Christian songwriting: An interview with Greg Cooper

This extended interview is in two parts. First, Mikey discusses
general principles with Greg about congregational songwriting,
personal songwriting and the place of art and beauty in the
Christian life. Second, Greg breaks down the composition and
recording of one song—’The Same God’—in detail, drawing out general
songwriting principles along the way.Time StampsPart 1: Discussion
About Songwriting and Art1:40: Songwriting for church compared
to songwriting for self-expression.6:23: Why might a Christian
spend time on personal songwriting?8:06: The place of beauty
and creativity in the everyday Christian life.9:21: The value
of Christian music outside of congregational
singing.11:39: The consolation of art in times of
suffering.13:12: A Christian musician or an artist who happens
to be a Christian?16:13: The legitimacy of making art part time or
in your spare time.19:17: It is healthy to have some structure
in your life outside of music.21:13: A word of encouragement
to Christian artists.26:25: The courage of your convictions vs
imposter syndrome.28:09: Art doesn’t have an easy career
pathway and the industry keeps changing.Part 2: The Making of ‘The
Same God’(from 30:26)Section A: Composition31:10: The initial
idea for the song.32:32: Early demos: verse and chorus.35:00: Theme
of lyrics—“In any other time…”36:00: Change in
rhythm.36:36: Six months of iterations.38:30: Preserve
‘bad ideas’ which may be useful for another
song.38:52: Drawing inspiration from other people’s
songs.40:04: Structure: three verses before
chorus.40:27: Structure: pre-chorus.42:45: “Don’t bore us, get
to the chorus.”44:18: Structure: the function of the
bridge.45:35: Structure: final line.46:46: The bridge
originally a different song by Luke Woodhouse.48:37: The
bridge modulates to a different key.50:50: Song structure
moves from dark to hopeful.51:30: “Don’t give up, don’t give
in”—perseverance in the Christian life.52:42: Take your
time.52:54: Different types of collaboration.54:09: The
value of writing congregational songs collaboratively.Section B:
Recording55:40: Steps from composition to
recording.56:28: The value of recording with other
musicians.57:08: The sense of occasion of recording day.57:27:
Funding recording an EP or album.58:43: Trusting the instincts
of those you work with.59:55: Process—Writing, Demoing,
Pre-production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering.1:02:50: Sending
demos and reference tracks to other musicians.1:03:05: Keith
Urban, The Speed of Now.1:03:45: “Do what serves the
song”—welcome suggestions and questions from other
musicians.1:05:00: Recording; record guide track and adding
backing loop.1:06:00 Record bass and drumming for 1 or 2
days.1:07:44: Record acoustic and rhythm electric
guitars.1:08:10: Record across sound spectrum—bottom, mid and
high.1:08:30: High electric guitar part—recorded at home
afterwards.1:09:17: Guitar solo.1:09:45: Backing vocals
added.1:10:50: Synth and piano added.1:11:12: “Room to
breathe”—being willing to take stuff out.1:11:50: Acoustic
version and live version of the song after
recording.1:16:34: ‘The Same God’ full final EP version.Greg
Cooper is a songwriter and speaker who is passionate about
music’s ability to open up our minds and hearts, and to bring
comfort. His latest EP South of the River was released in late
2022, reflecting on the difficult pandemic years and the stories of
hope that emerged in adversity.Having recently served as Music
& Gatherings Pastor at St Jude’s Carlton (and similar roles in
Sydney), Greg is currently completing theological study at Ridley
College and loves attending City on a Hill in the heart of
Melbourne. He was a member of worship band Garage Hymnal and has
written extensively for churches, with songs such as ‘Hear Our
Prayer’ being sung at churches across the nation.Having previously
worked as a lawyer in areas of social justice, Greg also enjoys
sharing of the life-transforming work of Compassion with churches
throughout Australia.