John Schlitt

For nearly twenty years John Schlitt held his position as the lead singer of legendary Christian rock band, Petra. Inspired by his own wayward past to encourage younger generations to follow the path of Jesus, Schlitt gave his all during that tenure, always leaving it all on stage and always putting his faith first.

With the recent dismantling of that legendary band and the subsequent release of Schlitt’s third solo project, The Grafting, Soul-Audio caught up with the rocker for a few moments to discuss his current projects as well as probe his thoughts about the past.

Soul-Audio: I’d love to start with your place and calling right now in the music scene as compared to when you first started. After so many years in the business, do you feel that your own calling has changed?

John Schlitt: Not at all. I feel it has always been a calling to lift up Jesus Christ and His commission to us by singing and speaking.

SA: Was it a difficult decision to record another solo record or was it a matter of it being an obvious decision – can you tell us what led to it?

John: Most certainly an obvious decision. Since Petra has retired my responsibility toward the band had ended. I now had the time to concentrate and record another solo album.

SA: Also, this project with Bob Hartman – can you tell us about Vertical Expressions?

John: Vertical Expressions was a result of a request for the two of us to lead praise and worship at a college in Canada with a local band. As we were preparing an example CD for the local band we realized we could actually put together a praise and worship CD and we did!

SA: Are there more projects with Bob coming?

John: No, I don’t think so. At this time Bob is happily retired.

SA: Has Petra officially closed the book? So many bands leave and come back so is it a ‘never say never’ thing?

Schlitt: Yes, Petra has officially closed. But, I will say, as you have “Never say never.”

SA: Going back to The Grafting, what is the theme behind that title?

John: The Grafting is also the title of one of the songs on the CD. The theme of the song is God’s sacrificial love for us and celebrates the love and courage of single women who choose life over death for their child.

SA: It’s been 12 years since Unfit for Swine came out – what was the same in the studio and what was different this time around?

John: It’s the same in that I have been blessed to have great producers. The difference is that The Grafting is an independent project.

SA: I’d like to talk Petra for a second to just look at the retrospective – when you look back at specific albums, are there particular emotions that come through? For example, what do you think of when you think back to This Means War!?

John: When I think back I have very fond memories about so many of the albums…..This Means War! being one of them. The title was so appropriate for the direction we felt God was leading us. We knew for a fact there was and continues to be a spiritual war going on.

SA: What about Beyond Belief?

John: Beyond Belief is by far our best selling CD. It has so many amazing songs that say so much! It truly is a very good CD. Bob’s writing was amazing.

SA: Finally, what about No Doubt?

John: I’m so glad you asked me about No Doubt. I truly believe it’s one of our most underrated CD’s we’ve ever put out. For whatever circumstances there were at the time it just seemed to be ignored.

SA: Ultimately, what musical legacy do you hope to leave when all is said and done?

John: I hope that all the projects I was involved with will be considered professional. And, most importantly, that the ministry themes are totally clear and useful in strengthening the listener’s faith.

• www.johnwschlitt.com
• www.myspace.com/johnschlitt

↓ One comment

#1 David Guion on July 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Hey Matt,

Great interview transcript with John Schlitt.

Thanks.

David Guion
http://www.one24worship.com/

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