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Plainfield crooner puts faith in music


By Kiley Kellermeyer

PLAINFIELD -

Move over Randy Travis, there's a new star in town.

Morris Mott of Plainfield is an award-winning Christian country music singer.

Mott recorded his first CD, "Beyond Your Dreams," in 2002, and since then, he's had singles scattered across the Christian music charts and was named "Best New Male Vocalist in Christian Country Music in 2003."

Mott didn't start out as a musician, however. Before he was called to country music, he was called to lead others in their spiritual journeys.

"I started pastoring when I was 19 years old," Mott said. "I was the youngest person in the church."

As a pastor, Mott was drawn to music and blossomed as a pianist and guitarist in worship services.

"I've always been very musically oriented," he said. "I've always been a fan of any kind of music. If it's music, I like it."

He pastored n Plainfield and then in Terre Haute before seeing another plan begin to take shape.

Attending Mott's church at the time was a young man who had written songs for several big names in country music.

The two formed a partnership and Faith Country Music was born.

"Faith Country Music is designed to encourage people and really build faith and help them really believe in God for the good things he has in store for them," Mott said.

He said he wanted to create and sing a style of Christian music that country music fans don't hear on a regular basis, tunes that they can turn up and sing along with in the car, yet still receive a positive message.

"[When I write music] I try to think how I would feel if I heard this song," Mott said. "Because of that, my album has few really slow songs."

Mott has no one specific musical influence, and different audiences often hear snippets of other famous stars in the minister-musician's music.

"It's got a mix of what's called the New Nashville sound, with a little touch of southern rock," he said. "It's not the older, traditional, country sound. I've had people come up to me and say, 'That reminds me of a Brooks & Dunn song.'"

Rascal Flatts and The Eagles also influence the sound on some of Mott's tracks.

Despite his success, Mott said he keeps his ego in check.

"Above everything else, I'm still a minister," he said. "I'm not a celebrity. I'm not a superstar. Above the music, I'm a minister of the gospel, a preacher, and you have to keep that focus because sometimes, when people have paid to see you, it's really easy to think, 'I'm like Boston. I'm like KISS.'"

And minister he does, right alongside his musical performances.

Mott is often asked by churches to give a special message before and after he performs. Often times, he is able to make a connection with the songs he chooses to sing and the words he chooses to say.

"They make a great combination," Mott said. "Many times my whole service can be complimentary of each other."

Mott expects to release his next album in 2008, and hopes that it will be new and fresh and different from the others he's released.

"One of the challenges is you always have to keep moving forward in a way ... music is changing," he said.

Mott, who says he came from a "rough background," also wants to make sure that the ears his music falls upon soak up not only the melodies, but the message as well.

"I want [audiences] to be able to see the things God wants to do for them," he said. "To see God wants to do good things in their life. When they turn [my music] on, I want them to hear the love God has for them, the plan he has for them I'm presenting to you a God that loves you. If God can do all these things for me, I know he can do those things for you. That's what I want them to get out of the music. Just because life may be difficult, there is something better."

(Sat. September 1, 2007 Hendricks County Flyer)