Can Christian Country Be Cool



January 15, 2005 -- Christian-Country music is a wide-open genre that has been growing under the radar with millions who appreciate it, many who make fun of it, and more than both groups combined that have never heard of it. So what is the deciding factor that makes something "Christian Country", and why isn't it just in the format labeled, "country" That's like asking why Clydesdales and Thoroughbreds aren't just considered 'horses'.
    
A genre is born out of people seeking a more specific way of finding music they like. Christian Country isn't necessarily Gospel music, but it holds true to the heart and soul of people who follow the Christian faith. It can be played on mainstream country radio, of course, as evidenced by the huge acceptance of Randy Travis' award-winning "Three Wooden Crosses" and Josh Turner's, "Long Black Train". The "Amazing Grace Three" compilation of current country stars singing fresh versions of old hymns is another example of Christian Country's movement.
    
Why not just listen to Southern Gospel music stations Traditionally, Southern Gospel radio stations don't play any Christian Country that is made by artists who could be considered 'secular'. So people who like country music, but don't want to hear songs about drinking, cheating, or similar subject matter, have been forced to either accept the whole burrito on mainstream country stations, or seek out music they enjoy, that also has their morale values. These listeners are Christian Country's home.
    
Christian Country's birth hasn't been easy. As with any new format, the fringes of people who'd gotten frustrated about the lack of possibility in breaking into mainstream country, came out of the woodwork to become a Christian Country artist. There were openings in radio play on obscure little stations that didn't care how old your were, what you looked like, or if your music actually held up to any standards. Anyone who wanted to call themselves Christian Country, could, and there was no quality control. The carpetbaggers came to the format, without authenticity, and created a facade instead of the intentioned format.
    
Since that time, over a decade ago, the bar has been raised, and major country labels have realized that people are indeed listening to Christian Country formats. The majors began quietly releasing music to those stations. Music with a conscience has acquired a demand, so more station owners are becoming open to the Christian Country format.
    
Indies certainly have a voice in Christian Country, but the quality of the music is getting better as the majors look for the audiences they've lost and forgotten over the years. Buddy Jewel, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Craig Morgan and others are seeing acceptance from the Christian Country format as they release songs that have hope, inspiration, God, and country in their subject matter. Independents with great music like Kim McLean's new duet, "Angels and Eagles" with Dolly Parton, Marty Raybon(Shenandoah,Raybon Bros.), Susie Luchsinger (Reba McEntire's little sister),CrossCountry,and Misty Freeman ("Faith, Hope, and Love") are proof that this genre is getting a 'hip-factor'.
    
The Christian Country Music Association holds an annual award show, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, that is now broadcast on GAC, showing media is learning the viability of this new and growing format. The internet's vast frontier of stations, international airplay, and non-commercial stations have become a new open horizon for Christian Country artists. The format is less worried about 'eye-candy', than the dedication to the quality of music and subject matter. The radio listener who wants substance from country music, finds it within the Christian Country genre.
   
Can Christian Country be cool If "cool" is how many tank-topped bleached blonde teen-age girls will be screaming on the front rows of the concerts, maybe not. But if "cool", is finally finding music that means something, with a warm fresh rootsy feel, unencumbered by the need to be the loudest, or the most gimmicky, then Christian Country is totally, completely, unapologetically and increasinglycool!





Can Christian Country Be Cool