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Worship Music News: New Releases (May 15, 2012)

Russ Hutto — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:23:12 +0000

Hey, some great music available this week!

If you’re an independent worship artist and you would like to be included in this list please email any information to editor@theworshipcommunity.com AHEAD OF TIME. We’ll do our best to include you in the list!

New Worship Releases: May 15, 2012

Phil Wickham – Singalong 2

Recorded live on March 30th at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CA. Fans of Phil Wickham’s first singalong have been anxiously awaiting this release.

PhilWickham.com | Facebook | Twitter

Around The Community:

We’re pleased to share a few releases that are also under the radar so to speak, but that we want to get the word out about.

Gary Durbin – Worship EP (NOISETRADE)

Gary is the worship arts director at The Orchard Church in Denver, Colorado. He has been leading worship in the local church since 2002. In 2005, he released his first album, “Everything”, and, in 2008, he released his second called “Far Away From Me”. His latest album is Kingdom EP released in 2010. His next album is due out in the spring of 2012, called Jesus EP. He has had his songs recognized by Myrrh Records, WorshipSource.com, the Purpose Driven Worship Conference, and SongDiscovery. Gary’s passion is leading people in corporate worship and connecting them to the true God.

NoiseTrade | Facebook | Twitter

Wisdom Moon – Awakening, featuring Michael Farren (SINGLE, NOISETRADE)

Wisdom is the founder of two popular online resources: All About Worship and The Songwriter’s Cafe. “Awakening” was written in Spring 2011 out of a heart’s cry for the Lord to move mightily all across the world. The single released in May 2012 worldwide. Produced by Sean Hill. Vocals by Michael Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks and writer of “Let it Rain.” A free chord chart is included in the download.

NoiseTrade | Facebook | Twitter

Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday Setlists #199

Russ Hutto — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:13:06 +0000

Share your worship confessionals, recaps, and setlists for the week of: Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mothers Day!!

Welcome to the 199th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists.” Hard to believe we’re only 1 away from TWO HUNDRED! The purpose of “Sunday Setlists” is to share a recap of your worship services. What songs did you use, what arrangements? What worked really well and what didn’t work as well as you’d like? What issues did you have preparing? What is the sermon series? How about creative elements used in the service? You don’t have to be the pastor or worship leader to participate. We would really love to get reviews from the perspective of those in our congregations each week.

* SPECIAL OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT FOR SUNDAY SETLISTS #200 (May 20, 2012):

Let’s all take a photographic journey through our Sunday Setlists. Details to come, but as you prepare your set, pick out music, chart arrangements, rehearse, even during the worship set have someone capture your process/experience in photos. Then blog about it (including the photos).

It can be instagram-style captures with your smart phone, or point and shoot captures, or even semi-pro to pro caliber captures…totally up to you. No pressure one way or the other. We want to SEE YOUR SUNDAY SETLISTS on May 20, 2012!

Click here to receive an email reminder each week to participate.

Click here to view the archives of “Sunday Setlists” posts.

To participate:

1. Blog about your worship services this week. In that blog, mention that you are participating in “Sunday Setlists” at TheWorshipCommunity.Com and link back to this post.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-199/

2. If you don’t have a blog, leave your own recap right here by simply adding a comment to the discussion thread below.

3. Share your information (links, media, etc) and encourage others to do the same.

Oh … and whatever you do … don’t forget to leave a comment below! If you aren’t a member of TheWorshipCommunity.Com, you can register quickly, or just use the “Facebook Connect” login!

Share your Experience:

1. If you blogged about your worship recap, add the link in the “Mister Linky” below. Be sure that the link goes directly to the specific entry about this week’s “Sunday Setlists” post, and not to your blog’s homepage.

2. If you use Twitter, use the #sundaysetlists hashtag. Your “tweet” will show in the box below soon. You can even tag videos or images with the #sundaysetlists hashtag.

3. Regardless, don’t forget to leave a comment in the discussion area. Subscribe to the thread so you can come back and see what others are doing.

Links: (add a link to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post below)

Is Your Worship Team Too Exclusive?

