Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music podcast

Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music

Rock That Doesn’t Roll looks at how Christian music shaped the world we're living in now by telling individual stories from the peak era of the contemporary Christian music industry. In the 80s, 90s and early 2000s CCM grew into a billion dollar business that affected millions of evangelical young people. Through interviews with artists, industry players and average fans we trace the long-lasting personal, cultural and political impact of sometimes cringe-worthy music. Expect hilarious moments and heartfelt yearning, purity culture and conservative politics- all in equal measure. Whether you’ve deconstructed, come out or renegotiated your faith, we hope you feel seen. If you’ve never given Christian music any thought beyond a punchline, we hope you’ll gain a deeper understanding of a subculture that’s shaping the world around us now.

Rock That Doesn’t Roll looks at how Christian music shaped the world we're living in now by telling individual stories from the peak era of the contemporary Christian music industry. In the 80s, 90s and early 2000s CCM grew into a billion dollar business that affected millions of evangelical young people. Through interviews with artists, industry players and average fans we trace the long-lasting personal, cultural and political impact of sometimes cringe-worthy music. Expect hilarious moments and heartfelt yearning, purity culture and conservative politics- all in equal measure. Whether you’ve deconstructed, come out or renegotiated your faith, we hope you feel seen. If you’ve never given Christian music any thought beyond a punchline, we hope you’ll gain a deeper understanding of a subculture that’s shaping the world around us now.

 

#26

The Art House (ft. Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth)

Charlie Peacock is a renowned figure in the music industry for his solo albums, production work, songwriting and his record label RE:Think, which launched Switchfoot and Sarah Mason. Outside of the music industry spotlight he and his wife Andi Ashworth were creating a very unique space in Nashville called The Art House. Their experiences with The Art House inspired their recent book, " [Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt.] (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180352109-why-everything-that-doesn-t-matter-matters-so-much) "  Leah actually worked at The Art House more than 20 years ago, so we were eager to talk with Charlie and Andi about this book.  To hear the full hour-long interview, [visit our Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/posts/charlie-peacock-115177279) .  In [the Patreon-only version of this episode] (https://www.patreon.com/posts/114121202) , Charlie also shares which collaborator he considers one of the best songwriters in the world. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

01 Nov 2024

30 MINS

30:31

01 Nov 2024


#25

Youth Group Demon Hunting (ft. Jordan Morris)

[Jordan Morris] (https://www.jordanmorris.net/) is a long time podcaster, comedy writer and creator and co-writer of the two-time Eisner-nominated graphic novel [Bubble] (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250245557/bubble) (based on [the hit podcast] (https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/bubble/) ). His new graphic novel, co-written with artist Bowen McCurdy is [Youth Group] (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250789235/youthgroup) . It draws on Jordan's real life experiences in a Orange County California youth groups in the 1990s, but adds literal demon hunting to the list of church-approved activities.  In [the Patreon-only version of this episode] (https://www.patreon.com/posts/114121202) , he also shares a story about Christian summer camp and we share ideas for casting a film adaptation of Youth Group. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

16 Oct 2024

49 MINS

49:30

16 Oct 2024


#24

Introducing: Second Sunday

Second Sunday is one of our sibling podcasts with PRX's Big Questions Project.  Second Sunday is about Black Queer folks finding, keeping and sometimes losing faith. Mark Miller is a graduate of Juilliard and Yale University with an expertise in choral conducting, sacred music, and voice. His hymns and anthems are sung by communities of faith throughout the world, and his album, Imagine the People of God, is available on iTunes. He believes that music, social justice, and the beloved community are inextricably tied. His story is about finding God and himself through music. The Second Sunday podcast is hosted by Esther and Darren Calhoun. Follow Esther @estheralready, [https://www.instagram.com/estheralready] (https://www.instagram.com/estheralready) Follow Darren @heydarren, [https://www.instagram.com/heydarren] (https://www.instagram.com/heydarren) Follow Second Sunday @secondsundaypod, [https://instagram.com/secondsundaypod] (https://instagram.com/secondsundaypod) Subscribe to the podcast, [https://secondsundaypod.com] (https://secondsundaypod.com/) ... Read more

