When seeing the title I couldn't imagine how ambient music could piss someone off. Oh, yeah, religion! Man, I'm telling you. I'm a staunch atheist and my best friend is not only religious, he used to be a protestant preacher. Somehow we can talk without shitting on each other ESPECIALLY when talking about art! I understand that there's this thing in his life that's really important to him and I don't have an equivalent in my life and he understands the opposite and we accept each other and we don't judge or bother each other about it. Because we're not the same person. That's why we like each other. It's the same thing about music. You can have a favourite band and not like or understand their whole repertoire but you still accept them as they are. As you say, as long as that artist is authentic they provide artistic value.

@chordsoforion

10 ай бұрын

Exactly what I was talking about. Thanks so much for this excellent life example!!

Hey Bill! I am an atheist from Norway. I love your music and your channel. Keep doing what you do! Everybody should just respect eachother and enjoy art🖖

Well said Bill. I'm 74 now.,,started this guitar journey at 70 after I retired . Sites like yours have been a huge source of inspiration and knowledge; thanks so much. Never let the 'negaters' get you down and keep up the great work.

God bless you, a big hug from an Ecuadorian who appreciates your art and content. As a musician, i feel the same about the critics.

You're such a kind and gentle soul. I think that you are an honest and loving person, soft spoken to mention. You love what you do. And most of all tap into your creative outlet that speaks to all that want to listen. I wish that I knew people with your outlook talent and sonic voice. Keep on giving you are on the mark. Love your inputs.

Hey Brother Bill! You have managed to share your faith in a completely easy going manner, very naturally. In fact, I had been watching your channel for months before I realized that you were a fellow Believer. And then I suddenly made the connection that the title of your channel was inspired by a passage in Job. I think the way you have approached your faith in your videos is completely honest and genuine. I'm glad you addressed this topic, but don't let the haters distract you too much!

God Bless you brother. This video is JUST what I needed today. Working on your 6 week album creation series…I’m on week 17 but I have some good stuff going, and started recording my practicing. I’m building up that data of sounds that you talk about. Got a 10 second delay (Boss DD8) and I’m now into Frippertronics. Thank you man! You have inspired me so much. You’ve opened up a new world of music for me. I hope you keep sharing your journey for years to come.

One day I told you that your music didn't complete me. Maybe because I like ambient with bass drum... Not because it's bad but because in my personal opinion I'd like to see your music with those instruments and more... And you just said:"It's ok, I respect you, don't be afraid to say what you think". I loved your answer. therefore you are what the world needs. I'm a music lover, from Punk, Metal, Industrial, post Rock.......And suddenly I was hooked on your channel for the passion you show for the music you make. That's special. keep doing it. There will always be haters, or envious.

As a man of faith, trained classical guitarist. You Bill have shown me that there is a wonderful world of music that I am learning to explore. Thank you. Blessings, Peace & Prosperiry

Love your positive attitude when faced with negative reactions. I’ve found your videos to be informative and useful. You definitely express the transcendent when you play.Hope your hands are better now.

Trollers gonna troll. They can’t be bargained with. They can’t be reasoned with.

I've been watching your videos for years. You inspire me. Thank you

Thank you!I Agree with you 1000%!

you are so perfect Bill, thank you to bring peaceful words .. I totally agree with you, we don't have to think the same, but we have to respect each others.

I love you Bill! Thank you for being genuine.

Hey Bill - Words aren’t enough to let you know how much I appreciate you, your music, and your work here on this channel. Glory to God, and thank you.

@johnsmith-lb4mo

10 ай бұрын

Thanks dear Bill! your videos are very motivating for new sound searches and experiments with the pedalboard. making ambient, it's enough for everyone!

Love this!

Thank You Sir.🙏😇

Thank you for your transparency, my brother!!

To be honest , i don't mind where you take your inspiration. Your music inspired me and that's what matters.

@castle6660

10 ай бұрын

FACT! As someone who believes in God... Some of my best... Oldest friends... The guys I would consider my brothers... Are atheists... And we love each other no matter what. Their journey is not my journey my journey is not their Journey. I love you as well. Stay strong and keep speaking the truth.🙏

Bill! I love you and your channel! And you are by far one of the keepers of Ambient Guitar playing that need to be heard and this style NEEDS to be preserved! So I am glad, ecstatic and dare I say “blessed” that you do what you do! Keep doing, going and creating my Man! Lots of love for you out there! Your playing and music inspires me to the core! Many many Blessings to you and yours!!! jpbii

Thanks Bill, enjoyed that.

