Death, Be Not Proud

Simply put, Audrey Assad is one of our favorite worship leaders, as well as one of the bravest. Need more proof? Audrey wrote her latest EP “Death, Be Not Proud,” while in her third trimester of pregnancy. When we heard about it we knew we needed to ask her a few questions about what that whole process was like.

 

Catalyst - Obviously the first thing that just jumps out and grabs you about this EP is its’ title, “Death, Be Not Proud.” Tell us where that came from, and what it means to you. 

AA - “Death, Be Not Proud” is from a John Donne poem that I’ve loved for many years. (Do not hesitate to look it up! Yes, you!) I love it because it calls death out bravely, but humbly—it allows death no boasting—because death has nothing to boast about. That is what this EP is about.

 

Catalyst - In terms of the whole work, talk us through the story of where this EP came from for you, what was different about writing it than past records?

AA - I wrote and made this EP rather quickly—in my last trimester of pregnancy and while house shopping/couch-surfing, time certainly felt of the essence! However, the themes had been simmering for quite some time in my mind, so when we bought our house I was immediately able to set up my music room and get to work. I’d say it was more compact as a whole process than any of my other projects, from writing to tracking—after a quick writing process, we tracked and mixed the entire project in five days.

 

Catalyst - We know there is so much personal discipline in the song-writing process, what has it looked like for you to lead yourself through that, and how has your personal leadership changed over the years?

AA - I have found it helpful to work in phases. If I carve out specific dates on my calendar to write, then my only job during those dates is to show up to the desk, the piano, or what have you—creating and protecting space and time is almost always enough to help me do my work, even if it takes a few dry sessions or days to “get into it.” 

 

Catalyst - What advice would you give to people, songwriters or not, when it comes to leading yourself when it comes to being disciplined in your craft?

AA - Try different methods, find one that works, and stick to it—but it’s also good to occasionally mix it up, and trick yourself a little bit. I thrive on repetition but it’s good for me to get outside that comfort zone once in a while. 

 

Catalyst - Looking specifically at the next generation of musicians and artists, especially the next generation of church leaders, what is some advice you would give to them on how to live our their calling?

AA - That’s a tall order: I’ll just say to them what I say to myself. Micah 6:8 is a great theme verse because it spells out the will of God so clearly...let all decisions and all relationships and all career choices flow from that. 

 

Catalyst – Audrey thanks so much for taking the time to share with us.