Do You Wanna Get Frosty With Me?!

Jay-Z vs Wendy's : It seems I've stumbled upon an interesting celebrity showdown...

This commercial is HILARIOUS.... but touches on a dark trend in the music business. ;)

Alright, so if you haven't already figured this out.... all the controversy is about Auto-tune. If you're not familiar with Auto-Tune, it's a studio tool that corrects a singer's voice, and makes it "in tune". If you set Auto-Tune a certain way, it creates this Auto-Tune effect that you hear so much. Guys like T-Pain, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jamie Foxx, Akon, and so many others in their genres use this effect on nearly every part they sing.

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Now, the first question many people ask is this... "If someone needs auto-tune to be a singer, should they really be singing?!" The reality is that most of today's music has tuned vocals, and that's not really the issue in question here. The issue under the microscope here is the use of the "Auto-Tune Effect".

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When Jay-Z saw this commercial, it probably didn't make him laugh like it did for me. He was saddened and disappointed, because he saw a brand like Wendy's clowning around with the state of hip-hop music today. Jay-Z thought about this pragmatically (one of the reasons I have a deep respect for Jay-Z, and how he thinks about music), and didn't blame Wendy's.... he blamed the state of hip-hop, for becoming something so easily mocked.

He then penned the song "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" decrying the use (and over-use) of the vocal effect in hip-hop music today. He said this....

"I just think in hip-hop, when a trend becomes a gimmick, it's time to move on," Jay said in an interview with Chicago radio station WGCI on Tuesday. "I saw a Wendy's commercial and they're using Auto-Tune. They're joking on it. It's like, OK, enough of that ... It was a trend, it was cool in the beginning. Some people made great music with it, now it's time to move on."

So what do you think about the Auto-Tune Effect?

Is it fun and playful, or just plain annoying?

Personally, I don't mind it on certain parts of specific types of songs.... If the song calls for something with that electronic kind of feel, then fine.... But entire records full of songs that, stylistically, could have just been sung normally? I don't know about that.

In the wake of Michael Jackson's death, the King of Pop, I wonder if music listeners are going to rediscover their desire for real talent.... I wonder if they're going to get bored of gimmicks like this, and start to wonder if Jamie Foxx really can sing underneath that auto-tune effect. I wonder if music listeners are going to demand more from artists....

The one thing I know for sure is this... if music listeners are willing to buy crap music, the music business is certainly willing to create it for them.

Jonathan

The World of PC

I had the most ridiculous experience buying a PC today!

So if you don't know this about me already.... I'm an Apple guy. Macbook, iPhone, iPod.... I've bought into the whole thing. Haha.... Well, today, I violated my Apple-ethics and bought a PC... and in doing so - had a bizarre experience....

See, Jess needed a laptop for internet and email at home.... and she doesn't use the computer much, so it didn't have to be a powerhouse... A PC seemed just fine for her, and she found a Dell she liked. While I felt a certain pain inside when I started considering buying a PC instead of an Apple, it was SO incredibly cheap, it was hard for me to argue. (Especially when the specs on it out-flanked my macbook, for less than 1/3 of the cost!)

Well, we went to Best Buy, and had quite an adventure buying this thing. As we perused the computer section (we already knew roughly which one we wanted), I experienced all my PC stereotypes come to life: A young asian salesman came over and started talking with us. This was too funny... he looked like the young asian kid from Indiana Jones....

This was our exchange:

(I'm in red, the salesman is in blue.)

Hey, um is - Uh - wha -Hey, is there anything I can help you with today?

Yeah, we're considering buying one of these two computers. What are the biggest differences between these two?

Well, here's how I look at it.... They're both computers, so they're both trash.

Uhhhhhh..... ok, well which one has a faster CPU? None of these labels seem to show the processor speed?

Oh, it doesn't matter really, they're all fast.

Uh huh......

