Hi, Was doing an interview kinda thing for some Australian Distributors recently and thought I'd share it in parts with you all as I thought some of it might be useful. Most of the questions are based on songwriting/copyright and publishing, the heart of a songwriter etc so here goes.
Part 1
The Heart of a Songwriter
The need and desire to put life experience i.e. the lessons we learn, the wisdom we gain, the sacrifices we make, the circumstances we find ourselves in, into words and melody that help move people, heal people and promote a response to a situation they find themselves in. Worship Songs? A desire to do all this and bring people before God in the midst of life to reveal something of who He is, what He has done, what He longs to do and what we desire to express to Him or commit to do as we live out a life that looks like the life Jesus lived. Simply: Songs that find the throne of God.
My heart as a songwriter is to take my experience of brokenness and healing and craft songs that allow others to move through life in all it’s pain, tragedy, joy and love, to a place of worship and praise. It is my hope as a songwriter that the words and melodies that come from my heart and voice will help connect people intimately with God - as a Father and as a Friend.
The heart of a Songwriter is OPEN. It allows God in, it allows people in, it shares itself in order that it would expand and grow in love.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Friday, 27 May 2011
The Last Year
So, it's been a while...
Over the last year a few big things have happened for me. I recorded the Lend Me Your Heart 3 track digital release which went out in August 2010 with great success. I then finished recording another 3 songs that would be the physical and digital release of 'Introducing Claire Hamilton'. The Introducing album was released in February this year and since then invitations are slowly coming in and the song 'Lend Me Your Heart' has already been re-recorded by Spring Harvest (which I'm so delighted about). There is also some other interest so that is soo encouraging for me. It's time to get writing again and get ready for a full length album.
In the midst of all this exciting I'm working in a full time job as a Music Teacher and so this is very much my hobby but something I am equally committed to. My job is where the lyrics of my songs get tested. It's where the Lord teaches me and gives me opportunity after opportunity to love, encourage, teach and make a difference. This is where the songs come from...not from simply leading worship at church, touring or gigging but by living life, working, committing myself to family, community and the local church.
I'll be sharing more on my blog over the next few months as I feel I have some stuff I want to share. I'm also writing for an Australian publication at the moment about songwriting, publishing, copyright, the heart of a songwriter and so those will be thoughts that I will publish here once I'm done.
I guess this is me re-introducing myself again and saying hello and get ready for some new posts. The next post I will share is my journey regarding worship leading this year and how and why I took a break.
Thanks for reading. Please pass on the link to my blog as I'd love to encourage and help equip other worshippers out there and share a bit more of our journey together.
Over the last year a few big things have happened for me. I recorded the Lend Me Your Heart 3 track digital release which went out in August 2010 with great success. I then finished recording another 3 songs that would be the physical and digital release of 'Introducing Claire Hamilton'. The Introducing album was released in February this year and since then invitations are slowly coming in and the song 'Lend Me Your Heart' has already been re-recorded by Spring Harvest (which I'm so delighted about). There is also some other interest so that is soo encouraging for me. It's time to get writing again and get ready for a full length album.
In the midst of all this exciting I'm working in a full time job as a Music Teacher and so this is very much my hobby but something I am equally committed to. My job is where the lyrics of my songs get tested. It's where the Lord teaches me and gives me opportunity after opportunity to love, encourage, teach and make a difference. This is where the songs come from...not from simply leading worship at church, touring or gigging but by living life, working, committing myself to family, community and the local church.
I'll be sharing more on my blog over the next few months as I feel I have some stuff I want to share. I'm also writing for an Australian publication at the moment about songwriting, publishing, copyright, the heart of a songwriter and so those will be thoughts that I will publish here once I'm done.
I guess this is me re-introducing myself again and saying hello and get ready for some new posts. The next post I will share is my journey regarding worship leading this year and how and why I took a break.
Thanks for reading. Please pass on the link to my blog as I'd love to encourage and help equip other worshippers out there and share a bit more of our journey together.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, Sisters
Hi,
I've just been contemplating this evening whilst learning some songs for some lovely session work with a friend and having a meal with my husband whilst chatting about life. I've been thinking about the 'success' of many of my friends who happen to also work in the worship industry.
It's such a privilege to be involved in leading worship.
