Anne Barbour is a Christian worship artist and songwriter with great experience and insight. Signed as a solo artist with Spirit records when she was just sixteen years of age, Anne went on to become a highly regarded songwriter with Maranatha Music, Integrity's Hosanna! Music and her own publishing label, Barbour Cuts. She and her husband, John Barbour have written and sung on hundreds of projects as well as leading worship for Billy Graham, Franklin Graham and Greg Laurie to name a few.
i|v // We know that you have had a great variety of experiences as a worship leader and singer. What experience stands out to you?
Anne // We were in Cleveland, Ohio with Billy Graham several years ago. This was the first official "youth night" that the Grahams had ever had. At the moment of invitation, so many teens came forward that Dr. Graham assumed they had misunderstood him. He gave the invitation again and realized, that truly the masses were in fact responding to the gospel message. We were standing on stage, singing the invitation song. It was an historic and wonderful moment.
i|v // In your opinion, what are the keys (no pun intended) to writing a great worship song?
Anne // I believe the great songs are Spirit breathed. The writer has to be listening and "in shape." Seems as often as anything, the songs are born in the context of personal worship.
i|v // What is the usual approach you take to writing your songs?
Anne // These days I ask God if there's something He wants me to write. Would He show me... lead me to it...There are so many songs being written. Every once in a while a song rises off the grid and gives voice to the heart of the masses.
i|v // You've had international success both as a songwriter and as an artist. How do you manage both these worship "hats"? Are they mutually exclusive or do they interrelate well together?
Anne // Honestly, there's nothing to manage. I've always lived on the fringe of the "business." I've been able to do what I do with my husband [John] and my son [Evan] -- a very unique scenario. God has extended enormous blessing to my family. We just live the day He's given us and trust Him with what's up ahead. Only He knows!
i|v // You have been in quite a few successful co-writing partnerships. What guidelines do you have in mind when you go to write songs with someone else?
Anne // Each partnership is unique. You see a method of working with that person through trial and error. Sometimes it's not a fit and you move on. Sometimes you compliment each other's strengths and write really good songs together.
i|v // They say that God often humbles the great. Have you had any "worship bloopers" that you'd like to share?
Anne // Too many to recount! I'm aware, more than I ever have been, of my desperate need for God to have His access to my heart. IF He does, the inevitable bloopers find the circular file in my brain pretty quickly.
i|v // What projects are you currently working on (that you'd like to share)?
Anne // I'm writing a lot right now but not for a personal project. I don't know exactly where this batch will land.