Friday, December 27, 2013

BEST ALBUMS of 2013

Each year I look back at all of the albums I purchased and fell in love with.  I go down the difficult road of narrowing that list (over and over again) to create this BEST OF...so without any further adieu, here's my TOP 10 albums of 2013 (in no particular order):


10. Lightning Bolt (PEARL JAM)

9. The Civil Wars (THE CIVIL WARS)

8. Lanterns (SON LUX)

7. The Weatherman (GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV)

6. Trouble Will Find Me (THE NATIONAL)

5. Repave (VOLCANO CHOIR)

4. I Am Mountain (GUNGOR)

3. The Lone Bellow (THE LONE BELLOW)

2. Atlas (SLEEPING AT LAST)

1. Country Sleep (NIGHT BEDS)

Peace,
Ross


Friday, December 6, 2013

NEW CHRISTMAS {SINGLE}

Hey friends,
I've got a brand new Christmas SINGLE 'Lo, How A Rose' that released today on iTunes!




I hope you all enjoy it!

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

What Story Are You Telling?



To positively move forward, we must create new normals.  We must shift our ways of thinking, seeing, and doing.  We must embrace the world around us and become part of its story.  We must tell new stories.

How?

First, expect beauty.  Move from a place where beauty is only captured in art museums, ocean side vacations, or photoshopped models.  Instead, start noticing color, texture, depth, creation, conversation, uniqueness, and love.  When we do that, everything begins to change.  We can expect to be surrounded by fragments of beauty each and every day.

Second, revel in it.  When we see beauty, capture it, breathe it, draw it, etc.  We must do whatever we can to experience the beauty we've found ourselves in.

Third, make it our story.  The story of beauty needs telling, and retelling, and retelling again.  Because in the story of beauty, is a story of creation, creativity, humanity, and love.  When we experience beauty, we must be confident in the promise that, "It is good."  And in the goodness of this new found beauty, may we make it our own stories to tell.

Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

You Are What You Art [re-post]


You all know the phrase, "you are what you eat."

It's 100% true.  The molecular properties of the foods you consume are brought into your body, alter your own physical and psychological makeup, and produce everything from growth to moods, disease to genetics.

Now consider this phrase: "you are what you art."

Art has always been something that compels, confronts, confuses, and creates new worlds.  Cultures change because of art; politics are overturned, and the world is changed forever.

The artist has an incredible role within humanity.  The truest artist has always been on the forefront of creating culture - not simply reacting to it.

Which brings me again, to the new phrase, you are what you art.

Biologist James Zull writes, "Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process…This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking everything."

Art changes the mind, which changes the biology in one's brain and the physical world.

Consider the following artist…the chef who refuses to use genetically modified plants and animals to create a dish that is sustaining the biology of the consumer, as much as he/she is sustaining the environment. 

The culinary artist is transforming how we think about food, how we consume it, and even our most basic genetic and biological synapses.

Now consider the poet or songwriter…he/she writes to provoke and change a once held truth.  Over time these ideas and hopes become reality.  There's an incredible amount of power in the words, chords, melodies, and textures that the artist is creating; so much so, that our biological synapses are modified and we become a different person (in thought, reaction, and as society).

Are you creating beauty and tension and words and worlds that is worthy of biological change?

Consider your art in these terms. 
Consider the power of what you create. 
Because you truly are what you art.

Peace,
Ross Christopher

Monday, October 7, 2013

SLEEP

My grandma (Mimi) passed away on September 26th.  On the 25th the family stood around praying and laughing and loving.  As I left that night, I had a song inside that I needed to write.  I wrote it over the weekend and we played it at her funeral last Tuesday.  It was the hardest song I've ever recorded.  I'd get a line in and would break down in tears.  But I finally got through it - though you can still hear my voice is on the verge throughout.



SLEEP
© 2013 Ross Christopher

her light glows a little dimmer
as her eyes look back with care
as loved ones near
with tears

CHORUS
she has to sleep now
she's done so much
she's filled the world now
she's loved so much

i whisper love into her ears
and try to hide my cries
this is the last time
its time

CHORUS

too soon you came
and took her away
but she needs her sleep
cause she's loved so much

CHORUS

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Fall Asleep

Check out the powerful new 'Fall Asleep' video by Jars of Clay...



