Heather Schnoor – Into The Good Unknowns

I feel very blessed to have grown up in such a musical family and to have that encouragement and support. My family never pushed me. I see these children or teenagers now and it can seem so pressured. My family just encouraged me to follow my interests, and that’s probably why I’m still doing it today. But yea, I have so many sweet musical memories from growing up.

CCM: Was there a turning point when you go from being a member to a musical family to actually believing you could pursue this for a living/career?
HS: I always knew since a young age music that would be a part of my journey, but I think it was college where it became more of a reality. I was touring with a country band on weekends and summers during college, and I think being on stage as often as I was, that’s what gave me the confidence and courage to really go for it. So I got my degree, packed everything up, and made the move to Nashville, TN. To this day, I always look back on those country band days, and I’m just so grateful for that experience and where it’s brought me to today.

CCM: You mentioned music playing all the time as a kid. What were some of the popular artists and albums from that season?
HS: In my primary years, between Amy Grant, Reba McEntire, Patsy Cline I could never get enough. We had LPs and cassette tapes back then and I’m pretty sure I wore each one of them out. My all-time favorite albums of theirs were Unguarded and Heart In Motion by Amy Grant, My Kind Of Country and Whoever’s In New England by Reba McEntire, and The Last Sessions by Patsy Cline. When entering elementary, Sandi Patty, The Judds, Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, The Carpenters and Whitney Houston became favorites as well. As you can see, I was very well rounded in my music education.

CCM: You mentioned the country band and you also have an opera background. Do you find that diverse musical background actually helps you today?
HS: Absolutely yes. What I loved most about my classical training is you learn to fully appreciate the stage and the true meaning behind each song. Every phrase, word, note, instrument is of importance and value. Once you have a deeper understanding of that, it’s easier to deliver your song/performance to your audience, having the ability to make them feel something they’ve never felt before. Although I chose not to continue with opera, I’m grateful for how it prepared and shaped me for musical journey in country and now Christian music.

CCM: The new album is called All In. What made that the best banner to place over this set of songs?
HS: It was just my overall theme and declaration for how I was choosing to live my life. So it just fit. I’ve always looked at artist’s albums as being chapters in their life, and this was a big chapter in mine, not just in the sense of new music coming out, but in my spiritual journey and walk with my Lord and Savior. I had experienced His goodness, grace, mercy, and endless love on a whole new level to where nothing else mattered but being “All In” with Him.

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