Email interview with Michael Sweet, lead singer for Stryper
July 13, 2006

www.michaelsweet.com
www.stryper.com

Michael Sweet may be a Christian, but that doesn’t prevent him from being a stone rock & roller. The co-founder (with his brother Robert) and lead singer of perhaps the most popular Christian rock band ever, Stryper, is back with a solo album on Restless Records/Diamente, "Truth", (co-produced by Bob Marlettte) which shows his devotion to his craft is at least as strong as his devotion to his faith. "I don’t mind being called a Christian rocker unless it gets in the way of people giving my music a chance to be heard", says the one time Dove Award nominee of the new album, which was over two years in the making. "I’m not ashamed of my beliefs."

Dennis: What an honor to be interviewing you. I can remember when I was in Jr High at the talent show students performing "To Hell With the Devil" dressed in the famous black and yellow! You are a true pioneer in Christian music. Did you ever think all those years back that Stryper would have been successful as they are and you now doing solo music as well?
Michael: To be honest I didn't think about it. It was such a blur back in those days due to continuous touring and recording. We were in awe of what God was doing at the time. I do think of it now and I'm so happy and honored to be able to give back to God all that He has given to me. I have different sides musically and it's great to be able to show those differences.

Dennis: Your latest release, HIM, is an amazing and inspirational disc full of classic hymns. What let you to do HIM?
Michael: For the longest time I wanted to do a worship/hymn project. I'm not really that familiar with a lot of the old traditional hymns. I started leading worship at my church and many people would come up to me after the service requesting an old hymn. Most of the time I would respond with "I'll have to learn that one". So, I finally purchased a hymnal/devotional and one evening began to read the words to a handful of old hymns. The lyrics moved me so much, I felt led to re-write the music to some of these powerful words. That's how "Him" came to be!

Dennis: It is obvious from listening to this album that you are truly being moved by the lyrics. How would you encourage teens and others to dive into this old tradition, that at first glance, they many not be interested in listening to the old hymns?
Michael: I would also encourage others to find an hymnal and read the words. For me, a lot of the melodies didn't really do it for me but reading the words moved me in a whole new way. I think it might have the same effect on others who read the words first. The words are so anointed and that anointing touches the soul.

Dennis: The music is beautifully done on the album with a new face on the tracks. What led you to redo them musically?
Michael: I was inspired by the words/lyrics. After reading and praying, the music began to flow. It was such an amazing experience to be able to experiment and write new music to the old hymns. It's been on my heart for a long time - to be able to do something like this and to see it become a reality is such a gift.

Dennis: OK, so I have to ask some Stryper questions! You guys are back and touring again. What was the final straw that brought you guys back into the current music scene?
Michael: We did a show with our new bassist, Tracy Ferrie in late 2004 and after we returned home, I felt like it was time to officially re-unite. I contacted Rob, Oz and Tracy and they agreed. We then began planning for the release of "Reborn" and now we have a new record, have toured and will continue to tour and record. It's mind blowing to see all the people come out to the shows in support of what we do. God is so good!!!

Dennis: I run a college ministry and I tell our group that the way we find our strength in Christ is if when we fall down that we are willing to let Him pick us back up. I'm sure there have been times in your life and career that you have hit the bottom. Is there a time you can think of that may be encouraging to our readers to see how you handled that.
Michael: When my family and I moved from the west coast to the east coast in 1995, things began to slowly fade for me as far as recording and touring goes. I worked for a family business for 4 years and I actually packed up all of my equipment and put it in a closet. It seemed as if every door just kept closing and closing. Once I gave everything up and let God lead truly, doors began to open again. I learned that I was always trying to make things happen and because of that, I was limiting God. Once I let go and let God, my life began to change. From 1999 to present, so much has happened and it's been an amazing ride that God has been leading. I will continue to follow His lead and encourage others to do so as well.

Dennis: Stryper helped pave the wave from crossover bands. What are your thoughts on the trends you see within the Christian metal and hardcore scenes?
Michael: My son Mikey keeps me updated on new music. He'll hand me a disc and say "check this out". I've gotten into bands like Underoath, Norma Jean, Blindside, Relient K, Switchfoot and many others from Mikey telling me to check it out. Because I try to stay up on new music, I think it's influenced me to try new things and experiment even more in the studio. There are so many incredibly talented bands out there and I applaud those who take a stand for Christ.

Dennis: How have you and Stryper evolved as ministers?
Michael: Well, we have been around for a long, long time so we've been fortunate enough to see so much and to be apart of so much. Because of that, it's made us the men we are today and I think we are stronger and more focused than we've ever been. We have such a strong desire to serve The Lord and to encourage others to serve The Lord as well. That it what's it's all about for us.

Dennis: You and the band were such an inspiration to so many people. You guys also took a lot of slack from very legalistic people. We have a ton of readers that have been pushed away by the church, what would you say to them?
Michael: Follow God, not man.

Dennis: We always ask this question and many bands would probably answer with, 'Stryper.' If you could pick a band for Stryper to tour with past or present, who would it be and why?
Michael: Blindside. We just did a show with them in Sweden and we were blown away by their musicianship but more importantly, their hearts. They are awesome guys and an awesome band. I think it would be a great show and definitely a very cool hang!