Christian Music

2004-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

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Well, it has been a whole year since I last posted, so I figured it was time to get back to blogging again. A lot has changed. I will be getting married in 149 days and I am now working as a professional at 2 Christian radio stations to make my way through life.

Since I last posted, I have come so far as music is concerned, learned so much about recording, quality, message and plain out what is and isn't "good" and what I really like.

I'm not obsessed with making sure that people are aware of POD like I used to be. I just want to be sure that I have a music knowledge base so I can grow in my career as a radio professional. That's my goal right now. To know music.

It's good to be back.

2003-04-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

As for my own question about "Christian" music having to be "strictly" about Christ and Christianity:

Sometimes my opinion varies on this idea. In reality, not ALL songs written by Christian bands/artists are all about God. I don't think that if you write a song that is about a good, moral idea, that you are blaspheming or anything. On the other hand, when can a song that is "good" in nature written by a non-Christian artist begin to chart on Christian charts.

U2 writes songs about faith, and from what I hear about POD these days, I'm not sure that all "Christian" bands should be called Christian.

2003-04-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite bands, Relient K has a new album out called Two Lefts don't Make a Right, but Three Do. There is a song on there that talks in jibberish, literally, and it makes quite the song. It's the type of lyrics that only the hardcore fans know at the concerts and it's so obvious.

My ethical question of the day:

If a Christian song doesn;t sing about God, is it REALLY a Christian song??? Reply and let me know what YOU think...

2003-04-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I caught myself in the process of capital radio mindset. By this, I mean radio mode, record label prison, or any other nasty web to spin yourself into.

A woman called me three times requesting the same song. The first two calls were polite "I'm sorry ma'am, we don't own a copy of that song." The calls were short and discreet. By the third call, I knew I was in trouble.

"Can you call the record company and have them email you the song?" she asked pressedly. It was as if she really thought I would step out of the top 40 chart and play a really slow inspirational song I had never heard of. After a literal 5 minute explanation on my part, she had the audacity to ask me if I could go buy the CD myself and bring it in to my show tomorrow morning and play it. That is where the line stopped. At any store, the customer is usually "Always Right". In hte radio business, an unspoken law proclaims "the charts are always right". Am I this conservative?

At my own regret, I continued to explain to this woman that I would and will not play her song unless it is on the charts and the record company sends me a copy of the CD. I suggested she listen to FLR (Family Life Radio, a slower insirational station here in Jackson) that might play her precious song. I was perturbed, frustrated, and had fallen into an explanation of radio charts that I don't always agree with. (More on that later...)

Sometimes I feel like a big jerk, but you can't please everybody. What else was I to do. She took time to read me the rest of the songs on the album that her beloved song came off of. I should have told her to turn off the radio and simply push repeat on number 7, precious track 7 that played her stupid song. Why didn't she just do that in the first place?!??!!!!!

2003-03-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

This week is Sharathon on WSAE, so I'm keeping busy with thinking about fundraising and how it relates to Christian music.

Most Christian radio stations are non-commercial. This means that we can have "sponsors" and "underwriters" but we cannot play a flat-out commercial. A commercial includes what media people call a "call to action." For example, McDonalds might come on with a fancy jingle, and say "hey buy our big macs!" That's a call to action. If they said "McDonalds serves big macs and provides food service for the Spring Arbor community." That would be more of an underwriting announcement.

My question deals with the moral/ethic of asking for money on the air. Since Chrisitan music is a ministry, can it be taken for granted that there would be needed funding and an "offering" of some type. I hope not. I pray that people don't interpret our ministry in that way.

2003-03-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

I'm reading one of the best books I've ever come into contact with.

It talks about being a Christian without joining the Pharisees... It is incredible. It's called "Fearless Faith" by John Fischer, who writes for CCM Magazine. (You can read the whole first chapter here). The subtitle is living beyond the walls of safe Christianity. It talks about some of the risks of Christian music, and I totally agree with the things he says about the obsession Christians have with Christian versions of secular things: music, movies, clothing, jewelry (WWJD) etc.

It focuses on our ministry as people, not as missionaries. There is a really great paragraph I admire:

"I was recently meeting with 25 people in the music business- none of them Christians. These people view Christian music as southern, white, middle-aged, and coming from evangelicals with an attitude. That's exactly what they said, and that's why they don't want to put us on the Grammy show. We've got attitude. We want everything our way. It's got to be our way and no other way. We're not embracing. We're not compassionate. We're not loving." (p. 54)

Is there something wrong with this picture?