Peace,
Ross

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Summer Recap!



Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I can't say it enough!

Thanks to the booking folks that brought me out to your venues!

Thanks to everyone that came out and supported me!

Thanks to the amazing bands and artists that shared your stages with me!

It was an eventful Summer playing shows with James McCartney, Kopecky Family Band, Andrew Belle, Neulore, and Said The Whale!

Thanks to everyone that bought my new single, ZOMBIE!

And thanks to everyone that helped to promote it!

In the coming weeks I'll be wrapping up recording projects (Geoff Koch album and a Christmas album - both due later this Fall)!

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Future of Rock (by Billy Corgan)

I saw this Billy Corgan video/interview today, and I think its perfect.  He shares his thoughts that "God is the future of rock..."  Enjoy!



Peace,
Ross

Thursday, August 15, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

Happy Birthday to the best person I know and love!



Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

ZOMBIE

If you haven't had the chance to hear my newest cover-single, here it is!



And you can pick it up for $0.99 on iTunes HERE!

Peace,
Ross

Monday, August 5, 2013

Nowness : LOVE

I stumbled across a short series of beautiful videos over the weekend.  Here's the first one: Nowness/LOVE.

Shorts on Sundays: Wildcat on Nowness.com


Peace,
Ross

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Recording a Christmas Album!


Hey there,

It's August 1st, so what am I doing?  Recording a Christmas album of course!  I'm excited for how these tunes are turning out.  Let's just say there's lots of strings, mandolin, floor tom, and harmonies...

Here's what the track listing is shaping up to be:

Away in a Manger
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
The Drummers Carol
What Child Is This
The First Noel
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Lo, How A Rose 'Er Blooming
O Holy Night

Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Fighting Forward.


 Last week, Cora learned to swim.  It was so cool seeing her fight and fight, and finally get it!  Needless to say, it was perfect fodder for her songwriter-dad...

Fighting Forward
(c)2013 Ross Christopher

And just like that
She's diving in
Kicking and floating
With all her might

She's fighting forward
With the strength of a shark
And the heart of my girl

She's fighting forward
Forward, further and further
She's fighting forward
Forward, further and further...

And just like that
She's done the impossible
She's grown up
And fights to float

She's fighting forward
Towards new worlds
With the heart of my girl

She's fighting forward
Forward, further and further
She's fighting forward
Forward, further and further...

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Footbass.

Last year on tour with Sleeping at Last and Jars of Clay, I was impressed with the kick drum sounds Dan Haseltine (lead singer of JOC) was getting from a small pedal at his feet.  After some conversations and research, I found a new toy in the arsenal that sounds HUGE and AMAZING!

Footbass...its a small metal box (which I covered with a felt top to muddle the sound a bit), that uses a 1/4 inch cable output to create a perfect kick drum sound. 


As a solo artist, I was looking for ways to make my live show bigger, and this has been a great tool!

I run my footbass into a DI box and ask the sound tech to mix it just how he would a punchy kick drum.  I cannot tell you how many times other musicians come up after shows, asking me how I created such huge kick drum sounds..."am I using a trigger?," "is it a midi pedal?," "am I playing to a track?"  The answer is "footbass."

Check out their website, drop the $99, and have fun making your sound HUGE!

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Civil Wars (on capturing tension).

The Civil Wars might just be my favorite duet.  And with duets comes tension!  In this interview, Joy and John discuss the tension that has engulfed their relationship, and how it is translated through song.  Enjoy!



Peace,
Ross

Monday, July 15, 2013

Kishi Bashi.

I've been a big fan of Kishi Bashi for at least a year now.  I was honored to open for him a few months back.  His live show is out-of-this-world!  Enjoy this!



Peace,
Ross

Monday, July 8, 2013

See Things Through.


While in Italy, I wrote a few new tunes (poetry)...here's another, See Things Through.  Enjoy!

