David Chang
The average teenager rarely listens to Christian music. Instead, they listen to pop or rock with lyrics focusing on drugs, suicide, etc. Christian music appears unappealing to the normal teenager because of the lyrics and the especially the tune. A popular band called MxPx has managed to contain Christian lyrics and attract teenagers at the same time. Their first album, Pokinatcha, featured songs about how television is a waste of time, thinking too much, and just being yourself. In their other album, Teenage Politics, it addresses issues as democracy, devoting your life to God, alienation from the popular group, and disgust at trend followers. Many of MxPx's songs talk about God and letting Him into your life. Mike Herrera, the bass player, said that his Christian lyrics are consistent with the spirit of punk rock. He said, "It's about slf-expression, I got to have integrity. I can't just say, this is punk rock so I have to do what other punk rock musicians do. We're Christians, but we're not missionaries. We're not trying to save everybody. It just happens to be what we believe. Christianity is seen as not punk rock and that is getting away from what punk rock was originally about. Going against what's normal, the system." By singing songs such as "Responsibility" MxPx has managed to reach out to teenagers and maintain interest in their Christian punk rock.