to put on the songwriter hat, and if not, what [WM] Who are your favorite songwriters, and [WM] What advice do you have for people
did you do to develop the ability to pour your what about their writing do you enjoy most? who want to jump start their songwriting, but
personal experience into expressions of praise
and worship for congregations to sing?
don’t quite know where to start?
[KWS] Jordan Frye from Urban Rescue co-
wrote “Just One Touch,” “Infinite,” I Know,” and [KWS] My best advice is to get with someone
[KWS] Honestly, no! I was terrified of “Alive in You,” with myself and my husband. He who has some experience in songwriting and
songwriting! It is so vulnerable. All of my listens to the Holy Spirit so well and spends time work on something together. When you are
songwriting is co-writing with others. I started in prayer before every writing session. I also first getting started, it really helps to be around
every co-write with just expressing that I was love Lindsey Sweat, who co-wrote numerous someone who has done it before and can take
nervous, but committed to bringing my best songs on my solo record. She is really talented the lead and help draw it out of you.
and putting every idea out there. It helps so at coming up with interesting melodies and
much to work with other people. They can help unique ways of saying things. [WM] Do you have any specific suggestions
put different words to ideas in your head, give for teams looking to create a songwriting
good feedback, and bring fresh inspiration. [WM] Which secular songs speak to you most culture?
The only way to press through any fears with as a songwriter, and why?
songwriting is to just face it head on! [KWS] For teams looking to create a
[KWS] I love pretty much anything Adele songwriting culture, I would encourage them
[WM] Was the enemy in your ear saying, does. Her songs are very honest and written to be intentional in scheduling the time for
“You’re just a worship leader. This songwriting out of her experiences, and I appreciate that. it. Be honest with each other, but also very
thing is for other people,” and if so, how did you She also has killer vocals! encouraging. Things like sarcasm don’t create
work through that? a great environment for people to feel safe
[WM] Many songwriters struggle with finding being vulnerable. Keep that in mind. You want
[KWS] There were definitely moments when that balance between finding forms that work to steward an environment in which people feel
I had to remind myself to “Take captive every and feeling too formulaic. What are your comfortable bringing all their ideas.
thought.” I just kept plowing ahead. I don’t thoughts on this? want fear to rule my heart or my head, so I do my best to keep going. I also reminded myself [KWS] Personally, I think that is over-thinking that God has given me all I need to fulfill my it. I want to first write from my destiny, and I believe part of that destiny is in heart, and then polish it up. songwriting.
[WM] Thanks again Kim, awesome as always!
[WM] The trend these days is
[WM] What are the most important things you for writers to work together to
learned about songwriting in the years you’ve craft a deeper shared revelation.
been worshipping alongside writers like Brian When you co-write, do you
and Jenn Johnson, Chris Quilala, and Bryan prefer to start a song on your
and Katie Torwalt? own, or work from the ground
up with writing partners?
[KWS] The most important thing I have
learned about songwriting is to write from your [KWS] I do both! If I have
heart. You can craft the words later and make it a moment of inspiration and
smooth, but when you first start out you should come up with something to
just let it flow from your heart. What is it that you bring to the table, that is great.
really want to say? Don’t worry about getting If I don’t, I’m happy to start from
something perfect in the first shot. the beginning with my team.
August 2017
Kim Walker-Smith’s 2017 release, On My Side
WorshipMusician.com
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