John Burland has dedicated his life to creating inspiring and uplifting religious music for children and adults for over two decades. The Australian artist wears many hats: a Catholic composer, musician, and educator. He’s recorded over 300 recorded songs and sixteen published music collections.
His music has become a fixture in primary and secondary school and parish communities in Australia, New Zealand, America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. His contributions to liturgical music have also been recognized globally. Two of his compositions, "Come O Holy Spirit" and "Lord By Your Cross," are included in Sydney's official 2008 World Youth Day liturgies.
I had the chance to chat with John about his latest album, Into the World, his songwriting process, his recording experience in Nashville, and what he has in store for the future.
What inspired you to write your new album, Into the World?
With most of my albums, the starting point is always to look at where there’s a need for a specific song or piece. Through conversations with teachers, catechists, and friends in ministry, I often asked them, “Is there a particular song or type of song you are looking for in your ministry?” As a result, I identified a need for a contemporary Christian graduation song, a wedding song, and songs for the Beatitudes and the Magnificat. I was also asked for songs to support prayer and to celebrate the Holy Spirit.
How would you describe the style?
The style is a contemporary praise and worship style with a pop feel.
Tell us about the title and what does it mean to you?
All of us are called to go ‘into the world’ and be the light of Christ to and for others. As we navigate this journey, our paths are filled with many challenges and ups and downs. It’s not an easy journey to be true and faithful witnesses to the message of the Gospel. Many of the songs in this collection speak to my journey but also share a commonality with the journey of others.
What is your usual songwriting process?
I go for a long walk early each morning. This is when many of my ideas for melodies and lyrics come to me and take initial shape. Then once I’m back home, I record a demo on my iPhone, and then I keep coming back to them so they can be developed further. Once a song is in a basic shape, I record a rough demo of what I have done so far and sit with that for several weeks, continually coming back to tweak and shape words and melodies.
Over the last five years, in working with some other songwriters, my process has grown and developed. I have learned from others and had the blessing of working with the talents of others. This is a joyful and inspiring process as they each bring something different to the songwriting process, whether it’s a melody, lyrics, or a complete song. Working with others is an incredibly uplifting and creative process.
Why did you record the album in Nashville?
The album was recorded at Yackland Studio in Nashville with producer Stephen Leiweke. Stephen produced my All Are Welcome Here and ARISE albums, and, through his guidance, he has helped me to grow as a songwriter, artist, and musician. His production and team of musicians are incredible, and he invests totally in your project to make it the very best it can be. I also like the intensive, collaborative, and focused approach Stephen facilitates at his studio. We work together as a team, stay in the studio complex, and live and breathe the album as it goes from a basic demo to a world-class produced collection of songs.
What is the recording process in Nashville?
I love being in the studio and watching a song develop; the process is always fascinating. We spend the first days of pre-production in the studio, defining tempos, keys, and arrangements. Once this is done for each song, we record a scratch vocal as a guide. Pre-production takes approximately two or three hours per song. The following days are spent tracking: recording each song's drums, bass, piano, and guitars. This process is exciting as the incredibly talented Nashville musicians bring the songs to life.
Once this is completed, we add additional guitar and keyboard parts before it’s time for lead and backing vocals. Once all pieces are recorded, I walk away and come back weeks later and listen to the mixes carefully crafted by Stephen. These are tweaked and discussed, and once finalized, the songs are sent for mastering for the final polish. Only then can you say the album is “in the can.”
What are your favorite songs from the collection?
There are songs of personal nature, like “Lord, Shine Your Light on Me Today” and “Father Let Me Know You.” However, “You Are the One” is a special song for my family and me. It was written for my eldest daughter Daniela’s wedding, and I had the privilege of singing it at the ceremony for Daniela and her husband. You can watch a video of me singing at her wedding here.
How would you hope the songs from the new album are used?
Like any composer, you hope people find comfort in the songs you write or can celebrate and reflect inspired by the music. I hope these songs support others as they journey in faith through the good times and the many challenges in life. As a Christian composer, these songs ultimately praise and celebrate the incredibly loving and merciful God we all share.
What is the best career advice you’ve been given?
Always believe in yourself and surround yourself with people of immense talent who will help you grow and give honest and open feedback.
What’s next for you?
I’m working with music artist Philippe-Marc Anquetil and Stephen on a contemporary praise and worship kids’ album, which will be out in early 2024.
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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