Am I a Christian artist or not?
I probably get asked this question more than any other question. The second being, “Who is your biggest influence, musically?” The answer to these questions are actually intertwined.
I grew up listening to Christian music and Christian music only. “Secular” music wasn’t allowed in my house. So, there was no Nirvana, Marilyn Manson, Green Day, The Beatles, The Doors, or anything like that in my house to influence me early on. When I was in middle school, I was introduced to a band called Deliriou5? Wikipedia them if you have them time. They have an interesting story.
This band was different than anything I had heard, though. I was very familiar with modern day worship songs that people had been singing around the world in churches and Christian meetings. But, never had I heard something like this. The guitars were loud and the tones were amazing. The drums were loud and live and in your face. The vocals were creative and intriguing. The lyrics, while sometimes plain and cookie-cutter, were delivered in such a way that was overwhelming, beautiful, and captivating. This band had been introduced to me as a “worship band”. But for me, it seemed like there was more going on.
This band had tapped in to something that I had been longing to hear, and more so, wanted to recreate. I wanted my music to sound just like this band. They had been formally known as “Cutting Edge” and I had gotten my hands on a dual disc that they released and it blew my mind. There was something that was so pure and simple about these songs. Some of them could have passed for mainstream songs, while others were, in my opinion at the time, overtly worship songs. I didn’t know how to classify this band. Were they a Christian band that got some mainstream play or were they a secular band who Christians had latched on to for some reason.? I’d seen both things happen growing up and was so confused as to what was happening in this situation.
Let’s fast forward the tape a bit. I’m a lot different than I use to be. I’ve released a few records to date, some that were “Christian” records, others that were “secular” records, and some that were “worship” records.
But the person that I’ve become doesn’t like titles anymore. If someone asks me if I’m a Christian, I respond with, “I’m Mel.” I don’t mean that in a cocky way. It’s just that the word “Christian” has so many things associated with it that I in no way want to be associated with. I am not ashamed of my God. And I am not ashamed of my faith. I’m just ashamed of some of the things that have been done under the name of “Christianity”. If someone asks me if I’m republican or democrat, I typically reply, “I’m Mel.” Because it’s ridiculous to think of all the things that you have to ascribe to to be a part of a political party. What if you don’t agree with 100% of that party’s beliefs? Are you not allowed to be a part of that party anymore?
I write songs. I try to be as honest as I can be in them. I write what’s on my mind. Sometimes those songs are songs of thanksgiving and awe of something I believe in that’s bigger than me, my life, my world. Other times those songs are songs of me questioning that same being. I’ve become okay with asking God really tough questions. Some songs are songs of confession to Him. Other songs are reflective songs about my frienships, my life, decisions I’ve made, things I’ve observed in the world around me.
Basically, for me, a song, is a framing and shaping of thoughts in my head. Every once in a while I’ll pick a few of those songs that I want to share with my friends and I’ll make them a record and release it.
I’m not sure what genre those songs are, ever. I know that I’m not okay with “Christian” being a genre anymore. I know that there are a lot of “secular” songs that have healed me, comforted me, and drawn me closer to God than a lot of “Christian” songs have.
I’m not a “Christian” artist. (Whatever that’s supposed to mean). I am an artist. I take humble stabs at making something worthy enough to be “art”. And just like any other piece of art, it’s up for interpretation by the beholder.
I am so thankful that many of you listen to my “art”. (If it can be called that). And I hope you’ll keep listening. I’ll keep writing songs that are my thoughts/heart on paper and then on disc/iTunes/whatever, in hopes that you’ll still listen. I’ll let you make the decision as to what they are to you.
Also, check out Deliriou5? They are awesome!