See Things Through
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher 

She's here thanks to Simon says
I'm here to see her too
And we'll make foreign moves
To see things through

I'll be her fool
And she'll be one too
Just so we can love
And see things through

Through to moonlit seasons
One by one, taking time
No hurries, no worries
Just to see things through

I'll be her fool
And she'll be one too
Just so we can love
And see things through

Every moment's building
Ever second lasts
Every breath goes in and out
Just to see things through


Peace,
Ross



Friday, July 5, 2013

Lord Huron.

I hope your 4th was fantastic!

In the same vein as yesterday's post, sit back and enjoy one of my absolute favorite bands of the past year, Lord Huron.



Peace,
Ross

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy 4th + Alt-J.

Happy 4th!  And since you've got the day off, why not sit back and watch a great concert?!?
If you're unfamiliar with Alt-J, take this opportunity to familiariaze yourself with them and their music...it's good stuff!



Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Italy 2013 (VIDEO)

Here's a brief video-recap of our Italy trip!



(**featuring my brand new song, "Before")

Peace,
Ross

Monday, July 1, 2013

Close Your Eyes Again.


While in Italy, I wrote 4 new songs.  Here's one I actually woke up during the night (mid-dream), to write what was spinning through my head.  Enjoy!

Close Your Eyes Again
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher

I woke up under a bed of the ocean
With waves crashing over me
Lights glowing, lifting me up
And sirens humming

Close your eyes
You're dreaming again
Close your eyes
And sleep
Back to oceans and mountains
And places of wonder
Close your eyes again

I woke up on the mountain
With snow falling in my eyes
Everything's white and still
And sirens humming

Close your eyes
You're dreaming again
Close your eyes
And sleep
Back to oceans and mountains
And places of wonder
Close your eyes again


Peace,
Ross





Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Arrangements?

If you read yesterday's post, you found out about the recent string recordings I did with Sleeping at Last.  If you're an artist that's interested in adding strings to your songs, please feel free to contact me anytime!

I write original arrangements.  
I perform your own string arrangements.  
I can build parts as small (solo) or large (orchestra) as you want.



My studio is professional.
My cost is competitive.
My turn-around time is quick and easy.

I've worked with lots and lots of artists/bands over the past 10 years, and would LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU...

Please contact me: ross@rosschristopher.com if you have any questions or would be interested having me work on an upcoming project!

Peace,
Ross

p.s. visit my site for any more info!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

ATLAS: Light (recording strings for Sleeping at Last)

Over the past month I've had the amazing opportunity of recording strings for 2 brand new Sleeping at Last tunes!  Ryan is quite possibly the most humble and genuine artist I've ever worked with.  I got to know Ryan this past fall on tour with him and Jars of Clay.  It was a blast and I consider it an honor to call him a friend!

Here's the 2 songs I recorded strings on.  They are part of his newest EP, ATLAS: LIGHT.

You Are Enough


The Projectionist


If you haven't purchased the EP, do so HERE!


Peace,
Ross

p.s. it's also doesn't hurt when said album becomes an iTunes featured album (along w/ the likes of The Civil Wars)...

Monday, June 24, 2013

Italy Recap!

We're back from Italy!  Kate and I spent 10 days in Positano, Italy (Almafi Coast), celebrating our 10 year anniversary.  It was a wonderful trip, highlighted by amazing food, history, views, boating on the Mediterranean, and more food...



Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

TONIGHT (w/ James McCartney)

Yesterday I got called by a concert promoter to open TONIGHT for James McCartney (Paul's son)!  I could not be more excited...so if you're in St Louis and looking for something to fill your Tuesday night, come on out to THE DEMO (brand new boutique venue in The Grove)!


Peace,
Ross

Monday, June 3, 2013

PAST


While wrapping up an instrumental piece yesterday, I wrote these lines...possibly a chorus or verse?  I like the overall concept; that linear-time constantly places things in the past.  By the time thoughts and words and experiences and sounds enter the brain, and register as beauty or darkness or joy or loss, they have already passed.  The present is miniscule and the future is fast-approaching!

Peace,
Ross 

PAST
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher

And by the time 
You hear this line
What was said
Will be the past
Momentary words
Are now and gone
Tomorrow's past
At last.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Rite of Spring

Today marks the 100th anniversary of Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring.'  Kate shot me this video that I thought was quite cool and worth sharing!



Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

PW13

Happy Wednesday!

Piano Works 13 from Julien Martorell on Vimeo.

Peace,
Ross

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Weekend!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! 

Be with family and friends.
Eat more BBQ than you should.
Laugh like you haven't in a while.
Stay up late, by a campfire preferably, and watch the stars.

Peace,
Ross

Friday, May 24, 2013

The Vein / Magma

Enjoy this creative/bizarre video and have a wonderful weekend!

The Vein / Magma from Dvein on Vimeo.

Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

TONIGHT!


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day today with my mom, and hope you did too!


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

You Are What You Art.


The hope of this blog is to continually push ideas and thoughts that connect the dots between art, creativity, beauty, spirituality, and everything in between. 

Today is no exception.

You all know the phrase, "you are what you eat."

It's 100% true.  The molecular properties of the foods you consume are brought into your body, alter your own physical and psychological makeup, and produce everything from growth to moods, disease to genetics.

Now consider this phrase: "you are what you art."

Art has always been something that compels, confronts, confuses, and creates new worlds.  Cultures change because of art; politics are overturned, and the world is changed forever.

The artist has an incredible role within humanity.  The true artist has always been on the forefront of creating culture - not simply reacting to it.

Which brings me again, to the new phrase, you are what you art.

Biologist James Zull writes, "Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process…This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking everything."

Art changes the mind, which changes the biology in one's brain and the physical world.

Consider the following artist…the chef who refuses to use genetically modified plants and animals to create a dish that is sustaining the biology of the consumer, as much as he/she is sustaining the environment. 

The culinary artist is transforming how we think about food, how we consume it, and even our most basic genetic and biological synapses.

Now consider the poet or songwriter…he/she writes to provoke and change a once held truth.  Over time these ideas and hopes become reality.  There's an incredible amount of power in the words, chords, melodies, and textures that the artist is creating; so much so, that our biological synapses are modified and we become a different person (in thought, reaction, and as society).

Are you creating beauty and tension and words and worlds in the listener/consumer that is worthy of biological change?

Consider your art in these terms. 
Consider the power of what you create. 
Because you truly are what you art.

Peace,
Ross

Monday, May 6, 2013

A Portrait of the World.

I saw this last week on Twitter and found it quite interesting.
It's an info-graphic that reduces the world into 100 people.

What do you see?
What are the implications?
Where is the future?


Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Hiatus.

I found this video pretty brilliant and creative...enjoy!

Hiatus - We Can Be Ghosts Now (feat. Shura) from Tom Jobbins on Vimeo.

Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Monetizing Creativity.

I had a conversation yesterday with an artist I just finished producing in the studio.  We were talking about the pursuit of creativity and art, and the difficulty of remaining pure to that art in a culture that demands the monetizing of everything.

Being an artist, I suppose, throws you into two basic categories.  Artists that make money, and artists that don't.  Notice that I don't call the later hobbyists.  Understand of course, that most people would, and do, make that distinction.  However, lots of so called "artists" I know do the same "art" over and over, with predictability, because it turns a profit, pays the bills, etc.  This (in my opinion) is a money-making craft.

Art is different.

Art is something that's inside you that needs to come out.  Art changes and pushes boundaries.  Art is loved.  Art is hated.  Art is understood.  And art is misunderstood.

Our culture has placed an unhealthy barometer on art and creativity, that basically says, "if you can't eventually attain the American dream, move to the burbs with your family, own the boat, take the vacation, etc, then it's time to hang up your college fantasy, and get a real (paying) job."

I couldn't disagree more. 

Sometimes I think the problem isn't the art, but perhaps the scope which the artists dreams, and sees his or her art flourishing.  We live in a culture that demands diversity and excellence.  How can you (as an artist) see things this way, make necessary steps to diversify your art/talent/skill/creativity in such a way that you don't succumb to the lie that "it's time for the paying gig?"

Perhaps you're defining things improperly. 

Perhaps your scope is that artistry is only attained once you've been given the national or international spotlight.  Let me tell you that without a massive machine behind what you're doing, this may never happen.  However, when you localize your tribe (or tribes) and create a genuine community with them (through and with your art), you will be a success.

