When the Australian worship group, Planetshakers, brought us the album ONE in 2009, I thought that nothing could top it for pure unbridled fun in worshiping God; and those synth sounds! Oh, and then LIMITLESS came out and many thought this was it, but then came ENDLESS PRAISE! It would seem that they’ve taken things to the next level with the release of THIS IS OUR TIME, and people are talking. I heard a producer friend comment on the title track after sending it to him for a listen. His words were: “I think this is the best produced live song I’ve ever heard in my life!” and I know he’s heard a few live songs in his day! So, on the back of a solid foundation of musical integrity, and simply dripping with energetic praise, let’s take a closer look at THIS IS OUR TIME, and hear what worship leader and co-senior pastor, Sam Evans, and Joth Hunt, the band’s front man, have to say:
1Africa: Sam, your reach is remarkable, and your core mission as a church “to empower generations to win generations” is truly in full swing and it’s at the core of the work of the Planetshakers band. What has been one of your keys to fulfill that mission?
Sam Evans: Just as Jesus spoke the language of the day, we are compelled to deliver the message of Christ through the media of our day, musically and visually. The good news is that the message never changes. We love to use scriptures. We believe that it is what will bring Him the greatest pleasure and we believe there is power when you sing the Word of God. Our greatest desire is to usher people into the presence of God.
1A: What birthed the theme for the 2014 Awakening Conference that ultimately became this extraordinary CD/DVD?
SE: This is our moment to seize the opportunities that God gives us and to approach them with great passion and fervor. It’s our moment in history to make a difference for Jesus!
1A: “Joy” is the word that jumps out at you whenever you watch and listen to anything that Planetshakers produces. Is this just the overflow of who you are and what you do or is it intentional, you know, as a tool?
SE: Our sound is full of life, energy and and excitement. We have incorporated more electronic sounds and EDM (in the new album), not because it’s the “current thing” sound-wise, but because it brings great joy and fun to our praise. We pray that listeners will be inspired to release their own sounds of praise through this passionate sound of worship.
1A: The energy and passion in THIS IS OUR TIME really is infectious!
SE: Look at the track “My Heart is Alive” as an example. When you sing it, you feel so alive! It’s not just what Jesus has done that impacts me externally, but also the dynamic life that the Spirit living inside of me brings. The impact that Christ has on my soul and my heart enables me to live a continuously abundant life despite my circumstances. Nothing else in this world can do that other than Jesus!
1A: Joth, the song “Covered” that you co-wrote with Israel Houghton holds some special meaning for you, doesn’t it?
Joth Hunt: It’s a very empowering song. When we understand God’s grace, it helps us live out the call of God on our lives with great confidence and boldness. It gives people fresh hope that no matter what they’ve done or where they’ve been, they are covered by His grace. The song keeps me grounded knowing that it’s by the grace of God that I’m doing what I’m doing today.
1A: There are moments on the album where the pulsating drums and keys take a quiet turn, like with the track “You” and then you follow it right up with “Holy”. It all changes gear completely and also focus.
JH: Sam and I were planning the worship set (over the phone) and ways to follow up “You”, giving a moment for worshipers to just soak in the presence of God. The tag was one word, a word of proclamation and adoration fit only for the King of kings: “Holy”.
With “This is Our Time” we have another power album that is going to form a vital part of the Planetshakers’ arsenal. With their world-wide popularity, their incredible appeal and their raw, unbridled energy, joy can be released to do the work that it needs to do, to see people’s hearts turned to a loving, holy God.