The National Quartet Convention

WOW! I cannot remember when I had more fun at the National Quartet Convention. From the moment I stepped up to the registration booth and Cathy helped me, things just came together. If you attended the Quartet Convention, you found my booth, you know the one, a folding chair, card table and a 2' x 3' sign. By criss-crossing the country for many years, I got to see old frieds from as far away as California from before my Dixie Melody Boys days. Then also, some people came by who I've never met but, they are on our email newsletter list.

Wednesday evening, I had the honor of singing on the main stage with The Toney Brothers and the rumors started flying! Terry had apparenty placed a flyer on the tables in the food court and "the question of the day" was "are you going with the Toney Brothers"? No, I was just helping a friend.

I also had the opportunity to experience, the "Gaither / Ernie Haase" Showcase, from the artist circle. Say what you will about Gaither or Ernie Haase. I have been around a pretty good while and have had the chance to hear about every musical performance you can imagine. What I witnessed, from GVB and EH&SS was as well produced and performed as any I've experienced.

It's the same old story, some folks complained, "I hate this place, I'm ready to go". I had the time of my life! I wish it was longer. The DJs I met, the promoters and friends who came by, made my day. Every time I thought, I'll get out and get around, someone would walk up, it was just great! I even sold enough to pay for the booth. I was even able to taste test coffee, shop for a purse, (for my wife), shop for BLING BLING, and even TOE RINGS, WHAT A CONVENTION!

I know people have done alot of complaining since the convention was over, but I for one, appreciate the hard work and dedication put forth by the board of directors to make a success of the National Quartet Convention.

As a result of this convention, our brand new song, "Heaven's Headlines" is going to radio via AMG Capital.

So many blessings, so many friends. I love the National Quartet Convention.

Make your plans now, for next year....I AM!


Dan Keeton
The Keetons

Got a great Idea? ... Keep it to yourself!

Some of today's young people have to learn things the hard way. OK, I'm almost 40 and I still learn things the hard way. Some of you have followed my little adventure since it's inception. It makes for interesting reading and for those of you who have that little desire to start your own Gospel group, these lessons I'm learning will come in handy for you someday.


Protect IT!

Last month, I told you of songs that I had written. I make it a practice to protect these little children of mine. Getting a copyright, listing with broadcast societies and such. Sometimes, I've come up with ideas for songs (you don't let these out). There are so many other writers who get their ideas from your ideas. Sometimes it's intentional and sometimes it's not. The same goes for ideas for albums, concept projects and videos. But, simply protecting an idea is much harder to do. So, basically the way to keep these from getting out is, "Keep it to yourself". Until time to release the project, even from people close to you.


So, who can you trust?

Finding out "who you can trust" is a key element in sharing. Let's face it, a great idea has to be shared with someone. It's exciting and helps your insecurities, to know someone you trust thinks it's a great idea too. But OOPS, you told the WRONG person. This person goes and shares it with a BIG time producer, he shares it with a BIG time artist, then...it's their idea now! Then before you know it, they're riding high on your idea.


What to do...what to do...

I just got some good advice from a friend I know I can trust. He said, "buddy, keep your ideas to yourself". There aught to have been a class at E.O.U. on that one. There's only one thing left to do. Take a step back, re-group and go with the original. Your smart, you came up with that idea, there's more where that came from. But, you certainly cannot move forward with your original idea, because now you'd look like a fool, "you copycat"!


Research:

Do a lot of it. It helps to know what others have done or are planning to do. All of us are searching for the next big idea to take us to the front of the pack. We all want the same thing, more success. But, when all ideas are used up, there's only one thing left, go back to the original. What is it that makes you...YOU? When people step back and take a long look at you and what you have to offer, what's the most obvious thing they see. I had a real good friend tell me once, "Dan, I think you've got a great idea there, but I cannot wait till you put out your original material, I think they are very good". It seems that true friends are the ones who will tell you what they think, no matter if you want to hear it or not.


