The plan for the Compassionart songwriters' retreat was to gather internationally recognied songwriters – including Martin Smith of Delirious?, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Darlene Zschech – to write 10-12 songs to raise money for those suffering in the poorest countries.
Songwriters participating in the historic gathering, which began January 7 and ended Friday, are amazed by the achievement. Through small break-up teams, the talented group cumulatively produced over 21 strong songs, according to Delirious? frontman Smith, who founded Compassionart.
"We've done it. We just need to record these songs now. It's been awesome," Smith said on the band's website Friday. "I'm proud, in awe, exhilarated and tired. Good days, great days."
He compared the retreat as one of the times in "history when people join together to do something great and lay down their own agenda, their own territory".
"Unbelievable" was the word Michael W Smith used to describe the experience. Although some of them had written songs together before, it was the first time they did it together with dozens of award-winning artists.
“It’s been especially touching to see everyone be themselves and be vulnerable in front of each other. Yet when a group plays its song, the whole room erupts. It’s just pure Christianity. It’s a team thing of people lifting each other up," said the three-time Grammy Award winner and American Music Award recipient Smith.
"It’s incredible to be working with all of these artists for a worthy cause. Laying down your own agenda really frees you in so many ways, and this week has been a pure joy," he added.
