written by Ginny McCabe

Lift's music sheds new light on a unique combination of insightful songwriting and powerful vocals that capture the heart of their message and ministry.

            While the band's music reaches beyond multi-generational boundaries, the members agree that ministry is their main focus.

             Primary songwriter, and guitarist, Mike Gossett, says that ministry is nothing new for them.

             "Early on, we performed in our own church, other churches, youth groups and other area events as a praise and worship band we formed called Babtea," he explains.

             As they continued to perform together, they discovered that they were called to minister to diverse audiences, reaching people from different denominations, and of various ages. "We shared the vision of our hearts through music," says vocalist Mary Burleson.

            Gossett, who pens the majority of the lyrics to the band's original tracks, says the songs reflect on themes about Christ's love and the importance of sharing that love with others.

            In fact, it is one of the fundamental themes reflected in Lift's songs, and is clearly summarized by 1 Corinthians 13: 7, which says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (New Living Translation)

            The project's title-cut, "As Long As You Live," talks about the kind of love God has for us, and the kind of love we should have for other people.

            "That is the one thing that amazes me the most about God, is His unconditional love, on so many levels," says Gossett. "A lot of the songs I write are about the love of God and the way it amazes me," he continues.

            Songs like "Your Love," further express those underlying themes. As the lyrics relate: "One day as I looked into the mirror/I couldn't see it any clearer/You held me near."

            Other highlights include: "Run Away," " Heaven," and "Follow You."

            Gossett shares that his musical influences include the likes of Delirious, and other modern praise and worship acts, but he says he has continued to develop his own style of songwriting and playing.

            "I don't know what caused me to hear Delirious, but thankfully I did. It was the first music that really reached inside of me. I understood what worship was supposed to be when I listened to their music. Hearing that type of music was a huge inspiration for me," he remembers.

            Growing up in a Baptist church, Gossett says he learned to sing a four-part harmony from the day he could talk.  He also shares that music has continued to be a strong influence on his Christian faith. “I had a guitar from the time I was two years old," he recalls.  "But, I came to a point in my life where I really wanted God to guide my life. I got more heavily involved with music, and began writing songs that expressed my faith," Gossett says.

            In addition to his skills as a player, Mike has continued to learn more about music through working at a commercial recording studio, deepening his understanding of music production and development.

            Nineteen-year-old, Mary, the oldest of five children, also grew up in a Christian home.  She also developed her musical roots at an early age.

            "My mom and dad sing. My mom has performed her whole life, and probably the first time I sang in church was when I was twelve," she says.

            She established a love for singing throughout high school, as she continued to perform at church, and held lead roles in school musicals.

            Her musical interests span from pop to country. She cites that some of her musical influences include Delirious, Third Day, as well as, female powerhouses, Jaci Velasquez, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.

            Musically, the project is a combination of energetic pop songs, combined with catchy hooks and heartfelt ballads.

            Lift spent time recording in their hometown of Cincinnati, and brought in a few mainstream industry heavyweights to help guide them in the recording and mixing processes.

             Lift is produced by Jeff Pence (Songwriter, Lead Guitarist, Blessid Union of Souls). Executive Producers, Pence, along with Mike Erwin, prove that the project strikes a strong balance of moving ballads with some of the best sounds that modern pop has to offer.  

            Pence not only served as mentor, but also helped to build the foundation for the debut effort, which showcases meaningful lyrics mixed with energy-driven guitars, and melodic piano compositions. Arrangements reflect not only the creative genius behind Lift, but the powerful, emotive vocal delivery that characterize each of the project's songs.

            "Jeff was definitely a big part of the project. He helped to find parts for me to sing. He would play something, sing it and tell me to try different things, vocally," Burleson says.

            Gossett agrees, "For me, having the guys in Blessid Union involved brings a great level of knowledge and experience to what we are doing."

           They have already gained quite a buzz, locally, and Lift is currently in the process of lining up a regional tour, playing at churches and coffeehouses.

            Lift hopes audiences can share in the excitement and encouragement that their music has to offer.

            "We aren't doing this just for the performance, we really love God, and it is what we feel called to do. We hope people see our hearts in it," Burleson says.