10 Questions with ... Avalon

NAME:Avalon TITLE:Musicians WEB:www.avalonlive.com

Line-up:
Melissa Greene
Greg Long
Janna Long
Jeremi Richardson

Discography:
Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics (February 26, 2008)

1) Avalon has had some line-up changes over the years, so can you briefly introduce the band members using some musical history and especially personality characteristics?

Melissa Greene answering:

Janna Long is an original member of Avalon and previously in the group TRUTH where she met (former member) Jody McBrayer. Janna attended Lee University and is the soulful singer of the group. She is a big snacker and chips are her favorite after show food.

Greg Long is married to Janna and previous to being in the group was also a solo artist with many #1 hits! He is our Rock Star and he hates it when I [Melissa] call him that, but his stage presence is why he gets that claim! Three bowls of cereal = his favorite after show food.

Jeremi Richardson is the newest member as of late 2007. Previously, he was a Disney and Epcot singer in the much sought-after group Voices of Liberty. He also attended Lee University (at same time as me, Melissa) and was the resident male alto. [Smile] He has a story for everything and thus, is very entertaining and hilarious. Not sure of his favorite after show food yet.

Melissa Greene, that's me. I have now been here the second longest after member changes. Wow. Ha! Although Janna has about seven years on me. [Smile] I am probably described as the token soprano in the group. I was previously in TRUTH as well (after Janna and Jody) and I also attended Lee University (see a pattern?) My favorite after show food is probably a sandwich...turkey, cheese and mayo. YUMMY!

2) Can you offer a pretty quick rundown of the Avalon journey from your guys' perspective? What are some highlights from the journey?

Melissa: Avalon began 12 years ago last Christmas and was the first two-girl, two-guy pop group to emerge. After being blessed to record numerous amazing songs, we have been blessed with many #1 hits. But more importantly we have been blessed to impact thousands of lives with the music and the platform God has given us. The memories are many: amazing concerts, changed lives, overseas trips that have been life altering (especially most recently to Korea in January (a trip that we will never forget), #1 songs, Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and receiving the American Music Award for Inspirational Artist.

3) How did the idea for the album "Another Time, Another Place" come about?

Melissa: Our manager Norman Mille had the idea for a while for us to re-record amazing Christian songs from the past. We agreed it was a great idea. These songs deserve to be heard either again or by a new younger audience that has missed out.

4) Surely you had plenty of songs that didn't make the cut for the new record; what is one song that "got away"?

Melissa: Tough question and we all would probably give you a different answer. The songs that ended up on the record are collective favorites and most impacting songs of the past to us. That being said, I really wanted both "Jesus Never Fails" (recorded by TRUTH but also one of the most impacting song in my life) and "I've Just Seen Jesus"(recorded by Sandy Patti and Larnelle Harris).

5) What does 2008 hold? Touring?

Jeremi: The year 2008 should be filled with many exciting adventures. It is said that the number 8 is the number of new beginnings and I believe it to be so. My family has moved to Tennessee and I am going to be part of a tour with Avalon for the first time.

6) Tell us your funniest radio experience thus far.

Jeremi: The funniest radio experience happened in Korea. One of our group members was delirious and all we could do was laugh. The interviewer was so gracious and gave us a new question so we could regain composure.

Melissa: Honestly, we have had a lot of radio interviews in the past years. I am trying to remember a funny or embarrassing one. Well, without fail, most people don't really know the members as much as the band so they always get our names wrong, especially the girls. We get a lot of Jana (pronounced and spelled wrong) and Michelle. Nice!

7) After numerous albums, radio singles, tours, etc., how do you keep a sense of urgency about this life and career known as Avalon? How do you keep it fresh for your own sanity?

Melissa: For the most part we are on the road on Sundays so we miss out on church a lot, thus we miss out on being fed. Believe me, if we are not putting something in but still trying to give something out in concerts and recording, etc., we are trying to force something or go off previous experiences, living and ministering off of a fraction of what God could be doing in us and through us. All that to say I attend a service almost every Tuesday night in Nashville called Kairos. I listen, I worship, I get fed! Also I try to read, pray and study daily. Now honestly, I get wrapped up in my toddler, family, errands, etc., and I don't always do it but I can tell the difference when I have been filled up and when I am trying to make it one more mile off the gas from the previous day. BIG DIFFERENCE! God wants to meet with all of us daily with fresh words and fresh encouragement so we can face whatever that day brings with a "full tank"!

8) Life on the road isn't a cakewalk. How do you guys remain friends while being co-workers?

Jeremi: Remaining friends while traveling can be interesting; however privacy is key! Respect and Christian values; especially love, is what keeps us together and friends.

9) If you do anything outside of music, what would you do?

Jeremi: I would be a teacher. I taught fourth grade for a while. I also have been in full-time church work.

10) To the new guy, Jeremi: So, how are they treating you?

Can I be honest? Seriously, everyone is so great. They have welcomed me with open arms.

1) What artist would you like to record with (any genre)?

Jeremi: Michael English, Chris Tomlin, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Gavin DeGraw, Christ Church Choir and Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Melissa: Christy Nockels. Come on, absolutely amazing voice and spirit!

2) Favorite city to visit:

Jeremi: NYC, Sedona, AZ

Melissa: Chicago, shopping, food. Perfect!

3) Favorite meal while you're on the road:

Jeremi: Salad and coffee

Melissa: Pappasito's in Texas! Or In-N-Out on the West Coast!

4) Any musical guilty pleasures?

Jeremi: I love bluegrass and choral music