This success may not equal Justin Timberlake status, but your influence may be just as powerful within your particular tribe.

Rethink.
Reorganize.
Do.
Create.

Peace,
Ross

Monday, April 15, 2013

In Your Wake


Saturday morning I woke up with some lyrics rolling around in my head.  I poured myself a cup of coffee and got to work.  Here's what I came up with:

In Your Wake
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher

You walk in a room
And steal its breath
You steal its every thought
'Cause death is your wake

Don't slur your speech
'Cause what you say
Will change every thing

There's a history with you
A marked past of poison and broken cries
'Cause you couldn't care less
Hell bent on you

Don't slur your speech
'Cause what you say
Will change every thing

You - take what's not yours
And nobody says a thing
You - devour what you want
And no one does a thing
You - break and bruise
And no one is left
'Cause we've grown tired, sore, and worn down

Don't slur your speech
'Cause what you say
Will change every thing

Peace,
Ross

Monday, April 8, 2013

Upstream Color.

In 2004, Shane Carruth made an incredible indie debut, Primer.  In a couple months, his next film, Upstream Color drops.  I'm very excited, curious, and hopeful.  Check it out!



Peace,
Ross

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The Light of a Single Candle.


“All the darkness in the world 
cannot extinguish the light 
of a single candle.” 
-- St. Francis of Assisi


I love this quote.
I love it because too often we pit light as the opposite of darkness.
But just like the quote shows us, darkness cannot coexist with light.
Darkness is the absence of light, and the world is glowing with light!

Sometimes it can be difficult to see. 
Suffering does occur. 
Death happens.
Sickness and tragedy cripples.
But light still exists, and squashes darkness in its tracks.

As an artist, sometimes I feel like its my job to point people towards light.
As an artist I can use creativity (images, words, sounds, etc.) to expose what's (already) around us, and can send darkness running to the shadows.

How are you exposing light?

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Flying Bird.


For the past few days I've been walking you through the creative process of writing a song.  Not every song writes itself the same way, but this is how I arrived at a new one.

The past 2 blogs have been about being prepared and ready to capture creativity as it comes - because there's no way to really schedule inspiriation.

However, rather than continue talking about the new love song that came out of no where, I want to switch gears to another song that, again came out of no where.

In the past week, I've written 3 songs...
1 about the end of the world
1 about falling in love
1 about drones

See the connection?  Exactly...there's not one. 
(except for being prepared to capture creativity)

If I wasn't prepared as a songwriter to capture the inspiration, these new songs may have been lost.

So this newest song (the one about drones), just popped in my head and luckily I was snowed in with pad, acoustic, and iphone.

Here's the lyrics:

Flying Bird
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher

(Verse 1)
Take to the sky
And sell them the lie
That everything is safer now
And life cries goodbye

(Chorus)
Flying bird, won't you go back home
Flying bird, won't you go
Flying bird, won't you go back home
Flying bird, won't you go

(Verse 2)
Driven by joy -
Sticks of death and bombs
And innocent blood
Bombs and blood

(Bridge)
1, 2, birds are flying
3, 4, worlds are dying
5, 6, lies are fueling
Birds to fly again


Peace,
Ross

Monday, March 25, 2013

Be Prepared.


I grew up in Boy Scouts.  I earned Eagle, so I guess I'm an Eagle Scout for life.  Having said that, I'm prepared.  It is the scout motto after all...

As a creative, being prepared is one of the most important lessons I've learned through the years.  I cannot tell you how many times I find random pieces of paper, napkins, business cards, etc lying around with bits and pieces of song ideas scribbled on them.

My iPhone has become invaluable!  I have tones of voice memos with melody or riff ideas, recorded.  Some songs are process.  But in my experience, those are the ones that sound like process - and who likes process?

If not for being prepared and having the tools I need in hand, who knows how much creativity might be lost and forgotten?

Peace,
Ross

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Some Things Just Write Themselves.


