Booth Brothers - Letting It Be Known | Absolutely Gospel Music

Booth Brothers - Letting It Be Known

Chris Unthank: The Booth Brothers have been touring nonstop for several years now. How have things changed for you guys over the years in terms of how you put on a concert?

Michael Booth: Things have changed considerably concerning our live programs. Obviously, in the beginning, we took any opportunity that came our way, and we were grateful for the opportunities we were given. However, we would have to adjust to many situations. Now, we are afforded the opportunity to present our full program the majority of the time. We run anywhere from 2.5 hours to 3 hours including intermission. There are 22-24 songs. The challenge is keeping variety flowing. But, we paid attention to all of those Gaither programs we were a part of. We studied like we were in school and have tried to apply what we learned from Bill.

The greatest addition to our live program is a clear presentation of the Gospel. We are fully aware that people didn't pay to hear preaching so that is why we sing such a long time and a lot of humor. It usually takes about ten minutes to present the Gospel and has become an opportunity for people to bring lost friends or family to hear the Gospel.

CU: What is the secret to your success in a live setting? You've won our award for Best Live Performer five times in the last seven years. What sets you guys apart in that area?

Michael: We believe that the key to a good live program for us is a variety of tempo and dynamics. We try to keep the audience wondering what will be next. If people can predict what is going to happen throughout a program, the artist stands a good chance of loosing the focus of the audience. So we involve as many extremes as we can musically. Also in what we use as humor and in serious biblical applications for a song set up.

CU: Tell us about your new album - Let It Be Known.

Jim Brady: Being able to, once again, work with the legendary producer, Lari Goss, has been a thrill. He's amazing and the best at understanding our hearts, helping us capture the right emotion in each song. In addition, we're excited about the collection of songs on this new project. I'm excited for people to hear some of the new songs I've been writing over the past year. And although, the majority of the songs are new, we went back in time to pull out a couple of old Goss Brothers tunes, as well as the popular Imperials song "Bread Upon The Water," and that's a lot of fun.

CU: How was this recording process different for you guys than the Declaration project, since both were produced by Lari Goss?

Jim: Declaration is heavily orchestrated and has four big ballads. On the other hand, Let It Be Known has orchestration on select songs, doesn't really have a power ballad and is more harmony driven. I love the dynamics of the the CD, going from acapella to a big full orchestra (like Declaration) then to a simple soft track that's very spacey and open. With all the technology available today, it's easy to over-produce the music, but on this one we went with the approach that less is more, keeping a warm and natural sound throughout the project. People seem to be very happy with the outcome and are saying that it's quickly becoming their favorite Booth Brothers project. We are already staging many of the songs, and the response from the audience has been incredible. It's very fulfilling to hear how the songs have made an eternal difference in someone's life.

CU: What's the response been like so far to the new songs?

Michael: The songs from Let It Be Known have been well received and have fit wonderfully in the live program. Jim Brady really contributed with some custom made songs for our group. Specifically "What About Now," "When You Bow At Jesus Feet" and "Since Jesus Came." It's a huge gift to have Jim and his abilities to sing and write effective songs for this group.

This album is extreme in variety. There is country, Celtic, some seventies pop and so on. These were all selected first and foremost because of our live program needs. We don't record an album for the sake of an album. We record songs for use in our program.

CU: It's a well known fact that the Booth Brothers are sticklers about their song selection. What is it that you look for in songs before you record them?

Ronnie Booth: Bottom line, the song has to say something that's worth listening to. It also must be scripturally sound and expressed intelligently. The music is very important as well. As our friend Phil Cross said, "lyrics are only half of a Gospel song, God made the notes to". In relationship to the message, how well does the music compliment what the writer is saying. Then we look and decide if we feel we can effectively communicate it to the listener.

CU: Tell us about the new single - "She Still Remembers Jesus' Name."

Ronnie: Our friend Wesley Pritchard played us this song, and we were immediately captivated by the message. We felt strongly that this song would bless our audience. Knowing our market, which is primarily our parents age and up, the majority of the audience would be encouraged by the message because, in all likelyhood, they know a family member or friend who is struggling with the disease. It's wonderful to see the effect of the song on peoples faces. In the midst of sorrow, we have hope because of Christ.

CU: What advice can you give new artists or people trying to find their footing in this industry?

Jim: Sing as often as you can. Sing anywhere and everywhere. Most importantly, remember why you sing and Who you're singing for.

CU: How have the Booth Brothers had to adapt to the changing music landscape and industry? What new things have you done to make sure you stay relevant?

Ronnie: Honestly, the use of all the media opportunities has been helpful. As of right now though, the philosophy is still to continue singing songs that communicate hope to the listener. The human heart remains the same, it needs hope, and what a great opportunity to communicate that hope by using the voices GOD made with the notes that HE made set to HIS truth. It's a powerful combination.

CU: What has God been teaching you lately?

Michael: 've learned that I am not responsible for the results of the Gospel. I am responsible to study and learn how to present the message but salvation is a supernatural work by a supernatural God. He said the Gospel is His power unto salvation. Once the Truth has been told, my hands are clean and I am not to try to manipulate results. This has really given me the freedom to proclaim the Gospel.

Get to know more about the Booth Brothers and their new album by visiting them online at http://www.boothbrothers.com.

11. Any other information you would like to share?