LGS interview with singer/songwriter Brian Gentry and engineer, Micheal Witty.
A Personal story
As a young teen I was pretty much left on my own. I had difficulty fitting in and music helped me cope with all that was missing in my family life.
The natural ability to put words to song gave me “process” and being able to sing and play guitar helped me, a shy and emotionally tattered girl, become accepted among my peers. I felt safe behind my guitar and realized it was much easier being honest through a song then in a direct conversation.
As I got older, I got better and honed my writing skill by listening to songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young, storytellers who could draw people in with a poem and a tune, a story and a melody.
Throughout my young and middle age life I lived in brokenness from alcoholism, divorce and abandonment. Writing and making music was a safe outlet for me, calm in the fray.
In 1988 I found sobriety with the help of a program called Alcoholics Anonymous and my life completely changed . The program of AA eventually led me to Jesus Christ and I lost my life and became a new person in Christ, growing spiritually, emotionally and in knowledge and wisdom. Though not a religious organization, the Holy Spirit used AA it to get my attention, to woo me in. It was if He gently picked me up out of my own little hell on earth and dropped me into the arms of that twelve step program. A few years later, as I was seeking after a "higher power" I came to Jesus, on my knee's, leaning against my bed, asking Him if He was real … and I wasn't very nice as I spoke. I remember feeling desperate, afraid and lost. Jesus was there waiting for me to surrender, His arms open wide (as it describes in the Holy Hippo song). The next day was a most amazing, supernatural day.
Today, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, I count it a privilege and an honor to serve God through the gifts He’s given me. Each new song feels like a collaboration with the Holy Spirit — When I write a song it is as if He’s right there, over my shoulder, guiding the process. He speaks to me through these songs, alsays teaching me something new as I write, sometimes years after they are written.
Music reaches people in their joy and sorrow, their heartbreaks and breakthroughs. Watching someone feel through a song — and begin to understand who Jesus is and how much He loves them, that’s where ministry is for me .
~ Lisa Gallant Seal
About the artist
history / bibliography
🎤 Artistic Beginnings
1994 – 2001 Songwriter & Vocalist – The Brotherhood Dogs
Acoustic rock band led by Gallant Seal
Gained a strong local and New England following
CD Projects: Live at Raoul’s, WCLZ Songwriter’s Compilation
🙌 Worship Ministry & Leadership
2000 – 2005 Worship Team Member – Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Westbrook, ME
Pastor Phil Strout
2005 – 2006 Worship Consultant – Crossroads Community Church, Standish, ME
Pastor Doug Walker
2005 – 2009 Worship Leader – Vineyard Christian Fellowship
Pastor Mario Maston
2010 – 2012 Worship Leader – Crossroads Community Church, Standish/Gorham, ME
Pastor Doug Walker
2013 – 2019 Worship Leader – First Baptist Church Portland, ME
Dr. Keith Moore
2020 – 2022 Worship Leader – Cornerstone Church, Standish, ME
Pastor Jim Hess
2022 – Present Founder – Lisa Gallant Seal Music Ministry Worship Leader – Berean Baptist Church, Brunswick, ME
Pastor Mark Rockwood
💿 Recording Projects
Live at Raoul’s – The Brotherhood Dogs
WCLZ Songwriter’s Compilation
The Journey – Rich Gouette (2005)
Studio 19 EP – Dan Merrill (2005)
Changing Direction – Halo Records (2012)