Spirit Radio Interview
Spirit Radio: Where are you from originally and what sort of things were you into growing up?
MJ:
I have always lived in the Pittsburgh area. I was a very active youth. I became a certified youth counselor at the age of 14. I spent most of my teen years traveling around to different summer camps and youth events performing and preaching. I was also very much involved in racing dirt bikes and other sports like Football, Basketball and Golf. I was also very interested in anything to do with computers. I am still into most of those things today in some level or another.SR: How did you get started in the music business?
MJ:
Music has always been a very big part of my life, but mixing music for plays and dramas has to be the very early stages of what I do now. After that came writing and performing original songs and then teaching and performing in dance shows. Once all of that was combined, I had enough for a full show then the first CD and so on. It’s a long road from there to now but it all put together, is what I am doing now. From MCing and DJing to the studio work, I have learned for other projects and combined the knowledge, and it all put together, is me, MJ. .SR: How long have you been doing what you are doing now?
MJ:
I have been doing this type of full show for around 7 years. .SR: Who were some of your musical influences?
MJ:
My parents were into Big Band music. My brothers and sisters were into 70s rock and disco. That, along with different styles of dance music I was into, creates a mix of what I do today. I love the driving beats of rap and techno, but I also love a strong vocal and powerful melody lines. I like just about everything but country music.SR: For those who may not have heard you before, how would you describe your music?
MJ:
High energy dance music with Jesus right up front. .SR: What would you say that most of your songs are about?
MJ:
Jesus! But to be more specific, encouraging others to overcome the devils attacks through Gods joy. Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. .SR: What are your feelings toward Christians listening to secular music?
MJ:
The Bible should be our measuring stick for all things. If the words or attitude of the person performing the song does not in anyway contradict the commands of the Bible or example of what Jesus lived. I believe its ok. I also believe most people would never take the time to run their favorite music through this fine of a filter. .SR: How has God been working in your life lately? What things has He been teaching you?
MJ:
FAITH!!! Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. This means trusting God to show you the NEXT step and not 10 or 20 feet ahead. We all want to know the future, but we never want to trust God with our future. .SR: What is the most important thing that you would like people to take away from your music or live shows?
MJ:
A new relationship with God or encouragement to take the God they already know to those who don't know Him. John 21:17 "Jesus said, Feed my sheep. .SR: What is your favorite bible verse?
MJ:
Josh 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. .SR: What things do you like to do in your spare time?
MJ:
I enjoy most sports. Anything that involves movement. Running, dancing, b-ball, football and sometimes Golf. .SR: Who is your favorite Christian artist?
MJ:
Right now I would say a group called Salvador. Its latin-dance music.