Christian Review Magazine Issue 4 - April 2015 | Page 57

Read our
review of
Derek Johnson’s
solo debut

That was probably the one
uncompromising test every song had
to pass.
CR: How do you hope the album will
impact the listener?

DJ: I began the project with roughly
30 songs/ideas on the table. As the
vision and heart behind the album
became clear, we started to select
the songs that best supported that
vision. Some of the songs were
mostly completed in the beginning
and for other songs I finalized lyrics
right before I recorded the vocals. I
always want every word I write or
sing to be authentic and heartfelt.

DJ: My hope is that people hear these
songs and become filled with a desire
to follow Jesus with even more
abandon. In my own life I want to
always remain in awe of Jesus. In
every season and through every
circumstance, never losing that fire
for Him. If someone experiences that
from this album or maybe hearing
one of these songs somewhere on a
Sunday morning, as long as it stirs
again their passion for Jesus, then
that’s success to me.
CR: What inspires you as a
songwriter?
DJ: Honestly, I think everything
inspires me. I tend to be fascinated
by almost anything. I think that’s

because I have learned to attempt to
find beauty even in things that aren’t
inherently beautiful. As a songwriter,
that helps me to ask questions about
things and remain curious. I think the
question “why” is a songwriters best
friend. We can make a statement and
then unfold WHY that statement has
merit.
CR: Any final words?
DJ: If I could sum up anything about
myself it would be this. I’ve been truly
impacted by Jesus and I’m living to
share that story with people and
invite them to experience it as well. I
love songwriting and I love being
creative but all that is anchored to a
passion to serve Jesus with what He’s
given me. I’d encourage anyone
reading this to do the same. It’s an
exciting way to live.

***
Article photos by Darren Lau

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