I have a dilema...making my music for Him vs. the secular world.

++Forgiven_One++ · Jun 3, 2005

i've been feeling a calling to make my music with fellow Christian artists and promote more positivity in the lyrical side...I'm well aware that mainstream Hip Hop/Rap music is not very popular in the Christian community because of today's overly blatant sexual overtones, degradation of women, and promotion of alcohol/drug use and violence...I myself produce and create soulful, jazzy, serene laid back type of Hip Hop music, not really popular with the listeners of today, matter of fact, i've been told consistently that i'm talented, but need to bring my instrumentals into the millenium (ouch!) and out of the 90's...for the most part, i'm pretty old school sounding musicwise...oh, to clarify, i am not a rapper, i just make the music...i compose most of my music myself, i play the piano and keyboards by ear quite well, i can play bass and even live drums, although i tend to favor drum machines (note: i'm enlightened to the fact that most rock lovers don't consider us true musicians, but trust me, it's not as easy as it looks or sounds) and i borrow heavily from old jazz records, just bits and pieces of horn solos or whatever i can dig up and mesh it all together. well enuff introduction...my feelings as of late are that i need to work more toward building with more artists of the Faith or at least more positive minded people...i've had lots of offers to do more mainstream secular stuff and money seemed so enticing at the time, but God always humbles me and reminds me that He has given me a talent and if i cannot Glorify Him, i will go NOWHERE...i really need advice and prayers regarding this, because i promised Him and myself to never get attached to the materialism in this world...it's just so hard to resist sometimes

Forgiven One

stonetoflesh · Jun 3, 2005

Your project sounds pretty cool-- do you have any sounds online?

++Forgiven_One++ said:
my feelings as of late are that i need to work more toward building with more artists of the Faith or at least more positive minded people...i've had lots of offers to do more mainstream secular stuff and money seemed so enticing at the time, but God always humbles me and reminds me that He has given me a talent and if i cannot Glorify Him, i will go NOWHERE...i really need advice and prayers regarding this, because i promised Him and myself to never get attached to the materialism in this world

Amen to that brother, I wrestle with the same kinds of feelings. I keep thinking that I need to get more involved with Christian musicians, since most of the musicians I know are very much into materialism, drugs, fast women, etc. I know that when I play I can praise God in my own part-- whether I'm drumming, playing keys, or whatever else-- but it would be really nice if everyone in my group was on that same level of wanting to glorify God rather than ourselves... Prayers for you man!

Try to network with people at your church, even with non-musicians. Ask folks if they know any Christian musicians who might be interested in playing the kind of music you're interested in. Tell your friends to ask their friends the same questions. If all else fails, try posting ads in local papers, instrument shops, etc. and just keep praying!

peanutbutter12 · Jun 3, 2005

I don't know how to respond to this. I can tell you after the past 3 years of work, that the Xtian Music industry is pretty much a joke and is as corrupt, if not more, than the secular industry. Plus, there is no money in the Xian industry, which is one of the reasons these bands are trying to switch over to a secular market both for a new fanbase and so they can survive. This is one of the reasons I work in the secular market with my own material... that and I don't feal like dealing with the idiocy of Xians criticizing what they refuse to understand, which I have noticed happens a lot...

Anyway, if I were you, I would get with an established producer and see if he will take you under his wing and help you spiff your music up. Maybe after you work with someone of that experience for a bit you will get a better grasp on how to modernize your music without losing its personality that you install.

CJ

++Forgiven_One++ · Jun 3, 2005

spacedout said:
Your project sounds pretty cool-- do you have any sounds online?

actually i do..i used to have a soundclick.com page and a dmusic.com page as well, but i took them down...i have like 2 songs posted here at http://www.download.com/soopa

that's mainly old stuff...but i'm doing a full album that should be finished midsummer.

thanks and God Bless to both of you for the honest replies and prayers.

Forgiven One

SuzQ · Jun 13, 2005

Pray about it, first & foremost. If after tha, you still don't want to be "pigeon-holed" as soley a Christian artist, I have one word for you: Bono. A devout Christian, where just about every one one of his songs honor & reflect his strong beliefs. He's revered all over the world by secular society, who will one day actually understand the real meaning behind his music. (Like I did when I finally became a Christian). How cool is that?? Just a few examples:

Yah-Weh (on the NEW CD, too! It's a beautiful song)
Where the Streets Have No Name
Mysterious Ways
Grace ("more than just a girl's name, it's an idea, a gift")
Pride, In the Name of Love ("one man betrayed with a kiss")
When Love Comes to Town ("I was there when they crucified my Lord, I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword, I rolled the dice when they pierced His side, but I've seen love conquer the Great Divide").
Sunday Bloody Sunday (NOT an anti-war song, but is actually about the Irish Catholic & Protestants who pummeled each other to death in the streets one day)
In fact, there's a charity CD called, "In the Name of Love" which is ALL Christian artists (Pillar, Project 86, Toby Mac, SixPence None the Richer), re-doing U2 songs. It's way cool. The proceeds go towards World Vision (for Africa). Bono is also a "guest" on one of Kurt Franklin's (and Nu Nation's) CD's (a hip-hop Christian artist).

