Genre is important...

delreds · Posted: Tue May 21, 2002 6:50 am Post subject: Genre is important...

I've been a member of a gospel blues band now for about one year. I have met many musicians - especially Christian musicians who play in "Worship" bands. Their biggest complaint? "We don't get enough gigs" or "We don't play out that much"..

If you think about it - Worship Bands have a 'limited' audience. Churches and "Christian-based" events such as Christian coffee houses or perhaps a youth camp.. Most churches of any size - who use 'worship' music probably have their own worship band..So they aren't likely to hire in another worship band.

Our band plays Gospel Blues.. Very evangelistic and not a watered down message and we are playing all the time - especially during the summer months.. The benefit we have over 'worship' bands is we can play in secular venues (City Festivals, Battle of the Band Events.. even in blues bars).. From an evangelistic point of view - God has called us to go into the world with the message of salvation - So, blues seems to work as an effective genre to get the gigs.

So.. if you want to play out more than perhaps you are playing - consider your genre. There is a place for Worship music -within the body.. It just won't go over well in the 'world'.. where they need to hear the message of hope and good news..

Using a style that is 'world' friendly doesn't mean you comprimise your own beliefs nor throw your pearls before the swine. But it does allow you to introduce an audience to the gospel AND you get to PLAY TOO!!

Thoughts?

still4given · Posted: Thu May 23, 2002 10:28 am Post subject: Genre is important...

Good points there delreds. I am working on getting my chops back so I begin putting together a blues based christian group. I too believe it will be more effective in the "outer" realm.

Blessings, Terry

delreds · Posted: Thu May 23, 2002 11:16 am Post subject: Genre is important...

4given.. if I can help.. let me know.. ok?

check out our site: http://livingstonesministries.iuma.com

rollthbns · Newbie Alert Joined: 20 Dec 2002 Posts: 4

Great advice... I am a member of what I suppose you could call "alternative" Christian band. I think we are alternative because we havent figured out what style we really are! Anyway, great peice of advice about taking that message outside the walls of the Church building. I think you are absolutely right about that, especially in my area. There just dont seem to be too many Christian bands doing a whole lot of playing out on the mission field. Thanks again!

Maria · Newbie Alert Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1

intriguing! I would be interested in finding out about songs you play. are they all originals? do you also perform well-known tunes? I am in the process of finding the right recording studio for my CD, i write songs and am looking for God's leading on style, my identity-sound...anyway, that's all...but of course there's so much more.
ALL for God!!!

quote:
Originally posted by delreds:
I've been a member of a gospel blues band now for about one year. I have met many musicians - especially Christian musicians who play in "Worship" bands. Their biggest complaint? "We don't get enough gigs" or "We don't play out that much"..

If you think about it - Worship Bands have a 'limited' audience. Churches and "Christian-based" events such as Christian coffee houses or perhaps a youth camp.. Most churches of any size - who use 'worship' music probably have their own worship band..So they aren't likely to hire in another worship band.

Our band plays Gospel Blues.. Very evangelistic and not a watered down message and we are playing all the time - especially during the summer months.. The benefit we have over 'worship' bands is we can play in secular venues (City Festivals, Battle of the Band Events.. even in blues bars).. From an evangelistic point of view - God has called us to go into the world with the message of salvation - So, blues seems to work as an effective genre to get the gigs.

So.. if you want to play out more than perhaps you are playing - consider your genre. There is a place for Worship music -within the body.. It just won't go over well in the 'world'.. where they [b]need to hear the message of hope and good news..

Using a style that is 'world' friendly doesn't mean you comprimise your own beliefs nor throw your pearls before the swine. But it does allow you to introduce an audience to the gospel AND you get to PLAY TOO!!

Thoughts?[/B]

delreds · Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2003 6:49 am Post subject: Genre is important...

quote:
Originally posted by Maria:
intriguing! I would be interested in finding out about songs you play. are they all originals? do you also perform well-known tunes? I am in the process of finding the right recording studio for my CD, i write songs and am looking for God's leading on style, my identity-sound...anyway, that's all...but of course there's so much more.
ALL for God!!!

Maria: You can hear some of the songs here:
The Psalms Project

This is an mp3 site I maintain with original tunes I've written - you'll find some the band recorded and others just me. In the band, we played a mix of original tunes and rearranged hymns. The band didn't 'rewrite' words to cover songs..

While I was with the band, the style of music was more varied - however, now their overall sound is becoming more of a rock/blues style.

Take a listen to some of my songs.. if you are interested in using any, email me at delreds@softhome.net and we can discuss it.

Rich