Steven Curtis Chapman Interview: 'The Glorious Unfolding' Brings His Smile Back After Tragedy Left Him 'Shut Down'

Article originally for The Christian Post, it can be seen here.

Steven Curtis Chapman has been a Christian music staple for the last 25 years plus, and in that time frame has used his wonderful gift of music to not only proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to help inspire and bring God's people closer to their Savior.

Now, in 2013, it was Chapman who could have used a bit of the inspiration after a trying last couple of years.

"My family and I has been on a very difficult and painful journey walking through the loss of our youngest daughter in May 2008," Chapman told the Christian Post.

The greatest example we have of God's love is the love of a father has for his children, and as Chapman and his family suffered a horrific tragedy that was sure to shake the character of any man and make him curse God, Chapman instead, leaned on him.

"God is faithful even in the hardest places. Then to actually walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and to have that depth of despair of hopelessness and that sense of how can that be, and all those questions, and wrestling with God at a level deeper than I ever would have wanted to…You continue to walk through the darkest days and are able to say, God you're my Savior. Having walked through what I've walked through, I now have an infinitely deeper love than before. It deepened my awareness of how much of God I don't understand," he said.

Chapman said this new record, The Glorious Unfolding, is the album where he got his smile back. People have told him the "joy and celebration" is back in his voice.

Understandably everyone takes time to heal, and Chapman said it was a process.

"I shut everything down creatively and musically to slowly see what's going to come from this. Am I ever going to feel like I can write another song," he said.

And while he did write again, the songs were deep and introspective. He said he was "wrestling with God."

The last few albums have been very different. They were specific recordings, greatest hits, a Christmas album, songs redone; they were projects for a purpose, but not necessarily a "Steve Curtis Chapman" record.

His life is slowing getting to a better place he said.

"We've been through and still are living with a broken heart, but there is new life and new beginnings."

"There is much new life to celebrate," Chapman said as he spoke about three of his children getting married since the accident, and grandchildren coming into the picture.

He told of a story from when he was young about what he thought the biggest roller coaster was. It was in his hometown, and he was fearful of it growing up. Once he got older and experienced one of the coasters at 6 Flags, he knew that small one was not nearly the same or as bad.

Chapman used that story as an analogy for the little roller coasters in life. They may seem big at the time, but much scarier one's can be in the future, and sometimes we do not know why God puts them in our path.

"God does know the plans he has for us, he does know the story he's writing for our lives. I really do believe God will finish what he started. He is a God that redeems and restores, and is telling a great epic story of our lives. He is a God of hope and will restore," Chapman said.

"I don't know if it's a transformation or a deepening to depths that I never imagined and would have if given a choice to not even go to this deep of an understanding, or this deep of faith because I would have taken the option of an easier path," he candidly admits about the whole situation.

The beauty of music is its healing abilities, and how it can reach emotions and the soul like nothing else.

"Music is a supernaturally powerful thing. I believe in God creating the art form of music to transform people. I've watched the power of a song, words said to music in line and meter, go to a place in people's heart that a spoken word can never go to," he said.

"I've seen it save my own heart, and in ways my own life."

Chapman explained God's use of musicians in the Bible. He told the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho, where the army marched around the city singing and playing music until the walls came down. Also, of when the Israelites went to war sending in musicians before the frontline.

When asked about some of the limitations of Christian music, Chapman explained that Christian music has come a long way. He cites artists such as Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, and Switchfoot as being musicians who paved the way for Christian music being accepted in the mainstream.

"I've had that opportunity, and performed in places I would have never imagined playing Christian music before," he said.

He continued, "Are there times that it limits the reach of a song? Yes. If I wasn't the CCM guy, would my songs have the opportunity to reach other places? Yes, I think that's the case. But, we as people think we need those labels to try and qualify and organize, and I guess over the years I've taken the position of rather than sort of be frustrated, more to go, this is what is and how do we use it in the most effective way?"

"I've seen so much good and so many positive things by listening to Christian music and Christian radio stations. The good far outweighs the negative aspects of labels and those kinds of things," he said.

Chapman's next great adventure is "The Glorious Unfolding Tour with Jason Gray and Laura Story.

"Jason's story and his message is so consistent with what I'm really communicating especially with this tour, that God knows the plans for your life and even in the mess and brokeness that he'll bring something beautiful out of that if we trust him with it," said Chapman.

"Laura's song 'Like Blessings' is a song that encouraged and was such a healing song in our darkest days," he said explaining now he sings a duet with her everyday. "That alone is a powerful testimony to me. Laura's been through so much and she shares it on stage."

"It's an incredible tour to be encouraged and ministered to."

Chapman has 16 studio albums, and 20 total in his career. He has sold more than 10 million albums, has two Platinum records, seven Gold, 46 No. 1 Christian radio hits, three Grammy Awards, and just won his 58th Dove Award.

Matthew West Brings to Light God's 'Chosen,' in Stories of Redemption, Love and Forgiveness (INTERVIEW)

Originally this article was for the Christian Post, read it here.

Matthew West, an artist known for his vivid storytelling and in-depth musical stories, chatted with The Christian Post to speak about his newest release, Into The Light: Life Stories & Live Songs.

After a series of life changing turns including a lost dream for baseball, an almost career-threatening guitar playing arm injury, and problems with his vocal chords; West has managed to find provision through God's favor and has pushed on.

Christian Post: Your newest release, Into The Light: Life Stories & Live Songs; why was it something you wanted to do as far as the CD/DVD combination?

Matthew West: Over the past few years, I've been on a mission to tell a story of a different kind. Instead of writing songs inspired by my own story, I have given people everywhere an invitation to tell me their stories and inspire my songs. Three years and 25,000 stories later, I have now recorded two projects inspired entirely by these peoples' stories. The live DVD was an opportunity to allow people to take these powerful stories home with them.

CP: Do you perform any of the songs differently live than you would on the album?

MW: Songs always take on a new form from the studio to the stage. There may be a song that is fully produced on the record that I decide to just play how I wrote it – with an acoustic guitar or piano. Some songs just translate better with a more intimate delivery, and others are received better by the crowd if the whole band is rocking. All in all, the show is like a roller coaster by design. I want it to rock a bit more than you'd expect from me, and still get just as personal and intimate as you might expect from a singer/songwriter.


CP: Can you please speak on some of the themes represented on the album, and how would you like people to come out of listening to the album?

MW: The overall theme of the record comes from 1 Peter 2:9. The scripture calls us a "chosen people." It says we are a "people belonging to God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." The people who have inspired songs on this record are individuals who have bravely brought their story out of the darkness and into God's perfect light so that he might shine through them and bring hope to a hurting world.

There are stories of a broken marriage being restored, a victim of abuse who found God's healing in her broken past, a woman who learned the power of forgiveness from tragic drunk driving, and the stories go on and on. One by one, the common thread of God's redemption at work in peoples' lives comes through loud and clear.

CP: Do you think music is a good evangelism tool, why or why not?

