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Word Promotional Literature
For "Unfit For Swine"
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John Schlitt
Unfit for Swine
Word Records
1996
BIOGRAPHY
"This is not a safe record for me, but I like it" John Schlitt says
of his new album, Unfit for Swine. Although you don't need to root
out a reason to listen to the second solo effort by the lead singer
of Christian music's biggest rock band, there are plenty of reasons
from which to choose.
Schlitt teamed up with the powerhouse production team of Dann Huff,
David Huff, and Mark Heimermann for what is his best project to
date. Unfit for Swine, set for release on Word Records this July,
blends the well-known strength of Schlitt's voice with an
experimental side that few people have seen from the guy who fronts
the legendary Christian rock group, Petra.
With songs that rage with intensity and drive, are set to modern
rock motifs, and are wrought with lyrics that only a 10-year veteran
of the Christian music industry can muster, Schlitt has recorded an
album that will surprise and delight his established fans, as well
as a whole new audience.
Although the continuation of his solo career in no way signals a
lessening of his role in Petra, it does indicate an entire new sonic
direction for the artist. With a couple of Grammy Awards, several
Doves, and a list of accolades as long as your arm, one might expect
Schlitt to stay his course. But instead he's successfully engaged
the modern rock sound while maintaining Petra's inimitable ministry
approach to lyrics.
Schlitt's debut solo album, Shake, started him down a path of
greater individual expression musically, and more personal passion
lyrically. Now, Unfit for Swine propels him farther down that road
with authority and verve. Here Schlitt's unique vocals are inspired
and guided by a musical bed written and played by Nashville's
hottest session players. While it's still rooted in a basic
appreciation of the classic rock format, Unfit for Swine dives head
first into the production and instrumentation of the current
alternative genre. Huff, Huff, and Heimermann have done an
incredible job bringing Schlitt's sound into the late ‘90s.
To people who might question the ability of a veteran to so
effectively change stylistic gears, Schlitt assures, "I'm not over
the hill." In fact, he elaborates, there's an advantage to his level
of experience. "I feel that as a Christian artist, sometimes you
have to deal strongly with the church as well as with the
unchurched. I think my maturity is an asset in that department."
While Schlitt's age and extensive experience may be discounted by
some people, one listen to Unfit for Swine will make it clear that
this is no geriatric rocker. Schlitt & Co. can tangle with, and hold
their own against, any twenty-something band.
This time out, there's also a greater potential market for Schlitt's
music, the obvious being the alternative modern youth market, which
probably falls somewhat outside Petra's mainstream rock appeal.
There's also a growing number of young baby boomers and older baby
busters who are gravitating toward modern incarnations of classic
rockers.
"Alternative, as a term, means modern. If it doesn't have that label
on it, it's considered old- fashioned," Schlitt explains.
"Personally, I think what we've come up with is modern rock. If
we've touched a bit on alternative music, that's fine." He noted
that he wanted to be progressive with the chord movements and the
writing style because that moved a bit away from where Petra has
been.
The band, which includes the extraordinary bass guitar talent of
Jackie Street along with the talent of the above mentioned
production luminaries, recorded the tracks in four days, almost
entirely live in the studio. The result is a level of chemistry and
groove that's never been captured by Schlitt or by his "other band."
More and more people are embracing music with thoughtful and
challenging lyrics. Schlitt, along with writing assistance from
Heimermann, David Huff, Toby McKeehan, and Rich Gotee, has assembled
ten songs that easily keep up with the musical intensity brewing
behind them. "I really went in with what felt natural to me. I never
had a set agenda to write this or that," Schlitt says of the lyric
composition. "what ended up coming through was pretty real for me.
Often, I envisioned myself sitting one-on-one with that teenager who
is going through testing times and needs to hear what I have to
say."
With song writing that almost completely belies the corporate rock
idiom, and with songs like "I Killed A Man" and "Save Me," which hit
hard with their message yet remain artistically stimulating, Schlitt
has multiplied his potential tenfold. Take for instance "Can't Get
Away," from which the album's title is derived:
In the closets of my mind
I have thoughts unfit for swine
Secrets that I dare not tell
You know them well
'Neath a veil of innocence
I disguise my decadence
But somehow You see through it all
And love me still, You love me still
Even the album's most likely Christian Hit Radio single, "There Is
Someone," with it's slower, country-tinged vibe complete with
pedal-steel guitar and Eagles-inspired song structure and overall
sound, is recorded very organically. The tones are warm and
inviting, and it will satisfy fans of his last solo album Shake. its
inclusion further widens the Unfit for Swine's potential fan base,
without compromising the integrity of the stripped-down sound found
throughout the rest of the disc.
Schlitt, whether directly or via his partnership with his producers
and players, has topped all his previous efforts with the release of
Unfit for Swine. As he assembles a touring band to back up the
album, and as he tours supporting the latest Petra release, watch
for the re-invigorated vision of John Schlitt's music to sweep
across the country.
Sure, this record is just the latest in a series of impressive
firsts for this artist. But considering the intensity and drive
represented on it, it seems more like the start of something
completely new for him. Listen to the album and discover for
yourself. It may be called Unfit for Swine, but it's more than fit
for today's increasingly progressive musical climate.
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John Schlitt
Unfit for Swine
Word Records
1996
John Schlitt, with two gold albums, two Grammy Awards, multiple Dove
Awards and numerous other accolades already under his belt as
Christian rock's premier vocalist, Petra's lead singer doesn't rest
on his past successes, nor does he play it safe musically. Instead,
this rock icon marks his own territory, mixing pop and rock music
with a message, and expands his ministry to include two solo
projects.
