Rock Gets Religion: The Battle for the Soul of the Devil's Music - Softcover

Cooper, Alice

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1944229183 ISBN 13: 9781944229184

Publisher: WND Books, 2018

Synopsis

Rock music, once largely the domain of hedonism and debauchery of every kind, is now populated by a surprising case of upstanding and in many cases devout citizens who create all different kinds of music and oftentimes are animated by religious ideas that would have been completely alien to rock stars of yesteryear. The religious and religiously influenced are now commonplace in rock ‘n’ roll (Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Katy Perry, 21 Pilots). But is that good for either rock or the faith?

In Rock Gets Religion producer and author Mark Joseph explores the tensions caused when religious youth are thrown into the world of rock ‘n’ roll. He weaves thoughtful commentary amidst the stories of devout and not-so-devout rockers―along with a warning about the inherent dangers of sanctifying rock.

Four major trends caused this big-tent takeover: (1) Dozens of rookie artists are bypassing the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene altogether going directly to mainstream labels; (2) established CCM artists are switching to mainstream recording companies; (3) Those artists who experience religious conversions are staying in mainstream music instead of leaving for the church circuit; and (4) the American Idol phenomenon resulted in pop stars being picked by the American people instead of music industry gatekeepers who selected the stars of yesteryear. As a result, while CCM sales of Christian music as a genre may have been in a steady decline, the religious influence on rock has never been greater.

Rock Gets Religion lays out the case for people of faith to continue to make their music in the middle of popular culture, and updates the scene with dozens of success (and not so successful) stories of Christians who have done just that. “Mark Joseph has been a key voice in the transformation of American popular music," says former Van Halen singer Gary Cherone. "In this book, his final in a three-part series, he shows us how the transformation happened and outlines a vision for the future of the unlikely alliance of rock music and serious faith.”

About this title

From the Author

Mark Joseph is a multi-media media producer who has worked as a music and film producer, columnist, music producer, talk show host, and author. Having produced the official soundtrack for The Passion of the Christ and anchored the Entertainment Report for Group W and CNN, Joseph is well connected and well versed in rock ‘n’ roll and the ways religion has impacted its many stars.

Review

"Mark Joseph has been a key voice in the transformation of American popular music; in this book, his final in a three-part series, he shows us how the transformation happened and outlines a vision for the future of the unlikely alliance of rock music and serious faith." --Gary Cherone, lead singer of Extreme & Van Halen

"Mark Joseph is someone whom I gladly call my friend, and although I don't like outwardly promoting this personal side of my life, I feel that Mark 'gets it,' and at the very least, he certainly 'gets me.'" --Dave Mustaine, lead singer of Megadeth

"Rock Gets Religion is a long overdue and brilliantly written book about art that expresses relationships not just with a higher power but in many cases with Jesus Christ. . . . Mark Joseph has written a must-read book that brings to light the kind of music that has been etched forever in time." --John Elefante, lead singer of Kansas

“Rock is at its most exhilarating when it’s asking those big questions of our existence, and I’ve been honored to have my songs of praise to Him happen in the center of the rock music culture and not in the religious basement of pop culture. Rock Gets Religion is a stirring call to all of us to occupy until His return, and work hard to make the greatest music the world has ever heard.” --Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed

“How does Mark Joseph know all these things? Better question: Why does he care? I’ve struggled so many times just trying to keep up with it all myself. My personal faith has been tried and tested. I believe he cares for the same reasons I do. At the end of it all he wants God to receive His due Glory and to reveal God’s hand in all the details whether you or this industry choose to acknowledge it or not. Thank you my friend. Well written.” --Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D.

“From someone who’s been in the mines, Rock Gets Religion is a very engaging and accurate depiction of the history and state of the union between faith and rock music.” --Leigh Nash, lead singer of Sixpence None The Richer

 Mark Joseph’s research into the lives and accomplishments of artists reveals some very poignant discoveries, such as the roots of faith and the diverse detours that lay ahead for those pursuing their dreams. We are spiritual beings and what and who we worship must come out into the open eventually.  I am thankful that God our creator cannot be boxed in or limited because of tradition and status, or the approval of a few. Sit back and enjoy Rock Gets Religion.” --Phil Keaggy

“Rock, pop and rap now have a growing number of artists who make compelling and thoughtful music that doesn’t leave faith at the door. I am happy to call many of them my dear friends. In ways that challenge me deeply, Mark Joseph shakes up the philosophical foundations of the notion of separation of music and faith with the third volume of his Rock Trilogy, making a strong case to re-enter the world of Rock with great music and a compelling story of faith.” --Tommy Coomes of Love Song former Maranatha Music executive

Edition details

• Publisher: WND Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1944229183
• ISBN 13: 9781944229184
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336