NWL:
Why Brothers McClurg?
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| 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?
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| 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?
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| 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.
--
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.
