I believe Christian songwriters need to take advantage of every opportunity that’s right in front of their NOSES!
If you write songs that are congregation friendly (not sure what that means), don’t miss out on the blessing of CCLI. You may already be part of this organization. If so, help someone else prosper from it.
In a nutshell, here is the CCLI statement:
“Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) was established in 1988 to provide churches with simple, affordable solutions to complex copyright issues. CCLI helps churches maintain their integrity and avoid costly lawsuits, while also giving churches the freedom to worship expressively and spontaneously.”
Let’s cut through all the stuff. What does this mean for you, as a songwriter? Well, if your songs are used in churches, you should be financially blessed in proportion to their use. You don’t have to understand how CCLI figures out who gets what… I don’t, but I do receive twice a year, a nice chunk of MANNA from Heaven.
Check out their website, http://www.ccli.com . It may take awhile to get all signed up. I think it cost me about $50, but if you are getting some church play (I mean they’re singing you songs), this is a way you can be rewarded for it.
This is too long! Later, for those interested, I’ll share my story how I got into CCLI, and my simple procedure, that I still use in getting my praise and worship songs into churches. Nothing spectacular, but it has worked and is still working for me.I haven’t asked her, but I believe my wife, Valleta, would be glad to answer questions that might help get you started with CCLI. She’s the one that paved the way for me. Here’s her email: valleta@thelaniercompany.com
Just let her know I sent you, so she won’t trash your email (laugh). Now you know why she keeps me locked up in my studio (double laugh).
Have a God week. He loves you and wants you to experience His MANNA!
Gary Lanier
www.garylanier.com
