WORSHIP LEADER HIGHLIGHT: Kings Kaleidoscope

You know the drill, everyone.

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Admittedly, this video has been up for a while. I actually think I saw it last year, but never thought to write about it until now. Fail on Gibbs.


Kings Kaleidoscope is a worship band based out of Mars Hill Church, in Seattle (READ: Mark Driscoll).

Now, it shouldn't have come to a surprise to me that Mars Hill's worships teams would try new things, experiment, or bring fresh takes to the stylistic worship table...nonetheless, I'm honestly blown away.

I have been a fan of "Come Thou Fount" for years and years, and I can say that I've heard some amazing renditions (and some not-so-amazing ones). To me, this takes the creative-come-thou-fount-cake.

I love this arrangement for three reasons:

• I am a huge fan of alternative percussion- two drum sets? I've been about it since Bon Iver's self-titled album blew up and I saw them perform holocene live. 

• I love the way that they break up the melody- sure, it's not grandma's version. But how refreshing, right? What a pocket. 

• Look at all those instruments!- When I read in the Psalms that we are to make noise to the Lord with everything in our musical arsenal, I think of this. When the bible says that we had better make noise to the Jesus otherwise the rocks will begin to sing out to fill the worship void, I think of this. Everything that has breath praise the Lord? Indeed. And surely that means unveiling instruments that aren't typically seen on church stages. 

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To me, what's the most important is that they have stood by a song that is rich with the gospel and the hope found in Christ. Well played, guys and gals. 

Adrian

THINGS TO CHECK OUT:

The latest jam by Kings Kaleidoscope. So, so amazing.

Watch, Listen, Read: Brian Campbell

Brian Campbell, "When My Brokenness Was All I Saw"



when my world wrapped up like parchment and left me here
you whispered your affection into my ear
and my destiny you said, as i laid there left for dead
you never quit, you never let me go

you opened up my ribs and played your melody
when my brokenness was all i saw in front of me
you took my robes of shame, and you covered me with grace
you never quit, you never let me go

you wait for me on walls where i sit
and all the things i've tried to forget
patiently you let me unfold, just in time

just in time
the one that was rejected has become my corner stone
i lift you high, i lift you high
and i will enter into the love that never ends

you never let me go.
--

Thanks to Josh Link for showing me this song. I couldn't find the lyrics anywhere, so I took the liberty of trying to transcribe it myself. Let me know if I jacked up any of the words. 

There are so many things to love to love about the song, from melody to instrumentation. But I am going to talk about the things I love lyrically.

• There is such creative and new imagery, coupled with direct biblical truth. I love the concept of "the world wrapping up like parchment." Something like "opening up my ribs and playing a melody" is both new and a nod towards God's creation of eve. Then "the one that was rejected has become my cornerstone" is directly from psalm 118.  The song in itself is constructed like a psalm, which is really nice. It moves from anguish to dependency to desperation and then to redemption.
• The song does a great job at not sugar coating. So often worship songs can pretend that difficult times and moments of doubt do not exist for the "real" Christ follower. The only problem with that, historically, is the Bible. Often the ones that God used in the biggest way were the biggest failures and endured the most hardship. Paul, used by God to plant churches and write most of the New Testament- ship wrecked, beaten, imprisoned, bitten by a snake (talk about bad luck). David, psalmist, man after God's own heart- committed adultery, murder, went into hiding and spent many psalms begging for God to finally show up from what he thought was hiding. The beauty of songs that revel in our own brokenness is that they make much of the God that fixes. They make much of grace, and the saving work of the cross that reach down and through the mess to save us. These are the songs that we need to sing about.
• What I love is that the worship song spends more time talking about God than it does about us. Count how many times it says "You" in reference to the Lord. That is an excellent thing. Songs that focus more on God and His work are necessary, especially in a world where it is popular to think about us. Even within the christian community, God is seen more and more as a bringer of good things to ME, and something that gives ME warm fuzzies, and someone who is all about ME. When in actuality, God is about God and His own glorious grace. Why is that amazing? Because it shows that even in broken and hurting people, He is made much of. Especially in broken and hurting people.

I hope that you enjoyed this song as much as I did. 

