One new song, one big performance
After a thoroughly enjoyable set at the Ross Beer Fest, I'm thrilled to be able to perform at Hay Festival 2017!
Til I’m Blue is the soundtrack to my week of exciting news. Which is kind of spot on, cos it’s all about landing in a terrifying place of opportunity and coolness but feeling incapable and ill-prepared to overcome it. That’s pretty much how I feel today, one week ahead of a really amazing performance opportunity for a young singer/songwriter from Ross-on-Wye.
As you might be able to gather, I’m stuck somewhere between excited and terrified (that’s pretty normal, right?!). I really should take my own advice at the root of my brand new song Til I’m Blue – to trust in God, knowing that he’s chosen and equipped me to do this.
I wrote the rock song at a time of looking God’s opportunities in the face and going, “Nuh-Uh.” (You can read the full story behind the song here) It’s amazing how fear and insecurity can cloud our judgement in so many ways! Even when I know God’s telling me it’s going to be okay, those feelings sneak along and steal my joy.
So, back to excited! As the punchy song declares, “there ain’t no stoppin’ when it’s His show”. My slot at the festival next Tuesday, 30th May will be the first time I’ve had the chance to perform my own songs on stage, let alone to such a large audience (250,000 tickets sold last year – I’ve literally no idea how many people to expect for our show)!
Furthermore, along with the 3 other local acts who have been invited to play by BBC Introducing in Hereford & Worcester, my set will be broadcast on the radio over the weeks that follow. It really is an awesome opportunity.
Of course, brand spanking new Til I’m Blue (released on Friday) will be the star of the show. What a fantastic way to launch my best song yet! It will feature alongside Who Is This King, Invincible God and as yet unrecorded Least, which made a big impact at my church when I first shared it during a service.
As Hay Festival is all about sharing personal stories and experiences, it will be the perfect time to share my testimony, along with the inspirations behind each song. If you’re local, it would be so great to see you there! We’re on at 6pm at the BBC Tent, and you can reserve tickets here. If not, I’ll be sharing links to the BBC Introducing shows I feature on so you can listen back on the iPlayer.
I’m extremely grateful to everyone who continues to support my music ministry in whatever way they can, whether it’s coming to see me live, downloading the songs, sponsoring me or committing to pray. I’m also absolutely overwhelmed by the support of 5 of my friends who volunteered to play with me at Hay and give up their evenings to practice. I couldn’t have accepted the gig without them.
Enjoy Til I’m Blue everyone! And tell me what you think of it. 🙂 I look forward to checking back in with news of how the festival went!
