On a wing and a prayer:

The amazing birth of Spirit Wing Records

and  Catholic Music 2007
by Angela Santana courtesy of Grapevine Magazine

Sometimes, when the Holy Spirit wants something done, He really wants it done. In the case of the new 2-CD compilation Catholic Music 2007 and Spirit Wing Records, “ideas were just coming faster than we could keep up,” recalls Gary Gersin. Together, Gary and Mike Beloud have been working nonstop for three months to produce the project they hope will not only promote Catholic artists, but ignite a fire in Catholic music.

“The idea for a compilation CD came from Trish Foti Genco, who is on this CD,” Gary explains. “Trish and I were talking back and forth and the Holy Spirit dropped this idea of going for a 2 CD set on us.” A short time afterwards, on the online message boardCatholicJukebox.com, a popular forum of discussion for Catholic artists, it was decided that a novena to St. Cecilia, patroness of music, needed to be said and shared among the Catholic music community. Little did they know that St. Cecilia works quickly.

According to Mike, “Within a week of doing that novena, things just started snowballing.  One of the things was Gary approaching me with this Spirit Wing Records compilation CD idea.  I knew in my heart I had to be involved and help Gary make it happen.” It was decided that the project would have two CDs, much like the popular compilation of Contemporary Christian Music artists, WOW. One disc focuses on contemporary worship music, with artists such as Gretchen Harris, Sharmane, Nancy Krebs, and Michael Patrick. The other, entitled “Praise,” features upbeat music by artists including Critical Mass, Last Day, Bernie Choiniere, and The Perfect Cry. Deciding who would make the cut, however, was far from easy. “The quality of the music was a top priority,” says Mike. “However, we researched every artist’s ministries as well.” Gary adds that the support from the Catholic music community was astounding. “The enthusiasm and prayers from everyone blew us away. This project shows the character of not only the artists on this CD, but those artists who are not on this CD. They understood what [Gary and I] were going through in the process, and in true Christian fashion, they expressed support and understanding that we could only fit thirty-two artists this time around.”

With Catholic Music 2007 came the idea for Spirit Wing Records. “In the simplest sense, I guess you could call it a record label,” Mike explains. “But I see it as more of a ministry, building relationships and unifying Catholic
artists . . . Our number one goal is to drive people to the individual artist’s ministries to book performances, buy their music and raise awareness about Catholic music ministries.” Gary agrees. “Spirit Wing Records is an entity to serve others,” he says, “to help everyone come closer to our Lord whether you’re an artist trying to spread the message or if you’re someone looking for hope and inspiration.” As such, the record label operates as a ministry. Proceeds of Catholic Music 2007 and other projects will be used to support the work of Spirit Wing.

Working together on the two projects has brought Gary and Mike closer than ever before. Gary, founder of the Sacred Heart Radio Network, works out of Cleveland, OH, and Mike, guitarist and promotional guru for Los Angeles’ rock band RISE, have yet to meet face-to-face. As Mike says, that’s “the funniest secret about our relationship.” The marriage of the two friends’ talents was perfect for this project. “[Mike’s] years doing promo work for RISE really taught him a lot,” says Gary. “He sends me things that he does that totally blow my mind. I open up emails from him and he’s laid things out as if we had five employees and they had been doing this for decades.” As for Gary’s skills, Mike says, his work on SHRN definitely came into play. “The art design/layout, SpiritWingRecords.com web site design, and contacting artists about being on the project was all Gary.” Together, he says, “we make one pretty efficient brain.”

Both Mike and Gary were converted to Catholicism around the same time, and so not only share production and promotion skills, but also a strong foundation in prayer. Before, after, and during their work on Spirit Wing Records and its first compilation CD, Mike and Gary prayed vigorously. “It’s really hard to put into words,” says Gary, “but the intercession was felt throughout the different parts of this project, and continues to be felt.” Fittingly, Catholic Music 2007 will be released on the feast day of St. Cecilia, November 22. “As smoothly as things have gone, I know we have God’s guidance and protection,” Mike says.

The goals of the project remain rooted in faith. “My entire philosophy regarding Catholic music,” Gary explains, “is it’s a seed. From one seed can come much fruit.” The fruit, in this case, is expected to be bountiful. “In the long run, I would love to promote a huge Spirit Wing festival or tour,” Mike says. “For now, we want to raise awareness as well as to continue to challenge Catholic artists to raise the bar and strive for ongoing improvement in their work.” As a Catholic music community, we continue to give thanks for this project: fruit of our prayers and lightning-fast work of the Holy Spirit.

     If you would like to help promote Spirit Wing Records, the CD, and their artists, or to participate in their CD-selling fundraiser for your parish or school, contact Mike and Gary at music@spiritwingrecords.com. †