-Adrian

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THINGS TO CHECK OUT

www.facebook.com/briancampbellmusic

www.myspace.com/bcampbellmusic

Twitter.com/bcampbellmusic

Musician Highlight: Monsters Calling Home

Sometimes you stumble upon musical gems that you don't want to tell anybody about. You want to keep it in your jacket pocket, close to your heart and all to yourself. This is one of those gems. I am going to share it, against my own selfish tendencies. 

Monsters Calling Home, everybody.



Now this song has very obvious spiritual undertones. When I heard it I definitely had to ask the Mumford and Sons question. What is the Mumford and Sons question, you may ask? 

"Wait...could these musicians be Jesus people too?" 

So I decided to dig a little further, all the while tapping my toes to more excellent music. 
This is a statement that the band has released.

We are Monsters Calling Home, a group of young Korean folk living in Los Angeles. Deeply into music and our maker, we hope to put on honest and heartfelt performances wherever we are asked. We dance thrice every night with bright eyes in a city of colour while arcades catch fire. We play loud and soft and sing about folks we know, we want to be, and we imagine in the dark.

Additionally, the band labels their music style: 
"Gangster Oriental Folk. Jesus."


*sigh. 
The moment you find Christians making stunning music is such a refreshing one. 

You know you were having your doubts.


Enjoy! 

Adrian

Spoken Word Saturday: Jackie Hill "Jig-A-Boo"

P4CM is a movement of gospel-centered artists, looking to impact the culture. Honestly some of the best spoken word poetry I've seen, period. The fact that it is Christ glorifying makes it that much more excellent.

Here is Jackie Hill, everyone. Not for the feint of of heart. But then again, maybe God-honest truth is exactly what the feint of heart need, so listen on.

You've been warned.


Stuff to check out:

2 Timothy 4:2-4 ESV

² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Brothers McClurg on Jazz, Community, and Joining In The Sound

After I received Brothers McClurg's debut album, "Join In The Sound," I was privileged to  get in touch with Anthony Hoisington, one-half of the christian folk/country duo. He cleared up some time to talk to The New Worship Leader Blog about the band's heart, mission, and focus.

Courtesy of Integrity Music

NWL: So can you tell us how Brothers McClurg came to be?

Anthony: About six or seven years ago, my brother Chris and I started a band for the college group of the church we served at. It was called Relevant. We wanted to write songs based on what was going on. We decided to release a worship record. We wanted to raise money because we're very active in outreach to Buffalo's inner city. We called the record Relevant Worship. Some time later, we played at a festival and met with some people from Integrity. Brothers McClurg falls under the umbrella of Relevant Worship. 

NWL: Why Brothers McClurg?

Courtesy of Integrity Music

Anthony: (laughs) People wonder why our name is Brothers McClurg when our last name is actually Hoisington. Our grandfather, parents, aunts and uncles were a part of a Southern Gospel group called the McClurg Family Singers. Growing up, we spent a lot of time touring all over in a little motor home, just following them around. Our grandfather is a huge influence on our lives. He's a pastor at a church and leads a music ministry at nursing homes. We chose the name as a tribute to our family and the legacy they've passed onto us.

NWL: Would you say your Southern Gospel background has influenced your sound?

Anthony: You know, the more I think of it, it is certainly a foundation for us. We really work our harmonies; quite often we're singing entire songs together. That's definitely a mark of Southern Gospel music--those layered vocals. I've never thought of it like that, but now that we're talking, I can certainly see that.

NWL: Who are your other musical influences?

Anthony: During the record, we listened to a lot of jazz music. What I love about it is the improvisation within a song. I think worship music has a lot of that same element, although worship music tends to be a lot simpler and maybe a little more inviting to the listener. We listened to a local band up here called Snarky Puppy. And Steely Dan's lead singer Donald Fagen released a record called "I Fly," which is just amazing. Also Ryan Adams, stuff like that.

NWL: Where do you get your coffee, and what do you order when you do?

Anthony: (laughs) I'm a Starbucks guy myself. I generally get the caramel macchiato, like a grande or something. If I'm counting calories that day, I guess it would be a skinny.

NWL: You are a duo, but Brothers McClurg is also a collective of sorts. Can you tell us about the band?

