join in one song and become one choir, and church to provide some more leadership into that approach. It captures something of the
in doing so touch the heart of God and show that area. dynamic of the ‘people of God, in the presence
something beautiful to the world. I don’t think
of God, pouring out the praises of God’ - which
there’s a lot of enmity between some of our One more thing to note - I’ve never found a of course can’t quite be replicated in the studio.
streams of the church, but often I don’t feel stream of the church I didn’t learn something In a sense, with a live record, we’re highlighting
like there’s much effort either. This record was from. Even streams of the church that feel and celebrating one of our main distinctions.
my tiny way of reaching a hand out across unfamiliar or you don’t feel you can 100% We’re a singing people, and our worship is
the aisle and inviting some friends to bring subscribe to everything being expressed, there’s not an empty ritual, but a thriving, flowing
something new to the mix. And that was the usually so much to learn from one another - conversation with the Living God! But the thing
key: first, it started from relationship. Secondly, perhaps their focus on reverence, or an ability you don’t get with a live album is the chance to
it was a musical thing, as I felt the diversity of to exude joy, or their gift of intercession. As I put more of a musical character on things, or
approaches could unlock something fresh. And said earlier, we’re better together! detail of musicality in quite the same way. So, all
thirdly, I felt it maybe is a key time to model
to say, I love both approaches, and it definitely
more of this in the church. I’m just a little over- [WM] Was it a journey moving from recording felt like the moment for a studio record. We
opinionated Englishman maybe, but I read live worship services to doing an entire album got to record it mostly at Capitol Studios in
the news - and it’s so discouraging that we’re in the studio? Los Angeles, which was a massive treat for
in 2017 and yet some of the issues of racial
me. And, because we were in a new location,
[Matt] Apart from the Christmas record that meant the chance draw upon a fresh pool
feel the church has much more to do and to say last year, this was my first studio record in of musicians. I love that everyone playing on
in this area. Our society can be so fragmented, about seven years. I’ve had the privilege of this record had a big heart for worship, and
so there’s an opportunity for the worshipping recording three live albums in a row, and I love yet brought to the table their expertise and
injustice are still so prevalent today in society. I
November 2017
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