02 Oct 2024

32 MINS

32:51

02 Oct 2024


#23

Bookstore Guy to Exvangelical (ft. Blake Chastain)

In this bonus episode Leah and Andrew talk with [Blake Chastain] (https://www.postevangelicalpost.com/) , the first person to use "exvangelical" as a hashtag (and host of the Exvangelical podcast) about his book, ["] (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15RkcczzcrgEcyL64CzSthjcesZbYWhV-GzProCvGpr0/edit?usp=sharing) [Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That's Fighting Back] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747796/exvangelical-and-beyond-by-blake-chastain/) . ["] (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15RkcczzcrgEcyL64CzSthjcesZbYWhV-GzProCvGpr0/edit?usp=sharing) He shares about his time as a "bookstore guy" and how the academic concepts of "counter public" and "hyperobject" are helpful in understanding what's happening in American evangelicalism.  In [the Patreon-only version of this episode] (https://www.patreon.com/posts/bookstore-guy-to-111858131?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) , he also shares a story about a song that left him temporarily paralyzed at work once. Plus we discuss not one, but two different songs by Ray Boltz.  Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

41 MINS

41:37

11 Sep 2024


#22

Mother Is A Big Question

Today we're sharing an episode from another Big Questions Project podcast: Mother Is A Question.  "This episode is called "Mother Is A Song," and we’re traveling to a place and time when mama was the muse–back when musicians in the U.S. were constantly singing about “the one who’s always true,” as one of these songs goes. One hundred years ago in the U.S., in the early days of recorded music, a lot of the songs people were listening to were about one particular person: mother.  Thanks to Sarah Bryan, the Association for Cultural Equity, and to Dust to Digital for inspiring this episode. Mother is a Question is created by Natasha Haverty and Julia Metzger-Traber Our editor is Rob Rosenthal Original Music by Raky Sastri and Julia Read" ... Read more

28 Aug 2024

45 MINS

45:16

28 Aug 2024


#21

Christian Ska's Upbeats and Beatdowns (ft. Leanor Ortega Till of Five Iron Frenzy)

If there's one music genre lampooned more than Christian rock, it might just be ska. And Christian ska? Expect next level ridicule. But a lovable band of misfits from Denver, Colorado managed to do something that might seem unthinkable: combine two maligned genres and become a cultural phenomenon with an enduring cult following. On the season two finale of Rock that Doesn't Roll, music journalist [Andrew Gill] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian [Leah Payne] (https://www.drleahpayne.com/) ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) follow the unlikely rise of [Five Iron Frenzy] (https://www.fiveironfrenzy.com/) , with insight from [Leanor Ortega Till] (https://www.instagram.com/leanorinezortegatill/?hl=en) , aka "Jeff the Girl," aka the saxophonist from one of the best-loved bands in the Christian rock universe. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

38 MINS

38:15

14 Aug 2024


#20

Yellow and Black Attack (ft. Michael Sweet of Stryper and Mike Tramp of White Lion)

Picture this. It's 1986. The Cold War is at a fever pitch. The whole world is locked into a conflict between the Forces of Freedom, and the Commies... at least that's how it felt to 80s kids. But the Cold War wasn't the only threat facing American society. Many feared that a much more sinister enemy lurking in the shadows: the devil himself. During the so-called satanic panic, parents worried that their kids would get caught by the Lord of Darkness, and rock - specifically heavy metal from notoriously debauched bands like Motley Crüe - was a big threat. What was an evangelical teen metal fan to do when the whole genre was tainted by Beelzebub? You fight fire with fire, and send Satan straight to hell with the legendary band Stryper. With insight from [Stryper] (https://stryper.com/) 's Michael Sweet, and White Lion's [Mike Tramp] (https://miketrampofficial.com/) , music journalist [Andrew Gill] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian [Leah Payne] (https://www.drleahpayne.com/) ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) follow the epic battle for the soul of Stryper, the undisputed kings of 1980s Christian Metal who wanted to fight Satan on his home turf - the raucous world of mainstream metal. Along the way, they found that the battle lines between demons and angels can get a bit blurry. How do you win the war when you aren't exactly sure who is friend or foe?  Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

