Music
I love music, I always have. I think I have my mother to blame for that. Apparently from the very beginning of gracing the world with my presence, music has surrounded me. I don’t remember at any point in my life when I was completely consumed by a band or artist of some type.
There are a few constants in my life. Meaning, if you ask me what I’m currently listening too, chances are good if you guess U2, Dave Matthews Band you’ll be right. U2 has changed the face of music, and I will argue with anyone that they have had more of an impact on music than the Beatles (not a fan). Edge’s guitar playing, simple but profound and Bono’s writing… nothing like it. Then the DMB, my goodness. The ultimate jam band. Just a pleasure to listen too but to watch them play together is something entirely different.
However, as of late, I’ve been having a passion growing in me for music that is simple, true, and pure. I’ve been absolutley enthralled with bands like, Needtobreathe, Elbow, The Doves, The Black Keys. I can listen to them at any point and shut out the world and let time pass me by. Talented, not the norm, and just great music.
Currently though, Jon Foreman’s music (be it himself, Switchfoot or Fiction Family) has been feeding my soul. It is so refreshing to listen to music that cries out for God in ways that “worship music” just can’t.
All that to say this, I need to start to write. I can’t put into words this feeling that has been festering inside of me for the past year. I need to make music. More than just sitting down and putting some trite to a few chords, but music that tells my story. Music that I can actually call my own. Music that won’t add to the noise that is already out there, but catch someone’s ear who may be searching for what God has done for me and only my story could turn them towards Him. I want to have my music do for someone else what Jon Foreman’s music does for me. Makes me think about the world around me, cause’s me to question my own relationship with Christ and is it truly what He wants it to be?
I know how meaningless it is to say that I don’t care about money or fame because all musicians who love to sing in front of people are ego maniacs, but it’s true. I would love to just sit and play my music in a coffee house, pub or bar. That isn’t to say that if I all of a sudden hit the “big time” that I wouldn’t buy a house on a lake, turn it into a studio then head off to the nearest Porsche dealership, but that isn’t why I want to write. I need to write because I feel like a part of me is dying inside if I don’t.
So, where to start? How to being? What to say? Those are the questions for another day.