Thanks alot for that, man. I’ve been avoiding exposing my self and my art on social media, afraid of getting attacked like that. I score really high on negative emotions. But you’ve just have to be courageous about those things. Better being true to what you genuinely believe, and face the whatever the reaction is, than to hide, afraid of what might come. Life over death.

You’re a gem Bill. Thanks for all you do 🙏

Keep just like you are. I’ve personally enjoyed your channel so much and drawn a lot of inspiration from your perspectives. On a related note, ambient guitar-and even music itself-comes from the inner part of our beings, which is where the sacred part ourselves also dwells. Stay strong. We definitely need people like you on-line. The idea that you should divorce some part of yourself from your music runs contrary to the very idea of music.

If anything, it speaks to the insecurity of the individual's world view to react as such when presented with yours. Though not a Christian myself, I am convinced your work and the music you have discovered in your pursuits is very much of a divine source. Keep up the amazing work, Bill!

Well said Bill! Love the channel and your art.

I got a fair amount of inspiration from you and thank you for that! It always helps to remember that you cannot please everyone, especially in artistic endevors. Always be kind to those who share their art. I don't think my skin is thick enough yet to handle the harshness of the internet and my "art"....yet Be excellent to each other!!!! -Bill and Ted

Hear, hear! Good words Bill. Thank you for your videos. We need to stand up for our words and deeds.

Outrage , over sensitivity , and righteous indignation are the new black. Thanks for all the beautiful music.

Great video bill!

You are one the most authentic people I watch on youtube - I really appreciate that and your music. Being roughly your age I appreciate you putting this and yourself in general out there.

Awesome Awesomeness!!

I haven't posted here before, but felt compelled to this time. I've been following your channel for about a year now and I like your approach. Adrian Belew once told me he doesn't know what happens to us after we die and he focuses on what is in front of him right now. That is basically my approach as well, but I am not offended in any way by any reference you have made to your beliefs or how they influence what you do. I thought of Ade because I hold you as being just as much an influence on me as he has been and you are both individuals who don't sound like anyone else I've heard. You both also treat others with kindness and respect. Someone once said you are the Bob Ross of ambient music and I think that is a pretty good description. How anyone could be mean, rude or vindictive to you after seeing how you conduct yourself and what you share with others tells me one thing. Their comments only serve to reflect poorly on them.. If all people treated others the way you do, the world would be a much better place. Also - I am pleased to see you appear to be doing better than a few months ago when you were having nerve issues. There is nothing scarier for a guitarist than encountering physical limitations that impacts one's ability to play. Wishing you peace, grace and wonderful, immersive musical adventures.

Some people want others to mirror back confirmation of their fragile world view. The rest of us enjoy art! Love your channel, keep on keepin' on, and good on you for looking this issue right in the eye with love and strength.

Yup, I played guitar in church as kid and found KISS, got exorcised and excommunicated. 😁🤟 I drank of the challis in my covenant with Allan. I'm now well consecrated in the sacred tabernacle of stereo delay. The power of Yamaha compels me! When I die I'm going to Strymon.👻

This is why I prefer to be an agnostic as opposed to an atheist. You do you, I'll do me, believe what you like, and I'll do the same. Long as you don't hurt me or others with your faith, we're good. Your channel has been a real joy over the years, great music, great talk, not anything worthy of criticism or complaint in my view. Thanks for what you do Bill.

I remember when listservs started in the late 90's and being so perplexed by the vitriol coming from people I had met in person, the evil alter ego. I did it myself too. We saw it and we kicked the can down the road. Thank you for your wise response and being an example of what is needed to start bringing balance back to a medium we are only beginning to understand. Your content is great, but it is who you are that shines through that is so wonderful and you are right, that takes courage!

@ringsystemmusic

10 ай бұрын

Oh man, that was before I was even born! Unfortunately it’s a problem that persists to this day.