31 Jul 2024

39 MINS

39:36

31 Jul 2024


#19

Fictional Christian Music (ft. Righteous Gemstones' Joseph Stephens, Daniel Smith and Chris White)

How do you make fake Contemporary Christian Music? Creating fictional Christian music that feels authentic without crossing the line into parody or pastiche is a tricky artistic challenge. But we found the creators up to the task. [Joseph Stephens] (https://josephstephensmusic.com/) , composer for HBO's [The Righteous Gemstones] (https://www.hbo.com/the-righteous-gemstones) , a crime-comedy about a family of musical televangelists, and composer Daniel Smith ( [Danielson] (https://soundsfamilyre.com/artists/danielson/) ) and filmmaker [Chris White] (https://studio15.us/chris-white/) of [Electric Jesus] (https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/electric-jesus) , an independent film about an aspiring 80s Christian metal band, pay homage to Christian music makers of the past and create catchy Christian music that's feels and sounds an awful lot like the real thing. On this episode of Rock that Doesn't Roll, music journalist Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ), immerse themselves in the Southern Gospel strains of The Righteous Gemstones and glam-band anthems of Electric Jesus, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and heart involved in creating convincing fake CCM songs for the screen. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

40 MINS

40:58

17 Jul 2024


#18

The Paradox

[KUOW's podcast Let The Kids Dance!] (https://www.kuow.org/podcasts/let-the-kids-dance) is the story of Seattle's Teen Dance Ordinance in a seven-part docuseries chronicling an untold chapter of pop-culture history. It’s a story about moral panic, grassroots activism and an unstoppable music community that fought for its freedom, created and hosted by Jonathan Zwickel. The TDO made it impossible for venue owners to turn a profit while hosting all-ages shows. But the law contained a few exceptions, allowing concerts at nonprofit spaces and religious institutions. Savvy promoters take full advantage. In the latter half of the 90s, two all-ages venues sent a lifeline to the all-ages community by hosting unforgettable shows, leading to dramatically different results.  One of those venues was Mars Hill's The Paradox. It was one of Mark Driscoll's early footholds in Seattle and hosted all ages concerts by secular and Christian bands- as well as worship services. Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on [Spotify.] (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d)   Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave RTDR a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

03 Jul 2024

45 MINS

45:25

03 Jul 2024


#17

The DC Talk Test (ft. Jason Kirk and Kevin T. Porter)

What happened to the kids raised during the peak era of Christian rock? For insight into the state of Christian rock's late 1990s-early aughts evangelicalism you need not look any further than members of DC Talk, the pinnacle of youth group music. Their trajectory as artists and public figures roughly maps on to the trajectories of the millions of teens raised in American evangelicalism. In this episode,  journalist and producer Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) surprises historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) with a fan-made quiz that asks: are you a Toby Mac, a Michael Tait, or a Kevin Max? Together with two Christian rock aficionados, journalist [Jason Kirk ] (https://linktr.ee/jasonkirk) (author of [Hell Is a World Without You] (https://www.jasonkirk.fyi/p/novel) ) and comedian [Kevin T. Porter] (https://linktr.ee/kevintporter) (co-host of [Good Christian Fun] (https://www.kevintporter.com/) ), Rock That Doesn't Roll explores the aftermath of the peak youth group band era. [Take the quiz for yourself!] (https://www.opinionstage.com/page/801e6713-920f-4953-ad23-b94f1a477d4d) [Listen to the Hell Is a World Without You playlist on Spotify.] (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3yBQxyB09fB4oQs1FeHSg8?si=09d8cca50cb84a3c) Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

