A long time ago, in the year 2005, I was a volunteer youth leader at a church. It was during this time I was  introduced to Matt McCoy as he was taking the reigns as youth worship pastor. I do not know how many of you know this, but he was basically a kid (fresh out of high school) when he started leading worship at a mega-church. But his wisdom was that of a pastor of 25 years. It was during one of my first conversations with him that flashed his God-given wisdom. I was having a disagreement with a friend when he told me; “Don, you have to know what hills you are really willing to die on.” I never forgot this and I take it with me even today.
I had the privilege to play along side him on many occasions and  to sit down and just get to know him. One of the things I love about Matt is his life is all about worship. Not just the music, but the things he does and the way he lives. It seems as though he does not know how to do anything else.
With Matt, you never get stuff that is done half way. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does (including his current CD, Raise the Flag Again, which I will be reviewing on Wednesday). Matt was gracious enough to sit down and answer some questions for this interview even though he is in the middle of a transition that includes moving to a different state.

Don: When did you decide, “Hey, I can sing?”
Matt McCoy (MM): I’ve been singing since I was 1 or 2 years old. In fact, I was singing before I could even speak full words. While growing up I would sing with my mom and dad, memorize every Disney song I heard, and participate in every musical performance I could.  My mom said I would put on “concerts” for my family when I was younger, and would even write up a little set-list that I’d place on the floor in front of me. When I was 13, my dad began to teach me guitar and I started leading worship for our church youth group. That is when I began to take my faith much more seriously. My relationship with God began to really develop and that is when I decided in my heart that I would use every creative element in me to bring glory and praise to God.

Don: Do you value formalized training like guitar lessons or voice lessons?
MM: Vocal training or guitar lessons can be incredibly valuable, and help in many ways. I never took “formalized” guitar lessons, unless playing with my dad counts – but I can see why they would be very helpful. Guitar lessons would introduce you to more music theory, which would help immensely when you are trying to build chords, learn solos, scales, etc. However, playing with other people (like friends or a band), really teaches you how to play music together – rhythmic patterns, dynamics, etc. I haven’t taken voice training until recently, and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who sings for a profession (or for fun!). Voice lessons teach you how to take care of your voice by singing and breathing correctly. It’s also a great way to broaden your range and help with pitch issues. I learned many vocal warm-ups through voice training, that I use each time before I sing. It’s wise to take good care of your voice and voice lessons help you do that.

Don: How did your “sound” develop?
MM: I’ve grown up in the Vineyard church movement my entire life and have been surrounded by so many talented and anointed worship leaders, which have had a great influence on me as a person and my worship leading. I don’t think I really had to “develop” a sound. By saying that, I mean that I’m not trying to sound like somebody else. I am who I am, and sound like who I am, because God made me that way. Because of that, I run with it. But I have been influenced in many positive ways by the people who have supported me, mentored me and worshipped with me throughout the years.

Don: Being a worship leader and a recording artist, how hard has it been to perform live and provide a benefit for audiences that may not know both sides? (ie. Someone comes to hear the recording artist, but finds out he is at a worship event, or vice versa)
MM: I think people really value honesty and authenticity. So when I am in different environments, I don’t change who I am. I stay true to what I believe and what I stand for. However, I try to be very sensitive and aware of my surroundings. Whether it’s a “concert” or a worship gathering, it’s all a matter of where my heart is. I just have to  keep it “in check”. No matter what the setting / venue is, I strive to constantly direct the attention and focus to God and away from me. I write music / lead worship out of my love and dedication for Christ and His people, not myself.

Don: If the sky is the limit, what do you hope to be doing in five years?
MM: In five years, I would love to have finished a couple more recording projects with new writings, as well as be highly involved in mentoring / raising up young worship leaders. There is nothing more satisfying and beautiful than seeing a “torch”passed onto another worship leader. I’d love to provide resources that would help the church as a whole in their corporate worship times (writing songs for the church, more traveling, etc.). I’d also really like to have a family (or at least a spouse) in 5 years.

