So far, everyone I love are against to what I want to do, which I think the Lord wants me to do.
Here's the story.
It's not that I'm trying to brag but I'm a fairly good guitar player, and I ended up in a pretty good christian rock band. Well, I'm not officially in yet and I'm still making a decision.
These guys are legit christians and the vocalist had to interview me first to know if we were in the same page (If I was a saved christian). I told them that I used to play in a band before and did all some sinful stuff. But this time around, I don't want to play for self edification anymore, but instead, I want to play for the Lord. Yup, yup, yup, ever since I was saved, I changed.
And guess what, Christian Rock music/musicians were the tools that God used to bring me close to the Father. And now I want to return the favor.
But what I want to do requires a huge sacrifice. I'm gonna have to quit school and pro'lly quit my job if the band actually reaches even a small success. A couple of months from now, the band is going to be contacted by a record label and head south (I think. I don't remember where) to record an album. AFterwards, they're going to try to play the songs in some radio stations. And if everything goes according to plan, the band is going to start touring.
I couldn't make a decision so I ask some counselling from my mom and she said, "I'm worried. I don't know what to say." Obviously, she just said that she's against it, but "in a good way."
So.... I went to my pastor and he basically said the same thing. He said that he's got some cautionary red flags about it. He used Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other musicians that grew up in church but ended up being miserable because of using their talent for themselves. He told me to evaluate things first: Is the band really for worshipping the Lord? Is it really a ministry of saving souls? Is it really a band build to give thanks and praise to God. I know he cares about me and he's doing his job to keep the devil from taking my soul, and I'm thankful for that, but I still have questions that need to be answered.
Elvis chose to play for himself, BUT I'M CHOOSING TO PLAY FOR THE LORD. Why won't God just say to me in a loud voice what I should do?
I've been praying about this for a long time now, and I just can't get a confirmation from the Lord if this is really my calling. It just doesn't make sense if I don't take the offer because this band is actually a band of saved Christians. But then again, my family, my pastor, and pro'lly my churchmates are against it.
Should I commit myself to this band and take a risky move or should I keep going to college and let a once in a lifetime opportunity pass?
------------
If you're going to argue with me that Rock music is the song for the devil, please don't bother to convince me that it is. God's got different soldiers for different battles. -- Chris Clonts of Decyfer Down.
It is a common reaction, to be cautious about taking the risks to go into any pursuit in the arts. The fact is, a risk can go either way.
Great things come from taking leaps, and also disappointments that take a long time to restore. That is what your mother is expressing... not wanting you to have to go through a struggle.
Everyone starts out thinking they are the exception -- that trouble could never go as low as it did for those other people.
There are no right answers here -- only to decide for yourself whether you have planned sufficiently for what the risks entail. Take a look at each step of the risk, and write down how you would be able to manage it.
Online courses. Skyping family. Finding a flexible source of income for at least a year, while you are building the band... something you can manage from anywhere.
This does not need to be an issue of how virtuous your motives are. If it becomes your job, it needs to be treated as seriously as a job, with that amount of time devoted to it.
Where your heart is will always be an issue, no matter what job you are in.
__________________ What is hateful to you, don't do unto your neighbor. The rest is commentary. Now, go and study. -Rabbi Hillel
So far, everyone I love are against to what I want to do, which I think the Lord wants me to do.
Here's the story.
It's not that I'm trying to brag but I'm a fairly good guitar player, and I ended up in a pretty good christian rock band. Well, I'm not officially in yet and I'm still making a decision.
These guys are legit christians and the vocalist had to interview me first to know if we were in the same page (If I was a saved christian). I told them that I used to play in a band before and did all some sinful stuff. But this time around, I don't want to play for self edification anymore, but instead, I want to play for the Lord. Yup, yup, yup, ever since I was saved, I changed.
And guess what, Christian Rock music/musicians were the tools that God used to bring me close to the Father. And now I want to return the favor.
