OnlineHost: Copyright 1995 Christianity Online; licensed to America Online, Inc.
OnlineHost: From the explosive 1984 release of The Yellow And Black Attack from Stryper, Sweet's former band and Christian music's first supergroup, to his highly acclaimed 1994 self-titled solo debut undertaking, Michael has had more than a taste of sweet success. With his latest album, REAL, he seems to continue with the same high energy.
OnlineHost: Your host is Norma II (AOLiveMC2).
AOLiveMC2: Good evening and welcome, Michael!
Sweet Live: Thanks for having me, this is so weird. I've never done anything like this before.
AOLiveMC2: Here is our first audience question.
Question: Michael, did you grow up loving the Lord, or did you find that love later on?
Sweet Live: It's yes and no. I grew up loving the Lord then walked away. I found the Lord again when I turned 20 when Stryper formed.
Question: Michael, what made you decide to use the acoustic guitar in your new album?
Sweet Live: I was too lazy to go to my storage and get my amp and electric guitar. So I just wrote everything on my acoustic guitar. I liked it so much that I decided to stay with it. I don't know what I'll do in the future though.
Question: How do I get started in the Christian music business?
Sweet Live: Practice and pray. If the Lord has called you to the industry, He will find a way to get you in. The practical side is recording demos and play a lot. I got started through my family. My parents were singers and its all I ever wanted to do.
Question: How has living on the Cape changed you musically?
Sweet Live: We'll know on the next record. I haven't written anything since I've been here. I think it will be better because there is so much more inspiration here. Less concrete and smog.
Question: What Stryper songs will you play in concert? What songs off of the Michael Sweet album will be included?
Sweet Live: I can't really say what of my songs will be played, but Stryper songs will include, Honestly, Singing I mean Shining Star, Always There for You, Free, and Calling on You, and possibly To Hell with the Devil.
Question: Mr. Sweet, I was involved in Christian music for a long time, but never went "commercial" because it seemed to "money oriented". Also, seeing how quick the "Christian Music Industry" is to "crucify" its own kept me away. Has that changed, if so how?
Sweet Live: When I first began we went after the cross-over market because we wanted to reach the unsaved. Being on a secular label, It's hard for me to answer that question because we weren't you typical Christian group and we weren't doing it for the money. We did it because we loved it. It is easy to get caught up in the money when we were making money, but we stayed focused on our goal. About 'crucifying', I don't know how much that happens.
Question: Hi Michael. I am David, age 33. I bumped into you once coming out of the movie theater in La Mirada. I saw you and Stryper at the Warner Theater in DC back in 87. Good show! I have heard your solo album, its good. Why did you move to Mass, of all places, and what are the other guys doing? You seem to have come out ahead of them.
Sweet Live: I moved to Mass because my wife is from here originally. It seemed like a great place to start a new life. The other guys are still pursuing music and you should be hearing from them soon.
Question: What advice could you offer to a struggling Christian college student that has been on the verge of suicide and on the "rocky" part with his relationship with God?
Sweet Live: That is a tough one. I've been through some really deep valleys in my life, but because I gave my problems to God He was able to pull me through. I suggest that you give your problems to Him as well. Hang with other Christians for fellowship and encouragement. That is very important.
Question: Your last Stryper Album did not seem to have any references to Christ. Was that a decision made by the group? What message do you want to communicate through your music?
Sweet Live: It did have references to Christ but not like the first three. It was a lot more subtle. We were also going through a rebellious stage in our lives, so the record was a lot tougher musically and lyrically than people were used to.
Question: Who are some of your favorite bands now?
Sweet Live: I still like a lot of the groups from the 70's and 80's like Bad Co., Credence ClearWater, Sweet, Journey, Van Halen (old), those are my musical roots. As far as Christian bands, I like DC Talk because they do it the right way, No compromise in the lyrics or quality.
Question: Why did Stryper go secular and then break up?
Sweet Live: We never went secular. We just tried something different that wasn't secular. I left the group because God called me out to do what I'm doing now. Who knows, we may even reunite someday.
