Music
David was a man after God's own heart; he was a musician. The first words said aloud in Scripture were Adam's song to Eve, his wife. The Universe resonates with song. God is a musician and he created us as musicians. What is authentic musicianship? What is redeemed music, not just "secular" or "Christian" music? From the indie scene to contemporary Christian, here you will find resources for discerning signs of vitality in music and the music industry.The Gospel of Radiohead
Joel Brown
Rock’s False Gospel
Sometimes false gospel messages in music are easy to spot. For hip-hop, it’s blatant self-promotion and indulgence. For R&B and pop, your boyfriend or girlfriend relationships will save you. But with a lot of rock music, the message is more abstract. If prompted, what would you say is the false gospel of a band like Coldplay, or better yet, Radiohead?
Radio Who?
Radiohead is an especially unique band. Ever since they redefined Brit-pop in the mid-90s, countless bands have been influenced by their music, and they've drawn a cult-like fan base, many of whom are culture-makers. Radiohead embodies postmodern music.
Culture Teaches—Whether You Notice It or Not
In Luke 6:40 Jesus says, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” In your life, where have you given way to the lies that the world teaches? Lies are usually subversive. Before you know it, lies can become so much a part of your worldview that they disciple you to an imbalanced view of the gospel.
This is what happened to me. As a Radiohead mega-fan, I passively bought into their ideology: hopelessness, cynicism, apathy, and generally a “down with the Man” attitude. My gospel understanding was only half true—my total depravity and Christ’s crucifixion, without the new identity and Christ’s resurrection.
Pay Attention
Whatever you do, don’t focus so much on contextualizing as a missiologist to the point that you lose sight of how the gospel contextualizes to you. Understanding the message behind the music that we love is not just important for how we see the culture that we minister to, but also how we see culture teaching us. We need to remember that every moment is a gospel opportunity, and leisurely listening to music shouldn’t be an exception to the rule.
Joel Brown leads the Mars Hill band Red Letter. Get Red Letter's album for whatever you want to pay from Re:Sound.
Red Letter Music
Music from the Mars Hill band Red Letter. Pay what you want and download the full album now from Re:Sound.
Wisdom From a Pagan: Trent Reznor on Music Distribution
Tim Smith
As I’ve been working towards the launch of Re:Sound, the future musical division of the Resurgence, I’ve looked at a lot of different ideas on how to put out music. At this stage in the game, the list of options reads more like a Chinese menu than Chipotle, and it’s more than a bit overwhelming. I recently came upon this interview with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. While Trent is not a Christian in any way, shape, or form, he has had a solid 20-year run with his band. He has covered every end of the music industry from major label releases, to running his own label, to his current and very unique brand of independent distribution.
Trent has no love for the conventional music industry, and his view is that the old model is basically dead. However, no other unified model has risen up yet to take its place. He gives the following advice to artists on how to proceed in an industry in transition:
1. Identify What You Are Trying to Do
If you are working to be a pop superstar with the mass appeal of Justin Timberlake or the American Idol scene, then you need a major label with all their resources behind you. If you are trying to change the world, and you feel like your music is more unique and creative, then you might not want a major label. You need to find a way to connect directly with your audience.
2. Hone Your Craft
Content is king, and you want to put out the very best music you are capable of. You should also work to present your music in a way that exploits your strengths. Be creative.
3. Think of the Filters You Use to Find Your Music
Go to those filters (blogs, websites, and networks) and spread the word about your music. Use word of mouth to your advantage among the networks of people most likely to appreciate your work. Then work out from there.
Do Not Conform to the Pattern
Reznor is working towards a very different goal than the glory of God, but I think there is real wisdom in his words. We have a strong tendency to be passively conformed to the patterns, schemes, and business models of the world. While our music may (and rightly should) sound like the music of the world at times, we have a very different truth, purpose, and goal in mind. Why should we assume the same business and distribution models would be appropriate? We must instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Then, through prayerful thought, research, and planning, we may discern how to proceed to the glory of Jesus.
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Resurgence Literature:
Missional Hip-Hop
Gary Shavey
Listen Now - Download Audio Track
Recently Mars Hill Church in Seattle, in partnership of God’s Block Ministry, hosted Cross Movement HIStory Tour. Resurgence was able to grab some interviews with some of the artists. This interview is with the Ambassador who is also one of the pastors in Philadelphia at Epiphany Fellowship. Special thanks to Jason Wendorf, a deacon at Mars Hill Church, for conducting the interview.
Culturally Savvy Staub (Parts 4 & 5)
Gary Shavey
In parts 4 & 5 of Mark Driscoll's Dick Staub interview listen to how he sees people are linking their identity to music and how music today really exposes the theme music of your life. In the same way we need to realize that even Christian music needs to connect to their story and not just be superficial. Does our music mimic the culture or does Christian music express the depths of God in relation to man?
The Saint in Black?
James Harleman
You can run on for a long time, Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time...
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Driving home from work last week, I couldn't find anything tolerable on the radio until I landed on Seattle's alleged "alternative" station 107.7 The End. Here I stumbled, quite surprisingly, on the familiar cadence of a dead man reminding listeners of God's inevitable justice. This new song caught my attention for two distinct reasons: one, the singer/songwriter Johnny Cash has been dead since 2003. Two, it strikes me as ironic that so many people in our city would be tapping their feet and resonating with a song that is simultaneously indicting them.
