Michael, tell us a little about who you are and where you're from.
I grew up in the small town of Rogersville in upper East Tennessee. I am an only-child, growing up with loving parents. Dad was pastor of a very small missionary Baptist church. I grew up listening to him preach every Sunday. That little church is where I began singing. Before I was five-years-old, I was getting up in church to sing. Dad would pick me up and set me down right on top of the pulpit, and I would sing to the top of my lungs. My fondest memories as a child are singing and worshiping in that little one-room church, attending tent-revivals, listening to dad read from the Bible, and hearing mom sing. This all had a huge impact on my life.
What got you interested in Southern Gospel Music?
I first began to love gospel music while singing in churches with my family. Both my mom and dad had gospel groups of their own. They would travel to churches all over the East Tennessee area and sing. They would do songs they learned from records by The Singing Cookes, The Hinsons, The Inspirations, The McKameys, The Spencers, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and The Isaacs, just to name a few. Those were the songs that I grew up singing, and my love for southern gospel music grew from there.
My cousins and I learned to harmonize with each other even before we were teenagers. We eventually formed our own group and began to sing in churches, talent shows, festivals and at events all across our local area. That group evolved into a southern gospel trio, The Frosts, and we traveled part-time for several years.
When did you discover that you were a serious song writer?
I have written songs since I was a child. In fact, I recall the first song I ever wrote around the age of five or six called "I'll Take My Family." It was song about hoping all of my family would someday be in Heaven. I still remember the melody. My mom probably still has the lyrics safely stored away somewhere.
I remember writing songs even before I was a teenager and standing up to sing them in church. Although I was a shy kid, I was never was shy about sharing songs I had written, even though a lot of them were not very good. To this day, some of my songs turn out good, and many of them don't — but I keep writing. I believe when you're serious about something, you don't give up on it even when it seems discouraging. I was probably 25 years old before anyone ever recorded one of my songs.
What is your inspiration for writing, past experiences, troubles and trials, direct communication with God? Tell us what is behind the birth of your songs.
It wasn't until I faced a real trial in my life that I realized songwriting was part of God's plan for me. That trial was the death of my dad. I was 19-years-old when he suddenly passed away. He was only 39-years-old. The person that had lived such a Godly lifestyle, had been a spiritual leader to so many people, and the person I looked up to, was unexpectedly gone. This was not only a turning point in my life, but also a turning point in my walk with Christ. I recall feeling so lost and confused during that time, but I remembered what dad had taught me - always turn to the word of God no matter what you're facing. That's exactly what I did. I opened the scripture that said come boldly to the throne of grace in your time of need.
I realized that my faith was the only true hope I'll ever have in this life. At that moment, I began to grow stronger in my belief that God cares for me as one of his children. I lost a dad, but I discovered the love of a Father - my heavenly father. That experience is the place from where a lot of my songwriting stems. Many of my songs are about encouragement, seeking the love of God, and finding hope in Christ.
What song that you have written touches you the most? What songs seems to touch other people the most?
It has to be a song called "That's God." It is my testimony in song. It's a song that is personal to me, yet so many people can relate to it. The first line asks, "looking back do you wonder how you made it this far?" The answer is simple - that's God. As I look back over my life, I can see how God worked during times when I didn't know what to do or where to turn, such as the time I lost my dad. The song says if we truly trust in God, he'll take care of us, even when we may not realize it. I was blessed that Heirline recorded and released that song to radio back in 2004. It became a Top Ten hit. I sing it everywhere I go and people know it usually sing along. The song never fails to resonate with an audience or congregation. I included my own version of it on my new solo CD.
I also have a song on the new CD called "God's Gonna Give You A Testimony." This is another lyric people seem to really connect with. The song, which has an upbeat tempo, is about trusting God to help you overcome a trial from which you will receive a testimony that may inspire others. My experience in performing this song has been so encouraging as numerous people have shared with me how the song has lifted their spirits and filled them with hope. I've received so many emails as a result of this song from people telling me how God has given them a testimony.
The new CD also includes a song titled, "If You Could See Yourself (Through My Eyes)" which is the first radio single. The strongest line in the song asks a question, "if Jesus stood before you right now, what would he say?" I believe he would say, "child, if you could see yourself through my eyes, you would see how much you are loved," and the song builds on that message.
Then there is a song called "The Preacher's Son." This is an autobiographical song, a tribute to my dad, and a story about coming to the realization that being raised the son of a preacher is a true blessing, even though I may have taken it for granted. There's a lot of people out there who can relate to growing up a "P.K." (Preacher's Kid).