Russ Hutto — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:49:20 +0000

Thanks to Steve Ball for sharing this post with TWC. Originally published at: http://stevejball.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/worship-bands-and-exclusivity/

From the age of about eleven I’ve always been involved in playing in a band. In the early days I was the drummer (which may surprise some as I now rarely get to play them!). Other members included bass, piano, sax and singers. After a few years together we even recorded a couple of albums which are thankfully now collecting dust on bookshelves somewhere!

As time went on and we got more involved in worship at church, I was needed to play the piano/keyboards more as we had other good drummer. I also dabbled with the guitar and flute (not at the same time) which was really good fun. I loved exploring new musical ideas and with the tight musical set up that we had, this was easy and very effective.

This was also a problem…

We had become very exclusive at the cost of other people trying to ‘get in’ to the band. It wasn’t always easy to see as we were going through our teens and early twenties, but looking back, in my opinion, it wasn’t a healthy place to be as far as the church was concerned. There was little, if any, provision for new band members to be part of the team. The church had a strong focus on musical excellence – and this is what it got.

I honestly can’t remember the tipping point that made me stop and realize what was going on. But I’m glad I did – or was made to. I remember starting a group on Sunday afternoons to encourage new people to start playing and getting people to join the main worship band. This was an interesting time, and it was quite difficult to break the attitudes of some people at times. As new members joined the band, the dynamics completely changed. No longer could I just give the drummer or bass player a ‘look’ and they would know exactly what I wanted them to do – things were more basic and had to be explained in a clearer way.

At my current church I have responsibility for worship and I hope I am cultivating an ethos of inclusivity and accountability. This, in my view, is a more healthy approach to leading any team. Those that know me will know that I now kick against any sort of exclusivity! I believe anyone with a heart for worship should be given opportunity – no matter how hard it is for the worship leader to ‘fit them in’. Everyone can play a part, no matter how small, and feel valued.

But as much as anything musical, being part of a worship group should be about being encouraging, supporting, and training other members of the team. If we can’t support, encourage and include – our corporate worship, to me, just doesn’t feel right.

Being part of a band is so much more than just the music – being part of a worship team is so much more than just the band.

Points to ponder:

Is your worship team exclusive – either in reality or perceived?
What are we doing about developing new people into our worship teams?
How do we support and encourage members of our worship teams?

Worship Music News: New Releases (May 8, 2012)

Russ Hutto — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:32:42 +0000

Hey, some great music available today!

New Worship Releases: May 8, 2012

Ben Cantelon – Everything In Color

Worship leader Ben Cantelon is calling on believers to open their eyes and see the world differently. Throughout his second full-length album, Everything In Color, Cantelon unpacks the paints and unleashes the creativity, offering eleven songs designed to leave listeners in awe of God’s beauty, grace and love.

Everything In Color is an album designed to bring worshipers back to the here and now, to re-examine the present in the light of God’s eternal goodness and love. And as metaphors go, the idea of living life in full color offers the Canadian-born and London-based songwriter plenty of material.

Everything In Color, which features co-writes with Tim Hughes and Matt Redman, includes a return of two of Cantelon’s best-loved songs, Love Came Down and Savior Of The World. Both are given a fresh treatment, fitting in perfectly with the album’s overarching theme of exploration and revelation.

Kingsway | Facebook | Twitter

Jennie Lee Riddle – People & Songs, Opus 1

Writer of the well-known worship anthem, Revelation Song, and multiple Dove Award winner, Jennie Lee Riddle releases her first album, People & Songs, Opus 1. This album features twelve artists performing fifteen original Jennie Lee Riddle songs.

What others are saying:

“This album grabs me with every song. Truly, every song is amazing. Jennie has a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs and most of all, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us. That’s the heart behind this album, and thank you Jennie for blessing us with your music and for writing and singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners.” — Ken Davis of New Release Tuesday

“This collaborative effort – 15 songs featuring 12 different vocalists (including Jennie herself) – delivers some of the most profound lyrics in modern worship music.

While only some may be fitting for a congregational application, every song can, should, and hopefully will, minister to the hearts of anyone who listens. While there is a strong country/folk feel to the album, anyone who appreciates praising our King will find this album to be a must-have, and a must-listen. Jennie is most known for the widely popular song “Revelation Song” . . . after this album, I expect that more songs will be added to that list.” — All About Worship

“These beautiful worship songs will blend seamlessly into most modern worship services. The arrangements are accessible for both small and large worship teams. Free chord charts, wallpapers, and booklets can be downloaded from peopleandsongs.com.” — Worship Leader Magazine

Jennie Lee Riddle | Facebook | Twitter

BlueTree – Kingdom

Bluetree’s sophomore album, Kingdom, releases amidst acclaim today, and is available now at physical and digital retailers everywhere.

