FACTS & QUOTES – Assignment #2
Here are many facts and quotes you can use for major writing assignment #2.
COMPASSIONART SONGWRITER’S RETREAT CONCLUDES AFTER MOMENTOUS WEEK, 22 SONGS WRITTEN TO BENEFIT THE WORLD’S POOREST OF THE POOR“
“This is the beginning of something awesome.” -Martin Smith
An organization called Compassionart hosted internationally recognized songwriters Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Darlene Zschech, Matt and Beth Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche, Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Martin Smith and Stu Garrard (Delirious?), at a gathering in Perthshire, Scotland Jan. 7 – 11. 2008.
Compassionart hosted an unprecedented gathering of award winning songwriters. in Scotland, UK
Songs created are to be forever donated to help the poorest of the poor
The unprecedented retreat featured: Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Darlene Zschech, Matt and Beth Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche, Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Stu Garrard and Martin Smith from Delirious?
The songwriters’ unprecedented goal was to collectively write 10-12 songs that will be given to the world not just to sing but to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet.
Now, the songwriters offer their time and talents with one voice to make a stand.
One hundred percent of the proceeds derived from the songs written at the Compassionart retreat will go directly to charity. One half of the monies will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved.
“Over the last few years I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the poorest parts of the world and seeing first hand the plight of humanity,” says Martin Smith, Delirious? frontman and Compassionart founder who organized the retreat along with his wife, Anna. “As a song writer and a person with a microphone I made a promise to try and do something about it. What better than to call on my friends and do something together. To be people that can make a change rather than just singing about it.”
Remarkably, the songwriters, publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. And this is not a one-time offering or marketing ploy, but an ongoing effort for charity derived over the songs’ lifetimes. “They have all waived their rights to see something historic happen- the music business coming together for something great, greater than any individual could achieve,” continued Martin Smith.
After five days of around-the-clock collaboration, the CompassionArt songwriters have officially put any new ideas on hold. After all, there’s more than 22 songs in their arsenal now, and time couldn’t be more of the essence.
With an unabashed sense of anticipation about the future of these new worship songs, everyone from Steven Curtis Chapman to Darlene Zschech to Matt Redman was holed up in the studios at The Cantle House, laying down track after track. And even though the pace has been nearly non-stop, the excitement in the studio has yet to fade. These artists clearly love working together, and the challenge of accomplishing so much in such a short time clearly seems to have invigorated them.
Together these songwriters account for at least 40 million albums sold, 76 No. 1 songs, nine GRAMMY Awards, 98 Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, two American Music Awards, and 78 current CCLI Top 500 songs sung by millions in churches around the world.
What began as a vision for Delirious? frontman Martin Smith and his wife Anna over a year ago has finally came to fruition.
Some of the world’s greatest Christian songwriters were brought together for the Compassionart songwriter’s retreat in an effort to create ongoing global relief for the poorest of the poor. Setting out to write 10-12 songs, these songwriters far surpassed that goal completing 22 new songs during the retreat held last week at the House of Cantle in Perthshire, Scotland.
The songs are to be given to the world not just to sing, but also to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet. One hundred percent of the proceeds derived from the songs will go directly to charity.
While many of the writers were only professional acquaintances at the beginning of the week, by the end of the week they not only created what may come to be world changing songs, but also life-long friendships.
“I can’t even tell you how rewarding it was to hang out with people who really get you and what you’re about,” Paul Baloche said. “It’s a great way to start a new year, that’s for sure. That deep connection has made all the difference in collaborating together.”
“With an unabashed sense of anticipation about the future of these new worship songs, everyone from Steven Curtis Chapman to Darlene Zschech to Matt Redman is holed up in the studios at the House of Cantle, laying down track after track,” said journalist Christa Banister on the last day of the gathering.
“And even though the pace has been nearly non-stop, the excitement in the studio has yet to fade. These artists clearly love working together, and the challenge of accomplishing so much in such a short time seems to have invigorated them.”
“We’ve done it; we just need to record these songs now,” confirmed Martin. “It’s been awesome. I’m proud, in awe, exhilarated and tired. Good days, great days.”
They’re planning to reunite to record these songs professionally.
Steven Curtis Chapman said Martin Smith of Delirious who brought Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zchech, Matt Redman, Graham Kendrick and the other songwriters together this month is now trying to arrange recording sessions possibly at the Abbey Road Studios in London.
All the songwriters waived their ownership of the new songs so that all proceeds from their sale and performance would go to charities to help the poor.
In addition to the songwriters, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England that is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. One half of the monies received over the songs’ lifetimes will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved, which is still being discussed.
