NCM interviews Martin Smith (Delirious?)

Darren Mangold reports:

With memories of their farewell tour still fresh in our minds and following 17 amazing years and thousands of shows playing to millions worldwide, the phenomenon that is Delirious? was sure to leave a lasting legacy. Darren Mangold reflects on this legacy with the band's front man Martin Smith.....

What's been your most memorable time with Delirious?

'Probably playing in the lesser developed countries like India, Africa, Cambodia etc.
It makes you realise that the planet is so rich with culture and humanity.
It was incredible to see how music can transcend the language and cultural barriers'.

As a 'historymaker', what aspect of history making do you feel Delirious have excelled at?

'We saw no walls in front of us. We were confident in who God had made us to be and we tried to jump over those walls whether it was religion, industry, etc.
We believed God had called us to start fires that ignited people's passion for God, to encourage people to feel part of something bigger than themselves, to believe that we could change the atmosphere in our cities by singing God songs'.

If you could have changed anything about Delirious, what would that be?

'Not too many things. We sometimes got too busy to take stock and listen to what God was saying.
It's easy to do good but much harder to stay in the 'great'.'

Over the journey that has been the last 17 years what has been the biggest sacrifice? and what has been the biggest lesson?

'The biggest sacrifice has been time spent away from my wife and kids. There has been a price to pay for this and now I have a season of coming off the road and bringing a balance back to our family which is much needed. It's okay to follow a dream as long as there is grace from God to do that. When the grace lifts you have to make big decisions lest we walk in our own strength'.

At what point in your time with Delirious did you feel closest to God?

'I'm not sure I equate this question to Delirious as it only represented 50% of my life. The moments you get the 'shivers' are when you're out riding bikes with your kids and you catch one of their happy faces in the sunlight, that beats any crowd or D experience. Having said that the paradox is that I was born to be on a stage leading people in expressing their love for God. I feel at home there, everything about me comes into focus in those moments but real joy is family, community and giving your life away'.

Do you have ideas on ways in which the local church could bring worship music out to the wider 'unchurched' community? 'People love music. It's the main thing that can connect people in a community and transcends all division. When people sing together they become a team and churches need to believe in this more. Invite people to the house of God to sing, go to the streets and sing too, the sound of worship will draw people of all backgrounds to Jesus'.

How can local church musicians and worship leaders get involved in making CompassionArt a success?

'It's a great model. Artists, musicians coming together, to create something and then give it away for people who need help and restoration.
I see this could happen all over the world, a movement of artists willing to use their gifts to change peoples lives not just emotionally but physically too'.

Where do you see your 'obsession' taking you into the future?

'Back to music, to writing, to exploring new sounds and scapes, new ways to say things. Sitting on a hill top thinking, waiting, praying and singing'.

Martin Smith has hinted the band may reunite one day but for now he pursues the Compassionart project. Guitarist Stu G and bassist Jon Thatcher have formed a new band called 'One Sonic Society'. JohnThatcher is also working on a visual project called 'Arkyard' and Stu G has been writing and recording for many artists around the world, and will continue to be a member of the Compassionart writing team. Keyboard player Tim Jupp has launched his own series of one-day Christian music festivals called 'The Big Church Day Out'. Old drummer Stew Smith launched his graphic design company, 'Smeezer', and is also involved with the marketing of 'The Big Church Day Out' festival. New drummer Paul Evans continues to play for various artists and for Soul Survivor.