But what I want to do requires a huge sacrifice. I'm gonna have to quit school and pro'lly quit my job if the band actually reaches even a small success. A couple of months from now, the band is going to be contacted by a record label and head south (I think. I don't remember where) to record an album. AFterwards, they're going to try to play the songs in some radio stations. And if everything goes according to plan, the band is going to start touring.
I couldn't make a decision so I ask some counselling from my mom and she said, "I'm worried. I don't know what to say." Obviously, she just said that she's against it, but "in a good way."
So.... I went to my pastor and he basically said the same thing. He said that he's got some cautionary red flags about it. He used Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other musicians that grew up in church but ended up being miserable because of using their talent for themselves. He told me to evaluate things first: Is the band really for worshipping the Lord? Is it really a ministry of saving souls? Is it really a band build to give thanks and praise to God. I know he cares about me and he's doing his job to keep the devil from taking my soul, and I'm thankful for that, but I still have questions that need to be answered.
Elvis chose to play for himself, BUT I'M CHOOSING TO PLAY FOR THE LORD. Why won't God just say to me in a loud voice what I should do?
I've been praying about this for a long time now, and I just can't get a confirmation from the Lord if this is really my calling. It just doesn't make sense if I don't take the offer because this band is actually a band of saved Christians. But then again, my family, my pastor, and pro'lly my churchmates are against it.
Should I commit myself to this band and take a risky move or should I keep going to college and let a once in a lifetime opportunity pass?
------------
If you're going to argue with me that Rock music is the song for the devil, please don't bother to convince me that it is. God's got different soldiers for different battles. -- Chris Clonts of Decyfer Down.
Hi Scroll
The best you can do is to ask the Lord to prevent you from making a wrong move with all His might, and then follow your heart.
Music is a competitive risky business - but sometimes you do have to take a risk to have the chance to succeed. If it succeeds, great, if it doesn't, you may have learned something useful from the experience and you may be able to still go on to college or whatever. Or you may find it takes years to get back to where you were if it doesn't succeed. None of us can look into the future to know what is going to happen.
My advice to you would probably be different depending on your age, which you don't state. If it is high school you need to finish and you were my son I would encourage you to do that (unless you maybe already had a signed recording contract in place). As long as you finish high school you can still go back to college, etc. It is harder otherwise.
If you are in college/university it is something you can potentially put on hold or look into distance study or doing an internship in the field while you try the band thing.
Only you can make the decision and none of us have all the information we would need to give you advice - but whichever decision you make will be taking a chance. It sounds like you have taken advice from your mother and pastor, which is good. They know you and where you are educationally and in life better than any of us. Keep talking to your mom, discuss different scenarios, how you are going to survive financially, work, education, etc, your long term plan and get feedback. And, of course, pray about the decision.
I myself am a musician...so I will tell you a little something of the bussines. It's exactly that...a bussines. You, your band and even maybe your agent will be in it for the Lord...but understand this...somewhere someone out there will be in it just for the money. Be prepared for this so it doesnt discourage you. Being a musician is a lot harder than lets say a primary school teacher...and I am not saying teaching young children is easy...but understand this, being a professional musician is DIFFICULT. Firstly, the work is repetative to an alarming degree. Some music pieces I have done so much I can litterally listen to one chord and know exactly which page of the scores everyone is on, know who is supposed to come in on what beat with which melody (and usually know who is going to miss his/her entry because he/she always does at every rehearsal, lol).
Furthermore, I dont know about your area, but here when you sign for a live performance in a big enough stadium/event and you "mess up" and the people who is currently producing the show are able to sue you for destroying their good name and destroying their show. Gone are the days of Axel Rose just deciding not to perform because you dont feel like it. The preasure is emence.
Furthermore, you tend to keep weird hours. Once for an entire month we worked till like 1 in the morning just to be up again at 9 to be back at rehearsals at 10 for 7 days a week. You are expected to be on call at all times...once the company that was producing a performance called us in on an hour notice...and they didnt ask weather or not we were available...we either were or we were dropped.
The amount of dedication to make it in the music industry is alot. I have seen many promising musicians become lawyers and architechts and you name it, just because they didnt have the dedication.
