I have to touch on something that seems to keep circling the drain. I keep hearing, "Would you prefer talent or screaming singers?" Well, I would prefer REAL singers over the over-produced. Who really gives a flip if you've produced the perfect record, and you turned around and forgot the most important elements. Fruit, honesty and reality.
So, what if they scream, growl, use there full voice, or sing unnatural. Its not the artist's fault that production ideas are not being appreciated by the buyers. So, what if you all can hit a note perfectly, or produce a project with all the bells and whistles. A lot of good it does sitting in the closet or garage.
Christians love reality, the energy, the spirit, the flow, not the timing, perfection and egos that are producing big budget projects, big budget salaries and BIG boxes of product not being sold.
Next time you wanna gripe about an artist that's growling, or singing what you think is unnatural maybe you should examine all the boxes or returns retail on those over-produced porjects because more than likely only a handful of people are buying it. Its probably over produced or to0 perfect to be pleasant, fruitful or real.
Knowing the market is important. Knowing boundaries is important. Having a level of expertise is important. But lets not allow the self proclaimed Gospel gurus to dictate what we all need. I am sure the mother that just lost her son to suicide is not listening for a controlled vocal run. The father of two that is losing his battle with cancer is not bothered by whether the vocals are stacked. And I am sure the house wife that is bleeding from a brutal beating her husband just gave her is not wondering why the artist is singing unnatural.
Friend, let me tell you what is unnatural. Removing the Holy Spirit from a record. Taking the artist out of the recording and trying to replace it with years of cookie cutter production or trained vocals is unnatural.
I get spiritually ill at the people in the industry sometimes. It seems the people with the most ideas and criticism have the least place on the food chain. No offense, but, it's easy to criticize, condemn.
Leave the singers alone. If they wanna scream their vocals till their jugular pops, its their juglar. I wonder how many people told Rob Parsley and TD Jakes to tone down, not to scream, not to get loud. I can hear it now. "Oh, that's not Christian to be loud.
What is not Christian is to sit back and listen to everyone else but the Holy Spirit. If I wanna know how it feels to hold the hand of Jesus in a storm, awaken from a dark depression, meet my needs down to the wire, hold me when everyone else has betrayed me, dry the years of disappointment from my eyes - I will take the energetic, excited, vein popping, sweating, running singer or preacher that can't sit still because he knows what it's like to feel the worthlessness removed ................ Yes, give me those screamin' singers!
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com
Author: RickBHendrix
| Author's Website: http://www.rickhendrix.com
Written: 10/31/2005
| 
Category: Monthly ArticlesLeave No Stone Unturned
Comments: 66
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Oh boy! I can't wait to read the responses to this article! What I like is the best of both worlds. A good example would be the Hillsong praise and worship music. Their CDs are not overly produced, but the musicians and singers are both high quality and filled with the Spirit.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
To somehow connect LACK OF TALENT with the presence of the Holy Spirit is a really interesting concept. Especially since the Bible clearly states that God expects His musicians to sing and play "skillfully".
great article rick,, as a nine year sg radio veteran nominated as a top ten dj for the last two yeasr thats they basis i have always programmed music by ,.,weather its smooth well produced vocals are rough countrfied twang the thing that matters is the message ,and the ministry factor ,.,.i found gospel listners can be blesssed by music on our station as smooth as the ruppes with under his wings ,.a song that has truly ministered to our listening audience for nine years ,.,or a song such as so much to thank him for ,.,done by those countrified mountain singers the melodyb trio,..theses song both continue to minister to those becuse the artist relly puts their heart into it ,and i belive the songwriters were trully inspired by god and not just a bunch of staff writers sitting down in a company writing room pumping out commercial songs
So, your saying God said make a joyful noise and pleasant noise. Does that mean excited singers are not joyful? or that every word not spoken pleasant is not heard by God?
People keep saying The Crabb family are screaming. Jason Crabb is a perfect example of a screaming singer that never leaves a building without the HOLY SPIRIT showing up and leaving the crowds on their feet. So, maybe you guys could learn a bit from that.He can sing a note however and whereever he likes. But, when he gets excited he lets the spirit lead.
Who mentioned the Crabb Family??
i think that people can be out of control and out of the spirit. i find very little comfort in someone screaming JESUS - i would rather see JESUS as the peace and comfort. life screams enough.
I really dont see the big deal.I feel every artist has their own style.Its not growling etc , its just their voice. I am glad everyone doesnt sing alike.
