decades later I found myself singing through the same familiar gear . That AKG 414 + Avalon 737 vocal chain , but this time for my Dad ’ s deal . And I couldn ’ t help feeling the weight of the moment . When he first got his studio , he could have prioritized his own projects . That would ’ ve been fine . But my Dad chose to invest his time and creative energy in me instead . That total lack of self-seeking is evidence of his love for me . I ’ m pumped he ’ s finally getting his stuff out there , and it ’ s an honor to contribute a piece of it . It really is a stunning record .
[ WM ] And Phil , you sang on the song “ Love Flows On ” for your Dad ’ s project , which your Mom wrote . That ’ s amazing ! What can you tell us about it and growing up Wickham ?
[ Phil ] Growing up in our home meant growing up with a lot of Jesus and a lot of music . I remember countless hours of band rehearsals , sound checks , studio recordings , church services , and concerts growing up . I loved it all ... most of the time . Ha !
Mercies ( feat . Evan Wickham )
Love Flows On ( feat . Phil Wickham ) and a Gretsch for rhythm on the ending vamp of “ Higher Ground ”. The acoustic guitar was a Schoenberg .
[ WM ] What was and is your vision for City Light ? I know that you ’ ve been dreaming about it for years . How long was the process once you got started ?
[ John ] I ’ m not sure if I would use the word ‘ vision ’. City Light began from a desire to play and create . Then further along in the process it turned into a desire to finish what was started . Now , however the Lord sees fit to use it is the chief desire .
The process took some time . Four of the songs were written for another project over a decade ago that never was completed . So , they just sat . I tapped them for this album and rewrote , revamped and added to the lyrics and arrangements . Then the rest came . I would say that most of the album was done within the last five years .
[ WM ] As guitarists age , they always have at least one story of “ the one that got away ”. Which guitar got away from you ? It could be one that you regret selling , was stolen , or whatever reason . Assuming you share this
I ’ m so thankful to have grown up with such great examples of what it means to follow Jesus , and how to use music to help others do the same .
From teaching me how to play guitar to recording my first record with me , my Dad has been hugely influential in me finding God ’ s path for my life . Even today I still seek his opinion and trust his instincts on the music I make . What an honor it is to now be a small part of his project and singing a song that my Mom wrote . The whole record is so special , and sounds so good , I can ’ t wait for more and more people to discover it !
[ WM ] John , what guitars did you use in the recording of City Light ?
[ John ] I used a ’ 61 Gibson SG reissue for most of the leads … which is why it ’ s on the cover . I wanted to give it ( our Gibson ) it ’ s due . I also used a Strat with Brandonwound Pickups . I used a Heritage guitar on “ Mercies ”