Another thing, it's incredibly rare that record companies take chances on unkown bands. Usually, you need to build yourself a large enough fanbase via doing local gigs, talking to the people afterwards, making friends etc. before a record company will even touch you. This is purely because they are going to spend money recording the cd (studio, equipment, salaries etc.) and then they will market you and the cd's and the live shows. They want to see that they will at least show a profit. You do get studios that will record you if you are unknown, but look long and hard for the catch...especially in the contract. It might be that they will expect you to perform for next to no money or that they say what you have to perform...or that they take over artistic control of your music. This means, that by contract (and thus legaly binding you), if they say so, you HAVE to sing songs promoting anything they want you to. Remember, underhandednes is something that you will find in this industry. There is usually someone somewhere trying to give you the shortend. I know this from experience. Have a lawyer read your contracts thoroughly...one that has experience in such contracts. In the industry, before signing a contract, it is normal for you to have a day or two to read it and think it over and then if needed negotiate. If they preasure you into signing on the spot, walk away, they are trying to take you for a ride. If you have an agent, he usually negotiates the contract for you...but make sure the agent is working for YOU and not himself. Agents can be ruthles. (please note, I dont mean studios where you pay to record a cd for demo purposes or for self promotion where you foot the bill...these guys are usually very legit)
Profesionalism is incredibly important as well. Show up on time, be ready on time to start etc. I have known big bands being dropped from a touring group just because they had the diva/o attitude. Many people think that some moderate succes means that they can do what they want when they want. Those days are over. Come in, do your work and try to get along with people. I can garauntee now that you will have to work with people you do not like. But you must at all times be professional. In many ways the music industry is huge, but in other ways very small. If you get a reputation for being uncoperative, stuborn and unprofessional...you can be better than Jimmy Hendrix on the guitar and no one will work with you. I myself know of several artists who have such a reputation and they dont even live on my side of the country...I have never even met them.
Now, something that is very important is emotional, mental and physical fitness. The stress of this industry is so large that if you cant deal with the mental, physical and emotional stress, you wont make it. I personally jog to keep me in shape, clear my head and my emotions.
Now, with all this said, here comes the good part. The music industry is an amazing industry to work in. You meet the most amazing people, you get to create music, almost magical moments (if you are good enough) and the in the long run, I cant see myself doing anything else. You get to experience the raw emotions of people weather working with them or weather they are in the audience. If you work with the same people over and over again you tend to develop a bond that is so close to family...I remember this one musical director that was an absolute tyrant...but when we were done we were all in tears because we had to say goodbye.
I agree with everyone here...this industry is a huge risk to enter and if I were you, I would think long and hard before doing so. You have to be prepared for rejection after rejection...bad criticism (a good rule of thumb is this, for every critic that says something good, expect at least 20 to say something bad...if you do better, know then that you are doing something VERY right)...late nights...early mornings...emotional outbursts from people you are working with (emotions run high under such stress, you need to be able to take what is said in the heat of the moment with a pinch of salt)...stress...and so much more and not even for a moment think of quitting. That's really what it takes. There are truly many incredibly talented musicians out there...talent alone wont get you anywhere...you need to be able to stick it out till you make it. The only chance in making it...and not even a garauntee, just a chance...is 5% talent (meaning you must be very good) and 95% dedication. So think long and hard...if you can be just as happy in writting or teaching or anything else...rather do that, because this profession is for diehards only.
I hope this has shed some light as to the music industry...and I am not trying to discourage you at all...I am just being honest as to what you can expect. I just see too many people coming into the industry with so many preconceptions, dreams etc. and then falling out because they cant handle the reality. Good luck and God bless.
Last edited by klasvaakie; 1st November 2009 at 05:43 PM.
