Thursday
Feb222007
No Man's Land, part 2
Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 12:15AM
Once again, let me say how much I love you people. I love that an actual discussion is being had, and that you don't all agree! If you haven't been around in a while I'm talking about my previous post and the comments that have followed.
In the meantime, the interview I mentioned last post has been put up, as has a review of my latest record The Morning. Here is the interview and here is the review.
I want to expound on a couple points brought in the above articles, as well as stuff I said last night. In no particular order, here are my thoughts, as always, open for discussion...
- Thanks to the bulk of you who advised and encouraged me to keep on doing what I'm doing. I appreciate that more than you know, and it's what I'll be doing.
- My big concern, however, is that people who might really like my music are turned off if they hear about me as a "christian artist". This is what the interviewer, A.L. Harper says, and it's why she wouldn't have done the interview had I been brought to her attention that way.
And she's right. Completely. I'm exactly the same way. I don't really listen to "christian" music, and if you give me some music to check out and you call it that, I probably won't listen to it. It carries with it a connotation of not being good, and of being music I won't like. That's a stereotype, but stereotypes don't spring up at random. They're hasty judgments based on previous experience, and while some are terribly wrong, they are also often accurate.
Most "christian" music I have heard, and believe me, I've heard more than most of you, will tend to be simplistic, preachy, poorly made and shallow. There are wonderful, incredible exceptions, but that's just what they are: exceptions. I've had enough experience to know that, as a genre, "christian" music rarely affects me and often offends me.
There are two major problems with a genre defined not even by lyrical content but by the religious belief of the artist. One is that the content has to be very surface-y to cover a wide variety of actual beliefs. Secondly, it makes great assumptions on the artist's purpose and allegiances.
Most people assume that "christian" music is evangalistic, meaning its a means to an end to convert people. And most people would, historically, be right. Until very recently that was the main goal of the genre.
Most people then also assume that the artist is pro-life, voted for the Bush family, has perfect kids (who will soon rebel) and that they don't drink, smoke or watch R movies. And again, they may be right. Sometimes. But not all the time. Just like any other group in any situation, people are people, and they are all incredibly unique and will continue to surprise you with what they think.
This broad canvas over every artist who professes this certain faith implies so much, and I don't want that, and that's what I want to know how to be rid of.
Hear me now: I am not ashamed to believe in Jesus. I am ashamed of Pat Robertson hijacking my faith for his crazy political agenda. I am ashamed of a President who confuses good vs. evil with "they have oil and I want it". I am ashamed of Jerry Falwell and Benny Hinn. I called Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, a liar and a crook to his face. I would do it again today. Because he, like these other guys, is taking what I believe and twisting it for money and for power and, in their headline-grabbing foolishness, making the truly faithful and honest believers look like idiots.
This is the main reason I am scared of "christian" music. I don't want to listen to it, because I assume it will be shallow, preachy and offensive to those who don't agree. I don't want to be called it, because I like my music and I want others to hear it, without the Left Behind-reading, Harry Potter-burning stigma.
BUT I'm here, so what do I do?
ALSO there is a great need for the Church to overcome this negative image. The links I posted last night to Dalit Freedom, Compassion, Blood:Water are what we should be seeing. I wish that the image people thought of when they thought of Christianity was feeding the poor and freeing the oppressed instead of picketing gay-rights parades.
That is the main reason I play for Caedmon's Call. They are a "christian" band, without a doubt. And they're doing amazing things for the people in India, and they're getting the Church involved, using music to get in the door. That, to me, is incredibly worthwhile.
So I'm left with this: I don't want to play "christian" music if it means I'm expected to believe and act one way and only that one way. I don't want to NOT play "christian" music if it means I have to do the same thing with an opposite set of rules. I guess I stay where I am and make the best music I'm able.
But I don't want to just "let the chips fall where they may". Again, I have a wife and two very adorable little girls to care for. And I would like my music to have a bigger, wider audience. Suggestions? Opinions? Further discussion?
In the meantime, the interview I mentioned last post has been put up, as has a review of my latest record The Morning. Here is the interview and here is the review.
I want to expound on a couple points brought in the above articles, as well as stuff I said last night. In no particular order, here are my thoughts, as always, open for discussion...
- Thanks to the bulk of you who advised and encouraged me to keep on doing what I'm doing. I appreciate that more than you know, and it's what I'll be doing.
- My big concern, however, is that people who might really like my music are turned off if they hear about me as a "christian artist". This is what the interviewer, A.L. Harper says, and it's why she wouldn't have done the interview had I been brought to her attention that way.