MW: Music has a unique way of helping to unlock the doors of a heart and let that heart begin to feel again. Time and time again, I've seen how God uses music in someone's life who may never darken the door of a church, but will turn on a radio station or listen to a CD. God's voice is not limited to the confines of a church. With that said, I think it is important for Christian artists and songwriters to be mindful of the potential impact the music we make can have, and to make sure that the songs we write are real, authentic, and clearly communicate the message of the gospel.

CP: How hard was the decision to pick music over baseball and how do you think your life would be different if you chose the other way?


MW: That decision was made for me! I couldn't hit a curve ball and I didn't get one single scholarship offer. God used that experience though, to remind me that His plan for my life is ultimately better than any plan I could come up with on my own. I've learned that even if it looks different than we might have planned it, ultimately there is no better or more fulfilling place we could be than the center of God's will for each of us.

CP: How important do you think it is to find God's calling on your life and stick it through?

MW: It is essential. John 10:10 assures us that God has come to give us life to the fullest. But sadly, many of us miss out on a full life because we never fully surrender to God's dream for us.

CP: How have you evolved as an artist since your first release, and is there anything you wish you have done differently over the years?

MW: Well, I hope I've evolved for the better; better songwriting, better singing, more effective communicator from the stage. But more importantly than that, I do feel like I have greater clarity as to why I do what I do, and I don't take lightly the fact that this is not some singing career. This is a ministry. Every song and every show is an opportunity to tell someone about the God that can change his or her life. I'm more mindful of that now than ever. I have even started a non-profit ministry with my dad that offers prayer and counseling to people online and at my shows so that each person gets the chance to grow deeper in their faith and to know they are not alone.

CP: You've written songs for a number of artists. Who was your favorite to work with, and how do you approach writing a song for someone else?

MW: Writing with and for other artists requires an entirely different mindset than when I'm writing for my own projects. I just sort of switch thinking caps, and my whole focus is how to serve that artist and their platform. With Casting Crowns, Mark Hall knows exactly what God has laid on his heart to communicate. I'm just there for musical purposes and maybe some lyrical perspective.
Sometimes, it's about getting out of the way and being an encourager when needed. Songwriting can be a painfully isolated process. Many times, we don't need a co-writer to get the song written, we just need a cheerleader! Someone handing us a cup of water and cheering us on to the finish line. Sometimes I feel like that when I'm writing with another artist. Whatever role I need to be in, I try to ebb and flow to help the process and not hinder it.

CP: Anything else to add?

MW: My new book is called "Forgiveness: Doing the Impossible." Thomas Nelson was kind enough to let me write it, and this is another way people can experience some of the stories that I have read over the past few years. I hope people will check it out and be encouraged by it.




West has five albums since 2003, and has been nominated for eight Dove Awards, winning once for his 2003 album, Happy.

He is currently out on the Into the Light Tour with Jason Castro and Sidewalk Prophets.

Former Superchick Frontwoman Tricia on Family, Going Solo and Real Beauty

This original interview was done of the Christian Post. Read it here.

Tricia, the former frontwoman of Christian pop-punk band Superchick, released her second solo album, Radiate, in August and just finished up a tour in support of it.

Tricia chatted with CP in an email interview and spoke about her views on being a role model, transitioning from rock to pop, healthy self-image and being a mom.

From punky rockstar to pop star. Is it tough musically to write for yourself as a solo artist than as a band, and how did you transition into the style of music you are doing now? 

The whole transition has been harder than I imagined it would be. I was used to writing as a band, and in Superchick, Max was the main writer. Being solo has stretched me, but I'm becoming a better writer. I'm not really even sure how we came into this sound. It's definitely more pop than a lot of Superchick albums. We knew going into it that's what we had planned. I guess albums tend to be reflective of the season we're in. We had just had our little girl (our first) and I think it was a happy, pop music season! 

How is Radiate different from The Road, and do you feel you have progressed as an artist since your first release?

As different as they can be! I had always hoped to record a worship album. It was kind of how I found my voice in worship as a kid. So that was a really special thing for me to do all around. My dad, sister and husband all sang on the album with me and I'm so proud of those songs because they were from our heart. I definitely think Nick and I are constantly learning as writers and him as a producer. I'm learning what I love to sing live; that's always important to me to – loving the songs that I sing live!

What's it like working with your husband on the album as far as the writing and production work?

We had to learn how to communicate, how to work and not take things personally. You have to be honest and try to be perfectionists, so that was the hardest part, I think. And sometimes the fact that our studio is here in our house, it's hard for us to walk away from it like a normal job. 

What are the themes of your album, and what overall message are you trying to convey?

God’s faithfulness, self-image, being an individual, dependence on God, acceptance of who I am and where God has me in this moment, choosing to be grateful for the good every day, choosing joy today no matter the circumstances around us and the list goes on!

In August Superchick announced their breakup. Was this a necessary step towards the future for your development to move forward as an artist, or more of "the right time?"

It was definitely the right time. When our drummer Chase passed away, I think we felt like there needed to be a goodbye and kind of an explanation to our fans. After 15 years there is such a relationship with fans and radio teams and everyone who's a part of your career. We didn't want there to be rumors or have it be anything it wasn't to our fans. It definitely helped our fans understand why I was going out on my own and that I hadn't broken up the band to do my own thing. 

Do you perform any Superchick material in your sets, and do you see possible reunions in the future?

Yes, I play a few of the favorites in my full sets! These songs have never gotten old to me and I still love that I was a part of something so special for so many years. I still hear stories of how our songs helped someone through a season when they were broken or hopeless. I love that songs are sort of a legacy and they will go on long after bands stop touring. 

I keep saying that I wouldn't be surprised if the chance came to tour together again one day, and I would be the first to sign up! I look back at the time with Superchick and feel so blessed by God choosing us and letting us travel the world and be a part of something really special as well as becoming family in the process. For me to have been able to do this with my sister, no words can describe how much fun we had together!! 

How important do you feel it is to be an example to young woman as someone with a platform to do so?

I believe that we all are leaders and each one of us chooses whether we will take that role seriously. But I do think we are accountable with what we do with our positions of leadership in life. I love that I have a chance to speak into girls’ lives! I remember vividly what high school years were like. I remember struggles and fears and insecurities and I want to be an example of a strong, courageous woman who is willing to be vulnerable about my faults and my struggles. Trying to appear perfect just doesn't work and it's exhausting. 

What would you say to girls who try to be the embodiment of perfection because of what they see in magazines, TV, etc?

My song “Mirror Mirror” really says a lot of how I feel. It angers me that the way beauty is portrayed is almost that it's the beautiful, "perfect" people who are happy. That happiness or wealth is a result of outward looks. There is not such thing as “perfect” and beauty is so much more than our reflection. I had people who really spoke those truths into me as a teenager and it helped me re-focus when I would start to obsess with how I looked and to think that who I am is just my reflection.

Do you feel music is a great tool for evangelism and why?

