KVR Audio

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:48 pm

Ahh... good question. And I'm trying to figure that out too.

I've actually been a little confounded that I'm being reviewed at this site (and several other "Christian music" sites).

Yes, I've sent them my music and they are probably aware of my basic Christian worldview from my songs, but I'm not really "in the genre" as strongly as most of the albums in that list. Hopefully it's a sign that the genre is opening a bit to allow Christian people to express themselves and not just sell CDs because they have a high JPM (jesus' per minute) count.

Thanks DJ Flexstyle and thanks DP for purchasing! Glad you like it.

Peace,
Jeff

eduardo_b · Post by **eduardo_b** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:51 pm

plunge wrote:Hopefully it's a sign that the genre is opening a bit to allow Christian people to express themselves and not just sell CDs because they have a high JPM (jesus' per minute) count.

rockstar_not · Post by **rockstar_not** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:56 pm

eduardo_b wrote:
duncanparsons wrote:I like Christian artists who do songs about life, rather than just the obvious praise and worship stuff.
Out of curiosity, if they focus on life, what makes them "Christian artists?" I have no interest in the genre, but am wondering about your interesting distinction.

I think I understand where Duncan is coming from. Being a Christian shapes one's world view and raises certain questions about how life happens day to day.

The best model of lyric writing that Christians have to go from in their faith is from David, who wrote many of the poems and songs in the book of Psalms. David was constantly challenging God, asking why certain things were happening to him, to take him out of some particular difficult situation etc. He also would praise God in unique and grandiose wordplay. In other words, David is a guy who experienced life's ups and downs.

Some 'Christian' music of probably the last hundred years unfortunately has not followed that example and it almost seems like the writers of the lyrics of the songs live these lives that are without error; without difficulty or strife; without doubt as to whether God really exists or gives a care about them as an individual. It's hard for me to trust people like that. All they can do is praise God and write songs like He is their boyfriend. I wonder what would happen to them if they found out they had terminal cancer, or that their spouse is cheating on them, etc.? Are they honest about pain, or do they talk about it like it really isn't happening?

Jeff's songs, instead, seem to come from a place where his faith is on trial; knowing that he won't stray, but not afraid to ask God "Hey, can you lay off for a little bit - let me get some peace?" Jeff's songs "Equillibrium" and "Pain is a Megaphone" come from that place - at least they have that meaning to me.

When I hear them - I can completely relate to where he seems to be coming from.

Sorry for the long-winded response and I know that question wasn't directed to me, but hopefully that gives you a little picture of the kind of music that has been given the title 'Christian music' over the last several decades.

Probably should stop soon before this thread goes Hyde Park.

Congrats again Jeff. No doubt about it - the placement in the top 10 was well deserved (and you have actually earned me some credit on AmieStreet because I rec'ed a couple of your songs!)

-Scott

eduardo_b · Post by **eduardo_b** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:05 pm

rockstar_not wrote:Sorry for the long-winded response and I know that question wasn't directed to me, but hopefully that gives you a little picture of the kind of music that has been given the title 'Christian music' over the last several decades.

No problem. More information for me to store about this area of music and motivations. I'm all Zen all the time, but it's interesting to know there's some complexity behind what seems a simplistic genre -- and I don't mean that in a disparaging way. The term 'Christian music' gives that impression.

Thanks for your reply.

Shane Sanders · Post by **Shane Sanders** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:49 pm

Congratulations Jeff! That's well-earned recognition.

I've always admired that you were willing to use your gifts to point attention in other directions like helping people. Please don't ever let that out of your sight.

-S

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:05 pm

Thanks for the explanation and encouraging words, Scott.

And thanks for the compliments, too, Shane. I've done "I'm not Numb" a couple times when I've played out locally. In fact, I did it with loops and a xylophone at my release party gig. I'd still love to put that on a CD too.

duncanparsons · Post by **duncanparsons** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:18 pm

Again, not wanting to Hyde-Parkify the thread, but I'm glad that Scott and Jeff understand what I'm saying. I've been around 'Contemporary Christian Music' (CCM) for 20 odd years now, and there's not often artists who endevour to see beyond the JPM (great term!) stuff.