Stepping out on his own almost eight years ago, Schlitt began
accepting requests for solo appearances. As his solo career
developed, it caught the attention of Nashville based Word Records.
Word recognized Schlitt's capabilities as a vocalist and front man
for their top selling band, Petra, and thus began his solo
recordings,
In his first attempt at songwriting, John wrote the number one hit
"Just Reach Out" on Petra's '94 release. On his debut release,
"Shake", and the follow up release, "Unfit for Swine", John
showcases his versatility, not only as a vocalist, but also as a
songwriter. On both albums nine out of ten songs were co-written by
Schlitt. "I just felt that God has given me a say, and being
involved in the songwriting on "Shake" and "Unfit" for Swine"
allowed me to communicate what's on my heart," says Schlitt.
Schlitt's debut album, "Shake", started him down a path of greater
individual expression musically with a unique blend of pop, rock,
and soulful style. In addition, the lyrics express his personal
passion for God and his desire to encourage God's people to boldly
press on.
"Shake" is described as "hard rock with a soft heart and soft
ballads with cutting edge!'. "Let It Show" with its driving
percussion and its heavy guitar punches, encourages listeners to let
their faith show. While the slower ballad, "Inside of You", has a
melody that encourages the listener to surrender himself and be
inspired to think about the gifts God has put inside each of us.
Rock anthems "Carry The Burden" and "Wake The Dead" deliver strong
messages with enjoyable and interesting musical diversity. With the
powerful gospel ballad, "The Road To Calvary", John explores his
lower vocal range along with his soaring rich voice on the song's
chorus to challenge us to contemplate Christ on the road to Calvary.
Each cut on the album has a message that is close to John's heart
and is straight ahead lyrically.
Even with his album title John sends a message. Schlitt entitled the
album, "Shake", because be wanted it to convey the duel meaning of
the energy of the music and urgency of the message. "Shake" is taken
from Hebrews 12:26,27: "Once more I will shake not only the earth
but also the heavens ... so that what cannot be shaken may remain."
"I wanted to create an album that shakes people up," admits Schlitt.
"I want them to get excited and think about what it means to be a
child of God."
Following "Shake", "Unfit For Swine' propels John farther down the
road of individual expression with authority and conviction. While
it's still rooted in a basic appreciation of the classic rock
formal, "Unfit For Swine" dives head first into the production and
instrumentation of the alternative genre. "Alternative", as a term,
means modern. Personally, I think what we've come up with is modern
rock," Schlitt explains.
Both projects called on a diverse group of well known producers and
musicians. "Shake" producers included Mark Heimermann, Greg Nelson,
and two highly accomplished musicians turned producers, Dann and
Dave Huff. For "Unfit For Swine" Schlitt teamed up again with the
powerhouse production team of Dann and Dave Huff and Mark Heimermann
along with the extraordinary talents of bass guitarist, Jackie
Street. "The band" recorded the tracks in four days almost entirely
live in the studio. The result is a unique level of chemistry and
vibe.
The lyrics for "Unfit For Swine" are both thoughtful and
challenging. Schlitt along with the writing assistance of
Heimermann, Toby McKeehan, David Huff, and Rich Gotee has assembled
ten songs that easily keep up with the musical intensity brewing
behind them. "I Killed A Man" is a gripping acknowledgment of what
our salvation costs. "Take You On" has a biographical aspect. "There
Is Someone", with its slower, country-tinged vibe complete the
pedal-steel guitar and Eagles-inspired song structure and overall
sound, reminds the listener of God's love and faithfulness, "Need I
Remind You" deals with the challenges of Christian life. Schlitt
says of the lyric composition, "What ended up coming through was
pretty real for me. Often I envisioned myself sitting one-on-one
with a teenager who is going through testing times and needs to hear
what I have to say."
Although John gets a chance to speak to more kids as lead singer of
Petra he admits there are limitations with Petra's big production.
On his own there is more time to share his testimony and interact
more personably with concert goers. There's an intimacy that comes
between himself and his audience through his solo concerts. You
already recognize his voice. Through his solo work you come to know
the man and his unwavering testimony to the love, power, and mercy
of his Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the highlights of John's solo concerts is hearing his
testimony. Family is a priority to John. Residing in Franklin,
Tennessee, John and his wife, Dorla, are very committed to raising
their children. But family life hasn't always been an important
element for John. During his stead as lead vocalist for Head East
from 1973-1980, John says he went from a kid who just wanted to
sing, to an alcoholic and cocaine addict who was willing to put
music and his career before anything - including his own health and
family. "I was willing to sacrifice everything that was really
important for the promise of fame and fortune. Head East and its
success was my entire focal point for seven years," John recalls.
In 1980 John left Head East because of the group's internal
problems, but he did not give up his dreams of fame and fortune.
After a failed attempt at starting a new band, John became so
depressed he considered suicide, During this time, John's wife,
Dorla, came to know Jesus and within, several months led John to
Christ. "Not only did God forgive me for all I had done, but He also
gave me back my life, my family, and a chance to sing again."
For five years John worked at odd jobs, including digging drainage
ditches, sweeping floors, and working in an oil shale mine. In 1985,
after being promoted to the main office at a mining company, Bob
Hartman called. John knew it was time to combine his faith with the
music and message of Petra.
Whether touring with Petra, or on his own solo tour, Schlitt
continues to exemplify his faith and position as Christian rock's
premier vocalist.
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