Being a newcomer to the music industry, one of my earliest memories of the UK Christian music scene was Les Moir asking ‘What does the music of Heaven sound like?’ in a soundbyte recorded for Qcast at the 2022 StepFWD Awards. I had never thought about the question deeply until then, although I had heard exciting stories of the voice of angels being detected during worship. Admittedly, I even watched a couple of grainy YouTube videos that claimed to have captured these Heavenly choruses. I was intrigued to find out what they sound like!
I discovered Christian music during the pandemic when it played a huge role in my life as I took tentative steps to understand the gospel. Still on my Spotify today, my lovingly compiled ‘Worship’ playlist consists of classics such as ‘Goodness of God‘ by Cece Winans, ‘If God/Nothing but the Blood’ by Casey J and a firm favourite – ‘My Prayer (Yahweh)’ by Calledout Music. I don’t think I can describe how important these songs were for my spiritual growth and the feeling of peace I had, knowing I was safe in the arms of the Lord no matter what was going on in my personal life or the crazy mask-filled world outside.
Next I discovered that whereas music that glorifies God has an uplifting effect, I could no longer listen comfortably to some of the artists that I had previously considered very talented. Their songs would invoke a darker, more anxious mood. Many simply fell off my radar entirely and if they come on in the car radio, where I still sometimes tune into the popular stations, it’s not unusual for me to change channel or hit mute if I am not feeling a positive vibe.
I have become increasingly aware of the incredible power music holds over hearts and minds, with great influence even on our mental and emotional state. I feel everyone should have an emergency first aid playlist of solid worship songs that really bring the Holy Spirit into whatever space or situation you are in. They can lift you up in a dark moment and help overcome feelings of hopelessness in an instant.
By extension, I feel the world needs more Christian music. Being at AStepFWD, I keep discovering amazing songs and an exciting mix of genres from Christian artists that certainly deserve a larger audience than they currently attract. Reading news reports of how the continuing expose of P Diddy and the many entertainment and music stars that were in his now infamous party circle has impressed on me the importance of bringing light into the traditionally dark dominant recesses of the music industry. Not only do we need to pull together and support each other, but understand that with musical and creative gifting comes great responsibility to use it as a force for good. Salt and light vs. cocaine and freak-offs.
Join me in my prayer that on the back of this expose of dark and criminal practices which will undoubtedly signal the removal of some major players on the world music scene, that space can be filled with the gospel of Jesus Christ as Christian artists step out to take their place centre stage to spread light into darkness. Music industry is well overdue for a Kingdom takeover. Who knows, we may even hear some heavenly BVs appear on those chart-topping radio hits!
