Interview: Eddy Mann
Award-winning singer-songwriter Eddy Mann just released a powerful new single, "Hallelujah," from his latest album, "Chapel Songs". Louder Than The Music chatted to him about his background in music and his plans for further releases this year.
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 was raised in a very musical house. My father was a jazz (bebop) pianist and my mother was always sharing musical culture with me. So being creative was inbred in me, and then being surrounded by it, I just naturally found myself attracted to it.
Tell us about your album 'Chapel Songs' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I wanted to create an album of worship songs for the small church. Simple songs that could be used in a time of worship and praise and that could be learned and played easily.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
That makes me smile, it’s like asking me which of my daughters is my favorite. I can share that over time different songs appeal to me more because of the season I might be in. That being the case I’ve found myself drawn to I Rest in You quite a bit lately.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
My music has always been optimistic; always about peace, love and understanding, and this album is no different. The underlying message is one that’s steeped in love.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I was brought up listening to all kinds of music, and I still do today. Listening to all kinds of styles has helped me to develop a larger palette of influences to draw upon. I want the song to lead me rather then the other way around. I never want to force my will in an arrangement. For me the joy is discovering where the song needs to go, and then enjoying the process.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
There are any number of writers that inspire me on any given day. I really like Jason Isbell, John Mayer, and lately I’ve been indulging in a lot of Jason Collier.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I subscribe to the idea that I need to create so that it can be used by God in the way that He deems appropriate. That could be any number of souls, the number is not important, but making the media available is. In today’s world, songs can be used in ways unimaginable only a decade ago. Being a man of faith simplifies my day. I strive to please an audience of one. If I can accomplish that, I can sleep peacefully.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Probably Sgt, Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band by the Beatles. It was monumental in pushing the possibilities of recorded music in it’s day.
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?
It would need to have a positive feel and an inspiring message …Living Hope by Phil Wickham. Though tomorrow it could be something different.
What does the next year hold for you?
I don’t see any reason to slow down or change. My inspiration and work ethic hasn’t differed that much as I’ve grown older. I would guess two new releases, and the usual four month summer tour, along with my weekly podcasts. I still feel very positive about the future …even in the darkest of days. There is hope, and I can lean on that!