Music seems to be able to speak to people in a way just words can't. I know God uses it at just the perfect times in our lives to heal and encourage us. I love to be a part of that in someone's life! I get to meet people who were strangers and they share their heart and their stories of awful times in life and that I was a part of healing for them. I am so humbled by it and I love how it connects us as people from all over the world.

What would you like God to say to you about your career when it is all said and done?

I imagine what we all want to hear – “well done, my good and faithful servant!” I'm sure my heart hasn't been right every moment of every day, but when I pause and have God moments I know in my heart why I have stayed in this ministry for this long and still don't feel like God has moved me yet. I love to be a part of changing people's lives. Of making someone smile when they haven't for so long. Thinking that my songs can reach someone I haven't and may never meet, such a gift! 

What's in the immediate future for Tricia?

I just did a month of touring this record and had such a great time! This winter I am mostly home being a wife and mom. And at this point, we just pray that these songs start to connect with people. Next year the plan is to tour as much as we can! We will just keep writing in our down seasons and we will see where God takes us this year. I've gotten kind of used to a lot of working and then trusting and waiting in this career. We can only do our best and then see what happens and what doors open. 

Sara Groves Interview 'Seek Out Things that are Inspiring, Whole, and Noble'

This is an original interview I did for the Christian Post. Read the original post here.

Christian singer/songwriter Sara Groves is releasing a compilation album on Sept. 17 called The Collection, which will highlight what she feels is the best music of her 15-year 10-album career.

Groves exclusively debuted her first promotional performance video, "All Right Here" on the Christian Post two weeks ago, and now has answered a few questions about her upcoming album, her life right now, and her thoughts about her career s a whole.

Christian Post: You are releasing The Collection on the 17th. Why did you feel it was the appropriate time to put together this album, and will it differ from the standard versions of them?

Sara Groves: We hit ten records and fifteen years on the road I thought it was a good time to reflect back and celebrate that time. I won't claim that it is much different from other best-of albums, but we did work to assemble the list ourselves, so it is not just a list generated by our label; it was lovingly assembled! And then there are four new songs on the record.

CP: Why did you choose for the first video to be "All Right Here" and do you think these live performance videos offer a different side of you?

SG: "All Right Here" basically says that my life is a collection of all of the experiences that have happened to me, so it seemed fitting to feature that song in a stripped down version. I have always loved singing, "every heart has so much history/ that's my favorite place to start / sit down a while and share your narrative with me / I'm not afraid of who you are."

CP: When played in the order you have the songs, do you feel the music carries a theme or flows in a different way than they did apart?

SG: Yes, I think with this collection you see themes emerge. Some of my most visited topics would have to be marriage, our role in social justice, the integration of faith into our everyday lives, the intimacy of a walk with God, and letting grace abound!

CP: How have you grown or changed as an artist since releasing your first album?

SG: Well, I've just gotten older! That has brought children, and now a teenager even, and life change – but I think my goals for myself have changed a great deal. I feel a real desire for simplicity, and to lean into the things that I am made to do and be. I feel in my gut a desire to make a record that really takes it out of me, to write something that goes beyond my ability. I have always written from a very emotional place. The craft of songwriting has always been a secondary thought. But when I read good literature, and hear good songs, I see a lack of self- consciousness by the author that I have not yet attained. I have been moving in that direction, but I wonder what that would be like for a whole album.

CP: How do you feel the four brand new songs hold up against some of your best work?

SG: Yeah, it was hard to write songs to put on a 'best-of' collection. I decided to think reminiscently instead about those 15 years. We have lived on the road for a decade and a half on the kindness of strangers – that felt like a good complimentary theme. "Blessed Be the Tie" is one of the only hymns written about Christian community and also felt like a good fit to our journey with other artists, and with the people listening to the music. "Strangely Ready" is also a fit for that place of reflection and vision – I don't know where I'm headed, but I feel a strange preparedness for what comes next in this spot in St. Paul that God has led us to. "Lay it Down" rounds out these same ideas – our struggles are common to all men, so don't go it alone.

CP: Now that you have the greatest hits out of the way, what is next for you, and can you see yourself going another 15 years or so?

SG: I hope to take some very intentional time in making my next record. I feel something inside that I don't have language for and I sense a real challenge in getting it right. Aside from that, Troy and I are still enjoying our work with Art House North in St. Paul, MN and plan on bringing more thoughtful people to the Twin Cities. I haven't ever followed a big career plan. I will keep making music, and if people keep listening, that's great. And if they don't, I will probably still be playing and writing anyway.

CP: Do you think music is a good tool for the gospel? Why or why not?

SG: I will say yes, but with a caveat by Charlie Peacock who once said – "the Gospel is the ocean, and we keep writing about a cup of water." We could also have a longer conversation about music as tool, where I would heavily quote Makoto Fujimura's thoughts on art as utility!

CP: What would you say to young girls or teens whose only role model for a woman is what they see on television?

SG: I think I can't fill voids by talking about what is missing – I have to seek out things that are inspiring, whole, noble, excellent, praiseworthy and expose my kids to those things. Then they are drawn to what is, instead of standing at the edges of this chasm that I have created by telling them what everything isn't.

CP: After all these years playing music, does the purpose and focus of creating music ever waiver or change?

SG: Sure. I go through seasons of great frustration and doubt, and then ride the euphoric waves of creativity and vision again! But the role that music plays in my life hasn't changed much – this is how I sort out my life.

Groves released her first album, Past the Wishing, in 1998, and earned an Album of the Year title for 2005's Add to the Beauty by CCM Magazine. She has three Dove Award nominations and had a contribution to the book, The Art of Being, in 2004.

Sanctus Real Interview with Mark Graalman

This is interview was originally done for The Christian Post. Read the original article here.

Christian rock band Sanctus Real has been pumping out heartfelt powerful music since they got signed in 2002, and now with their latest release, Run, they are ready to show the rest of the world what they are doing.

Founding member and drummer Mark Graalman was able to chat with the Christian Post about the new record, multiple tours, Dove Awards, the future, and hitting the studio.

The band just embarked on The Run Tour last week, which will run until November. Graalman said this tour is perhaps the most ambitious for the band because they will be incorporating a lot of different functions into the show. Ultimately it will be a unique fan experience.

"We come up with ideas on how we want the show to look. We set up at a rehearsal warehouse type place in Nashville. We bust through three days of rehearsal and make any changes in the set list we want to make," he said. "It's going to be a really different show for us … particularly in the area of audience participation. How do we make the audience literally a part of the show? … I'll just say people need to have their drumming skills brushed up on."

Sanctus Real says the album title of Run does not necessarily mean they are running from anything, but rather running forward and on to the future. The other meaning could be running to God as well, but there is no sense of running for escape.

When asked about the symbolism of the circles on the album cover having to do with the theme of running, Graalman said, "[The] circles look like they are chasing each other. It just felt like run to us," before explaining the cover was one of almost 20 that was offered to them. A woman named Sarah came up with the designs for the band, and the abstract circles were what they felt was best for the record.

Going with the second theory of the title Run, Graalman traces music back to God and our constant pursuit of Him.

