Evanescence, an up and coming band with Wind-Up Records is exiting the Christian rock scene. I’m rather disappointed with this happening after telling friends about them and their Christian message. Apparently they view music as entertainment and don’t want to promote themselves as a religious band and misrepresent their image to the Christian community. Therefore, they’re pulling their material from the Christian retail and radio markets. For more details and in-depth spelling out of the situation, view the letter posted below.
Update: More information in a RollingStone article.
Moody’s comments to Entertainment Weekly, which included a joking references to Jesus (”I’m like the guy who was crucified next to Jesus. All I want you to do is remember me”) and a few f-bombs (”We’re actually high on the Christian charts, and I’m like, ‘What the #### are we even doing there’”), prompted Wind-Up to pull Fallen from thousands of stores across the country overnight.
Below is the a letter detailing more information about the situation (source - ChristianRock.net)
April 10, 2003
Dear Don,
Please be advised that Wind-up Records has elected to do a recall on all Evanescence products currently in the Christian retail community. This recall will be effective immediately and will extend to June 30, 2003 to allow Provident customers whatever time might be necessary to accomplish this. Additionally, we will also be withdrawing from Christian radio and the Christian charts. Full credit will be issued by Wind-up for all monies that might be due on account immediately upon receipt of documentation and confirmation from you that the merchandise has been returned. Furthermore, I will have our Finance department contact you to arrange for the return to Wind-up of all Evanescence product currently in the Provident warehouse, as well as make accommodations for additional product as it arrives from retail. Despite having roots within the Christian community prior to the release of “Fallen,” recent statements by band members have made it abundantly clear that Evanescence is a secular band, and as such view their music as entertainment. No more, no less. As such we strongly feel that they no longer belong in Christian retail outlets. Despite the spiritual underpinning that has ignited interest and excitement in the Christian religious community, the band is now opposed to promoting or supporting any religious agenda.
The decision to release Evanescence “Fallen” into the Christian market was made subsequent to discussions with and approval by the artist. Obviously the band has had a change in their perspective, as well as changes within the band itself as relates to new band members. Wind-up deeply regrets this situation.
I have no issues or problems with the band not wishing to promote a religious agenda. That is their opinion. How it has been handled is a separate issue. That being said, I do have a problem with misrepresenting the artist to the Christian community. That is not and has never been the intent of Wind-up or the band. Nevertheless, it is quite apparent that the landscape has now changed. As such, the right and honorable thing to do is remove the record from Christian retail. While it is the mission of every business, record labels notwithstanding, to be “successful,” Wind-up’s goals in embracing the Christian community came as an outgrowth of my own personal spiritual commitment with the hopes of providing great music for our children with positive spiritual messages. Nothing has changed as regards that commitment. I have never nor will ever do anything to discredit Wind-up or question my honor. I apologize for what has become an unfortunate and embarrassing situation. While I cannot go back and undo what has been done, going forward we will scrutinize our Christian artists’ beliefs and commitment with even greater diligence. I assure you that there will not be any repeat of anything even resembling this present situation. I will personally inform all of our future artists who represent themselves as Christian artists and wish to be represented in the Christian community that in doing so they must understand the lasting and on-going commitment that involves. Those who are not 100% committed will not be offered to Christian retail.
I appreciate your understanding.
Respectfully,
Alan Meltzer
CEO & Chairman
Wind-up Records
And there’s the end of the details.
Update: As a point of information, I’ve realized that I spelled the band’s name wrong in this page’s title. It should be “Evanescence.” So everybody who’s finding this page from Google is doing so because they’re also spelling it wrong. Just thought you might want to know.
thats too bad there needs to be more christian bands out there
I HAVE JUST GOTTEN “TURNED ON” TO EVANESCENCE SINCE DAREDEVIL WAS RELEASED ON VIDEO. I OWN A VIDEO STORE, AND I CANT GET ENOUGH OF THEIR MUSIC. I AM ALSO A CHRISTIAN, AND GLAD TO SEE THERE ARE SOME GREAT CHRISTIAN BANDS OUT THERE. WE ALL SLIP UP AND CURSE AT TIMES. I, FOR ONE, AM GLAD WE LIVE UNDER GRACE. KEEP UP THE SPECTACULAR JOB!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR SUCCESS! TAMARA
It’s not the cursing/swearing that’s the problem, it’s a matter of heart attitudes and beliefs. I would like to hope it’s simply a misunderstanding, but the band’s reaction to the situation hasn’t given the impression that they’re apologetic or that the press they’ve gotten is a misrepresentation.
It seems as if they’re trying to shrug off their roots in the “Christian” music scene and establish a presence in the market.
all bands labeled “christian” music sucks. it’s better that they droped that idiotic fairy tale crap of a god. low selfestem kids who can’t do anything for themselves are the only ones that believe in a god. i bet you kids believe in the stupid easter bunny as well. no difference in them
I do not agree *all* of the Christian bands suck, although, I must admit, many do. But hey, this is a material world, isn’t it? I know for a fact that many labels would not like the bands to be positioned as Christian, because the world is not only material but sinful and corrupt, too, hence, a Christian band has a lot less market potential, as much as I would wish it to be the opposite. So - just beleive what you hear, folks. Half an hour ago I didn’t even know Evanescense had any Christian roots. The thought crossed my mind when I heard and then read the lyrics to “Bring Me to Life”. God bless.