19 Jun 2024

40 MINS

40:04

19 Jun 2024


#16

Purity Bros (ft. Joshua Harris)

Purity culture wasn’t just for youth group “purity girls.” “Purity bros” were also a part of the project! No one knows that more than [Joshua Harris] (https://joshharris.com/) , a CCM fan who helped turn purity culture into an extreme sport. Together with his friend, Christian music superstar [Rebecca St. James] (https://www.rebeccastjames.com/) , they created media that inspired a generation of evangelicals to say no to sex outside of marriage, but also to things like dating, kissing, holding hands, and a lot of other things. In this episode, journalist and producer Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) follow the story of Josh Harris, one-time icon of purity culture. Josh found that the X-games of evangelicalism included the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and eventually, a life beyond the world of purity bros and purity girls.  Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. [RSVP for our virtual event June 11th at 6pm Central time.] (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prxs-big-questions-project-presents-making-it-a-night-of-big-questions-tickets-915474176907)   If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

05 Jun 2024

38 MINS

38:12

05 Jun 2024


#15

Purity Girls (ft. Nikki Leonti)

In 2001, teen singing sensation [Nikki Leonti] (https://nikkileonti.com/) was on her way to a promising Christian music career. She had two hit CCM records, and - as a pop princess who swore to refrain from premarital sex - the support of big evangelical media organizations like James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. But then, at age 18, the “purity girl” Leonti announced she was pregnant, and lost it all. With insight from author and podcaster [Devi Abraham] (https://wheredowegopod.com/) , journalist and producer Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) explore how Christian music purity icons like Nikki Leonti, along with their fans, walked the tightrope of purity culture, lost their balance, and learned to put their lives back together again after they fell.   Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

22 May 2024

39 MINS

39:04

22 May 2024


#14

Holy Hip Hop (ft. Soup The Chemist)

In the 1990s, music critics argue that hip hop was in its golden age. Mainstream Top 40 charts were filled with hits from The Notorious B.I.G, Tupac Shakur, and Dr. Dre. But the Contemporary Christian charts lagged far, far behind. What took so long for holy hip hop to take off? With insight from [Dr. Jonathan Calvillo ] (https://candler.emory.edu/faculty-profiles/jonathan-calvillo/) (author of In the Time of Sky-Rhyming: How Hip Hop Resonated in Brown Los Angeles), journalist and producer Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) [)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) follow the story of Christopher J. Cooper, aka [Soup the Chemist] (https://soupthechemist.bandcamp.com/) , aka Super C, a groundbreaking figure in the Christian hip hop movement. It wasn’t easy, but as Soup the Chemist worked to carve out a place for Christian hip hop to thrive, he laid the foundation for future Christian hip hop artists like Propaganda and Lecrae. Do you have a Christian music story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

08 May 2024

40 MINS

40:59

08 May 2024


#13

Undo Me (ft. Jennifer Knapp)

In 1999, ​singer-songwriter [Jennifer Knapp ] (https://jenniferknapp.com/) was at the top of the Christian music world. Her debut album [Kansas] (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferknapp/jennifer-knapp-kansas-25)  was gold-certified, she'd won four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and she was on tour with some of the top bands in the business. It seemed like Knapp was destined to be the ultimate ​rockstar poster child for evangelical teens - especially young women. But ​that frame was ​an uncomfortable​ fit for Knapp​. She was an adult convert, and the evangelical norms that young women learned from the world of CCM were new to her. Eventually, at the height of her fame, Jennifer ​moved across the globe, and disappeared from the world of CCM. Yet even when ​s​he thought her stint in Christian music was over, ​Jennifer's fans had other ideas. In this episode, journalist and producer Andrew Gill ( [Sound Opinions] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) [)] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) , and historian Leah Payne ( [God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en) ) follow Knapp’s story, and explore how, together with her fans, she’s making new meaning out of the ​Christian music of her past. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . [Buy RTDR merch here] (https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rtdr?ref_id=35654) . ... Read more

