10 Questions with ... Danen Kane

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LABEL:

• Independent

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Love Is Waiting (2011)
• Awakening EP (2009)
• She (2006)
• Transparent (2004)
• Take Glory From Our Praise (2003)

1) What is the story behind the single "You Came for Me"?

"You Came For Me" paints a picture of what it might be like when Christ returns, when we see his glory in its fullness. At that time, not only will paradise begin and the effects of sin fall away but we will also finally be able to see the fullness of God face to face and our faith will be fully realized.

2) What is the message or theme that you hope is conveyed through the new album "Love Is Waiting"?

That it is okay not to have it all together. We are all broken people with highs and lows, and it's okay to release it and realize we not only need the Lord, but we also need each other. Ultimately that deep need that we all have, that need to feel loved, accepted and valued, is something that can be satisfied, moment by moment, when we realize it is waiting for us in the person of Jesus Christ.

3) What do you hope someone walks away from a Danen Kane show?

My hope is that people walk away with a greater hunger for God in their life, that whether this was the first time they heard the name Jesus or they have been following him for 40 years, they would be inspired to take another step forward in their relationship with him.

4) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

My favorite song on the new album is "Take It All." My desire is to see great things done in this life, to see the masses come to the Lord, the sick healed and the dead raised. I want to see God move in this place like he moves in remote places where people need to rely on him for every meal and every night of sleep. I want to see the church be willing to really live lives of worship. I want to see us live out the Great Commission.

5) Who inspires you personally, spiritually and/or professionally?

I admire and draw from so many people. Two preachers who inspire me are Francis Chan and John Piper: Chan for his ability to make complicated matters of the literal realness of God touch my heart and Piper for his incredible passion for the glory of God.

6) Which do you enjoy more: the studio or the stage, the writing, recording or performing?

I have a love/hate relationship with all of them actually! They are so different and bring my heart alive in very different ways. I love the studio for its space to create, try new things, collaborate and hopefully make something great. But it is also very stressful because I am a perfectionist! On the other hand, I love meeting new people, expressing myself on stage, worshiping and experiencing the fruit of my hard work, seeing lives changed and inspired. But traveling can take its toll really quickly!

7) Where is your favorite place to play?

I love traveling and seeing all the beautiful places and nature in this country. But honestly my favorite place to play in the whole U.S. is the place I got my start, a small music club in Green Bay, WI called the Cup O Joy. It's an amazing place with amazing people, and God has used it powerfully for a very long time now. If you are ever in Green Bay, you have to make a stop. You will not regret it.

8) What song do you wish you had written?

That is an impossible question to answer! I could probably name hundreds. One that comes to mind is "Embracing Accusation" by Shane & Shane. When I really concentrated on the words, I think I cried the first 15 times I heard it.

9) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without:

Checking my email

10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?

I am typically not a musician who lives and breathes music and is always discovering new bands. But some bands/artists I always love listening to are The Civil Wars, Jimmy Needham, Coldplay, The Afters and a new artist named Jeanna Bosacki that is about to release her first EP this fall. She has one of the most unbelievable voices I have ever heard and is simply an incredible talent with a beautiful heart for God. Keep your eye out for it in September.