Evaluate -

Take a moment and look around you. See all those people. Some are friends, trustworthy, honest and respectable. But, some are simply looking for a way to impress the right people with their knowledge. They know everything about everything and everybody and they don't know when to keep quiet. They're just waiting for the chance to get the attention of that very important person, so they can prove how smart they are. But the best ammunition they have, is YOUR IDEA and they aren't about to shoot second best!


Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet
www.dankeeton.com

I'm In!

As a songwriter, I have been blind-sided by ideas for songs. Then out of the blue, they practically write themselves in just a few moments. These are the ones I consider to be "from God". I know they are all from Him, but these are the ones that seem, they've already been written and all I have to do is copy them down from God's songbook. There is no trying to rhyme words or "picking and choosing" which lines belong together.

It's happened before. I wrote, "Tellin the Old Story" recorded recently be The McKameys, when I was 17, sitting in my car beside a gas station. I was singing with my first group, "The Veterans Quartet" from Leitchfield, KY. It was easy! "I am headed for Glory, tellin the Old story, over and over again"! For many years after, God provided evidence that it came from Him, the acceptance and complements were blessings.

Another one was, "Mercy on America Again". I stopped to write this one on the side of Interstate 55 in southern Mississippi at 3am in the morning. I've had several people comment that, I must have gotten great inspiration from September 11, 2001 to write this song. However, I wrote it long before 9-11 ever happened. It seemed like God knew we needed this message and prepared us for it. It's another piece of evidence, He is in it.

One more comes to mind, "Answer for the Lost". This one was written in 1995. I was traveling with Lowell Lundstrom, out of South Dakota, with his Impact America Crusades. I was inspired by one of his sermons based on Matthew:25. "do unto the least of these, you've done it unto me". Tony Gore and Majesty recorded it back in the 90's.

It happened the same way with, "Stand for the King", recorded in the 90's by the Palmetto state Quartet. That one took all of an hour to write.

I am sitting here at my desk with a list of ideas I've been collecting for years. Those seem to have hit a wall. They just don't come to me. Some have only a part of a chorus. But, it's these particular songs that come thru the right channel at the right time that are truly blessings from God, and are evidence of his hand.

Long before I joined The Dixie Melody Boys I wrote, "Following in Their Footsteps". This one came the same way, a few moments, a pen and a piece of paper. I had always dreamed of joining a group like DMB. I also dreamed of sitting backstage talking with and getting to know my heroes like, Vestal, Howard, Glen, George, Rex, Kenny, I could go on and on. And as a songwriter, I dreamed of learning from people like Ronnie Hinson, Dottie Rambo and other great writers.

Today, I am looking at another piece of evidence. After forming The Dan Keeton Quartet, arrangements were confirmed for us to perform on The Jim Bakker Television Show in Branson, MO. So, we planned on singing our theme song, "Following in their Footsteps". Then last Sunday, one of my heroes, Dottie Rambo, died in a bus crash on Mothers Day. In surfing the internet just yesterday, I learned, Dottie appeared regularly on the Jim Bakker Show. This past Monday May 12th, (you really should see it - www.jimbakkershow.com) they dedicated the entire show to remembering Dottie Rambo.

After filling a bath towel with tears, I raised my head and realized, in two days...The Dan Keeton Quartet will perform, "Following in Their Footsteps" on the same platform where Dottie performed...

I will need another bath towel.

I have no idea what God is up to, but.......I'M IN!

Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet
www.dankeeton.com

SACRIFICE

Today, more than ever, we've got to watch our overhead and keep it as low as possible. I am sitting in the hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The headlines across the bottom of the television screen read, "crude oil spikes today at $113.00 a barrel and the average price of gas in the U.S is $3.39 per gallon. The price of diesel fuel here in Maryland is over $4.00 a gallon. This is the very reason the bus is sitting at the house and will continue to sink into holes in the gravel driveway.

