Some people think there is a fine line between "Christian" and "Mainstream" music. They think just because a singer\band is mainstream, they can't be a Christian, and automatically, their music is BAD and shouldn't be listened to.
I disagree! I believe there are many Christians and "Clean" music in the mainstream market. I also agree with those bands for taking a stand and signing with mainstream instead of Christian labels.
The Christian music market is not as popular. When most people think of Christian music they think of hymns or gospel songs. Because of these pre-concieved assumptions, many are turned off to Christian music.
I use to believe that Christian music was boring and dull, but you can find any genre under the Christian title....Rap, Hip Hop, Heavy Metal, Rock, Pop, Punk Rock, Country, even Screamo, but unfortunately many people don't know that.
Bands like Switchfoot, Flyleaf, the Fray, Lifehouse, and Relient K are all mainstream Christians. Relient K's frontman, Matthew Theissen explained it like this...A mom won't want to take her teenage son to a club to see his favorite band, Relient K. But a 20 yr old guy might not want to go to a church to see his favorite band, Relient K. So the band plays at churches and clubs, to reach all people, and let their music inspire everyone possible.
Jon Foreman, Lead singer of Switchfoot, said that he didn't want to be under a Christian label becasue usually the Christian music is the smallest section of a store, pushed back into a little corner. How can they get their music out there, and reach people if no one can find or hear them?
Flyleaf's lead singer, Lacy Mosley, said that they only play about one or 2 Christian venues a year. She said they need to reach those who don't know about God, and spread the message of hope.
The line between Christian and Mainstream music is FUZZY...in a good way. We want Christians in the mainstream market to inspire people. Even though most of these bands songs don't mention God, faith, church or any other "Religious" terms, they still have a message of hope and morality.
I agree with everything you've said, COMPLETLEY. I think people are too worried about what others will say if they're into a "Christian band" but in reality, that's not how it should be. I personally am not one to go to church on a daily basis, but I also believe that I have a relationship with God.
ReplyDeleteMany people are embarrassed to say that they're a Christian band and don't want to play as a christian band because their music won't get out there, but I think if more people played their music and let people know the message, then it shouldn't matter what kind of music you're singing.
A lot of people listen to these bands and don't even know they're Christian bands. Religion is a huge controversy, but I don't think it will ever be any differently unless people get out there and express themselves in a way people like to listen most, and that's music.
I will not share your points of view about the line between christian and mainstream music. To me the line is very fine and clear.It is the lyrics. Music can be broken down into 3 parts: the instrumental, the melody of the song ( if any) and the lyrics of the song (if any).The style ( type or category in which the whole artwork falls ) can be determined by the rhythm ( R&B vs Rock, Country-traditional- vs raggae),by the type of instruments used ( Folk vs Pop vs Classic), by the singing style ( Hip hop and Rap are tthe best illustrations at present), by the lyrics or just by the name coined by the author of the song.Christian music today cannot be determined by anything else than the lyrics.Any song,which words don't include or imply God, Jesus or concepts borrowed from the bible is not a chistian song.Having a message of hope and morality does not make a song a christian music.All musics are meant to convey messages of hope, morality and love anyway.This being said, don't get me wrong.A singer who make only christian music in not necessarily more christian than the one who never paraphrases the bible in his tunes, but observes the christian prescriptions.One more thing I will agree with you on: there are very beautiful and inspiring musics on either sides.
ReplyDeleteI listen to both Christian and secular music, but I believe that there is a fine line between the two. Flyleaf is one of my favorite artists. Although their music gives a sense of hope and enlightenment, I agree with P.E. Clearman in that, secular music provides hope as well. Many of Flyleaf's songs don't include the name of Jesus, God, or other biblical concepts. Although their music brings hope, I believe it will be more effective 'in the Christian sense' to spread the ‘Good News’. The same way one could be inspired and reached by Flyleaf's 'Cassie', could be the same way one's inspired by Katy Perry's 'Firework'.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I disagree with includes how you agree with those bands for taking a stand and signing with mainstream instead of Christian labels. I applaud those who are bold enough to include Jesus’ name and biblical concepts in their lyrics in order to share with listeners the 'Good News'. I believe that these people are taking more of a stand than bands similar to Relient K and Flyleaf.
Thanks TIBSXO!!
ReplyDeleteThanks YAYA....Love your quote about people being inspired by Flyleaf's "Cassie" and Katy Perry's "Firework" cause honestly I have been inspired by both.
About the other part....I guess what I mean is that I'm just glad there are Christians in mainstream music. I know there are a ton of people that would never listen to Christian music so I'm glad there's people making some good, higher moral music so that people still listen to that too. U know what I mean? It is great when people take a stand and include Jesus name in their songs. I am very appreciative of their music but also glad that we as Christians are represented on mainstream radio also!
Thanks for commenting!!