
LINKS
Song writing is not a solitary process, and I am fortunate to have a wide range of individuals and organisations who are part of this journey. Below are links to some of these – do check them out!
ORGANISATIONS
Bodmin Road Church
Based on the Bransholme estate in Hull, UK, I was part of Bodmin Road Church for over 20 years, heading up the worship. In the time that I have been songwriting, the church massively supported me and many of the songs were tried out and shaped there.
Engage Worship
Engage Worship is headed up by Sam and Sara Hargreaves, who create fantastic resources to equip and resource the local church, in particular around key events in the life of the church. Sam is also heavily involved in RESOUNDWorship where he is regular co-host of the Worship Songwriting Podcast.
Jubilee Church Hull
Based in Hull City Centre, Jubilee is a diverse, multi-cultural church with a heart for the City, the nation and the world. I have been at Jubilee with my family since November 2021 and looking forward to continuing to serve in worship and develop as a songwriter as new friendships and relationships develop.
RESOUNDWorship
With a mission to support the local church songwriter, this group of writers has been vital for me as I have developed as a songwriter. Through the monthly Songwriting Podcast, the annual Songwriters Retreat, the frequent 12 Song Challenges and the wealth of friendships resulting from involvement – they are a key part in my song writing life. They also seek to find gaps in the worship repertoire of the church and intentionally write into this, with their recent project entitled “Doxecology” providing 13 new songs on themes of creation, ecology and Christian hope.
UCB2
A UK based Christian Radio Station which calls itself “The Home of Hope and Worship”. They have featured one of my songs, Though seasons will change, since November 2021.
United Adoration
The partnership between United Adoration and Resound Worship has been fantastic to see flourish recently, with many opportunities to work together and collaborate. Their generous spirit in putting on day retreats where the US based leaders have to get up at silly o’clock is a real practical demonstration of their heart to support local songwriters.
worshipsongrecording.com
Established by Matt Osgood, worshipsongrecording.com exists to help Christian songwriters around the world hear their songs the way they want. All of the songs that I have produced to date have been produced by Matt, and his attention to detail, heart for worship and immense skill have been really valued through the production process.
Wydale Hall
Situated near Scarborough in North Yorkshire, Wydale Hall is the Retreat and Conference Centre for the Diocese of York. However, I recognise it more personally as the spiritual home of the Resound Worship Songwriters Retreat which I have attended on four occasions. A wonderful building that is soaked in worship and prayer, with an amazing staff team and wider community who provide a welcome that is unrivalled. Do check them out for the more information.
INDIVIDUALS
Here are some of the other songwriters that I have come to know through things such as the 12 Song Challenge. Do check out their pages and their music.
I have arranged this list alphabetically (bizarrely by first name) to save any arguments!
Andrew Finden
A worship songwriter and worship leader who is part of the 12 Song Challenge. Andrew is a professional opera singer and has a passion for writing and leading contemporary worship music in the local church.
Brian West
A US based singer songwriter who is part of the 12 Song Challenge.
Christel Meyer
A US based singer songwriter who is part of the 12 Song Challenge.
Devin Pogue
A US based singer songwriter and Worship Arts Pastor who is part of the 12 Song Challenge.
Elise Massa
A US based singer songwriter and Assistant Director of Music and Worship Arts. Elise is a Regional Leader for United Adoration and regularly heads up some of the day songwriting retreats to support 12 Song Challenge participants. She has just released an EP entitled Sunrise : Songs for the morning.
Hopestream Worship
A UK based group, who are all part of the same church in Somerset. Bringing their own stories of live changed by Jesus into their songs, they long to share the transforming power of Jesus with those who listen. One of the group (Sue) is part of the 12 Song Challenge community.
James Cheesman
A US based singer songwriter and Worship Pastor, James writes in a broad number of styles and for a range of purposes / audiences. His latest worship EP release is entitled Your glory alone and was released in 2021.
Matt McChlery
Zimbabwe born and UK based, Matt’s work extends beyond merely songwriting and worship leading, including writing books and sharing devotionals. Matt has a deep musical heritage, with his great great great grandfather writing a classic hymn. Check out his website to see if you can find the answer!
Olwen Ringrose
With over 20 years experience in songwriting, Olwen’s music draws from a variety of genres including folk, pop and jazz. Two of her releases received a 10/10 rating from Cross Rhythms (Daughter of the King and Hardly a Day) and she her latest release is called Parables (on streaming platforms in March 2022).
Robb Sutherland
Robb is a Church of England Pioneer minister. His website is a visual delight that shows off a number of his passions, including his songwriting. Writing with his wife, including their two rock bands, he is as used to playing in a church setting as in any community venue. Their performances at the Retreat Concert Night have become legendary and much anticipated.
Travis Ham
A US based singer songwriter and Worship Pastor. Travis is a massive part of the 12 Song Challenge with not only his own submissions, but his willingness to encourage and come alongside others to push their songs to be the best they can.