The Violet Burning are actually the brainchild of Michael Pritzl, main songwriter and producer. Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Pritzl’s first musical moments came from rescuing an old guitar his sister kept in storage. He taught himself to play and started writing his own songs almost immediately.

His first attempts at singing were a little rough, though. “My voice was awful,” he said. “My father would ‘hush’ me in church so I wouldn’t embarrass myself.”

Michael’s love for music and a powerful conversion experience he describes as “...a flood out of heaven ... all I wanted to do was worsip him...” led Pritzl to turn his attention to using his music for a purpose.

Over the years, he’s accomplished a lot. The Violet Burning have recorded nine albums -The Violet Burning, Chosen, Strength, Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic, I Am A Stranger In This Place, Faith And Devotion Of A Satellite Heart, The Gravity Show (Fabulous, Like You), Hollow Songs and the latest project, This Is The Moment. There are also CDs of outtakes and Christmas projects available through the band’s website, www.thevioletburning.com

“The Violet Burning [have] always been my project,” Pritzl said. “I have had the great blessing to work with many different, very gifted musicians. It is always good to include people who you feel are gifted; and as you know, sometimes people get married or start different careers which pay much better than music,” he added by way of explaining the band’s often changing lineup.

While there does seem to exist a sort of revolving door for band members in any genre of music, Violet Burning’s coming and goings have never been from inactivity. The band has stayed busy since its inception. “We simply go and play wherever we’re invited.” Pritzl explains. “It’s always been this way: colleges, clubs, churches, halls, coffee shops, festivals, etc.

“I’ve also had the great blessing of having songs on gospel radio, songs sung in churches throughout the world as well as songs on MTV shows (“Real World,” “Road Rules,” MTV Sports), HBO movies and on mainstream radio in America and Europe.”

There has always been a balancing act dedicated Christian musicians must endure to survive. Does the musician work to reach the world with the message, or stay in the realm of the church, playing only for those who share the faith? Pritzl recognizes this paradox.

“The Bible tells us that it is God who will complete the work He started within each of us. Having had both mainstream recording deals, and recording deals in the gospel music industry, either way they are business deals and are to be honored as such. I don’t think that dealing with mainstream people has affected my ability to keep my perspective. I am a Christian, and if people enjoy what I do as a musician, I am definitely honored by that.”

So what about detractors within the various Christian communities who still regard rock to be “of the Devil?”

“We’ve had to deal with that kind of thing, and much worse,” he said. “To me, those kind of people simply seem sad or insecure. Jesus was hated by the religious people because he was a friend of sinners. There will always be people with that sort of pharisee-like mind set.”

Beyond the detractors and naysayers, though, Pritzl feels that Christian musicians are always challenged.

“The musicians truly do go out at the head of the army as the Psalms say,” he said. “Sometimes they take more hits than the rest of the Church, but this is where God has them, and this is how they make the most impact. It can be very discouraging as musicians, particularly because so much of what you do as a musician can be judged by others.”

It’s obvious that playing Christian music as a vocation requires a certain level of commitment. So what advice does Pritzl offer to young musicians just starting out?

“Play. Enjoy it. Play from your heart,” he said. “Live and enjoy life. Know that your parents and family love you, and really do want the best for you. No matter what, you are gonna make it.”

The Violet Burning’s website contains the usual information, reviews and interesting journal entries along with what would seem to be a lot of hyperbolic press. After receiving a copy of the latest project, This Is The Moment, I’ve concluded that Violet Burning are one band who live up to their own press. While it’s not my job here to do a review, I have to say that Christian music has come a long way since my personal involvement with it in the 1970s.

This Is The Moment is lush sounding and incredibly produced. Pritzl’s voice travels the range from almost a whisper (“Manta Rae”) to primal scream (“Let It Begin”). My personal favorite is “Radio Jesus Superstar”. There’s nothing here that isn’t radio friendly, especially for an alt-rock format.

Produced by Michael and Andrew Prickett (who also plays guitar and sundry other instruments), Moment also features the talents of Herb Grimaud Jr. on bass and Sam West on drums.