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In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft, maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find?
According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it - it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you maintain a spot in the rough and tumble role of being a backing vocalist.
Rachel James began her musical career as a child touring the nation with a gospel group, and quickly learned the professional standards she would be expected to maintain throughout her life. Her career then brought her into an opportunity to work with top gospel artist Darwin Hobbs, who continued to help mold her personal and professional approach to life as a background singer.
Noticing a need for a consistent presence in the background vocalist space, she founded Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment in 2009, as a network of professional vocalists that would serve as the “Go-To” agent for entertainment industry professionals to find singers for their musical endeavors and projects.
Since its inception, BHS has served clients in every facet of the entertainment industry, and has provided professional assistance to top industry professionals such as Kevin Bond, Adam Blackstone, Melanie Fiona, Musiq Soulchild, India Arie, Angie Stone and many more. Production credits for Rachel’s company include the Trumpet Awards, BET’s The Monique Show and Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcasting Network’s weekly production of “Praise the Lord,” numerous shows on the Gospel Music Channel, and the list continues.
In this frank and powerful discussion, Rachel reveals how tough love and consistent mentoring helped her earn the valuable respect and reputation needed to sustain a career in the music industry. Now as a leader in the field herself, she is partnering with other top industry professionals to offer training opportunities like The Blended Training Day, which she is co-hosting in the summer of 2020 with fellow background singer Jasmine Crumley.
In this interview, you will learn:
- How being trained at an early age affects your outlook on performing
- How Rachel struggled figure out professional standards and apply them - both for her self and her clients
- The mentors that helped her make the shift to being a professional business owner
- Why you might need to stay close to your current position, and when to shift and take a risk
- The importance of investing in training development and knowledge
- How her new event will bring together the biggest names in the industry to help train BGVS and artists the essential tools for success as a background vocalist
Learn more about Rachel
- Bridges, Hooks and Stuff Entertainment
- Register for The Blended Training Day
- Connect with Rachel on Instagram
- Follow BHS on Instagram
Other Resources:
- Learn about The 4 Questions you need to ask before going Full-Time in Arts and Entertainment
- Join our God and Gigs Facebook Group so you can watch more of our Facebook Live chats!
More About the God and Gigs Show
Welcome to The God and Gigs Show, the podcast for Christian creators who want to build a creator lifestyle that honors God and gives you the joy and satisfaction you've always wanted.
This isn't a show about hustle culture or chasing the next algorithm trick. We go beyond surface-level tips to talk about what it actually looks like to create from a place of faith — practical strategies for podcasting, content creation, and growing a creative business that lasts. You'll hear conversations about staying consistent without burning out. We also dig into finding your creative voice along the way, even when ministry, family, and work are all pulling at the same hours.
Whether you're just exploring your creative gifts, or you've been creating professionally for years, this show gives Christian creators practical tools and spiritual encouragement to fully embrace God's creative calling - at any level of skill or vocational ability. The goal is to help you create consistently and embrace God's will for your creative life without sacrificing your calling.
Your host and founder is Allen C. Paul — podcaster, musician, author, and speaker based in South Florida. We started this show to help creators thrive in faith, business, and creativity through simple, practical solutions.
We'll cover questions like:
- How do I work in secular arts and entertainment without losing my faith focus?
- What does it actually look like to build a creative business as a Christian?
- How can I stay consistent with content creation without burning out?
- What's the difference between hustle culture and sustainable creative work?
- How do I find my voice as a faith-driven or creator?
- How can I balance ministry, family, and creative work?
- What are practical first steps to working as a Christian creator?
If you've been searching for honest conversations about faith and creativity, keeping your family and relationships as your first priority, or how to build a business that honors your calling, you're in the right place. Join us every week as we help you become the creator you were created to be.
Connect with us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/godandgigs and learn more about the God and Gigs 360 community at https://godandgigs.com/membership.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page on The God and Gigs Show