An Artist’s Influence

This blog entry should be read all the way through to avoid misunderstandings. If you do not read the whole entry it will most likely be taken out of context.

This is an entry I have been considering writing for a while now. It was inspired by the way I was treated by a few talented artists.  I finally made up my mind to write this because I want people to be reminded of how much influence they have over people who admire them.

A few years ago I went to a concert with my girlfriend. It was a winter jam concert with Toby Mac being the main artist. I remember going to get autographs from different bands including The Afters, Hawk Nelson, Family Force Five, and, of course, Toby Mac. I remember saying something like, “Hey, What’s up, T-Mac?” which was just my way of saying hello as a socially awkward fan. I remember watching his non-existent reaction thinking, “His heart isn’t in this.” I was a little hurt by the reaction, or rather, lack of reaction. Now, before anyone jumps on me about this, I understand that I am in Kansas and that they are halfway through their tour and ready to go home before they even make it to Kansas. Please just bear with me. I left that concert in a very insightful mood, but also a little burnt out. Toby Mac was this great artist that I really liked and he didn’t seem to care about his fans.

A couple years passed, I ended up volunteering to help with load in at Toby Mac’s Winter Wonder Slam Tour. I didn’t really go for any of the artists. I went to help some people out and to hang out with friends, besides, working backstage meant free tickets. I worked as a stage hand during the concert and Toby Mac’s set actually encouraged me quite a bit. So, as I was heading from one side of the stage to the other, I had a chance to stop for just a second and tell him thanks. He told me (politely) he was in a hurry and couldn’t really talk, but he appreciated my telling him thanks. That simple little act of sincerely thanking me (and he was very sincere) gave me a completely renewed outlook on Toby Mac music.

The next month I volunteered to help with Winter Jam. I had volunteered to be a stage hand, which was later switched to security. After arriving we were informed that they had their own security and would be helping with sell merchandise. We never complained about the switch, though we weren’t particularly happy and because of the switch we were basically guaranteed to miss at least half the show. Still, we were just there to help out and hang out so it wasn’t a big deal. A friend and I were assigned to Chris August’s table. Ironically, I had never even heard of Chris August, and neither had my friend. We helped out with the merch and had a good time. We even made designs out of the CD’s to attract attention (and it did attract attention, by the way). We shot rubber bands at a friend at another merch table and we even got free popcorn and a drink later on. Over all, it was a good time. My one complaint about that night is this: Chris August. He only talked to me once, and that was when I offered him popcorn and he said, barely audibly, “No, thanks.” He just seemed to be in a grouchy mood. This probably wouldn’t be a big deal, but here’s where the problem lies: This is probably the only time I will ever see this guy. I left that merch table thinking that Chris August was a guy who wanted to make music and money and didn’t really care about his fans as much as he pretended. Now, since it is the only time I have ever met the guy, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He was probably having a bad day, maybe his dog just died. I don’t know, and I never will know.

The last artist I want to mention is KJ-52. I have seen him in concert twice and loved both times. After I left Chris August’s table, I stopped and said hi to KJ on my way out. I even got his autograph… on my new Chris August shirt (free gift from the band. Much thanks!). KJ ended up putting my friends and I in his video for that night. Thanks, KJ! I don’t have any complaints about KJ because I have only seen good things from him. I love his YouTube videos, I really like his music, and he is a pretty nice guy.

Now, my intention in posting this particular blog is to remind artists (if they ever read this) that they have a HUGE influence over people. That doesn’t just include fans. I didn’t know who Chris August was and he completely botched his first impression. The goal in this life is to glorify God. If you are a musician, artist, or some other public figure, you have to live life for God 24/7. People see you when you are off stage and people will take most first impressions to their grave. I am very fortunate that God has helped me to give people second chances; otherwise, I would still be changing the station every time I hear Chris August on the radio.

If you intend to be a Christian, your only option is to glorify God in everything you do. It’s a good thing we have such a gracious God. I want this to blog to be an encouragement. Please, don't think that I am trying to bad-mouth Chris August. This is just something I feel that these artists need to be aware of. I think all these artists are doing a fantastic job. God bless.

To Him be the glory,

Aaron

P.S.
I just re-read this entry. I do owe Chris an apology, this came off a little more harsh than I meant. I tried to write this from a perspective that acurately told the story. I actually like Chris's music and I am very thankful for the shirt. My only intention was to point out the influence that we have even when we don't know someone. This concept applies to everyone, but artists tend to be all over the world and meet millions more than I will ever see in my lifetime.