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Mike Farris
One of the year's biggest buzz artists in Christian music touches on his love of blues-rock and gospel, his struggles with addiction, and his new life in Christ.
By Andy Argyrakis
posted 07/02/07
What appeals to you most about vintage sounds in your songwriting?
Mike Farris: I've always been drawn to the old sounds, old songs, and old recordings. I love all of Ray Charles' early years, and all the stuff that's come from black American music—even the subject matter and songs of struggle. The songs I'm [covering] on this album are going to be relevant a thousand years from now. That's the kind of stuff that moves me.
What inspired the balance of original songs with covers of classics like "Change Is Gonna Come" and "I'll Take You There" on your CD, Salvation in Lights?
Farris: It would be great if I could give some story about a great vision or concept, but man, I ain't clever enough for that! When I got sober, I didn't know if music was going to be part of my life again, but I did keep my ear to the rails. I started listening to what was happening in Christian music and even tried writing with commercial Christian radio in mind, but nobody was biting. So many of my friends kept telling me to just do what I do, which was the old soul stuff and the bluesy stuff that had some dirt on it and was rough around the edges. As far as the covers go, I'd been incorporating several of them during acoustic shows over the past five years.
You mentioned your struggle with addiction. How were you finally able to get cleaned up?
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Where are you from originally? Winchester, TN
Favorite place you've traveled to? Spain
Best meal you prepare? Cherry cobbler and Tennesee barbeque
Your most annoying habit? I go into a trance when I play guitar or piano, which drives my wife and son a little nuts!
What makes you laugh? SpongeBob
Your favorite website? Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Last good book you read? Brennan Manning's The Ragamuffin Gospel
Last good movie you saw? The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Band/artist you're listening to the most right now? Queens of Stone Age and Buena Vista Social Club.
Band/artist that comes closest to your sound? Fans of Al Green and The Staple Singers will hopefully get into my music.
Age you became a Christian? 21
Your favorite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 5:17
Last lesson God taught you? Discipline. And to be still, wait and listen for his voice.
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Farris: My parents divorced when I was 11 and my dad walked out with no explanation and left us. I turned to drugs at that point, and by 16 I was a full-blown addict. I cleaned up when I was 21 after an overdose and gave it up to God. He revealed this gift of music in me, and pretty soon my band scored a record deal with Atlantic. But then I fell right back into drugs and alcohol. It took me 15 years to find my way out, and as of two years and four months ago, I've been clean. I'm 36 now and I've turned over everything to God.
Are you worried that your new album lacks mainstream or commercial appeal?
Farris: I don't think it has one ounce of mainstream appeal, but once again man, I don't find myself worrying about it anymore. I know where I'm at right now is exactly where God wants me to be and that he'll provide. Sure, I would love to be that person who the media says, "He's the guy who brought this style of music out of our collective attics and polished it up." That's exactly what happened back in the '60s when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards did when they brought their [roots influenced] music to America and said, "Look at what great stuff you've got!"
What do you hope listeners will get from Salvation in Lights?
Farris: I want people to take away a sense of feeling refreshed and invigorated. It's pretty uplifting and the overall theme is the place where grace meets struggle. There's a lot of longings and struggles, but I'm going to get you there and we'll come out on the positive end. God led me to this place and it's a very humbling privilege to be a part of it.
You can read our site's artist page for Mike Farris, or our review of his debut album Salvation in Lights by clicking here. Visit Christianbook.com to listen to song clips and buy his music.
© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.
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