The CompassionArt artists got a very special phone call from Chris Tomlin, who wasn’t able to make it to the festivities due to a short-term illness. Feeling much better now, Tomlin expressed his disappointment about not being there for the festivities but is “excited” to hear what they’ve come up with in the meantime.
For Delirious frontman Martin Smith and his wife Anna, it was a longtime dream fulfilled that has far surpassed their wildest expectations. “When I was getting to bed the first night, I still couldn’t believe that everyone here was really under the same roof,” Smith says. “I was nervous and excited. And now that we’re inching toward the end of the week, the electricity was more than I could’ve ever imagined.”
“In a word, this week has simply been unbelievable,” says Michael W. Smith. “It’s incredible to be working with all of these artists for a worthy cause. Laying down your own agenda really.”
Martin Smith “I can’t quite believe this is happening, we are doing something together that none of us could achieve individually, it’s family and we are learning to dream together.”
For more information contact:
North America: Rick Hoganson, Hoganson Media Relations, 615-459-9870, Hoganson@comcast.net.
UK/Europe: For more information contact: Paul Smith, Compassionart, paulsmith@compassionart.co.uk.
ARTIST QUOTES PRIOR TO THE RETREAT
The participating songwriters echo their enthusiasm for Compassionart and what it hopes to accomplish:
“I am so grateful to be a part of Compassionart and extremely optimistic of what will come of it. The motivation of this week and all involved so resonates with my heart in regards to the poor. Isaiah 58 is the passage that I go to now more than any other, knowing that if we feed the poor, satisfy the needs of the oppressed and reach out to the downtrodden, the Lord will indeed make His face shine upon us,” said Martin Smith
Michael W. Smith: “I’m eagerly anticipating this time! Coming together for this time of writing with the purpose of helping the poor and oppressed is an honor. Whenever I’ve had a chance to be with orphans around the world, what many would call the least of the least, God makes it so clear to me that He has not forgotten them, that He is for them and calls them His dearly loved children. I’m praying that this time and collection of people that Martin and Anna Smith have helped call together will be greatly used by God for His glory. And I’m very hopeful that the songs He gives will draw attention to and help those desperately in need.”
Steven Curtis Chapman: “I know that Compassionart is in the heart of God. I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of it. What an amazing gathering of people and songwriters. I sense that God is going to release His heart on new songs.”
Darlene Zschech: “We’ve all talked for years about going deeper in worship – and that though music is such a wonderful expression, we must ultimately go beyond writing songs. This new venture is a great demonstration of that heart. Compassion and art – what a great mix.”
Matt Redman: “I’m really excited about this opportunity to come together with gifted and inspired songwriters from around the world. Who knows what God might do as we lay down our agendas and work together to write and create God inspired songs that beat with His heart for justice.”
Tim Hughes: “I’m grateful to be part of such a powerful ‘Kingdom’ event. What a beautiful vision to combine art, compassion, and justice in hopes of displaying the heart of God to the world. ‘How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell [and write songs of worship] together in unity…for there the Lord bestows a blessing.’ (Ps.133) I love the idea of us serving others through song, without seeking anything in return. Let’s be praying that God will bless our efforts as we humbly trust Him for inspiration and favor.”
Graham Kendrick: “The idea of writing songs that will benefit the needy and broken people of our world really excites me. Gathering with a group of seasoned songwriters to write for the worldwide church and for charity promises to be a great week of fellowship and co-working for the kingdom of God. I’m really looking forward to our time together.”
Compassionart Artist Bios
Paul Baloche
American Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter. He is a native of New Jersey. Paul is currently the worship pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas. He composes on piano and acoustic guitar, favoring guitar when leading worship. His wife Rita is also a songwriter. Many of Paul’s songs are performed songs in churches across the world. Among them are “Open the Eyes of my Heart “ and “Above All”.
Chris Tomlin
Worship leader and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas. He is a staff member of Austin Stone Community Church, and signed to EMI’s sixstepsrecords. Chris walked away with 6 Dove awards in 2007, and was named GMA Artist and Male Vocalist of the year for the 2nd consecutive year. Other awards include the following:-
o Pop/Contemporary Album – “See the Morning”
o Praise/Worship Album – “See the Morning”
o Worship Song of the Year – “Holy is the Lord”
o Special Event Album – Passion “Everything Glorious”.
