Ross Crawford Talks About His Upcoming Album: "It's Brutally Honest Worship!"

"Firm Foundation," the debut single from Tulsa, Oklahoma, worship artist and songwriter Ross Crawford is available NOW at iTunes/Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify and all other digital retailers.

In recent years, Crawford has shared his music with thousands of people in worship services across the midwest and has shared the stage with artists such as Hawk Nelson, Stars Go Dim, Austin French and many more.

In September 2019, Crawford signed with McLaughlin Music Group for management. He is in the midst of recording his first project of original music.

Q:  Ross, thank you for doing this interview with us.  Let's start with yourself: tell us a little about yourself.

My pleasure friends! Well let's see, I'm a preacher's kid born and raised in Oklahoma. Ive lived in the state all my life and I really love it here. I've got a lovely wife and son now and it's wonderful being so close to family. 

Q:  How did you feel God's call to become involved in music ministry?

You know, I was in high school when I knew I wanted to do something with music. I just wasn't sure what that "something" was. So I played in a secular pop band for a while. Then I tried my hand at punk rock. I was using my gifts for everything other than God and one day I just woke up. The idea of the American Dream is one of the biggest threats to an authentic Christian life these days, and I once I realized that was what I was chasing I was able to shift my focus. So for me it wasn't exactly about hearing the call coming from the other side of a door. It more like God saying "wrong door" over and over again until I finally gave in.

Q:  Tell us about your current ministry.  Are you serving as a worship pastor/leader now?

I am, yes. I lead worship all over the Tulsa area and I'm also a youth pastor. 

Q:  You have a new single released.  Tell us how this song "Firm Foundation" came about.

It really was born around the same time as my son. I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and my anxiety was maxed out. I remember feeling like I was being tossed around in a storm and had little to no control over just about every part of my life. So I started writing with the intentions of creating a sad sort of "my life sucks" song and God used me to write a song full of faith and conviction instead. It's sort of funny. When the song was finished, no one needed to hear it more than me. That's just what God does I suppose.

Q:  You are also preparing to release your album.  Tell us a little about what we can expect from this new album.

Brutally honest worship. Some of the metaphor and language I use isn't typical of a worship album, but it's raw and honest and I think that makes it more accessible to folks. I wonder sometimes what it's like to enter a church for the first time and hear the songs we sing. I want these songs to be able to speak to you immediately, whether you've grown up in church or not. Also you can expect some "old-school" church sounds in some new and exciting ways. I'm pretty giddy about it. 

Q:  Does songwriting come easy for you?  What or who inspires you to write?

I've got 2000 unfinished voice memos on my phone to prove that writing songs doesn't always come naturally to me. Some days the words pour out. Other days they never come. Having a gift can only get you so far if it's not anointed, so I find when my spiritual life is struggling, my writing struggles. To be honest, I'm glad it's not always a natural thing. I want it to be supernatural. Then there's no way I can take credit for it. 
Joel Houston's metaphors are very inspiring at times. He could write a worship song about a magic marker and I'd be like "oh that speaks to me!". I also love listening to Phil Wickham. There's definitely a supernatural element to his music.

Q:  How do you hope your music would impact the lives of your listeners?

My hope is that my music simply unlocks the heart. When people listen, I want them to make room. My songs aren't going to change anyone's life, but they could make room in someone's life for The Holy Spirit to do incredible life-changing things.  

For more information about Crawford, check out RossCrawfordMusic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

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