Whenever you bring two very different individuals together to write music, something original is bound to come out. Such is the case in the duo Connersvine, made up of Hunter Smith and Chris Wilson. Wilson, who started playing guitar in elementary school, is the creative, artsy type, who always has new melodies running through his head. On the other hand, Smith is an outgoing, energetic pro football player (and recent Superbowl winner) whose songwriting is defined by poetic lyrics. Yet, as different as they were individually, they found their shared passion in worship.
Their history began when Smith and Wilson started leading worship together for a young adult ministry at a church on the south side of Indianapolis. “Before long, God really connected us and we began writing music together,” adds Smith. As new audiences were introduced to Connersvine, fans immediately connected with their distinctive sound.
“God opened up a lot of doors for us to play our music and lead worship at different churches,” Wilson shares. “As we did that, God began to expand our vision for where He wanted to take us.”
In the Fall of 2006, Connersvine had signed a record deal with INO records. Literally days after Smith’s team won the Superbowl, Connersvine began recording their debut self-titled album with producers Ben Shive and Pete Kipley.
"Of course, winning the Superbowl has been one of the highlights of my life and career,” Smith says. “And it’s completely humbling that God has allowed me to not only be a part of an amazing football team, but also is giving me the chance to pursue His calling in music.” When asking Wilson about being paired with a professional athlete, he shared, “It is amazing to me that Hunter is talented in all the ways that he is, but it is his heart for the Lord and his friendship that make me honored to be in a band with him.”
Connersvine fuses their love for a variety of styles with a focus on music as a ministry. “We want to write great dynamic lyrics and beautiful melodies, but our main concern is that our music has an impact on people,” Smith says. “We want them to be more in love with our Creator, and that’s our heart’s cry expressed through our lyrics.”
This aspiration is clearly evident in Connersvine’s first single “Live for You.” Wilson describes their first single as the “lyrical heartbeat of the band.” Brilliantly constructed, the song is a forthright declaration of how Smith and Wilson desire to live their lives wholly sold out to God. Smith adds, “In everything, we want to die to ourselves and live for Jesus—pure and simple.”
Beyond “Live for You,” their debut album is filled with many exceptional songs. “Hero” is a song written for Smith’s son Josiah—and a special gift for his wife. “Hopefully, it’ll challenge men to love their families and be role models for their children,” Smith says. “Hero” is a very special song because it will always remind me of the love I should not only feel, but also extend toward my children.”
Another worship song, “Hosanna” resonates with hearts that are reaching out in thanksgiving to God. Wilson says, “This song came out of doing a word study on Hosanna and discovering it’s true meaning— God saves. It really struck me that there is a specific word to praise God for salvation and I think it is a fitting reminder of who God is in our lives—and why He’s worthy of our praise.”
As Connersvine maintains their worshipful mind-set, they feel strongly called to help other believers experience God through worship. Smith and Wilson both echoed, “We believe that God is the Father of Creativity and we all have access to that creativity in worship. We feel called and are committed to writing songs that bring all believers to a closer place with God.”
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