For most bands, it’s a mark that you’ve officially “made it” when you’ve got a hit radio single, plenty of positive press and a jam-packed tour schedule where nomadic living is essentially the new normal.

But for the Belfast, Ireland-based band Bluetree, best known for their stirring reminder that God’s light still shines, even in the darkest of places—like Thailand’s Red Light district where “God of This City” was born—living the so-called “dream” was nothing but a giant step backward.

If anything, they felt unsettled, uninspired and eventually, more sure of their true place in the Kingdom than ever before.

“When we were traveling so much, I didn’t write one song, I just couldn’t,” says Bluetree’s singer, primary songwriter and founding member Aaron Boyd. “When you’re always busy, you’re not being fed, and it can’t help but catch up with you. When you’re called to be a worship leader, there’s no greater call than leading your own church in worship. That’s what I’ve learned from the journey I’ve walked through.”

What also served as a wake-up call were conversations Aaron had with a few of his industry peers on the road, some of whom hadn’t gone to—or connected with—their home church in six months, or in some cases, even a year.

“That really shook me up – doing what we’re doing isn’t supposed to be about traveling, traveling, traveling,” Aaron shares. “At the end of the day, you can’t be chasing this idea of running around the world and being Christian superstars. It’s about staying grounded and investing in meaningful relationships back home and getting the priorities in order—love God, love family and serve your church. If God wants you to go sing and minister to people, it’ll be an overflow of what’s genuinely happening in your own life.”

So instead of continuing on a path that no longer meshed well with the group’s philosophy of ministry, Bluetree carved an entirely new path altogether. They cleared their schedule, changed their relationship with their booking agents and management and moved forward independently. And if God wanted Bluetree to do anything outside of their home church in Belfast, well, Aaron believed He was more than capable of opening those doors.

Throwing himself completely into his growing congregation, Exchange Church Belfast, new songs naturally began emerging. Inspired by the sermon series the body was studying together, Bluetree was reborn, not just as a band, but a community of believers worshipping, learning and doing life together.

“Now whenever anyone’s booking Bluetree, you’re booking the heart of our church,” Aaron says. “What’s going on here in Belfast, you get to be part of that.”

An outgrowth of what they’ve been working on together at Exchange, Aaron, along with Ryan Griffith, a fellow worship leader at Exchange, started collaborating on songs that’s become part of Bluetree’s new album, Kingdom.

A conversation about understanding who we are as children in the Kingdom of God, the songs themselves dovetail with what’s been preached in Sunday morning and evening services at Exchange.

“What’s been great about writing with Ryan is we go to the same church. We’re listening to the same teaching. We’re in the same meetings,” Aaron says. “Our relationship isn’t forced because we’re regularly leading worship there, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Also helping set the tone for the project is the album’s evocative cover artwork. Underscoring the idea of what it means for believers to be part of the new covenant, an existence that’s defined by love, power and God’s unmerited favor, the visuals are inspired by the story of David and Goliath.

“When David put on Saul’s armor, he ended up taking it off and saying it hadn’t proved itself to him,” Aaron explains. “David knew what had proved itself to him in his life—the power of God. David had seen the power of God at work during his whole life. He knew he was in covenant with God. So to try and put on another’s armor would be him trying to operate in his own strength.”

When recording the project, Aaron says there’s “a sense of journey” that simply wasn’t possible whenever he was writing with complete strangers. Case in point is the album’s first single, “Jesus Healer,” a personal snapshot of Aaron’s journey with his daughter who has cystic fibrosis.

“The beauty about being in the church is when worship and the word go hand in hand,” Aaron shares. “You have the songwriters and people gifted in that area writing from what they hear and how the Holy Spirit has prompted them in that area. The church is singing them back in to response what’s happening there, and ‘Jesus Healer’ came out of a 10-week sermon series by the same name.”

Another key track, “It is Finished,” mirrors the grace-centered approach that’s the hallmark of Exchange Church Belfast. A passionate reminder that no matter what we’ve done, we’re always in right standing with God because of what Jesus did on the cross. It’s a song meant to encourage the Body to walk in the fullness of life.

