I'm Just Sayin'

Good Guitar-Playing By Day, Good Lyrics By Night!

Sat, 12 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Today was "Day 2" of guitar-recording for Rob's new CD with a guitarist named Doug Jackson. Rob said Doug played some "surf guitar," some "funk guitar," some "adoration/worship" guitar, and some "grungy rock" guitar! (hmm...a variety of styles! - sounds a new Rob Biagi CD, that's for sure!)

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Here are some lyrics Rob came up with at 1:45am this morning:

"It's loud in the living room when the family worships together
The songs make me jump and groove and I bet we'll sing them forever

Oh - we love the way the guitar plays
Oh - we love to hear the children praise!

Our house is a loud house, can'tcha see?
Our house is the place kids wish to be
It's full of surprises - praise rises - from me!"

words and music by Rob Biagi (c) 2012 Rob Biagi Music/BMI (lyrics used by permission)

What Does God Want?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:25:00 GMT

When my 7-year-old daughter Natalie wants to sing songs, she doesn't post the concert on Facebook, or with a promo video on her website. She doesn't charge a fee. She says, "Daddy, do you want to hear me sing?" And after I get done wiping tears, she sings for me. And I smile and clap and cheer. It's just her and me, together. Simple. That happened recently, and that's when it hit me. God wants me to sing for Him. He didn't give me my singing voice so I could "go off" and amass wealth and design "a great life" for myself and my family. First and foremost, He wants me to sing for Him. And I trust He smiles and claps and cheers. Him and me, together. Simple.

Are Kids Hearing the Gospel?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Everything we do here at Rob Biagi Music is designed to get kids to:
- hear the gospel of Jesus Christ
- remember Jesus throughout the day as they sing the songs with you and to themselves (Deuteronomy 6:7)
- respond correctly to the saving message of Jesus

The lyrics Rob writes, the energy of the music production - all of it is designed to be engaging for your kids so they'll remember Christ at the breakfast table on a Tuesday morning, and on the sports field on Friday afternoon. Rob wants kids humming his songs.

But most of all, God wants the people he creates to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20b).

Be grateful to God!

At the Children's Pastors' Conference

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:40:00 GMT

Q: If I'm in San Diego, California this week, why are my hands cold?! A: It's been unusually cold, windy and rainy! I'm here for the Children's Pastors' Conference. Kids' Ministry workers, artists like me, and resource providers from all over the U.S. and around the world are here for the annual event. My wife and two girls joined me onstage for a "showcase" performance for the attendees. Next year we hope to be back on the main stage during the General Sessions. I've heard wonderful, affirming stories from so many of you who are friends and fans! Thank you! My booth is a "neon green" color scheme. Very bright! Today is my workshop on "The Top 5 Mistakes Kids' Worship Leaders Make." Hoping for a good group that will be equipped and encouraged by what I share. All right--I've had my morning jog and breakfast (Honey Nut Cheerios, an apple and a water bottle--thank you Smiths! [my host family this week]), so I'm off to the Conference! I trust that you're having a good, productive day following Christ in whatever you do! - Rob

We Love Moms!

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:25:29 GMT

We love moms. Moms rule the worlds of the kids who listen to our music. Moms buy CDs, downloads, and videos for their kids. Moms drive the cars that have the stereos that play our songs. And we want moms to have an alternative to secular pop music.

We want kids to have music that is high-quality, biblical, wholesome, clever, fun, and memorable. We want kids and families to have something to talk about at breakfast on Tuesday mornings, and around the dinner table on Friday nights. And something to dance to together in your living room!

We want to continue to produce new songs and video product that makes your kids happy, and reinforces the values that you hold dear. New songs are being written!

Consider This . . .

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:55:00 GMT

Do kids go around singing the songs?

Good question. It’s THE question, actually. Children go around singing the most melodic, clever, memorable songs they’ve heard. Songs from musicals, Disney songs, adult worship songs.

But parents and Children’s Ministers don’t have time to preview all the Christian kids’ music CDs to find biblically accurate, high-energy, fun music.

And many Christian kids’ CDs sound like kids’ choir rehearsal CDs. Today’s 3rd-6th grade kids don’t like that sound and style.

And then there are the motions. Most Kids’ Church motions are either too simplistic, or too much like show choreography. [My wife] Kathleen Biagi makes up the best motions in the world, because her motions:
...are simple enough for the kids to learn.
...are complicated enough that it takes some "game".
...“Lift” the song and make it more fun and memorable!

And what about the heart and motivation of the artist? I want to support artists and companies that truly share my biblical values. Do you?

