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Matt Redman - CompassionArt Interview for Worship Musician
30th January 2008
When Martin and Anna Smith first approached you with the idea of CompassionArt, what were your first thoughts on it?
I was excited. We talk so much about worship being more than just music, and how it must overflow into lives that care for the broken and don't forget the forgotten. So the CompassionArt venture seemed like a great big step in the right direction. I've been great friends with Martin and Anna for many years, and I so admire them for getting CompassionArt off the ground. It's one thing to have a great idea like this, but setting it in motion is a whole other story. To get all these writers, publishers and record companies on board - and the likes of CCLI too - is really quite a wonderful thing. It speaks of unity, but more than anything it's a demonstration of the fact that God has been stirring up His church to have a heart for the poor.
As a songwriter, was it difficult at least at first to be a part of a songwriting group; putting out creative ideas and allowing yourself to be vulnerable?
Talk about that experience.I didn't feel too nervous to be honest, mainly because we were all friends. There was so much love and respect for each other in the room that it felt like a safe place. And at the end of the day, what's the worst thing that's going to happen? At the very worst you'll play a song and get laughed out of the room! It's not like we were rehearsing a tight rope act for the local circus. Songwriting in general is a pretty safe occupation! Having said that, it was a very unusual way to write - we'd have 2 hours sitting with a couple of other writers, seeing what came out. Then we'd all gather in the library room and play the song ideas to everyone else. There was then an opportunity for people to feed back on the songs, or suggest changes etc. I found it really educational to be honest - just seeing how other people approach the art of editing a song. Some would offer musical or arrangement thoughts, others were more concerned about lyrical content. But when all mixed together it brought such a depth to the writing process. All of this happened in such a healthy and ego-free atmosphere. I think we all sharpened each other - both as songwriters and as Christians.
What group of artists did you work with?
In the opening session I wrote with Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith. At first I felt a little insecure, as I didn't have a middle name. But seriously, it was a treat. Even if we didn't write a song I was going to get a free songwriting lesson out of it! We spent the first hour just chatting – and from that conversation came the idea for the song 'Highly Favoured'.I'd written before with almost everyone there, but the combination of 3 or 4 writers in the room each time led to some really exciting and unique songs being birthed. I was also blessed to be able to write for the first time with Graham Kendrick – I've known him for years, and he encouraged me a lot when I was first starting out – so it was great to finally sit down and work on a couple of songs. I've known Darlene for a good while, but never written with her either. One night we sat down with Israel and I was really encouraged by the song that flowed out.
What was your favorite part about this first CompassionArt retreat?
It's hard to pin down just one highlight. I think every part of the retreat exceeded my expectations – the songs, the fellowship, the location we stayed at in the highlands of Scotland – it was all just fantastic. There was a great moment one morning when we'd all just finished worshipping through song together. Suddenly a stag appeared right outside the window – and fast-thinking Paul Baloche launched into 'As the deer'! It was a great moment…
Can you share about any of the songs you helped write?
On day one Michael was telling Steven and myself how he loved the phrase 'highly favoured'. This soon became the theme and title of a song - and I'm really encouraged with how it turned out. I think it will help people to re-affirm who they are in Christ, and be blown away again at the mystery of that.
Will you be a part of the recording process as well? If so, when?
The recording is due to start at Abbey Road studios in London in February. I hope to around for that. I'm not sure how much I'll have to bring to that process – I'm more comfortable with the song writing. But it will be great to hang out – and I can do the Starbucks runs or something like that….
What did this experience mean to you, and will you be a part of future CompassionArt events?
The week just felt like a really unique venture. So many people and companies have stretched their normal way of doing things, and I really think the results will bring glory to God and help to the poor. I hope to be really involved with CompassionArt. The most exciting thing will be when the songs and the album start to generate some income, and we see some important works of compassion happening on the ground. There were some fantastic songs written, and I can't wait to see them being resourced out to the church. But the greatest joy will be when we complete the integrity of these songs by demonstrating the heart and help of God to a broken world.
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