“The song tracks the life of Jesus, how he came down, not as this glorious ruler, but as a man. He came to serve,” Aaron says. “He died on the cross and then He rose again. The resurrection validated who he was. Sometimes I don’t think churches really understand what that means to be the righteousness of Christ here on Earth, and that’s what sets people free.”

Continuing the conversation, “Destined to Reign,” is the declarative response to what Jesus has done and the free, unmerited gift of grace that referenced so eloquently in Romans 5:17.

“With the songs on Kingdom, we wanted to build up the church. We can see people released—and set free—from what they’re walking through because of what Jesus did,” Aaron shares. “At the end of the day, church shouldn’t be about agendas or flashy programs. If people aren’t encountering God, we’re missing the whole point, and church becomes just another social club. That’s why I’ve wanted to pour everything I have into the Body and say ‘God, here’s all I’ve got. Whatever you want to do, I’m here.’”

www.exchangechurchbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter

Sunday Setlists #198

Russ Hutto — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:20:17 +0000

Share your worship confessionals, recaps, and setlists for the week of: Sunday, May 06, 2012

Welcome to the 198th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists.” Hard to believe we’re only 2 away from TWO HUNDRED! The purpose of “Sunday Setlists” is to share a recap of your worship services. What songs did you use, what arrangements? What worked really well and what didn’t work as well as you’d like? What issues did you have preparing? What is the sermon series? How about creative elements used in the service? You don’t have to be the pastor or worship leader to participate. We would really love to get reviews from the perspective of those in our congregations each week.

* SPECIAL OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT FOR SUNDAY SETLISTS #200 (May 20, 2012):

Click here to receive an email reminder each week to participate.

Click here to view the archives of “Sunday Setlists” posts.

To participate:

1. Blog about your worship services this week. In that blog, mention that you are participating in “Sunday Setlists” at TheWorshipCommunity.Com and link back to this post.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-198/

2. If you don’t have a blog, leave your own recap right here by simply adding a comment to the discussion thread below.

3. Share your information (links, media, etc) and encourage others to do the same.

Share your Experience:

2. If you use Twitter, use the #sundaysetlists hashtag. Your “tweet” will show in the box below soon. You can even tag videos or images with the #sundaysetlists hashtag.

3. Regardless, don’t forget to leave a comment in the discussion area. Subscribe to the thread so you can come back and see what others are doing.

Links: (add a link to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post below)

Practical Resource: Planning For A Successful Record

Russ Hutto — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:58:06 +0000

Thanks to Matthew Reed for sharing this insight with us at TWC.

This is my short and condensed version of how to make a successful record from the planning stages to the release date! Take everything I say as my opinion only and not the rule. These steps are just practical steps to help you in the process of recording your first or next record.

1. Write Your Vision Down

You gotta have a vision for what you are doing or you’re gonna lose focus, time, and money. We know of many scriptures that say without vision people parish (Ps. 29:18). If you don’t have a clear vision for your project, you probably won’t be happy with the end result. The best way to communicate your vision is by writing it down and praying over it. It should become part of your DNA, so if the opportunity arises to share this vision, you can clearly share it with confidence. This is definitely a huge aspect of seeing your project to completion, finding the right producer, raising the financial aspect of your record.

2. Pray

Okay, yes this seems cliche’… In reality, it’s the most important step. You really need to stop, think, and pray. Ask the Lord to show you if this is the right timing for you. You may know that you’re supposed to make a record but knowing the right timing is half the battle. Making a record is not easy, it’s actually one of the most emotionally taxing processes I’ve ever been a part of. It should take blood, sweat, and tears for you to make your record. If not, then you probably cut corners somewhere. Pray before, during, and after your project. You will need His guidance every step of the way.

2. Define Your Target Audience

Beyond your vision, you should practically define the audience that you would like to reach with your music. Defining your target audience should practically influence the creative. Who do you want to reach? The church? Radio? Just for personal use? Don’t let what has been done in the past hold you back from the future. At the same time, don’t be ignorant of what has worked in the past. Traditionally, the sitar hasn’t worked well in U.S. worship services, not saying it couldn’t, but you might want to think about that the next time you want a ripping sitar solo in the middle of your song! You know it’s a joke! Having your target audience in mind is definitely something to consider, but shouldn’t be the driving force behind the record, just use practical sense.

