Some are apprehensive of change and don’t welcome it with open arms.
It can bring hardships and difficulties – or new things to learn and
re-learn. Others, however, view change as a chance to spread their
wings and fly. to learn and grow from the past – to take advantage
of new adventures and discover the exciting opportunities that lie
ahead as the stories of our lives unfold.
If you ask Kristin Schweain about change, she may have a thing or
two to tell you.
Raised in a very musical home in Jackson, Missouri, Kristin grew up
with a dream of becoming a professional musician. Following in the
footsteps of her grandfather, Frederic Spies, who was an
accomplished jazz pianist, she began playing the piano as a child,
and wrote her first song at the age of eighteen. After graduating
from highschool, she studied both classical voice and piano at
DePauw University's School of Music in Indiana, at Missouri Baptist
College in St. Louis, Missouri, and at Belmont University in
Nashville, Tennessee.
While attending school in Nashville, Kristin answered an ad on
campus to audition for a local trip-hop band. Following her
audition, Kristin was invited to join the band and they named
themselves Fleau. “I was excited to join the band, because in so
many ways, I loved what they were doing artistically. It was our
mission to break the mold of the typical formulas of pop music by
incorporating down-tempo electronic and hip-hop beats with smooth
jazz inflected melodies.” It was a surprise then when Kristin was
approached by Norman Miller, future manager of ZOEgirl, after she
was spotted by someone from Sparrow Records’ A&R department at the
band’s showcase. Miller elaborated on the new girl group he was
trying to establish and extended an invitation to Kristin to join
the group. Excited by the prospects, but hesitant because of
stylistic differences and her commitment to Fleau, Kristin agreed to
join the group after much prayer and encouragement from those around
her. Not long after, ZOEgirl was born. “I was excited to embrace
this new opportunity with Alisa (Childers) and Chrissy (Katina),
whom I had just met, but felt so connected to in such a short period
of time,” says Kristin. “ZOEgirl was not what any of us were
‘looking for’, yet we knew in our hearts that God had something
really special in store for it.”
When ZOEgirl burst onto the music scene in 2000, the group
immediately earned the title as the fastest-selling debut artist in
Sparrow Records' history. In 2002, the threesome accepted the Dove
Award for Gospel Music Association's New Artist of the Year. With
seven album releases and a string of radio hits, ZOEgirl has toured
with acclaimed Christian artists such as Clay Crosse, Avalon,
Natalie Grant, Newsboys, TobyMac, and Jump5. Then, in 2006, Kristin
and band mates Alisa Childers and Chrissy Katina decided to venture
into different avenues, and after the group’s final performance that
winter, Kristin was faced with new questions about her future and
the many changes that lie ahead. With all of the successes and
accomplishments of ZOEgirl, and always working as one-third of a
group, Kristin was left unsure of her career as a solo artist. “My
work with ZOEgirl brought security and familiarity,” says Kristin.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I knew that I wanted to
pursue my own solo career, but I was a bit intimidated stepping out
on my own, not knowing what people would think of my music. So I
decided to start in the place where I am most comfortable and feel I
know myself best. at my piano.”
February 13th, 2007 brought more change and excitement when Stella
Rose Elisabeth, Kristin and husband Ryan’s first child, made her
entrance into the world. “Motherhood,” says Kristin, “has completely
changed my perspective of life. I look at things in an entirely
different way now – a much more unselfish way. Nothing calls you to
attention more than being a parent. It’s beautiful and challenging
all at the same time.”
Then, in May of 2008, Kristin accepted a position at St. Paul
Lutheran Church in her hometown of Jackson, MO as Associate Music
Director leading worship at the contemporary service. “I know God
has called me here for this season and has a great deal in store for
me,” Kristin says. “I am hopeful and open as this new chapter in my
story begins.”
There’s no doubt that while listening to Days Of Eden, you
will be drawn in by the captivating lyrics and soaring melodies,
coupled with the smooth, angelic vocals of a person whose life has
gone through a long journey of changes and seasons of faith. From
This Is Life, an up-tempo piano-driven song about the ups and
downs of life, to Emma Prayed, a raw and sentimental ballad
about a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn as she prays
for the very first time, there is sure to be a song for everyone on
this project.
Ranging from songs that were written years ago, to material that was
written primarily for this album, you won’t be surprised to feel a
connection with Kristin as you walk with her through her own
personal journey of faith and hear the stories of loved ones that
surround her.
The title track of the record, Days Of Eden, for example, was
written by Kristin in her early days of ZOEgirl. Knowing that the
song wouldn’t fit the stylistic genre and go well with the other
material the group had recorded, Kristin was sure it would
eventually have its time and serve a purpose. “Days of Eden
is a song I have literally waited years to record, and as I was
preparing to make this record, I knew that its time had finally
come. I have always felt so strongly about its message, and knew it
would be the perfect title track for my album.”
No matter where you are in your journey of faith, allow Days Of
Eden to bless your heart, refresh your mind, and captivate your
soul. Be courageous to observe life’s questions left unexamined –
choose to welcome change with open arms as your story unfolds and be
thankful for the opportunities that God has given you.
“I’ve realized recently more profoundly than ever that I've turned
many pages in my life without really seeing what was written, and
there has been much substance overlooked and blessings missed by my
skimming through the content,” Kristin says. “However, God's
promises are true and because of His word and His story, I know that
my ending is great. It's all the chapters and pages that unfold to
get me there that I want to be thankful for. that I choose to be
thankful for.”
1280x1024
1204x768
800x600
1280x1024
1204x768
800x600
