Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Clarification.

A number of people either didn't like or didn't agree with my last blog. Oh well. Let me explain myself.

As a musician... I see and hear a lot of things. There is a lot of deception and dishonesty that goes on in the music industry; and yes, I'm talking about the "Christian" industry. It's disheartening. I've experienced it firsthand in a few different instances. I've talked with several artists, and they've done nothing but confirm this. That being said... there are artists that I have simply lost respect for. People I used to look to for inspiration. People who were, essentially, my role models. Now, they still inspire me... they inspire me to be genuine... real... honest. To be, for lack of a better word, better.

Every band I've played in has started as a ministry. Then it plays a show or two. Once money starts coming in, and exchanging hands, things change. It slowly becomes a business (that wants to do ministry). God is placed on the backburner, but they're still a "Christian" band. The more and more I get involved with music... the more this veil of industry and business is lifted from my eyes...

In my opinion, "Christian" music today has become bland. We're called to be the salt of the earth. The "true salt" these days seems to be few and far between. That being said, I'm consistently inspired by artists like Jeff Deyo - for being raw, Robbie Seay - for being real, Switchfoot - for being genuine, Shawn McDonald - for his humility, and Shane & Shane - for their undeniable passion.

I'm off to play some bass now... more later?

2 comments:

Samuel James Cook said...

Matt. I love you so much. Please bring these issues to the table. They need to be dealt with. I completely feel you. We (as a whole) need to realize that God brought us together, and that we need to CONSTANTLY bend to His will if he's going to keep us together. We can't turn our backs on Him.

Aaron said...

Hi Matt. You have deep thoughts.

The important thing is not a college degree or profession, but a lifestyle.

What you describe in terms of bands and concerts can and does happen with professional ministers and churches. Once people, money, success, and praise start rolling rolling in, church or whatever can become a business that happens to do ministry.

It's not about whether you play in a parking lot, a church building, or a stadium. It's not about whether you charge money for tickets. It's not about whether you travel down the street or across the world. It's not about whether you grace the cover of Relevant magazine. It is about your heart.

Music vs. Ministry? That juxtaposition does not make since to me, but I don't walk in your shoes. What do I see? My glory vs. God's glory.