10 Questions with ... Connersvine

NAME:Connersvine TITLE:Band/Musicians LABEL:INO Records WEB:www.connersvine.com

Line-up:
Hunter Smith
Chris Wilson

Label:
INO Records

Discography:
Connersvine (October 23, 2007)

1) Was it a natural progression to begin working with the young adults at the church or something you had to grow into?

It was very natural; there was a need and we were happy to fill it. There is a passion in college age students that makes being a part of worship services with them exciting and always fresh. We actually met in this ministry one evening and Hunter asked me to join him in leading the next week. The best part is that I had no idea what he did for a living.

2) How does this team and partnership work?

We basically learned how to write songs together. So when we are writing individually a song is never complete until we take it to each other and get their input. Hunter grew up in a non-instrumental church so he has an amazing ear for harmony parts that I (Chris) just don't have. I think what makes it work above all is that we are just great friends. If tomorrow we stopped doing music, the friendship would always be there.

3) You'll get tired of the question but what's the meaning behind the name?

Ha, yes! Not really. One day Hunter and I were walking into the church where I grew up and also where we lead worship for the young adult ministry, and my former youth pastor R.D. Cogswell walked in behind us. He was with his 4-year-old son Connor and he had a bag of tomatoes. R.D. asked us if we wanted any saying, "they are right off Connor's vine." Hunter turned to me and said that would be a great band name. I said I thought it was a horrible band name. Several years later when we were looking for a band name and it came back up as an option. We took a little creative license and changed it to Connersvine. I guess I liked it better this way.

4) Who do you admire in the area of writing worship music, or just music in general?

Both Hunter and I have so much respect for Shane and Shane. They are two very gifted men and you are able to see their hearts for God and worship through their music. As former college worship leaders, the Passion ministry (Crowder, Tomlin, Redman, Hall, and Louie Giglio) have really inspired us as well.

5) How do you handle the responsibility of leading worship?

As humbly as we can. Worship is truly our favorite thing to do, so when we get to "lead," we just go after God the same way we would if we a part of the congregation. By nature it is both humbling and a tremendous blessing.

6) Which do you enjoy more, the process or the performance?

We do really enjoy writing but I would have to say that being a small part of a worship experience with people night after night is definitely the preference. We feel so blessed to get to travel around within the Body of Christ and see all the different expressions of worship.

7) What's your favorite song to perform?

For me it is a song we wrote a few years ago called "Live for You." It was one of those songs that I honestly feel like I had nothing to do with. I was sitting alone just worshiping God and he gave me this chorus in just a couple of minutes. I brought it to Hunter and God gave us the rest of the song. It is the song that we have been closing out worship sets for a while with and the song that we have received the most response about.

8) When it comes to writing songs that matter and are effective, what's your gauge for that? How do you approach the task?

We know that you can't manufacture ministry, nor will we ever try to. It may sound like an easy answer but it's the only way that has worked for us...Prayer. There is so much great music out there that inspires us and encourages us but when we sit down to write we look the Father of all creativity.

9) If you guys weren't doing music, what would you try your hand at?

It's funny. You have people like Hunter that are gifted in many ways, but God just gave me music so, let's hope it works out! Hunter also has a calling into the political world and I am certain that one day down the road God will bless him in that sphere as well.

10) Hunter, how do you balance being the Indianapolis Colts punter with Connersvine?

I feel just as strong of a call to worship leading and ministering through music as I do in football. It is completely humbling that God has allowed me to not only be a part of an amazing football team, but also is giving me the chance to pursue his calling in music.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?

For Chris: Jonny Lang. For Hunter: Bono/U2

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

For Chris: Edinburgh, Scotland