It's such an unbelievable joy to work with other people (specifically those involved in recording and working with a record company) who aren't concerned about who might become more famous but who just want to simply worship the Lord and collaborate with others in the process. It expands my heart. It is good to be overwhelmed with love at times.
It's an honour for me to promote the people around me I love: Johnny Parks - true friend, fantastic songwriter, amazing thinker, truly humble, head screwed on!!!! A lesson to me in integriy! The Rend Collective Experiment - great songs, great guys, great hearts, great support and great creativity! (and kinda my band too! Thanks guys!), Brian Houston - charisma, great songwriter, a father of sorts. Kathryn Scott - lovely lovely friend, great role model, priorities in place, huge anointing, heart for the Lord that inspires me, example in purity and loveliness! Aaron Keyes - a lesson in pastoral care! a lesson in encouragement!
It might seem weird to list people in this way but these are my friends. To some they may be more famous and to others their names don't mean much but to me they mean a great deal because I've found people to work alongside who inspire me to walk a deeper walk with my Father. I'm genuinely thankful and trust that when you have the privilege of being led in worship by any of them or the countless others who lead, that you too will honour the work they put in to bringing you into the presence of the Lord. Some of these guys are in Ireland and some in other parts of the world but we are family. Our heart is to see people worship the Lord and know him more deeply. It is good to honour our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters!
God Bless
Claire
I've just been contemplating this evening whilst learning some songs for some lovely session work with a friend and having a meal with my husband whilst chatting about life. I've been thinking about the 'success' of many of my friends who happen to also work in the worship industry.
It's such a privilege to be involved in leading worship.
It's such an unbelievable joy to work with other people (specifically those involved in recording and working with a record company) who aren't concerned about who might become more famous but who just want to simply worship the Lord and collaborate with others in the process. It expands my heart. It is good to be overwhelmed with love at times.
It's an honour for me to promote the people around me I love: Johnny Parks - true friend, fantastic songwriter, amazing thinker, truly humble, head screwed on!!!! A lesson to me in integriy! The Rend Collective Experiment - great songs, great guys, great hearts, great support and great creativity! (and kinda my band too! Thanks guys!), Brian Houston - charisma, great songwriter, a father of sorts. Kathryn Scott - lovely lovely friend, great role model, priorities in place, huge anointing, heart for the Lord that inspires me, example in purity and loveliness! Aaron Keyes - a lesson in pastoral care! a lesson in encouragement!
It might seem weird to list people in this way but these are my friends. To some they may be more famous and to others their names don't mean much but to me they mean a great deal because I've found people to work alongside who inspire me to walk a deeper walk with my Father. I'm genuinely thankful and trust that when you have the privilege of being led in worship by any of them or the countless others who lead, that you too will honour the work they put in to bringing you into the presence of the Lord. Some of these guys are in Ireland and some in other parts of the world but we are family. Our heart is to see people worship the Lord and know him more deeply. It is good to honour our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters!
God Bless
Claire
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Preparation for leading
There are many expectations on us worship leaders: to perform; to bring something new, fresh, vibrant; to satisfy the requirements of our audience who do indeed expect high standards; to live as examples of worship - pure, spotless, humble, talented, sacrificial, gentle, strong, resilient; to write songs without cliché or triteness; to play better than before; to lead with vision, strength, integrity and purpose.
So with all this in mind I consider leading worship in my local church. How can I prepare to lead worship with all these expectations of both myself and the congregation whirling round my mind?
Humility.
Not humility so that I can achieve all of the above. Humility to recognise that I am simply a child of God longing to worship my Father and praying that as I do, others will meet him to.
Simplicity.
Today I'm starting with James 1:21
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls."
My belief is that God is the author; he is more able to write the worship story for every individual I have the privilege of leading in worship, than any worship leader, band, pastor or ministry team. So today I fix my eyes on Him and humbly ask Him to write a beautiful story of worship in the lives my church community.
So with all this in mind I consider leading worship in my local church. How can I prepare to lead worship with all these expectations of both myself and the congregation whirling round my mind?
Humility.
Not humility so that I can achieve all of the above. Humility to recognise that I am simply a child of God longing to worship my Father and praying that as I do, others will meet him to.
Simplicity.