"Music is the most powerful way to express any kind of message. I think music was created by God as a gift to us. A sort of language to use as a way to get back to him. Throughout the scriptures music was mainly used to worship God with. It's meant to bring him glory," he said before explaining he feels making music is a human's way of reconnecting with the Father.

Sanctus Real recently released their video for the track "Run," and Graalman said although the video was simple, they were looking more to make an impact on the listener, rather than have an elaborate sequence of events.

"We'd prefer to have some sort of storyline going with it. Tricky part is coming up with a storyline and then executing it. The goal … getting the message of the song to be as impactful as it can be and just hit
that place in the heart we're trying to hit," he said.

The new album has also been nominated for a Dove Award. The band previously won in 2005, but things were very different back then. Sanctus Real had different members, a different sound, and their heads were in a different place.

"Obvious changes have been lineup changes. Matt, Chris, and I are the founding members. New bass player, added a fifth member. It's technically a different band in that record. We've grown a lot in our singing, and just trying to say what we want to say," he said, including that they are just trying to make art, and not hold themselves so high. "We were grungier when we were younger, and def have been all over the map since then. [We've] been able to experiment musically over the years."

Graalman said the band has been in a constant evolution in sound and in growth and maturity.

"When you're a young band everything is new and fresh. You can't help but evolve. Put out a record and do all these tours 200 days a year, and you are in this writing space and recording music. So you are constantly playing music, and eventually you just get better at what you do. You get a lot more practice and hours under your belt. Another big thing that changes is musical influences as you start to grow up. I certainly don't listen to the same stuff when I was 18 when the band started and now at 35.
What you want to hear plays a big part for what you want to hear. People could hear us grow up."



Graalman says the band approaches song writing in generally two ways. Sometimes the band just gets together and jams out on one guitar riff and everyone adds a part.

"Matt (singer) will hear melodies vocally and just sing along to it, and for whatever reason that turns into lyrics. Themes pop into his head of what this music sounds like and what it's trying to say. Then he starts writing lyrics to what we're doing," he said.

In other occasions, Graalman said Mark Hammit will come to them with things he wrote at home. They have also worked sessions with a few other songwriters in Nashville.

He even hinted that Sanctus Real would be back in the studio after a winter tour to start a record in January.

"We'll go a week at a time and record three or four songs at a time and take a break. Always writing throughout. Hopefully by next spring or summer we'll have a new record ready to go," he said.

When asked how the band has anytime to write with such an extensive touring schedule, he said they are "really intentional with time." Between balancing life, and being married with children, they prioritize family over the band.

"Rock n' roll won't be there when it's all said and done-- family will," he explained.

Lastly, Graalman wants Sanctus Real fans to know about Compassion International. The band had always talked about joining the organization to see what impoverished kids live like around the world, and they were given that opportunity this year.

Hammit and Graalman went to El Salvador and met children they were sponsoring, and got to see what life is in third world country.

"It's a hard experience to see that there really are people who live like that … very eye opening. Puts your priorities in a better place," Graalman admitted.

He said his bandmate Hammit said it best, "It's help me so much to be able to see who we are fighting for."

Catch Sanctus Real on tour this fall and check out Run on iTunes.

Dustin Kensrue Interview on Songwriting 'The Water and Blood'

This article was written for the Christian Post. It was a part two for an interview I conducted two weeks ago. Check out the original here. 

Dustin Kensrue recently chatted with The Christian Post about his debut worship album The Water & Blood, and about being a Worship Pastor for Mars Hill Church after 14 years with hardcore-experimental band Thrice.

Read the first part of the interview where Dustin exclusively speaks on the new album and his transition to worship leader here.

Kensrue broke down the way he approaches music writing and how he distinguishes between writing worship, writing for himself, and writing for Thrice. For him, music is poetry, and the musician admitted his love for reading is the perfect place to get "fodder" for his lyrics.

When asked about how he approaches his song writing, he spoke of a process that is strict in detail and perfection.

"The way I write is very much focuses on whatever that song is has to be what that song needs to be," he said, speaking about the differences between writing for Thrice and writing worship for church.

"I really try to let it have an internal harmony and consistency. Especially in the last 7 or 8 years I've been really writing letting the music even inform the lyrics as I'm writing and that really shapes the music. There are times I've had this idea and as I'm building ... I either have to push the lyrics one way or the music one way. A lot of it is I like to read a lot. A lot of times that stuff is not even conscience.
It's like you're building a pallet," he continued.

Between 2006 and 2008, Thrice put out four EPs combined into two albums based on the Earth's elements: Fire and Water, Earth and Air. These were compiled into The Alchemy Index I-IV.

Every song from each of the elements contained songs that either had to do with the element thematically, or had the tone of what it would sound like in music. For example, the Fire album was very heavy, while the Water album was very dissonant and effected, and actually had songs about the ocean. Earth was very soulful and folk rock like, and featured beautiful acoustic and piano-driven songs. Air was, for lack of a better word, "airy," and powerful musically. Most of the songs had to do with flight.

Even more amazing was the format of the last track of each of the EPs.

The final song on each disc is written in the form of a sonnet, depicting the relationship of man with each of the particular elements. Each of these songs is in iambic pentameter, with a concluding rhyming couplet. These final couplets also contain the same vocal melody and chord progression as each other, although they are in different keys.

The "Water & Blood" will be released October 1.

"That's the beauty of structured poetry. Constraints foster creativity. They are an awesome first person perspective of the elements. Those were a lot of fun for me, and putting this constraints on myself," Kensrue said as those albums fostered a change in style and direction for the band that set the tone for later work.

He concluded the interview with giving fans some hope for whether there is a future for Thrice or not.

"There's definitely a future for Thrice I just have no idea what it looks like or when it looks like. I think it'll definitely be a couple of years before it even begins to make sense. I look forward to the day in whatever form we start doing stuff together again," he explained. "There's just so many factors, I can't say with any certainty or what that looks like. I love playing with those guys, and it would be a blast to do it again and it will be extra fun having had time away from it because 14 years straight is pretty intense."

The Water & Blood will be released Oct. 1 off of Mars Hill Music/BEC Recordings.

Dustin Kensrue Interview on His New Project 'The Water & Blood'

This interview was originally done for The Christian Post. You can view the original piece here. 

A little context to the story...This was a dream interview for me. Thrice is my favorite band of all time, and Dustin's songwriting ability amazes me, so this was truly an honor for me. There is a second part to the interview that I will post later.

Dustin Kensrue traded in his heavy rock chords and vocals as the frontman of Thrice for stripped down emotive and powerful church music as the Worship Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Bellevue, Washington, and is releasing his first album, The Water & Blood, on October 1.

Although Kensrue has released solo albums before, this is his first record comprised strictly of corporate worship songs to be sang specifically in churches. 

"At Mars Hill music we are really trying to write music for the local churches to sing," Kensrue told the Christian Post. "We want to proclaim and celebrate the gospel in the sense of what God has done through Jesus Christ. We are here because of what Jesus has done. He's called the church into being. There's freedom in that and there's a lot to be celebrated.  

