David Baloche on Growing Up with His Dad Paul Baloche, His New Album & the Power of Scripture

Recording artist, composer David Baloche released his contemplative, scripture-based debut album,Labyrinth, worldwide amidst acclaim March 24. Hitting top 10 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart during its first week at digital retail, the full-length Labyrinth is the lead volume in an upcoming series that offers unique musical meditations using various translations from the Holy Bible, with this first project focusing on scriptures that address anxiety and stress.

Executive produced by WILDFIRE7 and Baloche's father, Dove Award-winning worship leader/songwriter Paul Baloche, Labyrinth is a soundscape for use during times of personal and corporate prayer and meditation with scripture sung by David Baloche, who also plays piano, acoustic guitar, clarinet, trumpet and virtually all of the instrumentation on the album.

Q:  What was it like growing up with Paul Baloche as your dad? 

Growing up with Paul Baloche as my dad was wonderfully disillusive. Behind the fame and success is a regular guy - a good guy, but a regular one, nonetheless. I'd say I've learned more from the man that few know than from the musician that many know. He's the same behind the scenes as when he's on the stage, and as a pretty jaded person, I find that admirable. 

Q: What do you think is the most important lesson your dad ever taught you about songwriting? 

Songwriting is a lifestyle. Our antennas must always be up, always in tune to the world around us. Every headline in the paper, every sentence in a book, every accidental turn of phrase around the dinner table is an opportunity. Don't just sit down for a "songwriting session." Every second is a songwriting session if you're paying attention. 

Q:  Are you currently serving as a worship leader in a local church?  Tell us about your ministry. 

I play bass guitar and French horn at Trinity Grace Tribeca with worship leader David Gungor (The Brilliance). Sunday mornings usually consist of an impeccable string ensemble and a touch of brass. Most of my weekends are spent traveling with my high school students to various cities around the country to compete in speech and debate tournaments. 

Q:  Let's talk about your new album "Labyrinth."  Why did you decide to do an album of Scripture songs? 

The album concept was originally conceived by Paul Baloche. He was approaching Scripture songs from the scripture memory angle, but the intention evolved into a desire to address certain emotional needs. When we first set out to create Labyrinth, the primary objective was to address anxiety - scriptures that speak to anxiety, music that soothes, &c. And while I hope these songs will offer comfort during times of chaos and despair, I don't intend the music to be a salve or an opiate, a way to escape our problems; rather, the songs are a reminder that as we journey through life's labyrinths, we are not alone. 

Q:  Why did you entitle the record "Labyrinth"?  

The labyrinth represents a journey to and from the center. In mythology, the center holds the beast that is slain by Theseus. In theology, the center is where Christ descends into Hell. In psychoanalysis, the center is where we find ourselves. The labyrinth symbolizes the epic journey to the center of wherever we're going, a journey we must all undertake. I want Labyrinth to encourage listeners to embark upon this difficult journey. 

Q:  What are you most excited about in the making of this album? 

I'm most excited about the compositions and orchestrations. It's fun to test out different translations and sing various scriptures on top of each other, but I'm more interested in how the form (music, texture, etc.) supports the content (scripture, lyrics, etc.). 

Q:  You have also partnered with YouVersion Bible App for this record.  Tell us more about this partnership?  

When we first set out to create Labyrinth, the primary objective was to address anxiety - scriptures that speak to anxiety, music that soothes, &c. And while I hope these songs will offer comfort during times of chaos and despair, I don't intend the music to be a salve or an opiate, a way to escape our problems; rather, the songs are a reminder that as we journey through life's labyrinths, we are not alone. We partnered with YouVersion to develop video devotionals that highlight scriptures related to anxiety.  

Q: Can you relate a story from your own life where God's Word had been your light? 

I visited a friend in a psychiatric ward one beautiful Sunday. I left weeping, walking aimlessly through the streets of NYC. Suddenly, and serendipitously, I stumbled upon a Hillsong NYC service. Unconcerned with my red eyes and tear-soaked face, I stepped inside and soaked in the music. An indescribable peace fell over me like a warm blanket. "The spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." 

 

 

Tags : david baloche david baloche interview Paul Baloche david baloche labyrinth david baloche news Integrity Music