Today I'm starting with James 1:21
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls."
My belief is that God is the author; he is more able to write the worship story for every individual I have the privilege of leading in worship, than any worship leader, band, pastor or ministry team. So today I fix my eyes on Him and humbly ask Him to write a beautiful story of worship in the lives my church community.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
The Plan
I trust that you are all well. I thought it’d be great to share with you some of my plans for this year.
So…to cut a long story short…I am going to be working with Survivor Records with the intention of doing a number of recordings this year. Songs will be available to download and then later in the year you can buy the CD. It is a very exciting time for me and probably time to sit down and do some work. I will start the recording process in February and will fill you in throughout the process.
Thanks
Claire
So…to cut a long story short…I am going to be working with Survivor Records with the intention of doing a number of recordings this year. Songs will be available to download and then later in the year you can buy the CD. It is a very exciting time for me and probably time to sit down and do some work. I will start the recording process in February and will fill you in throughout the process.
Thanks
Claire
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Update
Hi everyone,
Since going back to teaching after a year’s career break life has been FULL ON! I’ve been leading worship at Kingdom Culture, Dublin, supporting Mark Tedder when he visited Northern Ireland in the Autumn, and playing the odd few gigs with local singer/songwriter/musician Brian Houston. I’m still playing for the JohnnyParksBand and I’ve played a few times with Eoghan Heaslip including New Wine Ireland and Mission Worship, Eastbourne (back in November). More recently I have started playing for the Rend Collective Experiment…and as I write this I wonder am I far too busy? How do I get time to do my day job?
It has been an amazing journey over these last number of months and I am even more delighted and excited about starting to lead worship in CFC, Belfast (my home church). This is really where everything flows from and so I am grateful to this local family for welcoming me in.
I’ve been writing lots of songs and getting to co-write with some fantastic people and there’s more of that to come. It’s such a gift writing with other people and such a fantastic opportunity to hone the gift of songwriting that we’ve been given. I hope this time results in songs that bless, encourage, strengthen, bring healing and maybe even awaken us (the church) to things we’ve needed stirred up again.
The next year promises to be full, challenging, enriching and very exciting. I am going to be involved in a variety of projects and conferences which will be listed in the events section of my page. I hope that you can come along and that you will introduce yourself if we haven’t already met.
I'm going to start blogging again so I hope you'll get involved in the discussions!
Godbless
Claire
Since going back to teaching after a year’s career break life has been FULL ON! I’ve been leading worship at Kingdom Culture, Dublin, supporting Mark Tedder when he visited Northern Ireland in the Autumn, and playing the odd few gigs with local singer/songwriter/musician Brian Houston. I’m still playing for the JohnnyParksBand and I’ve played a few times with Eoghan Heaslip including New Wine Ireland and Mission Worship, Eastbourne (back in November). More recently I have started playing for the Rend Collective Experiment…and as I write this I wonder am I far too busy? How do I get time to do my day job?
It has been an amazing journey over these last number of months and I am even more delighted and excited about starting to lead worship in CFC, Belfast (my home church). This is really where everything flows from and so I am grateful to this local family for welcoming me in.
I’ve been writing lots of songs and getting to co-write with some fantastic people and there’s more of that to come. It’s such a gift writing with other people and such a fantastic opportunity to hone the gift of songwriting that we’ve been given. I hope this time results in songs that bless, encourage, strengthen, bring healing and maybe even awaken us (the church) to things we’ve needed stirred up again.
The next year promises to be full, challenging, enriching and very exciting. I am going to be involved in a variety of projects and conferences which will be listed in the events section of my page. I hope that you can come along and that you will introduce yourself if we haven’t already met.
I'm going to start blogging again so I hope you'll get involved in the discussions!
Godbless
Claire
Blog
Hi everyone,
Updates and a variety of discussion topics centred round worship will be commencing again on my blog. You can read these on my fanpage or can go directly to my blog at:
http://clairehamilton.blogspot.com
Thanks
Claire
Updates and a variety of discussion topics centred round worship will be commencing again on my blog. You can read these on my fanpage or can go directly to my blog at:
http://clairehamilton.blogspot.com
Thanks
Claire
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Romania
Hi,
Big thanks to all of you who came out to support the Romania team on Saturday night. The team have more or less met their fundraising target. It was a great night of worship. Thanks also to the MarkFergusonBand who came out to support - you guys did a good job.
