Melissa Greene Interview

Thursday, March 12th, 2009 at 12:00 AM by Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com

ITT: When did your love of music start?

Melissa: My love for music started at a very young age. I started singing in church every opportunity I could. I remember my first solo, on a Sunday morning in “Big Church” when I was 14. We still have the video, very funny to look back at !

Unfortunately, I do not play any instruments. I started taking piano late in high school, but just didn't have time to stick with it. Instead I took dance for 14 years, tap, jazz, ballet, and clogging. I also was very involved in Musical Theater.

ITT: When / how did you decide that you wanted to sing / write professionally?

Melissa: When I was 16, I went to a workshop held by the group Truth. They were helping anyone with direction vocally, on the stage, how to communicate, etc. After the workshop, they chose a couple of us to open for them that night at the concert. Side note - Jody McBrayer was a member of Truth then, this was the night I first met him. That was the first night I ever got a standing ovation. BUT also the first night I realized it had nothing to do with me. It is God using my talents for Him. I knew then and there, I was to use my voice in full time ministry for Him and I have pursued it ever since. Also, 5 years later, I ended up singing with Jody in Avalon!

If you feel like God has called you to sing, than do just that, sing at any and every occasion you can. I can't tell you how many solos I did at church, school, weddings, plays, etc. I was faithful to go where God told me to go and I watched to see where God opened doors. I never pursued a professional career, I just chose to be faithful in each door and God was always faithful to open the next. My best advice would be not to seek to be a professional, but to seek where God would use you, let Him open doors for you!!!

ITT: Give InTheTimes.com girls a little insight on the songwriting process for you--how long have you been writing, is there a specific type of song that you prefer to write or that you feel you are gifted to write, etc. ?

Melissa: It has always been my hope to become a writer. In fact back in 2002, long before I ever knew anything about being apart of Avalon, I made a wish list. Included in that list was a wish to write with Cindy Morgan. Now realize I had never met her nor planned on ever meeting her.

When I made Avalon and we began writing for The Creed album we held a writer's camp. We brought in our favorite writers and joined up with them to write for The Creed. I was teamed up with Cindy Morgan and together we wrote my first published song... "The Good Way" ! It is on The Creed album and it was very exciting to see how God answered my heart's desire! I have continued to write since then and I believe God is growing me in that area.

ITT: Above all, what is the goal of your music / concerts--why you do what you do, what you hope your songs will communicate to the listeners, etc. ?

Melissa: The goal every time I get up in front of an audience is to usher them into the presence of the Lord. To allow them to worship and to be touched by God. In fact, a prayer that I pray often is to be hidden behind the cross, that people would walk away from a concert saying God is good not Melissa is good!

tags: melissa greene interview, avalon christian music interview, truth christian music interview

Janna Long on Going Pro

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 at 1:07 AM by Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com

"God has allowed so many of my dreams to come true. I dreamed of doing this as a child.

Most of my experience was gained by singing in church, at weddings, parties, anywhere. I would sing whenever given the opportunity.

I also kept telling myself that if I allowed God to lead my life, He would give me more than I could imagine, and He's done that and more.

I have been trusting Him to open one door to the next, and He continues to amaze me."

tags: janna potter long interview, avalon christian music interview, celebrity advice on becoming a professional singer songwriter

Rebecca St. James "Lamb of God" / Editor's Currently Listening To

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 12:00 AM by Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com

Hi InTheTimes.com Girls!

Rebecca St. James single "Lamb of God" from the Worship God album is currently on mega-repeat!

My fav lyrics? This is such an anointed song, so it's hard to choose! Rebecca and her co-writers got inspiration for the song from Revelation 19:6, "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude...like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns." "

The Chorus is simple, yet so amazingly powerful, "Lamb of God / Holy / Lord you are / Holy / Lamb of God / Holy / You are / Holy "

This is such a funky and powerful chant unto the Lord. I get a visual of us all bowing, dancing, worshipping, praising, and rejoicing before the Lord one day speaking these very words. I think that for sure we will sing this very song in heaven!

In ancient times chants were used by warriors. I love how this song really does sound like a battlecry for soldiers of the LORD's Army.

Music is a powerful thing. Words are a powerful thing. That is why at ITT, we are such huge advocates for Christian-based music. God has gifted so many people in the area of music -- singers, songwriters, musicians, producers... It is so exciting to think that one day we'll be able to sing these songs to the LORD face to face!

If you haven't heard the single, click the link above to preview it for free!

Blessings!
RUTH

tags: rebecca st james review devotional, lamb of God worship God album, inthetimes.com in the times magazine editor's currently listening to