Kensrue shared that writing worship music was a bit of a process for him as he always shied away from it in favor of what he was doing with his band or solo projects.

"I originally did not want to have anything to do with it for a long time. I grew up leading worship in my junior high group. I started playing guitar; I could barely play but none of the other leaders and kids could play, so I ended up leading. I was kind of fed up with it and frustrated. I had a real chip on my shoulder about it. It wasn't a healthy response," he revealed.

As a member of Thrice, Kensrue and his bandmates were known for challenging themselves musically as they put out eight albums of varying sound and themes. This time around however, the call to worship was a challenge issued by God Himself.

"I guess God challenged me on that. I told my wife I would never be a worship leader. He [God] trained me up to see it differently, and stop complaining from the sidelines. He brought me to where I'm at now."

Kensrue however, is grateful for all the work he was able to do with Thrice. Being in the band allowed him to portray a message through his music to "impact the broader secular world." The band was never labeled Christian, but it is quite evident in Kensrue's lyrics as to where his focus and devotion belonged to.

He now would have to use his gift for fluid and masterful songwriting and storytelling to capture the might of God, while also creating a song that many voices can sing out together. 

"I really think the only difference should be that the music has a different purpose and function. We should be making good art, we should be doing our jobs well wherever we are. The way that we do those jobs should point to the excellency of Jesus," he said. "I really want these songs to be centered around the cross, and [I'm] writing with a purpose that this song needs to work well in corporate worship."

Kensrue also says there is a stigma that comes with Christian music. Sometimes people will not listen to it simply because of the label. It is because of this that he is appreciative of his time and ability to reach people while spending 14 years touring and recording with Thrice.

"I ended up having an impact in the broader secular world" he said regarding his decision to communicate a message through a non Christian forum. It showed in the music as well.

Thrice songs such as "Like Moths to Flame," chronicled the feelings of shame after Peter denied Jesus, and "Come All You Weary" touches on resting all heartache and burdens on the Savior – and those are just a few.

The importance of the power of music is not lost on Kensrue as he understands the opportunity to now minister to people who may have not ever listened to worship, but will now because of his history with Thrice. 

"Music is something that has a lot of repetition...you hear a sermon once or twice, read your favorite book two or three times, favorite movie... How often do you listen to your favorite song? Maybe hundreds – a thousand times in a life time. If that song is true and helpful and good, it has a profound impact on the way you see things. Especially worship songs. This is the reason why we need to have great corporate worship songs." 

He continues, "I don't want them to just be tools for other worship leaders. I want them to be amazing worship art so that people will want to listen to them, therefore have spiritual transformation."

Perhaps Kensrue's newest song, and the big single off of The Water & Blood, "It's Not Enough," is the perfect example of music as art. The song leaves the standard convention of what a worship song is and allows Kensrue to explore a bit more of his roots while opening himself up to the Lord. 

"That song was originally going to be a Thrice song that I never got around to finishing. The song should work on either record because it is true and engaging on a different level," he said.

The video is powerful as well. It is a continuous shot of his face as he walks for what seems like forever with a background of events happening all around the world behind him. It is simple and to the point, but gets the message across crystal clear.  

"There's something kind of engaging and uncomfortable and inviting by this lopped off shot. I thought it was compelling and would work really well with this song in particular. I think the main point was to capture the face to face to excentsiate the lyrics which adds another layer to challenge the listener of what's going to be talked about," said Kensrue.

He came up with the idea of the video while at the gym. He said he was walking in step with the song while on the treadmill, and the idea hit him. 

Kensrue is well known for the emotion and passion he puts behind singing some of his most emotional songs. "It's Not Enough," is no different, and when asked about it he quoted Dr. Bryan Chapell, "If the manner does not match the message, the manner is what we will believe."

In other words, he means, being engaged with the song makes the story powerful because it puts yourself in the characters place. "[It's like] Entering into the story and inviting others into that."

In the foreseeable future, Kensrue plans on continuing to lead worship every Sunday at Mars Hill Church. He also has a couple of musical endeavors in the works. 

"As crazy as it sounds, I plan on putting another worship album out within a year. I've got two other records I want to make that are outside the church. One being a follow up to Please Come Home and one being something totally different. I don't know when I'll ever get to those. I have songs for it, I just need to finish them," he said.

He also offered a glimmer of hope for Thrice fans that are missing their favorite band since going on hiatus earlier this year.

"There's definitely a future for Thrice I just have no idea what it looks like or when it looks like. I think it'll definitely be a couple of years before it even begins to make sense. I look forward to the day in whatever form we start doing stuff together again. There's just so many factors, I can't say with any certainty or what that looks like. I love playing with those guys, and it would be a blast to do it again and it will be extra fun having had time away from it because 14 years straight is pretty intense."

The Water & Blood releases on October 1 off of Mars Hill Music/BEC Recordings.

Newsboys Interview with Drummer Duncan Phillips

Did this interview for the Christian Post. Enjoy, and be sure to check out the original at - http://global.christianpost.com/news/newsboys-restart-with-drummer-duncan-phillips-christian-music-should-be-better-interview-104080/

As legendary and pioneering Christian band the Newsboys get ready to release their 17th album, Restart, tomorrow, the Christian Post had the opportunity to speak with longtime drummer Duncan Phillips on the messages of the album, why Christian music as a whole is lacking, and why Restart is the best Newsboys album ever made.

Christian Post: The new album Restart has been quoted by the band as 'taking music one step further.' How is that?

Duncan Phillips: I think on this one in particular we really wanted to go outside of our box because I think... we kind of felt that Christian music is really the only type of music that is sort of gauged on its lyrical content rather than the art of the music. This is fine, but unfortunately the downside is I think music is kind of second fiddle for the lyrics – I really believe that the art itself has suffered. It's second rank, and that's one of the complaints we hear from a lot of people. The music art just isn't there, and I would have to agree with them about that.

This one [album] we kind of went on purpose and said, look if that's the complaint that people who listen to CCM and Newsboys [have], let's have a genuine look at this and see what we can do about it. So we chased the best producers we possibly could and we chased the best songwriters we possibly could. Just because we are in band doesn't mean that we are the best songwriters, and I know we've had a lot of success with our own songs over the years but we thought, 'let's just get the best.' There's guys out there who will never be on the stage but at songs they are absolute geniuses. Let's see what we can do if we get some world class songwriters to collaborate on this project. I really believe we got a superior product. I can unequivocally say, that it's the best Newsboys record we've ever penned and recorded.

CP: What are some of the themes and messages that you are trying to convey on Restart?