Don: I know you personally, and I know you have had some unique challenges in your life. Have these challenges, pain, and emotions had an effect on your music?
MM: Most definitely. The painful and confusing times of my life have been moments when I have had nothing else to turn to, except God. That is a good place to be – even though it doesn’t seem like it in the moment. Those are times when our “foundations” and everything we believe get put to the test. For me, It has caused me to really investigate why I believe what I believe. It has given me a chance to rebuild a “foundation” on my own by digging deep into the truth and promises of God’s word. I think there is a new depth to my songwriting that wasn’t there before. Now that I’ve been through trials and challenges (and I’m sure there are more to come), I  really have something to say – which I express through my songwriting.

Don: What’s next for Matt McCoy?
MM: Well, I just moved last week to Chicago, IL where I accepted a worship leading position at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. I’m really excited about this opportunity, even though it’s been so strange to pack up and leave all of my friends in Cincinnati. However, I really believe this is where God is calling me for the next stage in my life. So for now I’m planning on writing more music, mentoring / raising up young worship leaders and investing into people here at Willow.

You can buy Matt’s CD, Raise the Flag Again from iTunes here:

Come back on Wednesday to read our official review!

-Don-

Josh Woods is the worship leader for Compass Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is someone I have  had the pleasure of playing along side with. Over the last year and some change, I have gotten to see a very talented singer and pianist emerge in Josh.  While Josh has been singing and playing at Compass since it was planted, it was about eight months ago that he took over sole duties as the band leader. I could bore you with the “he has grown as an artist” talk (which is true) but I will say this, he has allowed an  element of fun and light-heartedness to take over like I have not seen in a band. The rehearsals are relaxed and the band has gelled like family. Josh recently answered my seven questions interview. He, like Matt McCoy, has some great advice for young worship leaders who are just starting out.
Josh has a unique privilege of working for a multi-cultural church. For some, this might be a stylistic nightmare in regards to music, but not for Josh. He has a wide variety of influences that come through every Sunday morning when he plays. Some songs are strait ahead rock, others are Gospel, some are contemporary, and twice he has lead the Cha Cha Slide as an ice breaker. I bet you wish he was your church’s worship leader now, don’t ya? Find out more about Josh in his interview.

Don: When did you start playing music?
Josh Woods (JW): I first took piano lessons when I was young, about the age of 10.  Stopped for a long time and picked it back up, re-teaching myself in the wonderful year 2K when my band formed.  I’ve basically been playing and singing for church ever since.

Don: What musician would you most like to play with?
JW: There is an awesome Jazz guitarist named Jonathan Butler.  He can do some crazy things on his acoustic guitar.  I would love to be able to sit with him and make some music.  He is such a talented musician and singer.  I would also love to learn some piano tricks from Stevie Wonder!  He’s such and inspiration to many piano players out there.  He can do with no sight what I couldn’t dream of doing on my keys.  Maybe I just need to play blind-folded for a couple years…

Don: How did your “sound” develop?
JW: I would blame my sound on my cultural diversity.  Being biracial, I have been exposed to different types of music and have grown to love them all.  I listen and enjoy music anywhere from hard/soft rock and roll to R&B / soul music.  Not really a Country music guy, even though when I started singing, I was told I had a “country twang”.  I’ve tried to get away from that quickly… But my sound has come from listening and understanding all those types of sounds and using them together.

Don: Do you write your own music?
JW: I have tried plenty to write music.  I did a couple songs for my old band, but they weren’t the best.  I don’t have trouble coming up with the music, its the lyrics that I’m not the best at.  I admit that i feel my vocabulary isn’t good enough to put things I’m thinking into words, in a creative way.  This is a thing I do struggle with and I need to practice or focus more on.  I’m praying that God will put words in my heart to help me accomplish that feat!

Don: If the sky is the limit, what do you hope to be doing in five years?
JW: In five years, I would love to be able to do the worship thing full time.  That would be my dream.  I love music and playing, and to spend 40+ hours a week doing that, it would be a dream come true.  I would also love to have a steady worship band to maybe travel the city or state from time to time and creating a worship experience for churches.  If it would go national… so be it!  That would be awesome!

