I see many of the new “artists holding faith” (1 Timothy 1:19) not having an CCM approved outlet for their music — say an artist like Sufjan that speaks much to both Christians and non-Christians in such a deep and moving way — or bands like mewithoutyou, Norma Jean, the Chariot, etc. that reach into a body of people that most CCM artists would not have — or want — access to.

Then there’s Mutemath… I remember them nearly 3 years ago at a GMA (Gospel Music Association) Luncheon in a ball room full of radio and retail people. I thought this was some great, refreshing music. But the many radio people I encountered throughout the next day or so, said Mutemath was indeed interesting, but not a group that would get airplay, thus not be retail friendly. The issue that faces all parts of the music industry.

Is it the music or the marketability of the music that is important? Of course it is the marketability if we are talking about survival of the art form. But that is the hard truth. And I suspect until we as music lovers and proponents of nurturing the art form and the character of the artist holding faith, inevitably the music will be mandated by the industry.

So, back to the missionary analogy… do these artists need proponents that enhance the artists endeavors, either by buying two CDs –one to pass along; or by helping them get one more show in a new market; or sending them a gift certificate to Sam Ash or Guitar Center? Should we follow the example set by the church in centuries past where artists-in-residence provided us with beauty that lasts even today?

If I had a dime for every Christian band I heard tell me that they were in the Christian market as a springboard into the secular mainstream market, I’d be a rich man! The reason for this? The Christian labels wouldn’t really take the music they wrote seriously–it was all about money. Granted, so is the secular market, but being in the Christian industry for a while was enough to illustrate to me that it was never about musical creativity.

I applaud artists like Mute Math, Sufjan Stevens, and others promoting their music to the non-believing listeners. Like you said, the Gospel is big, and much bigger than the “Christian market.” I agree with Jeremy in that the Christian industry should be discussing ways to nurture and encourage their artists without pressuring a carbon-copy replication of what is popular in the secular market.

…I think this pretty much nails it. And the thing that really troubles me is that there really isn’t too much dialouge going on in industry cirlces about creating an environment where the artists are developed and nurtured into their gifts like those who have come before them. Out of touch, sanitized reproduction of popular culture indeed. The main concern and biggest idol is money. And I think most artists who are believers, if you press them hard, will admit to you that they didn’t get into music for the money.

my 2 cents…peace.