Jon Guerra’s ‘Monday Morning Prayer song’

once I heard the early singles from Jon Guerra's new album, Keeper of Days, I suspected the album would be stellar. "Kingdom of God" felt like a Nick Drake folk tune impressed through Scripture. "citizens" turned into an anguished, prophetic reflection on "the meaning of Christian in this American life." "teach Us That One track" (watch video under) captured the nostalgic pain that can regularly accompany maturing faith.

I also suspected i would love Guerra's album once I heard he had written music for Terrence Malick's A Hidden lifestyles and turned into now living in Austin, Texas, working with Malick on track for his next movie, the biblical period piece The final Planet. 

Guerra's new album—released remaining Friday—did not disappoint. The comply with-as much as his 2015 album Little Songs, Keeper of Days is without doubt one of the best Christian records I've heard in years. He describes the style as "devotional tune," which he says is "less Sunday morning worship song and greater Monday morning prayer song."

during this Q&A, Guerra describes what he potential through "devotional music," why Radiohead evokes him, and what it's want to collaborate with Terrence Malick.

How would you describe "devotional song," and how does it vary from what we typically find in contemporary Christian song?

"Devotional track" is a time period I began the use of to explain songs that got here from a specific vicinity and that seem to have a specific pleasant—music birthed in quiet, and meant to be listened to in quiet (an early "Monday morning," if you will). in the quiet, at my optimal, I haven't any motive or intention other than being with God as I write. The purpose is to ask him to be with me, time and again once more. I write and rewrite and list from that area. there's humdrum too, loads of thorns and thistles alongside the style. but this frequently fades, and all that's left is the candy reminiscence of being with God as I work. 

modern Christian tune (CCM) is constantly in regards to the Christian life in popular, and it's made to assist americans suppose inspired and advantageous during the week. It's frequently written from a Christian person to a Christian adult. The optimal CCM songs, individually, have a devotional high-quality to them: from an individual to God. To make certain, CCM ministers to people drastically, and i'm so grateful for that. i used to be plugged into the mainframe of the CCM matrix for roughly three years and saw firsthand how plenty decent it does for people. 

Devotional tune is doubtless slightly nearer to worship track (WM), in the experience that they're each attempting to facilitate whatever. but there are large adjustments. WM is liturgical—made to support congregations on Sundays worship together. The liturgical function of WM requires specific boundaries: singability, general language/phrases, average music arrangements (verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, etc), and collective relatability. 

Devotional tune, in the meantime, is totally own. It has no functional boundary, only one colossal spiritual boundary: prayer. The track, language, trend, and private expression are, ideally, all alive with prayer. It takes cues from the Psalms. There's room for darkness, doubt, ugliness, and self-exposure. There isn't as a great deal room for those issues in a CCM or WM context, and for first rate purpose, I consider. 

Are there different artists accessible who you'd say are making devotional music in an analogous vein?

There are many people writing devotional music, even though we're all spread out. as far as i do know, there are no conferences, radio stations, or checklist labels that act as a "home" for us. many people are additionally part-time worship leaders, so we're form of silo'ed in our respective church buildings. I've been loving Andy Squyres these days. and of course, Keith eco-friendly's tune.

became there a guiding idea, theme, or temper you had been going after in Keeper of Days? What ties this assortment of songs together?

The guiding questions have been, "Did this come from a place of prayer?" and "Would this support the listener pray?" Stylistically, i wished a strong feel of brotherly love, however no longer a robust sense of "genre." when we hear "rock" or "pop" or some thing, we expect definite feelings to follow. i wished to try and remove any cues for the listener so that they may have their own journey of the songs. 

The title tune, "Keeper of Days," truly ties every little thing together. in case you pay attention the entire way through, there is a sense of finality and completion when that track is over. maybe it's the last line, "Hear my prayer, my precious Lord and God." i know americans don't truly listen to tune in album-order as tons anymore, but I did intend for the listener to hear from start to finish, in a single sitting, if viable. The songs unfold into each and every other because the album progresses. 

You've spoke of how many of your musical influences come from backyard Christian song. What are some of those key influences? Why could being attentive to Radiohead make a person a much better devotional or worship artist?

Key influences are the people and bands I listened to in excessive school and school: Radiohead, Rufus Wainwright, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, MxPx, Brahms, Bach, Rachmaninov. At any point within the record, I'm probably ripping off one of those individuals. 

The Radiohead query is exciting. That band in particular has a fearlessness that's refreshing. They hold breaking out of their personal cocoon. In fresh years, I've had much less of an urge for food for the self-loathing or world-weary mood they often channel. however goodness, adequate computer and Amnesiac are so first rate. we would all do improved to be somewhat greater fearless in our devotion, so yes, more Radiohead! 

What non-musical artists have influenced you most?

generally speaking, any artist with a religious impulse, Christian or now not, is exciting to me. I bear in mind analyzing C. S. Lewis fairly younger, and it blew me away. George Herbert continues to be normal reading. i will prefer up Marilynne Robinson every time and be a contented camper. Terrence Malick, Winslow Homer, Rothko, Christian Wiman. Now I'm simply naming individuals i like. 

Devotional track is totally personal. It has no functional boundary, only 1 colossal non secular boundary: prayer.

In contemporary years, the work, and extra so the lives, of William Blake and Robert Lax have stored me and my friends on the rails, so to talk. Their stuff is impressive, yet they lived, labored, and died in obscurity. It's an excellent reminder that recognition isn't the only measure for success. 

What does the system seem like to make track for a Terrence Malick film? can you say anything else about what we can expect from The final Planet?

engaged on A Hidden life turned into a massive honor for me and Valerie, my spouse. She is a brilliant violinist, and we recorded hours of string music for the film. The manner for that movie and this latest one is slow, with a lot of experimenting. I've learned not to rush, and never to be too choosy about anyone aspect. We're all right here to serve the entire, besides the fact that children we're in a position. 

i can't say anything else about this subsequent film except that it guidelines!

i admire what you say about quietness, how your tune is a "collaboration with quiet." How do we reclaim quiet in an international of consistent, buzzing distraction?

We reclaim it through first acknowledging its value. the world is so loud. Our minds are so loud. but 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, "Aspire to reside quietly." How beautiful would it be if we, as Christians, had been well-known as the "quiet ones"?  

Getting up early to have time on my own helps, notwithstanding with youngsters this is challenging. I suppose extra open to God in the early hours. I have a pal who does "no-electronics Saturdays" as a sabbath practice along with his wife and three children. He can't stop raving about it. one other good choice is rhythmic prayer, as an instance, morning and night prayers. I find that a powerful, ongoing rhythm helps me want greater of God.

Jon Guerra is a singer-songwriter and movie composer primarily based in Austin, Texas. His album, Keeper of Days, is a single conversation with God unfolding over the direction of 14 songs. His favourite things, so as, are his family unit, his books, his chums, Indian food, touring, his scooter, and his Mr. espresso pot.