Speaking the People's Language
In light of her success as a crossover artist, Stacie Orrico addresses critics who say she's no longer grounded in faith. Also, beginning July 22, come to ChristianityToday.com to watch her new music video, "(There's Gotta Be) More to Life."
by Michael Herman | posted 7/21/2003
 1 of 3
Since she was a little girl, 17-year-old Stacie Orrico has known she could reach people with the universal language of music. Her first two CDs, Genuine (ForeFront, 2000) and Christmas Wish (ForeFront, 2001), both reached a primarily Christian audience. But her third CD, Stacie Orrico (Virgin/ForeFront), is reaching much more of the mainstream—thanks in large part to a deal with Virgin Records and MTV airplay of her first video single, "Stuck." Christians have criticized her for "going secular," but take it from us—Stacie is one of the most solid Christians and level-headed artists we've ever interviewed. A strong supporting cast of family and friends keeps her accountable and rooted in the faith.
What are some things you're really excited about right now?
Stacie: It would start with getting the opportunity to do something that I've dreamed of for a long time. But I don't think it even has to do directly with music. I grew up in a missionary family. I grew up with thinking that I wanted to go out into the world and bring God to people who didn't know him. I was a seven-year-old trying to share Jesus with younger kids. And I didn't even speak their language. Music has been that outlet for me.
So, getting the chance to go out into a world that's so dark and tell them about Jesus is thrilling!
Speaking of languages, how is music a language in itself, and how do you "speak" it?
Stacie: Music is an incredible tool, and everyone can be reached through music.
People ask me things like, "How do you feel about Eminem?" I have to say I don't agree with the points he takes on things, but he has mastered the art of reaching kids with music. The reason people love him so much is, yeah he's angry and he's gross, but there are a lot of angry kids out there who listen to what he says and agree with him.
I want to reach kids in the same way, but from the opposite side. I want to be able to talk about some of the things I go through—even as a Christian girl. There are things I deal with and struggle with that I'm able to put into words and then into music.
It starts with the hook, something that gets stuck in someone's head. Whereas, you might read a spiritual book, but not have the words of a passage running through your head all day. But that occurs with a song.
Another thing about music is it's easy to memorize. So it's important for me to write about my experiences in a way that leaves the listener with something to encourage or challenge them. That's why I branch out in my writing and don't just sing about spiritual things.
Tell me about your songwriting process.
Stacie: Some of them begin at a piano, and some of them begin with tracks. I'll usually write at the piano for ballads, and for more upbeat stuff I'll sit down with the producer or a programmer. Then I'll say, "Okay, let's try to lay down a beat like this," and then we work on it and play a bunch of sounds with it.
Which of your songs are you particularly proud of?
Stacie: On the new album, my favorite is, "I Won't Look Back." It's about how the decisions I'm making now are really important. Even though our moms and dads tell us about the importance of making good choices, we often think our decisions at a young age don't really matter—at least not until I'm married or in a good job or something.
I'll have to look back someday and see all of the decisions I've made and realize how they've affected me. I was really passionate about that one. I love to sing it and it was fun to record.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free!
|
 |
|
Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only.
If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| 
