Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Why "Indie" Christian Bands Struggle

This isn't a nice post. It's sarcastic and bitter. It's also how I feel. The Jesus lover in me is keenly aware of doing things simply for His glory and that I might get struck by lightning for this rant, but if I'm already thinking it, I might as well put it in writing. Right?

About a year ago a band was invited to do a couple of concerts in San Francisco. "It's strictly ministry." we were told. Ok.?. why else would someone be part of "Christian" band/music ministry? Why did they have to make that disclosure? Maybe to make it clear we wouldn't be getting any money from it. That's not unusual and something we've grown accustomed to.

It was A LOT of work. Not for me. Once all the communications had been made, meetings and details arranged my part is pretty much done. The work is left to my husband and his bandmates. Part of our effort in this outreach meant bringing our truck and trailer into San Francisco. Crazy. Where would we park, unload and park again? If you've ever been to San Francisco you understand what a mess that was. We were told we'd have all the help we needed. Not true. We had a little help but certainly not "all we needed." The "helpers" had a good time catching up with each other, though. That was nice. It was an unusually warm day for San Francisco and my husband (and other band members) were hot, sweaty and tired and they hadn't even started playing/singing.
Yup-MHR band sets all that up before most every show.

Don't get me wrong...once the music started it was great! People were stopping in the middle of the Embarcadero Center and Union Square just to hear what was going on and hearing about Jesus in word and music. I know God was at work that day.
Mars Hill Revisited at Union Square, San Francisco
We were only one part of the three music ministries taking part. The other groups offered no assistance. They used all our equipment and didn't help at all. What? Where's the community in that? No wonder independent bands struggle. (At least it wasn't as bad as the guy who "helped" our band and then promoted his own band during the break.) I just don't get it. In fact, it just makes me mad.

Seven years of one to two weekly practices, loading and unloading the trailers. It's not for the faint of heart. It's for those who feel they are fulfilling a ministry that God has put in their hearts to do. It's only by His grace, mercy, and strength that an indie Christian band can continue for that long.

After a while is it any wonder the "Christian" music industry is stuck in the hamster wheel of music. You've got your gold category on radio and the worship bands that are now writing music for churches. Who's taking the music to the people in San Francisco that need to hear a message but refuse to step inside a church? And how can indie bands even consider going into the cities if they have no support? No wonder independent bands get burn-out and quit.

I love concerts as much as anyone! I'm not knocking it....I'm just saying the family who wants to bring their neighbor to a Chris Tomlin concert can't afford the $40 ticket to cover the promoters $45,000 budget he needs just to break even. So, they try and invite their friends to their church barbecue. That's not awkward at all. People crowding the new guy wondering how long it will take for him to make the famous "walk to the front with all heads bowed and all eyes closed."

This is just a rant. An anecdotal story I'm sure no one else understands but those in the thick of it.



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