|
|
||
Chris Sligh kicks off the new school year at Fredericksburg Christian High Date published: 8/28/2008
by annette jones
Former "American Idol" finalist Chris Sligh says it is always fun when he gets a chance to do a show for teenagers. The contemporary Christian musician will be entertaining in the Fredericksburg area when he performs at Fredericksburg Christian High tomorrow in a back-to-school concert. "Kids are a huge part of where my music connects," Sligh, 30, said recently in a phone interview. "It's always nice to do a show specifically for the teenagers." His hit "Empty Me" was written about his "Idol" experience. It talks about how a little bit of spotlight can be seductive enough to draw someone away from his faith. It's an interesting take from someone who was kicked out of Bob Jones University his senior year because he attended a Christian concert. The band he saw that night, 4Him, couldn't be considered irreverent. Sligh doesn't see being kicked out of Bob Jones as a negative, though. "Ultimately, I'm not in control of my life," he said. He finished his degree at North Greenville College in South Carolina. "It was an incredible experience of seeing this larger picture of who God is," Sligh said. "I don't think I would have seen it in the same way if I hadn't got kicked out of Bob Jones." As for the "American Idol" experience, Sligh said it was great, career-wise. He had been traveling as an independent artist for seven or eight years. "It gave record labels a reason to pull the trigger," Sligh said. "That's publicity you just can't buy." And Sligh would know. During those seven or eight years he worked a variety of jobs--from delivering pizza to building BMWs. "[I had to] go through really crappy jobs so that I could do music on the side," Sligh said. "I love music, but I hate what I had to do." His parents are more supportive now, too. Growing up the son of missionary parents, he really gave them pause when he opted out of pre-law for musical studies. "It's a little bit easier when your son is making money, or has the chance to make money, being a musician," he said. Sligh tries to turn his concerts into an "event." He said that in the Christian music industry, concerts are more about worship moments. Not with his shows. "Our view is that God is pleased about entertainment, too." Annette Jones: 540/368-5046
Date published: 8/28/2008
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
|||||||||||||||