I spoke with Mr. O'Neal (Dixie Melody Boys) a few days ago. He has purchased a Dodge Sprinter Van and the bus is for sale. If we don't want to quit and stay at the house, we must find new and innovative ways to stretch the dollars. Mr. McCain today proposed a "Holiday" on the federal gas tax over the summer. At approx. 20%, it will help a little, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm reminded of the stories of some of the ones who paved the way for people like us. The Statesmen, The Blackwood Brothers and the Speer Family loaded all the equipment, records and suitcases in cars and ate sandwiches to be able to make it. The Blackwood Brothers once took showers in the rain and almost finished before the rain stopped. In those times, it took such a desire and devotion just to keep going. It seems we may be again headed to times of great sacrifice.


OPPORTUNITY

Over the last few months, I've become more and more busy. I am the secretary, driver, co-ordinator, booking agent, recording engineer, musician, singer, MC, publicist and radio promoter. Today, I received an email from a company which offered some help. so after speaking with them on the phone, we just may partner with them. I am leery, I've been contacted by folks who have offered help before, but when I mention, I don't have a money man, they disappear faster than a large homecoming crowd after they eat! The fact is, the penny pinching continues, but there has to be a balance between pinching pennies and working yourself to death, with little or no results. So, I've come to a conclusion, "I need people and people need me". We need to work on the negotiation and find that, "win-win" compromise, so we all can be successful.

NATIONAL QUARTET CONVENTION

I just made arrangements to attend the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, this September. Before I started a quartet, I considered, "can I really benefit enough after paying for the booth, lodging and expenses, to come out ahead?" Yes, The National Quartet Convention is the largest gathering of fans and industry professionals in Southern Gospel Music. I write southern Gospel Songs, I sing Southern Gospel songs and I have started a Southern Gospel Quartet. Plus, I have found many friends and fans asking if we will be there. It simply makes perfect sense, to network, market to and at least be seen by all at the convention. And hey, Dan Keeton QUARTET - National QUARTET Convention ---DUH!


THE FACTS

Once you have made that commitment to yourself and to God, that you are going to follow his plan for you, there are no other options. Once the plan has been implemented and the coarse has been plotted, "CAN'T" is not a word in your vocabulary. I refuse to listen to the news on television. The so-called, "experts" are whining and crying that the economy is headed for gloom and doom. I am seriously tired of listening to these "Chicken Littles" and their, "sky is falling" attitude.

for many years, God has been faithful to me. There has never been a time that we have been hundreds of miles from home and stranded. I have however, been to large churches far from home, where the pastor has told me to go home and wait for the church treasurer to send me a check. But, the check was $105.00! But through Sacrifice, Opportunities and Faithfulness, we will make it through these times! I know God and I know his faithfulness. Don't quit, let's make it happen!

Keep holding on!

Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet

Comments: dan@dankeeton.com

Beware of those who call you "Friend" -

In my work to build a new Gospel singing Group. I have had blessings show up from the most unexpected people and places. I have been blessed by those who do things without asking for anything in return, some of them are in high places in the Gospel Music Industry.

I have also had some who at first, claim to see my vision and realize how hard it is to build something from nothing. Some of those call me "friend". But, I have found that I have to be extremely careful about who I can trust. The last few months, I have had to learn the hard way about trusting those who say, "I am your friend", then only to turn around and drop a bomb that they are only interested in money. I have already had comments from some people like, "hey, when your group fails, you can come and sing for us." Thanks! but, to be honest, I'd rather hear that, than to hear, "I'm your friend" when reality all their interested in is what I can do for them.

I know one thing, you will reap what you sew. Someday, the way you treat people now, will return to you, someday and sometime. You can count on it.

A Debut Recording -

The debut recording is almost completed. Pulling together the list of songs that have influenced your life, proved to be a difficult task. Eliminating song after song because there's just no room, was the most difficult thing in selecting songs. But, we did it.

I also decided to keep the accompaniment simple and not overwhelm the vocals. All the songs are basic piano, bass and drums, with a little electric guitar and electric piano sprinkled in here and there. The concert recording was a lot of fun. I was really impressed with the singing we did. You stand on stage and think, "that will need to be fixed", when in reality, you listen back and are surprised that it really isn't that bad.

