Where do you see music going in the next five
years?
In terms of how people
get their music, the Internet is obviously going to continue to play a big
role, if not even define, the future of the music industry. I can’t help but
imagine that it will continue to go in the direction it is moving now: more and
more songwriters [and] artists being able to get their songs recorded via
affordable home studios and making them available to anyone via the Internet. I
think because the “big record business” is shrinking, it’s going to make those
of us involved in it more passionate and more sincere about the music we’re
making and the reasons we’re making it.
How have developments in technology changed the
way you approach your art/career?
There was a day when
the concept of an album and a theme that ran throughout both musically and
lyrically was an important part of the process. Honestly, I get a little
saddened by it, because I love the creative and spiritual opportunity to take
the listener on a longer and deeper journey. The great thing is that we who
have a message to share and a song to sing can get it to the ears and the
hearts of people everywhere in ways I never would’ve dreamed when I started
recording 20 years ago.
What hasn’t changed for you over the course of
your career?
From the time I first
began writing songs as a teenager until now, there has been one prayer that has
been woven through all the songs I’ve written and the music I’ve made:
“God, I want to know You, and I want to make You known.”
What are your plans with your career over the
next five years?
Following my current
tour, I’m planning to take a little “down time” with my family and pray about
the next season of life, music and ministry. My family is getting more involved
with orphan and adoption advocacy and awareness through the work of
Shaohannah’s Hope. We’ll be making more trips to places around the world. I’ll
also continue, God willing, to set to music stories, experiences and “God
revelations” and create art that will hopefully move those who hear it to
desire more of God for themselves.
What is your advice for the next generation of
artists?
Work really hard at
being great at whatever gifts God has entrusted to you. Remember it is a gift
that has been entrusted and not to be
claimed as your own. Bloom wherever
you are planted; don’t sit around waiting for opportunity to knock, but look
for opportunities around you. There’ve never been more opportunities available
to someone with a message to share. Finally, and of utmost importance, fix your
eyes on Jesus. In the end nothing else matters by comparison.
I
remember how I felt when I heard “it” for the first time. It was like something
great had taken hold of me…goose bumps, a tingling spine, wide eyes and the
feeling that anything was possible. In that moment, I forgot my bleak
surroundings as words and music brought my imagination to life. Right then and
there I didn’t just believe, I felt
that there was so much more to this life.
The world has been moved by the music of Steven Curtis Chapman. I don’t
need to list his impressive accolades for the loyal readers of
CCM Magazine. For the past 25 years,
they have faithfully chronicled his 51 Doves, five GRAMMY® Awards, 45 No. 1
singles, 10 million plus album sales and much more. No, I didn’t need to
mention them, but they remind us of the magnitude of his legacy. What really
captivates me about Chapman’s legacy is that the awards garnered by his music
pail in comparison to the number of lives changed by his message…and I am one
of them.
As a young Christian music fan, Chapman was
a staple in my cassette tape collection. There’s no telling how many times I
waited for that tape to rewind so I could sing “I Will Be Here” just one more
time. I remember the tears I cried when I abandoned it all “For the Sake of the
Call” over and over again. Steven was right there with me when I graduated to
compact disc. With the push of a button, we didn’t waste any time jamming out
with tobyMac to the song “Got To B Tru.” And now on my iPod, his music remains
timeless.
God only knew that 15 years later I would
have the opportunity to find out just how “tru” Steven really is. On Winter Jam
2007, Sanctus Real went on tour with Steven, and I got to know him and his
family for the first time—and then again on the “Live In This Moment Tour.” I tried
not to let on how closely I was watching the man we lovingly call “mentor,” but
I was really paying attention. Let me tell you what I learned about Steven. He
treats everyone like a friend. He pays attention when people speak to him. He
is affectionate with his wife and children. His heart for orphans is
infectious. He is humble, patient and kind. However, if he’s fighting for
something he believes in, say goodbye to mister nice guy! Yeah Steve, I saw
that too, and respect you more than you will ever know. You have encouraged me
to recklessly follow Christ and to make music that delivers His message with
passion and creativity.
It
was over 15 years ago, and I still remember those goose bumps. “It” was the
first song aired on the first Christian Hit music station in my little hometown
of Toledo, Ohio. On a Saturday at noon in 1992, I was 13 years young and ready
for the ride of my life. Thank you, Steven, for inspiring me to pursue “it”
with my whole heart. On behalf of
CCM
readers and Christian music fans around the world, thank you for showing us
what it means not just to hear, but also to live “The Great Adventure.” –
Matt Hammitt, Sanctus RealMatt
Hammitt is
the front man for Sanctus Real. The quintet can currently be found on the road
this spring with Third Day in support of its latest effort, We
Need Each Other (Sparrow). For more info,
summer dates and hilarious blogs, go to sanctusreal.com.