Christian Music Online

Christian music fans rejoice

September 29, 2005 – 10:47 am

Christian music fans rejoice - Faithful listeners find problems with growing pop influence. by Lacey Lett and Jennifer Rickard

Christian students and musicians alike harbor an array of opinions and emotions on the Christian music industry. Approval, distaste, quirks and reverence pile Christian artists and those who listen to their music with varying perspectives.

Jennifer Casteel, drama senior, indicated her preferences in Christian musicians are selective.

The tendency for many of today’s Christian artists is to follow pop music trends, but Casteel said she enjoys the music of artists who are both unique and genuine with the music they create.

Casteel said she favors the band Waterdeep because the lead singer and his wife don’t sing about what’s considered a typical Christian topic. In contrast,most of their songs deal with the sick condition of man and his need for God.

Allie Tarpley, math education sophomore, said she appreciates Christian music for it’s ability to remind listeners of their faith.

“There are so many songs based off scripture it’s another way to memorize it,” Tarpley said.

Christian music can be enjoyable as well as a spiritual godsend, Tarpley said. She said when some lyrics in songs stand out to her, she’ll make them the focus of her prayers throughout the day.

Students indulge in Christian music carefree or selectively; on the other side Christian artists enter the music industry with many concerning thoughts of their own.

Weatherford based band Radial Angel was signed to Warner Brothers Christian label Squint. Jared Taber, lead singer and guitarist for Radial Angel, said he received problems with the record label regarding weight issues.

“It’s just sad that these Christian labels are run by business guys and not Christians, so it’s still all about money, money, money and not the music,” Taber said. “You have to look this certain image. It stands against anything Christian artists are about.”

Radial Angel is no longer with Squint, but Taber defends some of the Christian artists that have acquired fame.

“I’d say for bands like Switchfoot and P.O.D., when you get some success in the mainstream market, you can’t force your beliefs down someone else’s throat,” Taber said. He said there is still spiritual content in the bands’ songs.

Chris Smith, local musician, said he thinks it’s okay for Christian bands to be signed to a secular record label as long as it’s for the right reasons.

“If I were given the opportunity to join a major record label, indie or secular, I would have to pray about it a lot,” Smith said. He elaborates saying musicians need to think about why they are wanting to sign.

“Is it to bring glory to Him for the talent He has given me, or is it to just be a rockstar?”

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