And she's right. Completely. I'm exactly the same way. I don't really listen to "christian" music, and if you give me some music to check out and you call it that, I probably won't listen to it. It carries with it a connotation of not being good, and of being music I won't like. That's a stereotype, but stereotypes don't spring up at random. They're hasty judgments based on previous experience, and while some are terribly wrong, they are also often accurate.
Most "christian" music I have heard, and believe me, I've heard more than most of you, will tend to be simplistic, preachy, poorly made and shallow. There are wonderful, incredible exceptions, but that's just what they are: exceptions. I've had enough experience to know that, as a genre, "christian" music rarely affects me and often offends me.
There are two major problems with a genre defined not even by lyrical content but by the religious belief of the artist. One is that the content has to be very surface-y to cover a wide variety of actual beliefs. Secondly, it makes great assumptions on the artist's purpose and allegiances.
Most people assume that "christian" music is evangalistic, meaning its a means to an end to convert people. And most people would, historically, be right. Until very recently that was the main goal of the genre.
Most people then also assume that the artist is pro-life, voted for the Bush family, has perfect kids (who will soon rebel) and that they don't drink, smoke or watch R movies. And again, they may be right. Sometimes. But not all the time. Just like any other group in any situation, people are people, and they are all incredibly unique and will continue to surprise you with what they think.
This broad canvas over every artist who professes this certain faith implies so much, and I don't want that, and that's what I want to know how to be rid of.
Hear me now: I am not ashamed to believe in Jesus. I am ashamed of Pat Robertson hijacking my faith for his crazy political agenda. I am ashamed of a President who confuses good vs. evil with "they have oil and I want it". I am ashamed of Jerry Falwell and Benny Hinn. I called Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, a liar and a crook to his face. I would do it again today. Because he, like these other guys, is taking what I believe and twisting it for money and for power and, in their headline-grabbing foolishness, making the truly faithful and honest believers look like idiots.
This is the main reason I am scared of "christian" music. I don't want to listen to it, because I assume it will be shallow, preachy and offensive to those who don't agree. I don't want to be called it, because I like my music and I want others to hear it, without the Left Behind-reading, Harry Potter-burning stigma.
BUT I'm here, so what do I do?
ALSO there is a great need for the Church to overcome this negative image. The links I posted last night to Dalit Freedom, Compassion, Blood:Water are what we should be seeing. I wish that the image people thought of when they thought of Christianity was feeding the poor and freeing the oppressed instead of picketing gay-rights parades.
That is the main reason I play for Caedmon's Call. They are a "christian" band, without a doubt. And they're doing amazing things for the people in India, and they're getting the Church involved, using music to get in the door. That, to me, is incredibly worthwhile.
So I'm left with this: I don't want to play "christian" music if it means I'm expected to believe and act one way and only that one way. I don't want to NOT play "christian" music if it means I have to do the same thing with an opposite set of rules. I guess I stay where I am and make the best music I'm able.
But I don't want to just "let the chips fall where they may". Again, I have a wife and two very adorable little girls to care for. And I would like my music to have a bigger, wider audience. Suggestions? Opinions? Further discussion?
Reader Comments (79)
If you want a larger audience, here is what I would do... next time "The Morning" goes to the printers retitle it as "The Morning: A Praise and Worship Album by Dove Award Winning Christian Artist Andrew Osenga"
Another thing that could help would be to fully endorse things like the prayer of Jabez. Apparently, T Lambie was quite upset about your post. Don't hate, Lambie. The church needs bold and highminded people. You obviously think so too.
Since the above suggestions go against your nature (and of this I am glad), I tell you what. The Louisiana Lottery jackpot is at $67 Million. If I win, I will gladly give you a million. And in the meantime, I will continue to preach the gospel of the square peg alliance.
Shaun said: "Christian Music = Music created by Christians primarily for consumption by Christians."
Someone asked. That’s what it actually is, maybe not what you or I think it should be - what it IS."
