Getting to Know Your Christian Musicians: An Interview with Mark Shelton

Mark and his band will perform songs off his soon-to-be-released CD "Tribal Nation". His first CD "Radical" was released in 2002. Mark will deliver a powerful message through his songs of Christ's love for us and what He can do in our lives if we will only let Him.

The night will not only be filled with music and worship, but there will be drama, evangelism and mission. Accompanying the show will be a sensational light show, fog and lasers, interpretive flag and dance performances, theatrical effects, and surprises for everyone.

But aside from his upcoming performance, there may be things about Mark you many not know about him and his ministry to others. I had the opportunity to question Mark about a handful of topics. The first question I asked was, "What inspires you to sing?" This was his response:

"Interesting question. The Love of and for Jesus. He has seen me through so many things. So many experiences, very deep valleys, I have needed him so much and he has always delivered. He has blessed me so. He is my King. It is my honor to live to serve him. When I sing people seem to say nice things about the music they hear. I thank God for allowing them to receive it in such a way. God has blessed me with that honor.

I believe it is important for people to find their identity in Christ. . .the eternal question. . ."Why am I here? What is my purpose?". I know these answers, for me that is. My calling is to sing, and to sing for the Lord. Sing of his mercies, his love, his grace, his character; to worship him, to glorify him, and to present all that I know of him to others in anyway possible. Whether it be songs I wrote, old hymns, ballads, or contemporary worship songs. All to the Glory of God. I am blessed that people receive this through the songs I sing. But it is to remember, that it is God that provides, not me.

It is funny, I pray to God to sing through me when I sing, to empty myself and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I pray before concerts to have the voice of the Holy Spirit, the voice of angels to glorify God. To be as pure of a vessel as I can be...yet at the same time, singing is worship and an offering to him. Interesting dynamic, but the Lord always sees me through.

It is truly a great honor."

Q: "What do you hope to accomplish through your music?"

A: "It truly is all about him. And it is my deepest prayer that the Lord Christ is what I am about. It's funny, I've been singing all my life, from Elvis Presley songs in my parent's basement to gospel songs in churches and concert halls, and God has always been there. I have received his blessing and am humbled and honored by it. I love to sing for and about the Lord. I enjoy His blessings and people say remarkable things when I sing. But my purpose is to serve and glorify Him. That is what the music I do, whether it be writing, or singing, is all about. The great commission (Matthew 28: 18 - 20) is more than a statement, it is a duty to our King.

The purpose is to reach into the darkness bringing the light of Christ. I like to shine in the enemy's territory knowing that there is nothing he can do, for the Lord is my shepherd. It is not for everyone, I guess. I once had a pastor tell his congregation, "If I was ever under attack by the enemy, I'd want Mark to sing over me." I mean, what can you say to that? But we all have parts to be in the Body of Christ. The lost, the castaways, society's most unwanted need to know that the Lord loves them and that he sends his people to them. So we, my wife and I, and others, go to the streets of the city and the little spots in the country to share the Gospel of Christ.

We have a lot of fun at our concerts no matter where they are. God is glorified. We use a bit of theatre and audience participation. We use props; sometimes the audience has props, to add a time of fun and fellowship. There is always a time of dramatic presence in the song's delivery. For again, we are serving the King of Kings, and we are quite certain He is with us, present at each and every concert. Therefore, though we have a blast, we are focused on the mission of Glorifying God.

It is my prayer to see people come to the Lord. It is my prayer to see the Church unify as the true body. Join together as one to work for the Father. To celebrate and rejoice in their diversity yet come together in the Truth that is Jesus Christ. Stand tall, shine brightly, and be an example of the Living God's people. To break free of the shackles of business practices, the bottom line, and division created by doctrinal interpretation and religious practices. This is my prayer for the Church and it's people.

As for the people who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, oh, please come to the Lord. Come to know the peace. Come to know the love. Come to know all that there is to possible know and be free in the life that God has given you. For we have been blessed to live within the Days of Grace. But there is a Day of Judgment, and accountability before the Creator. This is also the message of the ministry that God has provided us. The Truth without compromise.

I've been singing all my life and it always seems like I am always just starting anew. My walk has been an experience with God. I have been lifted high by his blessings and I have been utterly crushed by various lessons. But He has always been there. He has always delivered me. He has never let me down. This is the truth. All praise Glory and Honor be to the Lord God and his blessed son, Jesus.

What do I hope to accomplish? To be in the perfect will of God and show that anything is possible in His will and to encourage and edify others into going even further."

Q: "How long have been involved in music ministry?"

A: "Music, or music ministry?