Don: How would you encourage new worship leaders to grow?
JW: It is important for new worship leaders to know not to push or rush a worship experience.  A lot of leaders, including myself sometimes, try to force a powerful experience without God being involved.  Just let God move the way He plans to move the worship service.  Every set may not be as powerful as the last.  Don’t get discouraged by that.  God has His hand on your team and your congregation.  Also, it helps to surround yourself with people to encourage your ministry, even though you may not “sound the best”.  When my band first started, as  look back at video, we shouldn’t have been playing.  It was a disgrace to music! But we had those people who supported our ministry and encouraged us, so we kept playing and we got so much better as time went on. 3-1 was our Battle of the Bands Competition Record! Just wanted to toot the horn…once…

Don: Who are your influences and do they appear in your music?
JW: As a young teen, I listened to a lot of Kirk Franklin and Ron Kenoly.  They were more on the gospel side.  When I started with the band, I was heavy, heavy, into DC Talk.  Now-a-days I love piano-based artists like John Legend, Gavin Degraw, Eric Hutchinson, Jason Upton, Micheal W Smith,  But my biggest influence in my worship comes from Israel Houghton, from Israel and New Breed.  His music is all over my songbook collection and my cd collection.  I’m pretty sure my congregation hears at least one of his songs each week.  He creates songs that hit the heart so hard.  God’s got His hand all over Israel and he is doing great things in music all over the world.  With God’s help, maybe I could follow in his footsteps as a worship leader.  The only difference is you may see me playing and singing with a blind-fold on!

Thanks for your time and insight Josh.

-Don-

A few years ago, I was doing data entry for a beta software program for the State of Ohio. Yes, it was as boring as it sounds. Since I was working on a computer with Internet access, I would connect to Radio U out of Columbus to listen to in my headphones. I would hear this song by a band called Project 86. It was a good song and I always enjoyed listening when it was played. One morning, they had front man Andrew Schwab on to talk about a book he had just written about his life in the band. The interview made me want to read this book. I purchased it for around $10 from Amazon.com. This was one of the more captivating books I had ever read. The narratives were written so well, I felt like I was watching the action live and in person. I immediately went out and bought their CD Songs to Burn Your Bridges By. Outstanding. This was music that was written out of emotions and feelings. The lyrics were poetic and intelligent. I started to try and find out everything I could about the band.

Fast forward a couple years. I was married now and had picked up their release …And the Rest Will Follow . This CD was outstanding. Every track was worth listening to. When I heard they were coming to town to play a show I asked Jill (my wife) if she wanted to go. She agreed and we went. We were blown away. There was no pyro, no laser light show, no video. There was a singer and a band who felt every word that was sung, every note that was played. Not only that, they made you feel every word and every note . The show was so good, my wife recommended we catch another show the next time they were in  town, So we did.

But enough gushing. Andrew has been kind enough to sit down and answer the seven questions I had for him. He recently finished writing the first draft for his next book and is currently shopping it to a reputable publisher. On top of that, he has been busy with the release of their latest EP and working on their next CD (due out around late spring 2009). Our interview covers mostly his future writing, style, and Andrew’s views on the current state of the arts in our culture. Read below and enjoy.

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Don: You are a busy man with Project 86 and touring, how do you find the time to write?

Andrew Schwab (AS): I guess I just make time.  It’s something I really enjoy doing…at times I can lose myself in it, and when I come to, I realize that three hours have passed. I try to spend at least a few hours a week writing.

Don: What kind of material is easiest for you to write; spiritual, biographical, poetry, other?

AS: I don’t know if I would use the word “easy,” but I tend to enjoy and gravitate towards narrative.  I like telling stories that catch you off guard or illustrate a larger concept.

Don: I have read It’s All Downhill from Here… (Andrews First Book) as well as some of your articles in HM. I noticed you have a gift for writing about events you have experienced in a way the reader can really feel like they  are a part of what you have written. Do you go into a situation thinking about the way you will put it into words once you have a pen in your hand or a computer at your disposal?

AS: No. I just have a vivid memory, I guess.  I do try to write in such a way as to put myself in the shoes of the reader, i.e., will someone find the pace of this boring and lose interest?  Will someone laugh at this or is this just funny to me?  Will someone understand this as if they are watching these events play out through my eyes?  I try to be the lens of a film projector…and the reader is looking through that lens onto the screen.  Only sometimes my lens has a tint to it, which I think adds some character to the overall picture.

