“What am I here for and what’s my purpose?” It’s a question we have all asked ourselves. We feel like we have an idea of our direction until, suddenly, a detour, a distraction, a new path grabs our attention. As a musician and songwriter, I know this cycle all too well. An original song might be in the works and a vibe going until all of a sudden a new chord or a new word piques my interest and changes everything. I like to diversify my music; however, I have learned one of the best ways for musicians to stay on a solid yet expanding track is by knowing their audiences and being clear about the overall message they want their listeners to receive.
Jared Wise, co-founder and lead guitarist for After Midnight, completely understands the importance of diversifying the sound of one’s music while keeping a consistent message behind the lyrics. Jared, like myself, is not only part of leading worship with his local church, but is also an artist involved in covering and writing music for secular genres. He grew up going to church with his family and hearing Christian music, but his passion for guitar playing and songwriting did not truly start until he was 15 years old. Fast forward to the age of 22 and Jared started his journey of faith. Since then he has been leading worship, playing with several bands including his own band After Midnight, and performing in popular venues.
Now, let’s take a minute and consider this. “How does a worship leader also perform as a secular artist while sharing music effectively on both platforms?” The answer? By being authentically you. There will be people in church and in the secular world who ask, “How is it possible to do both?” Different people answer this question differently, but it always boils down to knowing the message you are presenting to the world. Jared’s answer is this: “There’s this mentality of ‘I got to be perfect and I have to be this shining beacon of perfection in the secular world.’ There’s nothing wrong with trying to pursue that, of being a light in the world. But we can’t [be perfect], especially by ourselves. We’re going to mess up, but don’t let it destroy you. Keep pursuing the community and live an honest and open life. I think that’s the best way of being in both of those worlds.”
When it comes to sharing music in both worlds, the greatest battle is not so much external but internal, and, in Jared’s terms, “an inward fight.” If you are a worship leader at the core, you have to ask yourself, “Are the lyrics and songs I am singing and playing truly representing the ultimate message of the Gospel?” which in simplest terms is, “I’m an imperfect person and Jesus is my only hope for redemption.” On both stages, the church and the secular stage, all you can do is be real. We can all follow Jared’s advice and remember, “If you try to go at [life] alone, it’s going to be a lot tougher than if you bring in people you trust that want you to succeed.” Keep your community close, the community that fights for you to be better than yesterday, the community that accepts you just as you are.
You can find After Midnight, an indie rock band based out of Columbia, South Carolina with pop and funk vibes, and other music by Jared Wise on multiple media platforms:
Facebook: @after12band and @theregularscola
Instagram: @after12band and @wearetheregulars