Courtesy of Integrity Music

Anthony: Yeah, we really have a cool network. It's a lot of worship leaders that we've grown up with and know really well. We try to be really intentional with getting musicians that are already connected to a local church. My brother and I do a lot of stuff just him and I, but we also play a lot with our friends. When we do go play, it's great because it's friends from highschool, who are now all really talented worship leaders leading at their own churches. 
Psalm 8 says, "Who is man that you are mindful of him?" and I totally agree. I mean, we've been able to cowrite with some really great songwriters, likeDavid and Leslie (All Sons and Daughters) and Paul Baloche. We're just two guys from New York, pretty blue collar (laughs). It's amazing that God has given us the privilege to write with people who have helped shape us. 

NWL: Your album, "Join In The Sound," really explores this reality of all creation coming together to worship God. From Earth as creation, to us as created beings. From a songwriting standpoint, what is it about this "joining" that resonates so much?

Anthony: That's a great question. I think for us it is a huge theme throughout the record. I feel that God has given us a voice and all of creation has a sound that it's able to contribute. We all have something to say. Unfortunately, some people go through their whole lives never being able to express what God has given them to say; spiritually, I mean. Our album wants to encourage people that all of us have a place at the table to contribute to the conversation that's going on in giving God praise. Does that make sense?

Courtesy of Integrity Music

NWL: Definitely. You said you and your brother wrote music to help meet and address the needs at the local church you served at. What would you say to a worship leader, who wanted to write for their specific church body?

Anthony: It's all about about being in that community. Being plugged in, serving somewhere on a regular basis is where I get a lot of my thoughts from as a songwriter. Being able to dialogue, see what God is doing in you and people around you. As worship leaders I think we're called to connect with people, gather information, help address the needs, and lead with that in mind. Being able to write music for the local church has a huge affect on being able to write for the global church. Otherwise you can lose touch. To me, as annoying as it could be, there's something about seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not just rolling in and never having to worry about the comment cards on Monday (laughs). It's real. It makes you a better worship leader, and a better songwriter, for sure.


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Special thanks to Anthony Hoisington for the awesome interview and his heart for leading worship. Also, thanks to Shannon Walker from Integrity Music.

If you haven't already heard, Brothers McClurg debut album, "Join In The Sound" is available everywhere. 

Adrian

An Album Review of "Join In The Sound" by Brothers McClurg

Brothers McClurg is a brother duo/worship leading collective based out of Buffalo, New York. Their debut album, "Join In The Sound," under Integrity Music is an exploration of creation, redemption, and the collective church coming together to sing to God.


Their sound has country finger prints, from the groove in "All Around" (track 8) to the wistful, shane and shane-esque country voicing in "Lean Not" (track 9). 


Alternatively, Brothers McClurg experiment with some jazz instrumentation in "Come To The Fount" (track 7). There is also folk influence, especially in the Rend Collective collaboration single, "You Shine Through," complete with stompy rhythm and gang vocals. Definitely a plus in this guy's book.


Though not a country fan personally, I find myself appreciating the stylistic endeavors and thematic writing a whole lot. As a songwriter, I can't but admire the album's intentionality. "Tune Up", the opening track, crescendoes in an organized mess of sound, and as it ends the second track opens with the plea, "Tune my heart" in the next song, "Join In The Sound."


Thematically, the record really explores the notion of creation coming together- both the earth and the people in it- to bring praise to God. Not just that, creation becomes a vehicle that allows us to experience worship in a new light. 
For example, in "You Shine Through" the hook sings:
Through the cracks in all of us
 through the fractures and our dust
you shine through


And look at the wordplay in  "Caught In The Moment":
caught in the beauty
that swells my soul
caught in the sunrise
that rolls back the clouds from our heart
a new song is rising
from the deepest part
join in the melody.

This imagery not only sings of creation bringing praise to God, but uses creation as a way to paint new pictures in our minds of how we engage with our maker. 


The Brothers McClurg record brought in the likes of All Sons and Daughter's, Paul Baloche, Mia Fields and Rend Collective Experiment to make the project happen.


Voices joining in the sound, indeed. 