We haven't blogged as a band in a while - no excuse really but I feel there's a lot of stuff brooding so over the next few weeks I hope to add my fair share of thoughts and hopefully you will respond and help expand our hearts, vision and understanding.
Hope you are all well.
Claire
Big thanks to all of you who came out to support the Romania team on Saturday night. The team have more or less met their fundraising target. It was a great night of worship. Thanks also to the MarkFergusonBand who came out to support - you guys did a good job.
We haven't blogged as a band in a while - no excuse really but I feel there's a lot of stuff brooding so over the next few weeks I hope to add my fair share of thoughts and hopefully you will respond and help expand our hearts, vision and understanding.
Hope you are all well.
Claire
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Resonate 08
The Johnny Parks Band have been very kindly welcomed into the Resonate family over the years and now they are considering setting up a committee so that we can come and see them more often. (I'm not sure that we have time Pete but keep us posted!) It was a privilege to be involved in yet another resonate event. We missed the intimacy and extreme heat of the upper room but we had a blast in the Jethro Centre, Lurgan. Approximately 400 people gathered to worship with the Mark Ferguson Band who opened the night and then the Johnny Parks Band who played 2 sets with a wee sermon from Jools Hamilton in the middle.
The guys who run this event have a real heart for God and a real desire to create a place for people to come and worship in the Lurgan/Portadown area. As Johnny rightly said during our set, it is a fantastic opportunity for those of you down that neck of the woods to catch the vision and take ownership of this event. It is a real treat to be able to worship God alongside people from every kind of denomination and so we'd encourage you to check it out, get to know these guys and get involved in promoting and praying for it.
We had a great time playing the songs from the new record and hope that you'll get out to hear us soon.
Check out the website for information on when we're playing at a venue near you!!
x Bo
The guys who run this event have a real heart for God and a real desire to create a place for people to come and worship in the Lurgan/Portadown area. As Johnny rightly said during our set, it is a fantastic opportunity for those of you down that neck of the woods to catch the vision and take ownership of this event. It is a real treat to be able to worship God alongside people from every kind of denomination and so we'd encourage you to check it out, get to know these guys and get involved in promoting and praying for it.
We had a great time playing the songs from the new record and hope that you'll get out to hear us soon.
Check out the website for information on when we're playing at a venue near you!!
x Bo
Monday, 3 December 2007
album & launch
You may have heard me mention once or twice that we have recorded a new album which is due for release in about 10 days. I really hope you go out and buy one for yourself and all your friends and family.
I also just want to make you aware of the fact that you can purchase the album and a ticket for the launch gig on 4th Jan, The Spires, for £20 (bargain!).
BlueTree will be supporting and we are pleased to have Tré Sheppard along to speak at the event. Promises to be a fantastic evening, just what you need after a week of family, board games and turkey sandwiches. Tickets are on sale in CFC and the JohnnyParks website. Get your ticket soon!
Can't wait to see you there.
x
I also just want to make you aware of the fact that you can purchase the album and a ticket for the launch gig on 4th Jan, The Spires, for £20 (bargain!).
BlueTree will be supporting and we are pleased to have Tré Sheppard along to speak at the event. Promises to be a fantastic evening, just what you need after a week of family, board games and turkey sandwiches. Tickets are on sale in CFC and the JohnnyParks website. Get your ticket soon!
Can't wait to see you there.
x
Thursday, 15 November 2007
New Album Launch
Hey – just updating you about the latest info from the JP camp. Lot’s going on at the mo.
‘Break The Silence’
The new album from the Johnny Parks Band entitled ‘Break The Silence’ is due out at the end of November!!! It is going through the final stages of production at the moment and is sounding sweet. The band are feeling really pleased about how things have been developing and can’t wait to get out gigging the new songs. We think you are going to like them. If you want a copy, you can pre-order the album at the website (www.johnnyparks.com) and it will be sent out to you as soon as we get it!
