been tough to say the least .
I think for me it ’ s having my family . Especially wanting to be an example to my three kids . I want them to see what it ’ s like to trust God and never give up . We have to keep going , keep moving forward no matter what . 25 years in music has been no walk in the park for sure ! People see the headlines and all the cool stuff when it ’ s going great but most never see or know of the hard times . I don ’ t know anyone who has had an easy ride , especially in the music business . It takes insanely hard work , tenacity and belief that you can do it !
[ WM ] You are the ‘ Swiss Army Knife ’ of worship music . I know you are doing a lot with helping churches get their live albums and live streams developed and growing creatively and technically . What does that entail ?
[ Dwayne ] As we all have seen with the lockdowns this year most churches have had to move to online streaming platforms for their gatherings and worship services . There is a great church called Crossroads in Cincinnati , OH that I have produced some songs for over the last few years that had to do just that . They have been streaming live services for years but all the sudden the format changed as they were added to TV networks around the country and ultimately were added to Hillsong Network as well . With all that change they had an enormous amount of workflow that they needed help with . I jumped in and there was a steady flow of materials that they would record and then send to me and I would mix it to picture for the broadcast . Several of those came out so well that they have been and are being released as singles as well which has been cool . Because of all the experience I have with producing and mixing live albums as well as studio recordings and TV and film I have been able to speak into multiple scenarios like this to help people get the quality up and help their workflow . I really enjoy helping develop people and see things grow and get better .
[ WM ] You are currently involved in the photo by Garret Lobaugh
development of artist and church worship movements . In a season with so much change still going on – what are your hopes and plans for 2021 in that arena ?
[ Dwayne ] My hope is that I can help people to find the best version of themselves and not just settle for copying what everyone else is doing . That ’ s goes for artists and churches . You don ’ t have to do what so-and-so does because they are the flavor of the minute . I think with what we have experienced as a society this last year it has made people hungry for something real and honest . That goes for art and artistic worship ! If I can be a part of making music that is authentic and helps someone really connect , feel and experience God then that is what I ’ m hoping for in 2021 !
[ WM ] Last question here , looking back some , what advice would you give to a fellow worship leader or worship band member ?
[ Dwayne ] Always remember the why in what you are doing ! It is easy to get caught up in the songs , the production , the schedules , the rehearsals , the gear etc . At the end of the day all those things aren ’ t the main thing and aren ’ t even really necessary . They are just tools that we use to lead people into a place where they can connect with God and spend time in His presence . That ’ s it . It ’ s that simple . If we run everything we do thru that filter … is this a distraction or is this helping bring people into