I can say your music has done the opposite of piss me off! I love how you let the influence of your beliefs and environment flow in such a natural way. I had been listening to the band hammock a lot recently and I learned that one of the members was a Christian who wrote several worship songs in the 90s yet hammock was disparaged by some of the Christian producers he worked with since they weren’t overtly “worship songs”. Now listening back to his songs I see his influence and beliefs so clearly

Well spoken sir.

Bill, I’m an atheist and I’ve been a fan for a long time. Your beliefs are your own and you don’t force them on anyone. I LOVE your channel! ✌️😌🎸

i have found some moments of great inspiration through your videos giving me a basis to expand myself into ambient. ignore those that wish to bring you down... intellectually dishonest that's bs honesty is being true to yourself and your faith regardless of the cost that comes with that.

Hello dear musical friend, thank you for your creation and inspiration. Don't be put off by stupid and maybe mean comments. You make your music and videos excellently, you are one of my favorite creators and I thank you again for that. PS first time in my 58 years logging in to YT. I wish you all the best. I apologize for my English. Pavel Czech Republic.

Making a portion of my living as a church music director. I run into lots of opinions about music in various forms. There can be a significant amount of controversy within a church setting about style of music. Sometimes controversy in the KZread comments section is people trying to create controversy where there should be none. Keep up the great content!

@johnsmith-lb4mo

10 ай бұрын

I think Bill posted this in order to stir up controversy

@ibriefer

10 ай бұрын

@@johnsmith-lb4mo people create controversy well enough without Bill, it's really just intolerance for the natural differences we each have. i mention my love for the color blue and someone will snag on blue is blues is sad and not healthy and i'm like dude it's the ocean and my happy place... we are all different and need to just get over it and be ok with others having their own world view and perspective...

I appreciate your art and it inspires me to create! There will always be people who want to create conflict, to see their names in the comments. Stay positive and keep creating!

You got me into ambient guitar and baritone guitar in one fell swoop. Stand strong in your beliefs. It's one of the few things one can control these days. Keep up the great videos. I honestly come here for the riffs 90% of the time lol. Cheers from 🇨🇦

To thine own self be true! That goes for everyone . I learned in my later years can't please eveyone....They can listen or walk way. All you can do is wish them well...Bill Thx

I enjoy your channel and music. Keep up the great work. Best wishes and may you have a blessed day. 🎵🎶🎸

Thanks for sharing this. I hope it helps to reduce trolling. I grew up in the church but am now an agnostic “none,” at least as X’ianity is concerned. Anyway, rock on, sir! Your creative output has value and is much appreciated❣️

Well said.

You do a great job Bill, follow your heart. The haters will fade away. I appreciate your input and knowledge to the guitar community. Keep on doing what you do. The vast majority of people only put good comments on social media and if they have nothing good to say, then they say nothing at all. There's always a few bad apples that try to spoil the whole bunch, thinking they might get a following that way. Not a good thing. Disagreements are natural, but they should be worked out in good conversation and respect. Anyway, you're do great job, keep it going! Adam Tarr

@ibriefer

10 ай бұрын

agree/disagree. i agree with you almost entirely except.. the haters won't fade away. the more popular you become the more haters will find you.

You tap into some key points there, Bill. At its core, art in all forms is expression and communication, fuelled by inspiration and the urge to create. The most successful music/songwriting (in the artistic sense) is that which has something to say and is, as you noted, authentic and expressive of the artist. Your faith clearly flows through you and your art like sap flowing through a tree, and that's what makes it unique to you. I have never felt it objectionable just because my belief system is different to yours. Quite the opposite in fact. I value how you channel the deeper contemplations of your belief into your music. That's your motivation. That's why it works. It inspires and requires the listener to engage deeper with the art. In an academic context or a more cordial space, debate and constructive criticism can be a positive part of the dialogue. That's not the case in social media. There are many who feel entitled to disagree through personal insult and project criticism devoid of understanding. Keep doing what you feel inspired to do, Bill.

Great video, and lots of respect for standing up for your faith. As a fellow Christian, I have the opportunity to enjoy your music and presentations from almost every angle. Keep up the good work, keep inspiring others to make music, and causing them to consider the depth and breadth of the current universe and the one to come!

Perfectly stated Bill.

