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10 Questions with ... Jim Murphy
March 2, 2009
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NAME:Jim MurphyTITLE:Musician
Label:
Mission House MusicDiscography:
Christmastime (2005)
Everything Changes (2008)1) Can you describe your musical journey from start to Mission House?
Since I was old enough to remember, I have always loved music and singing. I remember days at my grandmother's house when she would have me sing for her weekly Bible study meetings. Even with a love for music, if you had suggested that years later I would sing professionally and be in ministry, I would have laughed.
A lot has occurred between those innocent days of childhood and now. About six years ago, I sang publicly for the first time; it was then that I realized that I had not been "in tune" with what God had planned for my life. When the opportunity came to join Mission House, my wife was eight months pregnant with our second child. The decision to sing professionally and go into ministry was a huge leap of faith.
With much prayer we decided that this was where God wanted me so we jumped in and haven't looked back. I say "we" because my wife Beth is as much a part of my music as anyone. Without her support it would be virtually impossible to do this. To this day it's simply amazing to see how God continues to mold me along the journey. I am constantly in awe of his greatness!
2) Do you have any interesting or funny stories from your recent visits with radio folks?
Oh wow, where do I begin! Overall it's just being able to spend some quality time with the individuals at the stations who support us with airplay everyday. To see the hard work and dedication they put in to bringing Christian music and programs to the airwaves is an awesome thing! Recently I was in Tyler, TX visiting KVNE. My promoter and I were in a discussion at lunch with the crew regarding "stage names" and so forth. Needless to say, that got pretty funny. [Wink wink] It was definitely one of the more memorable moments my recent radio tour.
3) What's the story behind the single "Faith Hope and Love"?
"Faith Hope and Love" is a simple, yet beautiful, reminder of how we all can have Faith in knowing that through the trials and tribulations of life, we have a loving Savior that is all knowing and powerful, that he holds the keys to our future and he is with us to the very end. We have the Hope that is found in Jesus Christ that when we leave this earth, if we place our trust in him as Lord and Savior that we will live eternally in heaven. There is no greater Love on this earth than God sending his only son to perish for our salvation.
4) Do you have a favorite song to perform live?
I have a lot of favorites, "How Beautiful", the debut single from my latest album and also the current single "Faith Hope and Love." People really respond to that song live. I am also particularly fond of the classic "In Christ Alone."
5) Which do you enjoy more the process or the performance?
Oh, I most definitely love the performing. There's just nothing like being on stage, singing and sharing the music with an audience. Your adrenaline gets pumping. It's just an awesome feeling to know that God is working right there in the midst of the song, the music, etc. To see lives affected and to hear the stories that accompany each concert is just a tremendous reminder that I am right where God wants me to be. I truly cherish getting to know people and sharing my heart with each person I get to meet. It's an awesome part of the process.
6) What is the message you hope to convey through the album "Everything Changes"?
It's my prayer that through the album people can see the Hope that rests with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Life throws a series of curveballs and Jesus is the only way to keep you on course. I hope and pray that each listener is able to connect with the message found in the music and that they use those messages to turn to Jesus to meet their needs.
7) You recently started a partnership with Compassion International. Why did you feel it was important to get involved?
I've always wanted to be a part of an organization that helps those in need. Compassion has a tremendous organizational structure and heart for ministry as well. Following a few phone meetings, it was clearly evident I needed to enter into partnership with them. There are sooooo many people in this world that just don't have. With this new partnership I look forward to doing my part to make sure those peoples needs are met. That's what Compassion is about. It's about having the heart and desire to bring about change for those in need. I'm really excited to see how God uses this new relationship!
8) What's your favorite song on the new record?
"Start All Over," based on a poem by Dr Woodrow Kroll of Back to the Bible, is just a beautiful reminder that Jesus is there and that we can turn to him each and every day, no matter what our faults, to get a fresh start and new beginning.
9) As you're in the studio working on this new album, was there a moment where you thought, "Wow, now we have a record"?
I think it was when we were finally done with the mix process. Mixing is such a huge thing in regards to the progression of delivering the album. Following what seemed to be a million "tweaks" from top to bottom, we got finished and it was definitely a "wow" moment and realizing that we did it!
10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
I listen all the time when traveling. I listen to Chris Tomlin and I just love Meredith Andrews and Vicky Beeching's music. I really love the new single from Bluetree, "God of this City."
Bonus Questions
1) Who would be a dream artist to record with and why?
I would absolutely love to sing with Natalie Grant. She is amazing, incredible. Her voice, her ability to take you on a journey during a song is simply unparalleled.
2) Favorite city to visit:
Dallas-Ft Worth. Great restaurants and shopping and great Christian radio.
3) Favorite book that you've read recently:
"Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson
4) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you and why?
DirecTV (I love sports), pizza and Rockstar Energy Drinks (sugar free, can't beat that!)
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