My final thoughts: The album definitely has country christian markings. It is thematically deep. It resonates with the gospel, and brings attention to the maker. Musically the harmonies are wistful and folky, and the instrumentation groovy with the adult alternative vibe. 


Adrian
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Be sure to stay tuned for my interview with Anthony Hoisington of Brothers McClurg!


special thanks to Shannon Walker and Integrity Music for the press release and album

Watch, Listen, Read: "You Have Won Me"- Bethel Loft Sessions

You know the drill.

Verse 1

Grace youve shown me grace
Youve lifted my shame
Drawn me with loving kindness
Washed whiter than snow
You have redeemed and made me whole

Chorus
Jesus you have won me You have broken every chain
With love and mercy
You have triumphed over death And you are worthy
Of glory and praise

Verse 2
Love youve shown me love
By leaving your throne
By bleeding and dying on a cross That wonderful cross
That took all my guilt and sin away

Bridge
Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship
Sing it out until all the earth can hear it

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Now listen to this version of the song.

This is one of two versions released by Bethel. Where this is in 3/4, and has that organic folk feel to it, the other is more driving and anthemic. Both are excellent. 

3 reasons why this song sticks:

1. The notion of Christ WINNING us is incredible. To win something implies action. The concept of Christ acting in our lostness to bring us to Himself is beautiful.

2. In the Loft Sessions version, the "whoas" are catchy and allows the congregation to engage at one of the most basic participation levels. In the second version, the consistent, driving kick drum gives the song a weightiness that brings us to an anticipation for the hook. To me, it parallels an anticipation for worshipping God corporately.

3. I love that Bethel is taking risks in experimentation. There is nothing wrong with liking one version over the other. Both are expressing biblical truth. Both are proclaiming Christ and His finished work. 

WORSHIP LEADER HIGHLIGHT: Jimmy Purchase on Church Planting and How the Gospel Balances

Crossway Church

Jimmy Purchase is becoming an expert in growing new things. 
At 24, he is a father, husband, and pastor. Purchase has helped plant two churches, and has been leading worship for 10 years. Currently the worship pastor at Crossway Church in Davie, Purchase works with lead pastor Jon Elswick to impact the community with the gospel. I had the privilege of sitting down with Jimmy over some ribs at Scruby's, to discuss the joys and struggles of being a church planting worship pastor.

NWL: How did you start worship leading?

Jimmy: I started as a 6^th grader, playing guitar for a new contemporary service my church was starting up. From there I went to bass, and then just started playing church music every week from then on. I was leading the youth band by 7^th grade, and at 14 I was like, “Hmm.” (laughs) Thought it was something I could do full time.

NWL: Crossway was planted in 2010, and has been doing some awesome things in the community. You were with it from it's launch, so can you tell us some struggles you find as a “church plant worship pastor?” Ones that maybe a worship pastor from an established church doesn't have?

Jimmy: I'd say the biggest difference is the man power. Many churches have multiple staff members wearing different hats. I kind of wear all of them at once on a week by week basis: worship pastor, community group leader, producer on sunday, graphic communications director, assistant to Jon.

NWL: Are you a good multi-tasker?

Jimmy: No (laughs). Not at all.

NWL: With all of that, how do you maintain your balance?

Jimmy: I'm still figuring that out. (laughs) I think the hardest thing is that for me, to really excel in one aspect you have to neglect others. I think I'm working to schedule my time better. I'm a focus guy, I need one thing to chew on at a time. We're getting to a place at Crossway where I try and give myself like three weeks to really engage in a project. Time management is huge for us.

NWL: Are there things that you've learned being a worship pastor in a church plant that you may have not gotten otherwise?

Jimmy: Oh for sure. It brought in a new view of what it means to be an artist that strives to support the lead pastor. Planting has shown me my role is to help and and serve Jon. I see it like when the Israelites fought Amalek in Exodus 17, you know? When Moses had his hands up, the israelites would be winning. And when Moses grew tired, Aaron and Hur held up his hands for him. To me, that is a picture of what I do. My job is to help hold up the lead pastor's hands to do what God is calling him to do.

NWL: That's awesome. In addition to doing work for Crossway, you recently began hosting a worship leader's gathering once a month at Sheridan House. Can you tell us a little about that?

