With an impressive regional touring schedule, regular rotation on indie radio, and staff duties in his local church, worshipleader/songwriter Steve Kropp is offering his fair share of both excitement and relevancy to contemporary Christian music. More importantly, his music ministry is directing youth and adults alike toward seeking Christ-likeness and growing the Kingdom of God.
Raised in a Christian family in Pennsylvania, Steve moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2000. Enamored with the Bible belt’s style of worship, he soon answered a call to serve the Lord through his gifts in music. With this obedience came many blessings as a musician, worship leader, songwriter and speaker. Steve returns this favor by embracing Psalm 34:3 as the foundation for his music ministry: “O magnify the Lord with me, and let’s exalt His name together!”
In 2005, Steve released his debut CD, Magnify, comprised of original praise & worship songs with pop/rock arrangements in a progressive recording style. Produced by Glad’s Chris Davis, Magnify features vertical lyrics for the church set to music for the secular ear. Highlights include the funky “God of Glory”, the choir-backed lament “Hear My Cry”, and the finger picked “Never Forget”.
Released in 2006, Peaks & Valleys, was recorded at Third Stream Music and produced by Matt Montoro. By taking a more organic approach to his sophomore project, Steve found he could focus his songwriting more on the emotional aspect of the Christian walk. This led to the utilization of more acoustic genres, ensuring the appeal of Steve’s music ministry to wider audiences. Highlights include the breathy jazz flute of “Here I Am”, bluegrass pickers on “I Surrender”, and a classical string section on the ballad “Captivate Me”.
Steve followed with a series of live album releases in 2007. Recorded on the road at 4 different appearances (a campground, a concert, a café, and a youth service), these raw cuts capture the colorful personality of Steve & his band while ushering in the Spirit through worship. Ancient Future, is comprised of old hymns with modern twists. Highlights include a Who-like version of “To God be the Glory”, a country twanged “I Have Decided”, and the haunting closer “Crossing the Bar”. Live, is comprised of new songs (“My Redeemer”), evolved arrangements of old favorites (“Champion”), & covers (Robin Mark's “Days of Elijah”).
Steve went back into the studio for his latest release, 2009’s The Bridge. Chris Davis returned to produce highlights like the youth favorite “Hey Hey HEY!”, the piano driven “Always”, and the roots rock “Praised be the Most High”. Steve also wore the producer’s hat for the first time on the more acoustic numbers at Linear Sound Studio.
Steve’s music ministry is represented in various ensembles in the live setting. He spends most Sunday mornings in a staff position as music director of New Season UMC, a church he helped plant in Massaponax, Virginia in 2005. Steve also travels solo for conferences and festivals, appears as an acoustic duet or trio for worship concerts, and brings a full electric band for high-energy youth events. Regardless of the form in which his music is presented, it is an environment conducive to all ages singing, clapping, dancing, and worshipping together!
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