Launch:
The Johnny Parks Band will be launching the album in The Spires (Belfast) on Friday 4th January ’08 along with their friends Bluetree and Tre Shepard (who will be speaking on the night). It's going to be a great night. Tickets are on sale now from the website priced £10 and we are doing an exclusive deal where you can purchase the album and ticket for just £20 (plus postage). The band are aiming to fill the place to capacity and make an almighty sound – they really want to break the silence (excuse puns), so please get a ticket early and get your place! (Plus it’s a pretty tasty Christmas pressie for someone….)
Worship Community Ireland:
The next meeting of WCI is going to be on the morning of the 5th January (10am-1pm) and we are really pleased to have Tre Shepard be with us. Tre is a legend. He leads worship with the band One Hundred Hours and is an international speaker (known locally for speaking at Summer Madness). He has a whole lot to say to us about the world of worship and will stimulate, encourage and challenge us. It will be a great morning. Again, we’d encourage you to get in early cos it’ll book out soon. It’s priced £20 for the morning. Email the team if you want to book at info@johnnyparks.com
Other Bits and Bobs:
Johnny’s and his wife (Cathy) are expecting their number 3 baby this Friday!!!!! They have 2 wee boys already and are waiting in anticipation to see if this will be a boy or girl. Please pray for a really smooth delivery.
Johnny’s mum (Pat) is still receiving her chemo treatment for breast cancer. She has a great attitude however the chemo has been taking its toll and she has had a tough couple of weeks. This has been difficult for all the family so we’d appreciate your prayers into this situation.
That’s all from us for now. Hope you are all well – take good care!
Peace
The JP Team
‘Break The Silence’
The new album from the Johnny Parks Band entitled ‘Break The Silence’ is due out at the end of November!!! It is going through the final stages of production at the moment and is sounding sweet. The band are feeling really pleased about how things have been developing and can’t wait to get out gigging the new songs. We think you are going to like them. If you want a copy, you can pre-order the album at the website (www.johnnyparks.com) and it will be sent out to you as soon as we get it!
Launch:
The Johnny Parks Band will be launching the album in The Spires (Belfast) on Friday 4th January ’08 along with their friends Bluetree and Tre Shepard (who will be speaking on the night). It's going to be a great night. Tickets are on sale now from the website priced £10 and we are doing an exclusive deal where you can purchase the album and ticket for just £20 (plus postage). The band are aiming to fill the place to capacity and make an almighty sound – they really want to break the silence (excuse puns), so please get a ticket early and get your place! (Plus it’s a pretty tasty Christmas pressie for someone….)
Worship Community Ireland:
The next meeting of WCI is going to be on the morning of the 5th January (10am-1pm) and we are really pleased to have Tre Shepard be with us. Tre is a legend. He leads worship with the band One Hundred Hours and is an international speaker (known locally for speaking at Summer Madness). He has a whole lot to say to us about the world of worship and will stimulate, encourage and challenge us. It will be a great morning. Again, we’d encourage you to get in early cos it’ll book out soon. It’s priced £20 for the morning. Email the team if you want to book at info@johnnyparks.com
Other Bits and Bobs:
Johnny’s and his wife (Cathy) are expecting their number 3 baby this Friday!!!!! They have 2 wee boys already and are waiting in anticipation to see if this will be a boy or girl. Please pray for a really smooth delivery.
Johnny’s mum (Pat) is still receiving her chemo treatment for breast cancer. She has a great attitude however the chemo has been taking its toll and she has had a tough couple of weeks. This has been difficult for all the family so we’d appreciate your prayers into this situation.
That’s all from us for now. Hope you are all well – take good care!
Peace
The JP Team
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Accordion Wanted!
Dearest fans!
I am on the look out for a wee accordion (not button). If you happen to have one lying around the house or know someone who has, maybe somone who used to be in a band, then let me know. I would love to get one asap for the band in order to reproduce some of the fine sounds put down on the album. If you can be of any help in this little (actually, rather large) request then get in touch asap. The world needs to hear and see my refined technique on this truly scrumptious instrument!
Thanks
Claire
I am on the look out for a wee accordion (not button). If you happen to have one lying around the house or know someone who has, maybe somone who used to be in a band, then let me know. I would love to get one asap for the band in order to reproduce some of the fine sounds put down on the album. If you can be of any help in this little (actually, rather large) request then get in touch asap. The world needs to hear and see my refined technique on this truly scrumptious instrument!
