Friday 22nd May 2009

Tony Cummings charts the headspinning history of Herald Records/Word (UK)/Nelson Word/Word Entertainment/Authentic Music and quizzed Authentic Music's Gareth Russell

Gareth: Absolutely, we have worked with Hillsong for over 10 years now and the relationship has grown from strength to strength. We are now working with Hillsong on more levels than ever and finding ways to develop their church vision as well as exposing more individuals and churches to their music. The Hillsong albums seem to be one of the few that are bucking the trend when it comes to poor music sales. Last year's live album 'This Is Our God' was the fastest selling Hillsong album yet and we are looking forward to two releases from Hillsong United this year, as well as another live album from the church in July.

Tony: What plans for the future development of Authentic do you have?

Gareth: I think it is important that we as a music company continue to develop a model that will provide a stable foundation from which to grow in the future. Success is no longer simply measured on how many albums we sell, we need to focus on other aspects such as: music copyrights; merchandising; new media; ringtones; events and ticketing; and social media.

I really feel excited by the future. Doors are opening that have always been closed in the past. It is easier than ever to hear directly from those who are fans of our music. It is important that we embrace the opportunity to build community and create music that meets people wherever they are on their journey of faith.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

About Tony Cummings

Tony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Chaz Gisby in Rhayader, Mid Wales. @ 17:04 on Aug 17 2016

I'm trying to find music recorded by Redemption in the 1950's of the Welsh Gospel Male Voice Choir. I know the label was taken over by Word but as the originals were released on 78's I'm finding it very hard to trace good copies.
Can anyone please help.
Many thanks.

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Posted by tkd_fox @ 16:05 on May 30 2015

i worked at word uk in the summer hols, doing the record club responses and sometimes shrinkwrapping discs.....my dad was working there, weird finding info about the place.......

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Posted by Ginny Crandall in Utah @ 15:19 on Jan 4 2011

Rob, while I understand that there is some commercialism in Christian books and music, I also believe that God the Father loves anything that turns our focus from the idolatrist world that we live in and instead allows us to focus on him and his plan for us.

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Posted by Mary Orford in Carmarthenshire @ 14:23 on Jul 20 2010

I am not at all surprised at the saga I have just read. Christian?? Naa!

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Posted by Dave Clemo in Kettering @ 17:50 on Jun 22 2009

I agree with Rob.
my concern is with the lack of opportunity to perform and/or minister in the UK. Ten years ago it was bad, now it's almost non-existent.
If you're not part of the resident band in a large church, or supported by a para-church organisation there are very limited places to play.
Churches don't do music events on a local level like they used to. That's a real worry.
I can't continue a music ministry on one booking a year, no matter how prestigeous it may be. No-one can. Without the opportunity to play every week, or better still three or four times a week, these bands (as good as they may potentially be) will never achieve the breakthrough they may deserve.
On average a top US act plays 250-300 dates a year. In the uK it's more like 25-30.
This is bad for the musicians, for the ministry and will ultimately make us poorer

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Posted by Rob in Coventry, United Kingdom @ 16:36 on Jun 11 2009

Reading the history of Redemption Records/Livingston Recordings/Word (UK)/Nelson Word/Word Entertainment/Authentic Music you've got to ask what God think of all this Christian Industry stuff. It's not the most inspiring representation of the Kingdom is it.

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The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Authentic Music: The corporate convolutions of a UK Christian music company

Tony Cummings charts the headspinning history of Herald Records/Word (UK)/Nelson Word/Word Entertainment/Authentic Music and quizzed Authentic Music's Gareth Russell

Reader Comments

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