Latest Issue
Seek and ye shall find
Links
|
Martin Smith talks about his past, present and future... As Delirious comes to an end at the end of the year
Last year, we learned that 2009 would be
 Delirious's last year of touring and making albums as a band. So, at the end of this year we will have to say a sad goodbye to Delirious; who have made a huge mark on the Christian music industry over the last 15 years and have had a great impact on modern worship music, having written many songs which are sung in churches all over the world today.
We had the chance to have a little chat to Martin Smith about Delirious; his involvement with Compassionart and how he plans to keep himself busy after Delirious is over.
So, keep reading on...
Q: Firstly, perhaps you could you tell us a bit more about the Compassionart project; from the DVD we get the impression that it was quite an undertaking?
A: Yes, it was. It was a lot of organization and administration, but it was fantastic and it was a pleasure to be a part of and it's amazing that the album has actually now come out and people are able to hear the songs that we recorded and made. So, it's been an absolute labour of love and it's been amazing, God has just blessed it and obviously the more records we sell, the more money we can give away and we'll keep everybody in touch as to how things develop with
Q: The aim of the songs is for them to be sung in churches; is that right?
A: Yeah, predominately a lot of them are church songs; not all of them, but I think they fit in that mould.
Q: And is that something that's happening already?
A: Yes, it is
Q: So, people are starting to sing those songs in the churches?
A: They are, yeah and it's fantastic
 Q: Now, obviously the aim of Compassionart is to be involved with different organizations; but maybe you could tell us about the organization in Uganda?A : Yeah, the Watato African children's choir is one of the projects they have and it is amazing; they take orphaned children and give them a home; education; food and medical care and develop them into great children and into adulthood. So, we wanted to support them as an organization and in the end build a creative arts centre
Q: And you visited there yourself with your family, didn't you?
A: Yeah, I have.
Q: What were your experiences like in Uganda?
A: It was wonderful; amazing people that were running it and a fantastic church group and it's very inspirational - we'd love to help them out more as we go along
Q: So, did you actually record the choir there at the village?
A: Yeah, we did. They've got a tiny little studio there and
 we got the kids together and recorded them and, I hope you agree, the kids sound fantastic on the record.Q: Yes, they definitely do. Are they the same choir that Michael W Smith used?
A: Yeah, I think it probably is; it was the travelling choir that were down in America at the time And Chris Tomlin also used them as well...so, they are getting lots of exposure
That's right. Yeah, it's good isn't it?
Q: Yes, really good... On a different note, the latest and last Delirious? Album is a live CD - where did you record that and maybe you could tell us more about it?
A: We recorded that in Columbia; South America and it's very vibrant and very exciting and a big crowd of 12 000 people and I think people are going to really enjoy that.
 Q: And once this one is released and Delirious? stops touring; is that going to be it as far as albums go?A: I don't know. I think there will be a greatest hits that we will bring out and possibly another live record next year; we may film the last show...we're not really sure yet.
Q: The Greatest Hits album; will that just be taking from the 15 years of Delirious? and kind of picking out some of the highlights?
A: Yeah, it really will be a cross-section.
Q: You've written plenty of songs but what are some of your personal favourites?
A: Well, "History Maker"; "Obsession"; "Investigate"; "Majesty" ... there's quite a long list since there's over a hundred songs that we have done and I like most of them so, I could be here forever. It's a great catalogue of songs and we are just very grateful to God for what happened
Q: What would you say is the secret to you, as a band, being able to stay together for so long?
A: Well, I think we really love each other and we are family and we've had a sense of common vision. We've really been able to push through all those things and make great music and stay connected
Q: 4 out of the 5 of the original members are actually related by marriage, is that correct?
A: Yeah, myself; Tim (Keyboards); Stu Smith the drummer and Jon (Bass) Q: So, do you think that's part of the reason
 why you were able to stick together; because of that family connection?A: Yes, I do - I think it is part of the reason and it's one thing to be in a band and play great music, but it's another thing to hold the relationship together. Q: Obviously 15 years is a really long time to think back one, but what have been some of the biggest highlights for you?
A: Playing India for 400 000 people; building the medical centre in Mumbai, playing for the Pope... there's been amazing experiences along the way and we are very, very grateful for all that happened. Q: Tell us about that clinic in Mumbai (India), the band funded it right?
A: Yes, we used proceeds from "Kingdom of Comfort" to help with that and we're very pleased to see that come out the ground and it's just wonderful.
 Q: What kind of clinic is it?A: It's a medical clinic. It's very exciting; I visited it this year and the doctors and nurses are in place and they are able to treat people there and it's wonderful to see that all happening.
Q: A lot of critics seem to agree that "Kingdom of Comfort" was one of the best albums that Delirious? produced; was that also one of the reasons for you deciding to stop now while you are on top of the game in a sense?
A No, we made the record and we put it out and hadn't decided to stop at that point.
Q: Well, it must have been nice to finish on a high note right?
A: Yeah, I'm glad that people liked it because we poured our heart and soul into it and, thankfully, we finished on a great record and we are very pleased about that. Also, the theme of that record leaves people with a real challenge.
And it kind of leads into
Compassionart too...
Yeah, that's right
Q: Do you think mission work is where you'll be spending most of your focus now?
A: No, I as Martin Smith am a singer and a musician and I'll always continue to write and play music and so, I think that's always going to be the main focus and as a part of that, we are desperate to save some people's lives and hopefully they'll always work hand-in-hand.
Q: And are we going to still be hearing new
 Martin Smith songs coming out for worship?A: Well, I haven't thought that far ahead yet. I think it will be likely that music will still come out of me and we'll have to watch this space. For now, I want to end this season well and focus on that and make sure that my family is a priority and be at a home a bit more.
Q: Are you looking forward to that... settling into more of a "normal" life if you could call it that?
A: I don't think our life is ever going to be "normal", but certainly for seasons we'll see more "normal" things so, that will be great.
Q: And finally, is there any chance that you'll come back to Africa and do anymore concerts before the end of the year?
A: I dunno, I think it's probably unlikely now, but we've had some amazing concerts and amazing times in South Africa that we'll always remember Q: Any final thoughts or scriptures that you would like to leave us with?
A: Psalm 24 has always been
something that has been a part of Delirious? - "He who has clean hands and a pure heart; he will then hear the Lord" So, that really is they key to a successful life with God.
Amen- Thank you for your time and we definitely look forward to seeing and hearing more from you in the future and seeing what God does through you.
Thanks
We'll be sure to keep all of you readers updated on any Delirious? News throughout 2009, their final year together as a band. For now, all you Delirious? followers should be sure to pick up a copy of their latest album, "My Soul Sings."
|
| Random Content | |