Sunday, February 22, 2009

Christian Rock in Portland!

I entered a contest at RethinkMonthly.com and won a pair of concert tickets. The tickets were for Kutless, Disciple, Stellar Kart, and Esterlyn at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin. Prior to this event, I have not been to a concert with just rock bands. My past experiences include festivals with multiple Christian acts such as DC Talk, OC Supertones, and Superchick. We went to the show on Saturday February 21st at 7PM and the following is my play by play experience of the concert.



We arrived at the church 30 minutes before the doors opened (6PM) and there were already 200 people in line. Before the doors opened 100 additional people lined up behind us. The fans mainly consisted of grade school kids and their parents. The rest of the crowd was filled with youth groups. Everyone was anxious to get in and out of the 40 degree weather, especially with the cold winds sweeping in. Although the seating was general admission, we were in our seats by 6:15. Before the show started, they announced Stellar Kart wasn't going to be there since they had a prior engagement. I was disappointed because that was the only band I was unfamiliar with.

Esterlyn got on stage promptly, encouraged everyone to clap with them, and the crowd got into it within the first two songs. The lead singer Luke Caldwell then announced they had an acoustic EP more on the worship side and that they were going to perform songs from the EP. The first song was called Sweet Love and sounded beautiful with the dual acoustic guitars. After their 3rd song, they announced they had their LP, EP, poster, and T-shirt on sale for $30. Then they shared the origin of their band's name. It was a great testimony of God's love and they followed with the piano driven song Esther. Finally, they ended with their last acoustic song. I was disappointed they came from Boise, Idaho, and they only performed 5 songs. They should have gotten more stage time with the absence of Stellar Kart; after all, it's only 7:18.

Five minutes later Disciple hits the stage rapping like your favorite rap rock band would. Kevin Young's stage presence was subtle, as if he was conserving energy. Regardless, the guitarist from Albany, Oregon was rocking out and got the crowd pumped up. Disciple's second song was 321, followed by some great singing on Romance Me. "Quick, everyone grab your cell phones!" Kevin gave everyone a free ringtone for 321 on the spot. Next was another song from their latest album; Southern Hospitality. In fact, it's the Title Track and it's reminiscent of Kountry Gentlemen in the style of Family Force 5's ‘crunk rock’. And now, a song I'm more familiar with; Love Hate (On and On). They stopped playing to briefly introduce the band and then began praying. Kevin is such a great speaker, very professional. He concluded with sharing the story of the prodigal son. Disciple continued with their best song of the night; Whatever Reason. 3 songs later they were done and it was 8:05. They started off slow but finished with a strong performance. As they walked off the stage and they took down the set, the crowd chanted "one more song! One more song!" Obviously, 9 songs were not enough for this crowd.

Kevin returned and audience went wild. He began to preach. Probably the best preacher I have ever seen or heard. He had the crowd's attention and continued until 8:20.

Intermission

20 minutes later the lights dimmed the crowd went insane as Kutless entered the stage under blue lights and some piano. They appropriately opened with To Know That You're Alive. Unfortunately, the bass was too loud; Jon Micah adjusts his headset because he can't hear himself. As they continue, the speakers are still too loud and it sounds like the sub is broken. Kutless rocks on and the combination of the band and the crowd’s loudness creates the big screen monitors to shake. The picture now looks fuzzy. The church is booming! Kutless performed So Contagious, but it's too bad you can't hear the words. It's a good thing the hometown crowd knows all the words, if this is your first time, you might be leaving by now. I wish the sound wasn't distorted! Yay! Hearts of the Innocent. You can actually understand the words as they're sung. Jon then introduced the band as they played their solos. Finally some worship with two songs from Strong Tower, and even though these songs are low key, the sound quality is no longer bearable so we leave early unfortunately.



We own all the Kutless albums, as well as Disciple’s prior two albums, so we took up Esterlyn's offer and got their 12 song LP, 5 song acoustic EP, their poster, and a green t-shirt (for my fiancĂ©) with the words LOVE NEVER FAILS in white with Esterlyn on the bottom. This deal was definitely worth $30.

