So i sit here now with Paramore's "Future' blaring in the background. Which is kind of fitting for what i want to write today. You see, Since Paramore's "All We Know is Falling" (2005), they have been part of the future that i have created. That's now 8 years i've taken a ride with the now trio from Tennessee. Then there's New Found Glory who remarkably i've followed since the year 2000 - 13 years now!! Throw in Anberlin who since 2005 i've grown really fond of. You get the idea here. I've spent a fair portion of time committing and growing with the same bands. The question is why? And why do we all do things like this??
I like to think that in the most simplest of thoughts the reason we connect to a band is more than just a catchy tune. Sure, that catchy tune may well be what attracts us to a band initially, but what is it that makes us stay with that band. For me anyways i look beyond the music and lyrics. There are many a great song writers in our time. They are to me, on par with authors. The good ones ooze creative talent, often write the words we simple folk think but can never put into words so well. As much as i respect the song writing process, it's the actions, morals and beliefs which stick with me.
One particular band that has my full respect is Anberlin. I first saw them live in 2005. 8 years ago now. 7 albums have passed since 2003's "Blueprints for the Blackmarket". The thing that struck me most that night back in 2005 was the genuinity of the band that night. It was a band that was humbled by what had been given to them and where it had led them. They appreciated even the little aspects of their success. Over the 8 years i feel like i've grown with them. I've watched them grow from young 20's in to the men they are today.
The respect i have though is not just about their music. It's about what they stand for in life. I'm over the catchy pop hooks. They don't lure me in to anyone's music. The artist needs substance. A substance that i can relate to. In the case of Anberlin they admit to being a band with Christian values, like myself - a man of christian values. Further more i believe i have a heart which is open to people. Particularly the vulnerable. In fact Anberlin were one of two bands (the other being Switchfoot) who got my attention on the non-profit "To Write Love On Her Arms", a Florida based organization which works with people who are struggling with some of life's most difficult issues such as depression, thoughts of suicide and self harm. I'm thankful that i know of this non-profit because my eyes have been opened to the fact that our world is far from pretty. It's screwed up and that's okay. This world we live in is far from perfect and the fact that there is a community that exists to lend support to those caught up in it, is beautiful.
Paramore are another band who have led me to another non-profit who i think do amazing work. "Love 146". Love 146 exists to abolish one of this worlds most evil trades, child sex trafficking and exploitation. Myself, i cannot fathom how people can support such evil. I'll never understand it fully perhaps but to see this non profit fighting the way they fight is inspiring. The world can be a better place.It warms my heart that there are people out there who care this much.
To know that two of my favourite bands support such important social dilemma's is a massive thing because like i said earlier, i want more than a catchy tune in my music. I want substance. I want these bands to stand for something far more important than their music. Having beliefs and morals is an issue of the heart. In this case it's about what's just and fair. it's about showing care and love for people other than yourself. Just because your life is swimmingly great doesn't mean the world is in the same place. I truly wish the world could open their eyes. Why did the world mock Invisible Children when they launched their Kony campaign? Why did we need to shoot down Jason Russell in the weeks that followed? Was that what the Kony campaign was meant to achieve? Again, the world thought only of itself and down played the nature of concern about Kony. The world seems to act rather skeptical towards a lot of non profits organization these days. Why can't the world channel the same energy into listening and acting in support of the worlds social justice issues and stigmas.
I guess in conclusion. What i've realized is that much of the music i listen to these days comes down two things. First, a sound that i identify with and enjoy. And secondly it comes back to the artist or band and the things they stand for. In a time where i can ramble on about Robin Thicke and how i have NO resepect for him and his career for his decision to write songs about rape, I choose not to because he doesn't deserve the time. The world has enough people criticizing this douchebag. Instead i'll sit here and promote bands and artists who appeal to my very way of life and thank God for them and their songs and of course their hearts.
www.anberlin.com
www.paramore.net
www.towriteloveonherarms.com
www.love146.org
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