Jimmy: That idea came from a pattern I saw based from my own experiences. As a worship leader, I had been able to meet other leaders from all over. I was able to reach out to them, build relationships. The more I met, the more I realized that my experience was actually a rare one. I saw this pattern of worship leaders being isolated behind their desks, carrying their own burdens, and many of them feel like there is no support system out there. I believe friends don't let friends do ministry alone, so 

I had the idea some time last year to host an event to help worship leaders from all over south florida connect to each other.

Jimmy and Rowan

Then my daughter Rowan was born and it kind of got pushed to the backburner. But in January of this year, I began to start re-examining the concept. And then literally later that day I got a Facebook invite by Steve Villafane from The Lighthouse Church to join this group called Worship Leaders United. I realized that I wasn't the only person feeling this need to connect with the worship leading community.

NWL: What is the purpose of these meetings?

Jimmy: The idea is pretty simple- Strengthen the kingdom, sharpen skills, seek encouragement. It's super relational, and bridges the divide of distance, the divide of denomination, the divide of style. We all love Jesus, we all want to see people saved, and see the renewal of South Florida. We want to see God work in a mighty way. We write together, share music, discuss issues we face...it's a cool thing.

NWL: Lastly, how does the gospel impact your worship leading, your pastoring, your church planting?

Jimmy: To me the gospel frees, saves, liberates. When I can't wear five hats, the gospel frees me up. The Spirit heals, brings peace, and brings clarity, which I think is rare sometimes. The gospel reminds me that those things I ask for aren't based on my actions, and frees me up from thinking it all is on my shoulders. It prevents me from thinking the church will grow based on what I do. If I couldn't save myself, how can I grow a church by myself? It's all God, man. He grows. He saves. He gathers. He sustains. The Bible says God is the author and finisher of our faith, and I believe He is the author and finisher of our church.

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JIMMY PURCHASE

MUSICAL INFLUENCES:

Death Cab for Cutie, Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Dennison Marrs, Bon Iver

GEAR:

Fender Tele 72 Thinline with humbuckers

Reverent Buckshot

99 Taylor 710

Gibson Les Paul

CHECK OUT: Crossway Church

The Gundersen Family: Harmony and Honesty

I get so excited when I find new music that blows me away.
Because of this, it makes perfect sense why I love the Gundersens.

Admittedly, this post is not about worship leading technique or new worship leaders. The Gundersens have been making music for a little while, and are recognized by somber, whistful vocals and log cabin, sleepy winter harmonies that I love so much. So when I found this session, I had a mini dance party in my head.

After I opened my eyes from the five minute musical vacation I took.



Reasons why I love this:

• I love live music sessions. There is nothing to hide behind in live music. Each nuance in musicality and vocal expression is out in the open. I think this vulnerability is beautiful.
• I love it when people execute impeccable harmony. I don't consider myself a strong vocalist, so for me there is a sort of "if only, if only" jealousy when I hear it come together
• They open with Doxology. Come on. 

Hope you have a relaxing Wednesday. 

-Adrian

Levi the Poet: "Memories"

There is a desperation in Levi's delivery that sticks to you, whether you like it or not.

Lately, this poem has been haunting me, in how it marries direct biblical references and risky creativity and gorgeous word play. If you have never experienced Levi's work, it is not for the "easy listener." It is, however, for the passionate, the daring, and the fervent.

Enjoy, as I have.

Watch, Listen, Read: Bethel Live

This song is by Ben Cantelon, and led by Bethel's worship team. You know the drill.





I've Found a Love
by Ben Cantelon


When I call on your name you answer
When I I fall you are there by my side
You delivered me out of darkness
now I stand in the hope of new life

By grace I'm free
You've rescued me
All I am is Yours

CHORUS:
I've found a love a love greater than life itself
I've found a hope stronger and nothing compares
I once was lost now I'm alive in you

You're my God and my firm foundation
It is you whom I'll trust at all times
I give glory and praise, adoration
To my Saviour who's seated on high
---


To me, this song resonates for two heavy reasons:

• It's an excellent song. Simple, but beautiful. The chords are a simple 1-4 for the verse, with a very groovy pocket. Then it opens up into it's anthemic chorus that is beautifully desperate. 
• The line "You're my God and my firm foundation," though simple to sing, has heavy and amazing implications. 