Don: When you were thinking of the way your life was going to play out, did you ever think you would be authoring books?

AS: I never gave it much thought, to be honest.  I didn’t discover I enjoyed doing this until I was an adult.  I never thought I couldn’t do it, but I never thought I would either.

Don: When you are on stage, mic in hand, you can really show your emotions on your sleeve. People get a connection when they see the passion you put into your shows. Do you think it is difficult to show your passion in your writing due to the possibility of someone misinterpreting your words?

AS: There is less room for misinterpretation when you have more words to make your point.  That’s the beauty  of the captive reader–you can use whatever words and take as many pages as you like.  In music, you are limited by the length of the song or the duration of the show.

Don: The arts in general, not just music and writing, are often viewed lowly among many. It is often not encouraged as a primary career choice in schools. Any advice on how someone can use their talents and gifts to help others when friends, parents, or peers might try and to discourage them because they might not be considered “successful” by the world’s standard?

AS: It is a very “American” thing to place the arts low on cultural totem pole.  In other countries, especially in Europe, the arts are celebrated a bit more.  The only thing I can say is that in order to make art a career here, in the states, is that you have to refine your craft and really put in the time and effort to excel in your gifts.  It’s not easy, and you have to be extremely passionate about it.

Don: What is next for Andrew Schwab?

AS: New P86 record in Spring ’09 (working on this now), and publishing my new book (God willing) through a reputable publisher.

Don: Thanks Andrew.

For more information on Andrew Schwab or Project 86, please check out the following links:

Andrew’s Web Site

Project 86′s Web Site

You can purchase Andrew’s book here: It’s All Downhill From Here: On The Road With Project 86

Have any questions? Interview ideas or requests? Email me: Don@youseedrybones.com

Or leave a comment.

-Don-

About five years ago, I was driving a van full of luggage to Columbus, Ohio for a church attending a youth conference. It was a long ride. What was worse was, the van had no CD player, no tape deck, just a radio. I pretty much had the radio on “seek” the entire time until I got just outside of Columbus. I stopped on a station where I heard the pounding rhythms of a double base pedal over-laid with a wall of guitars. This radio station deserved a second listen.

After the song was over, the DJ came on the air and spouted off some of the bands they would be playing after they came back from a break. All “Christian” bands. During the break I heard an ad for a “help line” where you could call and talk to someone anonymously. I was impressed.  Being in Cincinnati, all I ever heard on “Christian” radio was contemporary music that was not only boring to listen too, but lacked any kind of emotion or feeling.

Fast Forward a couple of years. I was working at a job where I sat in front of a computer for about 7 hours a day. I would bring in music and teaching’s to listen too, but I quickly ran out. I remembered the radio station in Columbus and did a Google search to see if they streamed their music online. They did. What was really impressive to me was their morning show. Their morning hosts, Nikki and Obadiah, produced an  entertaining morning show, called The R!ot, which I found myself looking forward to each day on my drive to work.

I emailed Nikki and Obadiah a couple weeks ago asking if they would let me interview them for this site. I figured they were two people who were apart of a ministry that reached thousands (if not millions through syndication and podcasts) of people. Not only do they reach people for Jesus, but they also have fun doing it.

If you have ever thought about a career in radio, or just wanted a little behind the scenes, I hope this interview helps. If you have been weighing the hard decision between which is better, iPod or Zune, you will find that answer as well.  Now, on with the interrogation.

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Don: I am sure you get this a lot, but any advice for someone who wants a career in radio?

Obadiah: Be as well educated and well read as possible. Make sure you enjoy it. It doesn’t pay that well, the hours can be terrible, and you spend most of your time by yourself in a small room while others are out having fun.

Nikki: Be willing to do whatever needs done.  Be patient and work hard – you never know where you will end up a year from now.  You could be doing your dream radio job!  Once you are in radio we always suggest then that you know what’s going on in the world.  News, tech, stupid or crazy stories.  Combine that with the crazy stuff that happens to you in life and before you know it you have hours of stuff to talk about!