As a songwriter, lyrics and music hit me at all sorts of random times.  Though 80% of the time I write in a similar fashion, I don't have (or prescribe to) "a system."  Having said that, I was finishing up a new single that I've been working on for about a month, called 'Lonely Earth.' 

As I was working on a mixdown, I all of a sudden got this lyric and melody in my head.  Immediately I had to open up a new project and record what was going on in my head.  In about 10 minutes I had recorded the acoustic guitar part and the lead vocal scratch track. 

I played the song for Kate the next morning and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I can't get it out of my head.  Some things you work on for weeks, and some things just write themselves.  I'm consistently surprised by, and with, the creative process!  I'm excited to share more of this process with you in the coming days.

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

10 Years Later...


Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of the Iraq invasion.  How things have changed in 10 years…

I thought it appropriate to ask a handful of questions, to gauge what we've learned, experienced, and how we might move forward.

1. Despite the best of intelligence (remember that the entire globe's intelligence community agreed that Iraq had WMD's); is there ever enough intelligence to warrant a unilateral invasion?

2. What have we learned about soldiers on the ground versus drones in the sky?

3. Do we value life more or less?

4. Do we truly believe and promote in the sanctity of life?

5. Are we more equipped to face future challenges without war?

6. Is American Democracy right for every nation, people group, etc?

7. Is the region more stable?

8. Have we created more allies or enemies?

9. How have we treated our veterans upon their return home?

10. How has the treatment of war changed us? (do we think lightly of it, or do we hate it?)


Peace,
Ross

Thursday, March 14, 2013

MARCH 2013 VLOG





Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

What We Talk About When We Talk About God {VIDEO}

Earlier tonight I tuned into a live speaking engagement from Rob Bell, discussing his newest book, What We Talk About When We Talk About God.  It's brilliant and refreshing and much needed in a faithless landscape, filled with boxes and black and white thought - both inside and outside of anything resembling "church."

I encourage you to take the time and watch this!


Video streaming by Ustream

Peace,
Ross

Friday, March 8, 2013

Tarot Cards, Hope, & Community


We are a people hungry for questions and listening, and people who will simply sit down across from us and have a conversation - especially at our most vulnerable times.

A couple days ago I was at my favorite local cafe doing some writing.  A woman came in and sat down at the table next to mine.  She was carrying an odd shaped box - obviously containing something very special.

A few minutes later a young man came in, looking somewhat hopeless and in need.  The two of them spoke and obviously were there to meet each other.  Was I about to eavesdrop onto a blind date?  Not so much.

Within seconds the mysterious box was opened and the woman placed a handful of mystical tarot cards on the table.  The man's hopelessness did a 180.  You could see the eagerness for answers in his eyes.

She poked and prodded in the most open-ended ways, that anyone might have been able to come to an equal amount of vague, future-conclusions this fortune teller conjured.

The whole meeting probably didn't last more than 20 minutes, but I saw a once fearful and lost man, leave with certainty and hope.

Now I don't believe that anything this fortune teller said or read, had any actual bearing on this man's future.  But what I do believe is that this man was at rock bottom and needed someone's ear.  He had her's (at a decent price tag), and in this act of human interaction, he once again was filled with hope of a future.

Perhaps the truth behind this fortune teller's ability, is her capacity to listen and offer hope (even if she's making a decent profit).  After all it wasn't that long ago that "professional mourner" was an actual thing...

Maybe this world needs more people that will journey with us in hope.  Maybe the woman sitting beside me needs the same, but isn't to the point of conjuring the dead.  Maybe in this age of technology, individualism, and cynicism, all we really need is each other.  We've been given the capacity to love and listen, and extend grace and compassion with limitless restrictions.

Let's try that.

Peace,
Ross

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Cardia {a post in creativity & beauty}

This blog exists to talk about creativity and beauty.
Both rise in very different ways,
at different times,
and through different mediums.
I saw this last night and thought it was well worth sharing!

Enjoy!

Cardia (Étude Op. 2) from sougwen on Vimeo.

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Lonely Earth

Yesterday I mentioned the new apocalyptic love song I'm recording.  Well, here's the lyrics...



