Top Catholic Songs – share, learn, promote

Hello

First off I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Benjamin Brekke and I am a Catholic musician from Saint Paul, Minnesota.  My music is not meant for Mass settings but rather to encourage listeners in their faith life.  My songs are very vulnerable and honest as I use my own experiences in my faith journey to inspire those around me.  I truly feel that God has blessed me with a talent and I want to share it with as many as I can.  Please feel free to check out my music at my website:  www.benjaminbrekke.com  my music is also available on iTunes and CDBaby 

My goal is not to be famous or have this be my full time job.  However, I want to inspire others and showcase this music for those who will listen.  My question is, especially as a Catholic musician, I have hit many roadblocks.  I have been told "you are obviously very talented, but we are not sure we want to go into the Christian music direction" or "we think your music is very good but we are concerned that your content might offend some of our non-Christian customers".  Unfortunately, I have not had much luck getting concerts at Catholic churches or festivals, in fact, most church festivals seem to be stuck on the idea of jam bands instead of music that glorifies God - but thats another topic.  My music is played on the Catholic Music Express, articles in The Catholic Spirit and The National Catholic Register, a small article showcasing the kickstarter campaign I did for my album on The Catholic Playlist but I haven't been played on their program.  I have sent out emails to a number of various bloggers, CD reviewers, internet radio stations, etc.  but most of the time, I do not get a response.  I'm stuck promoting myself on Twitter and Facebook but the audience is extremely limited and most of those people already know about me.  What else can I do to get the word out about my music?  The only places I have been able to play is at local coffee shops.  Especially as a Catholic artist, I feel that I am very pigeon-holed into what I can do - even more so than a typical Christian artist would be.

Any suggestions would be very welcome,  I'm not in this to make money but rather to make enough to continue recording music and having the chance to go around the nation and share my music and story with others.

- Benjamin