Christian Music In The Mainstream
Posted March 12, 2006 — in KOAR Rants, Music News
It seems odd to me that a Christian message is more accessible on mainstream rock stations than on AC or Hot AC. Not to stereotype Christians in any way, but knowing that the majority of what is available in the Christian music scape fits in perfectly with the style of music normally found on AC stations (soft rock, pop), it is surprising that the successful crossover bands are mostly in mainstream rock. POD, Chevelle, Evanescence, Creed, Mae, Anberlin, Flyleaf, Killswitch Engage, Dead Poetic, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, Switchfoot and many more have all made their impact on Active Rock and Alternative radio, as well as the more indie-leaning college stations, without compromising their clearly Christian themes. While a couple of these artists have also popped up on AC stations, the bulk of their listenership is coming from the rock world. I don’t doubt there are Christians in other genres, but it seems their messages must be veiled and vague to achieve the same level of success available to them in rock music. Why is this? Is there room for a clearly Christian artist in other formats?
AJ, KOAR
I would just like to point out that Evanescence is not a Christian band. It was first thought that they were, and the Christian community enbraced them until in an interview, Ben Moody (co-founder of the band) was asked whether they were a Christian band and he said no. In an uproar, Christian record stores took all Evanescence’s debut album “Fallen” off the shelves and refused to sell their music. They are individualy Christian, yes, but their music isn’t.
Comment by Susie — March 24, 2006 @ 11:28 pm
What’s most surprising is that this is an issue that is commonly discussed in modern rock. ‘Are they or aren’t they?’ No matter the outcome, rock will still support it…although clearly, Christian music won’t. I won’t pretend to understand their reasoning as Evanescence have some songs that are a little more than subtly Christian-themed.
My question here is more along the lines of- Could a great hip hop artist like Mars Ill get support in the hip hop mainstream? I mean they don’t rap about what brand of shoes they wear or their gold teef, but musically it’s quality. Could a Christian AC artist like Eisley pick up mainstream AC support? Could a Christian singer/songwriter artist like Conrad (conradsmusic.com..he’s unsigned) get support similar to a John Mayer? His songs are just as good and he is visually much more appealing, but he is uncomprimising in singing about God. Does this take him off the market?
Comment by AJ-KOAR — March 25, 2006 @ 1:01 pm
A few facts: Creed-As per their website– NOT A CHRISTIAN BAND
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE–Had a lead singer who is a christian but he’s no longer in the band; NOT A CHRISTIAN BAND
As stated by someone else, EVANESCENE, not a christian band;
CHEVELLE; As per their website–Not a christian band
Comment by sonicharmony — April 12, 2006 @ 8:40 am
christian or not…FLYLEAF KICKS ASS!!
Comment by jason price — June 26, 2006 @ 4:39 pm
In reading this message board, I am compelled to mention that labels are of no importance to a true music fan or to any open-minded individual. I listen to as much “devil rock” as I do Christian rock. All music has a unique atmosphere and message that is worthwhile and meaningful to someone.
~ d R ~
Comment by Damien Rose — July 5, 2006 @ 8:19 pm
I think that if Christian music is to be that…then it needs to reflect it’s founder. Jesus! Who was not judgemental, who was full of forgiveness, who turned the other cheek who was the complete servant and for sure both human and divine. Where did Jesus do his ministry? In the streets as well as the temple. In the bible we see him more in the streets integrating himself into the already existing system. Not with an iron hand, but with compassion and love. Bringing a message of hope…….if we are of a Christian background and yet decide who is who and judge the other without knowing the intent then perhaps the Christian market is not as Christian as it seems…
I beleive that good music, with a positive message should be part of the mainstream whether it talks about Jesus or not……if it’s good it’s good…the mainstream market that our children are listening to a lot of the time gives a false message….drugs, sex, my stuff, the material things bring happiness…wrong! They lead to the question: Now What? Filling an empty hole that only the realization of our humanity can answer….we are here for a moment..are we going to make a difference and see the bigger picture of ourselves as creations made by a creator who loves us enough to give us choice…or do we think it’s all about us and the universe evolves around us….
We need music in the mainstream that combat’s the secular points of view…war only leads to more war…hatred leads to hatred…….concentrate on what we have in common instead of the differences…race doesn’t matter, finacial status doesn’t matter…
We need each other and can make this world a great place…but it takes surrender and emptying of ourselves and music is a strong tool that can help us on this journey…….
Comment by John Angotti — August 30, 2006 @ 6:33 am
As I Lay Dying kicks arse \m/
Comment by Herbert Smith — May 22, 2007 @ 4:22 am
I totally agree with Damien. Music is a big part of everyone’s life and should be positive. The messages that songs put out have a deep impact on many people’s lives. If they send the wrong message, the impact will be negative, but the right message could change a person’s life for the best. I, myself, am a music lover, but I try to guard my ears from hearing things that will not benefit my life in the long run. I am a Christian and want to do God’s will.
Comment by Ashley — June 27, 2007 @ 9:29 am
I made a mistake. It’s John that I agree with, not Damien. Sorry.
Comment by Ashley — June 27, 2007 @ 9:32 am