Courtesy | joshgarrels.com
Next week brings the arrival of a folksy troubadour who has changed the Christian music scene. Each note sonorously released from his lips breathes fresh hope into the idea that the tradition of psalmic exploration can meet pleasantly with revival. This man is not interested in writing catchy worship tunes, sure to shallowly light up the Sunday sanctuary. He wants nothing less than to lay the soul bare and then clothe it anew with honesty and hopefulness. Josh Garrels is kicking off the Eddy this year and he’s sure to make some waves.
His career has been one of self-direction from the start. Like the untamed narration provided by his lyrics, he releases his albums without any influence from record labels, major or minor. From writing to production to dispersal of product, Garrels guarantees himself a monopoly without being megalomaniacal. His near obsessive concern for his music ensures the listener is not receiving a product so much as a gift. Each album is no consumptive product but a creation, molded by steady, calloused, workman’s hands.
Garrels’ popularity extends beyond the Biola campus. Sold out shows were played in Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles on the same tour that brings him here. Moreover, his appearance here won’t cost students a dime. Music as a gift is far from out of character for Garrels. His last album, “Love & War & The Sea In-Between,” was released as a free download, available on his website. Any residual income the album generated was given away to charity. It is with this spirit that he comes to perform a show at our educational abode.
It’s even more exciting to think of what Garrels’ performance signifies for the upcoming year as a whole. Kicking off this year’s musical on-campus events with one of the best-known, most original Christian artists of today is a great sign. Lauren Bailey, this year’s Music & Arts Director, said that this year will be dedicated to artistic integrity, honesty and beauty. Local groups as well as students will be invited to perform. It will be a year for beating Christian hearts, trying to make sense of the world through their music.
Garrels is sure to bring the spiritual fervor of an old time gospel hour and the musical talent of any other folk musician, Christian or otherwise, running around today.
