Christian artistes, secular studios While insisting that they are not separating themselves from the world, gospel musicians say they have reservations about working at some secular studios. However, they do not rule out the possibility of recording a song with a secular artiste. At present, the musicians do recording and production mainly at Main Street, Sonic Sounds, and Big Ship studios. It would appear however that the gospel musicians are resigned to working out at these three studios. As they explain, it's not because they want to, but because they are left with little choice. "Sometimes the environment at some of those studios is just not right. We try to avoid those environments as much as possible because sometimes there are people there who will antagonise you," said Papa San. San is not the only one who expressed reservations about working at studios with secular artistes. "There was a point when I used to allow secular artistes and producers to work out at Main Street. But, sometimes there were people smoking there and I was against it. I don't stand for smoking in my studio," explained Danny Brownie of Main Street Records. "One day I came in and saw herb on my console board and that was the last straw for me. From then on I have not allowed just any and any secular producer to work in my studio. If I was renting it then there would have to be some sort of understanding. Some secular artistes still work out there though," he added. Not all gospel musicians experience discomfort at working in some secular studios. "I record at studios where secular artistes also work and it's not a problem for me. You can't separate yourself from them even though they are of the world," explained gospel artiste Stitchie. While it may appear that the Christians are separating themselves from the world, Papa San is insisting that they are not doing any such thing. "It's not separation. Some of us still work out with secular artistes. When I work out at Big Ship and Sonic Studios I am not working at studios owned by Christians. But some of the studios just don't have the right environment for us to work out at," he explained. "You were friends with some of the guys and from the day you became a Christian, some just get unfriendly towards you," San added. Although having limited reservations about working at secular studios, the possibility of recording with a secular artiste or producing a song for a secular artiste has not been ruled out. "No, I don't have a problem recording a song with a secular artiste. It's through love that you are going to win them. As long as the Lord leads me to do it I will not have a problem doing it," said Stitchie. "It's something I have thought about but have never done. I have to think about it and find out if it's pleasing to God before I do it. I would have to take it to the Father before I do it," said Brownie.
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