Songwriter Proof of Industry Changes

By Tracy Winborn & Mark Martin

CBN News Reporter

December 31, 2007

CBNNews.com - There's a new Christmas song playing in churches around the world. It's all because a creative worship team is bypassing record labels and getting their music out through the internet. It's a trio technology brought together across the Atlantic Ocean.

Worship leader Tim Light's Christmas song "I Adore You" has already been downloaded by 20,000 churches.

"It's just a love song and a simple worship song where people can connect at Christmas time."

Tim grew up as a "PK" in the UK and after leading worship there for the past eight years, this preacher's kid says churches are starting to reach the lost in new ways.

"I think it's really an exciting time the the UK church. I think we're really seeing a pursuit for holiness. I think critics and media don't really pick up on new churches that are really growing and we're seeing amazing things happening."

As God is moving in Great Britain, Tim has caught a global vision through the internet and it's taking him places he never imagined. He not only leads worship throught the UK, but also in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and even here in the U.S. That's where he's teaming up with two band members of American Idol Top 10 finalist Chris Sligh.

Sligh's guitar player Adam Fisher and keyboardist Don Chapman both help worship leaders produce their own music. They use computer software instead of going through multi-million dollar record labels.

"Today is such an amazing time to be alive with the internet and computers and how you can do music. You don't have to have a record label anymore and be tied to that." Chapman told CBN News.

The trio met after Tim won a song writing contest on Don's website. Now, Tim and Don co-write songs together across the ocean. Tim records those songs in England and then emails his voice track to South Carolina where Don uses computer software to add in the instruments and Adam mixes it.

As to whether the three will keep their cool little gig going? Fisher is confident, "sure, we have way too much fun for our own good."

Tim's success, which includes the self-produced C.D. "resounding" has prompted others to compare him to the next Matt Redman who is an accomplished British Christian singer and songwriter. So what does Tim think about the comparison?

"It's very humbling to be called Matt Redman, but I like to think of myself as Tim Light as well."

The internet may be producing a new generation of Christian Music but this band of entrepreneurs wants to encourage others that it simply comes down to trusting God with your heart's desires.

Tim says his life is a testimony to that truth, "one of my favorite verses is Psalm 37, 'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.' and that's just my story really. I'm just amazed everyday at the goodness of God."

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