British gospel composer BRIAN MARTIN answered some of Tony Cummings' questions.

Brian Martin

Tony: For people who have just discovered the 'Lifter Of My Head' album, can you give us a potted biography of your life up to recording the album?

Brian: I was born on the island of Trinidad in the West Indies. Between the ages of 16-19 I was influenced by the Rastafarian movement and their way of life. At the age of 18 I met my wife Jill who is an English girl and a Christian spending time in Trinidad. On Jill's return to England, I followed eight months later and it was here that I found and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 20. A year later Jill and I married. I have always loved music and quite early in my Christian walk I realised that the Lord was inspiring me to write and arrange songs of praise, worship and deliverance. In 2000 the Lord commissioned me to move by faith and put to use the gift and to fulfill the call upon my life, hence the album 'Lifter Of My Head' (Empowerment Project) was birthed.

Tony: Tell me about the recording sessions themselves. What stands out in your mind about the recording process?

Brian: The recording sessions were a brand new experience for me and also a move made by faith. I was very specific on what I wanted to achieve, ie, sound, lyrics and musical richness. The sessions were quite intense and sometimes very tiring, but I was relentless in what I was hoping to achieve. The thing that stands out most in my mind concerning the recording sessions is the way the producer, engineer and myself all worked in unity.

Tony: There seems to be a surge of creativity coming out of the British gospel scene at the moment. Do you think it will one day compare with the US scene?

Brian: Difficult question! Yes and no. If we strive to be unique in what God has given us and the British gospel industry work as a united network then we could become as big as the US. If we try to copy the US and not be ourselves, then this would most likely not be accomplished.

Tony: What's your favourite track on the album and why?

Brian: Another tough question! I would think the title track "Lifter Of My Head" is my favorite track. The title of the album is significant, 'Empowerment Project' being the theme of the whole album - therefore the songs are based on encouraging Christians and non-believers from the biblical Word, 'Lifter Of My Head' being the last track to be laid and it also came about two days prior to going into the studio. Whilst recording in the studio the Lord spoke to me and said, "This will be the title track of the album." So this has to be my favourite.