Chloe Williams, vocalist and songwriter of Saint Augustine’s Music, wants to create songs that minister to the unique needs of her local congregation. At the same time, though, she and her fellow musicians hope that their melodies and lyrics make their way to people they’ve never met. Williams’ approach resonates with much of the independent worship artist community. While the majority of modern worship music comes out of big-name megachurches, indie musicians make a significant contribution, both to their own churches and to the worship music scene at large. For example, singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb recently released Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer, which spans the emotional range seen throughout the book that inspired the album. “I wanted to find psalms that were full of joy and thanksgiving and lament,” she told CT in a recent article. “The light is so much more beautiful for having allowed yourself the ache of the dark.” As we’re building our playlists for summer road trips or lazy days spent beating the heat, may the songs of Williams, Cobb, and fellow indie worship artists remind us that all around the world, our brothers and sisters are creating songs designed to help us worship. |