"Project One" is your modern-day rockin' praise band. Think of the big Passion tours. Leader on acoustic guitar, the whole crowd is singing the songs. Some guitar solos.

"Faith Alive" is more song-oriented, versus really being out to lead crowds in worship. More of a performance with various complex songs, but all done for the glory of God.

"Tapestry" is the power praise band. Rooted firmly in strong acoustic folk but gradually contemporizing, the strength of the worship they provide is something that you have to experience for yourself.

He does it all. Music, lyrics, vocals, guitar, bass, brass, keyboards, drums, programming, recording, producing, mixing, and mastering.

“Not all at once, of course.”

NM: Did you write any songs for Sept. 11?

JMS: No, I didn't write anything for the tragedy. Too many other people on that bandwagon. I put those emotions into other songs. Besides, many of those songs brought out so much false ignorant patriotism in order to procure the almighty dollar. I can't say I'm against anything more than that.

NM: How did you meet Christ?

JMS: Hmm.. Always a tough question and I get asked a lot. I was raised in the church, baptized and confirmed. ELCA Lutheran, though I don't believe in denominations anymore. Denominations are walls built up by man to separate us from one another. We will never have true unity in Christ until these walls are torn down. I realize there are good things about denominations. You find fellowship with like-minded individuals, you worship with your "own kind" of people. But overall, we're tearing ourselves apart. It's not Catholics vs. Protestants anymore; it's every man for himself. Denominations are not "of God". But I really met Christ through my grandmother.

NM: What is the main thing that makes you believe that God is God?

JMS: God is mine through the works he does in me. He shows me new things in His people every day. He teaches me and guides me. He helps me do His work. That isn't mother nature or some Wiccan magic. It's God. My goal in life is to be an anointed glass shield standing on that stage. I want to reflect God's love down onto the people and project their praises back up at Him. I don't want to be seen as Janson. I want to be a servant of God.

NM: Did you ever have an experience in your life that made you know God had a purpose for you?

JMS: Sometimes in life, things we do just feel "right". And it is that feeling that tells us that is where we're supposed to be. When I make music for Christ, I get that feeling. It's not some abnormal drug-induced high. It is the Holy Spirit working in me. I had some out-of-body type experiences on stage. I won't ever feign knowing what God has in store for me, but I feel like I am doing what he wants me to do right now. Music has always been my gift. I've known that since I got into the business when I was 8 years old. But it was turning that gift back towards God that brought me to the next level -- emotionally, spiritually, and musically.

NM: Ever had a near-death experience?

JMS: I've been near death several times. They were all obstacles in my walk of faith. I almost died when I was 13 from being hit by a drunk driver, and other things, too. And to think that some people don't cherish how precious life is... Sometimes I forget, too. And then, I am reminded. When I have to stand up as pastor in front of my family to perform the funeral service of my father's mother -- my grandmother -- I am reminded of just how precious life is.
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Norm Miller is an up-and-coming Christian songwriter. He enjoys reading Clancy, Grisham and other legal thrillers, making music, and spending time at church.