Christian musician Mark Schultz opens up to Suite101 about his new album Renaissance, inspiring tune “Letters from War,” as well as his new book and proud accomplishments.
Schultz Talks About his Upcoming Instrumental Album
“My wife and I went to Europe and I was pretty overwhelmed by the beaches of Normandy and going up to the cemeteries there. I’ve never done an instrumental record before, but this feels like a good place to start. Renaissance was inspired by our trip to Europe,” he says.
“We spent Christmas in Paris, and it was snowing there, so I thought it would be great to write a song about that. We were in Barcelona, Spain, and we some looking at some of the artwork that blew me away. I did not want to forget that moment, so I wrote a song about it. I am really excited about this album. My records have done really well in the past, but this is a new venture for me since I didn’t have to write any lyrics, just the melodies which was refreshing,” he adds.
Schultz Discusses his Song “Letters from War”
Schultz notes that “Letters from War” was based on his great-grandmother in Kansas, who had three sons in World War II.
“I found out that her sons had written to her in the diary that she kept. I found the diary in the attic and I started reading through the letters and tears started to run down my face. I wanted to honor these men with the song,” Schultz acknowledges.
“Letters from War” went on to peak it the Top 5 of the Adult Contemporary Charts.
Schultz Reveals his Proudest Accomplishments
“Three summers ago I rode my bicycle from California to Maine, and I did fifteen concerts along the way. We raised money for widows and orphans with the concerts and the merchandise that we sold. I pedaled my bicycle about 4,000 miles across the country and we raised approximately $250,000. It was an experience that I’ll never forget!” he exclaims.
In addition, Schultz has had ten songs peak at the top of the Billboard Christian Songs Charts, which he dubs as a “cool feeling.”
“I’m grateful that I’ve had a career for ten years making records and I am thankful that people are still listening to my songs and are still buying my music. That’s why I continue to do what I do,” he says.
Schultz Talks About Winning a Dove Award
On winning the 2006 Dove Award for “Best Long Form Music Video of the Year,” Schultz remarks “that was pretty exciting! I always wanted to win for my parents, and I said on stage that I dedicate this award to my mom and dad, who make the trip every year.”
“The next morning there was a knock on my door and it was my mom and I asked her what she was doing. She responded that she was here to the award back home, so they took it from me and it’s sitting at the top of the TV set at my parent’s home,” he adds.
Schultz Discusses his New Book
Regarding his latest book Letters from War, he states “I thought it was important with the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, to honor the troops and their families that have made the sacrifice to keep us safe over the last ten years.”
Schultz’ Future Plans
“I want to continue to write songs that inspire people, and I would like to continue to tour,” he says. “I had so much fun raising money on that fundraiser bike ride across the country. I would love to give my time and energy to folks in need. It felt wonderful to use my platform for a good cause.”
Schultz notes that his dream collaboration choices are Billy Joel and Beyonce. “I’m a huge Beyonce fan! She’s got the best voice I’ve ever heard in life,” he admits.
Schultz Offers Advice for Hopefuls in Christian Music
For hopefuls that aspire to go into Christian music, Schultz recommends they “work hard. Everybody’s story is different. You have to want to succeed, more than you are afraid to fail.”
Schultz Defines Success
“Success for me means making a difference in a positive way while I’m here,” Schultz says. “I am in Christian music, and I hope that people hear the songs and are inspired in a bigger way after listening to my music. I was adopted when I was two weeks old and the fact that I am here getting to do this is unbelievable for me. It’s a dream.”
Many thanks to Mark Schultz for granting this interview!
For more information on Mark Schultz’ music and new book, please visit his official website.
Source
- Telephone Communication. Mark Schultz. August 30, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
