OK, most people say you have 30 seconds to sell yourself in a given situation. I’m going to give you 20. Sum up your new album and what you do?
<laughs> Ok, I’m a DJ who is a Christian who loves to lead worship and writes from a worshipful heart inspired by my faith. And the album Colour is an electronic mishmash of creative goodness all inspired by God, colour, culture and creation. How was that?
I’m impressed, although you were five seconds over <laughs>. Tell me a bit more about the album’s theme.
I wanted to write an album where a colour was reflected in each track and each of those colours reflected something of God. Whether it’s His personality or His nature those colours would reflect something of the world we live in. So in terms of nature and the environment there’s green…
So you’re an eco-warrior?
No, I wouldn’t call myself that exactly but having kids has challenged me to think of this. There’s also the colour of different cultures. There is so much we don’t understand because it’s not in our culture. A lot of these things really inspired the album.
As well as this album you’ve done so much – gigs as a DJ, film scores and being a worship leader. What do you enjoy the most?
Quite difficult to answer really because all these things are aspects of me – it’s what I do. The main thing I guess would be writing and producing music conveying something of God and playing that out whether it’s in a club or as a worship leader.
On the subject of film scores, you did work on Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the recent documentary about evolution and creation. What are your thoughts on the overall debate?
Personally, I believe in a Creator God who created the world. But to be honest I’m not really bothered about it all because people have debated this for years. No one is really going to change their mind unless they have an experience with God. They’ll just debate and debate and debate. For me that’s a waste of time, you know what I mean? Just get on with life.
Talking about life, do you have a scripture, bible character or story that inspires you?
Yeah, I think it has to be the Exodus Moses story. God took this guy who couldn’t speak to people because he was nervous. He had this amazing calling on his life. He did some bad stuff as well but God still used him because he was willing. I think he’s always been an inspiration. The dynamic relationship he had with God, I’m really led by that when I’m in clubs. I want people to see that; not that I’m saying Jesus loves you but because of who I am and God’s fingerprint on my life.
I hear you on that. Actually, can you pin point a significant spiritual point in your musical journey?
I think there have been many things. When I worship and when I lead worship and through my deejaying it’s always that question for me personally - when Moses asked God ‘show me your glory’ and God said I will cause my glory to pass in front of you but you cannot see my face and when he took him to that rock etc. I think that’s one of my hungers really in worship – wanting people to experience and be hungry for that. There have been times when I’ve had experiences with God which have been incredible and some of them have been in the clubs I’ve played in. I want to bring that same heart into these places; worshiping God when I spin in a club just the same as in a church.
A few bedroom DJs contemplating a jump to mainstream are concerned about maintaining their faith and not compromising their Christian principles. Do you have any tips to share on the matter?
I think it’s all about accountability whether it’s to your spouse, friends or church leaders. But it’s also about believing that we can go out and affect an environment as Christians. Some church people think an environment can affect us which I think is a bit belittling to God. Obviously, we have to be strong in our characters but I think we need to be equipped a bit more in thinking we can affect our environment and not the other way round.
Interesting point. Ok, time's up for me! Last question, What’s next for you? Who would you like to work with in the future?
For me, at the moment, it’s about getting out there and playing. I’m also starting to get a theme for the next album which I’m researching. Who I want to work with in the future…ummm, I really don’t know actually. I haven’t really thought about it. I just do what I do and just keep moving.
Andy Hunter’s Colour released through the Nettwerk Music Group is available online and in major stores.
www.andyhunter.com
www.myspace.com/andyhunter
