This is a kind of "editorial" part of our webzine. We have our "monthly ramblings" here, short essays about tendencies of the music industry, our reflections on news/rumors that raised our eyebrows or about issues that got us interested. We try to keep this place an open discussion forum for our readers so that they can reflect on the thoughts presented here or have their own ones posted here. So feel free to use this place for your own little essays. Email us your thoughts/reflections to feedback@rockunited.com

This time, our new contributor Mark states his view on christianity and rock music. You can expect more from him in the future, as he continues to contribute christian-related and other reviews, articles etc.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE UP ON ROCK BECAUSE YOU NOW LOVE GOD!

Some believe that rock is the devils work. I reply wielding a sword forged by the word and actions derived from the very book that these opinionated individuals base their life on. The statement that can be found in that literature is "make a loud noise and raise it up to the Lord". In reference to actions and the spreading of the word, what better action then to use that which is soothing to musician and listener alike, rock music.

I have been playing and recording music for 17 years and have played with many a fine musicians from Dean Fasano (Message, Prophet, etc.), Carl Sentence (Persian Risk-UK, Geezer Butler Band, Krokus, etc.), Shane Keister (Elvis Presley, Movie Soundtrack and studio musician), and many others. Although none of these musicians were labeled as Christian rockers, they are fine musicians, friends, and individuals alike. Although I was not labeled as a Christian rocker, I always strive to write and promote good, clean and moral music. I would have to say that I have always been impressed with how bands like Kings X and Creed who survive in the mainstream music market while essentially playing Christian based songs.

The mentality of blending in ended and my fixation with Christian rock began with Stryper who I refer to as the grandfathers of Christian rock along with Petra, of course. Stryper opened up the music world threw it on its side and stated that you can be moral and still rock the house. I carry that same philosophy when it comes to my music. I have written other songs outside of the label of Christian genre, but they are still good clean rock tunes. I have a song released on the Escape Music, Ltd. label by a band called Message. The songs name is "Fine Line", the title song on the release. I guess my point is that I don't condemn music based on its label but on its content.

I have been trying for years to convince the record companies that they need to promote some good Christian rock music. Their reply is that they need the fans to write in and convince them that they need to do so. So, fans of good Christian rock, hard rock and heavy rock music, raise up your pens, your dialing fingers and e-mail clients and let the A&R world know that you want more support for the rockers of Christian music. There are a lot of fine rock based Christian artists that are willing to rock your and your children's world with a clean moral message with a rockin style.

Remember, you don't have to give up the rock because of the fact that you now love God. Anything can carry an evil message, even country music. We need not judge the music by its level of distortion, but by its content.

Mark Allen Lanoue, USA

"Sayin' It Loud & Clear" May 2001

"Sayin' It Loud & Clear" July 2001