AMEN!

As a younger Christian, I couldn't give a care for old hymns. As far as I was concerned, they didn't speak a thing to me or I couldn't see how they applied. And they were boring.

I ended up moving to Toronto with my family to experience this "new" stuff. (And the Toronto Blessing has never been about "emergent" stuff at all, for the record.) These concepts of the Father's Love, and Inner Healing, and physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit, that all really grabbed my attention. And the worship music that was coming out then and continued to come out, that all met me in that same place. There was certainly a time when I loved listening to worship music, and it was all I wanted. But that time didn't last for long.

And in furtherance to old hymns, there are some that I now really enjoy. But it's taken a long time to get to that place, and I would still rather listen to Jason Upton or Matt Redman before opening a hymn book. And there's my personal bias

But I'd rather be eyes closed, hands up and head back, worshiping out to some big room trance

My answer is yes AND no.  Here's why: 

1.  The majority of EDM in the scene today contains little vocal elements (exception: gospel house, pop remixes, etc.), which is the key indicator separating modern Christian Contemporary music from Secular Music. 

2.  I hate the word 'Secular' because it carries with it an evil tone that labels all 'non-Christian' music as 'anti-Christ'.  There are many musicians and producers out there who are followers of Christ who don't feel compelled to preach about Jesus in their art...and they get railed in the media for it.  Kevin Max is a great example of this, and so is Amy Grant back in the 90's.  Both artists have been criticized for going mainstream in their music, but in all actuality have never forsaken their personal faith by writing music about non-Christian topics and issues.  There is an unspoken rule in Christian circles that Christian musicians should only write Christian music.  If they don't, then many people brand them as 'fallen Christians'. 

3.  There is nothing more threatening to a non-believer than listening to music that shoves Christian ideology down his/her throat.  At least, that's my experience, and I have been an avid fan of EDM for over 12 years in Wyoming, Colorado and California.  Reciting verses and promoting religiosity on the decks is fulfilling ONLY for those who are already in relationship with Christ, but what concession is made for those who don't know Him?  Is it the mission of the 'Christian Dance Scene' to alienate individuals who aren't 'willing' to sign on to our beliefs?  At what point to our actions speak louder than words?  In fact, shouldn't our behavior and the way we live our lives as Christians (who like Techno!) be the compassionate way to show non-believers the true nature of God?  (I recently listened to a Christian explain to me that God's word (that is, the Bible) is Truth and that God's truth must not be watered-down, omitted or altered in any way, shape or form.  He went on to say that he should never be ashamed to preach the word of God to non-believers.  In fact, he believed that is what he called to do...regardless of how much animosity it might create.) 

4.  Finally...and this might offend some people...most of what I've heard in the 'Christian' dance music scene falls far short of mainstream EDM....WAY short.  I'm not being judgmental; I'm just telling it like it is.  If I were to choose between purchasing a mix from a top 'secular' DJ and a top 'Christian' DJ, there is absolutely no contest in terms of quality, cutting-edge production, mixing and sound.  I still get chills every time I listen to a new mix from Sasha or John Digweed, but nobody in the Christian scene is anywhere close to those guys.

So, again, the answer to your question is yes, but only if the quality of music, religious intent and cooperation with the 'secular' market is Christ-driven.  In other words, we shouldn't have to hide our beliefs, but we shouldn't boast about them either. 

If not, then the answer to your question is no...there is not a market for Christian Dance music because only a tiny percentage of dance fans exist that fit the current criteria.

Again, this is my own observation and my own point of view. 

Thanks,

matt
Socal EDM fan (who also happens to be in love with Jesus Christ!!)

wading in...

clarifying condition
Yes, I do consider myself a christian (a follower of Christ Jesus).

original question
Yes, I would buy another christian's quality dance music before I would buy quality dance music produced by someone who does not call Jesus, "Lord."

thread subject/topic
Does a "Christian Market" for dance music still exist? I cannot fully answer this question as I do not have enough information. It seems to me, based on the question Christopher Carl asked in the thread it appears, that the 'market' subject line he put on the thread would be answered to his satisfaction simply by tallying up the votes of 'Yes' or 'No'. Maybe he should have made this a pole, so he could conduct his research easier.

Colossians 3:1-17
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.



I just wanted to bring a little scripture to the party. May God bless you in whatever you put your hands to do (like DJing and producing quality EDM).

Pat, if he's talking about the music from 1996-2002, for the most part he's right. If you look at who's doing a superior job right now as Christians, they aren't releasing on only Christian labels.

Matt, it sounds like you are stuck in the Christian EDM market of last decade. You should check out Shiloh, Joel Armstrong, Opencloud, Stryke, Kenneth Thomas, Kyle Geiger, Topher Jones and the host of other Christians who are releasing quality music today.

tough to compare diggers & sasha to ANYONE. they're geniuses.   but dave is right. there's great DJs out there who are christians.  most notably Shiloh, who have really made waves and are HIGHLY respected by many in the industry.


now if you mean producing? that's another tough one..but i'd point once again to shiloh,& give my homie Joel armstrong props.  they're tearing it up!