Music has no religion. Those who get upset about yours, I figure, are musicians like myself who have only seen your religion forcing their will on American citizens. When you create music, even though I find the titles a bit off-putting to non-Christians, the music always wins. Your ambience is what got me to pay money to hear your music. It remains some of my favorite ambient guitar music, plus a great source of knowledge on the subject. It's why I'm subscribed here and will remain so.

Well said Bill.

Amazing work 👍 you just got a new subscriber!

I love your channel, Bill, and I don't think it remotely wise to acknowledge the few messed-up haters or juvenile trolls by dedicating a video to them and to related controversy. People having stupid fights over differing opinions and subjective views is something that will never go away, unfortunately. It is important, however, to drive home the point of the futility and pointlessness of trying to pick a fight with someone else because their opinion is different. How? Ignore them. Do NOT acknowledge.

Yo admiro tu música y tú inspiración,respeto tus creencias y tus ideas y lo que haces es bueno para la gente,para los músicos y para la música.

Hi Bill, I agree with you 100%. I admire you for standing up for your beliefs. I'm agnostic (although leaning more towards atheism). I have no problem with religion being the source of inspiration for your beautiful music I love a lot of spiritually inspired music, including settings of masses by Mozart, Faure, etc., also early music like Byrd, Taverner and many more. A particular favourite of mine is Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. To me it doesn't matter, it obviously comes from a place in the composer/performer that deeply matters to them and therefor inspires them to create amazing music. Keep doing your thing; it's both inspired and inspiring.

Good music makes you think, great music makes you feel. To make music that makes you feel, you must be authentic. It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you stand behind your convictions.

You are honest with what you do, you are a teacher, I don't expect it will ever stop...I like your videos, ambient music is not my thing, but I do play guitar. Hang in there, there are a lot of crazies out there. Keep the music Alive and Don't do that in my Town! :p

It says a lot about how narrow minded humans are when such minor things can set them to rage.

I wonder what a fight at a Mannheim Steamroller show would be like…..

I'm an Atheist myself and I've been a huge fan of your music for years now. I got no problem about it as its something personal for you and I come here for the music and ambient guitar teachings!!!

Have you ever witnessed someone losing it when hearing Trout Mask Replica?

Keep doing what you do, Bill. Don’t change a thing.

I believe that King David' harp music and writing many of the Psalms soothed his spirit, soul, and body. Keep up your great posts. 🙏

Hi Bill. Thank you for your authenticity. Personally I don't care where people find inspiration if their music hits me and meets my own "vibrations". This is very personnal in fact. I was lucky to have parents who liked classic music and opera. After beeing bored and not very interested by their music, listening Led Zeppeli, Deep Purple, Hakwind and other groups in the 70s, I appreciated a lot to have their classic background many years later when playing my own music with friends. Today, your music and way of playing guitar inspires me a lot. I like ambient musicand prog rock. You made me discover the baritone guitar, an instrument on its own as you said. I have a question about that : what's the difference between a 27" and a 30" scale baritone guitar ? What are the plus and cons of each type, between your beautiful PRS 277 for instance and a Gretsch 5260 ? I would like to add some bass to my guitar recordings on a DAW and wonders wether it's a nonsense or not. Sorry for my english... Cheers from France and don't change a thing. Authetically yours. Olivier.

I am from INDIA And I love your work I am not just motivated but all my music decisions revolve around you and your channel to me Your the guitar Bible , I am Hindu and dont realy care for a persons belief systems You are very relevant to me and my guitar journey and I cant mention your importance enough in many upcoming and begining guitarists , In Bharat( commonly known as INDIA ) we keep the position of GURU i.e. a mentor /sensei / Teacher . even higher than our parents and we live all our lives with our parents there isnt much higher than that position except GOD. So I dont understand the western culture where teachers arent respected enough and that too your teachings come free of cost If you ever Came to INDIA you ll be surprised how many of us will actually treat you like a celebrity. As your student you have our unwavering respect and love . Thanks for not just being present in our world but actually making a difference from your craft.

Ha Ha- "Rich Men North of Richmond" came to mind instantly. Keep it up Bill. Ambient is the true music of the spheres.

