Martin Smith is a singer/songwriter perhaps better known for his time as the front man of Delirious? — the UK’s leading Christian rock band, who rocketed to fame with modern worship songs such as I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble? And Thank You for Saving Me. Delirious? disbanded in 2009 after more than a decade together; three years on, Martin is now officially launching his solo career with an exciting new project, titled God’s Great Dance Floor.
In a frank interview, Martin opens up about his mixed feelings about leaving Delirious?, his love for Adele and his upcoming EP.
You have a new project, God’s Great Dance Floor. What’s the concept behind that?
I know—it’s an unusual title isn’t it? But I think it talks about the whole church getting dancing again and making our churches a place of inspiration and celebration and joy—and that being the place where the gospel is alive.
This is your first solo project. How have you found the process of writing, recording and promoting your music as a solo artist?
Yeah it’s been kinda different. It’s been great, I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been very strange being on my own through this whole process, you know, having had a great band with me over the years. It’s an exciting new time and can’t wait for people now to hear and discover some of this music!
You launched into full time with Delirous? after a major car accident, which you noted as a huge turning point. What was the major turning point this time around? Hopefully nothing as traumatic!
When you’re involved with something like Delirious? for so many years, it was quite a release to not be doing it. I obviously had the chance to be at home a bit more with a growing family. A chance to do things I would not normally do and just be with God again and hear His voice. They’re the things that really reinvigorated me.
It’s interesting that you say that as you have stated elsewhere that during your Delirious? years, you often “had to fight for moments together [with your wife] and time with God.” It sounds pretty ironic that as someone leading others into worship, it would be a challenge for you to find your own time with God. How did you strike a balance?
You’ve got to fight for the things that are great…and relationships are always the greatest things, whether it’s with each other or with God. They’re the things you’ve got to fight for and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or how successful it is or not…It’s the connection with each other and with God that is paramount. I think that in the business, sometimes you can lose a little bit of that and I just had a really good season of trying to readdress the balance of that recently and connect with my own soul and with God too.
It has been said that seasons of pain can lead to great song writing. Would you agree with that?
Well, not always! But I think in my last three years, yes, I think there has been a little bit of pain involved; to let something go like Delirious? was a painful process. But what’s amazing is that God always shows up, doesn’t He? I think He’s just been so kind to me and my family through this whole season so yeah I think you’re right, you need some of those slightly darker days to push you on, don’t you?
You’re an amazing song writer and we wanted to know if there is a song you wish you had written?
Ten Thousand Reasons [by Matt Redman]! (Laughs) What a great song that is, amazing song… In Christ Alone [Stuart Townend/Keith Getty], Our God is Greater [Chris Tomlin]… I wish I had written Fix You by Coldplay, that’d be a good one.
You did a live album with Jesus Culture last year. What was it like working with them?
It was really good; I mean they’re great people, very authentic. Loved it. I was surprised at how well that record came out; it was such an amazing honour to be a part of it and to be with Kim and Chris and all those guys, it was extraordinary… I hope that it continues to touch people.
How, if at all has your understanding or view of worship changed over the course of your career?
I think just that it’s best to keep it simple and the act of people surrendering their lives and hearts to a God that is alive… it’s the most amazing thing we can do while we’re on the planet, you know? I think that it’s constantly the inspiration for me to see people with the light bulb switch on and realise that God is interested in them. Worship is an amazing thing and it constantly intrigues me.
Who else would you like to work with that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to?
Adele [laughs]… it’d be great to do a duet with her one day, I can’t see it happening but you’ve gotta dream haven’t you?! Corrine Bailey Ray, I’m a huge fan of her.
History Maker is arguably one of your most iconic songs, what legacy do you think you will leave behind?
Oh I don’t know if that’s for me to answer really! I have no idea! [Laughs] I just think maybe that the songs helped people and that the songs are part of people’s spiritual journey—that’s all you can dream for isn’t it?
Indeed it is, Martin. Martin Smith’s new album God’s Great Dance Floor is out now.
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Interview By Kazstarlet
@kazstarlet