3. Budget, Budget, Budget

Set your budget in advance of your project and add 20%! Not only do you need a budget to record your record, but you need to plan how much time you will need during the recording process! On a weekly basis, I have someone calling me to see how much I paid or spent on my record “Come and Drink”… Without going into details of my specific project (plus every situation is different), I have contacted some of the best producers in the industry to find out their rates and most charge anywhere from $1250 – $1750/song for indie projects to be produced, mixed and mastered. Most producers will outsource the mixing and mastering out of that budget.

I am NOT saying you can’t make a great record for cheap, it’s done every single day. I am just giving a general insight into what I and others have done. In my personal opinion in regards to production, if you have a choice between making a solid 5-song EP or an okay (mediocre) sounding full-length, go with the 5-song EP. It seems very basic and understood, but I have seen this happen time and time again. Having a great sounding professional EP will go much further than releasing a full length of 10 GREAT songs with mediocre production.

4. Choosing the Songs

Most labels say you need a bag of 20 solid songs to choose 10 for a full-length. So that’s basically twice the amount you want to record. Have a complete acoustic/vocal or piano/vocal down for each song. The quality here does NOT matter, its just to get the song down for yourself and the producer to review. The producer should help you pick these songs (most producers want options). Their name is attached to the project just as much as yours. Both people need to be stoked on the content!

5. Get Feedback

This could actually go before Step 4, but get feedback from a couple of other musicians/songwriters you trust. Choose wisely! You don’t want someone to crush you before you even get going. Make sure you choose people that you trust, respect their opinion, and have proven success on SONGWRITING.

I can’t tell you how many people have showed me a song idea, I flipped out about it, then they said some drummer (who hasn’t ever written a song) said the song was a horrible idea. Before songwriting, I started as a drummer so I can say this, plus I have been guilty. :) On the other hand, you may see that you need to go back to the drawing board on your songs before making such a huge investment.

6. Choose the Producer

Oh man this is essential… The right producer can make or break a project. Don’t just look at the names they have worked with, listen to what they have done. Make sure your vision/sound is somewhat in the “ballpark” of the production they have done in the past. Share with them the vision and songs. They should be pumped to be working with ya on it! If the belief in the songs and in you weren’t there in the first place, it could cause a lot of problems in the process of recording. Trust is the biggest elements in the artist/producer relationship. Talent helps too.

7. Write a Marketing Plan

Some people are against any type of marketing or self-promotion and others seem to put too much focus on it. I think a good balance can be found. If your with a label, the good thing is, they will take care of this plan for you and execute it. If your indie, then you are the label!

The success of your first project as an indie artist is solely dependent on your friends and family. They are your first champions, and you will need all the help you can get from them in helping get the word out (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Email). Think of every avenue you have can think of to help spread the word about your project and then, invest your time and money in which ones you believe will yield the greatest results for the investment.

For example, if you are a worship artist you put an article in Rolling Stone, (although sweet for “street cred”) you probably wouldn’t get as much “bang for your buck” as putting an advertisement in Worship Leader Magazine. Know who your audience is and where there trusted source for new music is. Social media is obviously a low cost way to get the word out. Video is always a great avenue to add the visual element to your record (Video EPK, music video, lyric videos, etc.). If you can think outside of the box, your plan will probably go much further.

——————————-
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below in the comments. Connect with Matthew on Twitter: @mattreed or Facebook: facebook.com/matthewreedmusic

Matthew Reed is a songwriter and worship leader based in Nashville, TN. While not on the road or tracking his next project, he spends most of his time writing songs for the local church with other writers in town. In addition, he is one of the many worship leaders at Cross Point Church in Nashville. His debut EP, Come and Drink, was produced by Michael Rossback (Paul Baloche, Gungor, Jared Anderson) and is available for FREE on Noisetrade (noisetrade.com/matthewreed) right now. Follow him on Twitter @mattreed, join him at Facebook.com/matthewreedmusic

Planning Powerful Worship Sets

Russ Hutto — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:16:22 +0000

Thanks to Rob Still for sharing this post with TWC. Originally publisthed at: http://www.robstill.com/planning-powerful-worship-sets/

I was recently inspired by this David Santistevan post on crafting powerful worship sets.

