Joshua, our guitarist, ready for take-off
The world of LDS music features, of course, the work of a lot of LDS artists you love. You know their names, and many of them are dear to your heart. But behind the scenes, you’ll find hundreds of other people working to bring the music to vibrant life – technicians, musicians, writers, producers, and more, not to mention warehouse owners and operators, store employees, and everyone else working hard to get music into your hands. Some of those people are members of the Church, and some aren’t. But they’re all dedicated to creating music that will support the aims of your favorite artists: to lift your spirit, to inspire and comfort you.
Drummer Steve Flaig, enjoying a burrito during load-in
Just a few days ago, I had an opportunity to work with some of my favorite musicians on a big outdoor Christmas show in Southern Utah. The experience put me in mind of the brotherhood we share as musicians and as children of God, and I thought of how surprising it might be for some of our listeners that much or their favorite music is so ecumenical in its creation.
As I worked with the musicians that were part of the aforementioned Christmas show, it struck me for a moment how different we all were in terms of religious affiliation. A handful of us were Latter-Day-Saints, but not more than a handful.
Pianist and accordianist Stephen Keen, rehearsing a bit before the show
Over the course of our work together, we even had a conversation or two about our differences. Even so, when it came time to address the concert, we were all uncommonly unified in presenting Christmas music to our audience in a way that would move them – nudge them deeper into the spirit of giving and love that characterizes the season. To a man, each member of the band and crew felt that responsibility keenly, and delivered a memorable show to a grateful audience. I’m thankful to have been part of such a team. It’s the same sort of team whose work goes into nearly every tune you hear on this station, or every LDS album you play in your home.
May your season be a musical one, and your heart be full of love for all men (and, of course, women and children too)!