Geoff Mann was one such artist, who died of cancer in 1992. He was the first vocalist in 'Twelfth Night', lead a number of excellent Christian bands, and was behind the allegorical 'Casino' album. I worked with one of his friends, Marc Catley, doing Christian prog rock (as Paley's Watch) and satirical stuff (as Marc Catley and the Flaming Methodists). The sales we abysmal overall, even thop we had many excellent reviews, largely because we didn't fit the CCM zeitgeist. The Paley's Watch album November (see my article on www.progarchives.com) was an attempt (by three people with serious questions to God) to write an intelligent evangelistic album into the prog world, and we managed all 74 minutes without mentioning Jesus by name. Quite a few who took time to listen to it and trace the threads of plot through could see what we were driving at - what they did about it was up to them, but at least we had conveyed what we intended.

Scott's point about the last hundred years is a good one.. there haven't been many songs written like 'Amazing Grace' (to name just one) over the last century, altho' artists like Keith Green and Matt Redman have written some very close to the bone stuff.

Anyway, I'll stop now, before I start rambling

DSP

[Edit]
I'm finding the second song one for particular reflection... My wife's brother in law was recently diagnosed with a malignant tumour on the brain, in such a place that it would be very dangerous to operate, or try laser surgery. He starts on Chemo in January... He is just older than me at 38, his wife is 33, and they have 3 children, the youngest is one next month. I'm not sure I can play that song to my wife just yet, but what it says is very moving.
[/Edit]

Shane Sanders · Post by **Shane Sanders** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:26 pm

plunge wrote:Thanks for the explanation and encouraging words, Scott.

And thanks for the compliments, too, Shane. I've done "I'm not Numb" a couple times when I've played out locally. In fact, I did it with loops and a xylophone at my release party gig. I'd still love to put that on a CD too.

No kidding? That's funny. Do you have a recording of it? I think the masters were lost to me when my music drive died some months back. I lost a lot of stuff, but I've used it as motivation to make more. Of course, I have mp3s of everything for relearning songs, etc. You should do a 100% plunge version of it unless you wanted me for a specific aspect of it. I think you'd do a better job of realizing as an actual song.

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:27 pm

Wow. Sorry to hear it hits so close to home. I emailed Jon's widow last week and haven't heard back. I'm going to probably call her soon and see if she'd like a copy of the CD. Never met her before.

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:29 pm

Shane Sanders wrote: No kidding? That's funny. Do you have a recording of it? I think the masters were lost to me when my music drive died some months back. I lost a lot of stuff, but I've used it as motivation to make more. Of course, I have mp3s of everything for relearning songs, etc. You should do a 100% plunge version of it unless you wanted me for a specific aspect of it. I think you'd do a better job of realizing as an actual song.

I did record it. I'll see if I can send that without being too embarrassed. Actually, I don't know how much made it to tape. I seem to recall some problems with my sound guy getting the whole show.

J

Reverend Rhythm · Post by **Reverend Rhythm** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:53 pm

Congratulations, Jeff. I really like your insightful songs. I don't know how I've missed you on kvr, but I'll notice plunge from now on!

Caleb · Post by **Caleb** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:48 am

Hey Jeff - that's great news!

OKAY is one of the CDs that does the rounds in my car while driving to/from work.

I might spend time listening to other artists, but you'd be surprised how many times I grab OKAY for another listen.

Regards
Caleb

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:12 pm

Thanks Rev. Rhythm. And thanks Caleb. Caleb: I think you were the first person to pre-order the disc. Probably my first sale of the CD at all. Thanks!

Jeff

p356 · Post by **p356** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:35 am

Just got your CD (download), nice stuff! Longtime Christian, first-time caller(poster?): I like how you didn't stick to one musical genre per se; some acoustic, some R&B feels, blues-ey... Of course, music hits me first, so I'll give it a listen for the lyrics again. Though I love "not much of a tale to tell, cause after all I mostly fell." Funny, pithy and kind of what I'm dealing with in my own life.

Question: What did you use for drums, had a good feel, not too much not too little?

Larry

plunge · Post by **plunge** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:41 am

Hey Larry,
Thanks for checking out my music.

Re: the drums, I used a simple little loop and some bongos on Almost Flew. I think it was a combo of a loop and some custom stuff I did with the samples.

The other songs with drums are all live drums.

GridlockedUK did production on Perspective and I did some simple programming on Equilibrium.

Thanks again for checking it out!

Plunge, er, Jeff Caylor Voted #5 Christian CD of 2007!