Mormon Musicians Have a Diverse Range of Musical Styles
Mormon musicians come in an assortment of musical styles. Millions around the globe enjoy listening to their tunes.
Recently, some LDS composers have begun exploring neoromantic tonality in works created for church and other purposes; among these composers are Leroy Robertson, Crawford Gates and Merrill Bradshaw.
Michael Hicks’ book on Mormonism and music often slips under the radar, yet provides invaluable insights about Mormons and music.
The Strike
Although the Mormon church has been slow to embrace social justice (blacks weren’t accepted as priests until 1978), music group The Strike is helping lead the way through its music. Hailing from Provo, Utah and representing its vibrant music scene with their distinctive sound combining rock, funk and jazz with an extremely secular vibe; their shows are known for their exhilarating energy and showmanship.
The band has opened for many renowned musicians such as Kelly Clarkson, Carly Rae Jepson, Lindsey Stirling, Vertical Horizon, Macy Gray and Jason Scheff of Chicago. Recently The National spoke with band member Chris Crabb about his Mormon roots and their influence on their collective’s work.
This month, The Strike are performing at Q’s Bar and Lounge for a three-month residency, where their song “Human Right” has reached six million plays on Spotify.
Due West
With a Mormon presidential candidate and musical dedicated to Mormons currently running for office and more people accepting Mormonism as part of American mainstream culture than ever before, now may appear like the right time for a “Mormon moment.” Yet how are Mormons feeling about all this attention they’re receiving and their place within society?
Due West, South Carolina, is a tranquil town that developed around Erskine College, a four-year Presbyterian liberal arts college. Erskine and Due West share a rich and distinguished history together, with church and college leaders each playing an essential part in shaping their respective communities and local lives.
Due West, composed of Latter-day Saint musicians Ryan Shupe (fiddle, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and vocals), Roger Archibald (guitar) and Craig Miner (banjo, bouzouki string bass vocals), has experienced much success, reaching #27 on Billboard charts with its debut album Due West as well as with single “Bible and the Belt”. Due West continues to enjoy an active recording and touring schedule.
Elaine Bradley
Elaine Bradley is an exceptional mother, wife and drummer for Neon Trees – as well as being part of her faith’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Recently featured in their global campaign video.
Bradley has seen her life completely change since the rock band Neon Trees released their debut album Habits in 2010. Their single, “Animal”, debuted at No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100 charts and No. 1 on Alternative Rock Charts.
Pop Psychology, their latest release and tour schedule have skyrocketed; yet Bradley who attended BYU and served an LDS mission in Germany remains focused on spending quality time at home with Sebastian and their infant son Bryce.
Though she admits not having an intimate personal relationship with God, she has found ways to balance her musical career with family life. Join this week’s Person 2 Person to hear how this works in practice.
Nathan Pacheco
Nathan Pacheco has loved music from an early age. According to his mother, people at their Virginia grocery store nicknamed him the singing baby and from early on he sang publicly. After studying piano and classical voice at school he studied piano as well. Growing up surrounded by The Three Tenors was especially inspirational.
Pacheco recalls hearing Elder Holland give a devotional that revolutionized his life: ‘God is eagerly awaiting to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams,’ as described by Pacheco.
Pacheco took this advice to heart, and decided to take the leap of faith into his musical career. Instead of opting for a master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, he instead gained practical auditioning and performing experience – something which paid dividends later.
Nathan is an internationally-acclaimed classically trained tenor who has released three albums and two PBS broadcast specials since 2012. His songs exude joy for God, touching and inspiring audiences worldwide. Nathan has performed for sold out live audiences throughout Europe and North America as well as touring with artists like Yanni, Olga Tanon, Katherine Jenkins (Welsh mezzo-soprano) and the National Symphony Orchestra.
