"Well, I was sheltered."

In the 4th grade, my parents insisted that I get into christian music. We had all our radios turned to Air1 and I was forbidden to listen to KIIS FM. I'd still sneak listening to KIIS just in case the "Macarena" came on - it was all the rage that year. 

Anyway, this change in music really changed my life. Gradually I became more involved in that radio station, called in alot, won tickets to a bunch of shows, and was able to get involved in a welcoming music environment. It was also awesome to have a common belief with the artists.  I volunteered at shows and had dreams to eventually work with the artists I had come to love so much. (I'll spare you the details of my Newsboys obsession).

I know that by listening to this type of music back then that I now have a limited amount of background in the "secular" music industry as it was. Scott grew up listening to country, rock, and punk - totally different than me. My common comment is "Well, I was sheltered." Sheltered or not, I really relish those memories of hearing all my favorite music on one station, being able to see the artists easily, and become increasingly involved in the industry as I grew older. I got to see it evolve into what it is now and to even meet and get close to a bunch of those I listened to for so long. 

I was also shown that these people are mere humans, they aren't perfect and they can be sketchy (sometimes SUPER sketchy). It's always hard seeing someone you thought was right on be totally on the wrong path and let "fame" get to their heads. Regardless, humans are humans... and i'm totally off topic. 

I have now strayed into a broader musical repertoire that spans all different genres and tastes. I'm glad I saw that there was more music that could touch me but i'm so thankful that Christian music was apart of my past. SO - I'll leave you with some videos and songs that really shaped what I am today.  (after the jump)

Switchfoot - "Chem 6a" 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjb9jhNRxFo

Newsboys - "Woo Hoo live"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBhAHRL_Nl8

Switchfoot - "New Way To Be Human"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRS497t6lgA

Raze - "Always & Forever" (OMG EM!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKeRQ80vHgs

The OC Supertones - "Supertones Strike Back"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN7xnusIMSc

Anberlin - "Ready Fuels"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6svWM9SyPo

DC Talk - "My Friend So Long"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYX75wCS0rM

Newsboys - "Love Liberty Disco"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjKezlH2aW8

The W's - "The Devil Is Bad"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLO2-_emvDY

Five Iron Frenzy - "Every New Day"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFIMOJ46ofk

Reality Check - "To Know You Better" (one of my first albums)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8yVOMIuBbA

Showbread - "Mouth Like A Magazine" (one of my fav music videos ever)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93DFn4lvsJU

Superchic[k] - "Barlow Girls"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Jsnnb9NRo

Earthsuit - "One Time" (Keyboard player is now the singer of MuteMath, fyi)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBjFyQ6gvAo

John Reuben - "Doin'"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntDMC4sGcNc

Mars Ill - "Breathe Slow"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiQcobwoFm4

MewithoutYou - "Bullet to Binary"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_uwgRzlrNc

Relient K - "Marilyn Manson Ate My Girlfriend"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cTd59m_Dhw