It was so nice to finally attend a Christian Rock concert. I'm glad they had it in a church and made reference to our King, Lord, God, and Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for the tickets from ReThink Monthly Magazine. Be sure to check them out online at RethinkMonthly.com

Be sure to check out the bands;

Kutless
Disciple
Esterlyn

Thank You!

Friday, February 20, 2009

What is a label?

Chris Treborn can be labeled a lot of things.

~CHRIS TREBORN~

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version); "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

~SURGEON FOR CHRIST~

Chris Treborn's musical style is a combination of Rhythm and Poetry & Hip-Hop blended together allow the message to penetrate your heart like a Surgeon as he uses his tools. Look at it like this.... Christian is the Surgeon and his Lyrics are his instruments or his tools to accomplish the procedure. His Music is the anesthesia to subdue the patients so he can heal them through medical treatment. Have you scheduled your appointment yet?

~G-RATED ENTERTAINMENT~

He has had the nickname of "G-Rated" since 2001. Originally coined by Eric Martinez, this label was turned into a style, mission, and much more than just music. G-Rated ENT. was created to educate the listeners with Conscious Rap and positive lyrics. We aim to inspire those to better themselves and their walks of life. By being an example, we can show our listeners how to be G-Rated and still love life, with passion and commitment.

~CHRISTIAN MUSIC REBORN~

Like Chris Treborn, this label derives from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and further personifies our music and style all around. More than just G-Rated ENT., Christian Music Reborn is created not to amp up or hype up the listener, but to encourage fellow believers in GOD and those with faith. The lyrics are a little different than Contemporary Christian Music, and the music is a little different than Holy Hip Hop.

~FAMILY FRIENDLY HIP-HOP~

This is pretty straight forward. Chris Treborn presents Truth in the form of Hip-Hop. Not just Spiritual or Christian Rap. This is a poetic form of the Gospel of Christ presented in a family friendly atmosphere. We strive to generate lyrics which are understandable and acceptable by all ages. Our fans range from 3 - 65+. We have had concerts containing all aged listeners - from toddlers to grand parents. Our oldest fan is one of our biggest supporters and always confesses he doesn't normally listen to Hip-Hop, but loves the style because of the words and the way they are presented. Why rap fast? We display stories and images through our poetry. We have to be heard and understood - clearly!

~POETRIC MINISTRY~

Our music is one of our ministries to help share the gospel and biblical truths. We use poetry and add music to it so we can sow seeds into the hearts of our listeners. Poetry can come in many forms. Ours happens to be considered RAP.

~RHYTHM AND POETRY~

Last but not least is R.A.P. Yes, Rhythm And Poetry is where the term rap came from. This is the best label to use when referring to our music as well as our style. Rhythm is the music we use, whether it is a digital composition, or a hip-hop beat produced by a Motif 8 or Korg Triton. Depending on our tools for production, our background music and sound will be a little different. We enjoy being diverse and not sounding cookie cutter - in any way, shape, or form. So if you take our Rhythm And Poetry and the poems are straight gospel, you can definitely call it Poetic Ministry. This is who, and what we are!

In closing - we don't try to sound like someone else. We create our own style. It might sound Indie or Underground. But we prefer to be sanctified, in music and in real life. All we have to say at the end of the day is; Christ is King of Kings, and our Father God is Lord. The Spirit is Holy, and we give God all the glory. Praise the Lord for Jesus and his sacrifice as well as his Disciples.

Letter to those in my community

Whether you have met me personally or if you know nothing about me, I would like to share with you my story and why I feel the need to share the Gospel using the Hip-Hop culture and its style of music as a tool to reach the generations, especially the youth. I go by the name Chris Treborn, and my friends call me Christian. Usually, when people ask who I am or what my name is; I say "Christian". The most common response is; "is that who you are or what you are?" and I say BOTH! I am unashamed to admit I am a follower of Christ Jesus.


It took me a long time to realize I had to die to myself and strip everything of my past including my name. So now when people get to know me they learn about Christ and what I do for Him. Chris Treborn is a name I chose to personify the name of Jesus. This will ensure that God is the only one visible in my lyrics. Even when I speak of myself and my life, it is only what God has blessed me with. It says in Second Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" This is my declaration to the world. I am Reborn in Christ. I am dead to sin and alive in Christ. By being baptized into Christ, I was also baptized into his death and his resurrection. This is Romans Chapter 6.