I myself am a musician...so I will tell you a little something of the bussines. It's exactly that...a bussines. You, your band and even maybe your agent will be in it for the Lord...but understand this...somewhere someone out there will be in it just for the money. Be prepared for this so it doesnt discourage you. Being a musician is a lot harder than lets say a primary school teacher...and I am not saying teaching young children is easy...but understand this, being a professional musician is DIFFICULT. Firstly, the work is repetative to an alarming degree. Some music pieces I have done so much I can litterally listen to one chord and know exactly which page of the scores everyone is on, know who is supposed to come in on what beat with which melody (and usually know who is going to miss his/her entry because he/she always does at every rehearsal, lol).
Furthermore, I dont know about your area, but here when you sign for a live performance in a big enough stadium/event and you "mess up" and the people who is currently producing the show are able to sue you for destroying their good name and destroying their show. Gone are the days of Axel Rose just deciding not to perform because you dont feel like it. The preasure is emence.
Furthermore, you tend to keep weird hours. Once for an entire month we worked till like 1 in the morning just to be up again at 9 to be back at rehearsals at 10 for 7 days a week. You are expected to be on call at all times...once the company that was producing a performance called us in on an hour notice...and they didnt ask weather or not we were available...we either were or we were dropped.
The amount of dedication to make it in the music industry is alot. I have seen many promising musicians become lawyers and architechts and you name it, just because they didnt have the dedication.
Another thing, it's incredibly rare that record companies take chances on unkown bands. Usually, you need to build yourself a large enough fanbase via doing local gigs, talking to the people afterwards, making friends etc. before a record company will even touch you. This is purely because they are going to spend money recording the cd (studio, equipment, salaries etc.) and then they will market you and the cd's and the live shows. They want to see that they will at least show a profit. You do get studios that will record you if you are unknown, but look long and hard for the catch...especially in the contract. It might be that they will expect you to perform for next to no money or that they say what you have to perform...or that they take over artistic control of your music. This means, that by contract (and thus legaly binding you), if they say so, you HAVE to sing songs promoting anything they want you to. Remember, underhandednes is something that you will find in this industry. There is usually someone somewhere trying to give you the shortend. I know this from experience. Have a lawyer read your contracts thoroughly...one that has experience in such contracts. In the industry, before signing a contract, it is normal for you to have a day or two to read it and think it over and then if needed negotiate. If they preasure you into signing on the spot, walk away, they are trying to take you for a ride. If you have an agent, he usually negotiates the contract for you...but make sure the agent is working for YOU and not himself. Agents can be ruthles. (please note, I dont mean studios where you pay to record a cd for demo purposes or for self promotion where you foot the bill...these guys are usually very legit)
Profesionalism is incredibly important as well. Show up on time, be ready on time to start etc. I have known big bands being dropped from a touring group just because they had the diva/o attitude. Many people think that some moderate succes means that they can do what they want when they want. Those days are over. Come in, do your work and try to get along with people. I can garauntee now that you will have to work with people you do not like. But you must at all times be professional. In many ways the music industry is huge, but in other ways very small. If you get a reputation for being uncoperative, stuborn and unprofessional...you can be better than Jimmy Hendrix on the guitar and no one will work with you. I myself know of several artists who have such a reputation and they dont even live on my side of the country...I have never even met them.
Now, something that is very important is emotional, mental and physical fitness. The stress of this industry is so large that if you cant deal with the mental, physical and emotional stress, you wont make it. I personally jog to keep me in shape, clear my head and my emotions.
Now, with all this said, here comes the good part. The music industry is an amazing industry to work in. You meet the most amazing people, you get to create music, almost magical moments (if you are good enough) and the in the long run, I cant see myself doing anything else. You get to experience the raw emotions of people weather working with them or weather they are in the audience. If you work with the same people over and over again you tend to develop a bond that is so close to family...I remember this one musical director that was an absolute tyrant...but when we were done we were all in tears because we had to say goodbye.
