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I was recently talking with a friend of mine and it struck me – something has happened in the last few years with Christian music. I don’t think many people realize what’s going on…
When I think about Christian music (especially rock music), memories flood to my mind of the glorious time in the past when Christian musicians ignited a musical revolution tailoring modern songs which attracted crowds who were far removed from the gospel Jesus Christ.
These pioneering bands built a new Christian musical culture… great musicians, who became recognized for their talent. These bands won media coverage in secular magazines, they appeared in television programs and attracted crowds, showcasing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the secular world.
In fact this revolution started in the 70′s and solidified in the 80′s with great names like: Petra, Stryper, White Cross, Bride, Barren Cross, Holy Soldier, Michael W. Smith and many others.
They created great songs with beautiful arrangements and lyrics and these musicians became famous for their beautiful orchestration, virtuosity and talent.
Today many music artists and bands have the focus and attention of the media, – maybe more than in the past. But have you noticed what happens to new Christian bands or singers? Too often they are like fireworks: They arrive so fast, and quickly disappear in the same way they came.
Why does this happen? The reason for that is simple! Today’s music market encourages these ‘short lived wonders’ by encouraging all bands and singers to play the same kind of music.
How many times have you heard a song which reminds you of another song written by a different musician? Sometimes when I am in a concert listening to the third band on stage, it hits me… wow! this band sounds very similar to the first and second bands that have just played!
These bands play the same kind of music, – killing the creativity and originality of the songs.
Unfortunately many musicians who call themselves Christians just want the fame – to be in the limelight and on the platform. It’s little wonder that because of this, their lyrics don’t have anything special, – any message.
When the Christian musician closes their mind and just follows the market, they are killing the creativity and talent which God gave to them. It’s because of this reason that they can’t impact many people`s lives – especially those who are far from God.
They are only playing for Christians, selling to Christians, restricting the message to those who have already experienced the goodness of God through Jesus Christ. They are preaching to the converted!
As a musician myself, I am sad to say that we have never before experienced such a musical poverty as we do now. The arrangements are very simple melodies. Technical details which make a song special have been forgotten and left out.
I recently asked myself when the last time was that I listened to a beautiful guitar solo (like the solo in the song First Love by the band Stryper).
Where is the creativity which God gave to us?
Where is the power to declare war on the secular culture and impact the world around us?
How we innovatively touch our world if we just follow what everybody else is doing – or just cough up what the market demands
I believe we were born for a such time as this! We have the responsibility to impact the world, make a difference, be the Light to overcome the darkness!
Want to know my personal opinion? – I believe when writing and creating music arrangements we must use all our knowledge and abilities to give all the best to God.
Christian musicians need reconsider what they are doing, think about it, and make changes. We are proclaiming our supernatural God’s Power and love with only basic chords?!
Solomon had it right! When he built God’s temple, he instructed that it be done with the the most beautiful ornaments and richest of details.
We need to keep Solomon in mind when we compose music for God. I have talked with many musicians. They usually say “What if I start to play music that I want, but I can`t sell anything, because there’s no market for that kind of music…”
As Christian musicians we must to stop thinking about the market and what sells or not. We are in this world to make a difference – not to follow the crowd.
We must be new in Christ – in all aspects including musically… this is the time to start a new revolution. I want to see a day when the music market will follow Christians, – when light shines over the shadows and musicians use all their talent and knowledge to give the best to God.
If you are musician I leave you with a few simple questions…
Are doing your best? Are your giving your music all your knowledge and ability?
Which kind of temple are you building, – a simple one using straw and bamboo, or a Majestic one – with rich details for the glory of the Lord of Lords? (so majestic that people will come from far and wide to see!)
If you are not musician I challenge you: Start supporting bands and musicians who try to be original.
So how can you do that? Buying CDs from innovative bands, attending concerts, sharing with friends, emailing the band with words of support – telling them to carry on being different… and more importantly praying for God to bring a musical revival to our musicians…
Let’s pray for God to inspire a pioneering Spirit in our musicians so that they become a light in the world of darkness, making a difference in people’s lives, – bringing the gospel of salvation and grace of God.
“… a little drop of water can start a big wave on the sea”.
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Paulo Olivier is a passionate musician (and qualified as a psychologist). He is actively involved in Hillsong Church London.
You can check him out on MySpace at:
http://www.myspace.com/pauloolivier
Original article edited and tweaked by SloppyNoodle.com editorial
Awesome article! This is so true nowadays, well done for posting it. We, as Christians, are here to make a difference with our talents, giving our best to glorify His name!
