PureVolume

Members: Chris Bray

The title track of Chris Brays first album Just Hang On sums up the life of this 22-year-old whos seen his fair share of ups and downs.

Just Hang On is kind of like that glimpse of hope, that thread you just need to keep holding on to when everything else is falling down. Its kind of like an inspiration, said Bray, who lives with his new wife Katie in Aylmer, 20 minutes south of London.

The Canadian Christian recording artist comes from humble beginnings. Growing up in small town Hesson, Ont., an hour-and-a-half north of London, Bray grappled with a learning disability.

I always struggled in school whether it was math or reading and writing, he said. I would come home from school and I would cry and be so upset; I would tell my mom I hate you for making me do my homework.

Brays parents raised him and his older sister Melanie with a strong Catholic conviction, but it wasnt until a charismatic healing Mass he attended at the age of 13 that Brays life dramatically changed.

There were people being prayed over and they were falling over, they were doing praise and worship and it really frightened me. I didnt know what was going on, said Bray, who skeptically participated.

At his mothers suggestion he asked to be healed of his learning disability.

That was the moment I let go and I decided there was something bigger than me and I felt for the first time I had a tangible relationship with God.

Last year, Bray graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in Internet technologies from Fanshawe College in London, Ont.

While Bray holds down a day job as a computer analyst with the Catholic school board of London, it is music that has always been instrumental in his life. In high school he and his friends formed a Christian band, leading worship every Saturday night at their parish.

We were your typical amateur high school band who had dreams of doing bigger things.... Really, I wasnt good at all and I didnt sing at all, said Bray, modestly.

But when the bands lead singer left, Bray was left to pick up the slack.

I was terrible but I put my heart into it.

Over the years Bray said he developed musically, writing his own music and recording demos on his computer. He recorded the first song for his album in high school and finished it in second-year college.

Its a complete CD, but its kind of a journey, said Bray, explaining that his writing style has since changed.

Brays initial intention was to produce music for secular radio with an underlying Christian message.

I felt like there was a lot of good music on secular radio, but there was nothing that was wholesome, that would really challenge people to go deeper. I focused on that a lot maybe a little bit too much.

During high school I actually cared what other people thought of me, said Bray. And even now when you mention Christian artists people shut down, oh youre a Christian artist, you cant be any good.

Thats why I feel at home when I do worship music because thats where I feel accepted the most, said Bray, who has led praise and worship for the past three years at Mary Immaculate parishs LifeTEEN Mass in London.

While Bray is quick to point out he isnt concerned with making strides in the secular world any more, he has had a few accomplishments. Last year he was nominated for best new artist at the London Music Awards and hes opened for Sony recording artist Jeremy Fisher and 1980s heavy metal band Helix.

Bray said aside from the challenges hes faced gaining credibility as a musician of faith, hes also realized that being a musician isnt all glitz and glamour. The majority of the time he's offstage, organizing events, managing finances and sifting through copyright clauses.

Ive accepted the fact that its 10 per cent music and 90 per cent work. Its not always going to be you show up and play.

While supporters helped him raise the money to record his CD, the recording and printing costs took a chunk out of his piggy bank. Performing an evening of praise and worship also has its costs: feeding the band, gas money, parking and renting equipment.

It adds up really quick and becomes a big burden. I accept donations whenever I can because of that.... Youve got to have faith and keep looking forward.

One future project Brays looking forward to is collaborating with Salt + Light TV on a reality TV show about whats involved in the making of an album. Bray plans to film the ins and outs of producing his next CD.