Music ministry, just continues to grow. I sang in church in the Junior Choir way back in the mid 70s. Wrote gospel songs when I was in the U.S. Army, Military Police Officer, (1980 - 1983 / Honorable Discharge). Began recording gospel music in 1984 as demos. Then in 1992, recorded first project on cassette tapes called "Valley of the Unicorn", 1995 I recorded my second project entitled "Blood of the Lamb". Pretty raw stuff, but edgy and non-traditional. I started doing gospel / Christian concerts at that time and have grown. In 1999, my wife and I co-founded Wings of Worship Ministries and started the Vermont Festival of Praise, where local, state, regional and national artists gather and provide a day of worship and music in Newport, Vermont. That has grown and birthed a children's interactive ministry called Swimming Frog Theater. This year will be the 8th Festival of Praise. We coordinate several other Christian Music festivals throughout the State including "Gospel in the Country" which, this year being the 5th, raises money for Teen Challenge.

In 2002, I recorded my first project in Nashville, with producer, Wayne Tate. This project is entitled "Radical", and by the grace of God, is played all over the world by various radio, satellite, and internet streaming stations;, at least 184 countries, and cuts have been added to several compilation albums which raise money for various programs including the 2005 tsunami victims, street ministries in California, and independent Christian artists programs. Just the other day I got an email from someone in Romania that uses the song "On and On" off the "Radical" CD as a lullaby. Pretty cool, I think. And the title song, "Radical", is a huge hit at the concerts, kids get dancing, adults get dancing and singing. Total blast.

Now, 2007, the follow up to "Radical" is about to be released. It is called "Tribal Nation". Also recorded in Nashville, also produced by Wayne Tate. The quality and production are superior. The people involved include David Baroni, David Cleveland, Sal Oliveri, Tony Morra, Matt Peirson, Shane McConnell, Garrett Hestla, Craig Adams and Marianne Adams ( of the Christian group "Seirra"). These people have numerous Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, gold and platinum records, yet even more so, the wonderful, warm Spirit of God upon them. I was blessed and this album ROCKS ! Also, on the CD is a dear friend from those Junior choir days, Lori Jo Gardner, who joined me in the highly acclaimed 2004 - 2005, "Some Kind of Wonderful" Tour. We flew Mrs. Gardner down to join us on vocals. She did a nice job.

Presently, I do 50 or more events a year, and work full time as a Training Officer at the Headquarters Division of the Vermont Department of Corrections having just celebrated my 20th year as an employee of the State of Vermont.

Then, of course, there are the Sock Hops...history of Elvis Impersonations...my professional wrestling history...induction as a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels...athletic accomplishments as player and coach...and in 2002, being dubbed a Knight of God, "Defender of the Poor"...but those are other stories of a blessed life and walk with God with more to come."

Q: "What kind of places, or events do you play at?"

A: "I have sung and will sing at Festivals, Auditoriums, Churches (all denominations{that would have me}), Nursing homes, schools, daycares, people's garages, mountain tops, beaches, parks, living rooms, fairs, cruise ships, to a cow, to a dog, birds love me, theaters, wrestling venues, television and radio studios. . . .pretty much anywhere and everywhere."

Q: "When you are on stage, is it just you and your band or do you have back up singers and/or dancers?"

A: "All the above. . .depending on the venue. Usually background tracks, will be with a full band this tour. . .yes on the back up singers, yes on the dancers, theatrics/actors are on or around the stage and in the audience (at times), pretty much think Gospel Rock Opera ala Broadway."

Q: "Do you use any special affects when on stage?"

A: "Fog, Hazers, lasers, spectacular lights, PowerPoint screens, props, motorcycles, costumes, sometimes pyrotechnics (lots of stories there); fireworks (more stories)...anything we can get our hands on to grab purposeful attention to minister and glorify God."

Q: "Do you sign autographs after your concerts?"

A: "Quite a bit. Great honor."

Q: "Do you have a fan club?"

A: "I have a Golden Retriever who loves me...most times...though he does get angry if I go on tour for more than a few days. But no "official" type of club."

Q: "Do you write your own songs?"

A: "Yes. 'Radical' has 10 songs on it, I wrote 8 of them... 'Tribal Nation' has 10 songs on it; I wrote 7...I write songs, and have, for many years."

When I finished my interview with Mark, I had a great sense of a man who is supremely blessed by God with an interesting and unique contemporary Christian, yet Avant Garde musical style and tone of voice. Mark has a true mission in life. A mission he loves and is passionate for and that mission is to bring others to know Christ as he knows Him. In my opinion there is no better mission in life to have.

Mark is a wonderful person to get to know and his music has powerful messages that no one should overlook. I have to admit I am always leery of listening to new music no matter what genre it is. I am a sucker for my favorites, but I decided to give Mark's music a listen. I'm glad I did as I found messages of Christ that were heartfelt and encouraging. One of Mark's songs "Radical", which I first heard on-line at one of his websites, plays in my head off and on throughout the day. It's just one of those tunes that you're not sure why it sticks with you, but you know there must be a reason.

Mark's music reminds me a lot of ZZ Top but with a Christian's twist. His music is very catchy and uplifting and I recommend his music to everyone who is interested in a fresh music style entwined with powerful messages.

To learn more about Mark Shelton, his band, and his mission, visit the following sites:

www.captainradical.com

www.xianz.com/Mark_Shelton

And to buy his music:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/markshelton