Thanks
Claire
Monday, 29 October 2007
CFC Third Service
The band had a great night at CFC with both new members Matt (drums) & Mash (bass). Our set was: Arise, Brand New Day (a new one!), Our God is Mighty (another new one!), Our God Reigns and Here I am to Worship. The set flowed really well and the new songs went down sooo well. We have played 'Brand New Day' before and got a good response and people seemed to have remembered it and got stuck in this time. It is such a great song to play and works really well at the opening of a set. JP introduced 'Our God is Mighty' and then taught it. We ended up playing it twice in a row because it went so well and people really began to engage. It is such a great song, probably because it just points to God and who He is. It is sooo encouraging to see people respond to this song - I hope you like it when you get the album.
We had been praying before hand that God would do something significant and that we would lead people gently but boldly and I think we did ok. In fact Johnny lead really well!!!!! The last two songs in the set were really poignant in that people began to physically respond to God and take on a posture of humility, reverence and worship. It was so encouraging to see people respond in this way. To be honest, I was kinda hoping I could just bow down. God is soo awesome and so unbelievably worthy of our worship. The least we could do last night was bow down, raise our hands and sing our vocal chords to death. It is such a privilege to be involved in leading people in worship. Never let me forget that!
We had been praying before hand that God would do something significant and that we would lead people gently but boldly and I think we did ok. In fact Johnny lead really well!!!!! The last two songs in the set were really poignant in that people began to physically respond to God and take on a posture of humility, reverence and worship. It was so encouraging to see people respond in this way. To be honest, I was kinda hoping I could just bow down. God is soo awesome and so unbelievably worthy of our worship. The least we could do last night was bow down, raise our hands and sing our vocal chords to death. It is such a privilege to be involved in leading people in worship. Never let me forget that!
Saturday, 20 October 2007
ALBUM LAUNCH
The Album launch will take place on Friday 4th January 2008 in Spires, Belfast.
Tickets available soon! (But get it in your diary now!)
Tickets available soon! (But get it in your diary now!)
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Worship Community Ireland
Worship Community Ireland is an event for anyone involved in worship who wants some support and teaching on a variety of worship-related topics. We have just had our 2nd meeting today which was held at City Church, Belfast. It was a very successful morning in that people felt encouraged and challenged and hopefully supported. It is so fantastic when people get together and share their experiences with one another. It seems to me that regardless of how long you have been involved in worship there are always new things to learn. We can't allow ourselves to stand still and assume we have it all figured out.
I had the opportunity to speak on 'Building Community' this morning focusing in on our values, the importance of community and some practical tips on how to build community. I am going to sort out a version suitable for posting so that those of you who sadly missed the event can have a read and hopefully be encouraged or challenged or both.
This is a life-giving event. I would absolutely love it if you could really encourage anyone you know who's involved in worship to come along to the next event which will be held in City Church again on Saturday 5th January (the morning after our album launch!!!!!!!). What would be fantastic is to send me an e-mail address so we can keep in contact with them and make sure they find out relevant details about the coming events.
We really want to encourage each other in the area of worship. It is a gift, an honour and a privilege to be involved and so we want you to participate and share whatever unique experiences you have in order to build this community and discover more about our unique contribution to 'the church'.
Claire
I had the opportunity to speak on 'Building Community' this morning focusing in on our values, the importance of community and some practical tips on how to build community. I am going to sort out a version suitable for posting so that those of you who sadly missed the event can have a read and hopefully be encouraged or challenged or both.
This is a life-giving event. I would absolutely love it if you could really encourage anyone you know who's involved in worship to come along to the next event which will be held in City Church again on Saturday 5th January (the morning after our album launch!!!!!!!). What would be fantastic is to send me an e-mail address so we can keep in contact with them and make sure they find out relevant details about the coming events.
We really want to encourage each other in the area of worship. It is a gift, an honour and a privilege to be involved and so we want you to participate and share whatever unique experiences you have in order to build this community and discover more about our unique contribution to 'the church'.
Claire
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Album Finshed?