Not saying you have to be "sneaky", but you can still honor the Lord with music, without having to sign on as a "Christian" artist. You can be BOTH. Look at at the "crossover" success of Jars of Clay, Lifehouse, and Mercy Me, for instance.

Bohemian · Jun 14, 2005

Forgiven One said:
I have a dilema...making my music for Him vs. the secular world.

I know I say this to people all the time, but we don't have to live two lives( Secular and Christian). We should and actually can live just one full and spiritual life. I can't tell you exactly how to do that, you just realize one day that your physical and spiritual life are the same- at this very moment and every moment 24/7. I realized that a career does NOT matter, money does NOT matter, and possessions do NOT matter. God is the ultimate goal. Don't live life like the average cookie cutter American does. Life is not Birth->School->Job->Retirement->Death! Live with a constant connection with God, because he's always there. Anyways, back to something relevant to this thread. I'm a musician as well. Our music doesn't have to be "Secular" or "Christian". It just has to be us. It has to reflect us physically and spirtually. Also, with God in our lives, He can be seen in our work. Sorry for the rant.

-Bohemian

Bohemian · Jun 14, 2005

spacedout said:
most of musician I know are very much into materialism, drugs, fast women, etc.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but drugs aren't neccessarily a "material" thing. Alot of losers use them, I realize that, and there's no reason to do cocaine or heroine, etc; but psychoactives can, contrary to public opinion, be a good thing if done safely and you know what your doing.

Aymn27 · Jun 26, 2005

++Forgiven_One++ said:
i've been feeling a calling to make my music with fellow Christian artists and promote more positivity in the lyrical side...I'm well aware that mainstream Hip Hop/Rap music is not very popular in the Christian community because of today's overly blatant sexual overtones, degradation of women, and promotion of alcohol/drug use and violence...I myself produce and create soulful, jazzy, serene laid back type of Hip Hop music, not really popular with the listeners of today, matter of fact, i've been told consistently that i'm talented, but need to bring my instrumentals into the millenium (ouch!) and out of the 90's...for the most part, i'm pretty old school sounding musicwise...oh, to clarify, i am not a rapper, i just make the music...i compose most of my music myself, i play the piano and keyboards by ear quite well, i can play bass and even live drums, although i tend to favor drum machines (note: i'm enlightened to the fact that most rock lovers don't consider us true musicians, but trust me, it's not as easy as it looks or sounds) and i borrow heavily from old jazz records, just bits and pieces of horn solos or whatever i can dig up and mesh it all together. well enuff introduction...my feelings as of late are that i need to work more toward building with more artists of the Faith or at least more positive minded people...i've had lots of offers to do more mainstream secular stuff and money seemed so enticing at the time, but God always humbles me and reminds me that He has given me a talent and if i cannot Glorify Him, i will go NOWHERE...i really need advice and prayers regarding this, because i promised Him and myself to never get attached to the materialism in this world...it's just so hard to resist sometimes

Forgiven One

My dear brother in Christ!
If I may, I would like to offer a suggestion...
First we are called to be "in" the world, but not "of" the world. Too often Christians take this to mean that it is ok to "seclude" themselves from being around those who are unrepentant sinners. I strongly disagree. We are called to be the salt of the earth, the leven, the light. As Christians we should enter the dark places where sin is present and shine forth our lights! Too often we associate ourselves with like-minded, up right people of our own liking...NO! Christ ate with prostitutes and tax collectors, healed those that were possessed, forgave adulterers, made water into wine at weddings!! We are to be Christ-like, we are to pick up our cross and FOLLOW HIM!!

I was listening to some Christian music the other day and thought to myself how sad it is that Christian music stays pretty much in it's own "department". Why don't we have hip-hop/pop/country music that speaks to real life experiences - love, hurt, death, despair, etc that presents a Christian message without having to be "evangelistic" in nature? I suggest you enter into secular music, find yourself some "upright" friends if you have a band, etc. and produce positive music that glorifies the Lord without being "preachy" to unbelievers. Sanctify secular music! Become a light in the darkness! Follow Jesus!

peace and all good in Him,
Aaron

++Forgiven_One++ · Jun 27, 2005

Aymn27 said:
My dear brother in Christ!
If I may, I would like to offer a suggestion...
First we are called to be "in" the world, but not "of" the world. Too often Christians take this to mean that it is ok to "seclude" themselves from being around those who are unrepentant sinners. I strongly disagree. We are called to be the salt of the earth, the leven, the light. As Christians we should enter the dark places where sin is present and shine forth our lights! Too often we associate ourselves with like-minded, up right people of our own liking...NO! Christ ate with prostitutes and tax collectors, healed those that were possessed, forgave adulterers, made water into wine at weddings!! We are to be Christ-like, we are to pick up our cross and FOLLOW HIM!!

