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Thrice’s Dustin Kensrue: “It Would Be Sad To Think That Some Of You Would Think That I Am ‘Going Christian’”

With his days in Thrice now behind him for the time being, vocalist/guitarist Dustin Kensrue has changed his immediate focus to worship music. This week saw the release of the debut EP from his new faith-based outfit, The Modern Post.

Some confusion from those unaware of his shift to writing religious material has been circulating online; thus he took to Twitter to explain his latest output with the following missive:

“Clarification. Read this whole post if you are confused about why the lyrics of the new EP are overtly Christian.

These songs are specifically written/selected/arranged for the context of singing in gathered worship. It doesn’t mean that’s the only purpose, but it changes the approach quite a bit. My point is that this project (and some of those to follow) are not outside of Thrice because I couldn’t say what I wanted to say in that context, but because they have a completely different focus and purpose.

With Thrice, and my solo project, I am creating music to express a variety of things, with a large and diverse audience in mind. With a project like this, the focus is on songs that are singable for groups of people together, for the purpose of praising Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior.

While not everyone who likes my music will want to do this, I still would like to share what I am creating with all of you, as it does have value as music in it’s own right, apart from the specific purpose in mind.

The reason I want to make this clear, is that it would be sad to think that some of you would think that I am “going Christian,” meaning, making poor music just for Christians, and ceasing to make music that engages with culture at large.

I assure you that I hate the Christian art ghetto more than most, if not all of you. As I see it, Christians should make good art, that shows forth truth and beauty for all, or make art that is for a specific purpose within the church. Making subpar cheesy art for Christians to consume comfortably is a tragedy for everyone.

All that being said, I hope that these songs can be enjoyed by all, though I understand the nature of the more direct lyrics may be too confronting for many to deal with, and that is perfectly fine.

There will be music in the future that is not specifically written or arranged for gathered worship as well, so keep your ears to the ground if this isn’t your cup of tea. I treasure my interaction with those of different backgrounds, beliefs, practices, etc, and I am thankful for your willingness to engage with those who think differently than you, rather than demonizing them. Peace.”

COMMENTS

17
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    • My Farts Linger     August 15, 2012 at 6:33 pm

      Well Said. I don’t believe in the existence of a personal deity; however, I thoroughly enjoyed a vinyl spin of ‘T.A.I.T.A.’ a fortnight or two ago.

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    • adamonfire     August 15, 2012 at 7:54 pm

      Fuck that noise, i love Thrice but this wouldn’t even get an illegal download or YouTube stream from me. His dissent into madness is pretty obvious over TAI series.

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    • I’ll check it out. Good for him for being comfortable enough in his beliefs and skin to acknowledge this and the potential criticism coming his way. Still, Project 86 is the best Christian band there is, was, and ever will be.

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    • Who cares if the lyrics are Christian? I’m not a religious guy but Thrice and Dustin’s songs have improved IMO since Vhiessu and on. TAITA and prior are just a bundle of songs that teenagers wrote. Everything after that has soul, depth and meaning to it. Just because the lyrics aren’t your cup of tea doesn’t mean you have to come on here with your athiest rage and boycott his music. I mean… have you guys seen any videos of Dustin perform acoustic Thrice songs at his church? This is a gift. And I’m looking forward to whatever he chooses to put out whether its gospel music or rock and roll. Some of you are forgetting where the roots of rock came from in the first place…

      For those of you interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gou-SB6xOA

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    • HonkeyKong     August 16, 2012 at 8:31 am

      “I assure you that I hate the Christian art ghetto more than most”
      What the hell is Christian Art Ghetto? Would that be like P.O.D. and HEAD?

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    • I’m guessing the Christian art ghetto he refers to is the stuff South Park made fun of with Cartman’s Faith + 1. The really generic praise lyrics with generic music.

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    • mertdiggie     August 16, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      dear dustin kensrue, wether u admit or deny any of your upcoming music as religious or not, you in your own words have called it worship music which in the world we all live counts as some type of religious faith, and uve also put out there that u plan on being part of this big church that was started from an old punk guy you know and ya got more and more into it.bottom line for me is dont say anything,do what your gonna do but dont deny what is obviously right out there with every word you say. you can call it worship music all day but the whole point of the word ” worship” means religion. ive been listening to thrice since artist in the ambulance and ur words on that album and every song there after have changed my life, matter of fact is im getting married in a few weeks and i have to tell you that ” atlantic” is what were dancing to,. to me your a genius and i just want you to stay that way in myhead

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