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10 Questions with ... Pat Barrett
July 16, 2018
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
As a writer on one of Christian radio's biggest songs of the past half-decade, Pat Barrett had already made a significant name for himself years before he released his debut single to radio earlier this year. Around the same time "Good Good Father"-a single co-written by Barrett and Housefires bandmate Harold Brown-became certified RIAA Platinum, the Atlanta-based worship leader released his first single "The Way (New Horizon)" via Capitol Christian Music Group this past Spring.
His self-titled debut solo album releases worldwide this Friday, July 20th and he will join Chris Tomlin on the "Good Good Father" Tour throughout Canada this fall.
1) What has your career path as an artist looked like?
I love this question because until a couple of years ago, I would have never thought that I'd do a solo record in the first place! In the past I've always been a part of more "team"-oriented worship expressions (a band called Unhindered and currently a worship expression called Housefires). I started singing and writing songs pretty early in my life. Growing up, I had a group of friends that were musicians, and we all just started out playing in the church worship team and things just kind of grew from there.
2) At what point did you realize you were called to make a career out of music?
My senior year of college was crazy at the University of Georgia because I was a full-time student during the week and then would fly out every weekend to lead worship somewhere in the country. I think it was around that time that I realized music could "work" once I graduated. Hilariously, I got a "C" in my Music Business class, which should seem like a bad omen, but I decided to keep on the path anyway.
3) Subsequently, when was it clear that you wanted to create music on a worship-centric level, opposed to entertainment?
On some level, I've always felt like the primary outlet for music I'd sing would always be on the worship-centric side of things. This may be strange, but music and faith have always had an almost synonymous relationship in my life. When I think about significant life moments, I can just almost guarantee that I've written a song about it. Some of those have been more worship-oriented, but many of them haven't fit that mold. This new record has a mix of songs that I hope stretch the imagination of what songs "fit" the current music landscape.
4) Was there anyone specific who influenced you in your pursuit toward writing worship-centric songs?
So many influences! Hillsong, Enter the Worship Circle, Chris Tomlin (and I'm not just saying that because you'd expect me to!), Matt Redman, John Mark McMillan, Jason Upton. I could go on and on.
5) There are of course hundreds of great worship leaders throughout the globe; who is one that you've found yourself having a particular affinity toward?
Oh man, so many. Someone I've been loving recently has been Andy Squyres.
6) Upon writing "Good Good Father," did you have any inclination that the song would impact the Church/Christian culture like it has? What was your response when you learned Chris Tomlin would be cutting it and making it a single?
I had no idea that song would reach people the way it did. It still blows me away when I think about it. I just remember playing the very first (rough) voice memo on repeat around my house because I felt like it was something my soul really needed. The fact that the song ever went outside our community in Atlanta is so humbling to me. I was definitely shocked when Chris reached out about wanting to record it. He's had such a massive influence on me as a songwriter and worship leader; so, to have someone you look up to ask to record a song that you wrote is really encouraging.
7) Oftentimes, artists who write massively-popular songs feel pressured to come back with equally-if not more impactful-songs for radio, the church, etc. How did you navigate that situation?
I actually think some types of pressure are really healthy. I also think we can cause a lot of harm to ourselves putting pressure on the wrong places. When I put too much pressure on myself to get the approval of people, I usually find myself filled with fear, anxiousness and worry. That's not a great way to live. I've learned-and am still learning-to put pressure in the right places. So, I definitely feel pressure...to make sure I am being honest and open with myself, others and God. I feel pressure to be a present and loving husband and father. I feel the pressure to make sure I am taking time to do the things that nurture my soul to keep me inspired. I feel pressure to make sure I am being genuine in the music and heart of what I am doing. I've found when I put pressure in those places, I'm a healthier person.
8) You are the flagship artist on Chris Tomlin's label imprint Bowyer & Bow. What is the story behind that moniker?
A bowyer is someone who makes bows-which I don't know that was even a word until Chris told me. The imagery and prayer is that these songs would be like arrows shot into the world to bring light.
9) Say you have the opportunity to perform one song from your latest album to a large group of world leaders. Which song from the album do you choose?
I would probably choose the song "Better." That song has been so helpful for me personally in challenging the tendencies in my life to be consumed with things that are not the most important.
10) Is there a song you're working on right now that hasn't been recorded that you're particularly eager to release to the masses? What can you share about it?
Yes! There definitely are a few that come to mind. I don't want to share much about them yet, but I can tell you that I'm really eager to get back to writing even more in the coming months.
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