2 Timothy 2:19(ESV)¹⁹ But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ^(A)“The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone ^(B)who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 

For the Christian, this means that our salvation AND sanctification are rooted in Christ's life, burial and victorious resurrection. The steadfast faithfulness of God allows us to lean entirely on His finished work at the cross. 

Understanding this brings new meaning to "I once was lost, now I'm alive in you."

-Adrian

New Things on the Horizon

I have been fortunate enough to contact some well known artists and worship leaders, open to talking to me about what it means to worship Christ in Spirit and Truth. More specifically, I have been working to secure interviews with:

Rend Collective Experiment

Bryan and Katie Torwalt

and All Sons & Daughters

I cannot begin to explain the level of excitement I am experiencing for this project. Glory to God for opening some beautiful doors. Be on the lookout for these interviews interspersed throughout the normal posts.


Adrian

An Interview with Page CXVI: Music, Coffee, and the Role of the Gospel

I had the awesome opportunity to interview Dann Stockton, a member of the band Page CXVi. Enjoy!

Photo from http://blog.pagecxvi.com

NWL: When I first heard about your music, no one could tell me how to actually pronounce your name. How do you pronounce your band name?
Dann: We go by either Page CXVi or Page 116 for people who can make quick roman numeral calculations in their head. We go by both. (laughs) We wanted to make it as confusing as possible.


NWL: What role do you play in the band?
Dann: I play drums.



NWL: I read that you started playing together back in 2006, leading worship around the country, which is how you got the idea to record. Can you tell me about how you all met?
Dann: Page stemmed from The Autumn Film, which was our main project. We met in colorado through mutual friends. I had met Tifah our vocalist through mutual friends, and then we met Reid through a mutual friend as well. We were all kind of drawn to the hymns from the get go. When we started arranging them, they kind of immediately got feedback: "These are great. Where can I get these?" For a long time we didn't have them recorded, but eventually we decided it was a good idea. Then, just decided to name it a separate project. That's how it started.

NWL: We had an incident where I misattributed your names in a previous article for the blog. I read elsewhere online that your names were Paula, Randy and Simon, and I attributed it as such. When I posted it, you told me via Twitter that you were an anonymous band, and in fact NOT American Idol judges. Who knew.
Dann: (Laughs) Yeah that article was written by a blogger and friend of ours who knew we wanted to be anonymous and thought it would be funny. Kind of a running joke.


NWL: What is your heart behind being an anonymous project?
Dann: We're actually not as bent on being anonymous as we were. When we started it, we wanted it to be anonymous. We thought it would be interesting,  a little mysterious. We wanted the idea of an anonymous worship project that wasn't attached to people, something that could grow and continue on. We wanted it to be separate from the Autumn film. Lately, we've been figuring out that it's cool being anonymous, but it's harder to find out information about us as a band. We're definitely not as set about it now.

NWL: There is something about hymns. Your band obviously recognizes it, and I think many are starting to if they haven't already. What is it about hymns that seem to resonate in a timeless way?
Dann: I think it came from our individual backgrounds: we were raised with hymns, we sang them growing up, without ever fully understanding or relating to them. When we came together as a band we all came to the same conclusion.We couldnt connect to mainstream worship, and saw this need to bring hymns back. We love hymns based on their rich theological content, the heart of the writers, and the spirit behind them. We realized, "If no one else is gonna do it, we will." We asked ourselves "What are the lyrics saying, and how can they be reflected in new arrangements and melodies." That's actually where our name came from.

NWL: Can you tell us about that?

Dann: The name came from page 116 in C.S. Lewis' "The Magician's Nephew," where Aslan sings Narnia into being. We loved the idea of creation, something beautiful and rich, being brought into being by melody. In the same way, to us hymns were already saying something beautiful but maybe weren't being communicated. That's what we wanted to bring to them.


