“I like the sound more than the self-denial”
I’m frantically trying to finish my Ireland Mayterm journals, so I haven’t had much time to read or blog, but here’s a brief post on Jared Anderson, to whom I’m listening to as I pound out these journals.
Jared Anderson is a worship leader and associate pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, perhaps now best known for being Ted Haggard’s former church. Jared has written a couple worship standards, most notably “Amazed.” Along with his work with New Life’s Desperation Band, Jared has also released a few solo records. However, the real gems are found in his “lamp” projects. Independent, stripped down albums.
The lyrics are witty, humorous, and poignant. The music is well crafted. The strings are not cheesy, and Jared’s piano playing is much better than your average pop artist. I think that Jared’s lamp projects are where he really shines because there isn’t the undue influence from his record label, and there isn’t the pressure to write something that congregations will love and can sing along to. Jared really gets to do what he wants, musically and lyrically.
It’s sad but understandable that even among Christian artists things are so political. When I was in Belfast, I got to spend some time with Aaron Boyd, the worship leader who wrote “God of this City,” which Chris Tomlin covered and made famous. He spoke candidly about some of the ugliness of the “Christian music industry.” On the one hand, these artists do need to make some money to sustain their artistic endeavors, but it comes at a price in preserving the integrity of their artistry.
Anyways, if you like Jared’s music, you can purchase his lamp projects on iTunes or at CDbaby.com.
