Louder Than The Music

British worship leader Nick J Drake releases his new album 'All For Christ' in March. As the worship pastor at St Paul's Church in Hammersmith, London, Nick knows a thing or two about worship music. So Louder Than The Music caught up with him to discuss his musical influences and the new album.

For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?

I have been Worship Pastor at St Paul's Hammersmith, an HTB church plant, since 2003. It's a massive anglican building that everyone passes as they drive into London from the West and we view it prophetically as the 'gateway to London'. Before this I was involved in a number of Christian bands with my wife Becky. My formal training is actually in Theology however, and I've recently completed my MA here in London at Kings College, specialising in charismatic sung worship.

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

This new album is really exciting for me, as for the first time I've been able to capture and record something of my vision and values for sung worship: encounter, presence, space, honesty. The album takes you on a journey from the opening declaration of the title track (All For Christ) through to times of honesty, intimacy, and space, both instrumentally and spiritually, inviting the worshipper to enjoy God and relate with him on a personal level. We end the album with this old hymn, (Come Thou Fount) which we've re-arranged and re-written to make it a more useable song in our churches today. This ending captures my passion to unite both the old and the new in worship and reflects our anglican roots, but with a hunger and desire for the things of the Spirit.

Which is your favourite track off your new album and why?

It's really difficult to select just one track. I love 'Have Mercy on Me' as it's very personal and yet moves to this declaratory bold chorus that encourages me everytime I sing it. In terms of being surprised by a track, caught off guard, I'd say 'You Shall Be Praised' is my favourite. It is one of those 'deep call to deep' songs that resonates with your very being and stirs a desire to be close to God.

What's your song writing process?

Songs have to start at the heart level. In some way, I hope my songs are always born out of a place of encounter with God. Afterwards, I then work on crafting the song, checking flow, theology, lyrical turn and song focus.

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

I'd love to work with the Jesus Culture guys at the moment. I think they really have an authenticity and passion for God's presence in their songs and worship leading that I connect with. In terms of pure song-writing genius, I think the Hillsong United team are the best there is in the Christian scene at the moment.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?

The perfect worship song is simply one that facilitates an authentic encounter with God. Ideally, that song has a connection on all three levels: mind, emotion and body.

Who are your musical influences?

Musical influences have to include: Kevin Prosch, early Delirious, and in terms of live worship, the Stoneleigh festival recordings from the mid 90's were foundational for me.

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

Seek first the Kingdom. Pursue God and knowing him. Each one of us is different - don't be swayed and distracted by other's journeys, God will have a unique path for you.

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?

'Obsession' by Delirious or the cover version by Jesus Culture.

What does the next year hold for Nick Drake?

Having released two albums in 2 months this year ('All For Christ' and the all-age album 'God Is Here') I'm hoping for a cup of tea and a biscuit. Especially as we have baby no.2 on the way! I am also leading worship at the New Wine Leaders conference and Summer festival this year as well as running some all-age seminars at worshipcentral in London in March and Trinity Church Cheltenham in May.