"Daytime Monsters," a song penned by Armando Heredia and performed under his stage name If We Were A Band, presents a sobering commentary on the emboldening of hate and prejudice in modern-day America. The song utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors to portray a nation increasingly tolerant of extremist views, particularly those amplified by the political landscape following the 2024 election.

The song's central motif revolves around "monsters" distinguished by their "red hats, red ties, red teeth, red eyes," serving as a symbolic representation of individuals who openly endorse and propagate hateful ideologies. These figures, once relegated to the shadows, now brazenly "grind their teeth in the daytime," highlighting a concerning shift where prejudice has migrated from the fringes to the mainstream.

The title, "Daytime Monsters," itself encapsulates this alarming transformation. It signifies a departure from the era where hate festered in darkness, replaced by an environment where it parades openly in broad daylight. This transition from nighttime to daytime underscores a progression from concealed bigotry to blatant displays of hate, a phenomenon Heredia attributes to the rhetoric prevalent during the 2024 election campaign.

Beyond the prominent figures embodying hate, "Daytime Monsters" introduces a secondary layer of characters: the "good little monsters." These individuals, drawn to the allure of powerful figures, readily embrace hateful ideologies in exchange for acceptance and validation.

The song depicts these "little monsters" as yearning for "a pat on the head, a wag of the tail" from their "daddy," highlighting a vulnerability to manipulation and radicalization. Their longing for approval and belonging renders them susceptible to exploitation by those who capitalize on their insecurities and prejudices.

Heredia, through "Daytime Monsters," voices a stark warning about the potential ramifications of unchecked hate for America's future. The normalization of extremist views, compounded by the emergence of "good little monsters" eager to appease their "daddy," could cultivate a society riddled with division, violence, and the erosion of democratic principles. The song serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and confront the growing presence of hate in their communities and on the national stage.

The Ladies at the Station is available on Apple Music, Spotify and most major platforms.

#DaytimeMonsters #HateIsNotWelcome #SeeNoEvil #HearNoEvil #SpeakNoEvil #FightHate #StandUpForWhatIsRight #UnitedAgainstHate #NoPlaceForHate #ChooseLove

Ten-year-old Fleetwood Gonzales is the responsible one. Since his mother left and his father works long hours, he’s in charge of getting his younger siblings ready for school and generally keeping them safe.

But in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, Fleetwood's carefully constructed world crumbles when he discovers his mother’s obituary and a note accusing his father of killing her. The author, Armando Heredia, describes Fleetwood as being overwhelmed by shock, grief, and confusion. He runs away to the Million Barrels, a local landmark that holds childhood memories for the Gonzales children.

When his father finds him at the Million Barrels, Fleetwood is so consumed by fear and anguish that he attacks his father with a letter opener. This act of violence illustrates the profound emotional turmoil Fleetwood is experiencing. Experience Fleetwood’s heartbreaking journey in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, available now at the self-publishing site ⁠Lulu.com⁠!

Read more about the book on the ⁠author's blog⁠.

#Creedence #ArmandoHeredia #KnifeFight #FamilyDrama #TexasNoir #MillionBarrels #Lulu

What if art is the key to unlocking deeper levels of engagement with faith and community? Join author and artist Armando Heredia as he explores the intersection of art and faith in his new book, Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith. This podcast is for ministry leaders, artists, and art enthusiasts looking to make a greater impact.

Discover how:

• Scripture uses symbolism and visual cues to communicate God's message.
• Prophets in the Bible used performance art to bring God's word to life.
• The Psalms offer a model for authentic worship and personal reflection.
• Modern worship songs can be seen as contemporary expressions of the Psalms.
• The church can create spaces for artists to thrive and contribute their unique gifts.

Armando shares practical insights on:

• Developing a thriving art community within your church.
• Incorporating art into sermon series and ministry events.
• Creating a gallery space and curating exhibitions.

Get inspired to:

• See the Bible through a new lens, appreciating its artistic depth.
• Embrace the power of art to connect with people on a deeper level.
• Use your creative gifts to make a difference in your community.

Read more about Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith at ⁠ArmandoCreative.com⁠

#ArtAsFaith #MinistryAndArt #ChurchCommunity #CreativeExpression #SpiritualGrowth

"So Much Time," by If We Were A Band - a song born from sawdust and profound realizations. This track, featured on the album This Time Is Different, started as a poem by Armando Heredia, inspired by his work with reclaimed materials. The act of sanding, the dust on his hands, sparked a powerful thought: eternity speaks to us through the remnants of our efforts.

