Louder Than The Music

Worship Central's Nikki Fletcher has just released her new album 'All Glory'. In our latest interview LTTM chatted to Nikki about her music and song writing, and what's it's like to be part of Worship Central.

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 started singing and writing songs in high school. I had always loved music but it was a music teacher that encouraged me to take it more seriously. After school I started pursuing a career in music, however it wasn't long before I really felt God calling me to use my gifts to lead worship and serve the church... so after wrestling with it for a good while, I chose to make worship my main focus, and that's what I've been doing ever since.

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

My husband and I moved to London from Sydney four years ago, and in that time a lot has happened. Initially it was a huge transition, but God has been working a lot of things out in me, teaching me and opening doors. All the songs on this album have been written from moments over the last four years, either in worship or prayer times, or in times of tension and longing. I've also really enjoyed crafting ideas with the team around me. Some of the songs were written quickly, some took a lot of patience & rewriting.

Which is your favourite track on the album and why?

My favourite track is "You are, What I need". That song is my whole life in one song. I wrote it in 20 minutes as a prayer, and every time I hear it or sing it i start choking up because its just my whole heart before God.

What's your song writing process?

Ahhhh... if only I had that worked out!!! I don't know sometimes it comes easy, flows like a river from my soul, other times its like trying to get blood from a stone! The one thing I do know is that when I'm honest, when I don't try too hard, when I allow space in my world and mind, when I listen and when I sing straight from the depths of my heart, I find myself surprised with the ideas that come out. Sometimes its just one melodic line or one lyric that just won't leave me alone. I also get a lot of ideas and sections when I'm leading worship. Usually the more difficult part for me is then crafting and finishing a song so it can be useful in the context of the church services I lead in.

Who are your musical influences?

I've had so many from a young girl to now. Everyone from Shania Twain to Bob Dylan to Adele. Over the years I have loved songwriters like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Joni Mitchell, Lily Allen, Ryan Tedder, Jon Foreman, Neil Finn, Imogen Heap, Alicia Keys... I could probably write 100 people - however for this album my biggest influences musically were Adele, Mindy Gledhill, The Civil Wars and Gungor.

Worship Central seems to be going from strength to strength, what's it like being part of that?

I love it. I honestly can't believed how blessed I am to be working with some of my favourite people on the planet - they are fun, passionate, anointed, faithful people. I am constantly challenged and encouraged. God is always on the move doing something new - He is building His church and we are part of His song on planet earth right now... what could be better!!!

In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?

Ha, Perfection? I'm not sure about perfection - BUT any song that leads you to Jesus, or gives you a sense of His presence is nothing short of perfect.