Hey,
I just want to disagree with basically all that you said about Christian artists today. There are so much groups who write really great music (not just basic chords) with great messages, and who stick to their faith. They also tour with other non-christian Bands getting their message out there to the masses. Take Relient K for example, they have toured with Simple Plan and Good Charlotte as their openning act. That’s spreading the message in two ways, through their music and through example. What about Switchfoot, TobyMac, Brian Litterell, Mandisa, Stellar Kart and so many others who have and are making tracks into main stream music today. Yes, you were right in saying that christian artists need to get more creative, new and exciting and bring their music out there to others, in singing praise to God. But I just wanted to let people know that there are some christian artists already leading the way. Personally I give their music out to my non-christian friends all the time. They love listening to it. Good music with Good morals. You can’t ask for more then that.
Hey this is too true! It seems like even a few years ago Christian bands were much popular. I have found that my friends seldom listen to it because very few new artist have come out. Few of the big bands have come out with new albums. And this causes fans to look to other alternatives for new music.
Listen to this…
[youtube VStUk_4BBLY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VStUk_4BBLY youtube]
Hey Buddie where did you find this band? it is totally original and so creative!!! Why bands like this don`t have space in the market? this is a great song man I really love that…
This same issue exists in the secular market as well. I think it's endemic of the entire bankrupt Western culture that is seeking only riches and fame. Musicians are not allowed to be creative anymore and labels don't nurture and help a band mature. They squeeze hard for the quick gains and then the bands are dried up and left to die – usually after the first album. I grew up in the 70's and 80's when there was a huge diversity in music. In the 70's virtually no two bands sounded the same. But that has all changed. Strangely enough there was better Christian music back in those days when rock music and Christianity were at odds with one another. Today it is an accepted musical form and yet it all sounds so tired, uninspired, dull, and dare I say, even compromised with the world. The musical ministry I'm in is one where we play popular worship songs for the saved and popular secular CLASSIC rock songs with the words altered for the unbelievers. And guess what – the kids love it!!! They prefer the classic rock to anything modern. Forget almost anything after 1990 (with a few notable exceptions such as Petra). The best rock music both Christian and secular was in the 70's and 80's. And that's a fact.
I have to agree somewhat with you. However, one has to look at the application of the music – the lay of the land. Even our military uses different weapons and even camouflage for different terrain. In worship music, it has to be easy enough to sing so the average person can sing along. If it's too complicated and filled with weird intervals vocally, the congregation will just stop singing and the service turns into a concert. You also have to take into account that most worship leaders and band members are volunteer and intermediate musicians at best. Writing songs that are too complicated will cause them to either not use the song – or play jut the major chord when maybe a maj7 was what was supposed to be played. I remember the the early days of when Vineyard Music really took off. Why? Because the average hack (like me at the time) could actually play and sing the songs. The Hosanna Integrity stuff was piano driven and had more chords that a music theory II class. Guess which songs I played? Guess who began losing market share in worship? Guess who decided Vineyard may be onto something and found artists like Darrell Evans?
With all that being said, I am a HUGE Prog-Rock fan. LOVE bands like Dream Theater, musicians like Randy Rhoads. I do wish there were more bands like that in the Christian market. But if it's not marketable = (no one will buy it) then who is going to foot the bill for that band? Who's going to pay their rent, car payments, feed their family? The label? Not very likely. Music unfortunately is survival of the fittest. Whoever can pay the bills will get the business. Trans Siberian Orchestra has seemed to be able to get the job done, but they aren't exactly a "Christian" band.
By the way – why do we make such a big distinction between "Christian" and "Secular" bands anyways? :::Raises Hand::: Because by making a clear distinction, you can carve out a market share that is guaranteed to buy the crap you put out because it says "Jesus" a bunch of times in the songs.
I have to agree somewhat with you. However, one has to look at the application of the music – the lay of the land. Even our military uses different weapons and even camouflage for different terrain. In worship music, it has to be easy enough to sing so the average person can sing along. If it's too complicated and filled with weird intervals vocally, the congregation will just stop singing and the service turns into a concert. You also have to take into account that most worship leaders and band members are volunteer and intermediate musicians at best. Writing songs that are too complicated will cause them to either not use the song – or play jut the major chord when maybe a maj7 was what was supposed to be played. I remember the the early days of when Vineyard Music really took off. Why? Because the average hack (like me at the time) could actually play and sing the songs. The Hosanna Integrity stuff was piano driven and had more chords that a music theory II class. Guess which songs I played? Guess who began losing market share in worship? Guess who decided Vineyard may be onto something and found artists like Darrell Evans?