by Lorie Lewis Ham
This week we interviewed local Christian musician Stephen Michael Niewind, who calls himself a “musicianary” a new word whose definition is a Christian Musician who is on a Mission from God. His ministry is called Incoming Rush. We first interviewed him in 2012.
KRL: When and how did you first become interested in performing?
Stephen: I was involved with church growing up and sang for worship teams, choir at church, and in school since I was in fourth grade. I went to Clovis High and was a part of choir since freshman year to senior year and was in multiple choirs from Boy’s Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Jazz Choir during lunch periods. Mostly every Sunday I have been leading worship being a part of worship teams at different churches I was asked to help out most of my life last 32 years. 
KRL: Do you accompany yourself or sing to tracks?
Stephen: I accompany myself with guitar most of the time, other times I can occasionally sing with a instrumental tracks to make the song seem fuller. I also collaborate with other songwriters, musicians, music of all kinds.
KRL: What style of music do you sing?
Stephen: Christian Based, Acoustic, Praise & Worship. 
KRL: Do you perform original or cover songs?
Stephen: Original but also can do cover songs when asked to.
KRL: Are you from Fresno?
Stephen: Clovis / Fresno California.
KRL: Where do you perform?
Stephen: Art Hop in Downtown Fresno, at Cornerstone Coffee House every other month whenever I’m asked to perform/minister. Also at the Big Fresno Fair grounds–during October been asked back last 12 years to the same stage, Save Mart Wine Garden Center Stage, Performed in Nashville, Tennessee from 2010-2018 as part of Best of the Blessed Competition in Hendersonville Tennessee, at TBN STUDIOS Trinity Music City, and was chosen Top 10 of a Nation as a Solo Singer Original Message Songwriter Acoustic Guitarist. Also performed at the Grand Ol Opry, Opry Mill’s Mall Stage about four times, as well as Blue Bird Cafe, Douglas Corner, Cafe Coco, Commodore Grill Open Mic, and Hard Rock Cafe Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee.
KRL: How often do you perform?
Stephen: As much as I can. Right now, I am singing every Friday Night and Saturday Night at Bobby Salazar’s Mexican Restaurant in Old Town Clovis for Karaoke. I’m singing with my real voice basically my practice before bigger opportunities open up.
KRL: Future goals?
Stephen: Pray for God’s will, and do whatever God has planned for me.
God’s goals are more important than my own wishes, dreams, goals. 
KRL: How often do you practice?
Stephen: As much as I can. When I have the opportunity to do so I even practice on Facebook LIVE sharing the talents that God has blessed me with gifted me since I was born.
KRL: What do you like best about playing music?
Stephen: Sharing and showing the love of God through the music / performance.
KRL: What makes your music unique-different from the others?
Stephen: Heartfelt, Real Deal on and off stage. Music I sing comes from God. I’m nothing without God.
KRL: Who inspired you musically?
Stephen: Jesus Christ/God/Holy Spirit, Goodmans, Gaithers, Rambo’s, Carmen, Stryper, Justin Fox Band, Delirious, / Martin Smith, Sonic Flood, Paul Baloche, Desperation Band, Hillsong/Hillsong United, Pax 217, OC Supertones, Skillet, Seven Places, Kutless, Matt Redman, Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Jars of Clay, Todd Agnew, Third Day / Mac Powell, David Crowder Band, Crowder, Newsboys / Peter Furler, Matthew West, Lincoln Brewster, Matt Maher, Switchfoot, JJ Heller, POD, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valen’s, Blink 182, Everclear, Creed, Demon Hunter, many others.
KRL: Any special highlights of your music career you would like to share?
Stephen: I have performed at Warnors Theater in Downtown Fresno and had my name INCOMING RUSH in lights–that’s something especially in your home town. I opened for Christian Artist JJ Heller.
KRL: Any upcoming shows?
Stephen: Art Hop May 2019 date soon TBA, More Shows TBA soon 2019 / 2020.
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
Stephen: INCOMING RUSH MINISTRIES STEPHEN MICHAEL NIEWIND is all about making the name of Jesus Christ /God more and more famous above all else. Especially taking ourselves out of the spotlight and putting Jesus Christ/GOD front and center for the whole world to see and hear. Reaching out to the lost, broken, hurting, searching, needy and anyone and let them know about Jesus Christ whenever I can until the day that I die
KRL: Website, etc?
Stephen: www.reverbnation.com/incomingrushacts22, www.soundcloud.com/stephenmichaelniewind26. On YouTube search INCOMING RUSH / INCOMING RUSH MINISTRIES / STEPHEN MICHAEL NIEWIND / STEPHEN NIEWIND.
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