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On
The Level is an online magazine covering Biblical encouragement, entertainment
Music and More. |
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Level-Links
is a "Yahoo" style search engine that helps you find Christian Music,
education, Family links and more! |
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Level-Ground
Ministries Home Page will give you information on the mission, vision, and
beliefs. |
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The
Level-Ground Cafe
***Coming Soon*** Here you will find online games, chat, ideas, and more! |
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The
Market will carry Level-Ground merchandise, music, books and more! |
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In this addition of On The Level
Troy and Genie share with us their
heart on various topics. We will
introduce this imaginative group
that describes their style as
"Heaven Music". This may be an
effective way of communicating
their type of music, however
you could also use adjitives like
creative, talented and inspirational,
to describe Troy and Genie as well.
This duo is reflective of popular
musicians like Iona, Celtic Praise,
Enya and Sara McLaughlin.
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Most Christian
Magazines are intended for readers who ask, "What are you going to do to entertain
me?" My hope with "On The Level", is it will take people from just that sort of
self-oriented focus to a desire to do outreach with the arts as a tool. I would
like to see more believers bringing non-believers to the concerts, and more Christian
music distributed to people who don't know Christ. Keeping this in mind can you
tell me about the transition from wanting the fame and the girls and deciding
to enter the music ministry?
ANSWER- Coming to God is the continual process of beginning to share God's other-centered,
giving nature (from which all reality flows), rather than the selfish nature that
makes us part of the decaying physical universe. So the selfish, "watch-me, applaud-me,
love ME" nature of the music industry is 180 degrees opposed to all that is truly
good and ultimately real. However, God can take us from that confused beginning
into a place of real servanthood through music, and that's what I'm hoping for
in our music.
What
is it like to see or hear that someone is using your music for God's Kingdom?
ANSWER- It's great. it's an honor.
How did this ministry come about?
ANSWER-
We've been producing and writing Biblically-values- based music for all ages for
12 years together, and before that!
How long have you been writing and singing?
ANSWER- Professionally since about 1987.
What's something you feel it is important to do before writing
a new song or working on a new album?
ANSWER- Lots of listening to music that feeds my soul. Lots
of reading the Bible and thinking about the people I want to speak to with music.
On your CD, Troy and Genie Nilsson, I noticed you moved through
a number of style variations. Sometimes your sound resembles songs by Enya or
Iona, other times you include elements from modern Rap. . . And I think I even
heard a little Children’s Music on the CD. Can you tell me a little bit about
that?
ANSWER- We are not pigeonhole-able. Versatile and Creative
defines Troy and Genie. This creates some marketing confusion, but it's the way
God designed us!
What do you think about when working on a new children's album?
ANSWER- How to do something that no one else can or will do.
I think about the kids who don't go to church who see really cutting-edge movies
and listen to very advanced music, and try to produce and write for them, and
write in a language they'd understand.
From listening to your CD’s, one could see where you could
have big impact on the New Age or Celtic community, as well those who listen to
Enya, Lara McKennit, and Sara McLaughlin. What kind of ministry opportunities
have you had so far while working in this industry.
ANSWER- The Celtic/world sound is part of our soundscape
that opens up the listeners’imagination. We need more imaginative Christian
music that stirs wonder. We call it 'Heaven Music', as it calls to mind images
of the wonderful other-dimensionally of heaven.
Can you tell me a little bit about the song "Sacred Sky"? It
sounds like you have an interest in ministering to Native American Indians?
ANSWER- Sacred Sky is filled with Scripture- it personifies
the sky as a sacred creation of God, expressing its sadness over the way mankind
is ruining the earth and going astray with sin.
What has been the toughest part about working in music ministry?
Is there anything you would like our to pray for?
ANSWER- There is almost no support for Christian music in the secular culture.
And the Church culture is fragmented, backward, and divisive. This makes it hard
for creative Christian artists.Unless you're Smittty, Steven, or Amy, you probably
don't have true financial freedom to do what you're really feel called to do in
music and ministry. Clever star-marketing hides the truth that many #1 charting
Christian artists struggle to pay their rent.
What would you say is the most exciting ministry opportunity you have had?
ANSWER- Mailing our music all over the world is really cool. There have been some
big concerts, too.
Where has your heart been in the past, and what kind of ministry would you like
to pursue in the future?
ANSWER- The majority of the American population consists of people who went to
church at some point in their life and have now abandoned it. I would like to
reach these people, connecting the idea of God with the good things in their life,
through Television. Also bringing God's love to foreign cultures to whom it would
be seen as special.
Additional questions:
Thu, 02 Jan 1997 From: Tyler VanOstrand tvo@ntplx.net I've had good luck with
OASIS 800-697-5734 they are personable and responsive and pricing is competitive.
Ministry problems in being in the Christian music business in general? Being in
the Christian music business is hard because you don't know what to expect from
people (are they Christians or just greedy business people?), and the sales are
so small. Ministry Do you find many Christians in the business in "name only"
- or are most sincere?
ANSWER- Can't judge individuals. Many Christians are very shallow and not spiritually
mature, especially in a business that is modeled after the secular recording industry,
which is quite wicked and thrives on human idol-worship.
Thank you for your time in answering these questions. I’d like to encourage
you by reminding you that God remains faithful. I pray that the Lord will continue
to protect you from the wolves in sheep's clothing who would hinder your efforts
in ministry and help you to persevere through the pressures and hardships inherent
in continuing on in Christian music. Thank you for your obedience to God, and
your creativity. May the Lord bless you in this work.
Shawn Larson,
Level Ground Ministries
e-mail: shawnlg@ix.netcom.com
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