Written By: Mick Hannan
You walk into a dorm at UNW, and there’s no telling what you might hear. Maybe it’s Forrest Frank shaking the walls. Maybe it’s Noah Kahan setting the vibes. Maybe it’s even Taylor Swift – and you need to leave right now.
But how does Christianity shape the music taste at UNW? Does it just add a bit of worship music to the playlists, or does faith shape students’ music tastes a bit more deeply? I decided to find out, asking students to share their playlists and their faith. I set out to ask students what kind of music they listen to and how their faith shapes the music they enjoy and avoid.
The soundtrack of Northwestern
Andrew Filzen (Pastoral Ministry, ’27) enjoying Led Zeppelin
When asked: “What kind of music do you listen to?” Students gave a variety of different genres and artists, with a few shared interests. Many listen to Christian music, but they typically don’t find themselves tied to exclusively Christian music. UNW’s students have found a lot of joy in worship, Christian music, indie, punk rock, classic rock, country, pop, movie soundtracks, and more.
“I wouldn’t say I listen to a specific genre the most, but my most popular are probably country and Christian.” Zach Schaap (Kinesiology, ’28)
“I listen primarily to Christian hip hop and worship. My favorite artist is probably Forrest Frank.” Kolby Kestel (Biblical and Theological Studies, ’26)
“I listen to a lot of Christian music, but when I am in the mood for something funky, I will listen to some of my favorite indie bands (or whatever my boyfriend listens to because he is really cool).” Kendall Lawless (Graphic Design, ’26)
“I listen to classic rock the most. You will catch me listening to Led Zeppelin. I do have a specific Christian playlist that I listen to sometimes.” Andrew Filzen (Pastoral Ministry, ’27)
Balancing playlists with Jesus
Axel King (Pastoral Ministry, ’28) enjoying Sum 41
It’s not just about what music is on a student’s playlist; it’s also about why that song is there. When I asked these students about how their faith informs the music they enjoy or avoid, some students had a direct correlation between their faith and their playlists. Others have been convicted about certain songs, and still others find their faith to be the very reason they enjoy music.
“I would say that my appreciation for music comes from my faith, especially when listening to worship music or soundtracks.” Sam Hyttsten (Marketing, ’26)
“I listen to a lot of Five Iron Frenzy, MxPx, and The O. C. Supertones, because they mix my genres with faith. I also dig some hymns honestly. I avoid lots of music, because much of punk rock (my favorite genre) isn’t exactly edifying, so there are some bands I avoid; sometimes I go on a song by song basis.” Axel King (Pastoral Ministry, ’28)
“I do now tend to avoid some music because of my faith. I came to school with the mentality that music was just music, but as my faith grew, I felt like I wasn’t supposed to listen to it. I really didn’t like the bad music I used to listen to!” Gio Velasco (Pastoral Ministry, ’27)
“I will listen to almost anything regardless of whether or not the ideas in the song align with my faith as I am usually not affected negatively by this music. That being said, I listen to music for its beauty and there is very little beauty where there is no truth.” Caleb Phillips (Politics, History, and Economics, ’25)
Conclusion
Personally, I’ve learned a lot about informing my music taste through my faith. My journey into music began through growing up in a Christian home and listening to 2000s and 2010s CCM, like Hawk Nelson and TobyMac. However, I didn’t meet Jesus until late high school, so my playlists became filled with emo rap like Juice WRLD and $uicideboy$, because I wanted to listen to music that reflected the Jesus-sized hole in my heart. After Jesus found me and saved me, I turned away from that music, and I initially turned to seeking out catharsis from metal bands, like Sleep Token and Opeth. As the Holy Spirit has worked in me, I’ve begun to draw away from music that focuses on pain and sorrow and draw near to music that displays more of
the joy I’ve found in Christ, even if that music isn’t always inherently Christian. Currently, I’ve been into some indie modern-hippie-ish bands like Wallows and Homes at Night. My favorite Christian artist right now would definitely be Jimmy Clifton.
My biggest takeaway from these interviews was that while Northwestern students enjoy a wide range of genres, their faith is more to them than an occasional worship song here and there – it’s a lens through which they view all the music they listen to, even the secular stuff. Faith in Jesus seems to shape WHY students listen to music, not just what music they listen to. Music is a good gift from God, and should be used to glorify Him and find joy in the gifts our Father has given us!
