Interview: Dustin Smith

Nov 03 2014

Worship leader Dustin Smith has just released his new live album 'Coming Alive', recorded at his home church in Kansas City. LTTM spoke to the songwriter to find out more about the album and his thoughts on worship music.

Tell us a little bit about your new album 'Coming Alive' and what the inspiration behind it was?

The title song, Coming Alive, is the driving force of the entire album. It is the first song, but it is also the theme of the album. We wanted songs that would challenge the Body of Christ to wake up and recognize who they have been called to be. Just as Ezekiel saw the dry bones and heard God ask, "Can these dry bones live again?" I believe God is asking the same of us. Once we believe that, they can live again. God does not ask us to breathe life into the dry bones, but He does ask us to be a voice and call out to the breath of God. After God breathed on the bones, Ezekiel saw an army standing before him. Each of the songs on this album are a cry for an army of God to arise on the earth. The songs speak of who Christ is to us and who we are supposed to be in Christ.

Which is your favorite track on the album and why?

It is really hard to just pick one, but I would say that one of my favorites would be the song, Home. For me, a lot of worship songs are safe and often say the same things. From the first line, "It doesn't feel safe here but its always good," to the line in the chorus that says, "Home, home where heaven screams through my bones," you are put in a position to not just sing about the presence of God, but to experience Him.

Coming AliveWhy record 'Coming Alive' as a live album and not a studio album?

I am a worship leader at heart. To just stand in a vocal booth and try to record an album is very difficult for me. I want to be around people and worship God together. I believe there is a power in the corporate expression. On this album, there are a few moments that went off script and the crowd basically took over the worship moment. Those were some of my favorite moments during the recording and they are the things that are nearly impossible to do on a studio album.

If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?

On this album I had the chance to work with some incredible songwriters, but I would love to have a chance to write with Matt Redman. I grew up singing a lot of his music and it really impacted my worship. I love his heart for God and the church.

What is your favorite album of all time? Why?

One of my favorite albums of all time would have to be Delirious Live & In the Can. It revolutionized what I thought worship music was. I also believe it had an effect on worship around the world.

How would you define success in your career as a singer?

If people are encountering God and their lives are being changed, then we have been successful. Otherwise, we are just noise. I have always considered my voice as a weapon that has the power to bring life and death and I never take it lightly. I expect everywhere we go that God is going to use our songs and voices to tear down strongholds that have kept people from seeing the greatness of God.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?

The perfect worship song is one that is sung from the heart. We can always talk about theologies, structure, and melodies, but none of that matters if it is not sung from the heart.

What advice would you give to any aspiring worship leaders or songwriters out there?

Care more about people than music. Realize that God has given music as a powerful tool and weapon but that is all it is. Continually work on learning how to best use your tools and weapons, but remember that tools and weapons are meant to help protect and build. The ultimate goal is to love God and to love people!

You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?

I would listen to Let it Rain by Michael Farren and believe for it to be a prophetic song.

What does the next year hold for Dustin Smith?

Most of what we will be doing is traveling around the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand ministering in churches, conferences and various events. I am unsure as to all this next year holds, but with God I am positive it will be an adventure.

Find out more at: DustinSmith.com

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