Yesterday was difficult. I was asked again and again to rethink chord choices and melodies, to ask myself if what I’d written was the most artful it could be. And my answer? No. And I’m OK with that.
There’s a subculture of brilliant Nashville musicians who are rebelling against being at-all “commercial” or “CCM” or whatever they call what’s on the radio and selling well. Their thinking, as expressed to me, is often that making “art” communicates that God is the Artist – creative, skilled, beauty. And making something commercial – often offering little to nothing new musically or lyrically in their opinion – is to communicate that God is less than this.
But.
What if there is more to say about God than “He’s The Artist”? What if “Artist” is not only just part of who He is, but not the greatest part by far?
If God is more than “Artist” then maybe when I sit down to write a song my primary goal shouldn’t always be to make “art” (whatever that is to me this week). Because making art can, and often does, get in the way of clearly communicating anything about God beyond His beauty. In a way that is actually heard.
Effective communication requires hearing. It requires that I not only send out a message but that my message is heard. By another human being. Preferably one who doesn’t already think like me. One who listens long enough to hear.
I was explaining to Mitch The Producer yesterday that to me much of the world is on fire. Millions need rescue – food, education, medicine, Jesus. I’m yelling “Fire!” through my music. It’s very important that this message get through to potential rescuers. So on the one hand I’m not speaking Icelandic – very few people know that language. But, on the other hand, others have been yelling “Fire” for so long that the word has lost it’s meaning and is easily ignored these days. So I struggle to find the lyrical and musical language on each song that makes clear there is a fire, but language that does so in such a way that draws people in to listen.
And I don’t think an atonal masterpiece in 5/4 time does that for my intended audience. Nor does G, C, D, and E minor on every track. I’m praying for something in between.
Jenna B. says:
Wow. Good point. I’m praying for you today.
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama says:
I find your insider’s look at how music is born/made/morphed/created so very interesting. Particularly the thinking behind the process. Looking forward to this album!
Oh, and I have a friend who lived in Iceland for two years and speaks Icelandic – it’s a very strange language ๐
Lindsay says:
Praying for you this week. ๐
Laura@LifeOverseas says:
I loved this look into the process of music, too. I think it probably fits in all art, in all communication– this balance of creating something unique and yet creating something the most people will connect with. Is the point the Art or the Message? Maybe it’s both– of course, it’s both– but which one weighs heaviest on the scale, I wonder?
Best Wishes over the next days!
Meredith Dunn says:
Hold your ground, Shaun. Don’t let the message get lost in the pretty packaging. These days, any song… every song is nicely decorated yet holds nothing inside. Don’t leave the truth out because your producer doesn’t think it’s “shiny” enough.
Shaun Groves says:
Oh, it’s not a matter of leaving truth out. It’s that subjective thing we work out together – Mitch and I – figuring out what is beautiful and what is just plain distracting – or distractingly beautiful? I’m. So. Confused.
Meredith Dunn says:
you lost me at “subjective.”
JessicaB says:
But if you leave it a G, C, D, and E minor then I can totally play your songs! Snort.
Christine says:
Personally, I am much more interested in hearing what God lays on your heart in as pure a form as possible than an artistic, manipulated version. Isn’t it the Spirit’s job to ensure the message is ‘heard’? Praying for you.
Shaun Groves says:
You may not have meant it this way but I think of manipulation as making a song something it isn’t – being artificial. Music isn’t as black and white as that – at least how I make it ; )
It’s not that the song IS this one thing and this one thing only. A song can be written and produced multiple ways. There are many many choices along the way – every chord and every note is a choice. And there’s no one right set of choices. So the struggle isn’t between the right answer (the song as it SHOULD be) and manipulating the song to be something it SHOULD NOT be. There are many “true” selves for a song. The struggle is finding the right one for this present audience, for this present purpose, for this present moment.
Is that as clear as mud now? ; ) Oh well, I tried. Thanks for the great discussion.
Christine says:
And that is why you are the recording artist and I only sing in the shower! : )
shayne says:
From the NASB – 1 Cor. 14
“6But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?
7Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
8For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
9So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning.
11If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
12So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”
There you go, Shaun. “Seek to abound for the edification of the church.”
Speak clearly so all can hear and praise God.
Praying for you.
Shaun Groves says:
Wow. Did you just compare hipster music with speaking in tongues? Awe. Some.
shayne says:
Yep.
Shaun Groves says:
Aaaand now I’ve Got You has a bridge. And it’s beautiful. Wish you could hear.
Melody Joy King says:
Is “Sing” going to make it onto the album?
Shaun Groves says:
It’s on the album…but not as you know it. Muhahahahah!
It IS my favorite so far though.
Beth says:
Prayin’ for ya today, brother. I believe in your message, and I believe in the Spirit’s power to bring it forth. Enjoy the process ๐
Tj says:
You’ll know when it is right. He’ll let ya know. Just take your wishes out of it as much as possible, sometimes our wishes ( I think) make things less clear. Good luck and God Bless your endeavor.
Alastair says:
Really looking forward to hearing the songs Shaun. I’m interested in the process though, and I love that you are being encouraged to rewrite and create something truly unique.
When they ask you to rewrite sections, or come up with alternative chord sequences, do they make suggestions, or just leave you to it?
Thanks,
Alastair.
Shaun Groves says:
Mostly leave me to it..but with guidance like “something prettier” or “darker” or “minor maybe.” Sometimes there’s a suggested chord though. That’s harder for me to take because part of the joy of making music – for me – is the hunt. If you tell me where the deer is, well, that’s taking the fun out of it.
Melody Joy King says:
As long as it’s on there somewhere, I’m happy. ;0) Having battled depression myself, and also having recently read through your “Beggars Fortune” series, that song really spoke to my heart. Thanks for sharing! :0)
Princess Leia says:
It’s an interesting dichotomy for the creative process – producing what God has laid on your heart, but keeping in mind that He has also told you to share it with others, so it needs to speak in their language, not just your own. “Missions” has a similar issue. It’s great to tell someone about Jesus in a way that’s meaningful to you, but it’s going to do more good if you tell them about Jesus in a way that’s meaningful to _them_. And yet the passion that comes though when you’re expressing things in your own “language” also sparks interest in the One who brings about such passion!
It’s a balancing act, for sure! Glad you’re aware of it and working towards the best resolution for your album! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Rick Orrell says:
We’re trying to learn a praise song for our worship team at church that was written in 5/4 time…….is there ANYTHING harder than trying to learn 5/4??!! FRUSTRATING!! :-))
Brad says:
Love your practical mindset in this. I know an artist who signed back on to a label (after one indie release) because he was troubled by the fact that that one release he did himself wasn’t heard by more people. The music and the message was important enough to him that he took the label deal (giving up some control in the process) so that subsequent songs would get to more ears. I’m hearing the same kind of humility in what you are saying (if I’m reading you right). I just love that. I think there are other good things in that process too such as having to abandon yourself to others strengths and not deifying the work of our own hands. Thanks for continuing to share through the process. Blessings.
Michael says:
I love this post. As a writer it speaks to me so clearly of walking that line between creating art and allowing the message to be clearly heard.
keith says:
Jon Foreman has written a few songs in 5/4 time. I think they are fascinating. As I listen, I want to count along.
keith says:
And here are some examples:
http://8tracks.com/dkeithanderson/5-4-time