After decades of choosing, leading and writing worship songs, I was interested to hear Dr. Ron's take on where great worship songs come from. His response was insightful and is a brilliant blueprint for those who desire to write fresh songs of timeless truth for the local church.
The type of acceptable true worship Christ looks for calls for our entire spirit, the totality of all we are, to be actively engaged. The nature of true worship is active, demonstrative and participatory.
The penultimate installation in this year-long series . . .
5. Great songs are about ONE thing Without exception, the most enduring songs are those that are centered around ONE theme. The theme is usually universal, meaning it’s something that a wide range of people can relate to or have experienced. When writing, make sure you have a clear idea of what your theme is. …
Continue reading 20 Things I’ve Learned From Listening to Great Songs and Songwriters (5-6)
Nothing will stifle the creative process more than premature analysis and over-thinking. When initially creating by yourself or with others, remove the boundaries, use ‘placement’ lyrics, be unconventional, be willing to pursue any idea.
Prior to a recent songwriters retreat I taught at, I took some time to synthesize every helpful piece of songwriting advice I've heard, read, and believed to be helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT4n-IHfvF0&t=17s In the wake of yesterday's massacre in Parkland, Florida it can be hard to acknowledge a sovereign God when He seems so distant. For some, the easiest thing is to deny His goodness and to make assessments based on the little we see. The problem of pain, evil and suffering has seemed to explode …
I'll never forget the first time I heard Aretha Franklin sing. My mother had a copy of "Aretha's Greatest Hits", a compilation of her best known recordings for Atlantic Records she played regularly when I was young. As I stared at the spinning red label I couldn't help to be moved by what was being …
Continue reading My Tribute: Three Black Artists who helped pave the way for Modern Worship Music
Worship leaders wear many different hats: Musician, leader, counsellor, pastor, sound engineer, arranger and the list goes on. One role we often fail to see is that of teacher. We often assume that role solely belongs to the preaching pastor. Whereas the act of listening to a sermon may feel closest to the lecture-driven Western …
Continue reading What You Sing Is What You Teach Is What You Think
About seven years ago in the wake of the devastation being faced by the Earthquake in Haiti I wrote a song called "Defender (Call Upon The Name)". Leading that song in Haiti while on a missions trip after the earthquake was one of the most profound worship experiences I have ever experienced. Recently, the US …
Travis Doucette • Worship Blog 