DP: We didn't do it on purpose, but there is a theme throughout the record of, God chooses his people to do His will, and we aren't going to be able to hide in our subculture. We are not going to affect the world hiding in a cave and waiting for God to return. He's not going to return because I think He chooses to do His work, and if we ain't going to do it, He'll just sit around and wait for the next generation to it. He chooses to use you and me, and maybe it's for our betterment but the fact that he does, tells me we have to reengage with the culture. The culture over the last 50 years has degraded to a point where we have a 20 year-old girl at the VMA's strutting around basically naked telling everyone if you're to be anyone that she's got to act in a certain way. This generation has lost its heroes and people to look up to. As a band we want to rengage our culture, and have a real positive effect. Obviously the enemy is having a positive affect on our culture and I think it's time that we jumped in not to be apart of it, knowing who we are and having courage to do the great commission. 

CP: Why do you think music is a powerful tool for the gospel?

DP: I think the thing with music, it can bypass you in your conscience and affects someone right down into their soul and being. I'm a drummer and rhythms and grooves really get me going. A lot of times I don't even know what a certain song is singing about. One time someone asked, 'What's your 10 favorite songs,' and then someone in the band said, 'Have you ever heard the lyrics on that song?' and I'm like 'No, I love the drums on that song.' Then when I actually read the lyrics I died because I can not believe I've been singing this song in my brain the whole time, and that's what the lyrics have been. That proved my point, that a lot of the time the art of the music is such a powerful force that it can actually bypass the conscience. It could work for the good, and it could work for the bad. Through the medium of music God does wonderful and mighty things and I really believe God has done that in the past.  

CP: The new single is "Live with Abandon," what have the reactions been like so far? 

DP: It's amazing. I was talking to Michael this morning. He said the feeling on this record is how he felt when Jesus Freak hit. He knew with Jesus Freak that he had something amazing, but they weren't quite sure what because obviously a hit is not a hit til it hits. But he has that very same feeling, that sense of anticipation and so far the reaction has been amazing. I think people are really genuinely blown away. We want to give a product that kids are proud of, and I don't want them to hide their Christian music. Something they'll only listen to when no one else is in the dorm room. I want it to stand up stylistically, and as far as the art side of it goes, against anything out there, and I think it does. I'm incredibly proud of it, and once this kind of gets into the airwaves and people get the record, it'll be something that they can use as a tool.

CP: Why have the Newsboys been able to last so long? From 1985 to the present.

DP: We've always been very proud of who we are as a band, and very proud about not being a Christian version of someone else. That's one of the major complaints of CCM in general, you know whatever is happening at the time, two or three years later, stylistically the Christian music industry will kind of do their Christian version of it. I believe Christian music should be better. We shouldn't be copying one another, and this album, that is what we did. I'm incredibly proud of this record. I think it's going change the face of our fans, but hopefully changes the face of CCM in general.  

CP: Stylistically the Newsboys have covered many different genres of music as the decades have passed. Do you think it's because of the different lead singers or just how Christian music has evolved over the years?

DP: I think it's everything. Every record is like applying for your job over. Every record is an opportunity to say, 'Hey, here we are.' We hope you like this rendition. With the change over to Michael in 2009, that gave us this incredible opportunity to try something musically that we hadn't done before, and it's a risk, and it's scary, but I think any band that stands the test of time has been through any one or two restarts. They've kind of been through a realigning of who they are. Because if you keep making the same record, you are going backwards I believe. Getting a new lead singer is a stretch, going from a bald white guy to a black guy with hair, that's a massive monumental change in the band. Michael is such a world class talent, that he really allowed the band to go forward and to kind of do the record like Restart. 

CP: Michael was no slouch either. His former group DC Talk was fairly popular (Sarcastic)...

DP: Oh my God yeah. DC Talk was kind of a band that revolutionized Christian music at the time. There was nothing like DC Talk at the time. I remember it, there was just this massive moment of, 'oh my gosh, where did these guys come from?' They really raised the standard of what Christian music had been up to that point and time. And I really believe with Michael this record that the Newsboys have done that again. At least from what we've done before, we've set the bar pretty high. I think you have to legitimately and constantly working on getting better on every level of what you do. 

CP: What's the craziest thing that has happened to you in your 20 years with the Newsboys?

DP: There's so much to go on. I've probably forgotten half of it. You travel the whole world, you might play 150 dates a year. There's stuff that happens all the time and because you live in that world, a lot of times you don't even remember this stuff. We were younger and we crazy, and it takes a bunch of crazy to do what we do I think. We used to ride motorbikes all over the country, we had dirtbikes, paintball back in the day. Off hand I can't remember one particular thing. I mean the road life is crazy, you go from town to town, you're meeting people all the time. Your bus is breaking down, your gear is breaking down... One time back in the day our drum riser that spins around got stuck upside down, and that was a funny moment because I didn't know whether to keep on going or to stop. But being the pros we are we kept on going, and I finished the set hanging upside down until some guys came and got me and unbuckled me and carried me out of the thing. That was years and years ago, that doesn't happen anymore. 

CP: What's your favorite classic Newsboys song to play?

DP: Since Michael's joined the band, we've had so many hits off of these last three records, that we're only playing like three records, like three songs from older stuff. "He Reigns," we play that which is a really nice moment. I think "Something Beautiful," and kind of a throwback to Michael's heritage, "Jesus Freak," out here for a couple of years now, and that's always a nice moment because it puts a bow on the collaboration between Michael and the Newsboys and where he's been. With this Restart record we may even get rid of those. Going out in the future we may not play any of the classic stuff  unfortunately. But the great thing is that we have so many new great songs that we want to play and want people to hear. 

Tammy Trent 'Sunny Days' Interview

This is an interview I conducted with Tammy Trent for the Christian Post. It was broken into two parts which can be read here and here.

Christian pop recording artist Tammy Trent has been encouraging believers and non-believers with her God-inspired music since 1995, and with her latest release, Sunny Days, she continues that consistency.

Whether it be the testimony of overcoming tragedy in her life, authoring books, or her work with the Women of Faith Conference as a speaker and performer, Trent has not wavered on her purpose for the Lord.

Trent took time out of her busy schedule to chat with The Christian Post about her first album in five years, Sunny Days, along with her relationship with God and special moments from her life.

Christian Post: Tell us about Sunny Days and why you feel this album is the most close to who you are?

Tammy Trent: Well it's been five years since my last release (STRONGER) and I think I'm more excited about this album than any other album in my career. I ... [co-wrote] 8 of the 10 songs and oversaw all the production, mixing and mastering. When you're that involved with every step along the way, and you're purposefully thinking about your audience with each word you write and sing, the end result is always something that is a clear reflection of who you are and what God has called you to accomplish through His work.

I ... hope that these songs will now make a huge impact in the lives of those who lean in for a listen. I'm prayerful that they would feel the love of God breathing in their direction and straight into their circumstances, wherever they may be in life.

CP: What are the major differences between this album and your last, and how have you grown since then?

TT: On my last album I brought everything back into the studio with live musicians and a string orchestra. It definitely took on more of a straight ahead pop feel which I loved, yet I felt like I was missing those energetic fun tracks that I've always been known for and my audiences have come to love. In the past, my music has always been pop-driven, infused with dance elements for sure, and this new album won't disappoint any longtime fans or hopefully any new ones that discover it.

