Interview: -Psalmist-
Independent Christian music project -Psalmist- just released an album titled 'The Sound Of Forgiveness' and Louder Than The Music chatted with the man behind the project to find out more about his musical story and inspiration for writing the songs.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up playing in bands, mainly metal and rock type. And one punk band. By the time I got saved at 29, I hadn't owned an instrument in a few years and was very much lost and bound in drug addiction and other deceptions. BUT, The Lord raised me up and has entrusted me with instruments and songs and such over the last 9 years of walking with Him. Lot of prayer and the Lord answering and encouraging me to pursue music as a believer.
Tell us about your album 'The Sound Of Forgiveness' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Well, I'm really just trying to be obedient to the Lord and what I believe He has inspired me to do. I Don't think there was much other inspiration. In listening to these tracks, I think that there is a big theme of Truth that is displayed. The Truth of Jesus and the gospel and the reality of it and who Jesus is. That, mixed with testimony and some feels!!
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
My favorite tracks are OverLow and The Sound Of Forgiveness. OverLow because it jams and it's fun. It is a real testimonial, proclaiming type tune. The Sound Of Forgiveness is just a really strong, spiritual one I think. It's rooted in the death of Jesus on the cross, and all the ugliness of that, and how that stuff was the literal sound of forgiveness. Ugliness that was at the same time the greatest act of love ever and had a real effect for those that believe. I kind of realized that was the picture of that song afterwards, after the song was done. I think the mix of those songs turned out pretty good too.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Whatever the Lord gives them by way of it I suppose. Maybe just that Jesus is real. The gospel is truth. That He is the One to deliver and the only One. haha. I'd just say whatever the Lord gives them when hearing it.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style is in the way of rock music. It has heavy and beautiful all wrapped in it. I have listened to all sorts of stuff over the years. I just enjoy the fact that worship gives the proper use of the gift of music. There is a lot of talented and great musicians and artists, but worship gives the real life and purpose to music. It's a gift for sure.
If you could work with any songwriter or musician, who would it be and why?
I really don't know haha. One person that I enjoyed their style, at least some of the, maybe, earlier stuff I had actually heard of his (Canopy Sessions), was Sean Curran. I really appreciated his rawness and musical leaning. I haven't heard much else, but that group of songs was wonderful. I guess I'd think of that dude.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
One of the first people I shared this album with told me that he had not been seeking and worshiping the Lord as he felt he should be. He said that these songs were lighting a fire in his heart. That was a wonderful thing to hear for me. I think that is the type of "success" I'd love to see more of. If this album had been released on CD, I was desiring to have an image of two unappetizing fish and some chunks of bread on the back of it. In the scope of the Kingdom of God, these 10 songs are a meagre offering, especially with all the production that is available in modern Christian music. But seeking to proceed in faith of the Lord, and what He did with that fish and bread. He did a lot with it.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
I don't know. I really don't listen to that much music anymore. I can say that since I've been a believer, two of my favorite things to listen to was a group called Loud Harp, and a music ministry called Kingdom Muzic, Bryann Trejo in specific. I've listened the most to his stuff as a believer. I jammed it for a solid 4 or 5 years probably.
What does the next year hold for you?
I really don't know. Trying to be faithful and grow. I'm a husband and a dad of 3. I became an insta-dad of two when I got married to my amazing wife, and we now have a 1 year old little girl. Life is challenging but so blessed. I'm just trying to walk in the Lord and be faithful. I pray these songs are used in the Spirit to bless people and help reveal the Lord. Trying to stay open to His leading.
