The Manchester-based rapper and singer CHIP KENDALL tells us about his new album
Since thebandwithnoname called it a day in 2010, American-born, Manchester-based singer, rapper, broadcaster and author Chip Kendall has continued to grow an international reputation. Chip's first full length album since his tbwnn days is eagerly awaited. Here Chip gives us a blow-by-blow account of each song on 'Holy Freaks'.
"Freak Show"
We felt this would be a great song
to open the album with since it sets up the idea of what we mean by
the term "freak". Many people are used to the phrase "Jesus freak"
made popular in the 1970s, but there is a whole new generation of holy
freaks rising up. This song is an anthem for anyone who has stood by
their convictions and said "no" when the crowd was urging them to say
"yes". Lights always shine brightest in the dark.
"Holy Freaks"
This song started in the
imagination of Philippa Hanna. She had this little hook that to me
sounded like a cross between a militant march and a circus. The song
sprang to life relatively quickly once I'd got hold of it. Then Joel
Atkins really outdid himself in the production, giving it a very
quirky sound. The message is clear. In a war that is raging for
peoples' souls, we are God's freedom fighters, and we know who wins.
"Evolution"
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation. The old is gone and the new has come." For over a year now
I've had the opportunity of going into high schools with a deejay and
a scientist as part of something called Test Of FAITH: Live!. We
present our faith through music, science experiments, videos and short
talks, then we finish with a Q&A session like you wouldn't
believe. This song dives into God's scientific imagination and wonders
at how Christ is born in the hearts of every new believer.
"Solve It On The Dancefloor"
At our Chip Kendall Band
concerts, this song has always been a favourite. It's a celebration of
diversity and a chance to prove to everyone that we don't take
ourselves too seriously. The underlying message, though, is to make
sure your actions back up your words. The proof is in the pudding.
Don't just talk big. If the joy of the Lord is your strength, then
let's literally "dance the NIGHT away!"
"Answers"
In schools we get asked the question
all the time, "If God is good, then why do bad things happen to good
people?" This is a question that has no easy answer. I've always held
the strong conviction that sometimes God tells his best stories
through our most difficult times. But what is our response? Do we
allow these experiences to harden our hearts, or do we listen harder
to hear his voice in the middle of our pain?
"Sunshine"
This has been another favourite for
us to play live. However, having done the majority of our gigs in the
UK, we've learned to love the irony of singing "Step into the
sunshine" to crowds of festival-goers drenched in rain. There's
nothing like it in the world! Hopefully they come away understanding
that we're talking about the light of Jesus, and the brilliant news of
his never-ending salvation.
"Old Rugged Cross"
When we wrote this song, in
all honesty it was an attempt to recapture the magic of
thebandwithnoname's "Amazing Grace" - bringing life to a very old
hymn. However, we never expected to come up with the middle 8 we did.
"All riches, all treasure, I count as loss. Compared to knowing you,
the power of your cross." It's actually a really nice little worship
moment in the heart of the song and album as a whole. And what a
privilege to collaborate with some great worshipping evangelist
friends of mine - Twelve24, MPFREE and Matt Hill, the worship leader
at !Audacious, our home church in Manchester.
"Praise Him"
Some praise and worship songs
deserve airplay in stadiums and clubs. This is our attempt at what
that might sound like. Church is where the real party is. Jesus
couldn't shut up about the Kingdom of Heaven, and neither should we.
We're called to model Heaven on earth. "Let everything that has breath
praise him!"
"Call My Name"
This album version of the song
(as with Underground Army) is significantly different to the one on my
EP 'K Is For Kendall'. But the message is still the same. Prodigal
sons and daughters must hear that their Father has never stopped
loving them. He's calling them by name to come home to him. His grace
knows no limits, and he is waiting with healing and forgiveness.
"Underground Army"
Having performed the EP
(extended) version of this song many times over the past couple years,
it's safe to say that we quickly realised there were a few major
transformations that needed to take place. What you hear now is the
result of some seriously massive upgrades, and the song has infinitely
improved in my opinion. It tells the story of Ezekiel 37 from the
inside out, as a modern day "soldier" wrestles with concepts of war,
death, forgiveness and ultimately resurrection life. The track
finishes with what can only be described as a no-holds-barred
prophetic rant, speaking life, hope, peace, joy and purity over this
generation.
chip kendall is amazing i met him and he is such a nice guy he is AWESOME i am inspired to be like you