Interview: Matt Redman on '10,000 Reasons' to Worship God
Matt Redman is set to release his much anticipated ninth album, 10,000 Reasons, on July 12. The veteran worship leader and song writer has written award-winning worship songs that have not only gained him industry awards but cemented his music in the hearts of worshippers everywhere.
The acclaimed musician has also been busy preparing to release his newest book, Mirror Ball, which is currently available everywhere. One could wonder with the demands of music career, author, and family life, when he could possibly find time to sit down and write an album. Despite his hectic schedule, Redman has found time to encourage his listen with “10,000” more reasons to worship God.
After eight albums, how do you keep your material fresh and new?
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“So much of it is about 'team.' I realized a while back that there's such a strength in working creatively with others, and it really helps keep things fresh and progressing each time you write a bunch of songs or make a record. I loved the co-writing that happened with this album - friends like Jason Ingram, Matt Maher and Jonas Myrin have such brilliant songwriting gifts, but also huge hearts of worship also. That made the whole process so inspiring.”
You have written highly acclaimed worship songs, such as "Heart of Worship," "You Never Let Go," and "Blessed Be Your Name." In light of this, do you ever feel pressure when preparing for a new album?
“I think there's always a sense of dependence, knowing that whatever experience or track record we may or may not have had, we can't make anything powerful or enduring happen. I write my heart out, work hard on shaping songs, and hope that God will breathe some inspiration. I reckon we wrote about 25 more or less finished songs, and the 11 you hear on the album are the ones that seemed to rise to the top.”
What makes your new album different from the others?
“It's only the second time I've recorded a live album with new songs. I hope that live dynamic – the people of the God pouring out the praises of God – will be really powerful.”
Give us the meaning behind the name 10,000 Reasons.
“It's about the many, many reasons there are to worship God. And of course when I say '10,000 Reasons' that's obviously a huge poetic understatement. When it comes to worship, there are an eternity of reasons to respond to God and His worth. I love writing worship songs because there's an amazing amount of themes to get your heart into, and always a new way to say respond to these ancient truths.”
Read the rest of the interview here.