NWL: What your band does is definitely unique from so many worship musicians. And there is definitely a viral quality to you--very word of mouth, which I think is awesome. What sort of feedback do you get from first time listeners? 
Dann: Thank you! Word of mouth is definitely our biggest source and thats what we rely on. So far response to us has been overwhelmingly positive. At first we tried to nail down a demographic, "Who's listening to us?" But as time went on, we found there's a variety of people and churches who enjoy and connect with Page--anywhere from parents, who say their kids listen to us in the car, to much older people, saying that they appreciate that we're trying to make hymns popular again. So anywhere from 5 to 105.

NWL: What's your favorite coffee place and what do you order when you go?
Dann: I am a huge coffee fan. There's a local place called Aviano coffee, which is an offshoot of Intelligencia based out of Chicago. If it's a really good place, you can't beat a cappucino in my opinion. Also, there's a place called Blue Bottle Cafe that's excellent.  I actually just started roasting my own coffee, so yeah. (laughs) I'm a pretty big coffee fan.

NWL: I feel like if you consider yourself a musician, a coffee addiction comes with the job description. 
Dann: Funny story actually, Reid our guitarist didn't drink coffee when we met, and I, at one point, told him "Real men drink coffee." After that Reid started drinking it and now he loves it.

NWL: What would you say to worship leaders who want to modernize classic music the way you guys have been doing?
Dann: I would say the biggest thing is to just write what's in your heart. Don't copy anybody.  Also, when you're writing, the biggest thing is laying down a first draft, and letting it be terrible. Just let it sit and revisit it later. It's a process. I think the most genuine stuff, the stuff that will make a difference, is the stuff that comes out of your own heart.

NWL: What role does the gospel play in Page CXVi's music?
Dann: The gospel is essential to what Page does. It's everything really. It's where everything comes out of. The gospel is central to what we want to accomplish. What we want to do is be good stewards of what we've been given as musicians, and let ourselves be led by the Holy Spirit and be faithful to that.



STUFF TO CHECK OUT:

Follow Page CXVi on Twitter
Get music and chord charts from PAGE CXVi 
New music from The Autumn Film

Bryan and Katie Torwalt: Melody and Reverence

"Holy Spirit" Bryan and Katie Torwalt

You know the drill.


Lyrics:
There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare
You're our Living Hope
Your Presence

I've tasted and I've seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone

Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord


Let us become more aware of Your presence,
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness.




Bryan and Katie Torwalt are worship leaders from Jesus Culture based out of Bethel Church in Reading, CA. Their new record, entitled "Here on Earth" is an exercise in melodic and reverent worship. 


In an Interview with Andrew Kooman, Bryan told readers about their songwriting process:  

"we are currently worship pastors at a church in Fresno, CA. So these songs have really had a year of practicing in front of an audience before we ever recorded. We’d do a song on a Sunday, then take it home and change it, see what worked well with a band and what didn’t. You can really tell when an audience catches on easy, and if they didn’t, we usually changed something."

To me, "Holy Spirit" is a very successful song. It couples simplicity with unique lyrics and an engaging hook. Not even mentioning the coldplay-esque build towards the end and drum break during the bridge. So many things that as a worship leader, I would love to incorporate into my songwriting and corporate worship experience.




I am still listening through the record, and will be sure to review it on the blog. But if this song is any indication of the other songs to come, then I will certainly be blessed by the album.

Adrian

Worship Leader Highlight: The Ember Days

photo from http://theemberdays.com

I am presently on an Ember Days kick, and thoroughly enjoying their music. 

According to their webpage and Come&Live, these natives from New Zealand sought to create "epic and accessible worship music.

They seem to have done both quite well. 

Listen, read, enjoy.

The Ember Days "It is Well"

VERSE 1:
I am but a child in the hands of my Lord
Oh, he carries me through rushing rivers, takes me home
When I cannot see, will my faith sustain?
I will find my strength in your love, oh, in your love

CHORUS:
It is well with my soul... x4

Verse 2:
You are my God who gives breath to my lungs
Maker of all, to you I belong
I hold the hand of my father up above
I have no fear, carried now by perfect blood

CHORUS x4
ENDING:
Oh, oh, oh, with my soul... x4




The band released their first album, "Your Eyes Light Up" in 2007, and their latest release, "Emergency" came out in 2011. Their music is melodic and anthemic, with good hooks and progressions for Hillsong and Bethel fans. Do listen.