If we think in these terms , what trends are we currently riding the echo of in worship music ? I ’ d posit that we ’ ve been revisiting ideas and techniques pioneered by arena groups of the 80s for a good while now . Think U2 anthems full of glittering guitars , dotted-eighth delay , and catchy hooks .
Then over the last several years we ’ ve seen a resurgence of even more deeply ‘ 80s ’ sensibilities . Gated reverb on drums and vocals , chorus ’ d guitars and a renewed taste for classic synthesizer sounds . As a keys player , it ’ s been a blast to be along for this reverb-drenched ride .
So , what ’ s next , then ? Grunge , boy band , or boom bap worship ? Or maybe another revitalization of Dave Matthews inspired outdoor worship jams ?
In terms of the specifics of how these genres are pulled from , re-imagined , and revitalized I ’ d say your guess is as good as mine . But there ’ s one big point I ’ m leading up to here : wherever we ’ re going collectively , there ’ s going to be less ambience .
Dave Matthews , Nirvana , and Backstreet Boys all share that in common in one way or another , along with the majority of 90s music . While 90s music wasn ’ t without any reverb or ambience at all much of its production stood in stark contrast to the glistening , arena ambience that marked the 1980s across most genres . The 90s , instead often featured a drier , more direct connection between the performer and the listener from vocals to drums , and yes , the keys parts too .
NOW WHAT ?
How will this impact you as a keys player ? Well , it likely already has . Over the last few years I ’ ve seen more and more instances of singles or even entire albums pushing further into these trends . As an easy example go compare ‘ All of My Best Friends ’ by Hillsong Young & Free to an earlier song from their catalogue like ‘ This Is Living ’ and you ’ ll likely notice it ’ s closer to Weezer than to a re-imagined Depeche Mode .
Whatever changes are in-bound they ’ ll be gradual . If I had to make my best guess I ’ d wager that as keys players we ’ ll have opportunities to grow in our ability to play tight
chord progressions with less forgiving sounds . The less ambience a sound has , the more important timing and note placement will be . I ’ m also hoping for a chance to polish up my organ chops and play more cool digital synth sounds .
To be clear , I don ’ t think ambience in worship music is going away any time soon . This article is not a rant or an encouragement to push into new musical territory without a purpose . But it is meant to serve as an encouragement to stay savvy and be flexible and excited when you have the opportunity to try something new ( or old ).
Whether you ’ re still leaning on U2 or you ’ re at the forefront of ‘ grunge worship ’, as long as you ’ re staying present and focused on serving the song , your team , and your congregation … you ’ ll be just fine .
David Pfaltzgraff Founder and Lead Sound Designer at SundaySounds . com , a site that resources worship keys players and guitarists around the world . David currently resides in Des Moines , IA with his wife and two boys . He enjoys volunteering in his church ’ s worship ministry , old synthesizers , and a good super-hero movie .
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