Possibly the best thumbnail I've ever seen 😄

Hey Bill, atheist lgbtq combat veteran here. As long as you don't try to make me live by the rules of your religion, don't harm or discriminate against others, and you break no laws, I will fight to the death (again) to defend your right to believe and practice as you see fit. You have a fundamental human right to your beliefs, freedom to worship, and to live as you see fit, and anybody giving you crap about it is in the wrong (saying this as someone who has experienced a surprising amount of discrimination for being an atheist and lgbtq). All that said, your spiritual music is quite beautiful, magnificent even. Even though they don't hold the same meaning for us, I suspect we both marvel at the stars.

This is a great video

As someone who's been an atheist for my entire adult life, I'd like to thank you Bill for being your true and authentic self, and for being unapologetic about your beliefs. You're so right in your message in this video. Stay true to you, and keep making your videos - they've been the single biggest influence in my own ambient guitar project. ❤️

I’m an atheist, who believes in science. Science has not, nor ever claimed, to disprove the existence of God. I have seen what faith gets people through, so you’ll have no complaints from me. Your channel is great. Keep on being you, and being creative.

As a Catholic, you being a Christian is great thing. But your music breaks all religious borders and I personally enjoy and love your channel.

I never noticed even a hint that this was a christian musician/channel. There's no need to draw attention to haters/naysayers by attempting to address things and accidentally amplifying their voices. I hope this topic doesn't come up again, because it doesn't need to

👍🏻Well presented......

You be You, Bill! I Love and Appreciate ALL that you do! Thank You for the many Gifts you freely give us ALL! ❤️🙏🏻🕊🌿🌻🕯️🪶🎸🎼

I can't imagine anyone getting angry over ambient music. I can see turning it off because a lot of it is boring, but getting angry? That's someone with issues that have nothing to do with music.

The only thing that makes music "bad" is stagnation - which has nothing to do with the age of the piece being played in my mind, it only has to do with the players. Every musician of every background can and ought to be appreciated in every genre. Because music is awesome in every possible definition of the word. I'm another atheist in the crowd, I see your religiously titled songs and on occasion I think "oh right, Bill is a believer" and, as you mentioned in the video, my other thought is "and that's who he authentically is" and that's where my thought really ends. 20 years ago I may have had terser thoughts... maybe... but... unless you can identify a harm that someone is actively perpetrating on another person specifically because of their beliefs, your belief is your business. If your beliefs make you kinder to the world, it's still your business but I'm much happier for the path it's has put you/anyone on.

I absolutely love your music and your channel. You've shared so much great art, and watching your videos is a great way to relax. The only thing I'll say is, don't act as though you're a victim because you're a Christian.

Half the music on my channel is about Faith or the struggle to keep it. Never had a negative comment. As I was once reminded “The Beatles did a lot of spiritual music”. Anyway, controversy sells!

Amen

Good post! While I am not a Christian, most of my family members and friends are Christians. I don't see any problem with that. I love Bach, Handel, and Bob Dylan and respect and admire what they have accomplished with their music. Same with you and your channel, Bill. Keep on keeping on!

I live in a country where every aspect of society used to be dominated by the Church and that quite literally - politics, education, art, you name it. Nowadays the clergy are mostly put in their place and apart from a few bigots and people who find strength in suffering (and inflicting suffering) practically nobody goes to church anymore. I can appreciate, say, the architecture and acoustics of a cathedral, however, even if they were designed to psychologically humble the individual.

I'M NOT SHOUTING, I'M TYPING ON A COMMODORE 64... (THANK'S FOR THE ASCII, JACK!)

