Posts Tagged ‘God’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo: Rob Brayl (Me), Maria Ciezak, Caitlin Hoffman -- BTB Staff]
Yo kiddies & parents & any soul who is reading,

I suppose I should start with the purpose of this letter. I wanted to do my part in partaking in the Love Is Louder / It Gets Better projects that have been circulating the media and infiltrating the internet. If you read BTB, you know that I have posted videos on the cause – celebrities and musicians who have brought awareness to the issue – and although I appreciate these voices of power, I also felt like no one had mentioned what I’m about to mention and that is why I knew I had to do this.

I’m not a YouTuber, and I don’t ever make vlogs but I did record a video for this project. After watching it though, I realized that I’m unsure if I feel comfortable posting. I got a bit too emotional in the video, to the point that I just have issues with putting that out there right now. This could change, but as of now, I’ve decided to write instead. I’m a writer after all.

I can only speak on personal experience, so here goes…

To me, the biggest bully in my life, wasn’t necessarily a person (although a few individuals come to mind). The biggest bully in my life was an organization, one whose intention isn’t meant to demean or to spew hatred, one whose purpose is actually to do the polar opposite, but for me, as unfortunate as it was, this was not the case.

The biggest bully in my life growing up was The Church.

I want to state that clearly not all churches are bullies – there are some wonderful churches in the world – but for me, growing up in the environment in which I did, the church was a devastating part of my existence.

To give a brief back-story: I grew up in the South, in a town of 4,000 people. Dirt roads, farms, Wal-Mart, rodeos, football – it’s most likely everything you’re thinking of and more (basically, think Varsity Blues for reference). I don’t want to say that I was a target of a particular church or that it was solely the reason I was led down such a dark road because there’s deeper issues there and deeper issues at play. Issues I do not wish to disperse openly in this format. Underneath, I realize that there are so many other factors that you have to take into consideration, but this is my truth and this is how the church left me feeling completely alone and tortured.

I remember being around ten years old when I heard what so many of you have heard. There was a distant relative in my family who I had never met, and one time when my family had guests over for dinner, he became the topic of conversation. I was playing with Legos, being a kid, when I overheard something that felt like a bullet. This relative was gay. He died of AIDS. And what I heard was that he would never get into heaven. I remember crying myself to sleep that night, because even though I had no clue how to verbalize who I was, I knew that I was somehow like this man. I cried myself to sleep, praying.

My prayer: I begged God to fix me.

This is just one example. There’s more personal issues I do not wish to tell, stories that probably have been told before. But what lies underneath that one moment in which is shared has to deal with The Church and how so much fear and hatred is poured into the potion of God. And I find it to be painfully sad that the church often dilutes God’s love.

The Church made me constantly question my own creation. I battled with the idea of why God would create me, if all I would ever be viewed as is flawed. There were times when I literally hated myself. I felt ugly and unlovable, to the point that eventually when I would look into the mirror, I would not even question it, for the weight of the feeling of ugliness had already found its home on my shoulders.

No one should ever feel this way.

I carried that weight around for years and years, until I finally realized that maybe my colors were a little too bright because God was going to use the palette of all that I was to paint a visual that only I could create. The same can be said for all of you, every single person who finds this, who stumbles upon this. You were meant to read this and your colors, the insane mixture of colors that swirl inside of you, were hand selected. You were born an original. Why set on being a copy? God didn’t just create black and white, he also created rainbows. And colors that the eyes can’t fully digest, so do you really think that if his design and genius was this intense, this wonderful and magical and complex that he would only create one single idea of what is right and one hue of sexuality?

It would take me forever to count and to present to you the ways in which God has never left me along the way, through all the struggles I’ve faced and still face. It’s made me come to one conclusion: God effing loves me.

I want you to know that God loves you, too. I realize that may sound like some summer camp cheesefest but know this is coming from a genuine space and that I’m real, that is the truth and nothing but the truth. God loves you and you are exactly who you were created to be. I know it can be hard and that high school sucks balls but I promise you, that if you focus on your mind, and you stay positive and hold onto faith, that you will develop into something beautiful.