I relocated from The San Francisco Bay Area in California because a change in life was important. Instead of just working 40 hours a week and performing and recording Holy Hip Hop between shifts, I decided to flee fortune. Leaving all the material things behind, I knew I needed to pursue God more. I needed to follow Christ more than ever before. I was in desperate need of building a stronger relationship with our Father. The fast pace lifestyle was just too tedious, too trendy, and very much like a slow form of suicide.


Although I haven't always practiced Christian Values, I have struggled and seen both sides of the spectrum from the good, to the bad, to the ugly. I have always felt like I am a messenger of the good word, a positive message. As a sewer of moral fiber, I know I need to stay inspirational and encouraging through my music, and my life. This is my calling. This is the gift God has given me. Now I feel it is my duty to share with the world - Christians and non-believers.


I come to you as a part of the Body of Christ. My goal is not to gain anything of the world, but just play my part and be a strong part. If I can accomplish this I will need your help as I am set to connect with those in the community. I have been planting seeds and I have been attacked as well as blessed for my good doings. This music needs to be heard, not for the musical part but for the lyrical content.


I am influenced to bring you a poetic journey with diversity & metaphors that morph with the instrumentals. I am attempting to bridge the generations with love through music by speaking clearly into your ears and your hearts. This IS NOT about a Religion. This is about a relationship. This is about God's Unconditional Love. This is about sharing community. This is about influencing others with Inspiration and Encouragement regardless of race, taste in music, or age. And with our music we will discipline disciples. This is The Great Commission of Christ!


If you or anyone you know is willing to invite me to any kind of event whether it is something for the entire church or just the youth - please open your arms and embrace what I have to offer. I am grateful for any offer and I do appreciate any donation possible. I also have CDs for sale, which sometimes helps for food or gas expenses. If God plans on blessing me that way, I will allow it. I just want to come out and share my gift and talent with you.


I have performed in front of many of people older than me including Senior Citizens. Many of them have personally come up to me and thanked me for sharing my music with them even though they don't listen to Hip-Hop. The comment I get the most is; "I don't usually listen to rap, but I enjoyed your music because I could hear and understand every word." This is very true, and I am happy to say that I strive to be heard clearly. That is the only way I can be affective. Loud music and muffled lyrics will not reach any listener. And I refuse to turn people away.


When it comes to performing, I have done plenty of shows in all kinds of venues including Lounges, Coffee Houses, Company Picnics, Fund-Raisers, and Family Reunions. I also book other artists and bands to come perform when we plan a full concert. Recently I performed for a community block party known as National Night Out and Relay for Life.


Mostly I have performed in churches since my music is Christian Music. There is a lot to be said to those that don't have salvation, but there is a lot that the Kingdom can learn as well. My music confirms the promises of God and encourages the heart of every listener. My music provides instructions and guidelines for believers to live by. This is why I set the best example I can in real life and in my music. I might talk the talk, but I prefer to walk the walk...and so I face this task daily.


I will not leave you disappointed. The purpose of my music is to give all the glory to God our father in heaven. Let's make it happen. Let's share community and let us grow together in faith. They say the youth is the future, but look where we are going as we take the fast lane into the 21st century. The youth need to know now more than ever before. How will we reach them if we do not speak their language and share their interests? We can't afford to lose them.


The enemy is trying desperately to bring us all down by dividing us and conquering us. What we need is to deliver a T.K.O.! Matthew 5:10 tells us we can accomplish that because The Kingdom's Ours! Let's not let anyone take it from us. In Jesus' precious name I pray we stand and unite. Amen!

Thank you for your time and for the things you do in the community through the church.
I appreciate you.


My Testimony

In 1996 my baby sister was born and 87 days later she passed away because of S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I was then inspired to change from writing poetry to writing songs. The best way I could cope besides listening to music was actually write stories or songs myself. So, I decided to write one for my sister explaining to my family why she had to leave. I had little influence from religion or anything (besides doing things in church for Easter and Christmas). This story was rather convincing and sounds fairy-tale but can also be a spiritual truth. To this day I don't know if I wrote it or if God wrote it through me.

