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ONE STEP CLOSER
Jen G: Your album One Step Closer is just unbelievably well put together!
From start to finish it gives off an array of emotions and eminent sound unlike anything I’ve heard before! I’m not even a huge country music fan, but I really felt this entire album spoke to me. You managed to convey love, faith and God throughout the whole album, and it’s just so phenomenal!
My first question is about Clean Slate there’s something about the song that reminds me of being baptized.
What does the song represent to you personally?
Arkin Terrell: When I apply the words and music to my life I think of God's great mercy and love for us as sinners. Clean Slate is a song of renewal, baptism and sends the message that God is just a small step away from us. No matter what life throws at us, from heartache to hardship, salvation is at our fingertips. He is ready and willing to cleanse us from our sin made possible by his great sacrifice on the cross. All we need do is call on him for forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Jen G: Did You Hear Me Say Goodbye totally made me misty. You truly painted a beautiful musical portrait of Jesus on the cross.
How did that song come together?
Arkin Terrell: Did You Hear Me Say Goodbye was written by Chip Davis and Aaron baker. It is a beautiful depiction of Jesus and his final moments on the Cross. Truthfully, I am unsure of the inspiration behind writing the song but one would easily agree that such a vivid account requires a godly touch on both writers. I think, to me, the song is just a representation of Gods wonderous love forus and entails a vivid depiction of his final moments with his disciples. While we were searching for songs for the project this song immediately spoke to me. I knew from the moment I heard it that it had to be on the album.
Jen G: So I have to ask you does the song This Is Forever in any way reflect your some 14 years of marriage?
Terrell Arkin: What's great about This Is Forever is the song can practically apply to thousands upon thousands of people who have ever journeyed into marriage. So to answer your question no doubt this song applies to my marriage as well. It’s just a great love song.
Jen G: In the song you talk about not seeing your destiny, but after 14 years and three kids later sounds like a destiny to me!
How did you two meet and how did you know she was the one?
Arkin Terrell: During my childhood in Mississippi my wife and I grew up together.  We played together, went to school together etc, etc..but we never looked at each other as “Boyfriend and Girlfriend.” As time would have it my job eventually lead me to North Carolina to work but during the summer, at age 17, I returned home and went on our first date arranged by my Uncle Terry. It became immediately apparent that she and I shared something very special. Following that we eventually became engaged and married. We now share 3 wonderful children. Destiny indeed.
Jen G: Out of the twelve songs on One Step Closer which one would you say paints a picture of your life?
Arkin Terrell: You Did Not Leave Me Behind relates to me because there were so many times in my life that I thought "What in the world is going on?" With so much uncertainty and heartache abound, but yet God through it all was always there and remains there to this day steadfast and true to his word.
Jen G:Who would you say have influenced you the most musically both in the secular and Christian music?
Arkin Terrell: I think ultimately my Uncle Terry with his deep roots in Southern Gospel music definitely influenced me the most in Christian Music. It became “personal” to me. To see a family member so convicted to such a great cause. In addition, there are so many artists in secular music that have influenced me, the one who comes to mind the most is George Jones. Possibly,because I can remember actually singing his songs with my dad. Just a few other artists I can name as influential are Randy Travis, Martina Mcbride, Dolly Parton and Tim Mcgraw.
Jen G: Why do you think the presence of God is so easily tied into country music?
Arkin Terrell I think in a lot of ways Country Music represents the common man. For instance nearly all Country music in some form or fashion recognizes God and family in its lyrics. Southern Gospel music and Country music are also deeply intertwined. Thus leaving the door open for Country Artists to write songs that appeal to Southern Gospel listeners and allowing Inspirational Country singers, such as myself,to Reach out to Country music listeners. It truly is a unique situation.
Jen G: How do you believe God will use the versatility of One Step Closer to reach the unsaved?
Arkin Terrell: I think One Step Closer does its part to reach out and across to both Country and Pop music listeners while at the same time having the desired effect on the Christian music community as well. The music is diverse and touches different genres in a way that I believe can have a drastic impact on peoples lives. The albums limitations are not compartmentalized but rather expansive which I believe makes it a great tool for reaching the lost.
Jen G: What reaction have you received outside of the church setting from your music?
Arkin Terrell: Based on early responses from myspace visitors from around the country to people throughout my own community the music is having a tremendous impact. My prayer is that once we start touring so that people inside and outside the Church will embrace the music for what it is. That’s what makes the album so exciting. It has tremendous upside for sure.
Jen G: In closing, when the lights dim down on stage and you’re singing that last song what message do you hope the listeners will go home with?
Arkin Terrell: For the Church I pray that my music helps them gain strength and that it renews and refreshes their spirits. For the lost I pray that God uses each song to speak to them, to show that there is a purpose for their lives and if they will openly seek Him that He will save them and reveal that purpose in full.
http://www.iwitnessrecords.com
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