 |
Artist Interview- Rachel Scott:
1. (keith from Indieheaven) Rachel, so good to have you with us on Indieheaven. How did you get started in your ministry?
(rachel) In college when I was studying music performance, I would sneak away to practice rooms and just sit alone at a piano and write songs, worship, and simply pour my heart out to God. It was there that God began showing me that my love for music extended past the box I thought it needed to stay in, past simply the performance of it, but towards an all encompassing direction for my life that didn't require me to separate it from my faith and a desire to reach others for Christ through my gifts. Then a few years later, I was asked to write a song for a friends wedding, and that was just the encouragement I needed to begin writing for my first CD project. Each project since has been an invaluable growth experience that has equipped me for what is next.
2. (keith from Indieheaven) Is there a platform for your ministry, something you are passionate about?
(rachel) Little by little, God keeps helping us narrow in on what that is. In the past few years it has become clear that our focus is first and foremost the gospel of Christ, and more specifically reaching out to the poor, less fortunate, the "least of these" among us. A gospel that doesn't shy away from, but instead forges ahead into areas of life that some may turn a passive eye to. We continue to ask the Lord what that looks like in terms of our ministry and how we go about it. One tangible way we involve ourselves is to be Compassion International partners..both privately in our home, and also as advocates when we travel and do events.
3. (keith from Indieheaven) I understand you have been signed with a label, and now you are independent. What are your feelings about being signed versus being independent. What are the pros and cons of each?
(rachel) Absolutely, I believe that both have their pros and cons. Being signed for the 2 years I was with my first label allowed my husband and I to really "cut our teeth", so to speak, in terms of the music industry..learning the ropes etc. We had the privilege that many artists dream of in terms of distribution, radio play, and connection to others in the field. We are truly grateful, and really feel as though it was in God's plan, so that now we can go forward without the constraint of a contract, but somewhat the knowing and how to. There is always much to learn, so being an independent once again is a bit vulnerable, but exciting at the same time. :)
4. (keith from Indieheaven) Tell us about your latest music project. How did it come to be?
(rachel) "Resolution" is a record compiled of some songs new and old. I had been waiting on God for His timing in regard to a record project. I knew I had some songs that had something to say, but I was dissatisfied with the constraints we were facing with production/budget. It was when I actually had said to God, "If this is not in your will for me, I am truly at peace laying it down and pouring into other areas of my life". It was then that the floodgates opened..and I think God was waiting for my heart to be willing to say.."this is YOUR thing, not mine". To make a long story very short, it was not long after that I was signed to a label, and continued writing with my first producer Dave Lubben to complete the project. I am currently in the early stages of a new record due out in 2011...so excited to be working with Ben Shive and in a similar way, with songs that carry personal, but relevant messages for the listener.
5. (keith from Indieheaven) You minister live all over the country. How do you find these opportunities? How do you serve the church?
(rachel) I am so grateful that my music has been far reaching enough to spark interest in different areas of the country. Many opportunities come our way through contacts my husband/manager makes with fans etc. Like many other artists.there is an element of creating opportunities..but always focusing on "does this fit what we are about?" My husband would say it's about a 50/50 exchange. I would love to say serving the church at large involves me edifying the body of Christ through my music. On a more personal note, I serve my home church as a volunteer worship leader from time to time.
6. (keith from Indieheaven) If you had unlimited resources, what would you do with it?
(rachel) We are a non profit music ministry, so our philosophy is to pour resources back into what we believe God is doing. So first, keeping the main thing the main thing would mean continuing to produce great music that reaches people, but in addition to that seek God in how to make it about more than the music in many ways, especially in regard to being missional towards those in need...the least among us. Also creating God honoring, undeniable worship experiences for people and perhaps supplying more people with music at no charge, doing events/concerts at no charge to churches/attendees. I think that would all be so exciting.
7. (keith from Indieheaven) If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be?
(rachel) Above all things, His presence.
8. (keith from Indieheaven) What are your plans for the future?
(rachel) Just to stay focused on my kids, my husband, and on my relationship with Christ. I pray the overflow of that is a ministry that continues to grow and reach people for His purpose.
9. (keith from Indieheaven) So, your husband, Greg is a real nice guy. Is he your manager and booking agent?
(rachel) Really...you think he's nice? :) He is. Truly, when I doubt what we are doing, he is right there to remind me that this dream and vision was not just birthed in my heart, but in his as well. It is a confirmation to me of it being God's thing that he just poured into both of us. I never had to convince him to join me...in fact he has to convince me to join him at times. Greg is, at this point, both my manager and booking agent..however, more recently we've been working with another booking agent as well, which has lightened some of his load.
10. (keith from Indieheaven) Vanilla or Chocolate, and why?
(rachel) I don't discriminate. :)
WEBSITES:
Learn more about Rachel Scott and her music over on her Indieheaven Profile
Rachel Scott Website
BACK TO NEW INDIE TUESDAY ARTIST LIST
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