You see, no computer is perfect. You're never gonna have a computer that works all the time, and you're never gonna have a computer that doesn't work at all. Well, maybe you could... uhhh.... (his voice trails off.....)

Well, we're gonna need a few more minutes to think about it.

Sure.... well we're not on commission here, so if you need me you can grab me, or if you really hate me, go get somebody else.

Uhhh ok.

(Jess and I take a minute to decide, and then grab him and talk to him some more...)

Ok, we'd like this one.....

That one? Ok, would you like us to optimize it for you?

What does that mean?

It means that we basically go through it, and make sure everything is working properly.... and get it all set up and running it's best. It will run....... um.... 20% faster.

Really. How much is that?

$39.99

Hmm... well, it's brand new, shouldn't it be working properly anyways? It's got a one-year warranty, right?

Yeah. Would you like to purchase the extended warrant-

No, thanks.

Ok, well let me see if we have any non-optimized computers in stock.... if we don't, I can give you an optimized one for only $19.99 instead of $39.99...

Um..... ok, can you check if you've just got a regular one?

(He finds one, and we head over to ring it up.)

Ok, if I can't get the scanner to work in three tries, you get the computer for free.

Um. Ok?

(He tries three times.... fails, and THROWS the scanner in the trash.)

Does that mean I get it for free?

Well, I'm gonna type the number in, if I don't get it right, THEN you get it for free.

Ok.....

(He rings it up, and it works.)

Ok, that'll be...... uh.. six hundre - (voice trails off again)

Jess pipes up, "You mean four hundred and sixty?"

Yeah, haha....

So can I put $400 on this card, and the rest on another card?

No, but you can put $400.01 on one card.

What?!

I'm just kidding.

Ok......................

(He rings it up... I put in my PIN.... he starts laughing.)

I'd be screwed right now, cuz I can never remember my PIN. I'd have to call my friend and ask him!

You don't know your PIN, but your friend does?

Haha, yeah.

Ok.... well have a good day....

Jess and I walked out thinking.. "What in the world just happened?!"

I couldn't help but mention that this experience is EXACTLY what I think of when I think "PC". Apple store employees know a heck of a lot more about what they're selling, and they're WAY less awkward! Gosh!

So.... final verdict? Fast computer. Great price. A hilarious story.

Not a bad day. :)

Last Michael Jackson Rehearsal Footage

I spotted a familiar figure in the last known rehearsal footage of Michael Jackson....

Orianthi!

She's a fantastic guitar player, and a fellow PRS player!





Jonathan

I'm Feelin It!

So we have a little thing we like to do when we're having a good time.....

You say, "I'm Feelin It!!!" and then do a kick, followed by a head-bang.

We demonstrate on stage at Creation East 2009:




Jonathan

Re-Views

So I don't normally read a lot of reviews of our music.... but I came across a review of the single "Live Life Loud" that fascinated me on so many levels - here it is:

Horrible.
by Soldier of Christ

What left is there to complain about the hypocrisy here? The lyrics make no sense. They are not Christian. All your basically saying is dance and scream. How does that praise Jesus? Also, as I've noticed before some people give negative feedback for me (and others) saying stuff like this is unacceptable. If so, you are just being ignorant of the fact that is unacceptable and living in denial. Go ahead but I don't think Jesus will agree with your poor decision making. I'd also advise you stop listening "I Can Only Imagine" and songs similar 'cause it won't be easy to get to that.


Now, I almost don't even know where to start here.

First off, this guy (and I'm assuming it's a guy from the tone of his writing... could be wrong) has every right to his opinion. If he wants to say we're the ugliest, most awful, unoriginal band in the world, that's fine with me. Sticks and stones, and all that.

That being said.... What on earth is his point? I mean, I can understand him expressing that "dance and shout" lyrics aren't spiritual enough for him... no problem there.... but what the heck is that last sentence about? What does "I Can Only Imagine" have to do with this.... and is he telling people not to listen to that song either? That's about the most spiritual song I can imagine (forgive the pun - I couldn't help myself).

