Ronnie Freeman

by Jenny Bennett 

Young singer/songwriter Ronnie Freeman has a way with words, so as a Christian, it's appropriate that his upcoming album is titled God Speaking. Yet as the nature of music implies, words are not the only way God speaks, and you'll find this album to be a compelling example of that piece of the mystery.

His lyrics are certainly a hallmark of the album, but I don't want to play down the impact of his self-described "laid-back pop" style, which has been supplemented by more opportunities recently to play with a four-piece band (piano, guitar, bass and violin). "Even an up-tempo piece can sound like a ballad or mid-tempo if it's just me and the piano," he says.

Violin and piano (he mentions he listens to a lot of classical music) are a good indication of the beauty of the music, which through God Speaking, provides a backdrop for the poetic quality found in his work. As believers seeking the truth, our first attempt to give meaning to our spirituality is often through language – a tool we have to communicate with God through prayer, fellowship with others, reading the Bible, and sometimes above all, words set to music. And the words behind Ronnie's music are worshipful, Biblical, and full of thanksgiving, yet are deep enough to ask tough questions like Have you ever lost a loved one who you thought should still be here? Do you know what it feels like to be tangled up in fear?

That's a line from the album's title track – which Ronnie began writing after being so inspired by Nichole Nordeman's album Brave – that he pulled over to the side of the road and jotted down the first line. That was the beginning of the song that would eventually inspire another Christian artist – Mandisa of American Idol fame – so strongly that she would choose to record it on her album True Beauty.

Ronnie doesn't dwell on the fact that he's inspired others, but focuses on who he's inspired by. The answer comes as no surprise. "The most current influence on me right now is Nichole Nordeman," he says. "If I aspire to hit a mark, it's been her ability to blend art and ministry with what appeals to the listeners, while maintaining integrity in her lyrics."

He seems to emulate that quite well. Pointing to that ability is his eloquent answer to those tough questions we mentioned, which is unassuming enough to come in the form of more questions: What if he's somehow involved? What if he's speaking through it all?, and persuasive enough to tie up loose ends with the chorus:

Who knows how he'll get a hold of us.
Get our attention to prove he is enough.
He'll do and he'll use whatever he wants to, to tell us 'I love you.'
His ways are higher. His ways are better.
And though sometimes strange, what could be stranger than God in a manger?

When you read the way he writes, it's not hard to sense his ability to connect with listeners.

"My biggest tool is remembering my own problems and weaknesses that I bring to the stage, along with the stuff that I've written and co-written out of that weakness," he says. "My advice to other artists would be 'Don't forget where God has brought you from.' If you forget, you can accidentally step onto a pedestal and start pretending like you don't have any problems of your own."

Being on stage can be a nervewracking experience. How does Ronnie make sure he's connecting when he's in the moment on stage?

"Yes, I get stage fright!," he admits. "Every time. My biggest fear is forgetting the words to my own songs, but I'll just stop my band and tell everyone 'I forgot the words!', and luckily the audience gets a kick out of it."

Ronnie Freeman is a likeable guy, in part because the different aspects of his personality are easy to relate to. His fun-loving side does not always carry over into the studio. "Sometimes I get mad during the vocal production process. Contrary to popular belief, being in the studio is a lot of work. Sometimes it takes an hour and a half just to get one vocal just right."

From a natural stage presence (those imperfect elements are what make it real), to the long hours of time spent recording – Ronnie has translated all of this into a beautiful album. If you've seen him in concert or get a sense for how well he relates to an audience, you will not be disappointed by what he's been able to transfer to his work in the studio – his natural ability to bring his spirituality and personality to the listeners.

ronniefreemanonline.com 
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