Gleen From the Greats

I know for many... going outside the world of Christian music and taking a peek at what lies beyond the horizon is heresy and considered betrayal but I want to let you know that it's ok.  As a matter of fact if you want to grow as a songwriter you need to understand that, although our world is blessed immenseley with wonderful writers, sadly most of the greats have concentrated their efforts in the secular market. 

Now I am of the opinion that not all music considered of the world is sinful.  To be rather honest with you I listen to quite a bit of it.  Sting happens to be my very favorite writer / artist and listening to him has helped me mature as a composer of songs.  Hey, it's God who gave him his ability so why not learn from what he has to offer.

Other gifted artist / writers would included... Brad Paisley, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Phil Vasser, and many more. 

Just go ahead and explore outside the gospel box; collect some artillery for your arsenal and expand your style.  Trust me... you won't go to Hell for it; instead the Kingdom will benefit from your espionage!

A Moment of Thanks

I want to take just a moment to thank Douglas Harrison (averyfineline.com) and David Bruce Murray (musicscribe.com) for taking the time to write in regards to my site.  Both writers spoke of chrisallman.com from a non-biased standpoint, raised certain questions that needed to be raised and then allowed me the opportunity to answer said concerns.  Because of their willingness to speak of my site, many have been driven there to see, for themselves, just what we're all about.

Visit their blogs today; read and leave your comments.  Bloggers love to hear from their readers!

Thanks guys and happy blogging!

Don't Let the Big One Get Away

Have you ever been driving down the road and hit a wonderful song idea head on?  You start writing it in your head; you sing it over and over again; you try to burn it on the walls of your memory; then all of a sudden you get a sick feeling as you begin to fear that the song will take the next exit as you drive on trying to remember the lyrics; trying to recall the tune!!!

Yes... potentially this could be the song that changes lives forever (yours included) and you DO NOT want it to get away!!!  What do you do?  Let me ask you this... do you have a cell phone?  If you don't I would have to wonder who's computer you're using to surf the web?  So, let's just go ahead and assume that you do have a mobile phone.  If you take the time to look in the settings you'll, more than likely, find a voice recorder.  USE IT!  No need to spend the money on a micro-recorder... you probably already have one laying right there in the cup holder!  Sure, it may only record about fifteen seconds at a time but that is often plenty of time to sing a verse or chorus.  This feature has saved me a multitude of times and I'm sure it will make your writing experience a bit less stressful!

Do You Need a Mentor?

Webster's defines mentor: a trusted counselor; a guide.  When I was on the road traveling from state to state and city to city, I was often approached by folks who wanted me to look at their song ideas.  Of course they were aware that I had enjoyed a bit of success as a songwriter and had hopes that I would take the time to help them get a foot in the door.  To be honest, I didn't really have the time to spend looking at and critiquing other people's music so I would forgo the opportunity.  It's not that I didn't want to help but I just didn't have time for it.

Well, with the knowledge I have of writers who desire a helping hand, I have decided to do what I can to be of service.  I am prepared to lend my expertise to aspiring writers and do what I can to help you possibly enjoy some of the same success that I have been blessed to experience.  Visit my site today and sign up!  The cost is minimal but the benefits could be huge.  Hope to work with you soon!

http://www.chrisallman.com/

Sound Doctrine is a Must

Too often I'll be listening to a Christian song and all of the sudden a line from the song jumps out of the speaker and punches me in the face.  It's one of those lines that makes my head tilt like a dog's when he hears some high pitched sound.  For instance, one song that was once a chart topper said, "He did not die, I'll tell you why...".  How heinous is that?  If Christ did not die then we're all in for it!  It was His sacrifice that paid the price!!!

Let me encourage all of those who write Christian music to become students of God's word.  Not for the sake of adding to your portfolio of music but so that you might know the God you write about on a more intimate level.  We ought not write just to get a cut but to tell the story of Jesus and to do so correctly.

Before you get it published check the most reputable resource you have... God's word.  It doesn't matter how good the hook is if it isn't doctrinally sound!

Do a New Thing in an Old Fashioned Way

I suppose the most notable error in regards to Southern Gospel songwriting would be the overuse of predictable terms. As Christians, we have the greatest piece of literary history ever known to man from which to draw our inspiration. The word of God offers us an endless array of ideas to consider.

I propose that those writers who compose music in this particular genre take the time to see how many different ways they can tell this age old story.

For instance... in a song I wrote entitled "His Perfect Will" I spoke of the Christians pursuit to be in that perfect place. In the first verse I make reference to the Devil but I don't say, "That old Devil said!" How many times have you heard that line? I referred to the powers of Hell as conspirators. Here's what I wrote...

There's a place I long to be but I don't know where it is. Destination mystery a place of happiness. (Here's where I introduce the "Devil") Sometimes the question floods my brain, "Why do I exist" conspiracies to make me doubt there's a reason that I live.

How else can you write of the streets of gold? What's another way you can tell others about your being set free? Take liberty with the gift God gave you. Don't be predictable!