I'm not certain that a genre's marketing plan or main target group should be considered when defining the music/art itself. Of course it is logical to assume (as in any form of music and indeed in most arenas in life) that like will attract like, but I’m hesitant to be so bold as to claim that I have the one definition of what Christian music “IS�. It seems to me that unless your last name is “Merriam�, “Webster�, or “Oxford� we might want to admit that defining an item as large as an entire genre of music/art is most likely going to be rather subjective even if supported by observation and experience. In my (subjective) definition of Christian music, if I ever literally worked one out, Christ would be the goal and focus…His glory would my chief aim. I suppose, in a sense, I would primarily be “marketing� to Him. But this could “work out� (Phil. 2:12) in far more ways and circumstances than we usually allow. I think we are imprudent and small-minded to limit our definition of “Christian music� to music that plays like a gospel tract. Just because others have (unwisely) chosen to define it as such in no ways mean that correct thinking followers of Christ need to. Do we mean to limit the music of a God who created both the Stars and the platypus? I think we have for far too long done “God’s music� a disservice by too narrowly and shortsightedly cramming into a certain well-defined box. Once again, though I doubt I would ever actually try my hand at a definition…I see Christian music as any music that has as an either an obviously stated or subtly nuanced theme of giving God glory. Which can come from shouting “Hallelujah� 5 times in a row or by singing a love song to a wife. Defining art…that is a toughy…now I pretty much agree with Shaun’s definition in regards to the “industry�….man, I hate that monster.
Should music talk about the deep issues of our culture???? Should it deal with the problem of pain, the war, and social issues abroad???? I feel that there is a GREAT need for people to take off a mask of this idea that Christianity is always a field of roses (or daiseys depending on taste), and discuss the issues that everyne are dealing with. I will say this...and this is how I feel, not the feelings of everyone else....i wish i knew where the artists i listen to stood on issues....i wish i knew where theywere theologically, and doctrinally. I wish i knew what the struggled with, what they were tying to figure out, and what they were for and against. It would help me in my walk to know that someone in the "limelight" so to speak dealt with the same issues i did. It is refreshing to hear these things....but sometimes people are too vague, and that makes me wonder....where do they stand??? What do youthink Andrew? Everyone???
Wade, if you "knew where the artists i listen to stood on issues", would that change you opinion of the quality of their music? If you disagreed with their opinions, would you still support them as musicians?
Right on T Lambie.
We're all going to sit here and complain about CCM and not do anything about it except run the other way. Ya, my self included.
There's no money in CCM, it has a bad reputation, finished product's not that good. "I" don't want that for "me". "I" don't want to be turned away from gigs. "I" don't want people to think "I'm" pro-life, voted for the Bush family, has perfect kids, don’t drink, smoke or watch R movies.
Sounds like it's all about ME. Who cares what God thinks right? He's not the one buyin my albums.
"This is the main reason I am scared of “christian� music. I don’t want to listen to it, because I assume it will be shallow, preachy and offensive to those who don’t agree. I don’t want to be called it, because I like my music and I want others to hear it..."
Bro, I don't like the things I'm called, but Christian is not one of them. Don't offend anyone?! What? So, let's keep them happy until they die, then they can go to Hell? What we have, IS offensive to a broken world. And anyway, like someone said, CCM is mostly listened to by believers. I don't know of anyone being forced to listen to it.
I see no problem with a believer in Christ, using their God given gifts any way they like. I do have a problem with people judging artists for how God's lead them to use those gifts.
You have to ask your self your motives for choosing one side or the other. Am I doing it for my will or God's? And pray about it.
I could be reading this all wrong, but it sounds like your pissed at the CCM industry for tarnishing the "Christian" ,who's a musician's, name. And it sounds like you're pissed at other "Christians" like Bruce Wilkinson, who have taken advantage of the "Christian Industry" And rightly so, but why boast or make a big deal about it? Where's that get us? What do we need to do to make CCM great? As a Christian we're connected to it whether we like it or not. So let's help our brothers and sisters out instead of sitting hear and talkin about how much they suck.
I think Satan loves to see this division among Christ followers.
For the record:
I have not said "christian" music sucks. Other people are. I didn't. I said that I find the bulk of it shallow and poorly done. I would say that same about mainstream rock and roll right now. But I am not AT ALL trying to "bash" CCM.
The reason I'm asking the question is because, as I originally stated, I lost a paying gig from someone on each side, because I didn't meet whatever their standard was. That is a huge issue for me, because I have a family and we have bills and my baby is fat and I like that. It is not, for me, just an idea to discuss.
I tried to state that I believe there is a place for "christian" music, even if I don't know what exactly it is. I am a member of Caedmon's Call, because I want to. I didn't have to. I'm not forced to. I'm in it, not because I like worship music, because I personally don't, but because of the way they get the Church involved in the world outside of America. And because they're just plain a good band.
However, my connection with them does hurt my ability to do other things I'd like to do, because of the stigma of "christian" music outside of the Church, and sometimes even within it.
