Gawd-bothering Gospel

[octatonic]

Got a problem for you all...

I was asked to do some guitars for a pop project, which was fine- the music isn't my sort of thing but I can do it and it is decent money.
I have promised the ifnished product within the next 10 days.

I have since found out that the music is actually evangelical gospel music (all about sin and such).

I've got a bit of problem with this- I've always said I won't do religious music- I hate it, disagree with the principle that man is 'bad' and needs to be 'saved' etc etc...

I've thought of a few possible responses.

1) Refuse the project stating the reasons why.
2) Refuse the project saying I am too busy
3) Do it for the irony but put some backmasked 'devil vocals' (I love satan, i love satan) in there somewhere
4) Do it properly and forget the principles
5) Something else

Looking forward to your responses.

[funkdrmr]

Sorry I'm no expert, but I'm up late so I'll give it a shot.

IMHO, you only have 2 options of the 5 you laid out.

1. Do it properly and forget the principles: You did commit to a project, and there may be other factors in their schedule that you could mess up by dropping it. This could lead to a bad reputation. Think about the possibility that there's someone in that group that is influencial elsewhere. Doing this project could lead to another business opportunity at a later time in a style that you prefer. It isn't their fault you didn't ask what type of music it was.

2. Refuse the project stating the reasons why: Doing this gets you a couple of things. First off, you can get out of the project. Second, by being honest with them you can retain some sort of decency with the clients. Business is business. You're really letting a personal belief get in the way here, but they'll probably understand. At least you won't come off as a dishonest person who gives lame excuses, purposely sabotages a project, or can't complete a job on time as you promised. Being polite about it can also help you retain any business opportunities on different styles of projects with other people on the group.

Another thing. Growing up in the church and around a religious family, I can tell you more than likely that if they knew your point of view, they wouldn't want you playing on this anyways.

My opinion: Use the 2nd option I lined out, get out of the project gracefully, and remember to ask what type of project it is next time.

[Jules]

Allways looking for an easy life...

I would go for option 2

[Darius van H]

I'd take the gig, but on the day refuse to play anything other then the intro to "Voodoo Chile"

[2leod]

I think it's always better to be honest in these situations - tell them why you won't do it and give them a name of someone you know who will.

OTOH, if the money is attractive enough for you consider the job (which it sounds like, otherwise you would have already told them to take a hike), take it as a compliment of your skills and do the best job you can. They're not asking you to believe the message, they're paying you for your playing abilities.

I guess it comes down to where your principle values lie, doing the best job for the money offered, or making a stand against the things you believe are wrong.

[GilWave]

I'm not a hip-hop fan, and I certainly don't agree with some of the nasty, misoginistic lyrics some of the rap artists write, but if it's music and I'm in the business of recording music, then as long as they respect my studio I'll respect their art, and will record it for them.

As for these Gospel clients, is their money green? Is their musicianship up to par? Would you track a record with them if it was instrumental instead?

What it comes down to is business IMHO. You can easiliy explain to them that you are a recording professional, yet you do not share their beliefs and will not tolerate any proselytizing in the studio. In this manner you can put it back on them - perhaps they would rather not work with you, based on your beliefs.

[donsolo]

I don't know....

Most of the uber-evangelical stuff tends to be more about the message than the muzak...

Seriously though, I say do it, request a pen name "GodChild" might work lol and then laugh about the irony.

You're a musician, you didn't write the song and think about the stuff that the money will buy. But the comment about "they want you to play but not beleive" is probably untrue. Pat Robertson carries on and on about how EVERYONE needs to love Jesus the same blah blah blah....Do the gig but tell them to **** off if they get preachy.

Either that or send me the backing track and I'll lay it down for you and half the money, I could use the work and don't even pay attention to vocals.

donsolojr@yahoo.com

[jakerbean7]

If it's only the band you have to deal with, then I'd say lay down some ground rules and take the money. Do a good job and send them on their way. If you feel like you won't be able to give the project your best than tell them that and send them elsewhere.

If, however, you have to deal with a "Christian" label I'd suggest running for your life. The stuff that record labels try to get away with is awful, but it's even worse when it's done "in the name of Jesus".

Jake

[s.d.finley]

I like #3...

but would seriously hit the ol' #2....

rock

sdf

[r0ck1r0ck2]

Seriously.....#3

no do it...
and but some subliminal satan satan mumbo jumbo..

its a good idea...

"If you are doing business with a religious son of a bitch...
get it in writing
His word isn't worth shit with the good lord telling him to **** you on the deal"
W.S.Burroughs

[YZ!]

I'd say go with option 1.

Be true to your beliefs, be true to the people around you.

Don't be a liar, this will only add to your sins.

Repent, my son, repent now...

[picksail]

Be professional, smile and deliver a great product. Then collect check.

I've been there but I forgo my principles in favor of providing a service to a paying client.

When I pull-up to the drive-thru at Taco Bell at 3:00am, I'm not concerned with the clerks political or religious preference. I just want my damned burrito!!!!

[scruffydog]

if you do it...expect lots of 'talking in tongues' in the studio...especially if it goes well.
I did a session like this and had to wrap it up real quick.
Its hard enough to listen to the track without all that crap.
Lesson = charge more and don't listen too hard to no tongues!

[Axiz7]

Everybody believes in SOMETHING!

I'd do it.

