About Gylchris:  Born in Peurto Rico and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, tenor Gylchris Sprauve credits his diverse background with fostering his ability to perform opera, oratorio, gospel, Christian contemporary and world music.  His solo project, entitled Finish Line, debuted in the spring of 2004.

When did you first start singing?

Well, I don't remember a definite start.  I grew up in a singing family.  Both my grandmothers sang, my mother sang, my father sang, my older brother was already singing by the time I came on the scene. Maybe I was singing in the womb...hmm...yeah...(smile)

As a child, what was one of your favorite church songs?

This little light of mine.

What gospel artist inspired you the most growing up and who inspires you now?

Hmm...there were quite a few artists that inspired me on almost the same level, but I'd have to say that Larnelle Harris comes at the top of the list.  I could never sing as high as he does, but his combination of the classical training and the soulful sound was exactly what I was looking for, as my voice doesn't lend itself to "down-home gospel" very well.  Today, my influences draw from a wider scope of singers, Christian and non.  I've been moving into a new direction of singing Christian music that represents the different cultures outside of the USA. In order to do these musical traditions justice, I've got to listen more closely to authentic singers. Honestly, I'm not particularly happy with the direction that Christian music has taken, so I choose to listen less, and focus my attention on tried-and-true ingredients that result in good singing: good technique, and a fierce commitment to singing what I really mean, and meaning what I really sing.

How did you begin composing music?

Let's see...I started out when I was around 14 or so. I was born in the 1970's, so by that time, the 80's were in full swing, with some great music-making going on.  I remember writing a song based on Psalm 46, and sheepishly performing it on a concert somewhere...I think it may have been a concert that Denise Barclay (we grew up together in the Virgin Islands) did!  It was a cool experience, but I wasn't yet convinced that it would be my path.

What is the largest group of people you have conducted?

Definitely the CPC Mass choir circa 1996-1997.

As a composer, what's the secret to combining voices and instruments so that every note can be heard?

Well, you've got to think in terms of balance.  Each instrument and voice speaks differently in their different registers, and so once you understand how that works, you weave a fabric of sound that will allow everyone to speak comfortably and be heard.  If you want to write something for the voice to sing unamplified, then the strength or weakness of the voice will guide you in your choice of instrumental accompaniment.  If the singer will be miked, then that's not as much an issue.  And the list of secrets go on and on...

Do you get nervous before you minister?

Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. "Nervous" as in knees knocking and the like, no; unless it's a new song that I'm unsure that the public will like it.  Then we have serious issues. But usually a reality check and prayer gets me on track.

How long have you been an independent artist?

Well, I've been an independent artist officially for 2 years.  It's been a rough road, but God's been awesome.
 
What Christian artist would you most like to sing a duet with?

There are two; Larnelle Harris and Bob Carlisle.

Where do you see Christian music headed in the years to come?

Well, if it follows the current trend of popular music, it'll be headed straight to the trash can.  I am amazed at how uninteresting Christian music has become from the musical standpoint.  3 or 4 chords (that's fine for a few things, but not EVERY song) with a loop that goes round and round, cheating the listener out of the glories of musical and vocal expression.  Perhaps my having grown up in the 80's and early 90's is influencing my response.  Back then, music was real music.  Musicians studied, read, and composed for the voice in a way that called the listener to experience a wider range of emotional expression.  Today, it's all simplified and dumbed-down.  Is anybody else feeling the way I do? There is one artist who is on top of the market now, whose music I deeply respect: Donnie McClurkin. I believe that he carries on that high-quality tradition from the 80's and 90's. I hope to count within the group that makes music like he does.

What is one of your favorite hobbies outside of music?

Aw, does it have to be one?  I've got three!  Traveling, studying languages, and cooking.

What's a special experience that you and God have shared lately?

I recently experienced the death of a dear old friend who was like my grandmother.  The last time that I visited her, I felt the inspiration to take note of everything because it could be the last time spent with her.  I stopped, took a real hard last look.  I listened closely, taking everything in, and then her last words were, "I love you, baby...I sure do..."  When I got the news of her death, I could only raise my voice in praise and thanks to God for having shared such a wonderful person with me.  I laughed all week long before the funeral, remembering her cheerful spirit and her sense of humor, and then it all hit-- the night before the funeral.  All of the pent-up frustration over the loss was released only when I got up out of the bed at 11:30pm and within a painful hour penned the words to a new song that will be on the next project.  God wants good to come from this loss, even if it only saves me.  I'm growing in my understanding of His real agenda-- to get me where He is.

Where are some of the countries that you have visited lately and what has it been like ministering to people in a different country?

I just recently visited Brazil, earlier in the year I was in Wales, and Argentina.  Ministering in another country is rather exciting; it's amazing to see God working through translation.  I don't yet sing the songs from Finish Line in translation.  I have projected translation, much like if you went to the opera or watched a foreign film.  I am always touched and blessed by the many people whose faces light up as I sing a phrase in English, they read the text in their language, and then they respond.  I thank God for the gift of tongues, because later I'm able to connect with the crowd on a deeper level that humanizes me to them.  I encourage every artist to learn another language or two.  It really makes a difference.

What is your inspiration for writing a new song?

It all depends.  It could be a conversation with a friend that makes me aware of my great need, or their great need.  It could be the death of a friend, world events that point my attention to Jesus' return, or simply the desire to show someone how much I love and appreciate them.  And then, there are experiences that I have with God that compel me to write.

As a musician, what are you looking forward to most, when you get to Heaven?

As a musician, I'm interested in fulfilling my dream of playing some hand percussion to get the heavenly parade of nations on the way. Heaven will be the place for all nations, kindreds, and tongues to shine in all their variety, without the prejudice that has led some cultures to feel that their musical traditions, among other things, are superior to the rest.  While I'm here on earth, I'm enjoying this musical variety, as witnessed in my CD. Heaven will top it all off.

Until then, what's next for Gylchris?

Living, and writing.  I hope to release a new project in 2007.  Many have been asking, "When's the next one coming out?"  I've taken the past 3 years' experiences and immortalized the lessons learned in song.  I've quite a bit of material that needs editing, and when I'm happy with it, by God's grace, we'll release a new CD.  The theme will be all about heaven.

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