Daniel Kirkley

So much is focused on the message within the world of Christian music that, at times, we fail to notice the sheer talent level of some individuals. For example, Daniel Kirkley sings worship music. That’s the message describing the type of songs he sings. But if you leave him in that category lumped in with the rest, what you’ll miss is that Kirkley arguably holds the richest voice in the genre. Of course, Kirkley doesn’t care to focus on that so much, instead taking it back to the message. And we guess that’s what proper worship artists do.

Still, Kirkley is a name to know and appreciate as his latest EP, As Tomorrow Comes, features his professionally trained vocal front and center amidst cello and beautiful string arrangements. Here, he tells us about his latest work and what he hopes to achieve in 2009.

Soul-Audio: Your voice has been much heralded and it’s definitely not the typical singer/songwriter vocal, but instead sounds like a much more classically trained voice. What is your vocal background?

Daniel Kirkley: The majority of my training has been in the classical field. I first stated taking voice lessons when I was 15. I took them all the way through high school and then was a Classical Voice Major for my first two years of college while attending the University of South Carolina. After my sophomore year, I transferred to Belmont University here in Nashville. While there, I changed my major from a Performance emphasis in Classical Voice, to Commercial Voice.

SA: Are there certain vocalists you look to as inspiration? While others are saying, “I love Daniel’s voice,” is there someone you end up saying, “I love his/her voice?”

Daniel: I’ve always been a huge fan of singer-songwriters. There’s just something about the way they are able to deliver the message of a song. For me, there are several that stand out: Cindy Morgan, Bebo Norman and Nichole Nordeman.

SA: The new EP is As Tomorrow Comes and part of it reads that it comes after a time of personal growth. That’s usually bio speak or placing a positive spin on what was really a hard time. Is that true? Can you tell us about this time you’re coming through or out of?

Daniel: Sounds like you’ve read a lot of bios. [Laughs] However, no it hasn’t been a hard time at all; challenging, but not hard or difficult. Rather these past months have been, in a sense, a time of new beginnings. By the grace of God, I feel fortunate enough to have been raised in an amazing Christian home. Understanding and learning what it means to be a Christian has been a part of my daily walk for as long as I can remember. However, I began to feel that I had allowed myself to become comfortable in my faith; thus leading to a sense of complacency.

So beginning this past January, I began praying for God to move me out of what was comfortable in my life and into areas of deeper challenge. I was seeking out places that would promote personal and spiritual growth. It was the onset and process of walking through that season that renewed my sense of love and wonderment in my Heavenly Father.

SA: What did you find out about yourself personally during this time?

Daniel: Well, one thing I felt that has been reiterated over and over again was my need for constant and consistent authentic community. As the body of Christ, we are called to partner with one another; whether that’s by sharing one another’s burdens or by pouring into each other’s life through encouragement.

SA: What about professionally, did you learn about yourself as an artist?

Daniel: Well, as with every project, I walked away with a renewed sense of appreciation with the people God has allowed me to partner with in this ministry. I have so much respect and admiration for each of them. What’s so wonderful is they’re more than just partners… they’re my friends and family!

SA: I really enjoy the piano and cello feel. Did you achieve what you were going for there?

Daniel: Thanks so much. I’m glad you have enjoyed the feel of the album. I really do think we achieved what we were after. Piano was the first instrument I learned to play, so having the chance to go into studio and create something with that feel was a lot of fun. Essentially, I wanted these songs to feel as if you were hearing them in my parent’s living room; on the piano where I first learned to play music.

SA: In terms of the six songs chosen for this EP, how do you tangibly go about selecting the songs or what is that process?

Daniel: I definitely had some ideas as to the songs or types of songs I wanted to record. However, I feel blessed to have an amazing partnership with Centricity. We had meetings and discussed different songs, whether we felt they would translate with just a piano and cello, and whether it would ring true with my current season. Authenticity is what we were going after with this project.

SA: Why these six songs specifically?

Daniel: Honestly, it wasn’t until looking back over the songs that I realized a prevalent theme; that being our daily dependence on our Heavenly Father and His grace. We read in Lamentations 3 the truth that God’s mercy and compassion is new every morning. Oftentimes, I believe that the lessons and truths that resonate with us will present themselves in the different areas in our lives. For me, that can certainly be said in this album.

SA: What are the hopes for your own career in 2009?

Daniel: Having the opportunity to go on the road, connect with fellow believers and share pieces of my testimony is such a humbling thing for me. I feel so fortunate that the Lord has allowed me to do this. My only hope for this next year is to continue in the ministry that He has called me to.

• www.danielkirkley.com
• www.myspace.com/danielkirkley

↓ One comment

#1 My New Dawn — New Interview on December 11th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

[...] Guys Check Out This New Interview From Daniel You Can Read It Here Posted by brooke on December 11, 2008 at 10:56 [...]

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