When you think of Jeremy Camp, the words “shy” and “quiet” don’t come to mind. Energetic? Yes. Passionate? Definitely. Straightforward? Absolutely. Camp’s thoughtful lyrics and booming voice have earned him legions of fans and accolades including 16 No. 1 songs, five Dove Awards, three ASCAP Songwriter of the Year wins and an American Music Award nomination. So why would someone so well known for his willingness to speak his mind and share his heart title his latest release Speaking Louder Than Before? After all, his message has always come through loud and clear.
Jeremy Camp is a renewed man, that’s why. Over the course of four studio discs and one live album, this grown up pastor’s kid has shared his life with us. Through his songs we’ve seen the joy and the sorrow, his devotion to God, his fear of falling short and his certainty that Jesus is the answer to life’s toughest questions. Even when Jeremy’s message became painfully persona when losing his first wife to cancer just months after their wedding, he boldly wore the mantle of comforter, soothing the pain of others by sharing his story, listening patiently to theirs, and providing them with songs that expressed what they were feeling when their grief left them unable to speak. It was that life-altering tragedy that inspired his early career.
Now, remarried with two young children and a new home base in Nashville, Camp feels like he’s starting fresh. “It’s so new because I’m in such a different place,” he says. “I’m 30 years old now. I’ve been doing this for a while and so much has happened since it began. At this point, I have a more clear-cut purpose and vision of what I’m meant to do. I’m more purposeful in what I’m sharing.” Being more purposeful is important now that time on the road can mean time away from his family. So Speaking Louder isn’t so much about Camp turning up the volume as it is finding greater clarity in what God’s called him to do. And while he continues to grow and mature as an artist and a man, it only makes sense that this rocker with a preacher’s heart would use his platform to proclaim – louder than ever – the message he knows today’s kids need to hear.
Speaking Louder’s songs will resonate with people of any age, but Camp’s message this time around is directed squarely at youth. “I see the hurt, the lack of direction, in this new generation,” the former youth leader says. “I always had a passion for youth, but this album is really aimed at them.” He just planned on delivering that message from a different location. The Camp clan was planning to settle down in Jeremy’s home state of Indiana, build a home, plant some roots. It seemed like the right time to take that next step. But as he was reading his Bible one day, Camp says he sensed God saying, “don’t put your tent pegs in too deep here.” Soon after, he felt directed to move to Nashville. Since relocating, he’s found his place, encouraging other artists by sharing what he’s learned. The Camps also found a spiritual home in a church just outside of Nashville. Adrienne is involved in the women’s ministry and leads worship (drawing on her experience in the Christian band The Benjamin Gate), while Isabella, nearly four, and Arianne, two, were welcomed with open arms by a congregation completely unfazed by what their dad does for a living. The positive effects are visible to others, too. “My mom told me, ‘you just seem more at peace and more settled than you ever have,’” Camp recounts.
It’s a good thing life at home is calm, because Camp admits he’s “the busiest I’ve ever been,” balancing work and family life. It helps that the Camps have made a commitment not to be apart for more than a week at a time. “My priority is my family – the girls are at such a crucial age that I just want to pour into them even more – but I also know what I’m called to do. We tell the girls, ‘dad’s going out and sharing Jesus with people.’”
If life had gone just a little differently, Camp would probably be standing behind a pulpit instead of a microphone. But he spreads his message through music, anthemic songs with all the depth of a Sunday sermon. Sometimes waiting for that divine inspiration can be a little nerve-wracking, though. Camp was scheduled to start recording Speaking Louder Than Before in May 2008 with Grammy-winning producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Rich Mullins). The album’s first single, “There Will Be a Day,” wasn’t penned until April. Talk about cutting it close. “It wasn’t because I wasn’t prepared,” Camp insists. “It was because I refused to force it.” In the end, he replaced a several of the songs written earlier in the year with newer tunes that may draw some attention because of the urgency that he addresses.
“Some people might think I’m being preachy. I’m not angry; I’m not pointing a finger. Really, my heart is breaking. I’m talking about loving people and serving people.” And it’s not a message he necessarily believes everyone is called to deliver. “I’m telling my story,” he clarifies. I’m pointing that finger at me.” As he works to live out what he’s teaching others, Camp admits it’s a battle to stay on track. “If my heart’s not breaking for the lost, I won’t come across the way I need to.” That realization keeps him on his face before God, turning to passages like Psalm 119, where’s he’s regularly reminded that he’s not the one building this house. “I’ve given up on making this life my home,” he says, adding, “I don’t want to put my messy handprints all over this.”
During pre-production, Camp was still bringing songs to Bannister, whose excitement was just the encouragement that was needed. Once in the studio, Camp recorded for five straight days, 12 hours each day, with some of Nashville’s best session players backing him up and offering input that resulted in a larger sound than ever before. With its epic feel, haunting strings and plenty of ear candy, Louder goes far beyond any of Camp’s previous projects, but the inspiration solidly remains the same.
The track “He Will Be There” is drawn directly from Psalm 139, while “I Know Who I Am” is based on Paul’s impassioned speech in Romans 7 about doing the things he doesn’t want to and failing to do what he knows he should (who can’t relate to that?). Camp credits Bannister’s “true heart and passion for what he’s doing” with bringing out the best in him. “He knows how to get in my head and help me figure out how to get across what I want to.” There’s also the very personal song “Healing Hand of God,” which serves as an epilogue of sorts to the story of Camp’s loss of his first wife, a subject he needed encouragement to revisit. “I never want this to be just a story. It was my life, it was her life, and it was hard. But I still have people who come up to me every night who have lost someone, and God showed me that this is still part of His plan for me. It’s a chapter of my life He still wants me share.” But as the years have passed, he’s been given a new perspective on his pain, singing now about finding rest in the shadow of His wing. The worshipful track “Surrender” serves as a fitting album closer.
