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So you wanna be a music star- interviewing Dr John Butler
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Dr. John Butler AKA The Minister
your work and you have such a powerful, yet subtle voice. How many years
have you been singing professionally?
JB: 20 years and counting....
Examiner: I read that you have won almost every award known and you have even received a Grammy nomination. That is more than impressive. And you have been burning up the charts for two decades, yet your flame hasn't flickered not even once. How do you manage to stay so focused, so diligent, so good?
JB: I first started my career after winning 37 talent shows in a row. I've won, male vocalist of the year, contemporary music vocalist of the year, Inspirational Music vocalist of the year, traditional gospel music vocalist of the year, and in 2008 Musician Atlas awarded me with the Independent Inspirational Gospel Music artist of the year.
Even after 20 years, I still feel that my supporters deserve the best that I have to offer. That's what keeps me focused.
Examiner: How have you come to be called the Minister? How did that start?
JB: In the U.S., everyone is familiar with South Africa's native, Jonathan Butler, the jazz artist. In Europe, everyone is familiar with their native, John Butler. Everyone has known me as the singing preacher, who sings all styles of inspirational music. so I'm known by most as, The Minister.
Examiner: Now, I know that you want to talk about your new DVD,' So You Wanna Be A Music Star.' I have the DVD and I boldly state to any and every artist that is serious about their craft, they have got to go out and buy this DVD, or they've already missed the bus. For those out there that has not purchased, 'So You Wanna Be a Music Star,' can you give us a rundown of what the DVD entails?
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So You Wanna Be A Music Star Volume I on DVD
JB: We focused primarily, on cliffhangers that independent artists run into in their everyday money making music business operations.
The problem we noticed with most singers/ musicians was the ability to sustain a comfortable living, while living out their life's dreams.
There are many artists that I meet who has tons of CDs in their basement that they cannot seem to sell, or even give them away. Good material, just no buyers. So in most cases, I find myself advising them on how to get rid of the inventory for profit. The solutions are right under their noses.
Every artist that I meet on the road, has the same storyline. No money!
Many have lots of gigs and engagements, even to the point of playing music in churches every Sunday, but no money to pay bills.
This is what the DVD is addressing with direct intent to create stability in every artist/musician.
Examiner: I see so many artists each and everyday on the Internet, trying effortlessly to promote their music. The fact is, many of them do not succeed. You told me one big reason why. Please share it because, I believe that any and every unsigned artist needs to tune out the noise, sit down and listen to what you have to say.
JB: The industry conveyed to us as consumers, that success in the music industry came by way of the studio to the stage. Many musicians/artists never mentally transitioned from consumer, to music industry practitioner. Most entered into the game with the same mind set of that of a person who believes that the record company who places us in the studio and the stage will make me famous. In most cases it will make you famous, but it will not make you rich.
The truth is, music industry business success comes by way of licenses and concludes with royalty checks. The studio gives you the access to create, and the stage expands your fan base, but the registered paperwork gets you PAID!
Examiner: For those artists that need to know the impression that you have left and the legacy that you continue to shape this industry with, how many awards have you won in total?
JB: So far, 45 to be exact.
Examiner: One common mistake that is becoming an Internet smash is a lot of artists are following other artists who don't have much under their belts. I mean, I see where in one corner, there you are, seasoned veteran, has had all the success that every artist dreams to have and then I may see another man who is trying to make it where you are. What pearls of wisdom do you have for them, because this new fad is slowing down servers?
JB: First of all, be an original, and not a copy. The reason being, if you sound too much like someone else, you'll never be able to escape their shadow. Now, when you have a unique style, as I do, it may take a while for many to become acclimated to your style, that's okay because it will only extend your career.
Be willing to put in the time. I am often amazed, when I run into artists who are releasing the debut CD, but their head is swollen with everything but, pure knowledge about the business. I have seen so many come and go, because they did not realize the crowd was following them just to see how far they would go, they really had no intentions on helping you get there.
Examiner: I know that in your DVD, you speak a lot about clearance forms and royalties. Care to elaborate?
JB: Many artists are not legitimate music practitioners, and don't know it, because they cannot furnish a clearance form for every composition. That is where the processing of the money starts. They might sell out of the trunk, but no royalty check will be cut.
Contrary to popular belief, if I may reiterate, this business is all about developing licenses and receiving royalties for every intellectual property.
Examiner: What made you decide to come out with 'So You Wanna Be a Music Star?'
JB: I was encouraged by Next Level Publishing Company's staff. They always felt that it was strange for me not to be famous, but yet be successful. The question was raised, would you be willing to show others. The answer, well you know, of course. I'll teach anyone who's willing to listen.
Examiner: You have made such an impact on the music industry. It's story time. Can you tell us one time where you were ready to leave it all alone and what made you change your mind? The reason that I ask is that, there are so many artists out today that are contemplating throwing their music in the attic. What words of encouragement do you have for them?
JB: First of all, please know that there are cliques, and that you just might not fit. The cultures are expanding everyday, just keep your focus! Know that many may not like you, that does not matter, BE YOU!
Secondly, in the ninety's, I charted up to #13 on the radio charts. When big corporations started buying up all the stations, I lost a tremendous amount of airplay. I was about to call it quits. I did not think that 10 years later, I would be celebrating 20 years in music. I've recorded 5 projects in the last 4 years, and now I have surpassed 100 songs, and still going strong. Thanks to having access to 12,000 internet radio stations.
My advice to all: DON'T QUIT!
Examiner: Where has your new DVD been featured?
JB: Next Level PC, Amazon, FYE, Barnes and Noble and many other retails.
Examiner: I know that Siskel and Ebert are the film raters, but personally, if I could rate this DVD on a scale of 1 to 100, I would be in trouble, because I would have to rate it off the charts. I mean, it is just that...off the charts as far as detail, information, how-to, what do and what not to do, how to get your money, you name it. I know that testimonies are pouring in from those that have purchased the DVD, is there one that has left an impression on
you?
JB: All of the testimonies are impressive, to say the least, because people very seldom allow others to know how they feel about a product. I just want others to know that this project is the truth!
Examiner: Minister, thank you so much for sitting down to chat with Examiner. I know that you are an extremely busy man and we are grateful to you for your time, wisdom and input. This DVD is going to be the difference between artists that get paid and those that aspire to get paid. Any parting words?
JB: Don't waste time telling folk what you're going to do, just do it, and then let them see, what has been done! They can then take part in the finished work.
Examiner: Again, thank you and even though I am no singer, let me thank you on the behalf of those that you have blessed. You truly are an inspiration. We love you!
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