How about promoting The Group -

Can we do this without much money. I'm pretty sure we can. Getting the promotion you need is a hard thing to do, but not impossible. In my experience, there are ways to get free advertising. The internet is crammed full of opportunity. We have had great success in promoting us and our concerts on the net. You might think, "yeah, but isn't that the job of our agent"? Yes, but with more agents filling their rosters with more and more groups, there is less time for you. I have been in situations where, when we arrive at concerts, (not just with my groups but with DMB and others), the concert posters we sent are sitting on the table in the foyer or in the preacher's office.

So today, to be successful, a lot of the work you feel is someone else's responsibility, becomes yours if you really want to be successful. Or, when things fall apart, you can blame everyone else, when in actuality, it's your fault.

On the Radio! -

What is becoming increasing hard, is keeping a constant track of stations and programs requesting a single for radio play. All the radio stations and programs can get our single as an mp3 for air play, but after speaking with radio professionals, I have found that some, if not all of them need a "hard copy" of your song. Needing a professional radio promoter is looking more like a necessity. But, which one does the most good for the money they charge? And is there one who actually does the work and not just carry a title?

So, We're Off! -

We are off and running. we've already performed from Texas to Louisiana to Alabama to Kentucky! We have our members, we have our style, song selection, first recording, Radio air play, and calls are coming in for bookings in 2009. Someone asked me if we are going to be at the Quartet Convention? HMMMM...

Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet
www.dankeeton.com

comments - dan@dankeeton.com

Alright, we have all our people and get along very well and are excited about what is to come.

Song Selection -

The first step should be selecting our songs. We are here to sing so, we must begin building an inventory of songs. In our society today, everyone is barring for your attention. It makes your head spin at the amount of advertising, products and songs brought to you by the media. Most all of them wiz by and we never give them one thought...THEN BAM! A product, story or song brings our speeding life to a screeching halt. But, what about it captivated us to the point of our utmost attention. Whatever "IT" is, we need to capture it in 10 to 12 songs and put them on a CD.

Two simple things about a song get our attention. "What it says" and "how it sounds". Here are the facts; A song that says something profound, but sounds horrible, gets no attention (we can't get past the bad singing). Then a song that sounds great but, says absolutely nothing, gets no attention either.

Style -

So many opinions, so little space. Different people like different styles. But, I must chose one, to market to those I'd like to reach. So, here it goes, at 11 years old, after pure HELL in my life, I chose to listen to grandma's Happy Goodman Family cassette. Before then, I was into KISS, yes, the Rock Band. So much so, that I played the 5 gallon buckets and had plans to be KISS's drummer when I grew up.

But, when Howard, Sam, Rusty and Vestal came through the little speaker in grandma's tape player, something else came with them. Spirit or anointing, call it whatever you'd like, but it was exactly what a terrorized little boy needed. I didn't need a Christian KISS cover band to reach me. All it took was some pure, down to earth, Southern Gospel Singing. So, that is exactly what I plan to do.

Down to Business -

I've stood back and watched as group after group after group has changed their style, their name, their hair, their clothes, their ride, their sound system...ect. What are they looking for? What has happened? Somehow I wonder is that their way of trying to cope with slumping CD sales and lowering concert attendance? So, change. But, I've always heard that people don't like change. So, go ahead, change your style of music to the more "hip", change your image to the back street, back alley, "grunge look". Try dragging your fans through the mud, into the back alley, kicking and screaming. They will desert you and go looking for something else that resembles the wonderful gospel singing group they used to know. And your excuse is, "we've got to reach the youth and to reach the younger generation, we've got to progress".

Why belittle the intelligence of young people? They know what "singing on pitch" is. They know what "good" is. We had our first practice in front of a group of young people at our church. Their ages ranged from 5 to 14. We sang song after song to their delight! Then we sang an accapella version of "The Lord's Prayer" These kids were beside themselves, screaming, "sing that one again!" I didn't need a Christian KISS cover band and these kids don't either. I know some of you don't agree, but, I've got to write the checks!