24 Apr 2024

40 MINS

40:25

24 Apr 2024


#12

Season Two Trailer

In the second season of Rock That Doesn't Roll, hosts Dr. Leah Payne and Andrew Gill look at how Christian music shaped the world we're living in now. Topics covered in season two include hip hop, feminism, purity culture, hair metal and more. Episodes publish every other week starting on April 24. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

17 Apr 2024

02 MINS

02:13

17 Apr 2024


#11

How Amy Grant Got To The Tiny Desk (ft. Lars Gotrich)

In this bonus episode, Andrew and Leah talk with Lars Gotrich of NPR Music, the producer who brought Amy Grant to play a Tiny Desk Concert. Lars shares how he went from "judgy Christian punk rocker" to someone good at existing in two worlds at once. To hear the full interview, join our Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) Find Lars’ playlists and tea newsletter at [vikingschoice.org] (https://www.vikingschoice.org/) ... Read more

06 Mar 2024

25 MINS

25:27

06 Mar 2024


#10

Introducing: Kristin Du Mez and David French on No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

What happens when one of the country’s most outspoken critics of white male Christian political conservatism sits down with a well-known white male conservative Christian political pundit? Find out, as Kristin Du Mez and David French discuss politics, culture, and the desperate need for hospitality in the digital age on [No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp] (http://nosmallendeavor.com) . ... Read more

22 Feb 2024

57 MINS

57:42

22 Feb 2024


#9

Fugazi to Frodus to Rock That Doesn't Roll: Composer Jim Cooper

In this bonus episode Leah and Andrew interview Jim Cooper, the composer who wrote and recorded the original score for Rock That Doesn't Roll. He talks about growing up in the DC area, getting obsessed with Fugazi and Dischord Records, then throwing away all his secular music. The full hour-long interview is at our Patreon. The conversation goes on to talk about abandoning a theology major at Wheaton College for music, getting support from John J Thompson and True Tunes, performing at Cornerstone and eating humble pie after opening for Wilco. Join our Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/RTDR] (https://www.patreon.com/RTDR) Some of Jim's music: [https://infomercialusa.bandcamp.com/] (https://infomercialusa.bandcamp.com/) [https://detholz.bandcamp.com/] (https://detholz.bandcamp.com/) [https://tyme.bandcamp.com/album/someday-in-the-ancient-future] (https://tyme.bandcamp.com/album/someday-in-the-ancient-future) Andrew references Ian MacKaye's Episcopalian upbringing in the discussion. Read more about that here: [https://wamu.org/story/14/10/17/the_unlikely_bond_between_a_dc_church_and_the_punk_music_scene/] (https://wamu.org/story/14/10/17/the_unlikely_bond_between_a_dc_church_and_the_punk_music_scene/) ... Read more

17 Jan 2024

16 MINS

16:47

17 Jan 2024


#8

It's Christmastime! CCM Christmas Music Awards from Rock That Doesn't Roll

‘Tis the season for holiday specials and [Andrew Gill ] (https://www.andrewgill.biz/) (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author, [God Gave Rock and Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) of [Rock that Doesn’t Roll] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-that-doesnt-roll-the-story-of-christian-music/id1703257857) are bringing you a surprise holiday gift: weirdly specific awards for Contemporary Christian Music Christmas tunes! So [come on, ring those bells] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygzvcy2B9jw) , grab your [Christmas shoes] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJcPVB-we7g) , and get ready to [Yo-Ho-Ho] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beeORNDW12k) yourself into some holiday cheer - it’s [Christmastime] (https://soundcloud.com/splint-entertainment/christmastime-fleming-and-john-featuring-steve-taylor-and-kevin-max) ! Do you have a CCM Christmas story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

