Ok, 1st off I want to clear a few things up here. I just found this post online today and it seems that you have an issue with me and I’d love to know what I’ve done to you or to make you feel this way. 2nd off I have NEVER said a bad word about the kingsmen. I still have VERY much respect for them. I am not ill in anway. It was not a part of Gods plan for me. 3rd. If you think I am the worse pianist to ever sent on the bench I respect your opinion to think that. and I have no hard feelings at all. I know I’m not the greatest pianist out there and will never claim to be, BUT I do know God has given me this talent and I will use it for him and for his Glory no matter what anyone thinks. I’ve noticed that quite a few people have been trying to bring down my name around the industry. let me say this to anyone that is reading this. I could care less about ever stepping foot on to the political stage of NQC, or having a number 1 song or any kinds of awards or nomination. My Goal in life is to go from church to church and share the gospel and use the gift God has given me to bring Glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can promise you that everything I have ever posted on here I have used my real name. I’m not scared to voice my opinions and I give out my private email address if anyone ever has an issue with me I’d be more than glad to discuss that with them. ( zackattack_2006@yahoo.com )

Zack Swain

by the way…Thank you for stick up for me to those who came to my defense.

I’ve learned that most of the real criticism given in these forums comes from people who have never ridden a bus, never been away from home 200+ days a year, had to sing when they are sick, much less sing day in and day out. Therefore, they don’t leave much in the way of suggestions for improvement.

Anyway, I’m saying this in all humility and with respect to you Mr. Trent and anybody else that my feeble words might possibly help out.

You might be surprised to know that I think you are a fine singer and I like the Kingsmen, though I’m not a huge fan. I think the song “When God Ran” is tremendous, and I like your singing on it from the record. I liked your voice on the first go ’round with the Kingsmen and I like it now.

This site is a forum to discuss SG music, performances, and performers. I know all too well how much of a Monday morning quarterback folks can be when it comes to seeing their favorite groups on stage and then having strong opinions to share. However, this site, which I know you frequent a bunch because you have commented on here a bunch, offers people the opportunity to have a very open and frank discussion regarding artists.

I think it’s a healthy thing for the most part. I think the anonymity is a healthy thing for the most part. Why? Because it offers folks an avenue to be candid about what’s plaguing the industry and what’s to like and what’s not to like. Many, many artists read this site religiously and a lot of them have picked up some ideas about their singing and their appearance by having somewhat of representative well here to draw from.

I thought your hair looked funny. Big deal. If you knew me, you would know that I’m a big cut-up and you would have laughed when you read it. I thought you were off Monday night and I said so. I also commented in post #10 above that I thought you were much improved Saturday night. Sorry I offended you.

I GUESS THEN DEAN HOPPER NEEDS TO BE FIRED OR GIVEN A JOB HE CAN’T MESS UP.

That my friend was uncalled for. I could only guess that you might have not done everything on your job perfect either. By not only spending time with the Hoppers in the past but being their radio promoter for almost 3 years and having a song nominated for Song of the year with them, The Hoppers do everything they do with a touch of class. We could only hope that all groups would handle their business the way that The Hoppers do.

George you also mentioned that the real dirt is not being talked about, but from what I have seen on this board before is some people just spreading garbage that they have very little facts or no facts to back up their statement. This industry is not as bad as it used to be in this in the early 90s when I started in Gospel Music almost every day I would get phone calls till lunch time, saying “You Know what I heard.” I think for the most part we over this pettiness. The real reason that those who stir the pot all of the time on this board are just mad because they want to be in the place where those are making a difference have been and are at this point. Do I know things about some, absolutely. And there are those that know some of my mistakes. I am transparent, I give my first and last name. If anyone wants to know something about me, they can ask. But a lot of what Doug says is not the truth. It is only his opinion and if he is the music scholar that he is, and if he really has a passion for this music, he should quit his trash talking, get in this business and do something about it.

1. On Tony Greene and the overheard conversation — I don’t hold Tony to any higher standard than I hold myself. We’ve all said things on here about individuals and groups in the industry that were just as bad if not worse than what Tony said. If you heard him say “…and I’ve told her so myself…”, then I assume he’s at least already made his feelings known to the person he’s talking about. That’s more than I can say for myself a lot of the time.

2. Brian Free — There are few in the industry I’ve spoken with that are as humble, sincere, and seem truly concerned about what they are doing as Brian Free. Every time I’ve had the opportunity to see Assurance and speak to Brian, he’s been more than courteous and attentive. I truly believe this man has a heart for the Lord and a desire to do more with his music than entertain. I think he gets it more than others. While it’s great to laugh and cut up and have a good time, what’s more important is the status of a person’s relationship with the Lord. I think Brian has a firmer grasp on this than some others I’ve met. I appreciate the seriousness he shows.

3. The Pfeifers - Count me in as a fan of these folks. I know it may get tired to some, but those horns just do something for me. I first heard them in person at Dollywood a couple of years ago. When they were singing “We Shall Behold Him” and John started blowing that horn, I thought Gabriel was ready! There’s just something about them that is special. My favorite cuts of theirs are “Father’s House” (this is what my little girl calls church now), “Fighting On”, and “First Love”. I just hate I discovered them so late in their career.

4. The Booth Brothers - From the first time I heard them at the Greenes’ homecoming in Boone, I went to their table and bought everything they had. I will continue to do so, I’m sure. These guys are genuine and I couldn’t be more tickled for them. LOVE that a great classic like “Look For Me” won song of the year. They should have released “I’ll See You In The Rapture”. I never cared for this song til they recut it. It could be a huge hit for them.

5. NQC in general — I’ve only attended this event twice. I was there at the last one in Nashville and then a couple of year’s later in Louisville. The sound issues were there then; I think they will always be there as long as you have the event in a place designed for basketball and not music. I loved the atmosphere and just being amongst all the folks and the music I loved. Those of you who can afford to make the trip are blessed more than you realize - warts and all.

Did I sound “Nasality and harsh” on Saturday night’s performance? Yeah, I probably did. All a singer can do, is work with the tools he/she has at the time. Like a muscle, sometimes the voice works, sometimes it doesn’t.

For the comments that “Trent” made concerning my hair..
I have decided to wear my hair the way I WANT to wear it. I don’t need permission from anyone! Maybe one day YOU (Trent) will be able to wear your hair the way YOU want to.
Say, Trent..let’s see a picture of you and I will critique YOUR hair for free. When I finish critiquing your hair, I will tell you in person, not hide behind a message board screen name.

I also would love to know what “Up and coming” group you sing with.

To those who sing the gospel every week, whether on the regional or fulltime level, keep singing. Don’t let Doug’s or anyone else’s put-down’s discourage you. You are singing for the King Of Kings..He is our audience.