Tim Hughes
Worship Leader and Songwriter with Survivor Records. He is currently Director of Worship at Holy Trinity Brompton, a vibrant Anglican Church in South Kensington London, and heads up Worship Central, www.worshipcentral.org a new Worship training resource. Son of a Vicar, Tim grew up in Birmingham, and studied History at Birmingham University. His best known songs include, “Here I am to Worship”, “Happy Day”, “Consuming Fire” and “Whole World in his Hands”. Married to Rachel and Father to recently born, Phoebe.
Matt Redman
Matt started out leading worship at the age of 15 at St Andrews, Chorleywood, helping to set up Soul Survivor alongside Mike Pilavachi in 1993. Matt is currently working on a Church Plant opened in 2006 at St Pauls Catholic College, Burgess Hill. He also works with Passion Conferences in USA. Matt’s best known songs include the 2005 Dove award winner “Blessed be your Name”, “Heart of Worship”, “Let everything that has Breath”, “Once Again” and “Undignified”. Married to Beth, they have three Children, Maisy, Noah and Rocco.
Darlene Zchech
Darlene and husband Mark are supporters of Compassion Australia, and are founders of Hope Rwanda. An estimated 25-30 million churchgoers sing Darlene’s best-known song “Shout to the Lord” every week. As a young adult Darlene used to sing jingles for Mcdonalds, KFC and Diet Coke.! Leads worship at the 20,000 strong Hillsong Church, and features on Hillsong TV, which reaches 125 Countries around the Globe.
Israel Houghton
Commonly known for his cross cultural style of worship music that fuses elements from Gospel Music, Jazz and Rock. His project “Alive in South Africa”, recorded live in Cape Town received a Grammy Award for best traditional Gospel Album in 07. He has served as worship leader for the Promise Keepers and Champions for Christ events.
Michael W Smith
Born in Kenova, West Virginia, Michael is a hugely respected Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, and Keyboardist. Since his first sol project in 83, Michael has become one of the most popular artists in the contemporary Christian music World, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. He has sold 13 million records, had 29 #1 hit songs, 14 Gold Records, 5 Platinum, 40 Dove Awards, American Music Award, 3 Grammy’s, and named one of People Magazines most beautiful people.
Graham Kendrick Prolific British singer songwriter and worship leader. Son of a Baptist Pastor and born in Northamptonshire, Graham began his song-writing career in 72. His most enduring accomplishment is his authorship of the words and music for the song “Shine Jesus Shine”, which is among the most widely sung songs in Churches worldwide. Co-founder of March for Jesus, Graham also received a Dove Award in 95 for his International work. In 2000 Brunel University awarded him an honorary doctorate in Divinity in recognition of his contribution to the worship life of the church.
Andy Park
Born and raised in Woodland Hills, a suburb of LA, Andy later studied at UCLA earning a bachelor of arts. After serving as an intern pastor in two CA Vineyard churches, he moved to BC and joined the Langley Vineyard plant in 85. He has been majoring in worship music ministry for the past 30 years, including mentoring 17 year old Martin during his visit to Canada in 87. Andy and his amazing wife Linda have eight children, six boys and 2 girls.
Steven Curtis Chapman
Born in Paducah, Kentucky, and is now one of the biggest legends in Contemporary Christian Music. Steven has sold over 10 million records. In addition, he has won five Grammy awards and more Gospel Music Association awards than any other artist in history. (51 awards in total!) The latest award came in April 07 in the Instrumental Album of the Year Category for his work on the “End of the Spear” movie soundtrack. Currently Steven lives in Nashville, TN with wife Mary Beth and their six children including three daughters adopted from China.
Stu Garrard
Unquestionably the most gifted guitarist in the world, Stu has accrued a wealth of experience in both the mainstream and CCM sectors with his band, Delirious? A gifted and anointed songwriter, Stu has written some legendary rock classics in the form of “Investigate” and “Heaven” and more recently mellow but quiveringly lovely “Majesty”. Together with wife Karen, Stu is forming a Charity entitled “Beanz Meanz Livez” which will help to fund and assist new and on-going projects around the globe.
Martin Smith
Founder of Compassionart together with wife Anna. Their hearts are to show sympathy for the suffering of others and by working collaboratively with people, mainly in the arts, will encourage, motivate and inspire the creation of beautiful and thought provoking work which will intentionally raise funds and assist their desire to help. Martin has been the lead vocalist in Delirious ? since 93, and his best known songs include “I could sing of your Love Forever”, “History Maker”, “Did you feel the Mountains tremble” and more recently “Our God Reigns” and “Now is the Time”. Martin and Anna are the proud owners of 6 children, including their latest model Mary-Anna Merciful born December 07.
