Interview: Matt & Beth Redman
Worship leader Matt Redman and his wife Beth spoke to LTTM about the 'Twenty Seven Million' single they are releasing with LZ7 in support of the A21 Campaign against human trafficking. We find out what they hope to achieve with the single and why the issue of human slavery is so important to them.
What's the story behind the song 'Twenty Seven Million' and how did the track come about?
Beth: I've been part of the A21 Campaign for a while. The more I found out about this horrific issue of human trafficking, and just how prevalent it is on the earth today, I just couldn't stand back and do nothing. I decided you have to work with what is in your hands, and for us that includes music. So I had the idea that we'd write a song with Lindz and Lucy from LZ7, and the whole thing came together really quickly.
Matt: Yes, we drew in a couple of other friends, Willie Weeks and Jorge Mhondera - two fantastic writers and producers, and the six of us wrote the song. Beth started telling some stories of people she'd met through A21 who'd been rescued out of trafficking, and who's lives were being put back on track. The stories of how they'd been deceived, manipulated and treating as absolutely nothing but fellow human beings was just so disgusting and disheartening. It didn't take long to write the lyrics of this song, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact we were all outraged about what we'd heard.
Some people might be surprised to find Matt Redman and LZ7 singing on the same track - why have you guys collaborated on this song?
Matt: Ha! It's a fantastic fusion of genres, and it works because there's one heart running through this project - it's a heart to speak up for those who don't have a voice. We also have all known each other for years, and there's tons of mutual respect for each other, and what we all do in life. That counts for a lot in a vulnerable situation like a songwriting session!
You performed the song together at the Passion Conference in Atlanta at the start of the year - what was that experience like?
Beth: It was amazing! It totally exceeded our expectations - and they were already pretty high! To be able to record a live music video with 45,000 students in an American football stadium was one thing - but the fact that these students had been hearing about trafficking for 3 days at the conference by the time we recorded the video just took it over the top. You can see real, genuine passion in the video from all the people in that room. I love that. It wasn't just a bit hype up thing - they were concerned about the issues, and really got it.
There are a lot of good causes and many different issues you could take a stance on - why has slavery struck a chord with you?
Beth: It's hard to say, but somehow this theme has landed really intensely with all of us. I think the single is really timely - right now there are so many stories about trafficking in the press, and the issue of modern day slavery is being looked into ever more strongly by police and governments. The church are also doing an amazing amount of work in this area - A21 is one of many amazing organisations working to eradicate trafficking. So it seems the record comes along at the right time, and hopefully it can be some kind of soundtrack for freedom.
Can releasing 'Twenty Seven Million' as a single really make a difference to the issue of human trafficking?
Matt: Yes! It'll achieve all sorts of things, and one of the big ones of course is generating awareness. If public attention and opinion is focussed on something, then those in positions of influence, government or power soon follow. Also, we were privileged to be at a meeting with police chiefs in the south of England recently about this issue, and they said one of the key needs right now is for the general public to be aware of this issue, and vigilant. I think lots of people will get affected by this theme, but I also think for some people it will propel them to go much deeper into the issues, and work alongside one of the brilliant charities at work on this. We had a great endorsement for the song given by Gavin Shuker MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Prostitution. He said that, "Public awareness is the foundation for creating real change in society, and I hope this song inspires all who hear it to take action against modern-day slavery."
Music has always had a great way of communicating, and we really hope this song will shine a light on this outrageous issue. How can it be that right now there are 27 million slaves on the earth - more than any other time in history. It's horrific.
Are you hoping to get the song played on radio and TV?
Matt: Let's see where it goes! There are some areas of media it can be hard to break into. We'll definitely have some radio play, but whether any of the big national stations pick it up remains to be seen. We're open to anything, and we'll go with the flow. But the brilliant thing is there seems to be some great momentum building for the song in so many areas - by word of mouth, on social media platforms and all that kind of thing. We really hope that momentum continues to build, so we can make a big noise about the issues. One of the key factors will be people who like the song and care about the issue 'multiplying' themselves. By that I mean downloading it themselves, but then going out there and getting other people to do the same in their places of influence - whether that's home, college, work, school or church. If you check out our e-card there's actually a section where you can find out how to act as an ambassador for the song when it releases.
Apart from downloading the single, what else can people do to get behind the single and support the campaign in general?
Beth: Please check out the A21 Campaign's website. There's so much info on there - facts about trafficking, the work of A21, and what people can do to be more involved.
What can people expect from the 'Twenty Seven Million Tour'?
Beth: A special night! We just had a sold-out date in Belfast - and can't wait for the others.
Matt: If you can't get to one of the tour nights, please make sure to join us for the live webcast on Sat 25th Feb at 6.30pm (UK time). There'll be music, chat, special guests, and an opportunity to learn more about the theme of modern day slavery, and what you can do.
What else have you got lined up for 2012?
Matt: Some travel - including Brazil where we've never been before. But right now it's all about the adventure of this Twenty Seven Million song.
For everything you need to know about the single, see our Twenty Seven Million page
