Many folks find inspiration Sunday mornings in church. During the week, they may get a dose at Wednesday night prayer meeting. But local Christian singer/songwriter Steve Kropp found a way to deliver a pick-me up during everyday of the week.
With his second album being released this fall, Peaks and Valleys, proves to be an inspiration 24-7. “This CD is more about life, for the Monday-Saturday experiences. Not just Sunday morning,” said Kropp. “It’s about life in general and knowing God is there through the rough times and the best times. “The music is for life—getting you through the week.”
The album features such songs as, “Here I Am,” “I Surrender,” and “Captivate Me.” The songs were developed from Kropp’s personal experiences and those of loved ones. “I’ve grown up in a Christian family,” Kropp said in reference to how his life played a part in the album’s songs. “That’s not to say I’m a saint or anything. There’ve been times I’ve drifted away, too. “But my walk with Christ is unique in that it progressed steadily until a few years ago when it skyrocketed…I found a channel where I could use my gifts to actually serve God.” And that he did.
The album features a blue-grass style with the saxophone, violin, drums, and mandolin playing in the background of Kropp’s soothing vocals. Using musical artists Johnny Cash and the Beetles to inspire his “organic” vibe to his songs, Kropp said the album is more of who he is as artist and a Christian. “I feel fulfillment out of this CD, more so out of the first CD,” Kropp admitted. “I’m exploring music with more of a subtle message. I let the music do the talking and leave the rest up to God. This is the best I can do.”
Kropp began working on this second album almost immediately after the release of his first album, Magnify. But he says there’s a clear distinction between the two. “My first CD was more of an extension of church with sing- along songs for the congregation. Christian music in the past couldn’t compete with secular music. But with this album I wanted to play the style of music I like to listen to, while still giving praises to God,” said Kropp. “It’s hard to give someone a CD who’s not a believer. If it doesn’t compare to the type of music they listen to, they won’t even think about listening to gospel. “Lyrically, I’m singing about or people may think I’m singing about a love song, but its just appreciation and praises to God.”
Kropp’s sincerity in his music and lyrics are the most important things he wants people to discover in his songs. “I think people are a lot less defensive with music versus when they’re being preached to. Music soothes the soul and allows you to loosen up in other ways. So, I do this for God…not for myself,” he emphasized.
