I'm incredibly proud of my handsome husband at the moment. At the end of this month the worship/songwriting collective he's been part of pulling together, will say a big hello to the world. For years now Steve has longed to try something a little different in the sphere of music development. In 2010 he found two friends who felt the same way and together they began Push.
The Push Community is not terribly easy to describe because it doesn't fit neatly into previous industry categories. At it's heart it's a community of Jesus followers who are particularly passionate about worship and creativity in song writing. They're from different churches, different towns across the UK but they come together to create together and share what's working with the world.
Steve, Tom and Doug are committed to seeing each one be able to stay in their local community whilst being developed spiritually and musically. They've already begun recording the songs that could be used nationwide and aim to help each song writer get their song out there without having to sign a record contract that locks them in beyond that song (often it can be for a number of albums or years.)
This very open approach to development and publishing could backfire I guess, but I love that there's only community and the value of growing together, rather than a piece of paper, that's going to keep everyone in this.
The first larger gathering of song writers was Sunday night. As they worship, prayed and shared the songs they were working on I was moved by the depth and passion in the room. There will be some amazing sounds to fill our churches coming out in the next few months.
I've been supporting Steve and helping out where ever I can with writing (er blogs not songs... my songs would suck), editing a cool little video, and generally taking notes, offering social media advice, praying and making tea. There's a real energy to this stage in their development. Reminds of what it's like every time the 24-7 community takes a plunge off the deep end following God somewhere new. There's something in me that lives for these times.
The boys are working on a website as a hub for those interested in connecting with the community and I'll let you know when their cyber home and their Twitter account, Facebook page and YouTube channel is up and running. If you're in the south of England they're launching with a live event in Bognor Regis, in the church of the first worship leader they're publishing. The lovely Sophia Jenkins is just 17 years old and has a beautiful heart and voice. I'll be there, let me know if you will be too :)