My posts were not to point fingers but to say "I wrestle with this stuff, which I think is healthy, and this month it hurt the bottom line and I want to share it with you and see if you had any opinions or ideas."
And for the record, I have only stated my comments to Bruce Wilkinson ONE time. I don't brag about it, I'm not trying to show how awesome I am. Part of me is embarrassed about it. Part of me wishes I had said worse things. He was standing in front of 300 people and telling lies about Jesus and charging for them. He took questions from the audience. I had some. Ok, I had a lot. He lied again as he answered and I called him on it. Just thinking about it now makes my blood boil, but I believe Jesus will deal with him about that so I'm trying to let it go.
The reason I told the story and stated my objections to Robertson and Bush's half-truths about the war, which I've expounded on in other posts, is to point out the ridiculousness of labelling things "christian" when they obviously believe two very different things. I am vehemently opposed to what they say, what they do and to the image it casts on the rest of Christianity. It makes me angry and I want you to know it. I think it should make you angry too.
But that's the glory of discussion. I say what I think, and you tell me what you think. The idea here is that we talk about it and learn a little bit. I'm not "bashing" anybody, and I don't want you to either. Or to bash me. I think we all learn and talk better when we're not on the defensive.
AO,
I just read your post on war or "the war" to be specific. I wrote earlier that I thought your description of our president was shallow. I had not read your war post at that point. I was in error. I don't agree with everything you said but I think your position and thoughts are well fleshed out and not at all shallow. Sorry. And, by the way, whoever said you are "no Derek Webb" needs to fly a kite. I think your songwriting and musicianship are every bit as good and I think you also have a great sense of empathy as a writer. Derek even said so live in concert.
Jason
Hey Andy, you just said "I’m in it, not because I like worship music, because I personally don’t"
could you please further explain this statement...are you saying that you don't like worship on CDs, or just the stuff that is popular like Tomlin, Crowder, etc...or just simply do not like worship music of any kind in any venue? You can see how it was a bit vague...
Sounds like you need to listen to the song "Make Your Own Kind of Music" by Cass Elliot. Good ol' Lost musical references....
I think most music is bad. Just in general. We notice it more in Christian music because all styles and are lumped into one creepy sub-genre. Also, your general CCM fan doesn't listen to music other than CCM. Which means that have nothing to compare it to. No musical frame of reference. So it's not that people have bad taste, they just don't have taste at all. But that can be said about your typical MTV or VH1 fan. They get processed-for-the-masses junk that sacrifices honesty and quality for mass appeal.
That was probably the most eye-opening review I've ever read for any cd. I listen almost exclusively to music made by Christians, and the only reviews I ever read of their artists albums are reviews intended for Christians. Most of the artists I listen to aren't even known by other Christians, much less non-Christians. That review was facinating.
AO...
Love your music and your blog, but (Isn't there always a but), I was reading your post and agreeing with everything you said until I got smacked in the face with condemnation. Maybe, just maybe, the judgmental attitudes you're seeing from bars and colleges have something to do with Luke 6:37, "judge not lest you be judged..."
Maybe if we as the body of Christ, gave out grace, love, and mercy to each other the way we are beginning to do to the un-churched, we would begin to see the unity that Christ wants from us.
Keep up the great work
mte
Quote from Phil: "I think Satan loves to see this division among Christ followers."
To the contrary, I don't think anybody has lost an eye yet, Phil. It's called dialectical conversation; iron sharpens iron. That's a good thing, yes? As believers, we benefit from wrestling with these tough issues. Sweeping them under the rug doesn't mean they have really disappeared.
That noted, I think it is of some value to refrain from paraphrasing other comments, as has been done with AO's posts. In paraphrasing, it's way too easy to attempt to read hearts and minds, which I think is outside the the realm of what might be useful in moving closer to the truth. Question, yes. But don't PRE judge without at least asking the question related to intent or motives.
A note on "judging" ... on what planet are judgments never made (Mars maybe?). I propose that wrestling with these issues is at least as beneficial as holding hands while singing Kum Ba Yah all day long. Check the newspaper, listen to your pastor, your
spouse, your dog ... judgement is all around ... and it need not be a word that is shunned.
The Bible doesn't say NEVER judge one another. Nowhere ... NOWHERE does it say this. It does say that WHEN you judge, do so with the reality that we ALL fall short and are coming in judgement on a human level--so we need to cut our
brothers and sisters slack where need be ... before dislodging the log from their eye we need see the mote in our own. It's all about PERSPECTIVE. Jesus wasn't shutting down judgement calls
once and for all as is sometimes implied.
