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Christian Singer Songwriter Becky Green Talks About Life The Universe...and Music

Christian Becky_G_postersinger/songwriter, pianist and apparently flautist!.. Becky Green grew up in Brighton before settling in Bath and releasing her debut album 'All About Everything' in 2008 - available on itunes. 

Now with approaching 2,000 Facebook followers, a blog and a string of gigs under her belt, and with her second album 'The Searching' released too, Bex as she likes to be called takes time out of her busy schedule to tell us why her melodic songs 'take you on a journey'.... and reflect where she is at in her faith journey - at any one moment. 


(PICTURES:  BECKY GREEN GIG POSTER, BECKY, THE BAND IN THE STUDIO RECORDING AND MORE BECKY)

Hi Becky you are described as a singer/songwriter living in Bath creating songs of hope faith and love.. What inspired you to start writing songs?

I grew up in a very musical family, and in part of a thriving church full of talented Becky_Green_black_and_white_facemusicians, so it just felt like a natural thing for me to have a go at writing some songs myself. I think I wrote my first song when I was about seven or eight.

Having checked out your youtube video to celebrate the launch of your latest album The Searching, would you describe your music as very piano based? 

I would say that the piano or keyboard provides a foundation for most songs, being more prominent in some more than others. The part that I've loved about making The Searching is that the songs have been formed with a band, and so the piano is often just providing a textural layer rather than being the main thing. 

I think I would say that I'm a pianist. I was classically trained on the piano growing up, doing all the grades etc. I play a few other instruments too, but piano is definitely what I really love playing. 

My musical style always feels a bit tricky to describe!  But I would say that it's a big mix of weaving vocals, meandering melodies and musical textures. Moments of stripped back calm, and outbursts of rockier energy. The songs hopefully take you on a journey. 

What are your songs about - do they have common themes?  Are they songs to God or inspired by Him? Becky_band_two_

My songs are about what is going for me at the time really. Most of The Searching was written in a time when I was asking lots of questions about God, and really 'searching' - hence the title! There are some songs where I am really asking 'If you're there, then where are you?' and others where I have a real revelation of God again. I guess they're a bit like modern day Psalms.

How has your personal journey of faith  linked with your musical career and passion to make music?

I think it's all very much linked together. I guess, when you love God, and want your life to bring Him glory, everything you do becomes for Him. I learnt a lot musically through playing in bands at church, and later leading the church in worship. Writing my own songs flowed out of that, and for me, is the most natural way to communicate with and praise God.

When did your band take shape?  How long have you been playing together?

I have always worked with Steve on guitar. We've been doing stuff for some years now, and drafting in musicians for gigs and things - often people from around the country!  This is logistically very tricky, but I just couldn't see how I could get people together in Bath at this point. But, in 2010-11 people literally just kept Becky_band_in_studio_onepopping up from all over the place here in Bath, and at each point I would think, 'Yes, I want to work with them!' So the band kind of formed at the beginning of 2011 and it was full steam ahead from there to work on the new songs and get the album together. I totally love playing in a band - SO much fun!

You are expecting twins - will this affect your immediate plans for gigging and the like?

Yes!  This does make it interesting doesn't it?!  It is amazing having children, but unless you have a live in nanny it makes gigging a real challenge!
We're always keeping our eyes open for the right gigs, and if we feel they are right, we make it happen somehow!  The internet really is an amazing tool as well though, and for a full-time mum like me, posting videos and updates is a lot more doable than traveling around gigging. I hope to continue doing this as much as I can. Obviously when I am as big as a whale, and when the babies arrive things will be on hold for a bit. 

Ususally do you gig in particular venues and places?  Do you have plans for the summer to gig?

We don't have specific types of places that we always go for. Designated music venues, pubs, bars, church halls, whatever comes up really. We're leaving things a bit flexible for the summer, just because of the slight unknown of how I'll be doing in the pregnancy. But, as I said, we're always looking for the right events and venues. 

Is your music for the Christian and secular?

I would like to think that my music is accessible for anybody. I think that most people could say that they've wondered about God and faith whether they are Christians or not. There is a message to my music, but there's a message to all music whether it's Christian or secular.

What do you hope people will get out of listening to your music and songs?

I really hope that people just enjoy the quality of the music and listening to it because they like the songs, but also that others are provoked to find out more Becky_face_sideabout God, and some people are encouraged in their faith. Maybe all of those things! 

Your blog shows that you have a passion and love of baking also!  What is your favourite recipe at the moment?  

I absolutely LOVE cooking and baking. Oooooooh yes! I have figured out an amazingly rich chocolate brownie recipe. It is seriously chocolatey which is just right for me! My daughter Amelie also loves baking, and so it is a good activity to do together when Ru is having a nap.  

You clearly love making things with your hands, do you think that doing something creative is essential in this day and age?  Good for the soul sort of thing? 

I certainly do love being creative. My husband Ed, and I are one of those couples who just can't help it. It is who we are. I do however, know a lot of people who would say they are totally not like that. We are all so different. I guess it's essential for everyone to just be who they are fully meant to be rather than being 'creative' especially. 

How did you become a Christian?     

I grew up in a Christian family. I remember being on holiday once where we visited a church and my brother and I went to the kid's meeting. I just remember saying to mum and dad when we got back from the church that I wanted to give my life to Jesus. It was not forced upon me in any way. Even though I was very young - probably about 4 or 5 years old, I had a wonderful child-like understanding and I wanted to have what I saw in other people around me. It has been a journey since then of ups and downs and really discovering more and more for myself what it means to live for Jesus.   

How would you describe yourself?  

Hhhmmmm...chilled, fun-loving, a bit quirky sometimes, sensitive, honest, I care Becky_sunshineabout people, and I'm not afraid to take some risks in life. That is kind of me from my perspective anyway!

Do you have a project, idea, event of appeal?

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May 2012

'Arts and Media'