Don: When you both started in radio were you hoping to get a job at a Christian radio station, or was that an unexpected bonus?

Obadiah: Personally, I was hoping to get a job at Radio U. I didn’t have any designs to work in radio. I took a class in college for fun. It went pretty well so I sent Radio U an audition tape and a volunteer application form. I never dreamed they’d put me on the air right away. I thought I’d be scrubbing toilets for a year or two and then MAYBE I would get a shot. Turns out that needed someone to work from 4-6am. (Remember what I said about the terrible hours?) I started doing that shift as a volunteer. (Remember what I sad about the money?) I *LOVED* it. I’ve been here ever since and are happy to turn down offers to go elsewhere. I love Radio U.

Nikki: I just started helping out behind the scene.  That lead to “hey want to be on air?”  One thing lead to another and now I am on the RIOT.
One thing I do feel like I need to say is, Obadiah and I never really think of the RIOT as being on the radio.  We just get to spend a few hours talking to lots of people.  It helps to keep you from thinking like it’s a job which causes a lot of people to end up quitting or moving around in radio.

Don: Since you work in a public forum like Radio, have you found it to be an easy avenue for talking to others about Jesus, or has it actually been a challenge? For example, do people avoid you or conversations with you because they fear you will launch into “Christian” talk?

Obadiah: I haven’t found that it has made too big of a difference. Some people get weird when they figure out that you work for a Christian station but most people are cool with it. I try to keep it light hearted and invite people to listen to our show. Do people avoid me? Probably… but since they have managed to avoid me I can’t be certain they’re out there.

Nikki: Not so much. If anything, once people find out who your are and what you do it can be hard to talk to them because they want to know about being on radio and all that goes with it.  For me, once they know who I am they they just want me to laugh and it’s hard to move on from that (one of Nikki’s “trademarks” is her laugh which some have described as “interesting” –Don)

Don: We know Radio U is the front for the the Helpline (www.helplinenow.org). Can you give us a little more information on why and how someone might use this resource?
Obadiah: The Helpline is there for anyone who needs help. It’s a non-judgmental place that people can call and talk about anything from issues they are having to questions they have about God, life, or whatever. “Non-judgmental” sounds a little funny but most people are afraid to talk about what they are going through because they don’t want people to think any less of them. You don’t have to be afraid of that when you call the Helpline. You don’t even have to give them your real name.

Nikki: Obi said that perfectly!

Don: You have been doing the R!ot for well over a half-decade. Given trends in Radio to change programing and formats often, did you ever think it would continue as long as it has?

Obadiah: Nikki and I thought we would be done with the RIOT about two years into it. I NEVER thought I’d be at it for six-and-a-half years. Radio U isn’t going anywhere and the format is going to change. The RIOT? It’s going until God says it stops and I’d say we’re going to be at it for a good while longer.

Nikki: Never did we think it would go this long.  I was actually on the RIOT for 2 years before Obadiah so I’m at 8 years!  We are both night people so it’s crazy that’s we’ve been getting up that early for so long.  I am also really proud to be apart of a show that has been on for so long.  In Radio there’s a very quick turn around for DJ’s; always leaving and going somewhere else.

Don: Can you give us some insight on what the future may hold for both The R!ot and Radio U?

Obadiah: Ask Nikki. She’s smarter.

Nikki: The future holds many more years for the RIOT.  We hope for lots more stations running Radio U so lots more people able to listen.

Don: I know you guys love technology, so can you help answer the age-old question; iPod or Zune?

Obadiah: I think the iPod Touch is the clear winner; however, when it comes to the Classic iPod or Zune 120, I actually prefer the Zune. It’s got a bigger screen, sits horizontally, and… well… I just like it.

Nikki: Sorry it’s no contest for me.  I have and always will love the iPod.  I have the iPod Touch right now and it’s amazing.

Don: Thanks for your time.

If you want, you can listen to Radio U via their live stream here. You can also listen to the archive of the R!ot or download the Worst of the R!ot podcast. Radio U is listener supported. If you would like to make a donation to them, please click the banner below.

-Don-