2003-02-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

I had a funny thing happen to me this morning.

My friend's dad went to Metro Airport last night, and he is a regular listener of my morning show. Since he likes Christian music, he scanned Detroit stations until he found one that sounded familiar. While he was driving, he said he almost went off the road, because he heard ME on the air! He was totally stumped and was confused that it was not me, or if it was, HOW could I do that?

The simplest answer is that I pre-record shows every evening from my dormroom with the use of my microphone and soundboard. Then, I email the sound files to a remote computer location in Imlay City, and it is broadcast down the whole eastern coast of Michigan, from Alpena all the way down to Monroe.

This is one of the amazing things about technology and how it is hard for some Christian (and secular radio announcers) to get jobs. Instead of hiring a full-time live announcer, my boss hired me and I record a 3 hour segment in 20 minutes. It's economical, but a huge controversy in Christian radio...

2003-02-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

I decided to check out POD's disposal of band member Marcos Curiel some more, since I was on the subject a few days ago. It turns out that the POD WEBPAGE ignores the idea of any type of disruption to the band. There is no news of a new member, simply acknowlegement of their new awards, and overpriced merchandise. I can understand the price of rice in China and the economy thing, but really, is a POD pendant worth $30.00!?! This is disturbing.

I have to say that I admire Curiel's honesty in leaving the group on a moral basis.

2003-02-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

You never realize the INSIDE perks of a job until you are immersed into it.

By going to the National Religious Broadcasters Conference two weeks ago and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Luncheon, I have really felt (more then ever) like that is where I really fit in. I went to some seminars, and really understood the things they were talking about. I even took notes on my Handspring Visor.

Look at my NRB and MAB pictures!!!

It's so obvious that I'm ready to graduate.. pretty ready. I know that there are lots of scary things out there, but I am on my way. I am already voicetracking for Joy FM in Monroe. How can I do that, you ask? Well, in my dorm room I have recording equipment, and the guy at the station sends me a "log" of the songs that will be played. I record myself announcing them, and then email them to a computer at the site, and my voice magically appears at the right time between the songs. It's all pretty much an easy process. It's a cheap-labor for radio announcers and doesn't pay too badly. So I have options when I graduate as well, because Christian radio doesn't pay like Howard Stern's boss.

2003-02-22T04:14:00.000-08:00

Christian Music has come so far in the past 30 years or so. First, there was Keith Green. He was a pioneer, along with Larry Norman (my personal hero and favorite). They brought more acceptance to Chrstian music as an art form, and how it can be used to impact people and really change their outlook on life. A lot of people may have thoguht that Christian music was "of the devil", but Why Should the Devil have All the Good Music anyway?

2003-02-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

I found an article tonight about P.O.D. They're one of those controversial Christian bands, you know, the crossover type? One of the members is leaving. Marcos Curiel claims that he was kicked out and a replacement was sitting around waiting for him. The band comments say that Curiel chose to leave on his own to persue a career in his own area of music. It's kind of an interesting story. Curiel wants the world to know that P.O.D.'s motivations aren't always based on their faith, rather, on an image that they want their fans to believe. What do you think???

2003-02-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went out to a park and flew a kite with my boyfriend. It was about -20 degrees with the windchill, and maybe it was absolutely crazy. BUT, the point is, it was fun. It has nothing to do with Christian music, except that it reminded me of the childlike faith that I can hold on to throughout my walk with Christ. It's a good thing to be a child at heart as a Christian, to show curiosity in simple things, and appreciate the wind, sky and physics of kite flying. It was a cool (and cold) time.

2003-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the time lapse between posts, but I've had quite a week! It started with the National Religious Broadcasters Conference in Nashville, Tennessee at the Opryland Hotel. It was another great time of seminars, friends, goofiness, seriousness and free stuff! I picked up my Music Video (first place) Award and my Radio NewsCast (first place) Award at the Intercollegiate Religious Broadcaster section of the event. It was so good to get to know friends better and "schmooze" with the big guys in Christian radio and television.

One major thing the seminars focused on is to be in the world but not of the world when it comes to entertainment. Bob Briner was very active in the campaign of Christians being involved in secular media, and impacting it for the good, not necessarily Christian. There is much value in a positive message with underlying Christian values, and it's so important.