I want to note that my family is loving and supportive of me and all my colors. That story of the distant relative has a lot to do with the time period and the place and the culture of where I grew up. It just goes to show that not everyone really knows what they’re saying and how those words can be used as weapons. Often, it’s the ones who love us the most who leave the deepest wounds. And often, it’s because they are blissfully unaware, which is why these projects are necessary.

I want to end this sappy situation with one of my favorite quotes by the awesome Zach Galifianakis. When asked his views on the Bible here is what he had to say:

“Well, it is hard to argue the teachings of Jesus – whether you believe or not. But the jerks at the Southern Baptist Convention and the freaks at Focus on the Family have completely hijacked those teachings of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount is all about turning the other cheek. I think if Jesus were to come back he would more likely hang out with low-lifes and perhaps be in a really bad cover band, but do his good work.”

My thoughts exactly.

Your buddy-o,
Rob Brayl
#loveislouder
#itgetsbetter

The Seven – MTV Shows

Since I used Zach’s quote + for comic relief, and since I love how he mentions his daily reading of the Scripture, I thought I’d throw the clip above into the mix.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“It’s really important to maintain and keep close to people that really love you. And if you ever feel taken advantage of or bullied, turn it off, and go towards God and people that love you. Make sure that you hold onto them. Anyone else, get them the f— out of your sphere.”

-Alicia Keys, advice on those dealing with bullies/cyber abuse

To learn more visit The Trevor Project & MTV’s A Thin Line.

MTV Shows

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The music that really turns me on is either running toward God or away from God. Both recognize the pivot, that God is at the center of the jaunt.

-JLennon

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Another living legend that’s gotten intimate with the darkest forms of the human conscience. Another hardcore rocker that fell right into the truth. Another talented person who forgot his self-worth, forgot self respect, and somehow managed to get it all back.

Let’s give a moment of respect to Brian Welch, ex-Korn guitarist, who went from Ground Zero to Cloud Ten after a life-altering moment when he took Christ into his life, and vowed to be a proper father and turn away from drugs. I’m not just trying to paint over this message with glory and cuddles because he’s now a born-again Christian; even those who don’t want to focus on the spiritual aspect have to admire his determination to find the truth behind the fake world he was living in, and to find the reason behind all the waste. With his heavy-laced dreads and ink-kissed skin, you may not think Welch would be the kind of person to be singing God’s praises. But that’s the beauty of God: no judgment on stereotypes for all are welcome inside, as is.

Brian has been doing really well for himself the past few years. Not only has he kicked some dirty addictions, but he’s taken those experiences to breathe intense life into new creative projects, including his very own single act. It seems he’s finally found his eternal niche, the place where his mind can go to play and soul can sit to rest. After making love to destruction and holding hands with death most of your life, you can really understand the heaviness of your decisions, as well as understand the preciousness you almost threw away. Playing a game of hopscotch with The Grim Reaper isn’t just some fleeting fancy — even if you survive, you may never be the same again. This is true for Brian Welch, but in the positive sense.

The thing is, when you’re caught in a manic-depressive roller coaster whirlpool of hatred and lies, you start thinking there’s nothing else you’re made for. But when you somehow crawl out of that horror unscathed, you begin wondering if maybe something or someone wants you to do something better.

As Welch explains it best: “I feel like I was created to do what I’m doing right now. Everything I learned in my life before I changed it all over, it set me up for what I’m doing now. That’s the satisfaction. That’s the peace in knowing, without a doubt, that you’re on the road you’re supposed to be on. There’s nothing more content than that.”

Those are the words of a man who has his life in order, and is proud of it. This new-found life philosophy has done nothing but improve his musical skill, the edge to his sound is as sharp as a razor blade. You seem to find something honourable and core-shaking in his music, like the ballad of a soldier. After all, he’s beaten the largest battle within.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo by Chris Polk/Getty Images North America]

Let me state for the record that I’ve never fully been on the GaGa bandwagon. I know, can you believe it?! A gay dude who doesn’t think GaGa is the coolest thing since sliced bread? Well, it’s true. And no, I am not a hater. I repeat: I am not a hater. I actually admire GaGa for her drive and passion — specifically with wanting to ignite change — but at the end of the day, I’m not on board with the behavior that surrounds her image, nor am I certain I ever will be.