Maybe it doesn't help that he's at about a 5/10 rating on the my-sentences-make-sense-o-meter. I would probably take him more seriously if he didn't seem so intent on destroying the english language along with our song's iTunes rating. Haha.

All that aside....... the stone throwing... the complete disregard for grammar..... it brings back the familiar question -

"What is Christian Music?"

There seem to be so many different ways to approach this question... Because up until just a couple decades ago, Christian Music meant hymns, and songs for the church. Somewhere in the last 40 years or so, Christians started taking their music outside the walls of the church....

Artists like Larry Norman (one of my heroes, and I'm proud to say I've shaken his hand) wrote songs like "Why Should the Devil Have All The Good Music?" What a profound statement! He was into rock n' roll, and wondered why there weren't any believers making music that was exciting like that.... so he decided to make some himself. Now THAT is stepping out in faith!

Since then, though, I will admit the lines have been blurred. Bands have flirted with the idea of "We're not a Christian band, we're Christians in a band", and clearly non-Christian bands have been expected to act Christian because of their label, management, or other business affiliations (The Juliana Theory is one example). Many bands have grown uncomfortable with the terms "Christian Band" or "Christian Music". I can understand that..... it puts preconceived notions into someone's mind when they hear that.... but these terms aren't easily avoided...

A man I respect greatly, Jon Foreman, once said... "Christianity is not a genre, it's a lifestyle." I admire his point of view, but if the rest of the world sees Christian Music as a genre, then that's exactly what it is, isn't it? Even if ideally, it shouldn't be?

These are all thoughts I wrestle with, and I admit that I have more questions than answers.

I recognize that I play guitar in a band that is primarily a fun, let's-have-a-party type band.... And while we certainly strive to have more depth and meaning to what we do (partnering with Toms shoes, Hands & Feet Project, talking to kids at shows, talking about Jesus on stage), we are, and will always be a "fun" band (although I think those who know us and really investigate our music can clearly see there is more than "dancing and shouting").

Personally, I think that's far from "unacceptable". I think God is big enough to have more than one way of doing things. I know he can simultaneously use the Baptists, the Lutherans, the Pentecostals, and the unchurched believers..... So I wholeheartedly believe that he can simultaneously use bands like Hillsong United, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, and Flyleaf.

My God is BIG.... Bigger than prejudice and pretense. He sees straight to the heart... and that is both terrifying and heartbreaking and redeeming. In my life, I've seen him use the most unexpected things to bring about his kingdom.... The big and small. The intentional and the accidental. The glorious and the tragic.

That's the kind of God we both serve, and know on a personal level. That is staggering.

That is also why reviews like this can only make me chuckle.

Is Forever Enough?

So this summer we decided to bring back an older song from our second record (Smile, It's the End of the World), and play it live. It's called Is Forever Enough... and we've never attempted to play it live before this summer. It has quickly become one of our favorite songs of the set.

Since we're introducing 2 new songs during our summer set (Live Life Loud, and Meaning of Life), it might be easy to mistake Is Forever Enough for a brand new song.... but don't be fooled. :) This is an oldie but a goodie.

I found a pretty decent video of this song when we performed it at Creation East festival a few days ago - hope you like it!




Jonathan

Little Canadian Delights

So we played Canadas Wonderland yesterday... It's a theme park similar to a six flags, except with security that the TSA would envy. Geez... They were hardcore!

I used to come to this park quite a bit when I was a kid. I also used to come see my favorite Christian bands play here, so it was kind of special to be playing on that stage with my own band now.

My mother and aunt were there with me, and we spent some time walking around the park. It was interesting to see all the rides that has been renamed since I left. They even renamed one in my honour! At least I'm assuiming it's in my honour.... I mean, I AM the Sledgehammer!