Camp’s calling isn’t for the faint of heart. He knows he’s to be the image of Christ to those he comes across, to show love and serve at all times. It’s what he sings about and it’s what he lives. “God called us to be the light of the world as we represent Him,” he says emphatically, his conviction never wavering. “When you’re speaking the truth, when you know what you believe, you speak loud.” If that’s the case, it’s no wonder Camp goes through life with the volume turned all the way up.
Hi!!Jeremy i'm passing here to hope you a blessed weekend and i agree with you that we have to put Jesus in first place,because the man falls in his mistakes but Jesus doesn't.Soi trust just in him!The life teached me this alone,by the way with jesus!Look this passage of bible that i love is Luke 4:18-The spirit of the lord is upon me,for he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,that the blind will see,that the oppressed will be set free.I believe in this,man of god!Pray for me!!I 'll be there of all my heart!Peaace!!
Hey, I am Alisha Jacobs. I am a huge fan of your music. I am also one of your friends on MySpace as well. Um...do you have a FaceBook too. I do. Do you know if you're going to be having any concerts in North Carolina. I havn't bothered to look at your profile yet. Also, if you don't mind me asking you this...but, do you have any children? If you don't want to answer that then you don't have to. But if you do then I'm pretty sure they are really lucky to have you as a father. I know that if my dad was even just a little bit like you, I would like him better...but I'm pretty sure that he won't ever be... I hope that you have a great life on the road. God Bless You!!!! Will you please pray for me? I am going through some things and I need all the prayer that I can get. So, will you please pray for me? Please comment me back as soon as you can. God Bless You Jeremy Camp and Have a Safe Trip on the Roads. Your Fan... Alisha Jacobs
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out and kill something for dinner.
As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at the rabbit and missed it. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. As he went further, he saw a wild turkey in the tree and he had only one bullet, but a voice came to him and said "pray first, aim high and stay focused."
However, at the same time, he saw deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattle snake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattle snake.
Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'pray, aim high and stay focused." So, the man decided to listen to the voice.. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it.
And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.
***Bottom line: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Pass this on in order that someone else might be blessed. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that - " the past." Live every day one day at a time. And remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can bear. Do not look to man for your blessings but look to the Lord. He can open doors for you that only He is able to do. Doors that you will not slip through but doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, and be still, patient: keep God first
Wow, thanks for adding me! Me and a few of my friends just started our own band about a month ago. We're writing our own music and everything. Up until about 3 days ago, I had never heard your music before because I don't really get a chance to listen to the radio, but I was in the car with a few of our band members and my best friend (the one driving) had put one of your CDs in. The whole time I was like WOW! You have a God-given talent that will definitely help you pour into others. Keep up the great work! :) My new goal is to go buy the CD my friend was playing. lol. Our band sounds kinda like a cross between you and Starfield, along with a female vocalist. One day when we get stuff recorded you'll have to check it out! Have a great night. -Billie
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.
There is a song and I believe that you have written it that has a line repeated in the lyrics about someone not knowing who the singer is anymore, as though they are talking to someone who doesn't know that they have changed and had a transformation.... (something similar to: you don't know me anymore, I"m not the man I used to be - or at least the meaning)
I am searching for this song. I hope that my request makes sense, as I cannot remember the lyrics exactly.
LifeFest NC... North Carolina's Christian Music Festival! All day Festival - Pillar, BarlowGirl, Superchick, Rush of Fools, Stryper, VOTA, Flight Patterns, and more TBA... 2 Stages - 15+ artists!
And on the Second Stage: Flowers for Faye, Greystone Chapel, Wake the Fallen, Written in Red, Jon Lloyd Band, Runaway City, Crimson Refuge, and Philmont!
We're adding a 3rd Acoustic Stage! E-mail: jared@lifefestnc.com if you are interested.
It’s not about religion. God is waiting for a personal relationship. Because they don't like church, or "churchy" people, many have decided that they don't want religion. Guess what? Religion isn't what anyone has ever needed. Religion has never gotten anyone into heaven, and pious living hasn't gotten anybody closer to God. The living God who created the universe is not sitting up in heaven hoping that you find religion. He is waiting for you to find Him. “Come near to God and he will come near to you” James 4:8
i am absolutely in lovee with your new CD! and I just picked up an old one too! Your music is amazing & such an inspiration!!! I hope you come to Southern IL!! =] my family loves you, God bless You Jeremy Camp! =] have a greaaat day.
Ordered my tickets today for the October 25 show in Charleston, WV. Can't wait! Got my nephew a ticket for this birthday. He is going to be so excited!
I danced in the morning when the world was begun, And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth, At Bethlehem I had my birth. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he. I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee, But they would not dance and they would not follow me; I danced for the fishermen, for James and John; They came to me and the dance went on. I danced on the sabbath when I cured the lame, The holy people said it was a shame; They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high; And they left me there on a cross to die. I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black; It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back; They buried my body and they thought I’d gone, But I am the dance and I still go on. They cut me down and I leapt up high, I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
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