I’ve gotten in numerous discussions over why I have resisted the newly crowned pop icon and it always comes down to hysterics/aesthetics. For instance, I sometimes feel as if she truly contradicts herself. IE: If you are not attention-seeking as you once claimed in an interview with Barbara Walters, then why show up late to a Mets game and then flip the paparazzi the bird? So there’s that. Not to mention, showing up to airports in underwear and Armadillo heels. The attention-seeking aspect of her “art” really annoys me if I’m being completely blunt and simply comes off as being ungenuine and phony.

As far as music goes — yes, I can get into Bad Romance just like the next person but I just didn’t feel any sort of connection to her debut record, The Fame. Perhaps it’s because, to me, a majority of the music GaGa has released thus far seems to be shallow gay dance music. I don’t mean that as an insult as I see nothing wrong with shallow gay dance music — it has a purpose and there’s tons of mindless pop that I enjoy on the dancefloor. But the fact of the matter is that for me, once the lights come on and I leave the club, I don’t take that music to bed with me. Bottomline: I always have a hard time clinging to shallow gay dance music.

Do I think GaGa is talented? Of course. I’m just anxiously awaiting a delivery from GaGa that doesn’t feel like it has been dipped in an ink of contrived thought, an ink that’s too superficially pop. I honestly feel like The Fame is not the type of music that GaGa truly loves the most. Nor is it the type of music that fits her sound/vocal ability the best, either. It seems to me that it was a record that her label knew would sell and make an impact commercially. After all, labels (especially huge mainstream giants) are businesses and businesses thrive on money. Even the most creative talents often lose a sense of their identity when signing major record deals.

I simply wish GaGa would do a more piano/rock Elton John-esque record in the vein of her You & I performance — a record that showcases her seemingly deep nature and sensitive heart. The same sensitive heart that delivered this speech last night. Although I have resisted her before and most likely will again, I will say that she never fails to win me over with her humility and tender touch in interviews (I actually love this about her). And from the emotional little snippet she belts, I have a feeling GaGa may eventually win me over as an official little monster on her next release, as Born This Way sounds like a song that is everything but shallow gay dance music — a song I would certainly take to bed with me.

Check out GaGa’s beautiful acceptance speech, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you don’t know Brooke Fraser, you should. Fraser is a Contemporary Christian + pop singer/songwriter from New Zealand. I know, I know — you’re probably thinking that since she’s Contemporary Christian that her music may be watered down, too PC, and unartistic. Well good news, my little gummy bears, it’s exactly the opposite. (Did I really just say my little gummy bears?!)

Actually, I’m a huge fan of Contemporary Christian music. Not all of it hits the spot for me, as some seems a bit generic and like I said, almost a bit too afraid of offending — I mean, I am not saying that Contemporary Christian artists should be edgy and ridiculous but I just think sometimes it’s almost as if I get the vibe that some of the musicians are walking on nails because of this idea that they must retain the most wholesome and polished image possible. That is what I do not like about certain genres and how they can box an artist into a cage. Does that make any sense? For example, earlier this year, when Jennifer Knapp came out of the closet, it was as if the entire “Christian” industry that once supported her gasped and nearly died of shock. I mean, really?! I am getting off subject but the point is, these Christian artists are people too, and well, artists. And they should be able to explore all facets of their God-given talent.

Ok back to Brooke…

Yes, she’s a bit of pop/rock with a splash of folk influence. The music she creates doesn’t come off as too pious at all. It’s hook-driven and delivered in a vein that feels completely genuine to me. Yes, there’s something in the water Fraser’s been drinking, and it isn’t vodka, it’s the freedom to love without the fear of being judged. And I think that’s bloody awesome!

Fraser’s new album, Flags, will be out October 12th via Sony Music.

Check out Fraser’s Something In The Water music video, below.

Something in The Water from Brooke Fraser on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I gotta testify… God has worked his magic 10 fold in my life since I dropped the ego and opened my heart.”

-kanye west via twitter.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ain’t she cute?

When I first discovered Lights, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Besides the fact that she’s a little bit of a martian (and I mean that as a compliment), her music is pure pop synth, genuine with a flare for sensitized lyrics. Basically, it just does it for me.

Lights is a Canadian based artist who was raised by missionary parents (no wonder she’s a bit quirky?). Her musical genre is a mashup of new wave & synthpop electronica. Influenced by Bjork, she’s a Christian who is said to have been inspired by the Bible to write her first song at the ancient age of 11.

