Hunter Thompson Talks About His Involvement with Bethel Music & His "Swan Song" EP

Hunter Thompson is by no means a new kid on the block.  He is one of the worship leaders of Bethel Music.  Bethel Music is the worship ministry of Bethel Church in Redding, California.  Over the years, the church's worship ministry has had become an international phenomenon whereby young people over every global corner have been singing to their songs.  Avid fans of Bethel Music may recall that Thompson wrote "Come Awaken Love" for the church's #1 album "Tides."  Now, we finally get to hear Thompson on his own.

Hunter Thompson has just released his new EP "Swan Song."  We are so honored to be able to catch with Hunter for this exclusive Hallels' interview.

Hallels: I believe you have written songs and have sung on the releases by Bethel Music, can you tell us what they are?

Yes, I have been on two releases prior to my personal debut of Swan Song. My song "My Dear" was released on the Loft Sessions record and my other release was "Come Awaken Love" on the record Tides. I will also have a song Named "Home" on the upcoming We Will Not Be Shaken.

Hallels: Congratulations on the release of your new EP "Swan Song." Tell us why did you name your album and title cut "Swan Song?"

Thanks! Well long story short I was inspired by something a dear friend had said to me early during the recording process. This friend of mine was planning on moving away from the city we lived in and mentioned while helping with this project that this would be his "Swan Song." He said wanted to make sure it was as beautiful and meaningful as possible. The words kind of struck a chord in me and we actually went back and rewrote allot of the EP to match this thought process and thesis."

Hallels: You have also co-written all the 5 songs on the EP, how normally do you write? Do you start with the lyrics? Or the music?

Well I actually don't co-write very often. But coming in on this project in particular it kind of felt like this wasn't just mine to write. It was a story alot of people around me shared. So I decided to bring in some of those people (not to mention some of my favorite song writers) to help. As far as what comes first? That changes every song for me. I try to let the song write itself and say what it wants to say.

Hallels: One of the songs that I really love is "To Love You Rightly." What's the inspiration behind this song?

"To Love You Rightly" is one of my favorites as well. It kind of was the precursor to the track "Swan Song." I wrote the song to capture the reality of how short and fleeting this life is. Not in a morbid way, but actually to give perspective and new meaning to what I and the people around me actually live for. In the bridge I sing, "And though these days are numbered young and night takes hold my sight. It's You my heart with choose to love until the day I die." I believe that's the mission statement of this record for me.

Hallels: For our readers who would like to purchase your EP or/and find out more about you, where can they go?

"As for the EP, anyone can download a digital copy on iTunes. As for me, I have a bio on Bethel Music's Website... Here is a link :) http://bethelmusic.com/artist/hunter-thompson/

 

 

Tags : hunter thompson hunter thompson new ep hunter thompson swan song hunter thompson interview hunter thompson hallels' interview hunter thompson bethel bethel music bethel music news hunter thompson ep review hunter thompson swan song review hunter thompson review