Why I’d really like to win a Dove Award
Posted by Jonny | Filed under All
Just over a year ago, my wife and I moved to Nashville, leaving behind the sandy beaches and bright sunshine of our home state of Florida. It was hard to move away from friends and family, however, it turned out to be an amazing decision. We have fallen in love with everything that Nashville has to offer. The food, the pace of life, the new friends, the landscape, and especially the music have all become things we love. We moved here trusting that it was God’s plan for us, and He has blessed our obedience.
Within two weeks of living in Nashville, I had a record deal on the table (not sure we say this since they never actually put it on the table). This is pretty rare, so please don’t move here expecting the same – haha. After much thinking, praying, and talking with lawyers, we decided to sign a contract with INO records. Their radio and marketing teams went to work immediately pushing my first single, More Beautiful You. At first it seemed like a slow connection. However, within about 2 months, nearly every Christian station in the country was playing it. It was amazing to see how God used the song to speak to literally millions of women. Last fall it actually hit #1 on the Christian AC indicator chart, and stayed at #2 for 12 weeks on the AC monitored chart. I can easily point all credit and glory to God for its success, because… well… I admittedly know nothing about women. (Just ask my wife!) For most of October and November, I was asked to join MercyMe, Tenth Ave North, and FEE on a fall tour. It was a blast getting to know those bands personally. It was also a huge blessing to share my story and songs with literally thousands of people each night.
Currently I’ve been writing songs for a new record, pushing my next single, Stand for You, and eagerly waiting for a spring tour with Sanctus Real. So… why the long recap? Well, I was recently nominated for the Dove award for New Artist of the Year. I am so honored to receive this… well… honor. But, I’ll be honest, it seems a little funny. I understand getting awards for doing well, but when it comes to serving God, I’m not sure that this is something we can accurately compare and judge. So, when I learned that fans are allowed to vote for this award, I was hesitant to really push the issue. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize that this could be a great thing. Winning the Dove for New Artist of the Year offers great exposure. This exposure is sure to bring more concert opportunities (promoters do pay attention to this kind of thing). More concert opportunities mean more chances to communicate what God has called me to share. Thus (nice word, right) I have realized that asking for your vote (and your friends’ votes) is not only something I’m ok with… it’s something I’m proud to do.
It’s been an amazing year, and winning this award would be the perfect cherry on top. Whether I win or not, I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this upcoming year.
One Response to “Why I’d really like to win a Dove Award”
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Molly Says:
April 26th, 2010 at 9:41 amJonny,
I just wanted to let you know that not only did i vote for you and tell my friends to vote for you for this award (which they were more than happy to do), but i have gotten a lot of people listening to your music! I was at a show you were at a couple years back in gainesville, Fl at campus cruisades. This was the first time that i heard you and just became the biggest fanand supporter of you and your music. I got your cds at the booth and just love them and still listen to them daily. i think my favorite of yours so far is Shades of White. I was so excited to here More Beautiful You on the radio last year not just because you were now on the radio, but bc people ( specifically girls) were going to be able to hear your music and message. You are so talented and it makes me happy to hear that your career is taking off. I also hope that you get the Dove award bc i also think that it would be great exposure for you and provide the wa for others to be influenced and affected by your comforting, inspiring, relatable music.
God bless and can’t wait to see you and mathew west in tampa soon!
