Start Listening To: Christian Music

Get ready to embark on a journey into the unknown as we unravel the layers of Christian Music's artistry.

In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into the band's influences, creative process, and their unique connection to the film 'Blade: Trinity' (2004). As they navigate through the evolving local scene in Stoke and share insights into their forthcoming EP.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Christian Music from Stoke. We make music for fans of 'Blade: Trinity' (2004)

‘Marimba-Tragic Death Cult’ seems like an intense and compelling track. Can you delve deeper into the inspiration behind the song and its connection to 'Blade: Trinity' (2004)?

'Blade: Trinity' (2004) is not compelling by any means, but the story behind it is. Raw and complex human feeling dulled and numbed by lifeless computer generated vampire effects and Wesley Snipes refusing to open his eyes - leading to a re-edit of the films ending for home video release.

The track was created in isolation inside a cold garage. How did this setting contribute to the overall atmosphere and sound of 'Marimba-Tragic Death Cult'?

The garage wasn't actually that cold during recording. It was done over summer in 2023. Of course there were days which were wet and cold but it was mostly sunny (however, that is irrelevant because I shut the blinds on the only window in there anyway). In this period I would wake up, put clothes on, lock myself in the garage and begin recording, not coming out until I had recorded something solid. I would also wear the same trousers every day that I recorded. The one time I wore different trousers nothing sounded right and a bunch of audio files disappeared. I learned my lesson.

In the press release, you mentioned that the screams and squeals in the track come from a place of loathing and hatred for anyone outside of the garage-temple. Can you elaborate on the emotions and experiences that fuelled these intense feelings during the creative process?

I'm trying to learn to create with other people. For instance, the mixing of the track was done with my friends in the band Formal Sppeedwear, who are incredibly creative and I trust them with Christian Music's sound - and I don't trust anyone with it but myself and my band mates. I hate studios and I hate the idea of handing over the band's sound to some musically educated person, who I don't really know, to record, produce and ultimately decide what Christian Music sounds like. Which is why I trust Sppeedwear: I know that their ideas are as bastardising as mine, except they have the tools and knowledge to execute them.

Your debut EP Feed The Monkey was released last year. How has the band evolved since then, and what can listeners expect from your forthcoming EP?

All of the previous music comes from exactly the same mindset, all that has changed is that I've seen 'Blade: Trinity' (2004) since releasing those tracks.

Frontman Josh Baker mentions that once the music is released, it no longer belongs to the band. Can you discuss the significance of this philosophy and how it affects the band's relationship with its audience?

If the audience loves the music that is great. If it freaks them out or they don't understand it that is great too. We make music for ourselves entirely and do not give a thought to its reception from the audience. All art happens because there's something inside a person has to come out in some form, like knitting, film, or in our case, music. But once it is out, the audience can take it however they please. They can apply their own meaning and digest it however they feel. Our job is to create and provide the songs, opening the door for people to get on board, not to preach an exact meaning for people to follow. Contrasting the new single's title, we are not a cult. Basically: Take it how you like.

The press release mentions a creative hotspot developing in Stoke, showcased during a recent gig with friends University. Can you share more about the local scene and how it has influenced Christian Music's artistic approach?

There has been a 'scene' or 'creative hotspot' or whatever you want to call it in Stoke for years. I've been going to gigs since I was 14 and I know it existed before that because I've heard stories about incredible gigs, moments of musical community and such that occurred years and years before I stepped foot in these venues, like The Underground for example. It is a genuine honour to share stages with these magnificent bands and artists. But it's not new. It has been labelled new because people with musical or industry influence from elsewhere in the country have finally noticed that there are acts and artists here who may be worthy of note (and of course there always has been), which I am not against at all. In fact, I believe where you are from should not affect your chances of being noticed by the people with influence, that should be the norm. Unfortunately, that is not currently the case. Despite this, I am grateful that people are paying attention to and maybe even enjoying Christian Music and I hope other bands from round here end up being enjoyed in other places just as much as they are enjoyed in Stoke.

What do you love right now?

I love 'Blade: Trinity' (2004).

What do you hate right now?

I hate anyone who doesn't like 'Blade: Trinity' (2004).

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you? 

I don't listen to anything from when I was younger. But I remember my major musical turning point was when I first heard The Fat White Family's 'Serfs Up!' when it came out in 2019. That album enlightened me and lead me to the rest of their discography which changed my outlook on the world entirely. As a band, as artists, as performers, in their albums, in their live shows, in their interviews, they tick every box for me. 

With the release of 'Marimba-Tragic Death Cult' on January 31st and live dates being announced, what are your expectations and goals for Christian Music in 2024? How do you plan to make your mark in the music industry this year?

We will continue as we have from the beginning and ignore what the industry thinks, we simply open the door and give people the opportunity to get into the music.