I have way too many stories to share at once, but just know that is was an amazing trip and enlightening learning experience in relationships, networking and understanding of the Christian media forefront.

2003-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

The interview with RILEY ARMSTRONG went much better than EXPECTED!!! It was absolutely awesome!

He arrived at the WSAE Studios at about 8:00 AM and he didn't leave until about 8:45. I wasn't sure how long he would be able to stay, or if he would be a good interviewee, but it was too perfect. We talked about duct tape, Veggie Tales, haircuts (which we both had regrets and good memories about) and the journey on his new album, Whatever the Weather. We had a blast, and after, I took some pictures and he gave me a guitar pick. He played the song "Sleep" live and acoustic in the studio. VERY COOL.

All in all it was an awesome experience, and would love to do it again anytime.

2003-02-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

Two exciting things to write about in the same day!

First, I just found out today that I won another award for my radio broadcasting. This is cool. I won two first place awards a couple weeks ago for my radio newscast and music video in the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters, Intercollegiate Religious Broadcasters) competition. Today, I got a call that told me that I had ALSO won a first place award in the MAB (Michigan Association of Broadcasters, College Division) for the same newscast as I won with in the NRB. So on February 18, I'm off to a luncheon and awards ceremony of the MAB. Of course, I will also be going to Nashville for the awards I won in NRB this weekend. What an exciting week in radio life!

AND: This week, Riley Armstrong will be visiting SAU's campus. He is a Christian musician who I've admired for a while now, and I did some investigating behind the scenes about his visit. On Monday morning, I set up an appointment to interview him on the air during my morning show. I'm really getting excited about the idea of this interview.

2003-01-31T04:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the beginning of an email I received today from HM (Hard Music) Magazine:

For 18 years HM Magazine has been slamming away at covering all that is hard, energetic, and rock and roll... Yes, HM was there in the 80s (whew! the hair! the spandex! the poses!), the 90s (with a name change to boot!), and now cracks the skull of the millennium with a whole new look, new logo, new feel.

I thought it was so relevant after I talked about hard music styles yesterday. You can check out HM Magazine and find some pretty cool stuff if you're into metal and hard rock. Just thought I'd share it with you.

2003-01-30T03:53:00.000-08:00

I have pondered the uses of Christian music quite a bit lately. In talking about worship (01/23/03) I explored how I felt about worship as an entertainment form, and if it still continued to be categorized as "worship". I look at Christian extreme rock music, perhaps ZAO or Disciple. They are a little harder than the punk music that I prefer, but I know that they have such an awesome impact on the people who are bot listening to Christian music because they never thought it could sound good to them. With such a hard-trained ear, it is important for people to listen to music they enjoy, rather than simply the subject matter of the music. You can listen to mainstream "death metal" about literal death and hate, or you can listen to the Christian counterpart, with an emphasis on the life AFTER death. It's a very different thing, and if you can understand the words, then you've got some quality music.

2003-01-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.

I am really happy to be able to wake up in the morning and play Christian music. People call the station and are so encouraging and happy, but I wonder who is really listening. Is a song that I am playing really making a bad day into a bright one for somebody? Chris Rice has a new song called The Other Side of the Radio that I really appreciate.

2003-01-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a trend with worship music turning into popular listening music. My boyfriend asked me if that was a way of demeaning worship with Christ. If worship music is now entertaining music, which is acceptably listened to in any setting (car, house, waiting room), is it any longer "worship" music? It was a very interesting thought. Don't get me wrong, I believe that you can truly worship to any song that exalts Christ, and represents your feelings and dedication to him, but, where is the line?

I'm listening to a worship song right now, as I type in my dorm room. I am not totally concentrating on the song, nor am I "rocking out." That brings me back around to Christian Rock Music. I know that there are a lot of faithful people out there who truly believe that rock and roll is simply from the devil, and should not be tampered with in the Christian realm. I would have to argue that, because if Christian Rock music didn't exist, I would probably have a really hard time listening mostly to positive music. Although there are bands out there with positive lyrics, they don't necessarily reflect how I believe, and what I represent. Many teenagers and older rock music lovers have been impacted by a respect for Christian music that sounds like Blink 182. It is possible to perform that type of music very well without the junk.

So back to worship: Is the music what you're looking at, or is it the fact that you are focusing on God? If it's God, then the music quickly falls to the wayside, and the worship begins. The music becomes transparent, and it's an amazing thing.