...And if you lie, just proves you needed the gig.

[Snatchman]

I agree with one of the previous posters. I don't think you could honestly do your best work if you think your "morals' are being threatened. I don't play on Rap music because I don't think I could do my best! ( nothing against the art, personal reasons). As the poster stated , after you tell them your beliefs, they will probably rather you didn't play on it anyway..!(IMHO)...........

[tedcrop]

I say do it. But if you choose not to do it make sure it is because it really is based on what you think and not what you fear others would think because you produced it.

Does every band you record have your moral beliefs or would you even question it if it were not religous.

I don't know you so don't take any of that personal.

[mic anon]

WHAT WOULD SATAN DO?


I would go with #4. well I'm coming from a Christian point of view and i wouldn't have you play on my tracks if i knew you were against it, no disrepect intended.
Just man up and tell them you don't want to do it because it goes against your code of ethics!


MIC ANON

www.myspace.com/nfinis

[mic anon]

Oh I Meant to choose #1

MIC ANON


www.myspace.com/nfinis

[pounce]

yeah, if you need the money take the job and do your best to do a good job.

or refer them to another engineer and be honest why.

both of those two options have plusses and minuses. if i were you i'd mostly let my wallet decide. i do understand. there are some types of music i won't do since i don't need the money bad enough. simple.

[drosophila]

I say don't do it. If the end result is high quality, there's a strong chance they'll return or refer others within that "scene" to you, and it doesn't sound like you particularly want to repeat this experience. If it isn't, you risk damaging your reputation because you tried to put the almighty dollar ahead of your beliefs and couldn't overcome them enough to do a quality job. Catch-22, as far as I see it, though i'm admittedly pretty anti-religious.

[Mario-C.]

what picksail said mixed with number 3 ! have some fun with them, and someone's got to throw the "i love santa" subliminals, you cant leave that in the hands of some unexperienced engineer can you ? :D

[DontLetMeDrown]

Originally Posted by Mario-C.

what picksail said mixed with number 3 ! have some fun with them, and someone's got to throw the "i love santa" subliminals, you cant leave that in the hands of some unexperienced engineer can you ? :D

Yeah Santa is pretty fukin cool. I wish he would bring me more gear tho!

[donsolo]

Word

Either that or Playboys

[Godchild]

i am a gospel rapper and i would say dont do it,because music comes from the heart and how could you put your heart into something you dont believe lets someone who does believe as they believe given that opprotunity to play for the people

[Sqye]

I'm not a religious person, but people, in the end, are all just people.

If you have SUCH a strong personal belief that you feel you won't be at your best, then refuse the session - it's up to you how.

I have had some really wonderful gospel sessions in my life, as a producer, choir director, composer, arranger, engineer, guitarist, keyboard player and, even vocalist.

My opinion is that if the music and the artists are inspiring enough, you might actually get into it - I mean REALLY into it.

If you don't take the gig, you might actually miss out on a valuable experience.

However, only you know yourself well enough to be able to gauge how much of a drag it could end up being.

Hell, I've had gangsta rap artists that were ten times more polite, professional, cool and inspiring to work with than some of the gospel artists I've worked with. I worked with Wu Tang in my studio years ago - they were amazing. And, to be fair, I've worked with plenty of nightmare rock bands and classical and jazz musicians, and OTOH had great experiences with plenty of musicians in all the same genres. It almost seems as if genres don't really or necessarily define the client - sure you can stereotype, but there are SO MANY EXCEPTIONS. (Why am I getting the feeling that the liturgy isn't necessarily the only reason you're being resistent here?)

I've also worked with some really wonderful gospel artists who were an absolute joy.

Still, in the end you NEVER know who you're going to end up getting stuck with.

My basic cardinal rule is: I don't commit to any project until I've had AT LEAST one pre-production meeting with a client, I can usually tell if we're going to hit it off - I've been wrong, but usually I'm not. The pre-production session usually comprises review of all material and full discussions of all expectations, agreements, scheduling, roles, etc.

IOW, I couldn't ever see making a mistake like not knowing what kind of music I'm recording before I commit. I'm not being critical, just relaying my process. Of course, it took me years to learn that it is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE to get to that level of interview before one takes on a project.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out - luv to hear the recording when you're done, if you decide to take on the challange.

[Manfriday]

Just tell them you are not a believer, and ask them if it would bother them to have someone who does not share their religous beliefs playing on their tunes.
If it doesnt bother them, do the gig and be happy to take their cash.

It's not like religous music has ever really converted anyone anyway, despite what some of them may wish to believe... It's there to uplift those who are already converted.

[octatonic]

Wow... resurrected thread from ages back.

The way it played out was they decided on a change of direction and made the decision for me.
I'd pretty much decided that I was going to tell them it wasn't the project for me, but didn't have to in the end.

[Sqye]

doh - didn't even look at the original date

glad it worked out for everyone

[Mudnoc]

Originally Posted by picksail

When I pull-up to the drive-thru at Taco Bell at 3:00am, I'm not concerned with the clerks political or religious preference. I just want my damned burrito!!!!

I must agree here...

[Matt Grondin]

Originally Posted by Godchild

i am a gospel rapper and i would say dont do it,because music comes from the heart and how could you put your heart into something you dont believe lets someone who does believe as they believe given that opprotunity to play for the people

Please ask your god for some more puncuation