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10 Questions with ... Ryan Stevenson
May 1, 2023
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1. Share about that new song/album of yours.
This record is called "ABLE" - it's a collection of songs that were birthed in this last season, specifically during the COVID lockdowns. During this season, I've personally been on a deep spiritual journey of awakening, renewal & personal revival. It has felt like I've been navigating a wilderness of uncertainty; but believe the Lord has taken me there for a specific purpose. It's been in the wilderness, having an Abba revelation and uncovering the Father's heart of God, that the heart of the songs on this record are rooted.
2. What's one thing you wish you had known about being an artist when you first started?
When you first begin, with a dream in your heart for music and artistry, many times we don't realize the spiritual element involved in being a faith based "Christian" artist. I always had a passion and desire to share my music with people in concert settings. I did not realize how heavy the spiritual battle and spiritual attacks would be on my life. Music is such a powerful weapon in the spiritual realm and the kingdom- when you're releasing a sound that shifts the spiritual environment, the powers of evil will come against you with full force.
3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?
God has begun to take away nearly every symbol and source of comfort/security/identity in my life; and has stripped it away to the point that my only choice, the only option is to rely on Him. It's very clear to me that if He doesn't get involved and make a way for me- there's no way anything happens.
4. Some great advice you recently received is…
A pastor friend recently spoke a lot of life into my soul. I shared with him some of the deep things I'm going through; i.e. the wildness, the uncertainty, the fear and exhaustion, the questions; feeling forgotten and abandoned and rejected etc.. He said, "Thank God for the wilderness. Every man that God has chosen to use in a mighty way, he's always removed him from where he was; taken him to the wilderness for a season of deep refining".
5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
I have a great deal of respect for my dear friend Joey Elwood. Even though Joey is the president of my record company, he's become a dear friend and mentor. Joey is a counselor, a great listener w/ a tender and compassionate heart. Joey has the ability to truly hear someone heart and be able to respond with tremendous insight and advice. It's a rare gift!
6. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
Most things about the unconventional story of Ryan Stevenson surprises most people… My story is quirky, wild, bizarre, 11th hour…Most people are very surprised to know that I was a paramedic for nearly 8 years; and that I saved a woman's life from a deadly lighting strike, who later helped fund my music career pursuit.
7. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?
"Dreamlover" by Mariah Carey
8. In three words describe your ideal vacation.
Mountains, cabin, creek
9. Describe your life when you're not writing, recording or touring?
My wife and I have 3 kids (2 boys of 12 & 10 and a daughter who is 2) Our kids keep us very busy. We love to be outdoors together. We go camping a lot, riding ATV's, learning to shoot guns and gun safety. We cut a lot of wood; build a lot of fires. We hang out with a lot of our close friends and community. We are normal people, living very normal.
10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.
Reading glasses!!!!!!!
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