FAQs
Welcome to the Frequently-Asked-Questions Page.
I hope your question is answered nicely.
This page is broken down to five subcategories:
1. What are you like when you are a keynote presenter?
Here’s a short video that is probably the best demonstration of my skills.
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2. What types of venues have you performed at?
I have performed at youth rallies, high schools, middle schools, parish family concerts, comedy workshops, and inter-denominational coffeehouses. I have worked with both large events and intimate gatherings. I have done overnight retreats and all-day events.
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3. What has been the typical response to an event?
I have achieved great responses from my work at all of these venues, as I work diligently to ensure that the underlying message–the bottom-line goal of the event’s organizers–would be matched with quality entertainment the audience would enjoy.
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4. What is the cost of booking you?
My rates vary, depending upon the type of event, the size of the prospective audience, what I would do, availability/dates, and your budget. I am flexible in my rates, and if you cannot book me at my initial asking price, I am open to discussion.
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Parody Artist FAQs
1. Does one have to get permission to parody songs?
It depends. In 1994, the rap group “2 Live Crew” was sued by Roy Orbison for a raunchy parody of Orbison’s “Pretty Woman.” The case was taken to the Supreme Court, where it sided with the defendants. Since then, all parodies are declared “Fair Use”, provided that the parodies are indeed, parodies. That is, they meet certain criteria that distinguish it from being either plagiarized works, or something else entirely.
I am not a lawyer, but I believe that my own parody songs have met this criteria. While I am very adamant in my religious beliefs, and believe that my songs can be used as a ministry help, the bottom line is that my songs’ intent is for humor first and foremost, as a warped commentary of the original song, and under these stipulations, they fit. My work is similar in intent as other religious-based comic parodies, like “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Amish Paradise” or “Pretty Fly (For A Rabbi)”. One need not subscribe to my religious beliefs to get that it’s comedy (although the more one is familiar with my religious beliefs, the funnier it will be).
Many people who come up to me with this question know full well that “Weird Al” Yankovic does ask for the artist’s permission. I cannot speak for Al, but from what I’ve read, it because earlier in his career, no such ruling was made, and since then he has reached a level of success that he does so out of courtesy.
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2. I have a great idea for a parody. Have you tried [idea] with [song]?
If you have a good idea for a parody song, great! I would like to encourage you to go out and make a recording of your idea.
I do not take suggestions. For one thing, there’s just so many ideas out there, and it gets very tricky as to the ownership of a parody once it has been recorded. For another, I’ve discovered that humor is a very tricky medium: it is based solely on the performance of the individual. In other words, what may be funny from your lips may not necessarily be funny if I tackle the same song. It is best for you to give it a try.
That said, if you want any assistance to writing the song, and you want my honest feedback, please feel free to contact me.
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3. When do you plan to do your next parody album?
There are no plans to do another album for the present. I wish it were not so. Under the right circumstances, I can begin work on it. But that time is simply not now.
That said, I will continue writing and performing parody songs on an “as-needed” basis, and can get these out to the world via new media. Those of you who invite me to keynote will have the privilege of hearing my latest creations.
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1. You write worship music? Come on.
I have been writing worship music even before I embarked upon my parody-and-keynoting skills, for well over twenty years now. I’ve closed every one of my parody albums with an original worship song, but those are only hinting at things to come. Much of what I have performed on my podcast are songs that I had written, just looking to be discovered.
For those wanting a worship album, if the right time comes, I’ll go for it. Right now, it makes better sense to use my podcast to be the outlet for my worship songs. And anybody can get the music notation for my worship songs just for the asking.
Here is a worship performance that I had performed for Catholic TV.
2. Do you believe your worship songs are appropriate for liturgy? There’s a lot of debate about the use of guitars and such.
A good portion of my original worship music is based upon the antiphon texts in the liturgy. I believe wholeheartedly that antiphons need to be reintroduced to the congregation by music ministers, whether it be through chant, or through contemporary arrangements that are singable and whose melody complements the tone of the text. And the brevity of such texts complement the form of praise and worship choruses thoroughly.
3. Do you believe that contemporary worship music should eclipse that of traditional chant in liturgies?
Absolutely not. I envision chant, traditional hymnody and contemporary praise and worship working together. All styles have attributes that can facilitate a deep profound setting for worship.
What’s more important is lyrical orthodoxy, and a deeper understanding of the components that make up the liturgy, and finding those songs that match those components in lyrics, tone and congregational-singability.
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Podcaster FAQs
1. What is a podcast?
A podcast is a radio show that you can listen to on your computer or hand-held device (iPhone, iPod, etc). You can download such shows directly on your device, and listen to them anytime.
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2. What is the purpose of your podcast?
