Where do you see music going in the next five years?
I see the artist gaining more control of his destiny. I see digital music sales giving the power of choice back to the consumer. What the people want, they will get. Huge marketing plans jamming music on the masses are dying a fast death. I believe music will continue to be instrumental in healing as well as challenging our society. Only God can change the world, but music is one of His medicines.
How have developments in technology changed the way you approach your art/career?
Developments in technology have not affected me as a songwriter. They have affected the way I record music. I still believe that it comes down to a song, no matter how it is delivered to the consumer.
What hasn’t changed for you over the course of your career?
Thank God my passion hasn’t wavered. The desire to maintain a soft heart. The desire to try and hollow myself enough for God to breath something fresh through me. The desire to make music that connects with people’s lives and moves them toward each other as well as toward God.
What are your plans with your career over the next five years?
As long as God continues to open doors, I want to be willing to step through them. As long as He’s breathing creativity through me in the form of songwriting, I will write on. As long as He continues to allow me to discover new talent, I will introduce it to the world. I love performing live; it’s where everything comes together—the song, the artist and the listener… So let the bus roll.
What’s your advice for the next generation of artists?
Music is God’s property. I’ve always tried to remember this. If, as artists, we overly concern ourselves with where our music is going, and how it is getting there, we are no longer artists. An artist makes art. That is his primary concern. Focusing on where it is distributed or how it is promoted will begin to erode our artistry. So artists, do your thing. Stay passionate about the art, and watch God open the doors.
I attended my share of dcTalk shows as a pimple-faced pre-teen growing up in Chicago. And yes, I performed their infamous “Heaven Bound,” at my 8th grade talent show (with choreography). I just never imagined my connection with tobyMac going beyond that of a fan. But today, I am actually on tour with toby and a long way from junior high.
Blessed with a rare opportunity to tour with the best, I have chosen to soak it up, and just watch and learn. I can see a career that has been an incredible example of diversity, reinvention and longevity. After the dcTalk split, toby could have called it a day and settled into life as a former “rock star.” Little did the world know, toby’s vision reached far beyond that of the trio. He still has more anthems to write, and with hit after hit, his songwriting still possesses the passion of a Jesus Freak.
In an industry sometimes criticized for its lack of originality or inability to keep up with the mainstream, toby is a perfectionist in the best way. He labors over every record, leaving no creative “stone” unturned. And because of that, he has successfully followed up multi-platinum dcTalk sales with two solo efforts that are certified gold. His music has also become a favorite with film and television, landing movie trailers, soundtracks and commercials.
One of my favorite aspects of his career has always been toby’s live show. He and his Diverse City Band always put on a show worthy of an arena. Both in message and sound, toby is as relevant today as he was 10 years ago.
His influence in Christian music extends far beyond his own artistry, though. He had a vision to start his own record label (Gotee) giving us artists like Jennifer Knapp, Relient K, Grits and Family Force 5, just to name a few. His publishing company offers young songwriters a place to develop.
And with an artist like me, toby has never been too busy to offer a word of encouragement. He has challenged me to be a leader in an industry that needs more visionaries. And I know this, I am thankful that he has stayed true to his vision. The crazy thing is, tobyMac is just getting started. His vision is far from over, and his diverse legacy is still in the making. --
Matthew WestMatthew West is a singer/songwriter who’s penned tracks for countless artists including Natalie Grant, Point of Grace and Rascal Flatts. His latest project is called Something to Say (Sparrow). Visit matthewwest.com for more.