Muzik Notes: Punk Rock 4 Jesus

Punk Rock is a style of Rock music that began in the early 1970's. The music was typified by a raw aggressive sound. Punk was a rebellion against the polished corporate music of the time, and many times involved songs composed of a few chords, and in many cases very little technical music skill. But it wasn't about how fast you could play, how many chords you knew or how great you could solo, it was about the message. The message of rebellion against the establishment. Much of the punk contained a political message and sparked a strong underground subculture.

Punk Music eventually evolved into other styles such as oi,hardcore and many other subtypes. Then in the 90;s something happened.......POP punk emerged. Punk became commercialized, cleaned up and corporate..........

So what does this have to do with Christianity or Jesus? Well, With the beginning of the "Jesus Movement' in Christian music, there began a movement to Play new forms of music for the glory of God. Among these was the Christian punk movement in the 1980's. The scene began small with some great bands like The Altar Boys, The Crucified, One Bad Pig and Undercover. These bands had an authentic Punk sound, but with lyrics that glorified God. The Altar Boys were notorious for keeping the Rebellion angle, using it to refer to we as Christians rebelling against the world and it's systems. Being rebels for Jesus! Some other notable bands from the Hardcore movement (JCHC- Jesus Christ Hardcore) included Officer Negative, and Flatfoot56 who have am ore OI style!

With the 90's commercialization of "punk" in the mainstream, the Christian market quickly embraced this less-offesnsive punk sound and ran with it. During this time there was an explosion of Christian punk. Some notable bands to come out of this era include mxpx!, Relient K, and Ghoti Hook to name a few. As the pop punk fad faded, so did many punk releases from Mainstream Christian labels.

In the past few years there has been a remnant of Christian punk bands who represent the classic styles and have a strong Christian message. While many of these bands aren't played on most Christian music stations, they retain a large underground following.

So then, why even have "Christian Punk"? While many will automaticaly assume that because it has a spiritual message that it is watered down or Wuss punk. Nothing could be further from the truth! The Christian punk/Ska/JCHC movement serves a critical purpose!  One of our main objectives as Christians should be to reach the hurting and lost with the Gospel! Punk subculture is a tough culture to reach out to. This is where punk musicians are so critical, they have the ability to exist in the subculture, put out some awesome music and plant seeds and minister through their own personal testimonies.

We at CYI Worldwide/Grok Radio honor our Punk brothers, and commend them for the critical work they do for the kingdom!

Looking for some great Christian Punk/Ska.Hardcore?  Here are some resources:

• GROK RADIO - Does a varietyy of Punk SHows and interviews. To download some click HERE

• CYI Music Directory - Has listings of many awesome Punk/Ska Bands   Check it out HERE

• Thumper Punk Records - has THE best  Punk and JCHC bands. If you want punk. THIS is the place to find it!!   click HERE to to go their web site!