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What struck me most about the Justin Cofield Band when listening to the new album "Searching for Resolution" was their obvious God-dependency.
Their heart for God and a connection with Him comes across strong on "Searching For Resolution" (see review here), so it was where my conversation with frontman/guitarist Justin Cofield began. I loved what your website had to say about "intentionally being a catalyst for life changes through music," about creating an atmosphere of connection. What are some of the ways you go about that?One thing we always want to try not to do is coax people to worship, but to create an atmosphere that enables them to discover worship that already exists inside them. Everyone has a worship response. Sometimes people just need a little help to know how, where, and when to channel that response. We also try to be intentional about writing songs that cause people to connect with a real God. Many times I feel like Christian music gets bogged down with the niceties of spirituality, I want to write songs that help people connect with different aspects of our walk with God. It's not always fun and easy, and I believe that bleeds through to our worship experience. Your music is very overt in invoking the Holy Spirit's presence and enabling power. Does that limit you at all when you play venues other than churches? How do your audiences respond to this level of authenticity?Since the beginning, we've tried our best to keep the "real" feeling of what we do. I realize that some bands have "the look", and some have "the sound". We just try to be us, and what comes out musically, is what comes out. We don't ever try to change what we do to fit a venue. We just do what we do, and try to do it well. I believe people can sense that, and they appreciate authenticity in music, whether it's worship, or not. I know you were involved in the planting of your church, Vista Community church? Does the band also serve as its worship team?We felt called, about two years ago, to be a part of a body. It's hard when you travel so much to be a part of a fellowship of believers, and to have things like discipleship, accountability, and a church family. When God put "the Vista" on our hearts, we knew He wanted us to be a part. We do lead worship at the Vista when we are in town on Sundays, and we love the fellowship there. What do you enjoy most about being an indie musician?We love being able to play what we want to play, when and where we want to play it. I think that it's nice to be able to be yourself and share what God has given you with other people, without necessarily having to worry about the number of albums sold, radio charts, or the next big contract. What's the most encouraging experience you've had as an artist?I think just knowing that I'm doing exactly what God wants me to be doing right now. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun, but there is a peace in knowing that I'm fulfilling a purpose that I was created for, and that's enough for me.
The copyright of the article Justin Cofield Interview in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Justin Cofield Interview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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