So, you need a website that's fast and easy, with Bible/Teaching Points so you can find which songs to use and when, what all the lyrics [not just the :30 preview section]. You need to see the motions so you can know how they will work in your church, home, or club.

This Website Includes:
- :90-second Previews of songs [with individual song downloads]
- Previews of Dance Moves [with individual song downloads]
- Which RobSongs to use in Kids’ Church, and when
- Kids’ Worship Leader Tips, Blog, Forum
- What People Are Saying About Rob

NOTE: Rob Biagi is also the Kids’ Ministry Music Leader at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, CA www.compasschurch.org

Funny Things About "Voice Rest"

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:05:00 GMT

Since having vocal cord surgery last week, I've been on "vocal rest" [no speaking, no talking, no throat-clearning, nuttin'.] It's been weird. My poor wife is talking twice as much, trying to make up the difference. People around me are talking louder, as if I'm deaf AND mute. Funny. Others are using hand motions [their attempts at Sign Language] in addition to their words, like that's going to help me. My wife has called me on the phone a few times, and I've whistled to let her know I'm there, but I can't speak. Then she laughs and starts asking me "yes" or "no" questions. "One clap for yes; two claps for no." It's been hard to do my usual songwriting sessions, because I do a lot of singing melodies and rhythms while I play my keyboard, searching for song ideas. I've been feeling pretty useless. I said I was going to read the Bible and pray, which I have, but I most enjoy speaking my prayers, which I can't do at present, so I've prayed less the past couple of weeks. Booooo...so, I'm going to stop blogging and pull out my Prayer Journal [Word document] and start typing. Bye for now!

ROB BIAGI SURGERY UPDATE (Dec. 1, 2011)

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:53:11 GMT

Today I had surgery to remove nodules on my vocal cords. The surgery went well, the doctor did [what seems to be] a beautiful job zapping that laser around in my throat [I saw “before and after” photos], and now I begin 1-2 weeks of vocal rest. Oh well...

I was under general anesthesia, so I’m feeling physically weak, but otherwise good and very grateful. My throat hurts when I swallow, so I need to quit bein' a baby.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of my family and me! My prayer and hope now is that there will be no scarring or damage to my vocal folds, and that I’ll have my full voice range back to make a new CD in 2012.

I will use this “quiet time” to read and study God’s word, to write in my Prayer Journal, and to compose melodies and chord progressions for potential new songs! – Rob Biagi 12/1/2011

Keeping Out of Trouble

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:43:41 GMT

Many of you know that I've been on "vocal rest" to heal the nodules and broken blood vessels on my vocal cords. Thanks for the prayers!

What I didn't realize is how "not speaking" can keep you out of so much trouble! (Proverbs 21:23) Seriously! Every time I really want to "say" something, I have to decide if it's worth the hassle of writing it on the little white board I carry with me. Most often I just keep quiet.

Abraham Lincoln was right - "'Tls better to be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."

The Kid Who Learned to Make Coffee

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT

When I started out as a Kids’ Worship Leader, I wanted to captivate kids with our church's music time. I wanted them to be SO PUMPED for music time that they'd never be late. We started music at 9am SHARP, and Parker, the 4th grade boy, didn't want to miss it.

He used to stand at the bottom of the stairs and shake his dad's car keys so the family would "get moving" and not make him late to Kids' Church.

Then, he learned to make coffee. The kid was INTO IT!

Is what we are doing in Children's Ministry compelling and captivating? If not, let's make changes! God deserves our BEST.

You Shine and You Shine and You Shine

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Last night a grandma came up to the merch table and bought all 3 of my music CDs for her grandson. I love that! You guys are SO supportive of my family, my music, and me. You shine! I often hear that my music is the "soundtrack" of your carpools, your neighborhood dance parties, your child's "falling asleep" or "waking up" time [not sure how it works for "falling asleep"...ha ha], and that you use it in your Kids' Church/Sunday School time. One girl said that my music is "helping her get through graduate school." Man! But I'm excited and humbled to be a part of your lives. - Blessings, Rob B.

Chili's Wait-Staff Serving the Biagis

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:03:15 GMT

I was at lunch with my parents at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Huntington Beach yesterday, and I was reminded that the servers there had done many things to help our daughter Natalie during her Leukemia treatment between 2007-2009.

It reminded me that I need to stay grateful and keep thanking those of you who prayed so long and so hard for Natalie and us. We love you and thank you!

BTW – Natalie’s lab tests have been “clean and clear” since December 2009. So far, so great!

