For the Musicians

If there’s one thing I’ve heard from sound guys throughout the 11 years that I’ve been with Casting Crowns it’s, “Turn your amp down!”. I was beginning to think it was a lengthy nickname they’d given me. And did I get frustrated when they said that to me? Yes. “What about the tone?!” was one response OR I’d walk towards the amp mumbling something in my head that made me feel a little bit better. I’m usually in agreement with me. Now, looking back I realize how immature I was…um..am. I had a Gibson Les Paul going through a 150 watt Mesa Boogie dual rectifier, we were playing in a lot of churches back then and we were playing songs like “Voice of Truth” and “Who Am I”. Not the greatest formula for leading worship. Understand that I’m a 90’s kid. I grew up with Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine etc. so that was all I really knew. If you can’t hear it, turn it up! Am I speaking anyone’s language out there?

Here’s the encouragement: Ephesians 4:2-3 says “Be completely humble and patient bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. With every step I take towards our Lord the more I see how proud I am. What are we really concerned with as Christian musicians? Showing off my guitar? Or if everyone hears or sees me on stage? We should be humbling ourselves and allowing a worthy King to take his rightful place. I remember the first time I replied to the “turn down” comment with, “sure thing”. The look on his face was as if someone just someone just bought him lunch. A couple of years ago my wife, Christy, was on the road with us. She came up to me one day and said, “I want you to know that I was talking with one of the crew guys and he said, ‘Hector is so easy to work with’”. Thank you God. Is that boasting? No. It wasn’t me. I pray that GOD has used/is using/will use you to build up and encourage the body of Christ. That’s what sound guys/crew guys/etc need to see: people willing to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. Put down the electric guitar and pickup an acoustic sometimes. Don’t play at all if the situation calls for it. Turn down if you need to. Turn UP if you need to (love that one). Use the Line6 board if the amp is uncontrollable. Put your amp in a separate room even. Be humble and serve! So I’ve got it down right?...umm..no. BUT maybe by posting this blog it will help hold me accountable. Pray for me!

Holy Spirit, let your work be evident in our lives!

Hector