Sell them CDs -

At this past National Quartet Convention, I was working at the Dixie Melody Boys booth and was approached by a well dressed business man. He said, " this concept will help you sell more CDs." Apparently, include with your cd a vacation package, a time-share plan, entertainment coupons....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH... Here's an idea, sing songs people like to hear in a style people like to listen to, present them in a respectable manner and YOU WILL SELL CDS! I've seen it done!

So, who are we?

The decision has been made. The Dan Keeton Quartet is pure Southern Gospel. We are respectable people, wearing respectable clothing, with respectable hair styles, singing respectable Gospel music.

A song and photos are now available.

Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet

Finding the Right People


For each position there's only one, the right one, but which one? In my search for the right ones, three factors were considered.

#1 Sound :

"American Idol" and "Nashville Star" have brought out the best and worst singers the United States has to offer. After I made an announcement that I was looking for singers for the New Dan Keeton Quartet, the phone started ringing off the wall and the emails came pouring in. So the filtering began. Four particular areas I was concerned with; Pitch, Diction, Breath control and Tone.

The latter three of these four could be dealt with later. But for me, "pitch" is my main concern. Today, pitch is dealt with in the studio by clicking a mouse and "viola", perfect pitch. Gospel Radio today is filled with pitch controlled voices. Anyone can be made to sound great today in the studio. However, we are not in a studio and the real deal is in a live performance setting. I am not saying "I am" or "we are" perfect and will never sing off pitch, but it has become a perfect "everyone sounds like a computer" world.

"Yeah, but even the pros do it." This is true, but even with an untrained ear, fans are commenting that it sounds more like a computer and less like a human being.

#2 Commitment

I did receive emails and phone calls from people wanting to audition. Some wanted to send me emails with attachments of audio files. But for whatever reason Mr. Gates hasn't perfected Vista yet and I couldn't open email attachments.. but enough of that. I asked everyone to send me a demo and info via regular mail. Those who did were seriously considered. Those who didn't thought it wasn't important enough. Then there were those who didn't care so much that they posted publically on message boards that I never paid them any attention. When in fact, they never sent me anything.

One man in particular called me and said, "I WILL SEND YOU A TAPE, AND YOU WILL LISTEN TO IT AND I WILL CALL YOU BACK AND MAKE SURE YOU LISTENED TO IT." Well,.....He Did,...I Did,... and He Did ...and...He Didn't...and you know why.

that leads us to...

#3 Personality

Whoever I chose had to get along with others, in close quarters, for extended hours or days at a time. I have had the opportunity to travel with every personality you could imagine; Mr. Sensitive, Mr. Cry Baby, Mr. Know it All, Mr. Loner, Mr. Nosey, Mr. Negative, Mr. Perfect, Mr. Paranoid, Mr. Redneck, Mr. Gossip, Mr. Naive and Mr. Bordering Insane! So, in picking the right one, I needed to be a psychologist and a minister. Not only do they have to get along with me but also 2 others. So the combination of these personalities could be harmonious or explosive.

Did I choose the right ones? Only time will tell. I am not a psychologist, but I did pray that God would give me wisdom in the process and lead me to the right ones. (This is Christian Music) One thing I do know, we have all been influenced by our heroes in Gospel Music and have been touched by God's mercy so much, that we have got to share what we have.

comments ; dan@dankeeton.com


Dan Keeton
The Dan Keeton Quartet
www.dankeeton.com

Hello Everyone,

I have traveled this great land of ours for 28 years, singing the greatest music, with the greatest people - Southern Gospel. I have seen both oceans many times. There is not a state in the US that I haven't sang in. I've also crossed the entire span of Canada and performed on three cruises to the Bahamas. I have recently embarked on a journey to start my own gospel singing group. Now your thinking, "who is Dan Keeton anyway, and why would anyone, with any sense at all, start a gospel group in 2008? I mean really, let's take a look at the questions people might ask in starting such a venture.

What style are you? - Think about it, what style you are depends on personal taste. You have to hear yourself sing night after night. It can't get boring to you. And secondly, you've got to choose a market. This is still a business and you've got to aim in the direction of your fans.

