Although various rock predecessors have examined spiritual issues - U2, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan immediately come to mind - dc Talk has taken the notion to new lengths, both in commercial terms and depth of artistic exploration. Numerous Dove Awards, three Grammy Awards, one multi-platinum album, two platinum albums, two gold albums and two gold-certified long-form videos attest to the group's ability to bridge the wall between religious and secular audiences.
"We're very open about our Christian faith," says Toby McKeehan, "but when we make our records we want to create a musical experience that anyone can immerse themselves in. One of our goals is to encourage listeners to question themselves and to seek out truth."
But McKeehan and his dc Talk partners—Michael Tait and Kevin Max—have more far-reaching goals than just marrying lyrical correctness to music. The smoldering "Consume Me", from their 1997 album Supernatural, expresses spiritual devotion in intimate terms. "We view our relationship with God as very personal," says McKeehan, "and some people might get upset because the relationship in 'Consume Me' is so passionate and real, rather than ritualistic. We wrote this as a spiritual song because to us, faith is a passionate, personal, committed love relationship with Jesus Christ."
"Yeah, part of us is message-oriented; another part is entertainment driven," says Kevin Max. "I'd like the music to make an impact on as many levels as possible," admits Michael Tait. "If that sounds like a lofty, ambitious goal, that's okay. If one person likes the way it sounds, and another likes what the lyrics are saying, both are valid and both are important."
After relocating to Nashville, dc Talk released a series of increasingly ambitious—and successful—albums, beginning with their self-titled 1989 debut; followed by their gold-certified 1990 sophomore album Nu Thang; the platinum-certified 1992 opus Free At Last; 1995's Jesus Freak, a double-platinum watershed which afforded the group more mainstream success than ever before; as well as 1997's platinum-selling Supernatural.
In addition to their recordings, live performance has been a crucial part of the dc Talk story, and the group's fiery on-stage delivery earned them respect from virtually all quarters. "Live music is what being a musician is all about," says Max; "When you perform a song live, that's when you really begin to understand the song's meaning." Tait adds 'when you yourself are having as much fun—if not more—than the audience, that's the essence of a live show."
Whether forging strong bonds with concert audiences, or expressing their faith in the recording studio, dc Talk strives to treat their listeners as equals, rather than receptors. McKeehan says, "We want to make music that encourages people to think about the things we think about—spiritual issues and truth." Max adds, "Just as we all share the idea of caring and conscience, we also share the hunger to find truth and meaning in life."
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POEM OF LIGHT
Beyond your eyes exists a world That all can learn to see Within this world exists for us Infinite possibility
Many are lost in darkness And cannot find their way Because they choose to believe the lies They hear from day to day
The future's yours the future's yours, If you open your mind Discover what you do not know And greater truth you'll find
You and me and everyone are all beings of light We can all live in harmony, If we increase our sight, Open your heart open your mind, And see your path anew The greatest joy in life will come From Loving Being You!
Love all of life's Creations Take time and you will grow To know the truth and see the light and all you wish to know Your energy creates life and knowledge is for sure Come know yourself, The universe, And So Much, So Much More...
Here is the link to the author's Myspace page, please visit him and tell him you appreciate this awesome poem!
http://www.myspace.com/psychicharmony
GLAD TO BE YOUR FRIEND, HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL AND AMAZING DAY. STRIVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEBODY'S LIFE TODAY, YOU'LL FEEL AMAZING AND REAP GREAT BLESSINGS!
Hey guys, I'm a big fan of all of your music. Your music opened up my mind to many different possibilities when I was a kid. Now I'm a musician myself. thanks for the great tunes.
Oh how I pleasantly recall being a "Jesus Freak", a badge of honor, for He was an outsider, outcast, rebel, innovator, genius, marginalized and despised by this lunatic world. Berkeley 1971 Christian World Liberation Front, St. Teresa of Avila, Martin Luther, Richard Baxter, Charles Finney, Erwin Lutzer, we march on to the Most Different Drummer!
Hi, Everyone Check out my new and improved site and let me know what you think. Do not forget to also check out my latest songs. You will not be disappointed. Much Luv
Greetings Brother's in Christ, Thanks for adding our band to your myspace. Hope you will listen to all of our songs. Our new album ''SMILE METER'' will be released 12/01/09. But, most importantly, Have a Wonderful & Warm Thanksgiving!
Hey I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me in a while! I was preparing the release of my debut album (see below). I’ll be back "home" in Nashville and playing there soon: Sunday, Nov 29th, 8.00pm EXIT/IN, Nashville I’d love to see you there! Greetings from your Swiss brother, blessings, Vlada VLADA - ALL ABOUT YOU feat. Take 6, K. Whalum, A. Laboriel, V. Colaiuta, P. Jackson Jr. Release: January 26, 2010 Now available as a Limited Edition CD on http://www.vladamusic.com
I have been reading your book JESUS FREAKS, I must say it is very, very interesting - I urge people to check it out, as it is a real eye opener. Well done you guys. God Bless ya.
Thanks! You guys are amazing and your music truly inspiring! Know that you are touching a lot of people's hearts through your music! Keep writing and playing for Him! God Bless You All and Your Ministry! With His Love, Layna
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