Music is one of the strongest elements in life. In a life where everything can be so uncertain and terrifying, music is the art form that can unite us all. It saves lives, it gives purpose, a reason to get up every morning. Part of the reason I get up everyday is because of the art. It's something that an artist like Eric Church doesn't take for granted. He realizes that the purity of expression can expel the deepest evils of this world. Amidst every fear or disagreement, good music can truly bring us altogether.
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Recently, Church spoke with Kelleigh Bannen for Apple Music to promote his latest album Evangeline vs. The Machine. Given the nature of the album title and its overarching themes, he's transfixed on the purity of expression. Moreover, he hones in on how creativity can be tampered with in the name of capitalist greed. Ultimately, Church's vision lies with music and good art. In the battle between good and evil, good will always emerge victorious.
Eric Church Describes Pure Music as 'Redemptive' in Spirit
"I have a very good sense of who wins. I know who wins. But I think that good and evil has always been," Church says. "I mean that's the story of the world. There's always been that. You go back to biblical times. You go back to before. It's the same thing, you know? The devil walks the Earth and he wreaks havoc anywhere he can. I think that's what I love about music. Using music as an element of good is something that's redemptive in being able to pick up a guitar and do that."
Ultimately, Church believes that his purpose as an artist, to be pure and honest in his intention, personally and creatively. "There's always this good versus evil element in everything we do. I think music has that," he explains. "I think for me, being able to acknowledge that is kind of your job as a songwriter. You report where you are and where your emotions are, and you hope that lines up with where their emotions are."
Lastly, Church stresses his Christian faith throughout his life. However, he also sees the power in music as a guiding force. Our upbringing will always differ from another's but the art has an uncanny way of uniting us despite that. "Faith is a big part of my life, and it's always been a big part of my life. And I think, for me, the most powerful thing about music is we can disagree on everything. We can disagree on politics. We can disagree on (whatever)," Church adds. "But music is the one thing where it's kind of a safe space."