Snuggle More!

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:53:58 GMT

Some of us are snugglers, some are not. We should all snuggle more. Researchers: c’mon, back me up! Humans need 8-12 “meaningful touches” per day. [My 6-year-old daughter] Natalie was still asleep when I got up to walk this morning, so I laid my head and shoulders down on her bed for a little snuggle. Truth is, she doesn’t snuggle for long when she’s awake. But it sure made me happy! How about you? Do you need to get more snuggles? Give more snuggles? Stretch out your arms, smile with your lips, eyebrows up, tilt your head to one side, and see if someone you love won’t let you hug ‘em!

Singing and Dancing Will Make You Feel Better!

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:48:46 GMT

Are you tired, run down, listless? Sing and dance! Or are you feeling good, optimistic, and connected to God? Then sing – dance – worship! No matter what you’re doing – homework, dishes, whatever – put on some good Christian Music and dance to the beat! Check out the Biagi Family’s spontaneous “Dance Party” to the Jana Alayra song “Totally Transformed”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eegtN9Ifczc

Re-Thinking "Jesus the Soccer Star?"

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:13:14 GMT

My first CD [“You’re a V.I.P. to G-O-D”] contains arguably my most popular song, “Jesus the Soccer Star?” I have been asked about the meaning of that song a few times over the years, so - at concerts - I give a full-blown-explanation of the lyrics, saying “It tells the historical truth that Jesus Christ [God the Son] left his rightful place in heaven to solve the sin problem of mankind [every person who repents of their sin and trusts in Christ's substitutionary life, death on the cross, burial, and resurrection from the dead.] Plus, it asks a fun question: if we were alive back in the time of Christ's earthly ministry and we had a game of soccer going, would Jesus want to join in the game?” So - is that the message YOU get from the "Soccer Star" lyrics, or was it something else? And do you think that the Lord Jesus would “play with us”? [please comment below]

Must "Maroon 5" Be So Vulgar?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:40:00 GMT

I submit to you that Maroon 5 is the best-sounding, best-produced rock band of the last 20 years. Those are some funky white boys. Unfortunately, their songs are full of profanity, hyper-sexuality, and death threats. Rats! I could have been a big fan…

But “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15

Work Out

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:05:00 GMT

I used to weigh 202 pounds. But I got fit. By doing work. By working out. I wake up in the 5:00 hour every day to walk, lift weights, stretch, and do push-ups. It’s hard work. But I weigh 170 pounds now and I have the most energy I've had in 20 years.

So why do we think we can “sit around” and “dwell on Christ” and think we are going to be spiritually fit?

To get results in anything takes commitment, consistency, and hard work: physical fitness, your golf swing, cooking, learning an instrument, reading the Bible.

God calls us “workmen” in 2 Timothy 2:15. The New Testament Greek word means “workmen,” not "philosophers."

The point, however, is not to win in "Bible Trivia;" it's to know the One who wrote the letter.

Until then, may I never say “reading and studying the Bible is too much work, where’s my People Magazine?”

Rob's Songs Reinforce What Parents Teach?

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:10:00 GMT

I write my songs to reinforce the biblical truths that parents are teaching their kids.

But I am concerned that many fathers are not “stepping up” into their God-given command to be the “spiritual head of the household” (Deuteronomy 6:6-8 "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." ESV)

Don't be overwhelmed, men. Just begin. We can learn with our children. The keys are to pray, study, and get started!

"The Liberty Town"

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:35:00 GMT

We've been in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area doing concerts this week. I got to hear Chuck Smith [founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel] preach a brief sermon on Psalm 73 this morning. Legendary man.

We did a show in New Jersey tonight at Calvary Chapel Vineland, NJ. Great people. I'd never been to New Jersey before.

Hey - are we coming to YOUR church or school some time soon? Ask your Children's Minister to invite us!

Blessings to you - Rob Biagi & family

Don't Buy the Hype

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:10:00 GMT

Just because Kids’ Worship is high-energy and makes kids jump up and down doesn’t mean it’s quality. Don’t buy the hype! (necessarily). Make sure it’s biblical, memorable, and thought-provoking, too. Consider my most hyper song, “Before I Go, I Stop” (from the “GET OUT THERE!” CD/DVD). It’s pretty thrashy and rockin’, but the lyrics say: “I go all out. Beyond any doubt. I want my life to SHOUT - ‘God is alive in me!’” The motions call for kids to jump, pump their fists HARD, shake their heads (and so forth), but it’s a solid biblical, thought-provoking message, too. I’m just sayin...