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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Experience
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly evade the painstaking process of acquiring the skills necessary to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter to excel. It is essential to have a deep spiritual connection with God and a well-developed inner life. With this foundation and strong songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always accessible, especially when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has ingrained in us a mentality similar to using a microwave. It has convinced us that we can mimic the capabilities of advanced language models like CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should effortlessly produce a song within a few prompts and have it instantly become a sensation, all in under three seconds.
However, based on what I have personally witnessed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, they are created by individuals who have dedicated themselves to the art of Christian songwriting and effectively communicate through their craft. These songwriters do not simply attempt to write a song one day and miraculously create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the prominent figures arrived, they were already immersed in their artistic studies and striving for excellence. Continuously, they were learning and honing their skills in order to create impactful compositions that could deeply touch the emotions of their audience. They aimed to create something extraordinary, a sound that evoked a powerful reaction and left a lasting impression, even if it was hard to put into words, it was undeniable when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time he puts into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his endeavors.
These are the dedicated writers who are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. These are the songwriters who are truly committed to their craft, actively learning and practicing advanced poetics and lyrical techniques. These individuals are willing to invest their time and effort to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship music. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated countless years to developing their skills and have faced various challenges in perfecting their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old, and her hit track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral popularity by luck, but that's not the case at all. Katy has been dedicated to her music for years, and her hard work is paying off. Congratulations, Katy!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and abundant inner life is essential for Christian songwriters. To enhance and showcase your faith through music, here are three important factors to consider.
Make taking care of your soul a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with very little time to dedicate to self-care. However, it is important to remember that while we should always strive to help and care for others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to find ways to take care of ourselves, whether that means engaging in activities that bring us joy or simply taking time to relax and recharge. By prioritizing our inner well-being, we also enhance our ability to care for our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that studying the Bible, praying, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in the beauty of words. If you haven't engaged in reading since college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Simply watching news on television or cable networks to feed your fears and conform to cultural biases will not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful and timeless, it is necessary to enrich your mind with great literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news channels focus on creating fear to increase their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations aim to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, their constant negativity only harms your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You will likely find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative work, as negativity steals your joy and fosters fear and anxiety. Give yourself a pause and refocus your heart and mind on the teachings of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is essential to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling spiritual life. It is important to remember that the world is in need of fresh and groundbreaking music from you, rather than the repetitive phrases and concepts that have been used for many years.
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