It was then I realized I had a talent to give people emotions and feelings through my lyrics. I wanted to teach people my knowledge and vision as well as share the experiences I lived through. Don't get me wrong, living in the SF Bay Area wasn't too hard since I wasn't being raised by the streets. But I did see lots of interesting events that inspired me to live right. When I brought home some bad grades my uncle (a sheriff) took me to the juvenile delinquent facility to show me where bad kids go when they don't succeed and fall into the gang lifestyle or the streets. This scared me to stay out of trouble.

Now, going back to 1996 I was strongly influenced by the music of 2pac and witnessed his death just the month before my baby sister's. This made me question the God which 2pac talked about and made me ask if I was going to heaven. I was scared and shocked at only 14 years old from losing my sister. Her passing although some would think it would lead me to God, it actually lead me to music. And even though you would think 2pac would inspire me to make music, he inspired me to pursue God and see what religion was all about.

After looking for answers about life and death, I found my way to a church one Friday night. I went because of Pizza and Peer Pressure. Ironic. But I left with the knowledge that confessing my sins, and asking forgiveness could lead me to salvation. It wasn't just that but I confessed that I knew with my heart, mind and soul that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. I had no doubts, no fears, nothing. I was feeling nothing but peace and serenity. I left and was attacked by demons right away to backslide and fall back into the flames I swam in.

That was in 1998. Not until 2002 did I know I was a Christian Rapper. I thought I was just a Christian that rapped about positive things and kept my lyrics what people call "G-Rated". My producer and coworker at the time engaged conversation with me and shared his views. His father is a Pastor and he knew a Child of God when he sees one. He obviously saw that I was of God. With conviction he exclaimed with passion that I wasn't just a west coast underground rapper. But that I was to bring and share the message of God through my music and with my lyrics.

I strongly disagreed. I didn't want a label. I didn't want to be called Christian Rap. I just wanted to be an individual. Unique and true to myself. I couldn't be more selfish. After 6 months I finally saw what God's plan for me was. To make music. To be Christian. And share the goodness and positive energy. This was my purpose all along. This got me to where I needed to start my journey. This was my beginning. I'm a messenger. I am a representation of Christ and God's Love. I am a window for the people of the world to look through and see GOD!

This isn't an easy calling. Trying to live right. Trying to be Christian meant striving for perfection. I later realized I didn't have to be perfect but just be selfless and respect that I am saved by a man who was and is perfect. I've been attacked ever since I picked up a pen and grabbed the mic. I've been all over the spectrum. It's been rough. I had an affect and I have influenced on people. Sometimes in good ways and sometimes in bad ways. But nevertheless I remain a servant of Christ. I still learn daily. I still sin.

It almost feels like my music is most enjoyed and most inspirational to myself. I mean, I have written songs that I didn't quite get the metaphors right away. But years later I have found the Spirit within my songs just waiting for me to find it again and be filled. My songs might not make you dance. But they do make you think. They remind you to consider the possibilities.

As for religion, I don't pursue any religion. I follow the rules of God the best I can. I don't choose to follow a specific religion. I know by definition I am a Christian. And I know that I pursue a healthy and intimate relationship with our Father. Daily.

(written in November 2006)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Social Networking...

I'm trying to be as open and honest and accessible to all my friends, and fans as possible. This is an easy task as long as you are technologically savvy, which I am not up on my game, like I should be.

Facebook - Check!
Twitter - Check!
Friend Feed - Check!

and now... Blogger - Check!

Thanks to my iTouch, I have upgraded my Social Networking opportunities. MySpace is a dinosaur, or maybe a museum. It is less frequented by my true peers, and there is way to many people to connect with anyone real, or willing.

So here I am, using another tool to connect with people, who probably don't really know me, and could care less about the world I live in. But, for those that care, I am here for you. I am willing to connect and be as personable as I can.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, please feel free to contact me anyway you can. Good luck finding me via internet. HA!

I appreciate each and every one of my fans, friends, and peers. May God bless you and your endeavors. I pray you will be a blessing to those in your surroundings. Take care and stay encouraged.

This has been my confession. Real talk, true thought!

Chris Treborn "They Call Me Christian!"

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "therefore, if anyone is reborn in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come!"
www.TREBORN.com