Interview on "Making it Big" :-)

I consented to an interview to be read by students on campus in the Philippines. Here are my answers:

Advice for aspiring talent on "making it big":

1. Be true to yourself—KNOW yourself (values, etc.)
2. Know your musical style—“what you want to say” and be true to that
3. Get to know “who you are” and don’t compromise on that
4. Do whatever you do in excellence
5. As a Christian, know that God declares the end from the beginning, and He wants to be glorified through the process of accomplishing any goal. Any compromise of what the Bible says is not of God, and the answer is “No”.
6. God gives us a reward greater than this world can give.
7. Live for God’s pleasure and HE WILL BE FAITHFUL
8. God’s plans are higher than ours—purpose first to glorify Him with your HEART
9. Flee temptation—sin is a lie; God never requires us to sin to accomplish something in the end that we may believe will “bring Him glory”
10. A life “hidden with Christ in God” is the best life on earth.

Tips to expand God given talent:

1. When singing in front of a crowd, give the opportunity to God, so that even if it does not go perfectly He can be glorified. Purpose to show His love no matter what. (This will cure being nervous.)
2. Know that singing to God is first, and that He is glorified from a HEART of worship to Him (and not living for man’s applause.)
3. Turn down any song or acting role that hurts God.
4. Love God more than the talent He has given you.
5. Learn some basic warm-up techniques vocally from a vocal coach
6. Drink a lot of water and warm water with ginger when recording
7. Take care of the body. Singing is very, very physical.
8. Don’t sing when hoarse, because it can cause nodules on the throat.
9. Practice, practice, practice to do your BEST for God’s glory. Expect only the best and don’t settle for less.
10. Keep in mind that God never gave us talent for this world. He wants all of the glory. Living in obedience (Romans 12:1) is the best way to guard against pride.