent artist and creative can effectively market to their audience and promote their projects. They just need to employ the right st...

New Facebook Rules on Musicians and Live-streams: Fake news or cause for concern? [EP 80]

Is Facebook about to crush every musician who streams “musical experiences” on their platform as of October 1st?

Or is this all a big misunderstanding?

This episode, a review of one of our Monday Creative Checkups, aims to dispel some myths and help bring clarity to the entire debate on livestreaming on this massively popular social media platform.

As an added bonus, entertainment attorney Somara Jacques, The Latte Lawyer, stopped in to help bring a professional perspec...

How to Develop Your Influence and Thrive Through Transitions w/ Dwayne “Saint Orbin” Bennett, Musical Director / Producer [TGGS 79]

When you’ve had success at the highest levels of church ministry and the music industry, does that mean you have it all figured out?

Not necessarily, according to our guest on The God and Gigs Show.  

Dwayne “Saint Orbin” Bennett, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and creative entrepreneur, has become one of the most respected and influential musicians in gospel, hip-hop, R&B and beyond. But he didn’t get there without going through the same strugg...

Artists, Anxiety, and a Pandemic: How to Overcome Challenges as a Creative w/ Jeremy “DaConnect” Mills, Manager [TGGS 78]

What do you do when you’ve worked your whole life to become a mover and shaker in the music and entertainment industry – only to see that industry grind to a halt overnight?

Jeremy “DaConnect” Mills, musician, tour manager, bandleader and creative entrepreneur, has spent decades becoming one of the people to know in the music industry. By serving in diverse roles on major tours and within musical teams with artists like Jay-Z, Keisha Cole, Jamison Ross, Cory Henry, Tye T...

The Art of the Transition, Part 1: Mindset

If you're reading this, you've probably dealt with some changes this year.

Perhaps you're still performing, live-streaming, or writing. You're doing your things in your studio, creating, or working on a new project. But no matter what you're doing currently – it's likely not something you planned to be doing at the beginning of 2020.

So what do you do when transitions are impossible to avoid?

Clearly a lot of us are being forced into transition because our creative jobs, performance ...

“What Now? What Next?” How to Handle Creative Uncertainty [TGGS 77]

If you’re uncertain about your creative future, you’re not alone. 

The entire music and entertainment industry has been turned upside down, and even creatives who are strong in their faith are questioning their next move. 

When life seems uncertain, we artists and creatives have to take stock of things that are certain – our purpose, our ability to serve others, and our need for connection. 

Key Topics covered in this episode



Why connection is so important to cre...

5 Powerful Prayers for Musicians in “Sounds Of The Heart, Volume 1” by Trent Phillips

There's a quote that says “God gave us music so that we may pray without words.”

However, sometimes, we need the right words to make clear to ourselves, and to God, what we really mean.

Providing the right words to help musicians enhance their prayer lives is the purpose of esteemed musician and producer Trent Phillip's first book – a devotional for musicians entitled Sounds of The Heart, Volume 1: Prayers for Musicians.

Having worked in the gospel and mainstream music industry for o...

Who is your “Who”? 3 Keys to Coping with Massive Change as a Creative [TGGS 76]

It’s a pointed question, but it must be asked…

Who are you as a creative, and who are you doing all of this for? 

As we mark the 4th anniversary of the publication of our signature book for faith focused musicians, we reveal why investing in yourself, challenging yourself, and evangelizing via our creativity is just as necessary – if not more so – for faith-focused artists in 2020 as it was four years ago. 

By unpacking these concepts in the light of a brand-new cult...

Who is your “Who”? 3 Keys to Coping with Change as a Creative [TGGS 76]

It’s a pointed question, but it must be asked…

Who are you as a creative, and who are you doing all of this for? 

As we mark the 4th anniversary of the publication of our signature book for faith focused musicians, we reveal why investing in yourself, challenging yourself, and evangelizing via our creativity is just as necessary – if not more so – for faith-focused artists in 2020 as it was four years ago. 

By unpacking these concepts in the light of a brand-new cu...

How to Keep Cool Creatively when Life Goes Crazy: Setting Priorities, Changing Strategies, and Seeing a Better Future [TGGS 75]

When things go sideways in life…can you keep your cool and keep moving forward?

The drastic changes that can alter our lives as creatives have never been more apparent. Cultural shifts, technological innovations and industry shake-ups are now commonplace. 

In order to stay relevant, we have to look past the temporary problems and find some solid principles that allow us to adjust our sails while still pressing forward with our creative goals and strengthening our most prec...