Sunny Days is a musical journey of my life as I continue to grow in my faith and encourage others along the way. It's full of energetic pop dance tunes balanced by some thoughtful worship ballads. But more importantly, it's my testimony that though grief may come for a night, in Christ the morning always arrives. And when it comes, we can dance, sing and worship.

CP: How has the reaction to Sunny Days been so far, and what's the next move concerning the album?

TT: It's been heartwarming for me to see so many people responding to the songs and I love how all the songs minister in different ways. That's the payoff for me, not in the sales, although that's obviously an important factor too, but it's in the responses of people and how they're being ministered to through the music.

My next move is continuing to hear the voice of God so that when He calls, I'll be ready to go … whatever that may be! I'm prayerful that through this new album will come a music video, favor at radio stations across the country, and that God will continue opening doors for many women's events as that is truly my heart.

CP: Are there different feelings of satisfaction in completing a book versus an album? Which do you feel is harder?

TT: It honestly feels the same for me. It's that feeling of conquering something. Finishing something that you started that began with a dream and a vision. Although I think writing a book is much harder for me because it doesn't come as natural to me as writing music. But I love pouring myself into both, especially if I see that it will serve a greater purpose in the end and offer life and hope to someone who is desperate for answers.

CP: As a female singer, how do you feel about being a wholesome example to young ladies who's only image of beauty comes from what they see on television?

TT: Well being a tomboy my whole life I've never struggled with wanting to wear the shortest skirt or the lowest cut shirt or the highest heels that I can't even walk in! [laughs] So you'll never see me in that stuff. But I love fashion, I love dressing up and going out with my girlfriends and I work hard to stay healthy and fit. I don't mind at all being a wholesome alternative to other options that might be out there trying to capture their attention. Modest is hottest is my opinion!

CP: As an individual who has undergone tragedy, what would you say to someone who is on their last leg of hope and looking for answers?

TT: The first thing that comes to mind would be that we can't interrupt our numbness as God's absence in our lives. There is never a time when Jesus is not aware of every detail of our lives. We have to get to a place where we trust Him with every breath we take, because life is filled with failures, disappointments and pain. But the love of God and His commitment to us never changes…even when life does.

CP: What's the biggest "God moment" that you've ever experienced, personal or professional?

TT: It was definitely the moment when I was at the lowest point in my life. I was two days into the grieving process from the tragic death of my husband and I was in a hotel room in Jamaica all alone crying out to God in the bathroom. I was so numb and so broken and so lost and all I wanted was someone to hold me and tell me I was going to be ok. I missed the touch of my Mom especially. So I asked God, "If you can see "this girl," if you can hear "this girl" could you please just send someone to hold me. I'm not asking for a thousand angels or a hundred angels, but just one angel that would hold me. God if you're real could you do that for me." I opened my eyes and began to walk out of that bathroom and into my room. I could hear someone in the other room from the adjoining door. I made my way over to that opening in the doorway and saw a beautiful Jamaican woman standing there. I asked her if she could come into my room and make my bed. Then she looked at me with the sweetest of compassion and said, "I've been trying to get to you. I could hear you crying and I've been trying to get to you. Could I just come in and hold you?" Wow! Wow! Wow! I knew at that very moment in my life that yes Tammy, God is very real and You are never alone. He answered my cry and it was the biggest "God moment" of my life.

CP: What's your favorite Bible verse?

TT: My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11. I had it tattooed on my wrist on the 10th Anniversary of my loss. I wanted to be able to look at it every single day and be reminded that God's promise to me is a hope and a future! I can't begin to tell you how many countless times this tattoo has opened up the door for conversation about the things the Lord has brought me through and to. It's not just a promise to me, but to all of us and I love telling people about that...especially the ones who had no idea about Jeremiah 29:11 for their own lives.

CP: On your Facebook you are lifting some serious weights! How important is fitness to you, and is there anything that most people don't know about you that you'd be willing to share?

TT: Well thank you for noticing! I've always been involved in sports since I was a kid, so yes, staying fit is pretty important to me, and as you can see on my Facebook and Tweets, I'm pretty active and love the adventures of life. Having a good workout routine helps me balance out the rest of my life and feel good about myself along the way. I'm sure there's plenty that most people don't know about me, so how 'bout I give you a fun glimpse into what my normal day at home looks like.

Morning to night, I can't lie, I like to sleep in. That means I don't set my alarm before 9am, and another truth is that I love to stay in my sweat pants for as long as the day will let me around the house. I'm not a coffee drinker, so you'll never find a cup of that stuff in my hands. Well, maybe if it has lots of cream and sugar, then maybe it will go down. I love doing Body Pump at the gym 3 or 4 times a week. Summer time you'll find me out at my pool during the day hanging with my family and friends grilling out. Mowing the grass, trimming and pruning the trees and shrubs. Painting anything that needs it. Fixing the furnace or replacing a light fixture. In other words, there is always something fun to do around the house, but I love being outside. And in the Winter you'll find me laying by the fireplace or out in the front yard making snow angles for all the neighbors to see whenever it snows [laughs]. But you'll never find me in bed before 11pm.

Twitter (@tammytrent) 
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Official Website

Derek Webb Says the Stigma of 'Christian Music' is Not Helpful for Evangelization (INTERVIEW PART 2)

Interview for the Christian Post. Read my original article in its entirety here.

Derek Webb, former singer of Caedmon's Call and President of NoiseTrade music sharing website, discussed his new album, I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You, what it's like being a 20 year veteran in music, and why the label of "Christian artist" is not always the best thing for getting the gospel heard.

Read part one of the interview here.

Christian Post: Do you feel music is a gateway to evangelism, and why do you think people are more receptive to music?


Derek Webb: I don't really feel like music is a gateway to evangelism. I certainly don't use it that way. There are some people who feel called to be professional vocational ministers, that their job is ministry, I don't personally feel that way. When I go and I play shows, make records, write songs, I don't consider that vocational ministry for me. I'm a singer/songwriter. I'm an artist. My job description and the basis upon which I make choices about how to do my job is hoping to make excellent art and to write and perform songs with excellence.

Now in any job there are going to be opportunities where ministry can happen and you want to be ready and aware of those moments. My brother, for instance, is a family practice doctor in Lincoln, Nebraska. He's also a Christian, as am I. He's not a vocational Christian minister; he is a professional doctor. He doesn't go to work everyday to evangelize, he goes to work everyday to provide excellent healthcare. It's very much the same for me. I don't do that in order to evangelize, I do it to make excellent art that's engaging that people resonate with.

I do acknowledge that music is really powerful and I've seen that. But I think that art is not at its best use when it's being used as a tool to do something else. The entire first chapter of the Bible is our marveling at God for making all things out of nothing. In the beginning God created. It's the first attribute we learn of His in the Bible; He's creative. There is intrinsic value in creativity and making things that are excellent and that's more how I approach my job.

CP: Do you think putting the label Christian over an artist hinders what they can do musically, and also alienates them from a group of people who might genuinely enjoy the music?