It is a good point that some art is supposed to initiate discourse, and it's generally good to have art evoke emotions other than pure joy, which would be like straight up drinking cake icing. I do think that a lot of people agree with this if you mention the examples you have mentioned, but they would slide toward disagreement if you brought up Marilyn Manson, his art being such a solid conversation starter for many decades now. Since you've brought up Oliver Anthony, and said ( 6:22 ) that "very few are in the middle on that particular song", I feel kinda emboldened to jump into the conversation: I feel like I'm technically the middle about it - On one hand, he mentions the woes of working people, having to barely make a living while others make huge profits off their labor. Fair enough - On the other hand, he brings in the "welfare queen" stereotype, effectively making the extra poor (and programs that help them out) out to be the source of working peoples' problems. - As you have mentioned ( 5:45 ) he had some "very, very pointed political commentary" in his song, which is fair enough, many songs are political, and I like it that way. - On the other hand, after the republican debate, he explained how he feels about his song being used for political purposes: "You know, the one thing that has bothered me is seeing people wrap politics into this.", like he didn't understand that his song is already super political. His song undeniably carries political points, and it was taken and used to further political goals, possibly against his wishes, even though he is in agreement with a lot of those political goals. At this point I don't know if even he knows his political leanings. One more thing that was interesting that made me cautious of him and his political messaging is the content of his "Videos to make your noggin get bigger" youtube playlist on his channel containing some weird stuff, including 911 content, not so subtly implicating a certain religious group for the events. If he put those videos in a playlist he intended for "educational purposes" as the playlist's name implies, this dude is super suspicious OFFTOPIC: I'm binging your channel uncontrollably right now while building Merlin's "Small Time" delay pedal (and then Equinox II shortly after), and I'll hopefully get the Harley Benton guitarbass soon. I'm ready to melt time and space in a swirling porridge of ambient sweetness, aww yisss... Do you remember who/what got you into ambient stuff? For me, Tides From Nebula really got me hooked on these vibes a few years ago, I really recommend their song Up From Eden, or Siberia and it's intro song Hypothermia, after a lot of years it still hits right in the feels.

The thing about music is... you can explicitly sing religious lyrics over it, but it still doesn't make the music itself... religious. It can be made of characteristics that were often used in religious music for example, but that is still only characteristics and isn't the music itself. What I am saying is, if music is good music, it doesn't matter if it was written by a Christian or not. Lol! Good is good. :). EDIT: Btw I was christened when I was young, but I do not particularly subscribe to it as such. Then again... my general outlook on life isn't so much at odds with the teachings of Christianity to be honest. I think there are a lot of good, honest morals and principles in there which are not at all bad to live by. I suppose it is a perspective thing. I had a friend years ago in college, became a best friend actually... and he was deeply Christian. It doesn't have to be an issue. Haha. Anyway, it doesn't really matter. Just wanted to add a bit of context. Btw, just saw the end and exactly... that is one of those morals and principles I was talking about. lol.

I’m on your wavelength Bill

Ambient music goes very well with spirituality. Introspection, meditation, deep thoughts - that's the reason we listen to this sh*t, man!

It’s sad that some people get so upset at you for your faith. Personally I’ve always found it’s down to a complete misunderstanding of what Jesus was really about or something that went wrong in their past. Maybe done by somebody who claimed faith but displayed none of it. Tragedy beyond words. The god I know is not the one that many envision. Love, truth and forgiveness. What could be better? Keep making your wonderful music and being inspired by Him. There are so many of us out here get so much from what you do. Music can be a unifier and a healer regardless of religion but, boy, does it get a special kick when He inspires us.

So, if I dont consider myself a "Christian" guess I'm a heathen but I'm kinda used to that (maybe it's the scruffy-guy-standing-on-a-street-corner-playing-a-guitar thing, I dunno) so, --please, consider this coming from a heathen, Sir Bill, your videos are *AWESOME* and your presentation is perfect. Don't change a thing dude. More please. Seriously, haters now how to click away so ignore them Bill. Living here in a place I consider paradise, I've met plenty of folks that if it rained silver dollars they would line up at city hall to file a lawsuit for head injuries. Keep the vids coming, Bill, let the grumblers grumble 😀

A couple days ago I was playing my class guitar by this bridge around 8pm when an angry neighbour started trowing rocks at me without warning haha. Thanks bill!

@chordsoforion

10 ай бұрын

Yikes!!!!

Ignore the haters.

@jeffallen3382

10 ай бұрын

There seems to be a massive anti Christian hate group online and nothing will stop them.

When somebody objects to you mentioning your faith, it says more about them (all negative) than it says about you. People who live full, varied, active lives will quite frequently encounter people who don't hide their beliefs. Treating them with respect and tolerance is a big part of being an adult in society. If they're judicious about sharing, and I'm reasonable about hearing, then all is well.

Hello Bill, I am a Buddhist Monk and I do not save people because I cannot save myself

I’ve never seen the point of “getting into it” over other ppl’s beliefs. You build a great song and it has a point. Did the arf guy think he would change ppl’s minds about religion with the flick of a comment?? Was he expecting you to say, “Gee, you’re right. I’m ditching Christianity and taking this song video down. Thanks for setting me straight.” 😂. Does that ever happen??