Truth be told, I can't remember the last time I heard of an artist emailing their fan list to draw attention to another artist's work. That makes one wonder...why? Within the Christian community this sort of thing shouldn't be a rare move. On the contrary, shouldn't it be par for the course?

Record labels are grateful when their artists excel at the art of self-promotion--there are very effective ways to do it without coming off self-centered such as casually mentioning your new album's release date from stage at each concert or repeatedly attempting to steer an interviewer back to topics such as your new album. Of course, I realize that artists have an obligation to support their record label's promotion efforts (and sometimes it's actually a matter of putting food on their family's table), but it's the heart, the spirit of it all that I'm reflecting on here. I guess my bottom line question is this, generally speaking, is humility king? Or rather, in the name of "healthy competition," has competition itself become king?

The thing I love so much about Sara Groves' latest email blast is that, rather than self-promotion, it's all about being other-centered. Her primary concern here is her fans, what's good for them and, in this case, that being Derek Webb's excellent artistry. Bravo Sara. Here's hoping such actions are contagious.

So, about that Derek Webb album and how you can get your FREE copy? Here's what Sara had to say in her email:

"I was in an interview with Derek Webb a couple of years ago and the interviewer was asking us what kind of outreaches we were a part of. Derek said, "I'm called to preach the gospel to the church. The last time I looked the church isn't free." I have been deeply challenged by Derek's music as it confronts me with this same question. How free am I from my culture, and the culture of church to see the Kingdom of God? MOCKINGBIRD is not just an album, but is the opening line of a conversation that I desperately need to have."--Sara Groves

Hello everyone.

Our friend Derek Webb just launched a bold campaign to give away his new album as a free download. Please visit http://FREEDEREKWEBB.COM to download Mockingbird.

Blessings,

Troy and Sara (http://saragroves.com )

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