His very fine article presented four key ideas:

1. Teach – sing songs that declare who God is.
2. Engage – make it as easy as possible for people to sing, clap, and participate with the music.
3. Inspire - lift their vision higher, help move people’s eyes off their circumstances onto the greatness of God.
4. Convict – turn our hearts away from self and towards God, that is repentance which leads to change.

My experience is that planning worship is a mixture of practicing theology, musical artistry, and understanding human dynamics.

I’d like to add these morsels to the buffet of ideas. Bon appetite!

1) Express

Our worship must proclaim theological truth. We tell the truth of who God is and what he has done for us. That’s the vertical dimension of expression; God to man, and man to God.

But let’s not just stay there in the head, in the realm of the intellect. Let’s encourage people to connect deeply with their hearts.

Let’s rejoice in how God feels about us! God’s love and delight for his children is passionate and ever faithful.

Specifically, yes, sing songs with wonderful theology like “In Christ Alone” and “How Great Is Our God”. But let’s also include some desert to go with the meat and vegetables, songs like “Your Love Never Fails” and “How He Loves”.

A good worship diet is not only theologically solid, it is personal. Worship expresses emotion.

2) Journey

Generally speaking, we lead people on a journey that begins farther away from God, and finishes closer to God. We progress from the “outer courts to the inner courts”, then into the most holy place.

When worship begins, our focus may be scattered and less aware of God presence. We draw near to Him (James 4:8) through giving Him thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100).

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Psalm 100

We travel from being distant with God to being intimate with God.

“The nearness of God is my good.” Psalm 73:28

That’s why we begin with an in-gathering song or call to worship, to draw our attention from being scattered to seeking His face.

As we draw close to Him, revelation is released and the presence of God impacts us in life changing ways. We are convicted of sin, or encouraged, or healed.

God gets our attention profoundly and that transforms the human heart.

Lead people on a journey that takes them closer to God. Of course, only the Holy Spirit can truly do that, but cooperate with him.

3) Reverence

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

Let’s lead in way that fosters respect for the holiness and worthiness of God.

In our quest to be modern, relevant, casual and contemporary, do we under-emphasize the necessity of approaching God reverently?

It is true, “I Am A Friend of God”, yet he is also the “God of Wonders” who is “Holy Holy Holy”.

Bold celebration is appropriate when built on a foundation of humility and reverence.

Approach God reverently, not presumptuously.

4) Edification

Encourage one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

… be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

Corporate worship is not only vertical between God and man, it is also horizontal. There is a horizontal dimension of expression; people to people.

We edify, or encourage one another. That’s how we live out community in the spirit of unity (see Ephesians 4:11-16). It’s also part two of the Great Commandment. Love God and love people.

Some of our worship songs are for the encouragement of the body of Christ, like “Hold Us Together.”

As I’ve thought through this topic, I realize there is so much more to be explored about the art of worship planning. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

There are many more ingredients to a healthy worship diet. What would you add?

Rob Still is a worship leader, artisan, instructor and blogger in Nashville TN. He teaches at conferences and extensively on the mission field in eastern Europe – and blogs at RobStill.com.

7 Tips For Leading Worship On Acoustic Guitar

Russ Hutto — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:04:08 +0000

Reposted with permission from Rob Rash. Originally posted on RobRash.us.

When it comes to leading worship, many of us lead with an instrument. Whether it’s a keyboard or a guitar, we usually have something in our hands.

I’m an acoustic type of guy. I like how an acoustic has the ability to lead a song without being too overbearing. It’s leads strongly and simply. It fills in the holes at times and gives you that raw organic type of sound.

But there’s really more to leading worship than three chords and a strumming pattern.

Believe it or not, you can create dynamics in your worship leading using only an acoustic. Likewise, you can also destroy moments with the flick of a wrist.

Today, I’d like to offer 7 tips for leading worship with an acoustic guitar:

1. Don’t Overplay

Know when to say when. I’ve seen worship leaders just hammering away at their acoustic like they were trying to beat it into submission. Or unable to stop playing and let another instrument lead. You’ve got to be able to know when to play and when to stop.

