"It is not the sound of victory,
it is not the sound of defeat;
it is the sound of singing that I hear."
–Moses
I once heard of a singing group called Anointed; that was the name of the group. And I remember thinking, "Why would you name your group 'Anointed' when anointing isn't something that's up to you?" That is something that should speak for itself. That is something that you should just let show. (Because, say the anointing leaves.... That would leave you parading around claiming to be something that you aren't.) Bob Dylan once said, "If people can get past you saying it to what the message is, than it's not coming from you but through you." Let there be no confusion. Let them make no mistake. I say, for clarity's sake, to let the people connect the dots for themselves.
What is a church? What is a church if it isn't the building and it isn't necessarily the people inside? How did I know it? The preacher preached, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." And it was like, okay, you're safe –– I'll go where I'm needed. They were the church. They had already brought their friends; I had to go and get mine. Is that not what the church is made up of? That was the fabric of this thing. (The fabric is about to fray.)
"And there is no resolution / when the Revolution's dead / so I'm left with no solution / for the voices in my head." –Hanson
And so the "Church" is like the music business! What is a music business without music to sell? The artists are what it should be about. The business should be a continuation and an extension of what is already happening there. As it stands, the chasm that is felt between label and artist exists because the label should be with its artists the same way the artist is with its audience.
I remember the first time someone suggested that I approach a record label with my music. Although I took this as a compliment, I also remember thinking, "Why? Who are they? Where have they been this whole time?" I already had everything I needed right there; the songs, the audience. Isn't that what the music business is made up of? That was the fabric of this thing. (The fabric is about to fray.)
What sort of message would chasing down a record deal send to my audience? (Even to my music!) That I was only kidding? That I actually don't believe in them? (It reminded me of the craft of acting and how you're really supposed to be a good person and a good soul off-duty (as well as on) so as not to destroy the very thing (the very belief) you've worked so hard to build.) See, I had something to say. (Think always of this idea of something coming through you.) And I chose music. I chose music because it is for people who don't know anything yet.
If I start twisting arms trying to convince people of the music's worth, than I have become like someone who thinks she knows something. (But we are always learning. Especially about the nature of God. Everything is evidence –– even yourself.) I'd have to remind myself of the point of beauty in the first place. (And music is beauty.) It should be listened to because people want and are enticed and are attracted to listen to it.
This is why advertising can be a huge turn-off where music wants to happen. I have to give it room to prove itself. (Especially about the nature of God.) Let it speak for itself. There's no room to presume! (For what do I know!)
The following is a documentary about an old favorite band of mine in the throes of major label record company mergers. Oddly enough (or not so oddly, if the previous essay made any sense to you), their story is a striking resemblance to the experience I've had with my music and my church....
**************THIS PAGE IS, LIKE ME, STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION**************
No comments:
Post a Comment