The Fray music group was formed in 2002 by Isaac Slade and Joe King. The duo was schoolmates at Faith Christian academy and they formed the band in Denver, Colorado.
The high schoolmates reconnected in 2002 and started writing songs, later they added guitarist Mike Ayars, drummer Zach Johnson, and bassist Caleb Slade. Many of the pioneer members had departed the band and the group’s lineup currently consists of; vocalist Joe King, guitarist Dave Welsh, drummer Ben Wysocki, and touring members Matt Rubano and Jeff Lisenmaier.
The band rose to fame in 2005 with their hit album “How to Save a Life.” The album received a double RIAA Platinum certification and Platinum in countries like; Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.
The multiple award-winning group has graced the global music scene for two decades and has earned massive listenership from the audience. Due to their use of religious themes and their religious background, fans have raised questions about the group being a Christian music group. An analysis of songs from the group, practices, and comments from members will provide a worthy answer to the question: Is The Fray a Christian Group?
Is the Fray a Religious Group?
A religious group can easily be identified by the type of song it produces. Songs by a religious band are usually influenced by the beliefs of a particular religious group.
The Fray has always been open about their religious stance. Members of the band have clearly stated that they all come from religious backgrounds and subscribe to Christianity. The group’s religious beliefs and faith are central to their songs. They use their faith to talk about different life experiences in their songs.
According to the band, their religious beliefs also influence their songwriting, but they intend to write songs that relate not just to a religious audience only. In an interview with Relevant Magazine and drummer Wysocki, he stated:
“We’re all Christians, and we all come from Christian backgrounds. As Christians, we set out to make really honest art that is relatable and that’s understandable for people, regardless of their religious orientation or faith background. Isaac grew up writing Christian songs in a Christian language about Christian themes and Bible verses, and then he started making a friend who wasn’t Christian.”
Though band members have admitted to having religious backgrounds, they have mentioned that their career has shifted them a bit from their religious roots because they now sing songs that address several life issues.
The band’s albums have been recognized by religious media platforms and have 5-star ratings from these platforms. Their 2005 album “How to save a life” was highly rated by religious media groups like; Jesus Freak Hideout and HM magazine. Below is an example of the band’s religious songs:
Be Still by The Fray
“Be still and know that I’m with you
Be still and know that I am here
Be still and know that I’m with you
Be still, be still, and know
When darkness comes upon you
And colors you with fear and shame
Be still and know that I’m with you
And I will say your name
If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer comes
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still, and know”
The song above happens to be written from God’s point of view. The song shows God telling a believer to remain still no matter the situation because his saving grace and love will not forsake those that have faith in him.
What Kind of Music Group is The Fray?
The Fray is an American rock band. The music group incorporates elements of pop rock, Christian rock, alternative rock, and soft rock in their music. Rock music started as “Rock and Roll” in the US and UK in the late 1950s.
Rock music draws influences from genres like; electric blues, rhythm, blues, jazz, classical and country music. The band’s music is defined by; professional songwriting and recording art, Christian lyrics, melodic vocals, DIY ethics, and other elements from a wide range of rock genres and subgenres. The band also draws influences from other music bands like Coldplay, U2, Counting Crow, Better than Ezra, and Keane.
Songs by The Fray explores a wide range of themes like; angst, pain, tribulations, faith, religion and spirituality, yearning and regret, love and relationship, sadness, death, war, evil, emotions, and a host of others. The band writes songs based on their personal experiences and the experiences of others.
The group rose to prominence in 2005 with the release of their debut album “How to Save a Life.” The album received a double RIAA platinum certification and was also certified in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The second single from the album titled “How to Save a Life” charted in the top 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and was among the top 5 singles in countries like; Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and Australia.
The band has received 4 Grammy nominations and has won the Planeta Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and APRA Awards. Their breakthrough Album “How to Save a Life” won the Billboard Awards as Digital Album of the year.
Is The Fray a Christian Group?
A Christian is someone that believes in Jesus Christ and his/her lifestyle reflects the teachings and practices of the Christian faith. True Christians uphold the laws of the religion and put their faith in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and other structures of the religion.
Contemporary Christian songs have become so relevant that it appeals to a wide range of Christian audiences and even secular audiences. Though Christian songs are centered on the teachings and practices of Christianity, secular audiences are now giving in to these songs because of the elements Christian music artists have embedded to give multiple interpretations to a song.
To be considered a Christian group, such a music group should have members who believe in the principles and ideals of Christianity and have openly declared their faith in the religion. Also, the band must create songs that reflect true Christian beliefs and publicly label itself a “Christian band”.
The Fray has always been linked with Christianity. The band was formed in a church in Denver. They led praise and worship in other churches as well and three members of the band graduated from a Christian school where they also played together in the school’s worship band.
Members of the band have revealed that they are Christians. In a 2006 interview with drummer Wysocki and Relevant Magazine, he mentioned that members of the band are all Christians. In his words:
“We’re all Christians, and we all come from Christian backgrounds. We grew up playing worship music in church. I learned to play drums in church. So we all come from a background of being raised in Christian families.”
However, the band has also stated they are no longer operating as a Christian band. They pointed out that the work of a Christian band is to spread the gospel, but they are not preachers neither are the missionaries. They were once under the “Christian” umbrella but do not want to be labeled that way anymore because this might limit their songs to only Christians.
Slade mentioned that the band wishes to use its songs to reach out to everyone passing through certain circumstances. They gave several reasons why they do not want to write only Christian songs, one of which was that some people outside the Christian faith could not make meaning to the songs because of the Christian terms and themes.
According to Wysocki “Knowing that we wanted to steer clear of those labels and a lot of that baggage and make art in a way that can relate to Christians and non-Christians. Whether that’s a ministry opportunity or not, that’s great and that’s a bonus, but as musicians, we didn’t want to limit ourselves to just making Christian music.”
The Fray Christian songs
As a band that upholds Christian beliefs, most of their songs are Christian songs or contain Christian influences. Below are some of such songs;
You Found Me
“I found God on the corner of First and Amistad
Where the west was all but won
All alone, smoking his last cigarette
I said, “Where have you been?” He said, “Ask anything”
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lyin’ on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you had to wait?
Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, you found me”
Silent Night
“Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born!”
The music group has many religious and Christmas songs to their name.
Is The Fray a Satanic Band?
A Satanic band is one whose songs promote satanic beliefs and practices. Their concepts, performances, and other musical elements portray Satanism. Dark and Satanic themes are embedded in songs by Satanic bands and their visuals are mostly creepy, and horrifying and they portray Satanism.
The Fray has not shown any affiliations with Satanism, their songs or videos do not glorify Satan or promote Demonic practices. As such, The Fray is not a Satanic band.
Conclusion
The Fray started as a Christian band. However, as they advanced in their career, they realized that their songs should not be limited to the Christian audience alone. The transition from Christian to a universal rock band was due to factors like; the need to reach out to a diverse audience and make songs that are soothing to different moods. Since the band has stated that they are no longer a Christian group, we do not see reasons to disagree with them.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!