Find out 21 random ass things about Lights in this new interview with Alloy TV + check out the music video to one of my personal favorites, Second Go, following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“My religious upbringing was comically strict — even the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner was banned. In our house, no one was allowed to refer to deviled eggs. We had to call them angelic eggs. We were never allowed to swear. I’d get into trouble just for saying ‘Hell no’. If you dropped a hammer on your toe in our house you had to say something like ‘Jiminy Christmas’. The only music we were allowed to listen to was gospel. No wonder I rebelled.”

–KP

Katy Perry – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ask anyone about Courtney Love and most likely their response will have the words bitch, crazy, or a strong combination of the two. Honestly, you could show some random tribe in the middle of the rainforest a picture of Love (specifically her days prior to sobriety) and most would agree that the singer’s a bit frayed. And that’s putting it nicely.

But as someone who has always found Love to be incredibly fascinating and entertaining, I wanted to showcase a song from her new album in support of her talent — talent that doesn’t need insanity to shine.

I’ve often said that if there’s one thing that one can’t be replicated in a voice it’s pain. No amount of roughly sketched Auto-Tune or studio acrobatics can reproduce the genuine touch of pain behind someone’s sound. Pain can only be orchestrated from experiencing lows in life and I’m unsure if anyone on the music scene has experienced an overdose of lows the way Love has. Courtney Love is full of pain. And that same pain, the dose that makes her batshit crazy to some, also makes her beautiful to others.

Although the new Hole record has been out for months now, I recently developed a strong bond with the song you’re about to hear. The song was created out of Love’s sessions with the amazing Linda Perry. The song is called Letter to God, and features a vulnerable Love, pouting the words with a rough calmness before seizuring into fits and screams. The song is one that all can understand, simplistic in its arrangement and styling. The outcome is brilliance.

Check out Love’s Letter to God (set to an incredible YouTube artist sketching the singer) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Calling all foot fetish freaks!

Joke, people. Joke.

More than 60 celebrities have donated a pair of shoes for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) — an organization that helps those affected by landmines. Each pair will be auctioned to raise money for the cause. Great news, right?

Of course it is, but I’ve got to be honest. As I was looking over the shoes being donated, I laughed a little. I effing love Pink for donating a pair from Aldo. Really, Pink? Aldo?! That store is in pretty much every mall across America, you think she would’ve gave up something a bit more exclusive. I kid, I kid. Kinda.

In all fairness though, the Aldo pair from Pink, in many ways, most likely corresponds with her normal, highly genuine, down-to-earth, anti-celebrity view of a lifestyle? Which is one reason why I think the chick is awesome.

The main point is that these shoes will most likely raise money and awareness to a cause that deserves our attention, and that’s never a bad thing. All the shoes are cool, I just had to share that rant.

To see the shoes being donated click here.

Will you bid for a pair of these kickers or donate a few bucks to the cause and go to your local mall instead?

And for shits and giggles (someone care to explain this expression to me?), take a flashback tour to Pink’s God Is a DJ, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Live is one of my favorite bands of all time. I’ve seen them a myriad of times on tour, and their music never seems to get old to me. Only problem is, it seemed to get old to them. Solution? Bring together something new. Lead singer, Ed Kowalczyk, is currently touring solo with new single Grace, off the album Alive. Is he as good without his bandmates backing him? Hell yes.

This lead single is intensely strapping. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few weeks back and was given the opportunity to watch him perform this track, and it blew me away upon first listen. It’s a hard-hitting, soaring song: “You were wrong, there was grace. You saw the enemy, I saw your face. People like you and I, spinning from space, you were wrong, I still have faith” — these lyrics can relate to a lot of things, including his separation from the group, or even situations in life.

Ed Kowalczyk is not just a celebrity that makes money playing music; he is an intellectual artist that should be the role model for many forthcoming musicians. His interviews alone prove he is intelligent beyond levels of music. He tells stories without torment or really ever putting people down. Instead, he shares an enlightenment and understanding that few of his contemporaries share. He is truly an exceptional musician and lyricist.

