Andy Hunter

By Mark Webb  

I had the pleasure of interviewing Andy Hunter recently who is about to release his 2nd full length album entitled ‘Colour’.  He has also just finished his first film score for the film “Expelled” with old partner in crime Robbie Bronnimann from his “Hydro” days.  His music has been heard on several popular television shows such as Alias, The Italian Job, SSX 3, and the movie trailers for The Matrix: Reloaded and National Treasure just to name a few.  With all that in mind, I wanted to find out how Andy’s faith affected the way he works.  Enjoy the interview!

TCP:  There is a term going around that has some people confused – DJ Led Worship.  Is this just another expression of your worship to God?
AH:  Worship is about lifestyle, we should look to worship God in all areas of our lives, our personal, business, school, gifts and our creativity.  For me one of my expressions to God is through my DJ’ing.  Through this I have started to lead people in worship using my type of music and my decks as the instrument.  I guess people have titled it "DJ led worship" because it is a DJ who leads worship.  I guess it's like saying "guitar led worship"

TCP:  How important is the Holy Spirit in your life?
AH:  Very.  It's important to be filled with the Holy Spirit; I believe this helps us to know what the heart of God is for our lives and situations we come across.

TCP:  We are called to live a lifestyle of worship to God.  Is your music a direct response to this?
AH:  Yes, I write my music from a heart of worship, and what I feel God is talking to me about in my life.

TCP:  Is having that quiet space/time to get before God a very serious part of your life?
AH:  I try too, because that's where I get a lot of creativity and ideas from.  But sometimes in our busy lives especially now that I have two kids it's hard to find time.

TCP:  You play out at regular club nights as well as doing the worship events, how does your set differ between the two?
AH:  I still play the same music, and I still focus on God when I am playing so in that respect it doesn't differ that much.  I would say though that I don't use the mic as much because people understand the music more and get into it and don't really need to be led.

TCP:  There are not many Christian DJs in the mainstream clubs, has it been hard for you to cope in that environment?
AH:  Not really, I enjoy the clubs and the people I meet.  I have always believed that as a Christian, God can affect an environment rather than the environment affecting me.
TCP:  What is your goal when DJ'ing in these clubs?
AH:  To enjoy myself, for people to enjoy themselves and if the opportunity presents itself, to share with people about my faith.

TCP:  God has opened many doors for you to get your music out to the masses, has this helped you to get into those places maybe inaccessible to Christians before?
AH:  Yeah maybe.  I guess the more success that you have the more doors open for you to walk through.  I have always wanted my music to be for people whether they are Christian or not.  I don't like the divide.

TCP:  There has been a popular debate over the years as to whether Christians should only listen to 'Christian' music; this has even been extended to DJ's where some only play 'Christian' music, what are your thoughts?
AH:  For me, I listen to all sorts of music whether it's Christian or not.   I try to play music that is moving and powerful, and this doesn't have to be Christian.  Just like we can get messages from the big Hollywood films we watch, I feel God can talk to us through music.

TCP:  You have recently started doing a video pod cast of your antics in the studio; do you feel that the Internet is vital in today's society when it comes to connecting to fans?
AH:  Yes it's a great place, almost personal where we can talk and communicate on a personal level.

TCP:  You are just about to release your new album; do you have a specific goal/vision that you hope to accomplish with this one?
AH:  Well I hope to get more of my music out there, whether that's through selling lots of records, or my music being picked up for TV and film.  I am with a new label now called Nettwerk, so I hope that it may take me in a new direction and open up new doors.

TCP:  Are you working again with the same vocalists as you did on 'Life' this time around?
AH:  No, but I am working with Cathy Burton again who I worked with on the exodus project.  Also, I am writing with Neil Wilson who sang on "Lifelight" from Life.

TCP:  Do you think being relevant with the youth of today is important when being a light to the world?
AH:  At the end of the day I think we should be ourselves and who God made us to be, and if that's relevant to the youth then great if not then there will be people out there who we are relevant too.  People know when we are fake and they also know when we are real and that speaks volumes.

Thanks to Andy for taking the time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. To learn more about this artist, visit: www.myspace.com/andyhunter and www.andyhunter.com

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