DW: I've always felt, even back to the first earliest days of Caedmon, that the term 'Christian' has never been helpful, in my opinion. Caedmon got its start playing at a lot of colleges. If the promoters put "Christian band" on the flyer, then half the amount of people would show up just because they weren't interested; not because they had heard us, not because they had any idea of what we were going to say or how it was going to go down. They just weren't interested and I probably wouldn't have been either.
I feel like even if you're intention is to evangelize and do ministry, it's smarter to not put a category on something before people even have a chance to hear it or experience it. That might alienate them and keep them from even wanting to give it a try in the first place, especially if they might really love it. If you have no idea what people think of that word, why would you use it? Especially when, in my opinion, the term Christian when applied to anything other than a human being is a marketing term.

CP: Between Caedmon's Call and your solo career, what was your defining moment as an artist that made you say, "Wow, I did it."

DW: I don't know. I feel like it's probably a thousand seemingly insignificant moments along the way. I remember Caedmon spent three or four years independent. We put out a couple records and were touring nationally before we found our first record deal. When Caedmon signed our first deal, as a songwriter, for me, I was poor as poor gets. When I started to make money, I had to go open a bank account and I realized that I was going to be able to support myself, that this is actually a job that I could do. Now that was a big moment.

I remember several moments along the way where it was dawning on me that I was going to be able to do this for the rest of my life. Nowadays, the dream is just different. The dream now is to make a sustainable wage being blue-collar, learning how to find your tribe and make art that resonates with them. If your ego can bear not being a household name or ever making seven figures in a year, you can have a great job as an independent artist. But if what you're looking for is fame and fortune, you should probably get into another line of work.

CP: Aside from the new album, what's on the horizon for you?

DW: I'm going to spend some real time promoting the record. I'm going to get out on the road before the end of the year. I also am the President of Noisetrade and run that company, so that's about three days a week for me and part of my every day work that I do. I have two small kids and a wife. So that sounds like three or four full-time jobs right there.

I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You will be released September 3. Webb wrote, recorded, and produced every song on the album.

Website // www.derekwebb.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/derekwebb
Twitter // www.twitter.com/derekwebb

Derek Webb Says 'I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You' Are Words to Build Relationships By

Original interview I did for the Christian Post. Read the original here. 

Derek Webb, former singer of Caedmon's Call and President of NoiseTrade music sharing website, discussed his new album, I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You, what it's like being a 20 year veteran in music, and why the label of "Christian artist" is not always the best thing for getting the gospel heard.

His new album will be available on September 3.

Christian Post: In creating I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You, you went back 10 years to your first album, and wrote it as a follow up of who you are now. Well, who are you now, and what are some of the major changes since then?

Derek Webb: The new album is very much connected to my first album, She Must and Shall Go Free, which came out a little more than 10 years ago and was the result of questions that I had about the church. Having spent 10 years prior in Caedmon's Call and after years in the Christian culture, I found myself with a lot of questions about my role in the church. My first record was me trying to answer those questions.


For the 10 year anniversary tour of my record, we played through every song off of She Must and Shall Go Free each night. I was grateful for the fact that I could sing every word of all 11 songs on that record and still agree with every word. I think that people over the years have heard me say a handful of things that would cause them to wonder if I did still agree with all of the words from my first record, and I do.

But a lot also changes in 10 years. This record, I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry and I Love You, is just my trying to ask those same kinds of questions and see what the different answers are. I'm different and the church is different and the culture is different and so, there was a lot to write about.

CP: Why do you feel those three statements are important to a relationship?

DW: Growing up, I always heard that "I was wrong," "I'm sorry," and "I love you" were the three things you had to learn how to say to keep any relationship going. In my 12 years of marriage, I've certainly found that to be true, as well as in my other relationships and in business. There is a moment in an argument or disagreement when someone is willing to confess, say they were wrong, ask for forgiveness and express love that softens the other person. So, when you're gridlocked in a moment where you have two people that are fighting for their side of an argument, building their case like lawyers, and there is a moment when somebody can soften and be the first to confess, it immediately changes everything. The whole room changes when that happens. Those are powerful statements to be able to make.

CP: How do you feel these words can relate to God, forgiveness, and giving and receiving love?

DW: That certainly was a focus for me writing this record. I feel like the concept of the album has a lot of different audiences. I wasn't just saying it to one group of people. Whenever we let people down, whenever we betray trust, whenever we sin, primarily we are doing that against God. So that is the first place we take our confession. From there, because of His kindness, we repent and go and make it right with the folks that we've secondarily sinned against.

CP: What makes this work stick out to you, as opposed to your last album Ctrl, and how does your musical style evolve from album to album?

DW: Every record for me over the last 10-11 years has been really different. I approach every album as though I've never made an album before. Every record takes on its own sonic identity. Ctrl was a really peculiar album for a lot of reasons and probably the album that I'll be most proud of out of my whole career. It's is a complicated piece of work. It's really abstract, really high concept and it required quite a bit of attention currency, which is understandably in short supply nowadays for people.

On this new record, I really want it to be a bridge or an olive branch. I realized 10 years in that I had maybe unintentionally pushed people away a little bit. I have always seen it as part of my job to agitate. I think I'm good at it and that there is a place for that. But I realize you can't only agitate people, you have to also resonate with people. I think it had been awhile since people had felt that resonance from me.

Although I'm never interested in restating things I've said previously, this felt like a moment to make an investment in my next 10 years. I love my job and I want to stay in my job. It felt like a moment to make an investment like that. This time around, the challenge was figuring out how to pull it all in together and make something that to me felt really fresh, like something I'd never done before.

CP: 20 years playing music professionally, is there anything you felt the same about in 1993 that you still do now regarding music? What about the other way? What has changed most for you as an artist?

DW: 20 years is a long time. I'm not even near the person I was 20 years ago, thankfully so, other than the fact that I'm the same height, unfortunately. I feel like I am more appreciative of my job now. I think I had a bit of a sense of entitlement early on because I was so young, right out of high school, when we started Caedmon's Call. We had so much immediate success and had such a great run for so many years. When you learn to expect it and feel entitled to it, it becomes dangerous and you aren't grateful for it. I'm really grateful for it.

20 years in, I've already had more than twice what most people get in a job like this and I'm so grateful for every year that I have. I think I've learned how to apply my creativity beyond just the making and writing of albums. I've learned to enjoy the business side, enjoy all the other peripheral parts of the job.
An example of that would be NoiseTrade, which is a company that I founded about five years ago with some friends, giving away free music and content for data (fan information, emails and zip codes). We give away more than half a million records a month at NoiseTrade now. I wouldn't have been able to come up with that idea if it weren't for learning to apply the same creativity that I applied to making records to distributing and promoting those records.

I would encourage any independent artist to learn how to do that. Learn how to apply your creativity across the board to every part of the business. You're running a small business when you're an independent artist. 20 years in I'm really grateful that I've had mentors around me and people that have helped me learn how to do it.

Part two of this interview will be posted tomorrow. Webb discusses the term "Christian artist," and talks about being a struggling artist as well as his plans for the future.