I was listening to some Christian music the other day and thought to myself how sad it is that Christian music stays pretty much in it's own "department". Why don't we have hip-hop/pop/country music that speaks to real life experiences - love, hurt, death, despair, etc that presents a Christian message without having to be "evangelistic" in nature? I suggest you enter into secular music, find yourself some "upright" friends if you have a band, etc. and produce positive music that glorifies the Lord without being "preachy" to unbelievers. Sanctify secular music! Become a light in the darkness! Follow Jesus!

peace and all good in Him,
Aaron

wow...that's the type of response that i was looking for...thank you brother! God Bless you and I will take this advice and everything you said into my project...it is how I felt from the get go, but I'm a people pleaser by default, it's just my nature, but I strongly agree and it's much clearer to me now...thank you and God Bless again...

++Forgiven_One++

Aymn27 · Jun 27, 2005

++Forgiven_One++ said:
wow...that's the type of response that i was looking for...thank you brother! God Bless you and I will take this advice and everything you said into my project...it is how I felt from the get go, but I'm a people pleaser by default, it's just my nature, but I strongly agree and it's much clearer to me now...thank you and God Bless again...

++Forgiven_One++

May God bless you and the path you go on. Keep your eyes on Him and the rest will fall into place! I will pray for you and if you are ever famous....remember me, LOL!!!

Grace and peace,
Aaron

JohnR012 · Jun 27, 2005

I have watched the MTV music awards and Grammys and all that. I have seen a lot of "secular" R&B and Hip Hop musicians thanking God first and foremost before their parents, fans, or anybody.

stonetoflesh · Jun 27, 2005

Bohemian said:
I don't want to hijack the thread, but drugs aren't neccessarily a "material" thing. Alot of losers use them, I realize that, and there's no reason to do cocaine or heroine, etc; but psychoactives can, contrary to public opinion, be a good thing if done safely and you know what your doing.

I realize that drugs aren't necessarily tied to materialism; I was just mentioning that as something most of the musicians I know are into. Having used psychoactives extensively in the past I can see where you're coming from, and to an extent I agree; it's just that I've moved past that point in my life and it's hard for me to find musicians who aren't still wrapped up in that scene. Not to derail the thread or anything...

Aymn27 · Jun 27, 2005

JohnR012 said:
I have watched the MTV music awards and Grammys and all that. I have seen a lot of "secular" R&B and Hip Hop musicians thanking God first and foremost before their parents, fans, or anybody.

yes...but does their music glorify God? I think it's just become a "fad" for many, and what god exactly are they thanking? Yhwh God? Just some thoughts!

The Seb · Jul 6, 2005

I think god likes all styles of music, well because he made them all didn't he? I think he just doesn't like the lyrics that people put to them.
Eg. I love hard rock and metal but its so hard to find a band these days that actually glorify god with their lyrics and are not singing about depression and suicide etc...

Tamara77777 · Jul 11, 2005

Hi!

I am not scholar on the subject, but recently they had a show on this on TBN...Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, I believe was on there...any ways, just wanted to make a comment...there are many True believers that God uses in secular media...they have the maturity and God uses them to minister and be a light in a dark place...I can understand you don't want to compromise your integrity. What I would do is ask Him to lead you in the direction HE wants you to go...and follow Him. He sees your heart. He sees your desire to do your best and bring glory to Him thru music...it is awesome! I pray for His blessing upon your gift.

Just make a commitment to Him that you don't want to compromise your intergrity, and ask the Lord to keep a watch over your heart and motives... be honest with Him....He see everything, knows it all...guard yourself...cause the enemy is the great deciever. If God should lead you to step out in that direction. Things to keep in mind...food for thought anyways! Hope this helps....Tamara77777 praisingonpiano

Tamara77777 · Jul 15, 2005

Are you following me! LOL! I liked what you said! Tamara

The Seb said:
I think god likes all styles of music, well because he made them all didn't he? I think he just doesn't like the lyrics that people put to them.
Eg. I love hard rock and metal but its so hard to find a band these days that actually glorify god with their lyrics and are not singing about depression and suicide etc...

Tamara77777 · Jul 15, 2005

Are you following me! LOL! I liked what you said! Tamara

The Seb said:
I think god likes all styles of music, well because he made them all didn't he? I think he just doesn't like the lyrics that people put to them.
Eg. I love hard rock and metal but its so hard to find a band these days that actually glorify god with their lyrics and are not singing about depression and suicide etc...

The Seb · Jul 15, 2005

LOL, sure am tamara anyway i think that we can turn anything into music for god... (well perhaps we'll have to rename death metal) but anyway i got a real funky name for a christian song so I am happy...

I have a dilema...making my music for Him vs. the secular world.

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