The Spiritual Significance of Music
Edited by Justin St Vincent
Published by Xtreme Music
Reviewed by Mary Bateman
AND now for something completely different. This is a collection of 100 interviews, culled from over 1000 interviews with musicians of all types and stripes, on the topic of music and spirituality. Most interviewees agree that music is inextricably linked with, or even composed of, spirituality. Every type of music seems to be represented, running the spiritual and stylistic gamut, from Satanist death metal to a cappella Christian gospel music.
If you want to check out a band or group, look in this book. Alternatively, there is a website, www.musicandspirituality.com to check out. The interviews clearly show each musician’s sense of spirituality or lack thereof.
For example, Mike Zachary, author of A song in Your heart: Music’s role in the Christian life, begins with a beautiful quote from Zephaniah 3:17 which concludes “he [the Lord] will joy over thee with singing … ”, whereas Paul Speckman, a Black Metal bassist and vocalist, claims, “I would say there is a spirit in metal, but no real spiritual significance whatsoever”. Yet Gorgoroth, another musician from a Metal band, states that what they are best at is satanic manipulation through music, culture, and psychodrama.
To me, many of the photos of each musician speak as much as the words do in revealing the driving force or spiritual basis motivating each one. There is New Age, punk, hip-hop, pop-rock, classical and more — every form and style represented. This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the subject of music and spirituality.
February 22, 2010 Vol 68 Issue 6