And the other side of the log in the eye thing that Jesus noted was that with the same critical (or jaundiced) eye that you judge others, so too will YOU be judged. So our comments--as has largely been the case--should be couched deeply in grace, mercy, and love.
AO is wrestling with these questions--as are most of us in a less personal way--because they are relevant. Anybody that takes a breath and puts his feet on the floor in the morning implicitely acknowledges that on some level, it's about "me." Still, discussing these issues critically doesn't make the world about "me" anymore than taking my next breath. It makes me a student. And when I'm a student, I'm more likely to learn something that when I'm wearing the clothes of a schoolmarm or church lady.
Chris Tomlin is not a bad art i think... he just happened to be popular. same thing with David Crowder Band and Charlie Hall...
maybe because they're on EMI.:-)
and if radio only give chance to these artists like osenga,casella,and mcroberts,then i think the masses will appreciate them..
i have realize that there are some listeners out there who doesnt even dare to listen to a cd just because they have no idea who is it..
i did once burned a mixdisc to a friend hoping i can introduce some substancial music to her rather than hearing stuff like promicuous girl and smack that...
the disc is a mixture of rnb,rock,and alt.country but she never did play it coz she doesnt know any of the artist and songs
even the john mayer song i included (dreaming with a broken heart) she jump right away into not liking it before even hearing it just becasue the title dont ring a bell...
i always wonder why my fingers automatically type "becasue" rather than "because". typing "because" is a struggle but typing "becasue" is not.
freakin' lost in the keys!
there's this interesting internet radio called ALTERNATIVE ADDICTION who play artist like jeremy camp,falling up,disciple,etc along with the strokes,red hot chili pepper,papa roach.etc..
dunno if this radio is run by christians... but personally i dont think they're run by christians
http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/listen/listen.asp
My two cents:
$0.01 - My brother and his wife who are agnostic and avid book junkies read and loved both the Harry Potter books and the Left Behind series.
$0.02 - I've heard spewed from the mouth of Pat Robertson things like Hurricane Katrina was God punishing America for her sin, thus I don't have to ASSUME that he's misrepresenting the Gospel. The same goes for Mr. Falwell and Mr. Wilkinson. They have said things so outlandish and against the teachings in the Gospel that I don't have to ASSUME that they are wrong. To me, it would be an assumption to say that our president has put his country at war and thousands of lives on the line for something as common as oil. I'm not saying it can't be true, but because I've never heard him say anything remotely close to that, and because I've heard him give many reasons to the contrary, I can't make that assumption. Like it or not he's my brother in Christ which gives me reason to believe that the Holy Spirit lives in him as He lives in me and gives him the same desire to see evil crushed and Good prevail. That's my hope anyway.
I agree and I dont. As a person who has grown up in the church and then wondered away in my high school years, i can attest that Christian music has brought me in. It is a misconception that all Christian music is preachy. The most important thing about music now days for the high school generation is LOUD! They want their heads to vibrate, they want to feel the bass. I agree music should not be written in away to condem, it should be written in a way that 1) points to the Jesus we serve and 2) shows love to the people we are ministering to and provide a hope.
The biggest things as Christians that needs to be done is preaching the gospel to all who need to hear it and to love one another. By loving one another, we then are witnesses to those around us. I agree, there is no sense in standing and picketing about gay rights, war, or whatever else is happening in our society. Most likely, the "Christians" who are set in protesting need to be protested in their front yard, by saying love and preach salvation. You will not change someone by condeming them... you have to love them and too many churches and pastor are too busy condeming from the pulpit and not loving. They are letting the salvation of people hang in the balance and are missing key oppurtunities. God is Love, we should be that as well. In our music, actions, and thoughts.
I leave with this, music is important and how we perform for our Jesus is too. Most important is how we perform as Christians! We cannot protest.. it is turning people away for Christ and putting them in the hands of Satan. We need to do like Jesus did, love, listen, and be interested in thier lives NO MATTER WHAT THE LIFE IS!
I think it would be a good idea to read John 15. Then after you've read the entire thing, it might be a good idea to re-read it. Then to understand your present circumstance, read verses 18-25. Perhaps the problem with the majority of Christian artists is that they want to be loved by everyone. Scripture, though, shows us that this isnt going to happen. So what do we do? Paul tell us what he did in Galatians 2:20. Maybe it would be best if we did exactly what he describes. That would make sense. Of course that would mean giving up a few things, but ultimately ask is it worth it?
