Timothy R. Smith
Hey, TR! Looks like you've had a name change and image makeover. Is this related to the gritty edge of your new CD, Persuaded? What brought the rocker out of you?
Sacred music is a vocation to me and I approach it in two ways. One is as a "composer," and my three previous OCP collections were liturgical music — thinking like a composer. But before I became a "composer" I was always a "songwriter." I approached this new record, Persuaded, more as a songwriter. Rather than ritual music, these songs reflect personal interactions with God. But I love both approaches — composer and songwriter — and I think the two ways intersect more and more.
For me, Persuaded is a cathartic faith journey from struggle and frustration to surrender, hope, and trust in Christ Jesus. My goal with this record is to reflect parts of the faith experience we all share, including both our trials and our graces.
What are your thoughts about contemporary music and the liturgy?
I approach them separately. I believe liturgical music needs to fit defined parameters in terms of text, range, motivic unity, singablilty, and arrangement. Contemporary Christian music (like the tunes in Persuaded) contains those considerations, but there is considerably more freedom of form. I think only three or four out of these twelve songs could find their way into a liturgy.
Tell us about your touring band, the Sacred Music Boys. Who are they? How often do you tour?
The Sacred Music Boys are unbelievable musicians with whom I am honored to be associated. These guys are the best session musicians in Detroit: Michael King (producer of Persuaded), Robert Tye, David Taylor on drums, James Simonson, Dave Hendrickson, Greg C. Brown, and Gia Warner are all accomplished professionals. I am always humbled when we are assembled. We are playing a lot more lately and we can morph to whatever size is appropriate for the venue.
Where do your songs come from? How do you compose?
To me, songwriting is an intensive series of decision making. Musical sounds and textual lines lead to further development. As a sacred music writer, I hope that I am guided by the Holy Spirit. I pray that God is my 'muse' to guide me so my music can serve. I think humility is a constant goal and challenge of a sacred music composer. Think about Hadyn. He was almost as brilliant as Mozart but he always wore a servant's uniform. Those who humble themselves . . .
If someone wrote a Wikipedia essay about you, who would you want listed as your musical influences?
Bob Dylan, J. S. Bach, Bruce Springsteen, Samuel Barber, Billy Joel, Johannes Brahms, John Rutter, and the Beatles.
If you had a time machine, what period of history would you want to visit? Who would you want to meet?
I think Stephen Foster and Woody Guthrie would both be fun guys to hang with.
How do you balance your life as a touring musician, a parish music minister, and a husband and father?
I do not claim to have that issue solved! It is a continual process. Sometimes my life is a fire drill. My wife Kim is going to heaven. I have had an opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of work situations. While I believe music is my vocation, I will and have relegated it to an avocation. My primary responsibility is to be a husband, father and provider. My music cannot trump that role and my ego cannot trump my music ministry.
Any advice for young people who aspire to be Christian musicians?
Be yourself! You are a wonderful amalgam of all who have touched your life — both musically and spiritually. Dedicate your talent and your gifts to serve God and his people. Remember that this mission involves a constant process of prayer and checking your ego. If you accept this mission, understand that commercial music runs completely contrary to this ethic. Do not imitate this. Follow your faith and your call to serve the people of God. Just the other day Jesse Manibusan was pounding in my head — everything he does is about catechesis, formation and evangelization. Do not be a cymbal clanging!
Anyone you want to thank?
I want to thank my mom and dad who drove me to lessons when I was a kid and still would drive me if I needed them to. My wife, Kim, has put up with my preoccupation and distraction. Father Strain took a chance on me a long time ago and stood by me. I am grateful to my family, my band, and my faith community. Specifically, I am thankful to Michael King and Joe Rayes for their help with this CD and the CD release concerts on June 15 & 16. I am thankful for the mercy of God, and that I am still able to serve.
Links to TR Smith's latest CDs:
Persuaded
Praise the Name