Lonely Earth
(c) 2013 Ross Christopher

(Chorus)
What would you say if I told you
We were the last ones on earth
What would you do if we were as alive
As anyone could ever be

(Verse)
Would you change a thing
Would it mean a thing
Would it make all the difference
Or nothing at all

(Chorus)
What would you say if I told you
We were the last ones on earth
What would you do if we were as alive
As anyone could ever be

(Verse)
Would you see things brighter
Or would it all turn grey
Would life birth new meaning
If it were just you and I

(Chorus)
What would you say if I told you
We were the last ones on earth
What would you do if we were as alive
As anyone could ever be

(Bridge)
Would you look at the sky
Would you stare me in the eyes
Would you dance until you couldn't
Would you stare me in the eyes

(Chorus)
What would you say if I told you
We were the last ones on earth
What would you do if we were as alive
As anyone could ever be

Peace,
Ross

Monday, March 4, 2013

Apocalyptic Love Song...

Hey there y'all-

Just wanted to let you know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...I know, I know, its been WAY TOO LONG since I've posted!  And for that I apologize.



I've been crazy busy in the studio, playing a couple shows, and writing.  Thank you all so very much for picking up the newest EP, VEIL and for coming out to the Kishi Bashi show a couple weeks back!  I'm continually impressed with your support!!



So what am I writing?...an apocalyptic love song.  That's right, I thought it'd be a fun take on a love song, and I'm really excited how its turning out!  I hope to have the new single available to you in a month or so.

Take care 'till next time!

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Singer/Songwriters, Crack Houses, & Church

Peter Rollins delves into a poignant conversation that is vital to our being, and vital for the Church.  I hope and pray that I can become more and more like the singer/songwriter that he talks about.  I hope that we all can...



Participate in this thought HERE!

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

1 Year & a Story to Tell...

This comes from my wife Kate...but I'm thankful to have been part of the early creative vision and dreaming process!



The 2013 Grammy’s marks the
one year anniversary of
the beginning of a dream;
one year ago
a handful of people
sat in a room
and wondered what if?...

Peace,
Ross

Monday, February 4, 2013

A User-Generated Story.


Last night I sat down on my couch, in front of my TV, and devoured a week's worth of calories (thanks to the good folks at Rotel, Velveeta, and Oreo), while watching the Super Bowl.  Like many, I'm as excited to see the new and creative commercials, as I am to watch the game.  And this year I noticed something over and over again...

This year there seemed to be an abundance of user-generated content.  Everything from pictures to video to narration, the users seemed to be in the diver's seat.  And I believe this says something about our culture and younger generations.  We want (scratch that)...we NEED to be part of something bigger than ourselves.  And what's bigger than the Super Bowl?  We want to engage and interact, and tell our story, and be part of a grander story, and really make a difference in this world.

So what's my take away?

In your respective communities, focus on the ways you can become increasingly user-generated!  Top-down leadership structures are fading, and communities of passionate individuals are oozing with potential.

Peace,
Ross

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Consistency.



Consistency matters.
It matters because without it, what you say (and do) means nothing.
If you say one thing, and do another, you're a hypocrite.
If you advocate for a policy, and vote against it, you can't be trusted.
And all too often, consistency can't be felt, seen, or heard.

Specific to politics and faith, I find an increasingly inconsistent pattern among right-wing-voting-christians (which is how the majority of christians vote - Republican).  This inconsistency is branded across the Church and perception becomes reality - that christians are either ill-informed, can't make a consistent and intelligent argument, or are just plain hypocritical.

On one hand, christians will overwhelmingly support other christians in politics (usually right-wing), so that politics resemble the ways of Jesus, biblical truths, etc.  They believe that electing more christians will make our nation christian once again (essentially that christian leaders will enact christian laws).

And most christians will also agree that Jesus came to earth, and lived his life to show grace and mercy to those that didn't deserve it (i.e. sinners, the sick, etc.), and that he came first for the marginalized, the poor, the blind, and "the least of these." 

However, when the government enacts policies and social programs that extend similar grace and mercy to the least of these, christians overwhelmingly call them "entitlements" and say that the government has no business in these matters.  So either the government is or isn't in the position to act and dispense policy, based on the christian faith.  They cannot have it both ways, because consistency matters.

