British Christian singer Beth Croft’s debut album “Rule My Heart” is one of my favorite albums released this year. Croft’s record debunks any reservation one may have towards debut efforts or new artists.
With the released of her album ‘Rule My Heart” British worship singer Beth Croft has managed to deliver a sound that transcends today’s (2014) worship music.
Her debut album is such a solid effort, and I especially loved that “ Rule My Heart” centered around worship in a mild contemporary way while offering slight heritage/musical tastes.
The very first time I heard of Beth Croft was at an interactive Christian music conference. No, she didn’t perform or anything, but while having a chat with Integrity Music’s A&R Les Moir, He told that Beth Croft’s upcoming record would be one to reckon with. (Nerd Alert) Beth Croft’s name stuck just because the name ‘Croft’ reminded me of Sherlock Holmes’ fictional brother ‘Mycroft Holmes.’ Long story short, Les was right! Beth Croft is an act that I have come to love and admire.
The singer started leading worship since she was 18. In 2012, Croft alongside other worship singers came together under the name “Soul Survivors” to release an album entitled ‘The Flood.” Fast forward to 2014, the singer dropped her debut solo effort.
I spoke to Croft about the album, and she opened up about her sound, “Rule My Heart,” her playlist, and more. Read the interview in its entirety:
How would you define your sound?
Gutsy, vocal-heavy, full of texture, with a hint of tribal influence thrown in there too.
You took a lot of risks (sonically) on the album; your sound is what I call the future sound of worship, not the conventional sound. Did you even get scared about these risks, and how people would accept the sound?
I didn’t think too hard about how the sound would come across (maybe I should’ve?!), it’s really a product of all kinds of musical influences that I love… My one mandate was that I didn’t want the arrangements to be so obscure/complicated that people wouldn’t know how to interpret/adapt them for the local church.
How long did it take to record “Rule My Heart?”
From first meeting with my producer in the studio to finally mastering everything, it was just under four weeks… I had kept pushing deadlines back, but it absolutely had to be finished before the summer festivals kicked off. So the process was ridiculously quick!
What song do you like the most from the album?
Although production-wise it’s one of the simplest arrangements, “Hold On” is probably my favourite song. It was finished just in time for recording and since writing it, the lyrics have really grown in significance for me, I love leading it, and also seeing others connect in worship through it.
For each song, there is an inspiration behind it, but what is that one constant that drove this album?
Nearly every song on this album is a prayer, a conversation with God. This wasn’t necessarily an intentional thing… I think this whole album process has made me realise that when it comes to writing, my passion is to produce songs of honest cries of worship, songs that wrestle with the reality of life, and hopefully songs that help us draw close and access God’s presence regardless of how distant we might feel from Him.
What do you hope listeners get out of this album?
I’m so grateful for the many songs and albums that have provided a soundtrack of worship to particular seasons in my life – songs that have given me words to say when I’ve run out of my own, songs through which I’ve found healing, songs that help me connect and re-connect with Jesus… So I hope that this album might do the same for others.
What is that one song you wished you wrote?
“Sovereign over us.” The lyrics just get me every time.
Is there a tour in works? And what should people expect from it?
Sometimes my role takes me around the country to lead worship at different churches and conferences – which I count as a real privilege – but the purpose of those is always to serve another ministry rather than to promote the songs or the album. A classic example of that are our Soul Survivor events each summer – the most knackering, but incredible few weeks of my year.
Which songs are you currently listening to? (From any artist/album)
Stay with me – Sam Smith
Thinking out loud – Ed Sheeran
Ghost – Ella Henderson
Share with us that one passage of Scripture that rules your heart?
The parable of the prodigal son. I can’t think of a more beautiful analogy for grace.
Giveaway!
In collaboration with Integrity Music, ChurchMag is giving away three free copies of Beth Croft’s album “Rule My Heart.”
To enter:
bryan hill says
What a great interview, I look forward to possibly listening to her cd.
Thanks for doing what you do!!
Michael says
Thanks Bryan for reading. We appreciate 🙂
Mark says
Would love to get a copy of this album
Paul Oyler says
Great interview. Always enjoy hearing the perspective of worship and worship leaders from outside the “American Christian bubble.”
Gangai Victor says
Sounds great, hope to listen to this one!