The Happy Goodmans did a lot of screaming. The Hoppers and the Hinsons have done their fair share of screaming. The mighty Kingsmen did a lot of screaming... as Jim Hammill said, "It wouldn't be the Kingsmen without somebody busting your eardrums every night." Screaming can be great! But so can singing "properly." Don't get me started on stacked vocals, though. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't reproduce it live, don't do it. There nothing "new" to stacks, though. I remember hearing a "live" Imperials record in 1972 or so where it sounded like 4 Armonds, 4 Roger Wiles, 4 Terrys. and 7 Jim Murrays. It worked for them... but YOU'RE not the Imperials!!!
In reading this article I believe Rick is trying to say something different than some have percieved. I don't believe you can relegate the Holy Spirit to any style of music. There is nothing wrong with good techique or perfect harmonies, or the style of doing a little "screaming or growling" as long as which ever it is isn't contrived or fake. The benefits of being led by the Spirit far outweigh the intent of the record producer.
Rick, you da man!! You go dog!
Greetings,
My words exactly "Ethan!" Not once in the Bible does it talk about jamming. Psalms talks about harps/stringed instruments/trumpets, and only once David mentions a "clashing symbol." It's obvious that musicians especially in "Christian Rock," and even some CCM (everybody's gonna blast me for that one) have gone way farther than the Bible speaks of in praising the Lord with a joyful noise. HOWEVER, I do think we need a whole lot more preachers to stand up and do some "screaming" for the right. So many pastors have started preaching what the people want to hear instead of what they NEED to hear. Bring on the screaming preachers and energetic singers, but leave the ear-drum blasting screamin' jam that 'rocks the house' at home! IMO
Ethan and Mark:
oh come on they have mics-why scream too. God is not about loud and out of control we must live in peace with our spirit most artist over emphasize to monopolize.
preach on ethan and mark
Hi ya!
You know, I read these posts each month and I never have felt led to say much.. But I have to share something here....I can't understand for the life of me why some of you folks don't get it! You just don't get the concept of this industry at all. For all of you hard core THIS IS MINISTRY ONLY believers out there, you definitely are going to throw a fit over this, but you need to understand something. For the professional artists in this industry, this is CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT, yep, there, I said it. Does that mean I don't love my Savior? NO! I am a born again Christian, bought with the price if Christ’s blood just like YOU, who has dedicated my life to Him. And have chosen to use my talents and my profession to provide good music, clean fun, and also use the opportunity from stage to share our testimonies in hopes someone might be saved. The comments some of you make about our artists sicken me. I am an entertainer by heart, a Christian by grace, we are not preachers or at least most of us aren’t. We are music entertainers who love gospel music and have chosen a particular genre to devote our talent. By doing that we constantly work hard to develop our craft, our skills, our love, and our passion so that it can be the very best it can be.
Rick...Great article. I'm in 100% agreement!
I guess none of you are getting the picture, so I'll make it "plainer" (and I'm certain I'm speaking on behalf of Mr. Hendrix as well.)
JD, you hit the nail on the head. People who want to make this all ministry forget that when they want to be entertained, they go to a Gospel concert, or put on a Gospel CD. Gospel Music fills two needs in our life, entertainment AND ministry. What's so hard to understand about that. I like it when artists get a little excited about what they're doing. I believe that's called emotion. Without emotion, our music would be very boring, and would even minister to few people.
JD
When studying music in college, they taught me that to keep listeners interested in your music, there has to be both consonance (pleasant sounds) and dissonance (unpleasant sounds), order and disorder, tension and release, in the music. But if you have all pleasing and orderliness or all unpleasant and disorderly, people lose interest. So we need both.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Hi, Rick:
I agree with Rick to a degree, unfortunately what sells (most of the time) is what immitates secular, contemporary and Country Music. My husband can't stand Gretchen Wilson, he calls her 'Retched Squealson' but she's got a lot of green lining her pocket and is very popular. I don't agree with her 'message' but she is reaching her audience. So if we want to keep SGM alive, we have to make room for a little more updated style that will draw younger listeners. However, not every song should be the same style, same tempo, same, same, same, etc. As a person who books artist, I'm saying learn to 'build' and diversify your program. Learn your own style and message of ministry and stop trying to copy someone else. As Rick says, be yourself and if your message reaches people, they will buy your product. It takes the entertainment part to get your audiences attention and it takes the ministry to get your message of across. It takes us to seek God's annointing to do both, get their attention so you can tell them the good news. And God's word says to 'study to show yourself approved'. Study God's word in order to minister and work at being the very best you can be vocally for the sake of the Lord.
I must ask Sandra...
