More Than You "Imagine"
Most people know MercyMe from their smash hit, "I Can Only Imagine." But there's much more to these humble Texans than that.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 3/15/2004
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For a bunch of humble Texans who write songs steeped in worship and seem unimpressed by fame and star power, sitting near the top of the Billboard charts with the likes of J-Lo and Justin might seem highly unlikely. But MercyMe's smash "I Can Only Imagine," with its wondrous portrait of heaven, has connected with radio audiences of all faiths—not to mention providing witnessing opportunities with CNN, The Los Angeles Times, and other secular media. But there's more to MercyMe than "Imagine." This band has much to say about impacting listeners beyond the church, and a brand-new musical endeavor they hope will have equal influence. Here's more on that mainstream whirlwind—plus a sneak peek at MM's upcoming project Undone from lead singer Bart Millard and guitarist Mike Scheuchzer.
From left: Jim Bryson (keyboards), BartMillard (vocals), Robby Shaffer (drums),sitting: Mike Scheuchzer (lead guitar), BarryGraul (guitars), Nathan Cochran (bass)
Considering the overwhelming response at radio, how have you seen MercyMe's music reach out beyond worship circles?
Bart MillardWe get a lot of people at shows that have never been to church and came because "Imagine" really did something to them. We always do a plan of salvation, which we're used to doing in church settings, but it's just amazing when people will be moved by it in a concert setting. We've heard from many people that they've just stumbled upon the show after being familiar with "Imagine" and leaving with a completely different outlook on life.
Mike ScheuchzerWe've received e-mail after e-mail, telling one amazing story after the next. A mainstream radio station forwarded us an e-mail they received from a woman who said that hearing "Imagine" on that station changed her life. It had come on that pop station one day and she had to pull over off the road and just started crying. She had been an atheist, and just listening to the song made her realize God loved her and that one day she would die and move on to the afterlife. Before the song hit mainstream, there were always people we knew who said it ministered to them, but to hear stories from those we'd never met, in cities we'd never played, shows just how big God is.
Your Imagine Tour [with Amy Grant and Bebo Norman] has expanded your audience even further. How has that tour connected with people?
ScheuchzerIt's worked out well. Bebo sets the tone for a really worshipful set, and then Amy goes into her set, which is just awesome. Our set comes along, and since we've never been ones to move around that much on stage, we've used video to compliment the music. There's quite a bit of production and lights, which hopefully aren't a distraction from worship, just a compliment.
Millard with drummerRobby Shaffer
Were all those production elements an attempt to raise the bar for Christian artists in concert?
ScheuchzerNow that we've had mainstream attention, we don't want to bow down to it, but we do want people who've looked down on Christian music to think of it as a notch above. We want to show them that God is creative and as Christians we can step it up and take notice. We're spending so much [money] on this tour, we're probably not going to make much, but if it changes people's perception, it's worth it. People have been trying to talk us out of spending so much, since we do need to pay bills and all, but we're committed to making it the best we can.
The tour's also been an introduction point to new tracks from Undone. Tell me about the first single "Here With Me."
ScheuchzerThere's been a really good early response. The thought of a straight-up worship song going to mainstream would normally be unheard of, but this is an exciting time to be in the faith. There's more of an embrace, with Mel Gibson's movie and Christian artists like Switchfoot and Stacie Orrico with mainstream pull. God is setting people up in places to make moves. We're waiting to see what he'll pull with us next!
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