21 Dec 2023

28 MINS

28:48

21 Dec 2023


#7

"Be The Billy of Your Actual Hills" (ft. Pedro The Lion)

For 1990s and early aughts youth group alumni, Christian rock is often the source of embarrassment or shame - but does it have to be that way? The season finale of Rock That Doesn't Roll explores the idea that maybe, just maybe, the key to getting over angst about Christian rock isn't rejecting it or avoiding it, but coming to peace with the person you were when you fell in love with it. With insight from historian Randall J. Stephens (author,  [The Devil's Music] (https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674980846) ), hosts Andrew Gill (producer,  [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author,  [God Gave Rock & Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) follow the story of David Bazan, a Pentecostal pastor's kid-turned-indie rocker who spent decades running from his CCM past. Along the way, Bazan founded  [Pedro the Lion] (https://pedrothelion.com/) , and gained critical acclaim, but his fraught relationship with evangelical Christianity and the world of Contemporary Christian Music haunted him. In the end, Bazan suggests that one way to make peace with a CCM past is to learn to be “the billy of your actual hills.” Thanks for joining us for the first season - it’s been an incredible journey. Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

13 Dec 2023

56 MINS

56:01

13 Dec 2023


#6

Not A Christian Band (ft. Switchfoot)

The late 90s and early aughts were a banner time for a really specific type of rock band - the are-they-or-aren't-they a Christian band, band. Sixpence None the Richer. Creed. Evanescence. Lifehouse. Owl City. Paramore. They all had different sounds, but they left listeners wondering: are they - or aren't they - “Christian music?” This week on Rock that Doesn't Roll: does an artist who identifies as Christian have to brand their music as such? With insight from David Dark (author, [We Become What We Normalize] (https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506481685/We-Become-What-We-Normalize) ), hosts Andrew Gill (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author, [God Gave Rock & Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) follow the story of [Jon Foreman] (https://jonforeman.com/) , a pastor’s kid from Carlsbad, California whose band [Switchfoot ] (https://switchfoot.com/) created songs that resonated with youth group kids and climbed the Top 40 charts. Were they, or were they not, a Christian band? We explore efforts to rethink Christian music, and how mainstream [superstars U2] (https://www.u2.com/) led the way for bands like Switchfoot to wrestle with the marketing category of “Christian” - and find an enduring connection with their fans along the way. Did you ever love a Christian-ish band? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

29 Nov 2023

51 MINS

51:24

29 Nov 2023


#5

Bookstore Guys

Who could a 1990s Christian rock aficionado turn to in order to find the latest and greatest releases? For mainstream music fans, tastemakers included record store clerks of 1990s indie music stores, or retail juggernauts like Tower Records and Wherehouse - the kind of superfans depicted by Jack Black in High Fidelity. But for many evangelical teens of the 1990s, record stores were not the place to find kid-tested, parent-approved music. For that, Christian teens usually had to go to Christian bookstores. There, among the Bibles and Precious Moments dolls and Christian-themed t-shirts, they found the records that defined their adolescence. Their guides on the journey? Bookstore Guys. This week on Rock that Doesn’t Roll: with insight from ethnomusicologist Andrew Mall (author, [God Rock, Inc.] (https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520343429/god-rock-inc) ), hosts Andrew Gill (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author, [God Gave Rock & Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) follow the story of John J. Thompson ( [True Tunes] (https://truetunes.com/john-j-thompson-bio/) [ ] (https://truetunes.com/john-j-thompson-bio/) podcast), a Christian bookstore guy who dreamed of transcending the Christian bookstore and creating a music store - along with a thriving artistic community - for fans of critically-acclaimed Christian rock. Do you have a story to share about your Christian rockstar dreams? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

