Tell us about the recording process for Must Be More ?
I am very proud of this CD as it was completely recorded in Nashville [USA] using the best musicians around. It was produced by Charlie Peacock who produced Switchfoot, Audio Adrenaline, Nicole Nordeman etc. He also wrote the Amy Grant hit "Every Heartbeat" and DC Talk's "In the Light".
Must Be More took three months to record. I met with the production team [which also included Out of the Grey's Scott Dente and engineer Richie Biggs], played them 20 songs and we chose the 10 strongest.
It was quite incredible to meet the musicians who played on this album. I would read their names on other CD slicks and they had made such an impact on me. It was amazing to have them playing my songs. They are exceptionally talented people - it forces you to be more creative, to step up to the plate.
How did recording this CD differ to your previous six albums?
Unlike my other albums, on this recording I handed over all production decisions to three other people, and for the most part, was happy for them to create what they wanted to. That meant I had to hear any weaknesses or faults they picked up, but I was happy for people to rip into it in order to create better music.
Everyone who worked on this recording was a Christian, unlike my last album [A Look Inside, released in 2003] where I was the only Christian. So I wanted to see what kind of music
you could make when in community with other Christians. I think we created a great album, but we also created great friendships.
What are your plans for touring with this album in 2006?
We'll be doing a national tour in February and March 2006, including every state and capital city, as well as towns in between. I will be touring with my "super band", which is one of the hottest bands in Christian circles at the moment.
I'll be one of the headline acts at AGMF [Australian Gospel Music Festival, 14-16 April], along with artists such as the Newsboys, Rebecca St James and Superchic[k]. (It's amazing to be listed among such big names!)
I'll also be doing a lot of interstate travelling and performances throughout the year as well.
How would you describe the CD Must Be More and what messages are you trying to convey through it?
This album represents me writing and sharing very honestly, without inhibitions. It's a lot more personal and engaging than my previous albums.
I have done a lot of reading about the enormity of the relationship we are in with God, and that's reflected on this CD. The older I get the more I see how my heart often wants things it shouldn't and my mouth often says things it shouldn't, and the enormity of God's grace and mercy through Jesus hits me afresh. In fact I could almost have called this album "Grace and Mercy".
Tell us about the first single to be released, "Like You Love Me", as well as the title track, "Must Be More"?
"Like You Love Me" was one of the last songs that I presented to the guys and they really seemed to like it. Originally it had a different chorus, however Charlie Peacock sent me away to write a new one. This song more than any other on the CD, shows his production skills.
The song is about being hurt by someone and having to forgive them, and then realising how many people I hurt and need to be forgiven by! Hopefully it's a reminder of God's forgiving love and encourages us to live like that too. And yes it was me whistling on the track, along with Scott Dente [Out of the Grey]. We would whistle that guitar riff when practicing, so decided to keep the whistle. Hey it worked for Hogan's Heroes, so why not for us?
The title track, "Must Be More", explores the suspicion that many people have, that there simply has to be more to this life than what I can buy, collect, eat and touch. I feel that if you are daring enough to say "my heart needs more than this life can offer" you are getting closer to the God of the Bible, who says he has placed eternity on our hearts for that very reason - that we might call out to Him and be saved. There is no need to be afraid or alone anymore. That's the good news that this album ultimately points to.
Why did you decide to re-release "Narrow" and "Floating" from your previous album A Look Inside?
"Narrow" was actually written to be played with a band, but when we first recorded it this way for A Look Inside it didn't sound right. So we scrapped it and did it acoustically.
On Must Be More we did record it with a band, so it has a bigger sound. I also re-wrote the first verse to make it more accessible and changed the bridge.
"Floating" was re-released because of its success as a number one single in Australia [on The Rock Across Australia top 30 chart for Christian radio]. I'm really pleased we did, because I love the way it sounds on this CD - it has more intensity and better reflects the way I play it live.
What are your favourite tracks on Must Be More?
This is the first of my CDs that I've listened to for my own pleasure. I'm enjoying hearing the excellent musicians playing on it and the way the songs have been produced.
As for favourite songs, I'd be in trouble if I didn't say "Hostage" because I wrote it for my wife Cassie when I was pursuing her. For me, it's one of the best songs I've written.
Of the "Christian" songs on the CD, I love "Holy Wonder". I love that idea of the tension between living now on earth, and living in a new heaven and a new earth when Jesus returns. I hope that song captures this idea.
How has your music career impacted on your new marriage?
I feel like we've crammed 10 years of marriage into one year! We spent the first few months living in other people's houses, which was really difficult, but thankfully we've just moved into our own place in Sydney [close to the airport of course!].
My wife Cassie and I love travelling together and seeing other parts of the Church, it gives you a better understanding of the Body. Even though this lifestyle is tiring and stressful, we are very lucky to have the freedom to travel and meet people; to encourage and inspire our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to be salt and light to those who don't know Jesus. Every day we get to do this is a great day.
What are your plans for the future?
My best songs are still inside me, they are still coming out.
I'm longing to co-write some songs. I'd like to see what someone else would bring to the table, so this will be the last album where every single song has been written by me ?
I'd love to record a live album and make it really interesting and engaging. I'd also like to do an acoustic, devotional album infused by old hymns with new melodies set to them. I take very seriously God's command to "sing to the Lord a new song".
View all Nathan Tasker albums, including Must Be More
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