I don't know about you John, but I go to SG concerts to be UPLIFTED! Sure, I like good harmony and professionalism, but if I didn't leave the place feeling blessed it wouldn't have near the appeal it does now. I don't think it's fair to say that the only reason for ever going to a concert is to be entertained. Some of us go to get a blessing and be ministered to. Think about That!
If I could get Aaron Wilburn on TV then I'd watch him too, but who are the Redskins?
In others words Donna, if I just wanted to be entertained I'd watch a DVD or go to a movie or watch a football game (Washington Redskins - tell me you've heard of them!) or go ride a dirt bike or "test drive" a Corvette or go bungie-jumping or write messages like this. Get it? LOL
i dont understand- are you all saying its ok to be trained to entertain a person that is in need of the holy spirit to save them?
ARE WE TRAINED TO SAVE SOULS NOW? I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THAT REMARK.
I think, honestly, that this article is a knee-jerk response to articles that other columnists have written about the state of SGM. Evidently, Rick does not agree with the opinions of those columnists and this column is his attempt to answer. It's actually quite amusing to watch. "Columnist A" writes about a subject and a few months later Rick comments on what Columnist A said - but in an opposite opinion. Which is a GOOD thing. Open discussion is always GOOD.
I would like to modify my statements. "JJ" wrote that entertainers were "chaff" and ministers were "wheat." While I think the basic motive for singing MUST BE MINISTRY, I don't think that makes the singers who are more involved in uplifting and encouraging the already
tj, let me clarify your clarification of my comments. I said that Jesus would separate the wheat from the chaff on judgement day and that ONLY HE knows what our motives are. You missed my point completely.
"None of us can determine who is in this for ministry and who is in it for entertainment. Someday the Lord of us all will separate the wheat from the chaff.. and then we'll know forever."
tj....You've got a real gift for twisting people's words.
"My point is that you can be an entertainer if you so chose. There is nothing wrong with that at all.... but it isn't MINISTRY."
And if you consider it a form of ministry then good for you.
I directly quote you so you can't twist MY words this time, JJ:
I don't agree with you.
Who cares how the message is brought forth-if it reached the people. I dont understand the logic. Good is good.
Good article Rick. Lots of food for thought.
its not ok to entertain a hurting person- GOD didnt make preachers or singers to entertain- we must be real and honest in our works for him
"The list of "lifts" is endless.... ( Rev. Jay Leno? Ringling Brothers Evangelistic Association? Rascal Flatts Ministry? )"
For those of you who say you can't have entertainment along with ministry.. Do you think that when Jay Parrack was with Gold City that when he hit one of those crazy insane notes that God was in that?? NO.. and Jay didn't mean for it to be that way... That was designed into part of the SHOW for folks who love quartets to say GOOD NIGHT did you hear that note!!! but then later in the concert most likely you would hear him sing a heart felt ballad that would melt your heart and he would be singing it as though he lived the moment.. Thats what it's about folks.. You can't expect professional singers to act like preachers neither can you compare them. they are not the same. Though some groups have preachers in them.
no that was GOD in jay parracks voice not a circus or entertainment
I guess "scream singing" is in the ear of the beholder. Intense vocals are effective now and then, but I personally cannot take a full concert of screaming-style delivery. It's annoying to me, personally. I liken it to fingernails on the chalkboard. But saying all that, it doesn't mean others aren't blessed. It's just a personal preference and so I don't condemn the singers that do it all the time -- I just won't be out there listening or listening to their CD. Others will and receive a blessing.
-"encouragement is a VALID way to minister"
In this discussion we seem to be saying that music either has to be entertainment or ministry, but not both or something else. But I think we should look at it as art rather than entertainment. There are two characteristics of entertainment that may make us think twice about participating in it. And I would like to contrast those with art.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Administrator note:
This discussion appears to be getting way too personal. If you like screeming---good. If you like entertainment--good. The Southern Gospel tent is big enough for both. When Jason Crabb screems at the NQC I head for the hot dog stand, but that doesn't mean I don't respect his testimony. It is just not for me. We go to events and see artists we like and that is the way it should be. What I never saw in all the discussion is any mention of the "stacked tracks" which hide imperfections and make the group sound like a choir. Signature Sound is a prime example of a group using stacked tracks which doesn't need to. They are good enough in their own right. when Ernie is holding his mike two feet away it is a sure give-away. I would rather hear a group being "really them live" than a Nashville produced perfect copy even if they make mistakes now and then.
I thought I'd mention that I love debate LOL
JGERDES, you are telling it straight. You're right, that's the way it should be. Why people try to pick this thing a part is beyond me. The way people sing, dress, etc.. is their particular style. That shouldn't reflect their testimony in any way.