As for CCM. All i have to say is that Rich Mullins had an interview in 96 i believe where he talks about how disappointed he is in it, how it makes bad music/art etc. Perhaps what CCM needs though, is not to be bashed out of existance and all of its artists struggling to get out. Maybe it needs a reformation. Call me crazy, but i dont think Derek Webb can do such a thing on his own. Now, that does not mean that we all get up and do whatever we want like the reformers did. It just means that we fix what is broken and move on. Yet if this does happen, we need to remember I Peter 2:11. I know its a verse that is overused but maybe the problem isnt that it is overused, but that we never live like that.
In conclusion (since this is a ridiculously long response), it would be a good idea to remind artists that they are more than artists. They are icons nowadays. We have alot of bad icons out there in the media. We have good ones that never have a problem ever. The great ones though are the ones who know their faults, know they are saved through grace from Christ, who try and change, and who help others try and change as well. Show us Truth. Show us God. Show us though that you are not perfect either. That you make mistakes, that your continued sins nailed Christ to the cross, and show that you repent for that just like we all should be doing.
Sincerely,
Sadclown
ps. i recommend listening to this guys sermons http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Paul%5EWasher i think it might make everyone think a little about Christianity. You dont have to but his words have really blessed me, by both stabbing me in the face as well as by encouraging me.
pss. I didn't mean to sound harsh or cruel so i apologize if at anytime i did. I also note that i am a sinner and know nothing but that Christ died for my sins. Thats about it.
Andrew - I agree with basically everything you said sans the Bush/war thing. I as I have said before here, I don't think the oil thing is the issue. Mistakes were made going into the war, and I don't like politicians (even those that claim to be Christians). I don't think its fair to judge Mr. Bush since we don't know his heart nor have any of us ever been put in a position where we must make the decisions he makes everyday. It's easy to monday morning QB that as we love to do.
Enough about that... I'm 33 yrs old and have been a Christian for most of my life. In that time I have come to the same conclusion about most 'Christian" music... it's not that great... Some of my friends think i'm crazy for saying that so I challenged them to name some great music from Christian artists. Some perspective here, these people have never heard of you or any of the Square Pegs or artists like Bill Mallonee (of V.O.L. fame). So the artists they name are all run of the mill CCM artists (which I'll avoid naming to be fair). This made me think though that if people would seek out good music rather than be fed the drivel that tends to be on CCM radio, they would probably change their minds.
Curt...
I never said that judgements are never made, and I never said the Bible says NOT to make them. It does clearly say to not judge unless you want to be treated the same way. Please read Luke 6.
I also think there is a big difference between having an honest difference of opinion and discussion and calling someone names, belittling them, etc...
mte
Mr O
You might not think this is the appropriate thread for this suggestion, but from what I read of your perspective on all things, you need to look into the annual Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham, England. It seems to tick all the boxes of what you think the synergism of Christianity and Music should be all about. I would hope that anyone in the UK would back me up on this.... Check out www.greenbelt.org.uk , contct the organisers, they may even fly you over!
For the record, I used to think I believed. Now I know I don't. But I still need your music. And even that man Webb's...
You know whats funny? In earlier posts, the comment was made that CCM music as simple, bland, and it mostley all sounds the same. Well That is Exactly how my wife feels about the square pegs...I told her she was crazy and that her "preference" in CCM was simple, bland, and all sounds the same. Then she says that the square pegs songs always sound depressing and yada, yada, yada. I tell her she is just shallow and doesn't think about really good music and...I sleep on the couch...thanks square pegs.
not all square pegs are depressing...
it u listen to all their songs u will find variety of topics...
ans that's what's cool about them,they're flexible and i can relate to them...
..they write what is human.. not to bash mainstream ccm but most of them sounds like alien singing from somewhere elso to me..i said most not all.. i still like those few..
...and yeah,even if those artists are label-driven in writing rather than honest-driven,we still need to respect them..they're just making a living...
Brent,
It wouldn't change my opinion of the music the artist made. There are many artisti think are good that i don't agree within all aspects, i just think that it is tie we see that others think and ask the same questions we do. Sometimes we put them on pedastals and think they can never be wrong, and that their opinion is gospel, then we find out that they don't think like we do, and we question our beliefs (which is a good thing sometimes) I just feel that knowing where they stand will give people (me) a better idea of what makes their songs tick....or whatever makes them think and believe. THats all.