I agree with everyone here...this industry is a huge risk to enter and if I were you, I would think long and hard before doing so. You have to be prepared for rejection after rejection...bad criticism (a good rule of thumb is this, for every critic that says something good, expect at least 20 to say something bad...if you do better, know then that you are doing something VERY right)...late nights...early mornings...emotional outbursts from people you are working with (emotions run high under such stress, you need to be able to take what is said in the heat of the moment with a pinch of salt)...stress...and so much more and not even for a moment think of quitting. That's really what it takes. There are truly many incredibly talented musicians out there...talent alone wont get you anywhere...you need to be able to stick it out till you make it. The only chance in making it...and not even a garauntee, just a chance...is 5% talent (meaning you must be very good) and 95% dedication. So think long and hard...if you can be just as happy in writting or teaching or anything else...rather do that, because this profession is for diehards only.
I hope this has shed some light as to the music industry...and I am not trying to discourage you at all...I am just being honest as to what you can expect. I just see too many people coming into the industry with so many preconceptions, dreams etc. and then falling out because they cant handle the reality. Good luck and God bless.
My gosh. Thanks a lot. You have no idea how much this means to me. I figured it was going to be hard. But there's nothing easy nowadays anyway.
Thank you so much for shedding some light on this one. God bless.
So far, everyone I love are against to what I want to do, which I think the Lord wants me to do.
Here's the story.
It's not that I'm trying to brag but I'm a fairly good guitar player, and I ended up in a pretty good christian rock band. Well, I'm not officially in yet and I'm still making a decision.
These guys are legit christians and the vocalist had to interview me first to know if we were in the same page (If I was a saved christian). I told them that I used to play in a band before and did all some sinful stuff. But this time around, I don't want to play for self edification anymore, but instead, I want to play for the Lord. Yup, yup, yup, ever since I was saved, I changed.
And guess what, Christian Rock music/musicians were the tools that God used to bring me close to the Father. And now I want to return the favor.
But what I want to do requires a huge sacrifice. I'm gonna have to quit school and pro'lly quit my job if the band actually reaches even a small success. A couple of months from now, the band is going to be contacted by a record label and head south (I think. I don't remember where) to record an album. AFterwards, they're going to try to play the songs in some radio stations. And if everything goes according to plan, the band is going to start touring.
I couldn't make a decision so I ask some counselling from my mom and she said, "I'm worried. I don't know what to say." Obviously, she just said that she's against it, but "in a good way."
So.... I went to my pastor and he basically said the same thing. He said that he's got some cautionary red flags about it. He used Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other musicians that grew up in church but ended up being miserable because of using their talent for themselves. He told me to evaluate things first: Is the band really for worshipping the Lord? Is it really a ministry of saving souls? Is it really a band build to give thanks and praise to God. I know he cares about me and he's doing his job to keep the devil from taking my soul, and I'm thankful for that, but I still have questions that need to be answered.
Elvis chose to play for himself, BUT I'M CHOOSING TO PLAY FOR THE LORD. Why won't God just say to me in a loud voice what I should do?
I've been praying about this for a long time now, and I just can't get a confirmation from the Lord if this is really my calling. It just doesn't make sense if I don't take the offer because this band is actually a band of saved Christians. But then again, my family, my pastor, and pro'lly my churchmates are against it.
Should I commit myself to this band and take a risky move or should I keep going to college and let a once in a lifetime opportunity pass?
------------
If you're going to argue with me that Rock music is the song for the devil, please don't bother to convince me that it is. God's got different soldiers for different battles. -- Chris Clonts of Decyfer Down.
No my brother I'm not going to argue with you concerning your gift however I do believe that if you have received two sets of instructions and they both compliment each other then the best answer for you is not to go.
Remember your mother has your best interest at heart and she only wants the best for you; weighing everything equal continuing with your college education would be the best choice.
If this is a gift that has been given from God it will only get better, especially when doing those things that are right in His sight. Sometimes we can get pushed into something before it is our time and that puts our life that God has designed for us off track and it is only with unnecessary trouble and hardship do we find our way back to Him.
Listen to your mother and your pastor and follow their guidance. Doing so now will prevent the unnecessary from happening later. I'm quite sure that while you complete your college degree you will continue to perfect your gift and be even more better when your next opportunity presents itself and by your obedience I have faith that it will.
Major decision making...Need help 
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