Today we begin shuffling through the reponses I've received from my request for your questions for an upcoming Singing News feature (visit my last post for complete information.) I've taken 20 questions from the many ones I've received and we'll start here.
I'm going take your input one step further by asking you to pick what you feel are the best two questions from the following list and when it's all said and done, I'll compile a first Top Ten questions list from your choices. (We'll have more later.)
When you respond, you need only to give me the numbers that accompanies the questions.
1.) At what point in your life did you know God was calling you to sing the gospel?
2.) Do you foresee a time when you will pursue a solo career? (if applicable)
3.) What are the origins of "stacking vocals?"
4.) What type of audience response thrills you the most? Polite clapping? Energetic clapping? Shouting? Crying? Smiling? Seat dancing? Head bobbing? All of the above? Other?
5.) When you don't feel like singing the night of a concert, how do you get yourself energized and ready to go out and share your talents?
6.) The question is often asked "Is Southern Gospel music ministry or entertainment?" What is your view Do you consider it ministry, entertainment or a combination of the two?
7.) When choosing songs for a recording, do you go run to certain songwriters whom you know will most likely have written a great song ?I have heard of groups having multiple hit songs by the same songwriters, but I was just wondering if you sought after the "known" songwriters first before the "unknown" songwriters.
8.) Have you ever forgotten your words and if so what was your reaction? How did you handle it on stage?
9.) You meet a lot of people in this business, but how did you meet your spouse? Was it someone you knew for a long time or did you know they were the person for you when you met the first time?
10.) Does the music you perform reflect your lifes values?
11.) Do you think Southern Gospel music is still a venue for spreading the Gospel, or has it become too commercialized?
12.) Who is your favorite Southern Gospel artist?
13.) if you had the chance to sing with another group what group would you pick?
14.) What do you and/or your group do to overcome so many of the temptations that come with being on the road, away from family and friends that help keep you accountable?
15.) What is the one question that you wish an interviewer would ask you but that never get asked?
16.) Why are contemporary christian artists generally more financially successful than Southern Gospel artists?
17.) I grew up loving to sing. I ate, drank and slept singing (metaphorically speaking) but one night, while on stage enjoying my passion, several hundred miles away from home, I suddenly had a new, strange and yucky feeling. I was dissatisfied and wanted to be at home. I remember feeling awkward. It wasn't the audience's fault and no one had offended me but, for whatever reason, at that moment, performing was distasteful and I simply wanted to be home, right then. Has that ever happened to you? If so, how did you deal with it?
18.) Do you feel that having a bus gives you a better offering?
19.) Do you require that group members be good singers and Christians or just good singers?
20.) If you could ask your favorite singer one question about any subject, what would it be? Name your favorite singer in the answer.