jason you make me want to puke. many people seem to like POD and now switchfoot is coming out big. granted, many christian grous sound as if they are just copying britny, nsync and co. but not all. i beliieve in god an i have high self esteem. i am also a firm believer that rabbit should be easter dinner.i can’t believe you are so disillusioned
I think that a lot of Christian bands Rock and the best part about Christian bands are that they have a positive message and can make kids with low self asteem have something to live for to give them high self esteem. I like all kinds of bands, not all Christian, but it is nice to hear a positive message about the Lord. I LOVE THE LORD, and I Love his music!!!
all bands labeled “christian” music sucks. it’s better that they droped that idiotic fairy tale crap of a god. low selfestem kids who can’t do anything for themselves are the only ones that believe in a god. i bet you kids believe in the stupid easter bunny as well. no difference in them
____________
Yeah, better to have “high self esteem”(read in today speak to mean conceited, arrogant, and unapologetic when wrong) then even basic writing skills(hint:Capitals in the beginning of sentences!). I wonder friend, how do you figure high self esteem means seeking out people to insult them? If you felt so terrific about yourself and your beliefs, then why the need to be so vitriolic to others who hold different beliefs? Oh, and let me cut off the argument you are thinking. There is a pretty big difference between not sharing views and debating them in a logical and civilized manner and coming on a site with Christians and calling their beliefs weak and their GOD a joke. Sounds like your really a troll with nothing better to do than pump your “self esteem” up by trodding on others. I give you a challenge–go to a conservative site on the web(if you can figure out how to find it with a search–republic and conservative should do it) and put your weak challenge on that site and STAY to actually debate with ADULTS. My bet is you’ll leave there crying, and if you have an open mind at all searching, looking for another avenue to nurture your fragile ego, um, I mean “self-esteem”.
Have a nice day–oh, and be sure you kick an old lady while you are out tonight just so she knows that you are young and have high “self esteem”. Isn’t that what it’s all about, feeling better about yourself on the back of others ie bullying?
What a joke!
PS My conscience tells me that you are probably the type of person who just gushes over diversity and think hate speech is terrible, unless you are directing it at a Christian. The words bigot come to mind and likely hypocrit, but without knowing how you feel on other issues, that is hard to sumise.
Jason.. there are plenty of non-Christian groups that “suck” as badly as they Christian groups you slam.
I am really disappointed on Evanescence. I love their music, but if they are not preaching the truth with their songs, and just see the music as entertainment, well, I’ll go find another band that follows Christian principles and are not ashamed to show them! All of us Christian guys are proud of our beliefs ad our faith, so we don’t need to hide our heads and be invisible. We have the highest self esteem, for it was given to us by The One who won the victory for us. Christian peopoe and bands are wonderful! So is Jesus Christ!
i concur, however i go to a very diverse school and have come to see why they would want to do so, many will ignore their music if it is considered christian. that means i can see their motivation, not that i agree with their actions, i don’t. if i had a band, i would want it to be on christian and secular stations and charts. rock the jesus, but they still have the message in their music, creed is sort of similar, pod is now on a secular label
hello, I never have commented on any subject ever. I am a lover of music. all i have to say is, look inside your heart for your answers in life. surrender to the truth. this life is short. be true and be still. run the good race. may your journey be a job well done.
First I want to start off by giving you a little history lesson on secular music aka ” Not Glorifying God music” See it all began with an angel of God named Lucifer aka ”Satan” aka “the devil”….He was a worship leader in heaven which means he lead the angels in praises to God. But his selfish and evil desires drew him to, instead make the music Glorifing to him instead of God, so God kicked him out of heaven and now he is “The devil” as we refer to him now. Take out the d in devil and your left with the word evil. And evil is the oposite of good…..which leads to this conclusion. Any music that is made to bring Glory to the artist instead of God is considered not good if you know what I mean. And even worse is denying God. God says if you deny him then he will deny you in heaven. And since Jesus is God’s son and is the only way to heaven, if u deny him it’s exactly the same as denying God. That goes out to Evanscense. Think about what you want more; the world’s praises or the praises of God. God who can provide for you above and beyond what u hope for. The God that we will all face on Judgement day. The God that will say to you well done my good and faithful servant if you would only belong to him instead or protituting yourself to the world. Come back to Jesus Guys. Cause it’s worst for those who know the truth and deny it than for those who don’t know. But both will not be able to live an eternatiy with the Lord, only the true christ-followers will. And the rest will go where Lucifer is going and it’s worst than death cause that would actually be 100 times better for you than hell. Hell is where the souls of people are crying and theirs gashing of teeth it’s horrible. Like and eternal torture.
Yeah, y’know, I agree. But. I don’t know their hearts. You don’t know their hearts. God does. I’ve got my worries about the band, too, but the status of their salvation is not something that can be changed by complaining about them on some random dude’s weblog.
Evanescense has a truly spiritual feel..this is true…but consider that PERHAPS it’s not christian…There IS a clear spiritual struggle in most of the songs…something tells me that Amy finally made her choice…Good for you Amy…Peace to your soul..yes, news flash..There are other faiths out there…I should know…I am part of one..Just something to think about…and I love Evanscence and wish them the best…and I will continue to be…enlightened by their music…despite their faith…it’s called being open-minded and tolerant….people..get with the program.
And to the guy with the LOOOOONG preachy post….oh blah blah blah who cares what you think…your not God…although you may think you are….NewsFlash….NOPE….and guess what- if you were I’d still and most DEFINATELY be ‘of another faith’ so if you think that stuff makes others ‘want what you got’…wrong again…you disgust me..people like you were running the show on 911 …doesn’t that make you feel proud…::;shaking head:::: disgusting is what you are..No wonder Evanescence doesn’t want to be associated with such as you..I don’t blame them.