Steve Parsons Every so often in life you stumble across an artist whose music has been around for a while and yet you’ve only just been made aware of it. For the many people who have been ‘stumbling’ upon Steve Parsons in the past few years this has been a very pleasant surprise. This acoustic/folk/pop artist has been making lots of new friends. Born in Cornwall and now based in Cheshire, he has been writing, recording and playing live since quitting his job in 1993 and leaping into the world of music and ministry. That leap led him to start playing in local churches and youth groups and from there to gradually start travelling throughout the UK and overseas. Since those early years of finding his feet and learning his craft, Steve has developed into a strong and confident artist and communicator, sharing his music in some of the USA’s largest churches and gracing the stage of the 12,000 seat London Arena. When Steve started making regular visits to the USA he met Danae (daughter of Irvin Rutherford) in 1997 and they were married the following year. Just recently, they have celebrated the birth of their first child, Chloe. It is perhaps not surprising that this independent artist has taken a while to find his place and with it a growing base of listeners. “It took me a long time to figure out who I was and what I wanted to write and sing about”, Steve comments. “This whole journey has been an adventure of discovery for me and sometimes it takes me a while to learn. I just feel that recently I’ve become comfortable with who I am and what my gifts are and that I don’t have to be someone else. So I’m a singer/songwriter that also preaches – great. I’m happy with that.” This new found confidence has shown in his latest album release Certain Possibilities. If you are looking for catch phrases or warm, fuzzy jingles you won’t find them. What you will find is an album of honest songs. Lyrics that speak boldly on the issues of life and faith. From the opening First Linewhere Steve writes about the anticipation of heaven, this album makes you sit up and listen. Other songs like Looking for a Miracle, a desperate plea for God to help and the rockier Moving On with it’s challenge to “look to the future, to uncertain tomorrows”, make this an album that will have you pausing for thought and reaching for the repeat button. It was in 1995 that he recorded his first album, Simple Faith. Even then is was evident to some that he needed to be heard. Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms Magazine said at that time, “With a grittily expressive voice and the ability to play guitar and piano, word of mouth of Steve Parsons has been gradually spreading amongst the UK churches. A fine debut on CD from one of the UK’s most under-rated, yet anointed, Christian, musical communicators.” Two other albums followed. The Colour of Life in 1999 and Standing in 2002. With these albums came more opportunities to travel and play to more people. Songs from both of these records received regular airplay on UCB radio Europe and various local stations in the UK and USA bringing him to the attention of more listeners. Whether it be in a coffee house, playing to 50 people or on a major festival stage, Steve plies his trade with enthusiasm and professionalism. “I love playing live. Connecting with people and seeing them impacted in some way through your songs is just a great thrill”, said Parsons. And you sense that this man has his eyes on ‘higher’ ambitions. “There is a weight of responsibility that I have to bear as a Christian artist. People can be influenced in their hearts so heavily by the songs they listen to and I want to help people connect with God. At the end of the day it is not about CD sales. Its about people connecting with Christ. That’s what really matters.” Many would agree - and many are sure to become avid listeners. To find out more: CLICK HERE