2003-01-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

Things that I remember, treasure and admire about Five Iron Frenzy:

1. The Pants Across America Tour
2. The Sock Puppet Tour
3. The Ham/Spam (Whatever) Tour
4. Ska, and how it was once beautiful
5. Kitty Doggy, need I say more?

2003-01-21T02:53:00.000-08:00

The worst thing in the world has happened, and I don't know if I can get over it. In less than one year, my all-time favorite band EVER, whom I've seen nearly 8 times, is going to... break... up. Okay, I know that you might laugh at my thought of being sad because of this, but Five Iron Frenzy has been a part of my life for so long, that I won't know what to do when it happens. I've become such a huge fan of Reese Roper and the guys (and girl) in the band, that I'll have to find another band to write in every time someone asks what my favorite band is. I wonder, is it okay for your favorite band to be one that doesn't exist anymore? I mean, people like the Beatles, right? They're almost all dead.

2003-01-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last 30 minutes reviewing Forefront Records page, and it's pretty interesting. It definately shows that they are trying to reach some kids out there with Christian music that sounds cool, and looks pretty mainstream too. That's cool, I admire that. Some of the things on their page include screensavers, wallpaper and artist bios: Awesome job, guys.

While I was on the page, I found out that DC TALK is making a movie, or already did, or just have a DVD with some of their songs on it as a sort of 10 year anniversary thing. I haven't heard much about it, just that they are pushing "Jesus is Just Alright" at my station. I always liked that song. It's from the Doobie Brothers back in the day, too, so regular people (who are not Christians already) can relate to the album just by the recognition of the song. For some reason I think that DC Talk may have been wanting to relay a more spiritual message by the song. Maybe it's just me. Who knows.

2003-01-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

I wake up every morning at 4:30 to be ready to go do my morning show. It's interesting. I play adult contemporary Christian music all morning long, and I get calls sometimes saying how good certain artists are, and how much people like them. The thing is, the artists and bands that people usually tell me they like are the worst ones we play! It's very strange, like every song I love, everybody thinks is too crazy or not meaningful enough...

2003-01-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Did you guys know that Michael W. Smith's middle name is Whitacker? It is I pormise. I wonder if there is something special about Christian musicians using middle initials and middle names? Do you see what I'm getting at? How about Nicole C. Mullen or Steven Curtis Chapman? It's just a weird thing I was thinking about when I saw Mary Chapen Carpenter's name on a magazine in line at Meijer.

Speaking of waiting in lines at the store... Have you guys noticed that the things that are hanging by the registers at stores are some sort of thing to get us to buy nothing? There is cheap cologne, miniscule nail files, weird flavored chapstick; you know what I mean. I bought a car first aid kit this past summer at one of those register displays. I've never used it, and if I happened to peel a hang nail at a stoplight, I most likely would not use something from the kit. I'd think, "Oh man, I have to wait until I get home to get a bandaid!" I don't think I'd even remember that I HAD a kit in the first place.

My point: Don't let register material things get to you, because your middle name might be on your check, and the cashier might say something like, "Whitacker, what a strange middle name. Did you know that's what the W stands for in Michael W. Smith??!!!" And who knows what might happen after that. Thank you.

SIDE NOTE: A duck walks into a 7-11 and asks for a tube of ChapStick. The clerk asks, "Will that be cash or charge?" The duck replies, "Put it on my bill!"

2003-01-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

This morning, my film class went to a lecture that really made a cool impact. This guy had some great ideas, and explained them really well. His name is William D. Romanowski, and wow, what a cool perspective. He hails from Calvin College, just a couple hours away from Spring Arbor University. He mainly focused on popular culture in the area of movies, and how Christians relate to (or stay away from) them. It was very interesting, and I agreed with a lot of what he had to say. The biggest thing was the comparison between sex and violence, how many Christians will not even consider watching a sex scene, yet violence excites them. It is very strange, isn't it?

2003-01-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about magazines that review and talk about music today. How does CCM Magazine compare to Teen, Seventeen or Billboard magazine, for that matter? Are we using the right kind of words, cool messages, enticing lyrics and musical sound? I wonder what will happen in the next few years...

2003-01-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure who is the maker of Christian Music dot com, but I wonder if that is what people see Christian music as. I was just curious about what would happen if I typed in the url, and this is what I found. I've explored many Christian music sites, mostly recording company pages. My favorite is Five Minute Walk Records, where you can play a keyboard on the main index page. But, unfortunately, the page isn't up beyond that.

