Surrey singer/songwriter MIKE HENSON admits that a lot of his songs can be sung as prayers but it doesn't stop him finding a receptive non-Christian audience. Tony Cummings reports.

PRAYERFUL SONGSMITH: Mike Henson

CDs arrive at Cross Rhythms in all shapes and sizes, from the biggest budget mainstream release through to the first recording done by a young hopeful on a bedroom studio. The release of a humble four-track EP by Surrey-based singer/songwriter Mike Henson brought forth an enthusiastic review with the CR scribe complimenting Mike's "clear, no frills lyrics which complement a rich vocal delivery and good guitar playing." What the reviewer didn't know was that the whole 'Mike Henson' EP was recorded and released on a budget of £150! Mike explains how his ultimate budget line release came about: "I spent a week at a friend's studio in Horsham and recorded four tracks - two of which I decided not to put on the finished EP. Another song ("Fly - Jabez Version") was recorded with another friend. Originally we didn't even know if we'd come out with a finished product but I'm actually very pleased with that track. The fourth song on the EP ("I Wander The Strange") is actually an older acoustic recording, which I thought would be nice to include."

Mike was born in South Africa and then moved to Zimbabwe where he lived for 12 years before coming to England with his family. His home life was one of faith. "I grew up in a Christian family and made a commitment to follow Jesus at a very young age - I can't remember exactly when, but the reality of that decision has never left me. I've never looked back, but to be honest a lot of that is down to being surrounded by people who have encouraged and inspired me - it's a heritage I'm extremely grateful for - something I've learnt a great deal from. And I know that all my life, and even before I was born, I've been surrounded in prayer - so really I have only God to thank!"

Mike began learning guitar when he was about 14. A few members of his church's worship group had been in a band called No Bad Thing and it was their support and inspiration that got Mike playing and composing. He observes, "I feel like I've been on quite a journey since then. I think being part of various 'worship groups' through the years has hugely influenced my view of music as a whole. I believe music, and other creative art forms, are closely linked to the prophetic. I think God uses them to speak into situations. It's incredibly clear to see in this day and age that music is such a key component of our culture and I think its vital for Christian artists to engage with society through the gifts they've been given. God wants us to fill 'all of creation', not just our own ghettos. I think culture is like a conversation and as Christians we should be seeking to communicate God's heart. I think at times God does choose to speak through people who don't even know him - especially on issues such as justice - and I sometimes wonder if that's partly because Christians are failing to really engage?!"

Mike is now playing gigs in the Surrey area. "The majority are acoustic, singer/songwriter type evenings and generally aren't 'Christian' run events. I love doing those kind of gigs - a lot of my songs, especially the new stuff, can almost be sung as prayers - so I sing them over the people watching. I'm usually amazed by how much I can get away with. I almost see them as part of my church. As far as recording goes I'm hoping to start recording some of the new material in the very near future."