Finding the right people. - This world is full of people who want to sing. In this "American Idol", "Nashville Star" reality show world we live in, what are these singers looking for? Can they sing and is that the most important checkpoint? Are looks important? I guess that goes back to your target audience. And you might not think this is even a question in gospel music but, do I need to conduct a background check on this person? So, since these people will represent you, all the above must be considered.

Full or Part Time? - These folks have to be paid. So, do you hire on a full time basis or do you pay by the date and start "part time" till I can afford to pay full time salaries? Can they, or will they re-locate.

Selecting Material - I truly believe what a song says is just as important as how it sounds. In today's gospel music, I think there is an over-abundance of "say nothing" songs. You know, "going up high, by and by, to the sky, when I die" songs. Do you stick with your own original material, or mix it with others? Glen Payne of the Cathedrals once said, "Why would I want to buy an album without a song I recognize on it?" So, do you add recognizable songs too?

Recording the group - Ok, got your style, your people, your material, now you got to get this group recorded on a cd. We can go to the record company. This company pays for all aspects of recording your cd and then promotes you to the market, distributes your product and sells the CDs to you at $5 to $6 each, till you die or you don't pay, whichever comes first. Or, you can hire all the musicians, the studio, the producer and all the promotion and marketing gurus you can afford. It all comes down to what you believe you can afford to do, or afford not to do.

Promotion and Marketing - Alright, you got your CD and your the next top Gospel Group. Your going to have to get to the masses. But, promoting a group is not like promoting the next electronic gadget. You want your customers to 1) Hear your song on radio, 2) Go buy your CD, either at a retailer or on the internet, 3) come to your concert in the area, and 4) become A "Die Hard" fan of your group. What will this cost and can it be effective?

Touring - You will have to at some point get in a vehicle and travel a distance to perform your music live in front of an audience. How far you can go is determined by several factors. Do you just want to be known in your local area or do you want to be known far beyond your state or even in other countries. The expense of traveling is a complete book which is coming soon. Some points to ponder till then, a vehicle, Lodging, meals, distance and time from family, and who will pay for it?

Agent or Not? - Do you think your group has enough contacts to keep you as busy as you'd like to be? Having a booking agent will help. Getting signed is one thing all to itself. One thing to consider though, the agent will take 15% of the dates they book and also take 15% of the dates you book too. Is this right for them to take money for work you did? If they promote you to the point that everyone knows you only through the agent, and people would have never known you had it not been for the agent, then by all means... Agent Please!

Keeping them Happy - I am in all ways a giving person. I believe anyone who works for you should be happy. So, pay them well. Also, pay their expenses, so they get home with what they were paid. And a benefits package is a great idea. Insurance, retirement and a incentive plan are all happy people keepers. After all, the best business plan was set forth by Jesus himself, "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you."

These questions and more with my opinions and answers are forthcoming in this article. Each point is a book in itself. Putting this into action, I realize, will not be as easy as writing this out. But, with God's help we can make it. For I am, putting it into action and will keep you updated on the process. Watch the web site for more. Web casts and video are coming in the future and if you'd like to express your opinion, I may print it in this article.

send comments to : dan@dankeeton.com

Dan Keeton
www.dankeeton.com

This is our latest addition. 

Nancy and I are excited about our upcoming tour to Maryland. We will be based in Rockville, MD for the next 13 weeks. I am sure glad that we have been blessed with the Silver Eagle you see above. We are going to concentrate our efforts on staying in the New England area for an extended tour. The reason being the price of fuel is gradually going to put more and more strain on folks like us. 

So, we have put together this strategy in hopes that we can continue to travel without puting a strain on expenses and overhead. 

I truly believe this experiment will work. We'll keep you updated.

Dan

Somewhere in the garage, the owner of this outfit is naked! I was packing the last of the boxes for our move back home, when in the cables on the floor was this 5 foot long snake skin. I know it wasn't there a few days ago. So I am going to wait till daylight when I can open the garage door and make a run for it, if the owner of this skin comes looking for it.