Question for you.
Right now, CFW plays songs already recorded by other artists. How important is it to you that we play our own songs.
The Question is- what would you rather hear- songs created by us that you have never heard, or songs you have heard on Christian Radio? No fair answering both!
Dear Lee and CFW-
In my opinion, playing covers is a great way to show the talents of the band in as short a time as possible. You already know what the song sounds like; and “tweaking it” to add your own style can add a nice twist to it. For example, our group came up with a “rock” version of Amazing Grace.
Covers are important, too, because the audience can “settle right in” to what’s happening on the stage. They know the melody, and can sing the chorus. We have sometimes played songs that people recognize (Sweet Home Alabama by Leonard Skynard) (Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash) (Landslide by Fleetwood Mac) (Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel) but changed the lyrics somewhat to provide a Christian message! This is effective particularily when you can present the modified words on an overhead; otherwise, alot of people get confused.
Last of all, “originals” are a wonderful way of demonstrating that the Lord is really doing something in your life. The process is long, but the joy is amazing when you see your fellow believers (listeners) respond to your own creative work. A new song needs to develop, which takes patience, teamwork, and leadership.
I want to encourage you guys to rally around just one song someone in the band is tinkering with; be flexible (no one can have it just their way) try different ideas; and when you get frustrated, say a prayer for help.
Music impacts everyone all the time. Let your music continue to IMPACT us WNYers!
Doug Riffel
I am going to cop out and say both. Word of warning, however – try to write music as a band. When someone (i am a bit of a songwriter myself) writes a song alone, that song is sometimes too personal. When it’s brought to a group, it goes through the natural organic process of change brought on by different talents having access to it. In laymen’s terms, It is not going to have the same sound as when you did it yourself. Even when you have a producer help you on a track this happens; it evolves. If you write individually, bring songs that you feel would benefit from the organic process.