OnlineHost: If you joined in late, we are talking to Christian musician, Michael Sweet!
Question: How important is prayer in your life?
Sweet Live: Extremely important. It's my chance and opportunity to speak and communicate with God. And every time I speak with Him, I get closer to Him. And to see the prayers answered...There is nothing like it.
Question: Michael, are there any music videos from you on their way?
Sweet Live: There is a home video that is should still be available from the first record but nothing from the new record "Real" yet. After the new year there will be.
Question: When do you plan to tour with "Real"? I can't think of the name of the song, but will track 8 be included in the live set?
Sweet Live: Track 8 is "Why" and it will be included in the live set. The tour should start in late Feb. Nothing is confirmed yet.
Question: I love "Ain't No Safe Way". Can you talk about it a little??
Sweet Live: It is what is says. There are still a lot of people promoting safe sex, but I don't believe in that theory. I think you should marry the one you love or don't have sex at all. That is the only way to have "safe sex", With the person you're married to.
Question: Do you plan on recording with Robert, your brother?
Sweet Live: No plans to record yet, but who knows?
Question: How did you and the other guitarist come up with the "double-lead" guitar style that typified many of your songs
Sweet Live: I would work out a solo and then Oz would work out a harmony. Some people liked it and it just became part of our sound. At the time not many people were doing it.
Question: How long have you been doing this solo project? And what are the other members up to?
Sweet Live: I've been doing the solo project for about 3 years so far. The other members are living in CA pursuing their own music careers.
Question: Are your albums carried in secular stores these days? Or do we have to go to a Christian book store to find your album?
Sweet Live: You can find the album in Blockbuster, Camelot, Tower Records, Wal-Mart, K-mart, and Target. If you cant find it, request it and ask them to order it.
Question: Is your brother Robert working on anything right now?
Sweet Live: Not that I know of.
Question: I recently saw a stand-up poster of you and your guitar. Although it was kind of cool, I thought that it was kind of money-oriented. Explain.
Sweet Live: It is a marketing tool to help sell records. You may want to ask the record company. They make all of those decisions. I don't understand what you mean by "money-oriented" though.
Question: What do you think about the direction of the music scene today and how the Christian music scene has evolved?
Sweet Live: I think CCM need to evolve a lot more than it is. But I do see it changing and that is very exciting I think companies and artists need to take more chances and not be so safe with the way that they do things.
Question: You like secular rock and roll, God had me smash all of that stuff, He allowed me to heat the forces behind it, why still listen to that stuff?
Sweet Live: Musically those artists are my influences, but I don't listen to much music anymore. Christian or secular. But if some Christian wants to listen to secular music, that is between them and God. Kind of like going to movies, should Christians not go to movies?
Question: Do you have fan club or address where we could send you letters of encouragement?
Sweet Live: Yes. But I don't know it right now. It is on the records and Christianity Online will post it in My area online.
Question: Michael, is there any chance you will be touring anytime soon in the New England area?
Sweet Live: If a tour happens, definitely. We will tour throughout New England and the rest of the country. We don't have cities yet, so don't ask. Sorry.
Question: Did you have any vocal training?
Sweet Live: I had two lessons as a group with Tim and Robert with Elizabeth Sabin in LA. Other than that, lots of practice.
Question: When did you become a Christian?
Sweet Live: When I was 12, I fell away and rededicated my life when I was 20. (Only 4 years ago)
AOLiveMC2: Looks like we are out of time. This will be the last question:
Question: What are your plans for the future?
Sweet Live: To keep writing and performing. It's all I do and all I've ever done. I'm always writing in my head, and when I'm an old man I'll be writing and looking for a record deal; Even when I'm 70 years old.
AOLiveMC2: Thanks for joining us tonight, Michael it has been a pleasure!
Sweet Live: Thanks for having me. It went so fast. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I hope do see you again Online and On-tour. Have a great night.
AOLiveMC2: Thanks to our audience for your questions. For a transcript of this event, Go To Keyword: Center Stage within the next 24 hours.
OnlineHost: Copyright 1995 Christianity Online; licensed to America Online, Inc.