For lunch we went to this pizza joint called Pizza Pizza. Now, I know this photo is lame, and this place doesn't look that special... But it is! They have DIPPING sauces for their pizza..... and if you're an avid reader of the sidelines, then you know... I'm all about the sauces. My favorite in this case is the cheddar jalepeno. Delicious!

Of course, no trip to Canada is complete without a visit to Tim Hortons.... Or, in my case.... Three. Yes, I managed to squeeze in 3 trips to tim hortons in just over 24 hours.... Here is the final breakdown:

3 iced capps
1 boston cream donut
1 maple dip donut (how Canadian)
1 vanilla dip donut with sprinkles
1 cinnamon raisin bagel

I think I may have sinned by eating all that.

However, I did get new running shoes for my birthday (thanks honey!) so I'm going to try and run at least 3 miles a day for the next two weeks. We've got a little time off and I'm determined to put it to good use!

Jonathan

-- Post From My iPhone

Walkabout Toronto

I lived so close to Toronto for so long.... And I never fully appreciated it for what it was. It's an incredible city with a ton of culture, fashion, and life to it.



Today, walking around downtown with a few of my American friends... I felt like a tour guide. A really enthusiastic tour guide. Apparently, I'm quite proud of my country.... Well, this city anyway.

I showed them city hall, being sure to mention the marriage proposals that happened there, as well as the scene from Resident Evil that was filmed there....






And I also showed them the beautiful parliament buildings downtown that house the provincial government of Ontario. There is some incredibly beautiful architecture here in downtown Toronto.

I took them through the eaton's center, and introduced them to Toronto's downtown mall. Tyler, one of our buddies out with us, had never been to Canada before, so he was stunned by the sight of Canadian money. He called it monopoly money.

We stopped by steves music, where I used to shop for guitars and such....

Of course I visited the PRS area. Some sweet guitars in the shop now! I don't think they had quite that many PRSes when I lived here. Good job steve!

It feels great to be back in Canada. It's mixture of "returning home" and "visiting somewhere new" for me. Obviously I grew up here, so there's an attachment there, but I've been gone for long enough that I find myself feeling a little foreign when i return.

I'm also pretty settled in Nashville... Married with a house and a dog... So it has become pretty natural to feel like that is home.

All in all, I'm loving visiting Canada.... But it's becoming more evident as time goes on.... This is no longer home for me.... Mixed feelings about that? Yes. Regrets? Absolutely not. Excited and hopeful about the future? Inexpressibly so.

Jonathan

-- Post From My iPhone

Creation East

Last night we played Creation East Festival, in Pennsylvania. This is the biggest Christian festival around, and it's one of our favorite of the year. Roughly 70,000 were in attendance, and we got to play in an incredible slot... 9:00pm at main stage (right before Chris Tomlin). The fringe stage was shut down by that time, and the main stage area was packed full of folks ready for a great time!


We played for 50 minutes, and had SUCH a great time, introducing 2 new songs (meaning of life and live life loud) to the festival crowd. At the end of the set, Jas, Dan, and I ran down to the front of the stage to say goodbye... It was a special moment. I looked out over 70,000 people chanting the last "woah-oh-oh-oh" from live life loud, and thought..... "This is a moment I want to remember..."




I have such a cool job.

I also got to hang a lot with my friends Jack and Beverly from PRS Guitars. They were SO warm and wonderful to be around. I helped throw PRS shirts out to the crowd on the fringe stage, and assisted with a draw for a guitar giveaway after our set on main stage. I am so grateful for the friends I've made at PRS. They're such great people... And they also happen to be incredibly good at what they do!

So thank you to all you folks at creation east... You made my night!

Jonathan

-- Post From My iPhone

PRS Tent at Creation!

Hey Guys!

We're at the Creation East festival tomorrow, and I'm going to be hanging out at the PRS Tent tomorrow from 1:30pm to 2:00pm or so. So come hang out with me there and check out some sweet guitars!


Jonathan

-- Post From My iPhone