An Interview with Steel City Gospel Radio
I had the great pleasure of speaking with Walter Clark of Steel City Gospel Radio. I have to say that I truly enjoyed this interview. As a result, I admire Mr. Clark and his decision to walk by faith. As a songwriter, Mr. Clark has given me a platform where I could share my music with the world. It only makes sense that I use my platform to say thank you.
The Vision
Ambitions of a Writer: When you created Steel City Gospel Radio in 2015 did you envision that you would bless so many people?
Steel City Gospel Radio: First I say thanks be to God and thanks to you Ben for the opportunity. Hopefully, it doesn’t sound like boasting but I really did. And my faith in God’s promise says more are coming. When God released me after working under and with so many other great radio people, He showed this ministry with listeners from all over the world. From the there I began to write the vision an what God said He did and continues to do. That vision has blossomed into having some great show hosts (some who have NEVER done radio in their lives). For example Armando Bickum who plays nothing but choir music and reaches out to countless church choir directors who are looking for new choir music. He is part of the vision that I saw in the beginning.
The Goal
Ambitions of a Writer: I understand that the primary goal of the station is to reach the community and share the word of God. Tell me more about this goal and the journey to accomplish it.
Steel City Gospel Radio: Those are great goals that I would hope every gospel radio station shares. As a gospel preacher, (I know that’s an old fashioned title), I want not to only reach my community, but communities where this ministry is needed and desired. I don’t want the normal programming of playing a bunch of music, having 6-7 churches on Sunday and watching my Paypal. On Saturdays we’re building our urban music like hip hop and spoken word for our young people to have a whole day! During our overnight hours, when its midnight to 5 here, its 5 to noon overseas.
We play International artists. We want to be diverse. God speaks to EVERYONE so we should minister to EVERYONE. During the day people may be in jobs or situations that are tedious, dead end and no hope to go further or get better. I envision everyday people listening to music and hearing songs like yours, “Always There”, or Deon Robertson singing “More Than a Friend”, giving them inspiration by reminding them of God’s presence in every situation. Furthermore, to give serious artists a platform to have their music not only heard but minister to people.
The Platform and the Message
Ambitions of a Writer: You have given a platform to indie artists all over the world an opportunity to share their music. First of all, thank you. I would imagine that you have listened to some amazing music?
Steel City Gospel Radio: It’s an honor to hear artists like you, who dig deep wells and give us fresh music from those deepest and most pure places. As a musician, I like good music, vocals, bgv, instrumentation, lyrics. There are some absolutely fantastic singers, writers, musicians, producers out there. Many who work 9-5, serve in their local church, take care of families and spend countless hours in the studio, perfecting their craft. In addition, I’ve heard some really poorly produced music. I tend to hear beyond the bad music, pitch notes and get the ministry of the song and the singer, and as one of my mentors, Pam Morris, of WVON says, “Every artist deserves to be heard once.”
Ambitions of a Writer: The music that you play on your station share messages of hope, faith and God’s love. What words of comfort can you provide to someone that is struggling right now?
Steel City Gospel Radio: Get you a bible verse and a song and keep them with you in your heart. My scripture is Psalms 34. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. My grandmother used to sing a song around the house, and I didn’t understand then until NOW.
I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
The Music
Ambitions of a Writer: What is the most rewarding aspect of running a radio station?
Steel City Gospel Radio: When I started at a station called WWCA in 1981 I was just helping out at the station. I got to meet some Gary people who were stars like Pro Football players Alex Karras and Fred Williamson, actor from Mama’s Family and Who Hates Chris Richard Thomas, The Jackson, Boxer Tony Zale and many others. Social media has made the world much smaller. Though we may not meet in person, I’ve made some good friends through the radio. People as far away as Africa, London, and Germany have in some way been touched by the music and ministry of Steel City Gospel Radio. They have touched me just knowing that our ministry is not in vain!
Ambitions of a Writer: What’s the best way for an artist to submit music to Steel City Gospel Radio?
Steel City Gospel Radio: The best way is to go to our website and go to our submission page. We have all of the instructions for artists there.