print: Myron Butler - Interview (October 2007) | BlackGospel.com, Your Gospel Music Ministry Source!

Interview with Myron Butler
October 2007, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

Myron Butler is, by any measure, one of the most charismatic personalities in recent years, to deliver the inspirational message of hope and eternal salvation through song. This anointing that covers him and his music ministry could account for his growing popularity among Christians and Gospel music fans.

Butler's admiration within the Gospel music industry, as displayed at the 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, was an incredible outpouring of love and respect for his brand of the Gospel. Myron and his talented troup of singers - Levi - were awarded five Stellars, including the coveted Best New Artist of the Year. It was another confirmation of his ordination to minister to this generation with the favor of God on his side.

It's a remarkable testimony that Minister Butler could share, considering his journey that first began over 10 years ago could be best described as the tale of two seasons, the first season - Spring - when the world appeared to be in full bloom, ripe with possibilities, and then followed by the second season - Autumn - a season that revealed the turning point for a ministry that had run its inevitable course.

Now, 10 years later, Myron Butler is surely savvier, smarter and stronger, than those formative years, both as an artist and as a Christian. The valuable lessons learned in the school of Hard Knox has taught him well and prepared him for his true life's calling to minister with humility and thankfulness. BlackGospel.com spoke with Minister Butler about his ongoing evolution to be what God has called him to be, a chief levite among the saints and a determined disciple for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christopher Heron: I’d like to start with your album – Stronger. It’s an interesting title for a Contemporary Gospel album. What prompted you to entitle the sophomore release of Myron Butler & Levi, Stronger?

Myron Butler: The song - Stronger - actually came some time before we were in the studio recording. But while we were recording the song, I realized that it had actually been 10 years to the month since the God’s Property release. Looking back in retrospect I see how every mountaintop and valley experience has taught us, groomed us, and helped to cultivate us into the people we are today.

On a broader level we, the church, and the world all have a common denominator in that we all face adversity. We sometimes begin to think that the adversity is designed to destroy us. My prayer and hope is that we all realize that the outcome is that after the test, trial, adversity we become Stronger.

CH: Your new album reveals a more confident, creative and more sophisticated songwriter and artist. But how would you distinguish the difference between your debut album – Set Me Free - and your current release, Stronger.

MB: I would say that the major difference between Set Me Free and Stronger would lend itself to the maturity process. Since Set Me Free, there are so many things that I’ve learned spiritually, creatively, and emotionally. With the release of Stronger I believe you take a deeper look into the places God has taken me and the issues God has called me to speak to.

CH: The 21^st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards was an incredible night for you, as an artist. Your group walked away with several Stellar Awards, including Best New Artist of the Year. What was that evening like for you, as a person? And how did it confirm your vision and God’s ordination over your music ministry?

MB: WOW!!! The night of the 21^st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards…there is only one word to describe it -WOW! I could not have dreamed it any better a result. It was literally a tangible example of God blowing my mind! To be recognized amongst your peers is an honor in and of itself. But to be awarded in such a manner can only be attributed to God. It is not because of any goodness of our own but truly because God ordained it to be. I’m careful when it comes to allowing the awards to be the confirmation of God’s ordination because I believe that if we didn’t receive any nominations or awards we would still be ordained of God.

CH: The mental and social transition a chorale or choir goes through, from being upstarts to becoming nationally known can be devastating, as you know through your experience with God’s Property. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned and applied to Levi, to ensure that your music ministry remains on solid ground?

MB: This is where my heart is. I truly believe that the music industry has been the demise of so many groups and choirs. Mentally you must consistently equip yourself and guard your heart and mind against the trappings of the industry. Constant communication with God and previous experience have been key elements that I’ve relied on. I also realize that God has allowed us this opportunity and platform for a reason. Knowing your purpose causes you and us to remain focused.

CH: Finally, as your music ministry continues to grow and make more demands on your time, your creative energy and your social skills, what are you learning about yourself, through this life’s journey in music, you embarked upon so many years ago? What is God teaching you each day and preparing you for, as you write, teach, perform and minister in music?

MB: I love this question because it is so true. I’ve learned that God has been preparing me for this time, as well as what is to come, since the beginning. God is showing me that I am not my own. My life, my time, my talent, my mind are all His, for His use. I’m constantly seeing God teach me selflessness in its most literal form…that the complete purpose of my life is to bring glory and honor to His name. The words of the famous hymn ring in my mind “…and should I gain any praise let it all go to Calvary …to God be glory!”

For more information on Myron Butler & Levi, visit his official MySpace.com page at www.myspace.com/myronbutlerandlevi. To contact Myron Butler & Levi for special engagements and ministries, call 972-274-5800 or email myronandlevi@sbcglobal.net.