In the same light, liberals (which most overwhelmingly support our President, and democrats) cannot remain consistent in their anti-gun/violence messages, while also remaining silent when the government is using drones attacks at an alarming rate and when our policies place assault rifles into the hands of Mexican drug lords.  The liberal message of non-violence has no backbone.

My point is this...there must be a true separation between church and state.  This is a good thing.  Because when the perceived "christian" candidate on one hand argues for life in repealing abortion rights, yet funds the military and supports capital punishment on the other, there is no consistency.  Likewise, when a liberal fights to pass laws that control the sales of arms (to "save even one life"), but systematically places these same weapons into the hands of Mexican drug lords, there is no consistency.  In both scenarios, I believe that arguing for life and saving life most closely represents the way of Jesus.  And in both scenarios the politics of the state become the voice of the church - either in support or criticism.  By separating faith and politics, the United States is not the mouthpiece of Christianity; and when it behaves in less than Christ-like manners, one is not co-opted by the other, and consistency is not in question.

Because no matter which side you find yourself, consistency is lacking - and when left unchecked, both sides become impotent to truth-telling and agenda.  Consistency matters because without we nullify any resemblance of intellectual honesty and debate.  And without consistency, we all become hypocrites.

Peace,
Ross

Monday, January 28, 2013

Upcoming...

Just wanted to let all y'all know that I'm currently working on a series of blogs, concepts, and prompts that I hope will stir some discussion and forward-thinking.

Here's what you can look forward to...

Consistency Is Everything
Knowing > Believing
Light & Shadows

Wind
How We Read & Why It Matters
 

Peace,
Ross

Thursday, January 24, 2013

There's A Sound {LIVE VIDEO}

If you missed my concert last Friday night in St. Louis, here's the live video (& debut performance) of 'There's A Sound.'  A big thanks to Dear Genre for playing some percussion on the tune! 



Peace,
Ross


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

You Can Only Love God As Much As You Love ________.


**I'm RE-POSTING this today, because I believe it needs to be said.  In light of demonizing politics and demonizing prayers (gun control, the election, the fiscal cliff, and yesterday's inauguration), its timely - for ME and for you.  I first need to admit that I did not come up with this thought.

You can love God only as
much as you love ______________.
(fill in the blank w/ terrorists, antagonists to your faith, your boss, George W. Bush, President Obama, Pat Robertson, or Mark Driscoll; whoever you cannot stand, and wished ill)
 *I can thank Katie Schultz for that nugget of inspiration.

Nor can I claim this statement as my own:
"I believe in the Trinity, so I believe God exists as a community of ecstatic love: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God names not merely a thing but a relation. God is a relational God bound together by love. Before God is anything else, God is love. It’s not that first God exists and then God decides to love. It is love which constitutes God’s very existence. Moreover, God’s love is not self contained, but it extends to all creation. God’s mission is to love creation. That’s straight up missional theology...If we want to know God (and if we want to be able to say something substantive about God), we have to participate in the mission of God. Without engaging in mission we can possess knowledge about God, but we can never truly know God. To know God is to participate in God’s mission."
*That was written by Tim Suttle, and it sums up a lot of background text.

In Matthew 5 & 25, we read that how we love our enemies and the least of these, is also how we love God.

Consider that the next time you post a nasty (or backhanded) Twitter or Facebook comment regarding your disdain for the President (or potential candidate), political party affiliation, or laws passed.  Because how you love, determines how you love...

Peace,
Ross 

Monday, January 21, 2013

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Thanks so so very much to ALL that came out on Friday night to the EP release show at Cicero's!  It's always humbling to play in front of a sold-out crowd, and you guys did it!   It means the world to have your support.  If you weren't able to pick up a copy of the new EP on Friday, here's a link to grab it via iTunes: CLICK HERE TO BUY THE EP






Peace,
Ross

Friday, January 18, 2013

TONIGHT!

Hey St. Louis folk...
I'm playing a CD RELEASE CONCERT tonight at Cicero's (on the Delmar Loop) at 8:30PM.  I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you there!!!



Peace,
Ross