Christian Artists Go Mainstream – Part I

In today’s world of music, it seems that the genres assigned to specific styles and features of a band or musician are simply there just to be there.  Now, more and more, many artists and bands crossover into genres other than their own, and the result is that listeners are subject to hearing all different types of musical stylings.  Country is played on pop radios, rap is now in country, and so many other collaborative efforts encourage this branching out and crossover movement.  Another really fantastic genre merge are Christian groups and musicians on mainstream radio channels.  Luckily, today’s contemporary Christian music is very appealing to many.  This means that these artists are able to actually reach out and share their beliefs and faith with people who may have never heard the Gospel otherwise.  As a Christian, it is a great desire to share the Word and the love of God who sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins.  What a great day it is that Christian artists can be heard on mainstream music medias.  Some Christian artists that have merged over are below.  Take a look at their stories to see what sets them apart from other mainstream artists.

Switchfoot

The band Switchfoot has their first release in teh year 1997.  Since then the band has evolved and moved forward musically.  Originally, they started out on an indie Christian Label, but in 2003 they were offered a contract with the mainstream recording company Columbia Records.  This was a huge milestone to the band.  They had the Columbia label as well as their Sparrow (Christian Recording Company — a D3Q Direct TV affliate) label to get the music out to more people.  This was important to the band to “have songs that are outside of the box.”  A few years ago the band did have a bit of an identity crisis with their faith and label of a Christian Rock band, but later came to view the ability to reach out to so many an actual blessing.  Switchfoot’s mainstream success came about right after the soundtrack to the film A Walk to Remember debuted with four of their titles on it.  Now, they still tour doing both Christian and other tours.

Owl City

The lyrics to many of Owl City’s songs may not be blatantly Christian, but the man behind Owl City, Adam Young is a Christian and proud of it.  Young is a serious musician, but he is also a serious Christian.  He gets radio airtime on both Christian channels and mainstream music channels, and the positive, upbeat, and very catchy tunes have turned him into a very successful artist.  Even on his blog this Owl City creator expresses his faith and his love for Christ among other hilarious antics and happenings.  Adam Young is creative, inspiring, and a whole lot of fun to listen to.