15 Nov 2023

48 MINS

48:30

15 Nov 2023


#4

Christian Rockstar Dreams

For every 1990s Christian rock star who made it big, there were thousands of never-realized, would-be Christian rock dreams. With special insight from Christian music industry veteran promoter Chris Hauser, hosts Andrew Gill (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author, [God Gave Rock and Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) follow the CCM aspirations of comedian [Kevin James Thornton] (https://www.kevinjamesthornton.com/) and artist/faith leader [Sunia Won Gibbs] (http://suniawon.com/) . The two Christian music fans hoped to find stardom and a sense of the divine, but found many trials and travails awaited those who took the stage as evangelical pop stars. Along the way, Sunia and Kevin discover that while not every aspiring CCM artist “made it,” the world of Christian music certainly made them. Do you have a story to share about your Christian rockstar dreams? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) . [Sign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments] (https://substack.com/@rockthatdoesntroll?utm_source=profile-page) . ... Read more

01 Nov 2023

51 MINS

51:37

01 Nov 2023


#3

Punk Rock Prophets

For 1990s evangelical teens, punk, hardcore, and ska were a gateway to a passionate, edgy way to express their Christianity outside the mainstream. But was the music and the message enough to keep the evangelical faith? In episode two, hosts Andrew Gill (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.soundopinions.org/) ) and Leah Payne (author, [God Gave Rock and Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) follow three Christian punk rock stories from Dr. Bradley Onishi of [Axis Mundi Media] (https://www.axismundi.us/) , author [D.L. Mayfield] (http://www.dlmayfield.com/menu) , and Tim Whitaker of [The New Evangelicals] (https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/) as they share their stories of loving, leaving, or holding on to evangelical Christianity - and the music that fueled their teenaged devotion. Do you have a story to share about the Christian ska, punk, or hardcore scene? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . [https://www.patreon.com/rtdr] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) ... Read more

18 Oct 2023

42 MINS

42:46

18 Oct 2023


#2

Youth Group Kids

Christian rock has a lot of naysayers, but for evangelical teens of the 1990s, it was EVERYTHING. For most kids raised in conservative Christian households, mainstream music was forbidden - if teens were going to rock, they needed to do it God’s way. And the place to find Christian rock gods? Youth group. In the first episode of Rock that Doesn’t Roll, hosts [Andrew Gill] (http://andrewgill.biz) (producer, [Sound Opinions] (https://www.prx.org/stations/shows/sound-opinions) ) and [Leah Payne] (http://linktr.ee/leahpayne) (author, [God Gave Rock and Roll to You] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/god-gave-rock-and-roll-to-you-9780197555248?cc=us&lang=en&) ) talk with comedian [Steve Hernandez] (https://linktr.ee/BigHern) and author [Tyler Huckabee] (https://tylerhuckabee.substack.com/) finding music, meaning, and identity in 1990s youth group culture. Youth ministry consultant [Mark ] (https://www.instagram.com/whyismarko/) Oestreicher explains the world of high-production youth groups, where rock shows reigned as the best way to draw a crowd of teens into evangelical churches. In this episode, the music of Delirious?, DCTalk, and Relient K bring kids in the doors of the youth group room. But it couldn’t always keep them. Steve and Tyler share their stories of loving - and in some cases leaving - the Christian rock scene that raised them. But even when you take the kid out of the youth group, it turns out that you may not be able to take the youth group music out of the kid. Do you have a story to share about rocking out to your favorite Christian band in youth group? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336. If you want more seasons of Rock That Doesn’t Roll, you can  [support us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/rtdr) . You can [connect with us on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/rockthatdoesntroll/) or by emailing [RTDRpod@gmail.com] (mailto:RTDRpod@gmail.com) ... Read more

04 Oct 2023

44 MINS

44:15

04 Oct 2023


#1

Trailer

Join hosts Leah Payne and Andrew Gill as they explore the world of Christian rock in it’s peak era of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. ... Read more

24 Aug 2023

03 MINS

03:37

24 Aug 2023