C.A.I: First of all I think your music is great. What caught my attention was the fact that you are a Norwegian band. I was curious to hear what you sounded like singing in your native tongue. Yet I was surprised to hear that you all minister with perfect British accents (smile). Does that pose any obstacles when ministering in Norway? Or do the majority of Norwegians speak English?
Bjørn Thomas: Haha! our native language Norwegian sounds pretty weird to you guys! All the Americans think it sounds strange! And I really understand that! He!!.. We sing and make songs in English to reach as many people as possible in our ministry. We’re not just ministering in Norway! We’re a UK signed band (management) so we’re absolutely trying to reach out of Norway and out of Europe! And people / youths over here understand English very well! We learn English from 3rd grade at primary school! So for us its pretty natural to write songs in English.
C.A.I: So tell us about Norway. From what I understand you still have a menarche. If I was to travel to Norway next week, what special places would you advise me to visit and what activities could I do?
Bjørn Thomas: Oslo of course! The capital of Norway! It’s a really nice town, since that’s where we’re from, ha!! Not too big but neither too small. For me as a Norwegian, we always say that there is nothing special to look at over here! Its all boring for us, haha!!, since we’re used to it.. But everybody that is coming to Norway really loves the country! The nature is awesome and how the mountains stretches down to the ocean is pretty stunning! Activities, dunno'. Boat trip along the coast, car trip up in the mountains, and of course a place called Holmenkollen. It’s a Skijump stadium with a crazy nice view from the top! We always bring American artists up there to have a look over Oslo!
C.A.I: How was the band Compass formed, and how long have you been together?
Bjørn Thomas: It all started when Me (BT) Joachim, and Jon Kristoffer started in the same class at school! We were good friends since we were the only Christians in our class! And then we just started talking and dreaming about starting a band since we all played instruments! And then we involved Knut and Martin, two good friend of ours. We were actually just really good friends that had the same heart and dreams about being able to make a difference around us and being able to reach people with God's love and grace (The gospel). I’ve always had a dream in my heart about music and that desire will always burn in me!
Compass has been together for 3 years now!
C.A.I: Only three years and you have achieved so much.... What is the meaning behind the name “Compass”? and how did you come to decide this would be the name of your band?
Bjørn Thomas: We ware looking for a name over quiet a long period! It was really hard, because we wanted a name that said something about what we believed and what we were representing! I remember we sat and prayed, and suddenly the name Compass just dropped into my head. And I thought, yes!! Perfect. And after a while the guys agreed! The meaning behind the name is that a Compass shows directions right! Not just that we’re trying to show people where to go, but being able to drag God's presence down so He can touch and lead people the way that He wants them to go! We don’t have all the answers or directions but God has, and we have the opportunity to Get into His presence and get changed! Because we get changed in his presence! So we’re trying to show people the compass that God has for our lives!
C.A.I: My knowledge of the Christian faith community in Norway is little to nothing and that may be the case for many of our readers. Tell us what is happening in Norway in terms of Christianity's presence in society, the mainstream media, the youth movement and how traditions are changing in Norway?
Bjørn Thomas: Norway is a ‘’Christian’’ country! With state churches and free churches! Many people say that they believe in God, but most of them don’t have a personal believe! That’s the fact about Christianity in Norway! And I guess its like that over the whole world right now! People are unsure about what they believe or not! Media is working against Christianity! Working against the truth that sets free. The world is so afraid of the truth you know! But they don’t realize that it is the truth that gives peace to their hearts! This is like a random ‘’man’’ or ‘’woman’’ in Norway. But thank God, we have some really good Churches and Christians as well! Haha!!…
C.A.I: You all gave up your full-time jobs to answer your call to ministry. How has this leap of faith changed your lives?
Bjørn Thomas: Totally. It’s a big gap from working ‘’normally’’ to work for Gods kingdom! A big difference, but you know, God has so many promises to us, that we don’t need to hold anything back, because we know that He’s in control and that He will guide us to where He want us to be! God is our Compass of live and we really are in need of His grace and power everyday in our ministry! That’s how it is to walk in faith you know! The whole Compass ministry is a faith action to God, and we put Him first and obey Him and what He says! We really feel called to do what we’re doing, that’s why we just keep up our faith and keep fighting for the truth! The truth that sets people free.
C.A.I: In your bio you mentioned that you are developing your debut project with a top producer – Jason Germain from Downhere. How did this opportunity come about?
Bjørn Thomas: We’ve been lucky to meet Jason through our management a couple of times! Our management work with some top American bands, so we’ve been lucky to meet a lot of great musicians of God! And I also met him when I was over in America last year with Casting Crowns! I was so lucky to go on tour with them to see how they did things! They have been really helpful to us and really encouraging! Jason is a really good man with a great heart!
C.A.I: So far, how has Myspace helped your ministry in terms of marketing and what strategies do you find most effective?
Bjørn Thomas: Myspace has been a really good tool for us! God has just opened up so many doors through Myspace. We can now stay in touch with people over the whole world and are able to reach further than we could ever think of! Our fan base is building quickly and that helps us as a band in our ministry to expand our dreams and visions for life! We want to reach people for God and Myspace helps us reach far more people than what we could without!
C.A.I: Over the next few years what are you looking to accomplish in your ministry?
Bjørn Thomas: First of all, our main goal is to serve God and get closer to him in our personal lives! Compass and our ministry is a fruit of what we’re doing! We have many dreams, but our biggest dream is to be able to make a difference around us! Not just be one of the bands out there! But we want to be used by God and be able to show people His grace and His love for them! And we pray that through our music, we will be able to bring the audience into another dimension of worship! Not just have a show or a concert but something that goes far beyond that! Like: God, what do you want to do for these people that are here today? We’re really dependent on God! Big Time!.. And He's always faithful! Amen and praise God for His faithfulness!
For more information or to book Compass....
www.myspace.com/compasssound
www.compasssound.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Compass/6069072697?ref=ts |
