Shlog Section-f

Discuss the first episode of Shlogcast with Derek Webb here.

Great debut Shaun.  As I posted on shlog, that was setting the bar very high for podcasting.  I loved all of your questions and most of Derek’s answers.  I think his ultimate answer about staying with INO records in order to keep making his kind of music without having to start over mostly had me wondering if that label might make sense for Shaun Groves if in fact they are giving him the kind of creative license (and the fact that Sony is the parent co.) which allows for accessibility and freedom at the same time.

Also, he always makes more sense when he gives context to his comments compared to when his main points get quoted out of context such as in the Christianity Today articles.  It must have been hard for you to not interrupt him more, but kudos for your “Barbara Walters” hard-hitting interviewing skills.

Keep up the great work as always and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Thanks.

Something I’d like to know as a result of this podcast and considering the new series we just started at our church called “They like Jesus but not the Church” based on the Dan Kimball book of the same name is whether Derek’s comments about Christian sub-culture may in fact really reflect a key problem in being a Christian music artist and how the secular world thinks of Christians as being close-minded, etc.

At first when I read Derek’s comments out of context from his podcast in giving advice to aspiring musicians to “not become a Christian music artist but go ahead and make music if you want”, I felt that comment was off base considering I discovered Derek Webb from Caedmon’s Call.  Then, after hearing Shaun ask Derek for clarification on that comment and after listening even more closely to Derek’s lyrics (perhaps it took the more melodic “The Ringing Bell” CD for it to sink in better), I think Derek’s reasons for asking to NOT be played on Christian radio make a lot more sense to me now.

I’m basically conflicted as I would like Shaun to be played on Christian radio but not at the expense of editing his message.  Also, Derek’s “not being marketed based on his worldview” comment makes more sense considering the context now. 

Shaun and others, what do you think about all of this?

Derek’s marketing on worldview comments make less sense to me now, actually.  If he were planning on leaving an industry that obviously markets him on his worldview now that he has the chance (his record deal being over) then that would make sense - it would be consistent, but I’m a little confused by him not doing that.  Not saying he’s wrong.  There are just some real mental gymnastics going on to make his decisions line up wit his convictions and I’m not that limber I suppose.

Shaun Groves - 20 June 2007 07:35 AM

Derek’s marketing on worldview comments make less sense to me now, actually.  If he were planning on leaving an industry that obviously markets him on his worldview now that he has the chance (his record deal being over) then that would make sense - it would be consistent, but I’m a little confused by him not doing that.  Not saying he’s wrong.  There are just some real mental gymnastics going on to make his decisions line up wit his convictions and I’m not that limber I suppose.

Shaun, thanks for weighing in on this.  At first when you posted the transcript from Derek’s podcast where he made that worldview comment, I also was confused as his worldview is what guides him.  As for his decision to stay with INO records and still be sold in Christian retail outlets seeming like it contradicts his “not being marketed based on his worldview” comment, that’s where I found your questioning him helpful.

When he explained that he now has a built-in fanbase and distribution channel with INO and they (and Sony) allow him to make his kind of music, I think that is what he meant.  For example, he was allowed to leave the word “whore” in the song “Wedding Dress” where you were asked to remove the word “trick” from “Jesus”.  I collect lots of music of all genres and particularly even though Derek’s new CD “The Ringing Bell” is sold at Christian retailers, it doesn’t sound as “Christian” as most of what it sits next to on the shelf. Alphabetically, he’s between Watermark and ZoeGirl. I think that’s what he means, in that he is getting his message out without having to compromise.

Personally, none of my retailers carry any Shaun Groves right now which is such a shame in my opinion.  Naturally, you sit between Sara Groves and Mark Harris so I look forward to seeing your music on the shelves again.

(Off Topic but didn’t know where else to put it)
Is the book discussion on “Static” still happening?

Shaun,

Are you going to post Shlogcast Episode 2 on iTunes again?  I briefly had it downloaded on Monday and it didn’t play and then I haven’t seen it on iTunes again yet.  I tried to listen to it on the website and the quality wasn’t as good as on my iPod.  It seems cool from what I heard and I’d like to listen to it more closely.

Thanks,
Kevin

Shaun, in addition to Derek’s “The Ringing Bell”, now Todd Agnew’s “Better Questions” is another example of very, very honest, not “happy” lyrics CD releases on INO records.  Great list of artists, Chris Rice, Phil Wickham, Todd Agnew, Derek Webb...(Shaun Groves)?  Seems like your style would fit right in, especially with your former Rocketown mate, Mr. Rice.

By the way, did Derek mention in the not released portion of your interview that he was re-joining Caedmon’s Call for their next release at the end of August?  Just curious as I don’t know how that fits in with the rest of what he had to say in the interview.