I also found a page that has absolutely nothing to do with Christian music, more like cheese. It's a fun flash video. Check it out.

2003-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

A few days ago (December 26) I shared my excitement about winning a first place in the news category of NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) College Division. Well, a few minutes ago, I received an email from one of my professors, who informed me that I ALSO won the first place award in the VIDEO category for my music video! (The conference takes place at the Opryland Hotel. The song was performed by my boyfriend, David Buchanan, and we spent countless hours thinking of ideas for a settting to fit the song. After much time and effort, my first ever music video is a winner, and so I'd like to give God some glory here. This is a really cool step.

The song is called "Thoughts of You on a Summer's Night." From the title, you might think it's a love song. Well, of course it is, but it's a love song to Christ. It was recorded on my boyfriend's (David Buchanan) Summer Renaissance CD, that he totally wrote, produced, illustrated, and put together by himself in his bedroom at home. I'm so proud of the song, and he will be so excited when I tell him about his award winning MUSIC VIDEO! Here are the lyrics:

Thoughts of You on a Summer's Night By: David Buchanan

It's 4 o'clock in the morning, and I haven't gotten any sleep. You're in the thoughts that I think, I can see your face, when I blink. Sometimes you feel so far away, not there when I need you the most. Lord you're more stable than the trees. The world will bring me to my knees. Avoiding you no longer: Taking me to where I'm stronger. It's 4 o'clock in the morning, and I haven't gotten any sleep. I think about the world and how we treat each other, how we messed it up, didn't trust our brother. Look at them, what is so wrong? Well, I don't know, but I need this song. Lord you're more stable than the trees. The world will bring me to my knees. Avoiding you no longer: Taking me to where I'm stronger.

2003-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

I was just browsing other blogs, and happened to run across a very disturbing webpage. It doesn't have anything to do with Christian music, but it should be of concern for anyone who is striving to live daily by biblical values and ideas. Cohabitation is the theme, and it's a page advertising a book based on this so called "normal" activity. It's called being happily unmarried. It's not too cool. What do YOU think?

2003-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Over my Christmas break from SAU, I had the opportunity to watch a tv show called Steelroots. I was browsing through the stations, and some skateboarders were on the screen, so I set down the remote to watch. To my suprise, it was actually a show trying to reach out to teens for Christ. Although most of the show was quality, and they used some awesome Christian Rock Music as the soundtrack, the spiritual message was fairly "churchy" at the end. But, I do respect what they have accomplished in the making of the show. They had a website they offered, so here it is: Steelroots. Check it out and let me know your thoughts, reactions, etc.

2003-01-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is my first day ever of Saturday school. This january, my film class runs Monday-Saturday, so there is much more to learn and more time to do so. Of course, there is much less break, while 1/2 of Sunday is already scheduled with church. But it will be alright. Last night my assignment was to go see Lord of the Rings II: The Two Towers. Not such a bad thing after all.

I read a really interesting chapter on lighting in movies.

2003-01-03T04:56:00.000-08:00

It feels great to be back on the air. I returned to my morning show (Rise N' Shine) today, and now can be heard Monday-Friday mornings 6-9 AM. Feel free to listen anytime on the internet or live if you are in the area.

There's a great website that you might want to check out. It deals with Christian views of controversial topics on a college level, and presents both sides of a story, information, and great details in every story. I'm not advertising the site or anything, but it's very informative. It's called Boundless.

I'm starting a class today that deals with film, so I may be offering a Christian perspective on that in the coming month. Stay tuned for more details...

2002-12-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 2003!
Can you believe it? Another year has gone by, and so much anticipation of what will happen this year lingers in the air. I love it. I'll be graduating from college in 5 months, and off to start my real world experiences.

2002-12-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

2002-12-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

I JUST found out that I am the first place winner of the IRB section of the NRB news category, and win an award and a prize! I get to go down to Tenessee in February to be presented my prize at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. WOW!

Merry Day AFTER Christmas! What a cool time. I had fun with all of the festivities this Christmas, and even got some really cool gifts. I didn't receive any new music, but that's alright. I'm an MP3 lover anyway, and have fun with those. One more celebration left to go: This Saturday, I'll be visiting with David's family for a few hours. Looking forward to giving him his gift, too, because I bought it online back in October! I won't tell you what it is until after he receives the gift, though. He might find out early.

