It’s Sunday morning and my alarm begins to pump music into my room from the local Christian radio station. I come out of my sleep just in time to hear the DJ announce that the next song was from one of his favorite artists, Phil Wickham. The song was True Love.
Rewind to September 2007. Phil’s new album, “Cannons,” was about to release and he was coming to our worship conference. I was busy planning and promoting the conference and called our Christian radio station to set up an interview with Phil. I sent several emails and made a couple of calls. I finally received a call back from the station telling me that they weren’t really interested. The reason? Phil wasn’t on their current lineup of songs. Apparently, he wasn’t as cool as Petra or Avalon (sarcasm).
I talked with Phil about this, telling him of my frustration with Christian radio in general and how the songs they play are so old and the new one’s aren’t really the best. I even talked to one of the DJ’s at the radio station who confirmed that their target audience is “30-something” soccer moms (because they give the money). Brody has posted several posts about his frustration with the Christian Music Industry and I join him with this post. It’s way past time to step up to a level of excellence.
So, Listener Supported Radio Station, I would like to say, “I told you so.” While I’m extremely happy that you are playing Phil’s songs and proclaiming him as your favorite artist, I’m also extremely frustrated that you passed up an opportunity to interview one of the best in the business because you weren’t familiar with him yet.
All of this didn’t change the fact that it was one of the most awesome times of worship I’ve been apart of and it was just one guy and his guitar. If you haven’t downloaded Phil Wickham’s free album, go here and do it now. You’ll be glad you did.
Stephen
stevolec@gmail.com
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November 24th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I share your frustration. It doesn’t happen just with listener-supported radios. It happens in church worship circles…someone doesn’t trust another’s recommendation, but BAM- they have the experience of the song in their own time (years later!), and it’s on their set list the next Sunday. Isn’t that why someone made the suggestion to begin with- so someone else could share in their experience?
….Don’t even GET me started.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I hear ya about christian radio. I have noticed that I have been listening to my ipod and or cds a lot more the past couple months. Every once and while I will catch something good on radio but most of the time it is a lot of late 90’s early ’00’s of stuff.
I concur about Phil’s “live” album. I so wish i could have been there for the recording.. But just listening to it you can hear the passion for the crowd singing there hearts out. I still get chills listening to it..
November 24th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Thank God for Power FM (kvrk)!!! It’s a Christian Rock station here in Dallas… and get this, it is listener supported!
Apparently we have some rockin’ soccer moms in Texas.
Power FM has a diverse mix. They play some pretty sweet stuff.
If you’re not in the metroplex, check it…
http://www.kvrk.com
November 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Preach it!!!
November 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Yea this frustrated me so much and it was such a good rant that i copied your rant and sent it to our local station’s email address…dont worry i left your name out…just so they can realize the awesome opportunity they passed up… ok so i didnt really send it but i def. agree with you…
November 26th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
i never listen to 88.3! I rarely like their selection of songs but I really quit listening when they turned to “family friendly” radio. why can’t they just call it what it is. CHRISTIAN music! I’m so tired of all the seeker sensitive bologna. Quit trying to water down my God so that He looks neat. He is what He is and He will always be exactly that.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Oh I forgot to add that I listen to 100.3…check it out. you can only get it in the augusta area. I like’em a lot!