"Sing Like It's the Last Time" is the title cut from the CD, and it maybe my favorite cut. I have decided that whenever I have an opportunity to sing, whether it's in church, on stage, or in the studio, I should sing as if it would be my last time to stand and sing praises the Lord.
What has signing with Crossroads Music meant to your songwriting career? How do aspiring artists find your music to record?
Over the past few years, I've been blessed to have several songs recorded by some great southern gospel artists. I teamed up with the guys at Crossroads early in 2009 hoping to get my music out to an even wider audience. We agreed to a recording / publishing deal. They have an incredible roster of artists, so I'm hoping I will get a few more of them to record my songs. I'm still relatively new to the company and we're just now getting a few songs pitched. Signing with them has also motivated me to find more time to write. Currently, I have song or two in the works with Daryl Williams, one of the most successful writers out there.
I do get a lot of calls from people wanting to record my material, and I am glad to send out demos to anyone who calls or sends me a request by email.
I also went with Crossroads not only because of a desire to publish more of my songs, but also to record my own project. I love to sing probably as much as I love to write, if not more. In January, I recorded the CD, "Sing Like It's the Last Time," with 10 original songs, and it was released in April through Crossroads on the Pinnacle label. It is my first effort as a soloist. I had some incredible musicians and background vocalists, and I couldn't be more happy with the results.
How did you get involved with the Miracle Theater? What are your jobs there?
In 2005, I attended an open call audition and I was hired to perform at The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. The Miracle is a musical production about the life of Christ. The show opened in 2006 and I am part of the original cast. I have remained with the show for the past four years. Currently, I portray John the Baptist in the show and I am a backup for the role of Jesus. I also serve as host and pre-show soloist.
Often when I sing for pre-show I am able to share one of my original songs. This in turn helps to sell my new CD, which are available in The Miracle gift shop. The pre-show also helps promote a new production at the theater that I am a part of called Exalt. Exalt is a two-hour concert experience that happens on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday nights, and will be held four times a week in 2010. We have five singers, a five-piece band, and we cover different styles of Christian music from hymns, to southern gospel to praise and worship. It is so much fun to sing with a live band. We have an incredible time of worship.
The Miracle brings together a cast of believers who love what they do and know there's a greater purpose for it all. The show itself is meant to minister to people and let them know that Christ is the true and living Savior. If someone needs prayer after the show, we are a cast who will gather around that person right there in the lobby and pray. People from all walks of life come into that theater. Some are hurting, some are down to their lowest point, and some just need a little encouragement. I have seen God move in that place many times. We get wonderful feedback from people who have said the show helped change their lives. That's what ministry is all about. It's very exciting to be a part of something like The Miracle. Working at the theater is so much more than a job. It's a chance to do what I love to do, stand up for what I believe in, and help minister and encourage people all at the same time. It can't get any better than that.
The Miracle is special to me for many reasons. I've met some lifelong friends there. That is also where I met my wife, Jennifer. She joined the cast in 2007 as Mother Mary. We first met in the costume shop. In June of this year, we were married. Jennifer currently plays Martha in the show and also sings in Exalt. She also sings a duet with me on the new CD.
My wife and I have signed on for the 2010 season. We will continue to perform in The Miracle and in the Exalt concert series. I will also be a cast member of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," which is new for the 2010 season. Visit http://www.miracletheater.com
What's in store for the future of Michael Jason Frost?
I am so excited to see where God takes me with my solo ministry and the new CD. The new single, going out to radio in September, is "God's Gonna Give You A Testimony" on Crossroads Airplay Sampler. With the feedback I've been getting on this song from Miracle audiences and church congregations, I am looking forward to seeing how it might make an impact at radio. I am also scheduled to shoot a music video for the song.
I have several solo dates coming up, and I am currently booking selected dates for 2010. In the meantime, I am planning to continue performing at The Miracle Theater as long as God allows. My wife, who is incredibly supportive, wants to continue singing and performing as well, so we are both encouraged to see what God has in store for us.
I also plan to continue writing songs. I always have some ideas brewing in my head.
Basically, I just want to write and sing. I'm so blessed and content in my life right now. God has proven his faithfulness even when I was not. I want to give Him the thanks and praise for it all — and I want to sing like it's the last time.
http://www.michaeljasonfrost.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 10/02/2009
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
I am so proud of Michael...He is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I loved the 4 years i traveled with him...
I'm in agreement with Brenda. Having traveled with Michael before, I can honestly tell you that he is a first-class, humble person who loves Jesus and spreading the Gospel. Kudos to Michael on his solo ministry and his work at the Miracle.
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