2. Be a Tone King

Don’t just plug your guitar into the system and let ‘er rip. Take some time to EQ and develop the right tone for your guitar and sound system. Most guitars need a little adjusting, even Breedlove’s and R. Taylor’s. No guitar is perfect and it would be more than worth your time developing a good sounding acoustic. You can use an external pre-amp, DI, or acoustic processor. Just don’t overlook this step.

3. Be in Tune

This is a no brainer but you would be surprised how often a guitar can get out of tune. And when your guitar is out of tune, everyone knows. Tune your guitar before and after each song (if your able and not causing a distraction). You can use a clip on guitar tuner or a floor tuner but whatever your flavor, just make sure your staying in tune.

4. Learning to Strum

Strumming is an absolutely crucial key in acoustic rhythm and dynamics. Don’t get stuck in a certain pattern, but rather learn how to strum freely without having to concentrate on it. It may take you practicing everyday, but it will be well worth your time. Listen to the songs your going to be playing for dominate rhythms and use those in your playing as well.

5. Re-String Often

Don’t wait for a string to break on stage or see how long you can go without changing your strings. Those are both bad ideas. If your using strings without a coating, change them at minimum once a month. I’d probably change them every two weeks. If you’re using a coated string like Elixirs, change them every couple of months. You’d be surprised at how much life new strings can add.

6. Work on Chord Voicings

Always be working at your craft as an acoustic guitarist. Just because you can play 5 chords really well, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep working at your playing abilities. Work on your chording, alternate chording, finger style, and playing techniques. You can always get better.

7. Alternate Tunings

EADGBE is great, but there are quite a few other tunings that you can really utilize. Drop D is a popular yet workable arrangement as well as any open tuning. You can also experiment and use cut capo’s to get some amazing alternative sounds. For more info on alternative tunings go here.

Have other tips on leading worship from an acoustic guitar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Worship Music News: New Releases (May 1, 2012)

Russ Hutto — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:50:36 +0000

Here is a project to take a look at that most Western Worship Leaders might not have on their radar. Of course, culturally speaking, this might not be anything you can use, but it is great to see how worship is expressed all over the world.

We’re also excited about last week’s release of TWC member Kristen Gilles‘ worship EP The Whole Story today (April 24, 2012).

New Worship Releases: May 1, 2012

Karen Davis – Songs In The Night

Independent record label Galilee of the Nations, a subsidiary of City of Peace Media, is set to release Songs In The Night, a collection of music from worship leader Karen Davis.

“Musically, Songs In The Night, is a unique blend of styles,” says Davis. “The Jewish people in Israel have returned from the four corners of the earth. There are European Jews who are very involved with the classical music culture of Europe. There are Argentinean Jews who bring Latin music, Sephardic Jews with their Middle Eastern rhythms, and then you have people like me who grew up on Motown and R&B. All of these cultures have come together bringing their musical traditions with them. We have all these wonderful, ancient Middle Eastern instruments, like the oud, combined with modern orchestral arrangements. What you hear on Songs In The Night, is a musical amalgam; a blend of many sounds and rhythms and languages, all unified in glorifying Yeshua, our Messiah.”

Galilee of the Nations

Sunday Setlists #197

Russ Hutto — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:22:13 +0000

Share your worship confessionals, recaps, and setlists for the week of: Sunday, April 29, 2012

Welcome to the 197th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists.” Hard to believe we’re only 3 away from TWO HUNDRED! The purpose of “Sunday Setlists” is to share a recap of your worship services. What songs did you use, what arrangements? What worked really well and what didn’t work as well as you’d like? What issues did you have preparing? What is the sermon series? How about creative elements used in the service? You don’t have to be the pastor or worship leader to participate. We would really love to get reviews from the perspective of those in our congregations each week.

* SPECIAL OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT FOR SUNDAY SETLISTS #200 (May 20, 2012):

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Click here to view the archives of “Sunday Setlists” posts.

To participate:

1. Blog about your worship services this week. In that blog, mention that you are participating in “Sunday Setlists” at TheWorshipCommunity.Com and link back to this post.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-195/

2. If you don’t have a blog, leave your own recap right here by simply adding a comment to the discussion thread below.

3. Share your information (links, media, etc) and encourage others to do the same.

Share your Experience:

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Links: (add a link to your “Sunday Setlists” blog post below)