2002-12-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it is only one more day until Christmas Day, that is, one day and 45 minutes for me. I'll let you know how it goes...

I just finished watching a movie called Extreme Days, and it's okay. It's obviously got an underlying Christian message, and I recognized ALL of the music in it. There was Newsboys, Pax 217 (made an appearance!), lots of bleach, some even advertising for a Christian t-shirt company. They talked about God, sparingly, and there were even some laughs. I do have to admit my favorite scene was where it showed the group of guys lighting farts in a hotel room, which is out of the "comfort" most Christians would travel if making a movie.

If you've seen it, do you have any thoughts? Email me.

2002-12-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

How about some really great shirts and merchandise about Jesus? Check this one out!

2002-12-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

It only makes sense that I promote the blogs of people I know and trust. I have found someone like this. If you know me, you already know him, my boyfriend from way back, back to the beginning of my first year of college: David Buchanan. (David's Blog) He has been someone to really help me in my journey to figure out what role Christian music should have in today's society, and also one who has helped me see the need for Christians to stop being so focused on Christian things, rather, finding ways to be a Christian, yet successfully influence people by relating to them rather than condemning their lack of Christianity. It's cool to be reminded of that daily.

Hey, why don't you check out his blog. It's more of a personal account of life than focused on any particular topic like my writing here, but it's very fun, and every once in a while it may educate or challenge your mind.

2002-12-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning, I woke up to some of my favorite Christian and Christmas music on my alarm clock radio. It's actually quite strange to be able to listen to a Christian station that plays music almost non-stop. I think that some stations try to account for their rock music by airing way too much family programming, not that it is bad, but annoying, and a turn-off if played too often. I like Focus on the Family, but once a day is enough. That's my view I suppose. I'm in it for the music and quality production that can take place.

A lot of Christians tend to say things like, "Wow, that's really great for a Christian song or a Christian movie." Some people don't realize that as a Christian, they shouldn't compare themselves TO themselves in the media, but strive to challenge themselves against the mainstream competition, and USE the talents God has given them to actually CHANGE the outlook of Christian media.

I've spoken to so many people about me being a broadcaster on a Chrstian radio station. What really bothers me is that they ask if I play DC Talk and Michael W. Smith. They seem to know those artists, but are SHOCKED when they find out that there are actually punk musicians, who have tattoos, and forbid it: peircings and colored hair! A lot of people are really suprised at POD. Payable on Death. Hello, that's talking about Judgement Day, baby! It's so cool to see people getting out there and doing that. Do you know any others? rachel_ryder@hotmail.com

Anywho, this has been fun, but I'm getting back to some research, so later gator.

2002-12-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

There's a new station in town. It's amazing that throughout my whole life, there has really only been one "Christian" radio station available in my hometown area, and that has been a commercial station, which is more geared toward a baby boomer type audience who loves to listen to commercials about cars and chiropracotrs all day, maybe a song once ro twice an hour.... Not really my style. I'm looking for some good music. So, here is this new station in my town, but it's located two hours north of me. It will broadcast at home, though. So we're on our way.

2002-12-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

2002-12-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog, so I suppose it is like I have joined a new club. I'm a blogger now, and that fact alone allows me to keep up with my hobby of following Christian music in a more structured way.

Let's start with my philosophy of Christian music as a compliment to my faith: First off, I do not believe that all music (that is not Christian) is inherently evil. I simply appreciate the fact that in an "MTV-ized" culture, there is an alternative to so much skin, much profanity, and negative messages. Remember that I don't believe that MTV is all bad, because I do enjoy watching Cribs, a show of celbrity house tours. And, I have even been to a few "secular" punk concerts. So, my view of Christian music stems from my appreciation of clean lyrics, worshipful ideas, encouraging messages, and ever-improving music styles.

My favorite Christian music to listen to in my free time is Christian Rock. I'm not talking DC Talk or The Newsboys, rather the Christian Punk and harder rock genre: Five Iron Frenzy (ska), Slick Shoes(punk), Relient K (pop punk), POD and MXPX (Yeah, they're Christians), and others.

Although I have been absolutely into the rock music scene, I have worked at WSAE, which is an adult contemporary Christian music station, and know more about this style of music because of my work. I have been a music director there, which put me in contact with many of the inside music promoters, in order to bring new music to WSAE. This is mainly what I want to develop through this blog, along with the exploration of more details and knowledge of Christian rock music.

Thanks for joining me on my journey...