It has been just under 2 months since we started recording in Windmill Lane and eventually we have come to the end of the recording process. There are a few wee bits and pieces to tie up but JP flies out to Nashville on Tuesday to be part of the first few days of mixing with our wonderful American friend, Shane Wilson. We arrived home in the early hours of this morning after finishing up the backing vocals. I think we have done a good job with them so I hope you really like what's on there. It is a relief in some ways to have it over as I am absolutely shattered but I will miss hanging out with the band in the studio. We have had alot of fun and we've got to know each other which is such a privilege - what a great band!
We have just got home after our final photo shoot up in the north coast. It seems to have been successful - I guess you will see them soon enough.
We are launching the album in Spires, Belfast on Saturday 15th December so I really want to encourage you to put that in your diary. It will be a very special night for us and we would love to have all our friends there to support us and worship with our new songs.
Thanks so much for reading all the posts in the relation to the recording. We appreciate your interest and all the support, prayers and encouragement you have given. I am now looking forward to getting back to writing my regular posts on worship but I will keep you updated on the band!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have just got home after our final photo shoot up in the north coast. It seems to have been successful - I guess you will see them soon enough.
We are launching the album in Spires, Belfast on Saturday 15th December so I really want to encourage you to put that in your diary. It will be a very special night for us and we would love to have all our friends there to support us and worship with our new songs.
Thanks so much for reading all the posts in the relation to the recording. We appreciate your interest and all the support, prayers and encouragement you have given. I am now looking forward to getting back to writing my regular posts on worship but I will keep you updated on the band!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Photo Shoot Part 1
An early start for a Sunday morning! We arrived at JP's shortly after 8:30am to set out on our mission to take some pics in Belfast. It was a tad cloudy so we started with a trip to Bennett's on Belmont before setting out to West Belfast. I have to tell you that on arriving at the Peace Wall I felt really sad. I've seen the pictures but I've never visited it for myself so I was pretty moved.
JP borrowed a van and it acted as our mobile wardrobe for the morning. We piled in all our outfit changes, some props and a great big mirror which I of course made use of a few times more than anyone else. I think we scrubbed up well for the occasion and seem to have got our hands on some great clothes. I particularly loved the fact that we got to buy new clothes or 2nd hand stuff which was looking fantastic. I didn't look at any of the pics yet so I'm not at liberty to say that they were amazing just yet but our photographer (Tim Millen) did a great job this morning and had some great ideas. We had a few tour buses stop and take pictures while we were in mid-pose as well as a lovely wee Swiss man who was keen to take some pictures and find out who we were.
Thanks so much for all the interest you have shown and to anyone who has contributed to the JP band wardrobe. It's back into the studio tomorrow night (Monday) for some more backing vocals - we'll keep you posted on our progress.
Claire
JP borrowed a van and it acted as our mobile wardrobe for the morning. We piled in all our outfit changes, some props and a great big mirror which I of course made use of a few times more than anyone else. I think we scrubbed up well for the occasion and seem to have got our hands on some great clothes. I particularly loved the fact that we got to buy new clothes or 2nd hand stuff which was looking fantastic. I didn't look at any of the pics yet so I'm not at liberty to say that they were amazing just yet but our photographer (Tim Millen) did a great job this morning and had some great ideas. We had a few tour buses stop and take pictures while we were in mid-pose as well as a lovely wee Swiss man who was keen to take some pictures and find out who we were.
Thanks so much for all the interest you have shown and to anyone who has contributed to the JP band wardrobe. It's back into the studio tomorrow night (Monday) for some more backing vocals - we'll keep you posted on our progress.
Claire
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Album Update
After another late night in the studio we have 7 songs done and another 6 BV's to go next week. It has been going really well in 'Shabby Road Studios' and I think we have come up with some nice wee parts. I'm looking forward to letting you hear the album when it is released in November. We hope to have an official launch gig in December but we'll keep you posted.
The album will be mixed at the start of October and JP will be travelling out to Nashville for the first few days of the mixing. We are sure that Shane will do a fantastic job! It is an exciting time for us as a band and also quite a weird period of transition as we adopt new members. As you know, Nik has had major problems with his ears and so we have a great drummer called Matt Weir playing for us at the moment. We are also recruiting a new bass player and we have had a tonne of interest so we are currently exploring the options.
Over the next 2 weekends we are having our pics taken for the album. This promises to be great fun (I think) as we will be going on a few wee journeys with a variety of props to make sure we have interesting shots. I think the guys are fairly laid back about this but being the only girl it's all a bit mad getting the right outfit - feel free to give me your advice!!!!!!