I find that the podcast that I host, the “Prayer Meeting Podcast” is my outlet to sharing worship music that I admire, or that I have written, in a way that one doesn’t normally hear such songs. Namely, in medley forms… songs leading into other songs, dynamically.
Here’s a short video that is probably the best demonstration of my skills.
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General FAQs
1. Why did you convert to Catholicism?
I had a “born-again” experience as a 14 year old Episcopalian, which is pretty close. As I grew in my faith, I found myself participating in many more Christian activities, and many of my Christian friends who attended these were former Catholics, or were opposed to Catholic teaching. So I became anti-Catholic too.
When I went to college, I began to immerse myself at an ecumenical Christian group that was a by-product of the Charismatic Renewal. Many of the participants were Catholic, although from their mannerisms I couldn’t tell. To be honest, I felt no pressure from my peers to join the Catholic Church.
I received a book of Marian apparitions from a dear family member. Now, one thing you gotta know is that I’m a debater. I like to read what I perceive to be cultic-literature to find it’s inherent flaws. And I felt compelled to read this book to find flaws which were clearly there. Well, imagine my surprise when I found compelling Christ-centered fruits. (What I perceived to be worship of Mary was inaccurate: there was a clear difference between Mary-worship, and honoring Mary–the former of which is wrong, and the latter of which was done by Christ Himself).
To the shock of many around me, especially my Catholic friends, I began praying the rosary. Word spread, and some of my Protestant friends borrowed the same book. Then THEY got hooked. I still remember a vacation we all took together, where we had four Protestants leading prayer walks along the North Carolina beach…
Over the next three years I began to work out other issues: The Eucharist, Confession, the Papacy, and Women in the Priesthood. After the last issue fell, all my initial trepidation and fear on this new step was replaced with an unspeakable joy.
Let me repeat: I had no desire to join the Catholic faith. I had attended Interdenominational churches, Evangelical churches, Pentecostal churches, and Episcopal churches. I can give you a hundred reasons why I would have felt at ease at any one of those wonderful places. But the bottom line is, I believe the Catholic church is totally true. To quote Thomas Howard, you don’t pat the Hound of Heaven.
Even as I hold these convictions, I believe that all Christians are my brothers and sisters in Christ, by virtue of His grace. And I anticipate that day when all our divisions–petty or not–would all be mended.
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2. I don’t agree with what you do.
There are three potential reasons as to why:
(a) You believe that mixing Catholicism and humor to be sacrilegious
(b) You believe that mixing Catholicism and rock music to be sacrilegious
(c) You are not a Catholic.
I will tackle all three:
(a) I find humor to be a refreshing and effective way to bring out certain truths. Some of my favorite preachers, like Dr. Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid, or Dr. Ray Guarendi, use humor to their advantage. It piques our interest, gives us an ability to laugh at ourselves, and preaches to us in ways which humorless preaching doesn’t. Granted, we have many examples of humor that derides the Catholic faith. Even so, you can search my lyrics only to find that such a critical tone is just not there.
Even so, if you are truly offended, please accept my deepest apologies.
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(b) This can be divided by those who believe that Catholic music means congregational worship (hymns and chant), and those who believe that rock music is an abomination. For the first issue, my music (save for my serious songs) are not intended for congregational worship. Rest assured, you will not see “Old Time Gregorian Chant” in your hymnal. But tell me, is there anything so wrong with taking what is so precious and trying to convey it in such a way that others can understand it?
We have many wondrous treasures that are locked within Cathedral walls. Are we truly making the effort to share our treasures outside of designated culture-zones?
One thing I enjoy about today’s popular music is that it’s infectious. You can’t get it out of your head. Now, if you combine the repetitiveness of a strong melody with a strong message, you will create a powerful force.
If you believe that rock music in itself is in itself bad, you will want to read a good forum that examines both sides of the popular music debate.
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(c) If you are a Protestant and take offense at my Catholic boldness, please note that I do not intend to make anti-Protestant albums, just a pro-Catholic one.
I am a convert. I understand what it means to have been Protestant at one point, and I am indebted to my upbringing for taking me to where I am today. I believe that Catholics can learn from Protestants, and vice-versa. Believe me, I long for the day where our divisions will cease and we will once again be One Body in Christ. It may take five hundred years. I can wait.
Lastly, if you have any question on any aspect of Catholic teaching, please feel free to check out some of those nifty links which deal with Biblical reasons for Catholic teaching. Or you can e-mail me… I’ll do my best.
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3. Do you have a life?? (I mean, do you do anything else?)
I am a worship leader, a speaker, an apologist, a songwriter, and a church musician. I have spoken and performed at prayer groups, youth rallies, apologetics conferences, and worship seminars. I am also a family man, a father of two precocious twins.
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If you have any further questions, please contact me.