Liminal. It’s my favorite word.
A limen is the arch above a door. To be liminal is to be standing under the arch. Not really in this room but not really in that room either. Technically, it’s the state of being between states. Engaged to be married is a great example. You’re not really single anymore, but you’re not really married either.
We all find ourselves in a liminal state from time to time. For example, I decided to move to Nashville in September of 2007, but didn’t move until December. For those few months I was a man without a home. My house in Atlanta was on the market, so it felt like I was living in a house that would soon belong to someone else. But I wasn’t in Nashville yet. In Atlanta, but not of it. Liminal.
As a Christian, my whole life is liminal. I am a citizen of heaven, living on earth. Paul calls us ambassadors to this world. In the world but not of it. The kingdom is here but it has not yet come. We’re called to live by the values of the kingdom of God while we live in the kingdom of man. It’s disorienting stuff. Pretty schizophrenic actually. One foot in this mundane and secular and one foot in the transcendent and spiritual. It’s the life we are called to live. This blog holds my thoughts on the Liminal Life.
Here’s a little background about my journey so far:
At the end of 2007 I moved to Nashville and bought a house at the head of Music Row, where I will combine my interest in music and film with my passion for children, discipleship and social action. I’m currently loving our new city and enjoying the time to dream about what I hope to accomplish here.
In 2006 I joined the team that launched DiscRevolt; a download service focused on connecting digital music downloads with the physical world of live performances, promotions and retail sales. As the VP of Business Development and Chief Strategist, I was responsible for business and product development, marketing and artist/label relations throughout the launch of the company.
I joined Paste Media Group, best known for Paste Magazine, in 2003. As the VP of Business Development, I drove Paste’s business strategy, raising the funding to significantly grow the distribution of the magazine and extend the Paste brand. As Associate Publisher, I was responsible for magazine production and distribution. I launched and managed an independent label, Paste Records and a retail listening station program, Paste Recommends and also launched and produced the successful weekly Paste Culture Club podcast.
With twin degrees in Psychology & Systems Science, much of my prior career was focused on telecommunications marketing and information technology. My first startup, Integral Designs, was followed by a long stint at Westinghouse. In the mid ‘90s, I jumped into the Internet frenzy as the Director of Product Development for BellSouth.net and Voice Over IP startup Broadriver. As the Atlanta Marketing Director for Media One/AT&T Broadband/Comcast, I was instrumental in the launch of cable modems, high definition TV, retail sales, and 70 new cable channels in Atlanta, including Country Music Television.
I tried to play both guitar and drums when I was younger, but I have no real talent as an instrumentalist. So I have ended up on the other side of the glass, as an executive producer, producer, engineer, mastering engineer and live sound engineer. Mostly, I’ve tried to bridge the gap between artists and business people.
Executive Producer:
-Mark Heard - Hammers & Nails - Paste Records - 2003
-Manchester Orchestra - Nobody Sings Anymore - unreleased
-Manchester Orchestra - You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm, But Brilliance Needs A Good Editor - Favorite Gentlemen - 2005
-Manchester Orchestra - Like A Virgin Losing A Child - 2006
Producer:
-Bill Mallonee - My Year In Review - Meat Market Records & PasteMusic - 2002
Mastering:
-Brindley Brothers - Playing With The Light - Paste Records - 2004
-F/Stop - Last Day Of Fall - Paste Records - 2003
-Paste Magazine Samplers 1 through 21 - 2003 to 2006
Throughout the 28 years of my marriage, I have always worked to influence the next generation. Betsy and I adopted four older children and raised seven daughters. I spent four years doing campus ministry with Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. We have sponsored many children with Compassion International and I’ve worked for many years with our church High School youth group.