The album will be mixed at the start of October and JP will be travelling out to Nashville for the first few days of the mixing. We are sure that Shane will do a fantastic job! It is an exciting time for us as a band and also quite a weird period of transition as we adopt new members. As you know, Nik has had major problems with his ears and so we have a great drummer called Matt Weir playing for us at the moment. We are also recruiting a new bass player and we have had a tonne of interest so we are currently exploring the options.
Over the next 2 weekends we are having our pics taken for the album. This promises to be great fun (I think) as we will be going on a few wee journeys with a variety of props to make sure we have interesting shots. I think the guys are fairly laid back about this but being the only girl it's all a bit mad getting the right outfit - feel free to give me your advice!!!!!!
Monday, 17 September 2007
CFC - 16th September
Back to CFC last night for the evening service. It feels like we have done soo much since we last played - like record an album! The set last night was: Arise, Brand New Day, Rescuer, Great Church, Glory. The service was jam packed with people which was encouraging and gave us a great opportunity to let a load of people hear some of the new tunes (Brand New Day & Great Church).
It was loud and in your face and people seemed to be connecting and enjoying it. We had a new drummer playing (as Nik is still not back with us) called Matt Weir. Matt did a great job especially given that he had one rehearsal. It is great to work alongside people who are conscientious, passionate and who approach things professionally and so I think Matt deserves a rather large round of applause.
I am sure some of you were there and maybe even some of you stayed to help record some noise after the service. We'd love to hear any thoughts you have on the songs or on your experience at CFC last night so post your comments. It was encouraging for us to see people pick up 'Great Church' and there was a lovely sense of God's spirit freeing us up to sing whatever He had put on our hearts regarding the church. I certainly felt moved and encouraged.
Remember if you are interested in worship and want to meet some other people who can support and encourage you then get in touch with JP and get signed up for the worship support morning on Saturday 13th October.
It was loud and in your face and people seemed to be connecting and enjoying it. We had a new drummer playing (as Nik is still not back with us) called Matt Weir. Matt did a great job especially given that he had one rehearsal. It is great to work alongside people who are conscientious, passionate and who approach things professionally and so I think Matt deserves a rather large round of applause.
I am sure some of you were there and maybe even some of you stayed to help record some noise after the service. We'd love to hear any thoughts you have on the songs or on your experience at CFC last night so post your comments. It was encouraging for us to see people pick up 'Great Church' and there was a lovely sense of God's spirit freeing us up to sing whatever He had put on our hearts regarding the church. I certainly felt moved and encouraged.
Remember if you are interested in worship and want to meet some other people who can support and encourage you then get in touch with JP and get signed up for the worship support morning on Saturday 13th October.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
We Need Your Noise
As you know, we've been in the studio over the last while recording the new album. We've been putting in the hours and working pretty hard on the new tunes and now...at last...it's your turn to do a little bit of work to get your voice on the album!
What's the deal? Well...we wanna record some crowd sounds to use on a few tracks on the album...shouts, chants and some general rowdiness. So, if you're rowdy and like the sound of your own voice, then we are cordially inviting you to come and make some noise at Christina Fellowship Church, Belfast this Sunday night just after the evening service (at about 9pm).
We're gonna hook up a few mics and let you know what to do. Then we'll record you and, if you're nice, you'll be on the album! You up for it? It'll be great craic.
Plus...as a wee bonus, if you turn up, we'll take a note of your name and say a big public thanks to you on the website.
If you need more info, please email info@johnnyparks.com. We hope to see you there!
The JP Team.
What's the deal? Well...we wanna record some crowd sounds to use on a few tracks on the album...shouts, chants and some general rowdiness. So, if you're rowdy and like the sound of your own voice, then we are cordially inviting you to come and make some noise at Christina Fellowship Church, Belfast this Sunday night just after the evening service (at about 9pm).
We're gonna hook up a few mics and let you know what to do. Then we'll record you and, if you're nice, you'll be on the album! You up for it? It'll be great craic.
Plus...as a wee bonus, if you turn up, we'll take a note of your name and say a big public thanks to you on the website.
If you need more info, please email info@johnnyparks.com. We hope to see you there!
The JP Team.
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