This album will take long time fans, as well as new ones, on quite a ride. Fans of Live will instantly recognize the power of the voice we have all grown to love. This album walks the line of power ballad and alternative music with, well, Grace. It’s ferocious yet passionate, while retaining the spiritual songwriting side he’s always been known for. Ed also did a songwriting collaboration with Chris Daughtry on Drink (Everlasting Love). These songs show that he has entered a new chapter in his life, reigniting the spark in his affiliation with music. Sometimes artists need to move on from groups to take on fresh musical challenges. I am sure that being the front man for multi-platinum selling Live for 15 years has lead to the need for change, while using his experience as inspiration for the solo release.

Ed stated in a recent interview: “You can’t fake inspiration as an artist, you know where you get it.”

Do yourself a favor and check out Ed’s solo release. The songs are like a peek inside specific moments of your life and carry very profound meaning to many. It will truly make you feel Alive.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I can’t live without it. As kids we were so on fire for God. And then you grow up, travel and experience things and stop reading the Bible every day. You don’t realize that you’re taking important things away from yourself. If all this were taken away from me right now I would still have my faith. If you don’t have faith the world will eat you alive.”

–Kelly Rowland / The Scotsman

I’ve always been rooting for Kelly Rowland. The girl seems like a total sweetheart if ya ask me. The former Destiny’s Child starlet recently revealed her new single from her forthcoming third studio album (which is currently untitled), and I’m really diggin’ it (which I’m excited about because I wasn’t too crazy about Commander)!

Rose Colored Glasses was produced by Dr. Luke and written by Ester Dean. Rowland spews love torn lyrics on the track, laced over an infectious beat.

Rowland has yet to set a release date for the new project, but is expecting a September release.

Listen to Rose Colored Glasses below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Update: The choir seen in the video below is the Voice of Praise First Baptist Church High School Choir from Lewisville, TX, performing in New Orleans.]

We all know Lenny Kravitz, infamous for amazing guitar skills, comforting voice, and retro style. We all respect his intrepid rock and alternative sound as it’s poured into our ears. We also know how much the future of music relies on our youth. Right? Now, what happens when the two blend? Great times. Let’s explore in the interior of this rock powerhouse.

I stumbled upon this video, where Lenny was sipping a drink on a terrace in New Orleans, he literally overheard the Voice Praise Choir singing his hit Fly Away. So naturally, like any celebrity would NOT do, he ran over and joined them! He lays down the beat while the choir rocks out, and even sings at the end, while the youngster rips the guitar.

Just a day, an ordinary day in New Orleans turned into the best day of some people’s lives. Witness how much the crowd grows. This just brings a smile to my face. This is what true rock stars should do, spread some love to the ones who have made them who they are — the fans.

A little video to make your glass half full.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I drank when I was younger, but then I had that 10 Things I Hate About You moment when I realized I was doing this for other people and not for myself. It made me mad, and I haven’t really drank since.”

-Hayley Williams / Spin

Paramore’s the cover story for the July 2010 issue of Spin (on newsstands now).

Writer Josh Eells, who followed Paramore for the feature, wrote that Hayley and her bandmates are not living the typical rock star lifestyle. Instead of partying, he states that the group spent their time to “watch Spaceballs and play Yahtzee.”

“They sing Hanson songs, and not even ‘MMMBop’ — we’re talking deep cuts,” Eells continued to say in the piece. “Their bus smells like popcorn and Twizzlers, and their chief entertainment is a book of hypothetical questions they take turns shouting out answers to.”

And after reading the article, Hayley responded, not very pleased with the overall vibe of the feature:

“It seems that in most cases writers simply enjoy looking at us and exclaiming – like they’ve discovered something huge – ‘THEY’RE YOUNG!’ or of course there’s always, ‘THEY’RE CHRISTIANS,’ or ‘THEY DON’T SHOOT UP IN THE BACK OF THE BUS!’ What is this, the ’80s? Is it really that sensational that we aren’t the second coming of Motley Crue?”

Hayley later wrote: “It’s my opinion that anyone who is coming onto our band looking for controversy is completely missing the point. The point isn’t in the intent of controversy, the point is that there is no way around it. As people, aren’t we all bursting at the seams with conflict and controversy? The point of our music is that there are human hearts in it.”

You can check out a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot in the clip below.