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10 Questions with ... Chris Tomlin
January 2, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LABEL:
- Sixsteps Records
DISCOGRAPHY:
- How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection (2011)
- And If Our God Is For Us... (2010)
- Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship (2009)
- Hello Love (2008)
- See the Morning (2006)
- Live From Austin (2005)
- Arriving (2004)
- Not to Us (2002)
- The Noise We Make (2001)
1) There have been some changes in the life of Chris Tomlin in the past year. Your wife Lauren and you had a baby. Does your daughter have you wrapped around her little finger yet? How is life as a dad?
Absolutely, she does. Her name is Ashlyn Alexandra. Lauren and I are such proud parents. Now I can't imagine walking through life without the gift of being a dad. It has opened my heart in a way I didn't know existed and slowed me down a bit. It's amazing how you can just stare at your little girl for hours and not be bored. What a year it has been for sure!
2) Regarding the new album, The Essential Collection, how did you compile the songs for this project?
This is something I have been thinking about for a few years, so I already had a good idea of the main songs I wanted to include. It was difficult to leave off several songs that I wanted to be a part of the collection, but there just wasn't enough real estate at the end of the day. The songs on this record span close to 15 years and I tired to choose those that I felt have made the most impact for various reasons.
3) You recently remarked on Twitter that the new single "How Great Is Our God [World Edition]" is "the best thing [you'll] ever be a part of musically...ever." Why do you feel that way?
For one, I'm not sure a recording like this (in any genre) has been done before: to have this many languages on one song. I feel it gives a glimpse of the diversity and vastness of God's kingdom. I thought it was a 50/50 shot of sounding really amazing or really bad. Ha! But when I began to get the vocal tracks from all my friends in their native languages, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The way they all synced together was something only the Spirit of God could orchestrate. To hear it, you would think we were all in the same studio working out the parts. It was just the opposite. The vocal sessions came from studios all over the world. It is quite humbling to see how this simple song has made its way into the fabric of the church across the nations.
4) Do you have a favorite song that appears on the new album?
As far as the Essential Collection, of course, it would be the world edition of "How Great is Our God."
5) And how about on And If Our God Is For Us...?
It would be "All To Us." That song came from a special place in the beginnings of our church, Passion City, in Atlanta.
6) Is there a favorite song that you guys love to perform live?
At the moment it would be between "Our God" and "All my Fountains."
7) What are you most looking forward to about Passion 2012?
Every time we gather for a Passion conference, there is high expectation. And this year is no different. In some regards, it even feels a little different and special walking into this week. I have a strong sense that this gathering will be like no other before.
8) After years of doing these events, how do you and the team keep things fresh and new?
We continually approach these events with open hands and open hearts, truly asking God to lead us. I am so fired up about the songs that have landed for this moment in Passion.
9) What song (any song from any time) do you wish you had written?
"O Holy Night," one of the best melodies and lyric combinations ever.
10) Do you make any New Year's Resolutions? Will you have any for 2012?
Of course there will be the fitness one (you know, staying in somewhat decent shape). On a spiritual note, I want to begin a journal again of time with God and hearing his voice.
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