Worship leader, producer, and sound designer Mike Graff is the mastermind behind The Altar Project, a platform he uses to release piano versions of worship songs and classic hymns.
Mike has served in the worship ministry for over 20 years. He resides in St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife and three kids. I recently spoke with Mike about The Altar Project, new music, and more.
Tell us about your ongoing instrumental series under the name, The Altar Project.
I wanted to find a way to allow people to listen to their favorite worship songs but in an instrumental way that allowed them to listen at all times of the day. I've been playing piano for decades and have always enjoyed the simplicity of solo-piano music. So, my experience both as a worship pastor and instrumentalist brought The Altar Project to light.
What are some of your first memories of playing the piano? Why did you gravitate towards that instrument?
The piano can express a lot of emotions very quickly. And I feel it has a lot more range than most instruments. It’s about as limitless as it gets. I've felt a connection to the piano since a young age and never gave it up. It's always been square one for me, musically.
Instrumental music can really take us to places that normal worship cannot. Why do you think that is?
I think the ability to always have instrumental music on—without breaking someone’s concentration on other tasks—gives it quite an edge. And that's a beautiful thing. Instrumental music brings more of our personal worship to the forefront instead of perhaps making it about the worship of the respective artist or church. Not that normal worship is subpar at all, but an instrumental version might find its way into the cracks of your day-to-day life that the normal version might not. It's unique and, I think, amazing.
Would you ever consider instrumental versions of hit Christian songs?
If there was enough listener demand for instrumental versions of hit Christian songs, I would say yes, absolutely. I've considered it but felt it was more self-serving than anything. I'd rather hear from the listeners, see what they're resonating with, and hear what they'd like to have come next. Where’s the Chick-Fil-A sponsorship? (Kind of kidding with this one.) I sure wouldn't mind that.
What’s next?
I'm beginning a series of classic hymn EPs that will be interwoven each year with my main releases (each volume of Worship Piano) and the Christmas releases. I’m releasing Classic Hymns, Vol. I in late summer 2022, with more to come.
How can we be praying for you?
Pray for the hearts of everyone who listens to The Altar Project. Pray that they may find God's peace in the melodies of these powerful worship songs that cling to His timeless truth and remind us of His love. And pray for discernment for me as I continue to choose songs to release more and more Altar Project volumes.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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