The song expands on this idea, exploring the paradox of striving for permanence in a temporary world. It examines how we spend our precious time - often lost in self-absorption or chasing temporary things. But through somber reminders of our mortality, the song also offers hope. "So Much Time" urges us to find meaning in the present moment and to consider what truly matters.

Listen now on Apple Music and Spotify. Let the dust on your hands remind you of eternity.

You can read more on our blog.

#SoMuchTime #IfWeWereABand #ArmandoHeredia #ThisTimeIsDifferent #Time #Eternity #MeaningfulLiving #Reflection

The Price of the Prize: Examining Hustle Culture

Have you ever questioned the toll "hustle and grind culture" takes on us? In this track, "This Is The Prize," Armando Heredia, also known as If We Were A Band, explores this very question, reflecting on the potential emotional and physical costs of relentless ambition.

Inspired by Johnny Cash's poignant cover of "Hurt," Heredia examines whether the rewards of the music industry are ultimately worth the sacrifices artists make. He questions if the end result is simply to be left feeling "hurt" and disillusioned, wondering if the "prize at the end" is truly worth the tireless grind.

Stream "This Is The Prize" now on Apple Music and Spotify to hear Heredia's powerful reflection on the trade-offs we make in the pursuit of success.

Read more about this song on the writer's blog.

#hustleculture #musicindustry #newmusic #IfWeWereABand #ThisIsThePrize #emotionalhealth #wellbeing #JohnnyCash #Hurt

"Broken Doesn't Mean The End," a powerful track by If We Were A Band from the album Indigo, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song, born from a poem titled "Circle of Light," explores the universal experience of tragedy and the fear of vulnerability. The lyrics pose questions about our tendency to cling to familiarity, even when it's driven by fear: "Do we stay close to the light because we're afraid of the dark?" It acknowledges the deep pain of broken hearts, asking if our outreach to others is born of genuine love or simply a response to our own wounds.

Yet, amidst this exploration of pain and uncertainty, the song offers a beacon of hope. The repeated refrain, "It's not over, broken doesn't mean the end," serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, healing and restoration are possible. "Broken Doesn't Mean The End" encourages us to find strength in the face of our fears and to believe in the possibility of healing, even when surrounded by brokenness. This song is a must-listen for anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone and that there is always hope, even when things feel impossible.

Find "Broken Doesn't Mean The End" on Apple Music and Spotify and let its message of hope resonate in your heart.

#IfWeWereABand #Indigo #BrokenDoesntMeanTheEnd #Hope #Healing #Resilience #Inspiration #AppleMusic #Spotify

Dive into the emotional complexities of "Contradictions," a captivating track from the "Indigo" album by If We Were A Band. This song, born from a series exploring life's contradictions, will resonate with anyone who's felt the push and pull of conflicting emotions.

"Contradictions" beautifully portrays the internal struggle between yearning for change and the comfort of complacency. Lyrics like "Overwhelmed by the need and underwhelmed by my own response" and "This complacency feels like home, but maybe if I try, I can get away" capture the paradox of desire and inertia.

The song uses vivid imagery of drifting in the ocean to depict feelings of being lost and overwhelmed. Lines such as "I'm small and this world is big...These waves are crashing over me" and "I can't see the bottom and the top feels too far" evoke a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. The fear of freedom, the questioning of reality, and the longing for connection are all woven into the song's emotional tapestry.

Experience the raw emotion of "Contradictions" on ⁠Apple Music⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠. Let the music wash over you and connect with its powerful message.

#IfWeWereABand #IndigoAlbum #Contradictions #EmotionalMusic #IndieMusic #NewMusic #AppleMusic #Spotify

"Point Robinson," a captivating track from If We Were A Band's Indigo album, invites listeners on a tranquil escape to Vashon Island in Puget Sound. The song beautifully captures the island's charm through vivid imagery and a gentle melody.

Imagine strolling along the beach at Point Robinson, searching for the perfect rock while witnessing a breathtaking Pacific sunset. The lyrics paint a picture of the iconic white-washed lighthouse with its distinctive red roof, a beacon guiding ships through foggy days.

"Point Robinson" isn't just about scenic beauty; it's a celebration of the island's unique culture. The song mentions local favorites like The Ruby Brink and Cafe Vino Olio, adding a personal touch to the experience. The lyrics even suggest taking a ferry ride, hinting at the possibility of whale sightings in the vast waters.

Experience the magic of Vashon Island yourself by listening to "Point Robinson" on Apple Music and Spotify. Let the song's soothing melodies transport you to this idyllic destination.

#VashonIsland #PointRobinson #IndieMusic #TravelVibes #PacificNorthwest #IslandLife #IfWeWereABand #IndigoAlbum #AppleMusic #Spotify