Okay, I just want to add one thing and then I'll hush. I guess the thing I don't understand is why it seems so hard for some of you all to understand that entertainment even in doing Gods works is okay.. There is a time and place for all things.. If you are usinging your talents to make people smile, WOW them by screaming out a insanely high note or by a bass singer shaking the ground. Then at the same time being open to the Holy Spirit and allowing the Spirit to move freely in the service when the time comes for that.. WHY would you want to condemn that? I would dare say 90% of you are at home during the week watching television shows that keep you amused.. when it comes to good clean Christian entertainment/Art/Ministry/music you just won't have it!! As a Christian artist..... I... just .. can't undertand..
I didn't get a chance to read all the posts on this, so hopefully I'm not repeating what's already been said. If I do, I apologize!
thank you rick. I feel the industry has become so marketing minded that they fail to remember that the anointing is what works. i have been around the southern gospel market a few times and i can tell you that people are more thrilled when men and woman allow the holy spirit to take over and perform not themselves. i have done both. i have seen more happen in one moment when the holy spirit takes over that i have ever seen by doing everything right. what i mean by everything right is what the industry thinks is right. i just released a new project with a not so well known record label. i produced it my self and played most of the music trax. it is not a grammy winning project but i can tell you it has touched the lives of many that has purchased it. you can come to my house and see that i don't have boxes of product that has not sold. thank god for the anointing.
Wow, JD, you are one of the few who have actually gotten what Rick was saying.
i kinda see what they are saying- if i were down i would prefer the energy of a singer or preacher that knows the Holy Spirit
i meant to say why does everyone worry about all of this anyway-singing correct or incorrect doesnt get you to heaven-
AMEN- all the voices good and bad get to go
But I think they are saying- Do your best and make a joyful noise to the Lord.
"Friend, let me tell you what is unnatural. Removing the Holy Spirit from a record. Taking the artist out of the recording and trying to replace it with years of cookie cutter production or trained vocals is unnatural." -- People make this statement because they have not trained themselves to be good musicians and then make up for it with theatrics or excitement. And that's because some in Southern Gospel have a prejudice against learning music. I understand exactly what Rick was saying and I agree that we need the Holy Spirit in our music, I just don't think that relaxing standards or showing excitement gets us there.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Really now Keith, why stereotype?
I am a Southern Gospel singer. I have sung with various well known groups over the years, one belonging to the greatest songwriter of all time....Kyla Rowland. She once told me that it was better to sing from your heart and not from your head. I interpreted this to mean....OPEN UP AND LET IT FLY! there is nothing wrong with tight harmony. I expect my group members to be on their parts as best they can. But, I also want them to sing from their heart, deliver the message and let God's work be done. It's not about how pretty you sound, how much vocal training you've had.....It's about getting a message out to a lost and dying world. We as Christian singers have gotten so caught up in sounding better than the next group, that we've forgotten about the "Whosoeverwill's" that we're supposed to be leading into the foal. We are supposed to come out and be a separate people, not try to be better or sound like somebody else. So there is nothing wrong with singers that may sound like they are screaming somewhat. If God's message is getting out, then SO BE IT! God said if we didn't praise him he'd let the rocks do it. Ain't no rock gonna cry out in my place. So let the rocks keep silent and let the screamers, the softies, the melodic's, and even the toned-deaf ones praise him. Who are we to judge.
you still cant sing i have read and visited websites of some posters. WHO CARES if yuo take the time to learn your parts- your voices stink- this buisness is crazythe ones that care are not talented and the ones that dont care are knocking the doors down
well obviously some people don't understand what the anointing is. we DO NOT know who God has chosen to hold the key to the service we are in....it is always the most unlikely of people. there's this little blind girl from up in georgia....most look at her and think she's just a poor soul...but when she sings Safe Thus Far.....it makes you feel like you're the one who is lost.....her voices is always booming.....always loud and at times...a bit pitchy, but I'd give all my talent all of my musical capabilities for just a tiny bit of her anointing.......it doesn't matter what you sound like...God said make a joyful noise unto the Lord....EVERYBODY! I say to all of you screamers out there...( not the CRY BABIES who are gettin their toes stepped on) SING IT! SING IT LOUD!
"Leave the singers alone. If they wanna scream their vocals till their jugular pops, its their juglar. I wonder how many people told Rob Parsley and TD Jakes to tone down, not to scream, not to get loud. I can hear it now. "Oh, that's not Christian to be loud."
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
